‘Dance like it’s the last night of the world’

Direct from a triumphant run in Sydney, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Miss Saigon arrives in Manila for the first time ever in March 2024

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ‘The production has given talents like Lea Salonga, Jon Jon Briones, Joanna Ampil, Rachelle Ann Go, and countless others a platform to showcase their extraordinary skills and passion.’

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I'D GIVE MY LIFE FOR YOU Miss Saigon centers around the tragic romance of American GI Chris and Vietnamese bar girl Kim

The heat is on in Manila as GMG Productions, in association with GWB Entertainment, has announced that Cameron Mackintosh’s globally acclaimed production of Boublil & Schönberg’s Miss Saigon is heading to The Theatre at Solaire in March 2024. 

 

The internationally acclaimed new production of Miss Saigon opened in London in May 2014 to record-breaking advance sales and critical acclaim, winning an unprecedented nine Whatsonstage Awards. It then opened on Broadway and a hugely successful US Tour followed with The New Yorker calling it “A dynamite Broadway revival.” UK’s The Daily Telegraph wrote, “This thrilling new production spills out beyond theater and speaks directly to the times we live in—magnificent performances.” The Daily Mail said, “The greatest musical of all time just got even better!” It has just completed a hugely successful run at Sydney Opera House and, following limited seasons in Melbourne and Adelaide, the show will land in Manila, a city that has a deep connection with this musical, in March 2024.  

 

Sir Cameron Mackintosh has shared his enthusiasm for bringing the title to the Philippines. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing my spectacular new production of Miss Saigon to Manila,” he said. “Without a doubt, it is the best production of Saigon I have ever produced, with one of the most brilliant casts that have ever performed the show around the world. I can’t envisage another show of this scale being done in Manila for the foreseeable future.” 

 

Carlos Candal, GMG Productions’ CEO added that “Following the incredible success of Hamilton, and continuing with GMGP’s commitment to bringing the absolute pinnacle of musical entertainment to Manila, I could not be more excited to be presenting Miss Saigon at the Theater at Solaire. Filipinos have a deep connection with Miss Saigon because it has been the stage where countless Filipino artists have had their moment to shine. The production has given talents like Lea Salonga, Jon Jon Briones, Joanna Ampil, Rachelle Ann Go, and countless others a platform to showcase their extraordinary skills and passion, and we’re excited to welcome a new company of world-class performers to share the new staging of this phenomenal production.”  

 

A retelling of Giacomo Puccini’s classic opera, Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon moves the love story to 1970s Vietnam. The audience follows a young Vietnamese woman named Kim as she navigates the chaos of Saigon during the Vietnam War, falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, and embarks on an extraordinary three-year quest for reunion, all while harboring a heart-wrenching secret. 

 

Miss Saigon has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler. The new production is directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt. The production design is by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley based on an original concept by Adrian Vaux; costume design by Andreane Neofitou; lighting design by Bruno Poet; projections by Luke Halls; sound design by Mick Potter; and orchestrations by William David Brohn. Music supervision is by Alfonso Casado Trigo and Guy Simpson.

 

The Manila season is presented at The Theatre at Solaire by GMG Productions, with tickets on sale on Nov. 6 only through TicketWorld. Theatre fans can also enjoy exclusive first access to the show with UnionBank of the Philippines as the show’s official sponsor and pre-sale partner or through the GMG Miss Saigon waitlist at www.gmg-productions.com. Pre-sale period is ongoing until Nov. 3. www.gmg-productions.com

Caring for healthcare: Celebrating Philippine Nurses’ Week

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 28, 2023 00:05 AM

  

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It was Oct. 17, 1958 that then President Carlos P. Garcia signed Proclamation No. 539, which designated the last week of October to be Nurses’ Week in the Philippines. The observance of this has since then been entrusted to what used to be known as the Filipino Nurses Association, now called the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA). Incidentally, the PNA has also celebrated its 101st anniversary this year, with a gathering held at the Iloilo Convention Center from Oct. 24 to 26. 

