Jensen Gomez launches Umpisa album at SaGuijo

February 1, 2013, 8:00 PM

SaGuijo Cafe + Bar

San Antonio Village

Makati

Jensen Gomez, one of the independent music scene’s promising singer/songwriters is geared to make his music heard in the mainstream as he launches his debut album Umpisa this February 1, 2013, 8:00 PM at the SaGuijo Cafe + Bar in Makati.

The launch will also feature performances from She’s Only Sixteen, Mayonnaise, Carlos Castaño, singer-actress Tippy Dos Santos and former Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez.

The album’s title track Umpisa, also the lead single, was featured as the theme song of the film MNL 143. This song also led him to be discovered by management group Orion Entertainment and Universal Records.

Jensen, currently taking up Music Production at the De La Salle - College of St. Benilde, started his music career five years ago, performing at gigs around town. His music got him featured featured in Fête de la Musique in Cebu, Original Music Society event in the National University of Singapore, and Pengasih event in Malaysia. He has also performed for IamTV in Malaysia

The album Umpisa contains 10 original tracks showcasing the songwriting talents of Jensen. Included as a bonus track is the duet version of the title track featuring singer/actress Tippy Dos Santos.

Umpisa, released by Universal Records, is available in record stores nationwide. The title track Umpisa and the rest of the songs are also available in digital formats via MyMusicStore Philippines and iTunes.

Umpisa

Tracks:

1. Not Even Close

2. Alone

3. Umpisa

4. Could Have Been

5. Just Vowels

6. Runaway

7. Subdued

8. Tulad Ng Dati

9. All I Want

10. Sisikat Ang Araw

Bonus:

11. Umpisa (duet with Tippy Dos Santos)

Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo concert celebrates 40th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation

Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo

February 9, 2013, 8:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Kohei Nishikawa, yokobue

Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo

Tatsuya Shimono, conductor

Programme:

Maki Ishii Symphonic Poem "Gioh" for Yokobue and Orchestra, Op. 60

Masashi Ishida Symphony No. 1

Herminigildo Ranera Philippine Symphonic Folk Songs

Antonino Buenaventura By the Hillside

Akira Ifukube Sinfonia Tapkaara

Continuing the celebrations for the Japan-Philippines Friendship Contemporary Music Festival and of the 40^th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo will perform in a special concert featuring Japanese and Philippine contemporary music this February 9, 2013, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Conductor Tatsuya Shimono leads the orchestra in the concert that also features yokobue player Kohei Nishikawa.

Yokobue player Kohei Nishikawa

Kohei Nishikawa will be the featured soloist in Maki Ishii’s Symphonic Poem for Yokobue and Orchestra. The yokobue is the Japanese traditional transverse flute. Other pieces to be played this evening are Masashi Ishida’s Symphony No. 1, Herminigildo Ranera’s Philippine Symphonic Folk Songs, Antonino Buenaventura’s By the Hillside and Akira Ifukube Sinfonia Tapkaara. I’ve read that the works by Ishide and Ranera will have their world premiere performances during this night.

Conductor  Tatsuya Shimono

According to the press kit, the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo (ONT) was established in September 2002 as an orchestra to succeed the aspirations of the late Yasushi Akutagawa, one of the most famous Japanese composers who left outstanding achievements in the music culture in modern Japan through various music and social activities. Aside from actively performing orchestral works of Japanese composers and introducing lost or long-forgotten works of both Japanese and foreign composers, another key activity of ONT is promoting international exchange at the grassroots level by widely interacting in various countries, mainly in Asia, and in various areas, not only through performances, but also through commissioning of new compositions.

The Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo concert event is endorsed by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Japan, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, the Japanese Association Manila, Inc., the Daily Manila Shimbun and South Japan Broadcasting (Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan).

