Centerstage Family KTV and Resto Bar opens at SM Mall of Asia Grounds

When recording artist, actress and tv host Karylle launched the music video of her latest single Found My Smile Again at the Centerstage Family KTV & Resto Bar located at Timog, she mentioned that a new branch would be opening soon. She further added that she would invite everyone present at the music video launch there when it opens. A few months later, Karylle welcomed the newest party hub in town as Centerstage Family KTV & Restobar opened its SM Mall of Asia branch. And I was fortunate to witness and be part of the celebrations during its grand opening.

Tim Yap, Karylle and Iza Calzado

Karylle herself graced the grand opening of Centerstage KTV. One of the main highlights of the opening was the Centerstage Idol singing competition that was hosted by Tim Yap and Iza Calzado. Contestants in the competition were comprised of guests who eagerly signed up. After they sang their hearts out, they were trimmed down round after round until one emerged as the winner. I was urged to be a contestant upon entry but I chickened out knowing that there would be far better contestants than I am. And those who made it to the final round sounded like they’ve already cut a record or two.

Karylle with guests Venus Raj (2nd from left) and Rap Fernandez (rightmost)

Speaking of records, there were a handful of recording artists who took part in the celebrations that evening like Yael Yuzon and the rest of Sponge Cola, JayR, Robin Nievera, Dee Jay Poblete, and Jimmy Muna. Other spotted celebrities were Audie Gemora, Rap Fernandez, and Venus Raj. It was a pleasant surprise seeing young director Gino “The Animals” Santos along with writer Jeff Stelton there as well. And it's very likely that I've missed other celebrities and personalities present that night also.

The SM Mall of Asia grounds is fast becoming an entertainment force to reckon with and the addition of Centerstage KTV is one welcome addition to that. Boasting 17 rooms that can accommodate various guests and budgets, one can step up from being a bathroom singer and be a rocker or a diva through the impressive sound system and extensive number of foreign and local songs available while enjoying the scrumptious food, drinks and cocktails served there. Other branches of Centerstage Family KTV & Resto Bar are located at Timog Avenue in Quezon City and at Jupiter Street in Makati.

Karylle as Sita in Ballet Philippines’ Rama Hari

While Karylle is enjoying the success of the opening of the newest branch of Centerstage KTV, she can’t afford to rest since she’s also scheduled to open Ballet Philippines’ restaging of the classic Rama Hari. This modern classic featuring the choreography of Ballet Philippines founder Alice Reyes, the libretto of National Artist for literature Bienvenido Lumbera and the music of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, and set and costume design by National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal, will have its opening night on November 30, 2012, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Joining Karylle who plays the singing role of Sita will be her Kitchen Musical co-star Christian Bautista who plays the singing role of Rama. Rounding the cast are Robert Seña, OJ Mariano and Kalila Aguilos alternating as Rama and Sita in certain performances, Cristian Rey Marbella, Noel Rayos, Lani Ligot, Amparo Sietereales and Brezhnev Larlar.

Joining the powerhouse vocalists are Ballet Philippines’ principal dancers Jean Marc Cordero and Richardson Yadao essaying the role of Rama, Carissa Adea and Katherine Trofeo as Sita, and the rest of the BP company. This production also features the live music of the Manila Symphony Orchestra for its entire run. Ballet Philippines’ Rama Hari will run from November 30, 2012 up to December 9, 2012.