Nurses have always been important contributors in the world’s healthcare industry. They provide immediate attention to those who are in need of medical aid, as partners of doctors and other medical professionals. They are the forward-facing or client-facing, to borrow terms from modern business parlance, players of any medical institution, often the first to deal with clients (a.k.a. patients). The difference is, nurses go beyond just the “business” of healthcare. They embody, in almost every sense of the word, “care” in the medical profession. 

Together with physicians and other medical practitioners, nurses have played pivotal roles in the country’s struggle against Covid-19. Their contribution has undoubtedly been one of the most significant. Many Filipino nurses have been recognized for their work, not just in the country but also overseas. One such example was the story of that Filipino nurse working in the UK, who gave the world’s first Covid jab in 2020. 

Yet even before the Covid-19 era, nurses have also been one of the major contributors in the Philippine economy, with many of them working abroad as overseas Filipinos. Their contributions have been so recognized that for a great number of foreign nationals, it was quite common for their experience with Filipinos to be one of the medical kind, with nurses leading the way. 

The PNA, as part of its 2030 Roadmap, recognizes this and wishes to improve this culture of excellence among Filipino nurses. It seeks to continually develop and train “globally competitive Filipino nurses providing quality and excellent care,” whether in the country or elsewhere. This will be done primarily by providing and sustaining “relevant and responsive continuing education for nurses.” 

Past the surge of nursing graduates in the early 2000s, there seems to have been no shortage of the need for nurses. This is, of course, not surprising especially in a post-pandemic world, where healthcare remains to be one of the most crucial aspects of any functioning society. Nurses play a crucial role in this society and the Philippines can and should always be proud that, whether here or abroad, Filipino nurses are at the forefront of providing genuine care for those who are in need of any medical help. 

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Brewing LPA, ‘amihan’, shear line may bring rains on BSKE, Undas week

From submissive to fearless characters, Andrea Torres plays it to the hilt

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

Since she wants to challenge herself and offer something new to viewers, Andrea Torres takes on the wealthy, bold, and smart Czarina in the GMA Telebabad series Love Before Sunrise. Her character is a stark contrast to Andrea’s loving mother, Sisa, in Maria Clara at Ibarra. But what also excites her to be part of the project is the opportunity to work with her idol, Box-Office Queen Bea Alonzo, and actors Dennis Trillo and Sid Lucero.

It’s a breath of fresh air to see Andrea Torres as the fearless and feisty kontrabida Czarina in Love Before Sunrise. This character and her meek, submissive, but loving Sisa of Maria Clara at Ibarra are poles apart.

Regardless of the nature of the role, Andrea commands attention because the Sparkle GMA Artist Center actress is playing it to the hilt.

“This one is far different from the last one I did,” Andrea affirmed the difference between Czarina, the empowered woman, and Sisa, the selfless mother of Basilio and Crispin, in a recent press conference. “Gusto ko kasi laging na-cha-challenge. Gusto ko laging nag-su-surprise ng tao (I always want to be challenged. I always want to surprise the audience by playing something new).”

This speaks about Andrea’s aim to portray varied roles and step up her acting game.

“And I trust my network. When they say, ‘We feel this is the next (right) project for you,’ gagawin ko talaga yun (I will do it),” added she, “kasi yun din ang naisip nila sa akin (That was perhaps the same thought they had for me when they tapped me) for my last one, which is Sisa.”

No matter how long actors have been doing their craft, they know that every role demands painstaking preparation to study and understand the challenges that come with it.

“It’s challenging for me to have Czarina that kind of lalim (character depth), na maka-relate pa rin sa kanya ang tao (and that people can still relate to her despite the character’s quirks),” said she.

“I had very nice scenes with Bea, such as confrontations between her character and mine, na lumabas pa rin yung pagka-kontrabida niya (that the kontrabida side of Czarina is shown). Hopefully, in some extent, the audience will be able to connect with Czarina,” added she.

A piece of information shares that Andrea’s Czarina comes from a wealthy family and is skilled at using her charm and influence to get her wants, wishes, and whims.