Ticket prices:

P1500 Orchestra Center

P1000 Orchestra Side

P800 Balcony I Center

P500 Balcony I Side

P300 Balcony II

For inquiries:

CCP Box Office 832-3704, 832-3706

TicketWorld: 8919999

Chamber music concert opens Japan-Philippines Friendship Contemporary Music Festival

Pianist Ayumi Hirahara

February 8, 2013, 7:30 PM

Philam Life Auditorium

UN Avenue, Manila

Featuring:

Ayumi Hirahara, piano

Hiroshi Shibayama, oboe

String Quartet I
     Takashi Hamano, violin

     Naoru Komiya, violin

     Go Tomono, viola

     Ken’ichi Nishiyama, cello

PPO Wind Quartet
     Rosemarie Poblete, flute

     Ariel Sta. Ana, clarinet

     Jose Jerry Samonte, bassoon

     Ernani Pascual, horn

PPO String Quartet
     Dino Decena, violin

     Joanna Ruth Livioco, violin

     Joy Allan de la Cruz, viola

     Herrick Ortiz, cello

Programme:

Francisco Santiago Nocturne in E flat minor

Maki Ishii North-Silver-Night, Op. 93 Winter

Francisco Buencamino Maligayang Bati

Yasushi Akutagawa La Dance: Suite for Piano

Hal Goodman Woodwind Boogie

Astor Piazzolla Violetango

Toru Takemitsu Entre-Temps for Oboe and String quartet

Tadashi Kubo String Quartet Elegy

Manuel Maramba New Work for String Quartet

In celebration of the Japan-Philippines Friendship Contemporary Music Festival and the 40^th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo will hold two concerts here in Manila with the first happening on February 8, 2013, 7:30 PM at the Philam Life Auditorium.

Violinist Takashi Hamano

Solo piano pieces and chamber music highlight the first concert that feature Japanese musicians like pianist Ayumi Hirahara, oboist Hiroshi Shibayama and a string quartet composed of violinists Takashi Hamano and Naoru Komiya, violist Go Tomono and cellist Ken’ichi Nishiyama. Several members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra participating in the concert include the PPO Woodwind Quartet composed of flutist Rosemarie Poblete, clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana, bassoonist Jose Jerry Samonte  and horn player Ernani Pascual. Also included in the concert is the PPO String Quartet composed of violinists Dino Decena and Joanna Ruth Livioco, violist Joy Allan de La Cruz, and cellist Herrick Ortiz.

Violinist Naoru Komiya

Pieces to be performed in this evening are Francisco Santiago’s Nocturne in E flat minor, Mak Ishii’s North-Silver-Night, Op. 93 Winter, Francisco Buencamino’s Maligayang Bati, and Yasushi Akutagawa’s La Dance: Suite for Piano for the solo piano. Woodwind Boogie by Hal Goodman, Violetango by Astor Piazzola, Entre-Temps for oboe and strings by Toru Takemitsu, String Quartet Elegy by Tadashi Kubo and String Quartet by Manuel P. Maramba will be performed by the string and woodwind quartets. If I’m not mistaken, the String Quartet pieces by Kubo and Maramba will be having their world premiere performance during this concert.

Violist Go Tomono

The Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo concert event is endorsed by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Japan, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, the Japanese Association Manila, Inc., the Daily Manila Shimbun and South Japan Broadcasting (Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan).

Cellist Ken'ichi Nishiyama

Ticket prices:

P1000 Loge Center

P800 Loge Side

P500 Orchestra Center

For inquiries:

CCP Box Office 832-3704, 832-3706

TicketWorld: 8919999

Bicolano epic Ibalong closes out Tanghalang Pilipino’s 26th Season

February 8, 2013, 8:00 PM

February 9, 2013, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 10, 2013, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 15, 2013, 8:00 PM

February 16, 2013, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 17, 2013, 3:00 PM

February 22, 2013, 8:00 PM

February 23, 2013, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

February 24, 2013, 3:00 PM

March 1, 2013, 8:00 PM

March 2, 2013, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

March 3, 2013, 3:00 PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Jenine Desiderio and Jonathan Tadioan act out a scene from Ibalong

Tanghalang Pilipino offers a taste of Filipino mythology as it presents a dance-theater musical interpretation of the Bicolano epic Ibalong as its 26^th season ender. Adapted from the stage by Rody Vera, directed by Tuxqs Rutaqio along with Carol Bello’s music and Alden Lugnasin’s choreography, Ibalong runs from February 8 up to March 3, 2013 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

Jenine Desiderio

Ibalong, which is also the name of Legazpi City’s week long festival, tells the story of Handyong who along with his warriors come to Bicol when it was still known as Ibalon. Handyong and his men battle beasts that inhabit the land and try to introduce civilization to the land. Standing in their way is the scheming snake Oryol who disguises herself into a human in order to seduce Handyong. As always, the best way to know the rest of the story is by watching the production first hand.

