Stars gather on May 11 and 12 for Ryan Cayabyab’s 'Gen C' birthday musical tribute

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The artists will be accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). 

Ryan Cayabyab

The biggest names in Philippine recording, TV, cinema and stage are converging at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on May 11 and 12, 2024 for “Gen C” — a musical offering in honor of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab’s 70th birthday.

Topnotch artists are set to perform and collaborate with Maestro Ryan Cayayab a.k.a. Mr. C. for this once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza.

On May 11, the guests include Aicelle Santos, Arman Ferrer, Ateneo Chamber Singers, Basil Valdez, Belle Mariano, Bituin Escalante, Dilaw, Jed Madela, John Arcilla, Kakai Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Nonie Buencamino, Nyoy Volante, Phi Palmos, Regine Velasquez, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, Stell of SB19, The Company, and The Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

Returning for the May 12 show are Aicelle Santos, Arman Ferrer, Ateneo Chamber Singers, Basil Valdez, Bituin Escalante, Jed Madela, John Arcilla, Kakai Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Nonie Buencamino, Phi Palmos, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, The Company, and The Ryan Cayabyab Singers. On this date, they are joined by Ben & Ben, Bini, Janella Salvador, Juan Karlos, Julie Anne San Jose, and Vice Ganda.

The artists will be accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). 

The first birthday tribute of Mr. C was held in 1995 (a year after his 40th birthday) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions, the company of singer Celeste Legaspi and talent manager Girlie Rodis. ABS-CBN would produce all-star tributes for the composer in the next two decades: “Musicman@50” in 2004 and “Mr. C@60” in 2014. 

In 2019, the year Mr. C became a National Artist and a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, the UP College of Medicine honored him through "SOAP Opera (Musika ni Ryan, Medisina ng Bayan").

Mr. C wrote on Facebook that Celeste Legaspi and Girlie Rodis were insistent on gathering his long-time and newfound friends in the industry for the 2024 tribute. He said, “Hindi pumayag sina Celeste and GR na palampasin itong taon without a musical offering featuring more of my songs.” Culturtain Musicat is spearheading "Gen C".

The title—which is obviously a play on the first letter of the composer's last name and in reference to today's youth—describes the broad appeal of Mr. C.'s genius.

Producer Dr. Melfred L. Hernandez explained, “Gen C is not a demographic group; it’s not about an age bracket but a mindset, a group bound by love for and influence of the music of this National Artist and treasure." 

Producer Aaron Veloso also disclosed, "It's heartwarming to know that teenagers and people from my generation, together with their parents and grandparents, have been our early and excited ticket buyers." 

The National Artist expressed utmost thanks to all those involved in this project to be directed by Rowell Santiago. Mr. C said, “Hindi siya ganun kadali... Pagmamahal, pagkakaibigan at respeto sa craft ang siyang nangagpapatakbo ng ganitong klaseng proyekto. Isa siyang hiwaga. Pramis.” 

“Gen C” is produced by Culturtain Musicat in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Samsung Performing Arts Theater, and Ayala Land, for the benefit of the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation. 

Sponsors include Metro Pacific Investments Coporation, American Eye Center, Avolution, Ayala Land Premier-Dasmariñas Group, Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, CMB Film, Joey’s Place, RMA Studio Academy, and Dawns Rack Kasuotan At Iba Pa, with benefactors: MedInfinity, Inc, RAF Forwarding Phils, Inc, Shiphealth and PNB PGH Branch. 

"Gen C" showtime is at 7:30 pm. To purchase tickets, visit the Ticketworld website https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=GENC24 

Filipinos love concerts, but ...

... venue infrastructure gaps is threat to the experience

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Apr 21, 2024 03:18 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.

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Taylor Swift (Facebook)

Filipinos' love for concerts presents significant economic potential, but the existing venue infrastructure gaps threaten this thriving industry.

Countries with better, bigger, and more competitive concert venues have reaped economic benefits, especially with the massive and significant influence of popular international acts like pop superstar Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Coldplay’s World Tour in consumer behavior and spending.

Driving tens of thousands of ‘Swifties’ and concert enthusiasts, the success of these concerts was an economic stimulus for countries worldwide, including Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Japan.  