As everybody has already known, the character comes in between Atom and Stella, played by Dennis Trillo and Bea Alonzo. Czarina is willing to do whatever it takes, even giving up her engagement, to win Atom, and she takes advantage of the latter’s financial status.

She plays the typical and classic antagonist in any dramatic narrative.

However, when viewers watch the episodes, they usually consider her as someone who is “mean, na sosyal, nag-ti-trip minsan (well-off and sometimes a power tripper),” said Andrea. “Pero makikita ninyo dito sa Love Before Sunrise na merong malalim siyang pinanghuhugutan (You will see in Love Before Sunrise that there’s a deep reason why she is acting that way).”

That’s why when Andrea creates a character from the ground up, she said, “Parang hinahanap ko yung puso niya (I always look for her heart and core), na parang kailangan maintindihan ko siya, medyo nagiging protective ako sa kanya (There seems to be a need for me to understand the character and to be a bit protective of her).”

“I always think that the reason why she has this (privilege) feeling or she thinks she deserves everything is kasi lumaki siya ng walang love from her parents (because she grew up without parental love), the love that she wants from her parents and the support that she needs,” added she.

Aside from playing Czarina, described by one as a daring kontrabida, Andrea has been given the chance to collaborate with Kapuso actors Dennis and Sid Lucero (who plays the doctor named Roald), and her idol and Box-Office Queen Bea. She feels lucky to have shared the screen with them.

“Dennis, Sid, and I were very nervous and pressured to come to the set,” said she about working with Bea. “When she transferred to GMA, I wished to work with her. With Dennis, I also mentioned in my previous interviews my wish (and intention to be working with him). This is our third time. With Sid, we’re working again after My Millionaire’s Wife.”

Andrea and Dennis were part of the hit historical portal fantasy series, Maria Clara at Ibarra. Again, she took on the role of Sisa, while he was Crisostomo Ibarra, Simoun and Barry Torres.

“Grabe silang maka-trabaho, you see their dedication (to work). Ang ganda nung dini-discuss yung scene before it will be done (I like the idea of having a discussion among creatives about a scene prior to its taping).”

A GMA News Online story says that Andrea is learning from Bea by observing how the latter works on set, such as the importance of studying the script well, finding out “little things” in it, and shedding light on them.

Andrea and the rest had some time to preview some parts of the TV series before airing. The Kapuso actress said Love Before Sunrise seems like a movie, perhaps with its cinematic approach, “kung paano i-nin-troduce sina Atom at Stella at silang dalawa na mismo, pati na ang lahat ng mga taong nakapalibot sa kanila (like the way Atom and Stella were individually introduced and then as a pair, as well as the people who surround them). Nakaka-proud.”

Since Love Before Sunrise is about finding true love, falling out of it and giving love a second chance, the topic on having what-ifs was brought up.

“I don’t have what-ifs, feeling ko kasi lahat ay may reason talaga (I feel everything happens for a reason). Light lang akong magdala ng mga nangyayari sa buhay ko (I take things lightly in my life),” concluded she. “Hindi ko iniisip masyado yung mga ganung bagay sa buhay ko (I don’t think much about them). I just go with the flow, happy lang always (I am always happy).”

(Watch Love Before Sunrise weeknights at 8:50 on GMA 7 and GMA Pinoy TV. Advanced episodes are available on Viu.

Cool Smashers clobber Defenders for solo lead

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Oct 26, 2023 04:02 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Creamline made short work of Gerflor, 25-15, 25-12, 25-10, to remain unscathed in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Thursday, Oct. 26.

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Creamline made short work of Gerflor, 25-15, 25-12, 25-10, to remain unscathed in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Thursday, Oct. 26.

Creamline celebrates a point in its match against Gerflor. (PVL Images)

Everybody contributed a little of everything for the Cool Smashers with Michele Gumabao pacing with 12 points highlighted by 10 kills.

It was the third straight win in as many outings for Creamline to take the solo lead while pushing Gerflor deeper into the cellar with a 0-3 hole. 