Myke Salomon

Led by original Miss Saigon cast member Jenine Desiderio as Oryol and former Akafellas member Myke Salomon as Handyong, the cast of Ibalong include May Bayot, Red Nuestro, Delphine Buencamino, Trixie Esteban, Cheeno Macaraig, Tara Cabaero, Hazel Maranan, Opaline Santos, Kristofer Kliatchko, Cyril Balderama, and Philip Palmos. Playing the ensemble are members of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Actors Company composed of Jonathan Tadioan, Marco Viaña, Remus Villanueva, Nicolo Magno, Ralph Mateo, Regine De Vera, Jovanni Cadag, and Doray Dayao. Remus Villanueva plays Handyong in certain performances.

Remus Villanueva

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Artistic Director, Nanding Josef hopes that this production of Ibalong may urge the Filipino people to protect the country’s natural resources and cultural heritage which are threatened by commercialism, modernization all in the name of progress and development.

The cast of Ibalong

The whole run will also feature the live music of Rizalino Reyes and Inkantada while designer Leeroy New does the costumes and the puppets to be used in this production. Tanghalang Pilipino’s Ibalong is co-presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the City of Legazpi of Bicol.

Ticket price:

P1000 Febrary 8, 2013 Gala Night

P800 All other dates

-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

For inquiries:

Cherry Bong Edralin (0917) 750-0107, (0918) 959-3949, 832-1125 local 1620-1621

TicketWorld 891-9999

Legend of Mayon Volcano brought to life in Daragang Magayon

February 8, 2013, 3:00 & 8:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

The Mayon Volcano in Bicol, Albay is undoubtedly one of the most popular landmarks and tourist destinations in the Philippines. But behind the volcano’s perfect cone shape, there’s a legendary tale of love between Magayon and Ulap that most people outside of Bicol do not know. And now, the legend will be told through dance as the E-Dance Theater, the Provincial Government of Albay, Bicol University in cooperation with Goodwill Bookstore and Ballet Manila, present Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon to be held this February 8, 2013 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). This dance presentation will have two performances: a 3:00 PM matinee and the Gala happening at 8:00 PM.

The myth of Daragang Mayon tells the story of the beautiful maiden Magayon who is the only daughter of chieftain Makusog. Ulap, the son of a chieftain from another region falls in love with Magayon and they become engaged. A jealous suitor, Pagtuga tries to foil the lovers’ plan to marry by kidnapping Makusog and threatening to kill him. I think that it’s best to watch the show to see the story unfold and find out how the Mayon Volcano figure in all of this. One of the innovations of this production is the use of multimedia like animation and film alongside the dancing on stage.

Victor Maguad and Ea Torrado

Starring in Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon are E-Dance Theater’s Ea Torrado as Magayon, Victor Maguad as Ulap, Francis Cascano as Pagtuga, Pamela Josef as Usa, Marcus Tolentino as Makusog and Roduardo Ma and Earvin Guillermo alternating as Linog.  The show is highlighted by the special participation of Ronnie Lazaro as Gugurang, Pontri Bernardo as the Aswang, soprano Stephanie Quintin, tenor Jay-El Viteno, Bass Jonak Del Fierro, and performing groups E-Dance Theater, UP Rondalla and Novo Concertante.

Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon features the direction and choreography by E-Dance Theater’s artistic director Gerald Mercado, the music of Gawad CCP para sa Sining awardee Ramon P. Santos and the poetry of National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma). Albay poet laureate Abdon Balde Jr. serves as the dramaturg for the production. Aimee Escasa and Boni Ilagan did the storyline and script, while Leo Abaya and John Batalla did the set and lighting designs respectively.  Filmmakers Chuck Escasa, Niko Salazar and Henry Posadas worked on the filmic elements of the production that included animation making Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon a unique production fusing different art forms and media.