Filipino fans alike had to spend big and travel miles to watch the exclusive performance of superstar Swift in Singapore’s National Stadium. In contrast, others visited Japan’s Tokyo Dome and Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Australia. 

The massive concert gigs boosted the respective country’s economies, significantly benefiting the entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transport industries.

While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia-exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.

1. Location is key 

The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. It boasts of venues rivaling Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location, public transportation, and nearby commercial establishments is vital.

2. Concert experience

Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.

Singapore’s pride, the National Stadium, has innovative features such as the world’s largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof, and comfortable cooling technology for spectators’ convenience. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency bring positive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concert fans, making it a magnet for entertainment acts worldwide. A similar concert venue and experience is something that Filipino concertgoers are hoping the country can replicate.

3. World-class concert amenities and facilities

Accessing the venue's amenities and facilities should offer a premium music experience for a concert enthusiasts or convenience in a sporting event.

Architectural 'Eyecon' SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class
amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. (Photo from SM MOA Arena official website)

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held at thw SM Mall of Asia Arena. (Photo from SM MOA Arena official website)

Take, for example, the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena – a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime – which has been a top-of-mind venue for all sorts of events and offers a unique concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has been a haven for thrilling sports events, remarkable OPM shows, and unforgettable international
superstar performances.

Meanwhile, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is likewise an enormous outdoor venue that can accommodate at least 50,000 people. Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion were among the performers that have graced the stage recently.

4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams

One of the most forward-looking plans of SM Prime is its 360-hectare smart city development which is envisioned to bring in a centerpiece to the country’s entertainment and sporting events – larger in capacity and a more enhanced venue infrastructure that would attract legendary icons in the entertainment scene and compete against Southeast Asia and the world’s best. It will feature an estimated 70,000-capacity stadium and concert arena connected to one of the island’s main destination paradises called Central Park. The sizable arena is envisioned to be the Philippines’ biggest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features comparable to other big concert venues worldwide. Once that’s built, Filipinos won’t have to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.

An artist’s render, visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project.

Without a doubt, Pinoys live and breathe entertainment shows. According to the digital payments company Visa, Filipinos are Asia-Pacific's 4th top concert spenders, proving how passionate we are about concerts. By investing in developing modern, smart, and accessible concert venues, Filipino concert enthusiasts can continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the convenience, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve. Beyond entertainment, well-curated, smart, and innovative concert facilities can benefit the Philippines’ national and local economies, including ancillary local retail, tourism, and hospitality spending.

Scream your heart out in 'Sem Break'

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Apr 24, 2024 10:06 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• This six-part series is directed by Roni S. Benaid, the director of last year’s hit horror movies Mary Cherry Chua and Marita. We follow a group of friends on their trip to a faraway province.

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The cast of the horror-romance flick 'Sem Break' (Images courtesy of Viva One Facebook)

We Filipinos believe that when we visit different places, we may unconsciously attract spirits and bring them home. Hence, our parents and elders remind us to be careful so that no one follows us.

A barkada’s quick semestral break trip leads to a series of terrifying events that they might not be able to escape.

Following the success of ‘Safe Skies, Archer’ of The University Series, Viva One and Studio Viva strengthen the bond among the “Univerkada” composed of Krissha Viaje, Jerome Ponce, Aubrey Caraan, Hyacinth Callado, and Gab Lagman in their latest project, “Sem Break," with Keann Johnson as a new addition to their circle. 

This six-part series is directed by Roni S. Benaid, the director of last year’s hit horror movies Mary Cherry Chua and Marita. We follow a group of friends on their trip to a faraway province.  

Krissha Viaje plays Mich. Her parents died in an accident, so she was raised by her Aunt Belen. At home, Mich doesn’t express herself much, but she is very lively and somewhat silly with her friends. She has a boyfriend, whom Aunt Belen approves of as long as she still prioritizes her studies.

Jerome Ponce plays Arlo. He comes from a wealthy family. Though an introvert and socially awkward sometimes, Arlo is fond of swimming. There are just a few people he can be open with – his girlfriend Mich, his best friend Tim, and the rest of their gang.

Keann Johnson plays Timmy. He’s into arts and he’s Arlo’s flatmate. He’s got that YOLO attitude. He acts annoyed with Mich’s best friend, Cora, but he has a crush on her.   