Confident of their chemistry and cohesion, Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses shuffled his lineup to attack the struggling Defenders on all angles.

There were no signs of slowing down for Creamline in the third set as they took a commanding 12-3 and 14-7 leads and never looked back.

Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos also carried the fight for the Cool Smashers with seven points each, while Bernadeth Pons and Pau Soriano chipped in six points apiece despite seeing action in only two sets.

Creamline also exposed Gerflor’s lethargic plays by dominating in attacks, 44-20. The Cool Smashers also provided strong net defense by posting 11 blocks against the Defenders’ only one, apart from firing four aces. 

Gerflor mentor Sammy Acaylar also tried to find the right formula for his stalwarts, but nothing was working as Mary Grace Berte and Menchie Tubiera scoring five points apiece.

Bea Alonzo, Rodjun Cruz, and Andrea Torres to spread love in Davao City this Oct. 27

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Oct 26, 2023 03:38 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The romantic drama series “Love Before Sunrise” is the latest collaboration between Philippine broadcast giant GMA Network and leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service Viu.

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The right kind of love will surely be felt as GMA Regional TV brings the cast of “Love Before Sunrise” — to Davao City this Friday, Oct. 27. 

"Love Before Sunrise" lead actress Bea Alonzo, together with her co-stars – Andrea Torres and Rodjun Cruz – will definitely make hearts flutter and bring one-of-a-kind entertainment through surprises and performances in a love-filled Kapuso Mall Show in Vista Mall Davao, Davao City. The fun starts at 5 PM. 

The romantic drama series “Love Before Sunrise” is the latest collaboration between Philippine broadcast giant GMA Network and leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service Viu. It tells the story of ex-lovers Atom (Dennis Trillo) and Stella (Bea). They separated after realizing they had found the right love at the wrong time. Years later, their paths cross again, and they regret losing each other after both ended up in unhappy marriages. Things become more complicated as they give in to their rekindled feelings and choose to continue their love at a forbidden time.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support of our Kapusong Dabawenyos to GMA, programs and artists. We’ll continue to come-up with exciting activities and initiatives, and bring our Kapuso stars in the regions. And this Friday, no less than Bea Alonzo, Andrea Torres, and Rodjun Cruz are joining us for a memorable mall show,” said GMA Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV.

PH bet Nicole Borromeo wins 3rd runner-up at Miss International 2023 pageant in Japan

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 26, 2023 08:13 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• During the question and answer portion, Nicole was asked: "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations have targets that are set to be achieved by 2030. What have you done so far in terms of SDGs initiatives?"

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Nicole Borromeo (Facebook)

Cebuana beauty queen Nicole Borromeo won third runner-up at the 61st Miss International beauty pageant held in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, Oct. 26.

Andrea Rubio of Venezuela was crowned Miss International 2023.

Other winners were: Colombia, 1st runner-up; Peru, 2nd runner-up; and Bolivia, 4th runner-up. 

The winners of 61st Miss International (Youtube)

During the final question and answer, Nicole was asked: "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations have targets that are set to be achieved by 2030. What have you done so far in terms of SDGs initiatives?"

Nicole answered: "As someone who experienced the wrath of natural disasters, home is everything. I've worked tirelessly with Habitat for Humanity under the SDG goals of number 11, sustainable cities and communities. It is through this volunteer work that I can see in the faces of the children, how much they wanted to help, how much they want to be a part of the future. Because when it comes to sustainability, we must keep in mind that it's not only for the next generation but to include them in the process."

Winners of special awards were: 

Best National Costume - Angola

Best In Evening Gown - Indonesia

Miss Fitness - Zimbabwe

Miss Photogenic - New Zealand

Seventy candidates competed for the title of Miss International 2023.

Renten-Erhöhung 2024: Wer profitiert am stärksten?

Stand:26.10.2023, 05:08 Uhr

Von: Amy Walker 

Das neue Jahr 2024 rückt immer näher. Für Erwerbsminderungsrentner gibt es definitiv mehr Geld. Aber auch für Altersrentner könnte es im kommenden Jahr eine deutliche Erhöhung geben.