Abdon Balde Jr. Gerald Mercado, Victor Maguad, Gov. Joey Salceda, Ea Torrada
and Ramon Santos

This production of Daragang Magayon: Ang Istorya ni Mayon is supported by the Bicol Provincial government led by Governor Joey Salceda as part of its efforts to revitalize the tourist development program, highlighting Albay’s rich cultural heritage.

Ticket prices:

3:00 PM Matinee

P400 Orchestra Center

P300 Orchestra Side

P200 Balcony I

P100 Balcony II

8:00 PM Gala

P800 Orchestra Center

P600 Orchestra Side

P400 Balcony I

P300 Balcony II

For inquiries:

425-0509, (0920)926-6387, 832-1125 local 1116

For tickets:

829-3591, (0906) 273-5400, (0922) 847-7639, (0933) 437-2744

TicketWorld 891-9999

Chinese films, arts and culture highlight 7th Spring Film Festival

February 1-10, 2013

Shang Cineplex (Cinema 2), Shangri-La Plaza

Mandaluyong

Chinese culture will be once again at the forefront as the Filipino-Chinese community prepares to celebrate the coming of the Chinese New Year. Shangri-La Plaza Mall, in partnership with the Ateneo de Manila University’s Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, Ateneo Celadon and the Confucius Institute of the Ateneo de Manila University and Credit Suisse present  7th Spring Film Festival along with other activities and events as part of these celebrations.

The 7th Spring Film Festival, now on its seventh year in promoting Chinese culture to the Filipino people, will be held on February 1 to 10, 2013 at the Shangri-La Cineplex. Six contemporary Chinese films (with English subtitles) namely 2 Become 1, Piano in a Factory, Storm Warriors, Jasmine Women, Space Dream and Golden Times will be screened throughout the 10 day festival. Popular actress Zhang Ziyi stars in the film Jasmine Women. Admission is free on all screenings on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other highlights of the 7th Spring Film Festival include the book launch of Chinese Painting in the Philippines, a 180-page hardcover art book featuring the works of notable Chinese-Filipino artists. While the films are being screened at the cinemas, the 2013 Spring Festival Chinese Painting Exhibit will be on display at the Grand Atrium. The On the Wings of Culture Chinese Photo Exhibit, to be located at the 4^th level, will feature images and scenes that depict the new wave of cultural reform now happening in China.

Piano in a Factory

A special screening was held during the press conference for the upcoming Spring Film Festival. The movie that was screened was Piano in a Factory from 2010 which pleased me a lot since I am also a pianist. This film, directed by Zhang Meng has won numerous awards that include the Best Actor award for Wang Qian-Yuan at the 23^rd Tokyo International Film Festival. The film has also won Best International Movie at the 28^th Miami International Film Festival and the Special Award of Jury at the 28^th Golden Flower Movie Festival.

Piano in a Factory is a family drama that highlights the struggle of the Chen Guilin (Wang Qian-Yuan) who is going through a divorce and fighting custody for his daughter Xiao Yuan (Liu Xing-Yu). With the daughter deciding that she would go to the one who could get her a piano, Chen tries all possible avenues from borrowing to stealing just to ensure that he gets his daughter a piano. But when all else fails, the only thing he and his ragtag bunch of laid-off steel factory workers could do was to build a piano from scratch.

The film is a charming story of a father’s love and devotion to his daughter. What I liked about this film is that it is devoid of any hysterics that plague local movies. It’s also very interesting to see how much Russian music was featured in this film making me think that the film’s setting was somewhere up north close to the Russian border. I won’t tell if Chen and his team were able to build a piano from scratch but it does require a lot of imagination in order for me to buy into their plans. Despite the questionable feasibility of making a piano from scratch, the film manages to depict relationships in a realistic manner that transcends borders.

For those planning to catch Piano in a Factory and the rest of the films to be shown at the Spring Film Festival, here is the schedule of the film screenings.