Aubrey Caraan is Cora. She believes in horoscopes, feng shui, astrology, and charms. Her being kikay is why she and Tim banter a lot, but her best friends Mich and Arlo still ship them together.

Hyacinth Callado is Jessie. She’s the most responsible member of the group. She works part-time in a café, which has become their tambayan. Jess is superstitious, a trait she got from her parents.

Gab Lagman is Pipo, a university scholar. His parents work as caretakers at a beach resort in the province. He offers this place for their weekend getaway.

But it will turn out to be a wicked getaway.

They are told not to go to the lighthouse near the resort, but while the others are asleep, Mich, Arlo, Cora, and Timmy head to the lighthouse to do the 3 a.m. challenge. Things turn scary when they get lost in the maze-like structure of the lighthouse. Fortunately, they safely get out of the lighthouse and decide not to tell anyone what they experienced.  

As they drive back to Manila, the barkada doesn’t know that they are not alone on their way home.

Catch the Univerkada as they fight for their lives in “Sem Break.” It premieres May 10, 2024, and a new episode airs every Friday exclusively on Viva One.  

The STANDS: An INQUIRER Sports Newsletter

 

April 19, 2024

La Salle remains upbeat about its title defense.. (UAAP Media)

Hey there sports fan, How about this UAAP women's volleyball season, huh? All that action, all the stunning reversals has left as here, where three teams are still in contention for the twice-to-beat bonus. That semifinal protection will shield the top two teams at the end of the elimination round, forcing the need to win twice in a row on teams Nos. 3 and 4 to advance to the championship.  National U's victory over La Salle allowed the chase to be simplified to one key matchup: The Lady Spikers battle the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses in their last assignment before the semifinals and the winner of that duel will likely clinch one of the two top spots. La Salle's only worry now is the status of star spiker Angel Canino, who has been out of commission because of a hand injury. The Lady Spikers have been winning without her, but it is clear the defending champions might need her to suit up against the Tigresses. For UST, Angge Poyos' health will also be a concern after she missed the crucial fourth set of a stunning loss to Far Eastern U. The Tigresses hope that in the event Poyos will be less than a hundred percent against La Salle, the rest of the team will pick up the slack. Among the leaders of UST is setter Cassie Carballo, who shares a matching tattoo with one of her teammates. Care to guess who? The answer will be at the end of this email. Without Canino, meanwhile, La Salle has been riding the likes of Shevana Laput and Julia Coronel.

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Creamline is slowly rediscovering its killer form.  (PVL IMAGES)

Meanwhile... The PBA and the PVL are also heating up as both leagues are slowly going into the deeper phases of their current tournaments. In the PVL All-Filipino, five teams have two losses each and with only four teams qualifying for the semifinals, expect a whirlwind finish to the eliminations. Looking for a key match? Try Creamline vs PLDT on April 25. That could very well decide the Final 4. What we're up to next: It's gut-check time in the UAAP, PVL and PBA. Keep it here on all our platforms to read the latest news and the best lean-back features. Number of the Week: 22 Caitlin Clark's jersey number when she suits up for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We didn't lose the game. We learned from it.” —UST Tigresses coach Kungfu Reyes, after his team lost in an upset to FEU. Olympics.

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Reg Jurado. That's the answer to the trivia question above. Think you can ace the rest of the quiz? head over to our Viber community and try the test out! Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. See you next Friday! Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

UNITING IN HONOR AND GRATITUDE: Bahay Pag-Asa Marks 13 Years of Transforming Young Lives

In a celebration filled with warmth, gratitude and sense of purpose, the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro led by Governor Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office celebrates the 13th Annual Thanksgiving and Stakeholders Recognition of Bahay Pag-Asa on April 18, 2024 at Purok 5, Sta. Maria, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro with the theme “Panagtapok, Pasidungog ug Pagpasalamat”.

 

For over a decade, Bahay Pag-asa, a transition and rehabilitation home for Children in Conflict with the Law (CILC) or Children at Risk (CAR), was able to develop and implement social protection services and initiatives to transform these children into psychosocially functioning individuals with changed perspectives in life. From providing a temporary shelter to empowering them through education and skills development which made significant strides in nurturing HOPE and RESILIENCE among its residents.