Berlin – Die Bezüge von Rentnern mit Erwerbsminderung haben in den letzten zehn Jahren einen beachtlichen Anstieg erfahren. Sie sind um fast 60 Prozent auf durchschnittlich 1065 Euro pro Monat angestiegen. Zum Vergleich: 2013 betrug die durchschnittliche Brutto-Erwerbsminderungsrente noch 678 Euro pro Monat.

Neben den jährlichen Rentenanpassungen ist die Erweiterung der Zurechnungszeit seit 2014 ein Grund für diese positive Entwicklung. Diese wurde in den letzten Jahren mehrmals verlängert und gilt nun bis zur Regelaltersgrenze von 65 Jahren und 8 Monaten, die im Jahr 2018 festgelegt wurde. 

Die Rente soll auch 2024 angepasst werden. (Symbolbild) © Rainer Berg/IMAGO

Dadurch werden Erwerbsgeminderte, die zum ersten Mal eine Rente erhalten, so behandelt, als hätten sie bis zum Erreichen der Regelaltersgrenze mit ihrem bisherigen durchschnittlichen Einkommen weitergearbeitet. Zudem haben Einkommensminderungen in den letzten vier Jahren vor der Erwerbsminderung keine rentenmindernde Wirkung mehr, so die Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV).

Gleichstellung von Erwerbsgeminderten ab 2024

Eine Gruppe von Rentnern mit Erwerbsminderung war jedoch lange Zeit benachteiligt. Es handelt sich dabei um diejenigen, die als Langzeit-Erwerbsgemindert eingestuft sind, daher eine deutlich kürzere Versicherungszeit haben und infolgedessen deutlich weniger Geld erhalten haben. Aber diese Gruppe kann sich nun auf einen monatlichen Zuschlag freuen. 

Um den Zuschlag zu erhalten, muss der Bezug der Erwerbsminderungsrente zwischen dem 1. Januar 2001 und dem 31. Dezember 2018 begonnen haben. Außerdem muss die Erwerbsminderungsrente dann noch durchgehend bis zum 30. Juni 2024 bezogen werden. Auch Altersrenten, die sich direkt an die Rente wegen Erwerbsminderung anschließen, erhalten den zusätzlichen Betrag, wie das Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS) auf seiner Website erläutert. Laut Ministerium sollen etwa drei Millionen Rentner den Zuschlag erhalten.

Bei der Höhe des Zuschlags wird zwischen zwei Rentenbeginn-Zeiträumen unterschieden:

• Rentenbeginn zwischen 1. Januar 2001 und 30. Juni 2014: Zuschlag in Höhe von 7,5 Prozent der Rente am 30. Juni 2024
• Rentenbeginn zwischen 1. Juli 2014 und 31. Dezember 2018: Zuschlag in Höhe von 4,5 Prozent der Rente am 30. Juni 2024 

Im Durchschnitt bewirkt der Zuschlag laut DRV eine Erhöhung um 70 Euro bei Rentenbeginn bis 30. Juni 2014 und um 40 Euro bei Rentenbeginn nach diesem Stichtag.

Erhöhung 2024: So viel mehr könnte es geben

Doch auch alle anderen Rentner und Rentnerinnen könnten im neuen Jahr eine Erhöhung bekommen. So erwarten Ökonomen eine Erhöhung der Renten im Jahr 2024 um 5,5 oder 6 Prozent. Wir haben für zwei Werte berechnet, wie sich das konkret auf die persönliche Rente auswirken könnte: 

Die Anpassung der Renten richtet sich nach der Lohnentwicklung in Deutschland. Heißt also: Wenn die Löhne steigen, steigen auch die Renten. Im 2. Quartal 2023 lag der Nominallohnindex bei 6,6 Prozent, im ersten noch bei 5,6 Prozent. Mit den Tariferhöhungen in vielen Branchen dürfte sich dieser Trend auch in der zweiten Jahreshälfte fortsetzen.