February 1, 2013 

12:30 PM 2 Become 1

3:00 PM Piano in a Factory

5:30 PM Storm Warriors

8:00 PM Jasmine Women

February 2, 2013 

12:30 PM Piano in a Factory

3:00 PM Space Dream

5:30 PM Golden Times

8:00 PM Storm Warriors

February 3, 2013

12:30 PM Space Dream

3:00 PM 2 Become 1

5:30 PM Jasmine Women

8:00 PM Piano in a Factory

February 4, 2013 

12:30 PM Storm Warriors

3:00 PM Golden Times

5:30 PM 2 Become 1

8:00 PM Space Dream

February 5, 2013 

12:30 PM Golden Times

8:00 PM Jasmine Women

February 6, 2013 

12:30 PM Storm Warriors

3:00 PM 2 Become 1

5:30 PM Piano in a Factory

8:00 PM Golden Times

February 7, 2013 

12:30 PM Jasmine Women

3:00 PM Golden Times

5:30 PM Space Dream

8:00 PM 2 Become 1

February 8, 2012 

12:30 PM 2 Become 1

3:00 PM Jasmine Women

5:30 PM Piano in a Factory

8:00 PM Space Dream

February 9, 2013 

12:30 PM Storm Warriors

3:00 PM Space Dream

5:30 PM 2 Become 1

8:00 PM Golden Times

February 10, 2013 

12:30 PM Golden Times

3:00 PM Storm Warriors

5:30 PM Jasmine Women

8:00 PM Piano in a Factory

Tickets:

Free admission. First-come, first-served basis

For inquiries:

633-7851 local 113

www.shangrila-plaza.com

Tenor Arthur Espiritu opens MCO Foundation Chamber Music Series 2013

February 6, 2013, 7:00 PM

Ayala Museum

Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street

Greenbelt Park, Makati

Featuring:

Arthur Espiritu, tenor

Najib Ismail, piano

Programme:

Robert Schumann Liederkreis, Op. 39

Franz Liszt Three Petrarch Sonnets, S.270

Various opera arias

After a successful stint as the Duke of Mantua in Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto at the Theatre St. Gallen in Switzerland, Filipino tenor Arthur Espiritu returns to Philippine shores to open the MCO Foundation’s Chamber Music Series 2013. Arthur performs in a concert entitled The Poet Speaks this February 6, 2013, 7:00 PM at the Ayala Museum in Makati. Accompanying him will be pianist Najib Ismail.

Tenor Arthur Espiritu

During the past year, Arthur performed in Manila as a guest in Yun-Kyoung Yi’s solo recital at the Philam Life Auditorium. He also was a part of the Filipino cast in the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ production of Verdi’s La Traviata playing the role of Alfredo. Lastly, he played the role of Count Almaviva in Gioacchino Rossini's The Barber of Seville which was also held at the CCP. I was able to see both Yun-Kyoung Yi’s recital and La Traviata but I failed to catch The Barber of Seville.

The Poet Speaks will feature Robert Schumann’s song cycle Liederkreis, Op. 39, Franz Liszt’s Three Petrarch Sonnets, S.270 and various opera arias portraying the different aspects of love which is very much in time for the Valentine season.

Pianist Najib Ismail

This concert is presented by the Manila Chamber Orchestra Foundation and the Ayala Museum in partnership with BusinessWorld and Lyric Piano and Organ. The MCO Foundation, hailed as Makati’s Cultural Oasis, is currently on its 28th year of promoting classical music. Part of the proceeds from this performance will be for the benefit the Unang Hakbang Foundation.

Ticket prices:

P1000 Center

P600 Side

For inquiries:

MCOF Secretariat 750-0768, (0920) 954-0053

COEA 782-7164, (0918) 347-3027

Ticketworld 891-9999

Arthur Espiritu gives vocal coaching lessons

February 13-15, 2013, 2:00 PM

CCP Silangan Hall

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila 

A week after The Poet Speaks, Arthur Espiritu will be giving individualized vocal coaching session happening on February 13-15, 2013, from 2:00-5:00 PM at the CCP Silangan Hall located at the 4^th floor of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Young professional singers and senior students pursuing careers in classical and opera singing are welcome to join the vocal coaching sessions although there are only limited slots available. The sessions will start with a half hour lecture on Preparing for a Classical Singing Career which covers audition etiquette and international career opportunities.

Arthur Espiritu's vocal coaching sessions is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

For inquiries:

832-1125 local 1605, ccp.artist.training@gmail.com