Governor Gonzaga, represented by Provincial Administrator Lewis Jake G. Caiman expressed his heartfelt appreciation to those who have made a valuable contribution to what Bahay Pag-Asa is today. "Even though ako ang muhatag ug inspirational message, ako ang na-inspire seeing na nindot ug impact not only to the residents but also to those who are helping them... you can see na naay impact atong ginatabang sa ilaha". He concluded his message by emphasizing the need to continue what has been initiated for the benefit of all involved individuals

As part of the momentous celebration, the highlight of the activity lies in the recognition of the partner stakeholders and co-implementers whose unwavering support has been instrumental to the continuous improvement and success of the center.

Among the attendees were Board Member Vivencia L. Secuya, TESDA PD Abegail B. Eupeña, DICT Engr. Ronilo M. Santa Cruz, Hon. Linalou Veloso of Prosecutors Office, Atty. Joynalyn Agno of RTC56, Prov'l Advisory Council Chair Hon. Mila Celarina Sotto, PG-Department Heads of the province, MSWD Officers, representatives and others. Throughout the event, some of these notable attendees even shared their heartening message.

The later part of the activity also featured inspiring testimonies from two of the previous residents, one who is now part of the Philippine Army and the other as a successful businessman. They willingly shared their experiences and imparted the lessons they learned to the children hoping that someday they would also become successful in life.

As the activity drew to a close, PG-Department Head of PSWDO Josephine M. Frasco conveyed the achievement of the Bahay Pag-Asa over the years. In her statement, “My heart is full because I’ve seen the transformation not just of the children here in Bahay Pag-asa but also its physical aspect”. She also shared how thankful she was to all the supporters who were part of it and looking forward for further improvement of the center.

As the government and its partners continuously provide full support and dedication, Bahay Pag-Asa also continues its journey of transformation to become someone's HOME away from home. (Photos by A. Dayao)

Provincial Administrator’s Office – Information and Public Relations Division

4th Floor, Executive Building, Provincial Capitol Complex, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro

Click here to go to our website!

NGCP, ECCP sign deal to advance renewable energy development

 

National Grid Corp. of the Philippines president and CEO Anthony Almeda (4th from left) and European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Paulo Duarte shake hands after signing an agreement to formalize their commitment to mutually advocate the utilization of renewable energy resources in the Philippines. Joining them are (from left) ECCP committee co-chair for renewable energy Ruth Yu-Owen, NGCP AVP and head of public relations Cynthia Alabanza, ECCP executive director Florian Gottein, Pampanga Rep. Anna York-Bondoc and ECCP committee co-chair for renewable energy Jay Layug.

The Philippine Star 

April 19, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  In a landmark move toward fostering innovation and sustainability in the energy landscape of the country, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) have inked an agreement to formalize their commitment to mutually advocate the utilization of renewable energy resources in the Philippines to increase the country’s power supply and energy generation.

The signing ceremony, held at the NGCP’s office in San Juan, was attended by NGCP president and CEO Anthony Almeda. ECCP was represented by its president Paulo Duarte, executive director Florian Gottein, committee co-chairpersons for renewable energy and energy efficiency Jay Layug and Ruth Yu-Owen, manager for industry and government affairs Katt Baligod and advocacy officer Chin.

Layug, a former energy undersecretary, is a known advocate of renewable energy as he currently serves as president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent Inc. and director of the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute.

The collaboration is expected to help advance the development of renewable energy in the country with NGCP pledging to offer expertise, guidance, and support to facilitate the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. By harnessing the strengths of both organizations, NGCP and ECCP aim to build a more sustainable and resilient future for the Philippines.

“We are honored to partner with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in advancing the development of renewable energy in our country. This is a testament of our shared commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the energy landscape,” Almeda said.

In another forum, Duarte said the removal of the foreign ownership limits on renewable energy projects has drawn more interest from European investors in the country’s energy sector and has attracted foreign investors to capitalize on solar, wind and hydro systems in the country, foreseeing substantial contributions to the renewable energy sector.

“ECCP has been in the country for 46 years and the oldest European chamber outside Europe. This partnership will help the Philippines and NGCP visibility to our members for good reasons. We are very happy for this opportunity,” Duarte said.