Alice Reyes Dance Philippines premieres Juan Tamad ballet at CCP Children's Biennale

No time for slacking as Alice Reyes Dance Philippines' presents its newest addition to its ever expanding repertoire, Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad, that is set to premiere at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Children's Biennale on November 10, 2024 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

This new offering marks a significant milestone for one of ARDP’s talented choreographers, Erl Sorilla, who has crafted both the book and his first full-length choreography.

Rebzen Arboleda as Juan Tamad

The production is brought to life with a captivating musical score by award-winning singer-songwriter Toto Sorioso, and magical sets and costumes designed by the renowned Filipino Director and BroadwayDesigner, Loy Arcenas.

Under the mentorship of National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, and ARDP Artistic Director, Ronelson Yadao, this production promises to be a magical experience for young audiences.

Karla Santos as Maria Masipag

The story follows the adventures of Juan Tamad, the misunderstood boy in town, and his loyal monkey companion, Matsing. Aided by Juan’s unique ability to converse with animals and his innate love for nature, they set out to find the village’s most prized treasure, the fruit of all their hard-work and labor stolen by the greedy Buwaya, the Gintong Niyog. A challenge he must complete to win the hand of Maria Masipag.

Along his journey, Juan encounters a variety of animals, including those from the stories of Pagong at Kuneho, Ang Gamu-gamu at ang Lampara, and Buwaya at ang Paboreal. Through these encounters, Juan learns valuable moral lessons that guide him on his path. With the help of the animals, Juan grows in character, and ultimately finds the Gintong Niyog. Inspired by the classic Filipino children’s stories of Juan Tamad, this production brings a new twist to the beloved tales.

Dan Dayo as Matsing

The new work will feature ARDP company dancers Renzen Arboleda as the titular Juan Tamad, with Karla Santos as Maria Masipag. Dan Dayo will take on the role of Juan’s trusted sidekick, Matsing, with John Ababon as Pagong, Monica Gana as Kuneho, Earl John Arisola as Buwaya, Krislynne Buri as Paboreal, and Francia Alejandro as Lampara,. Also featured are ARDP trainees Gianna Hervas and Crizza Urmeneta as the Gamu–gamu.

This production is specifically created for students, as it aligns with Grade 1-10 and High School subjects, including Filipino, Arts, Music, Humanities, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Personal Development, Araling Panlipunan, Physical Education. Through dance and storytelling, Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad offers an enriching, multidisciplinary educational experience.

Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad will have its debut performances on November 10, 2024, 10:00 AM, and 4:00 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater as part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Children’s Biennale. Admission is on a Pay-What-You-Can basis. Register to the various activities by scanning the QR code below.

Raul Sunico holds music history lecture/performance at the FEU Auditorium

Brush up on music history with one of the country's world-renowned pianist as the FEU Center for the Arts presents Music 101: 600 Years of Music, an Informance featuring Dr. Raul Sunico in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the FEU Auditorium this November 5, 2024 at the historic FEU Auditorium.

The lecture/performance will comprise of two sessions with the first, morning session at 9:00 AM covering the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical Periods while the second, afternoon session covers the Romantic, Post Romantic, and 20th Century Periods.

Dr. Sunico earned his Bachelor of Music (cum laude), Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and Master of Statistics from the University of the Philippines. He completed his Master of Music at Juilliard in New York City and his Ph.D. in Piano Performance at New York University through a scholarship provided by former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos by way of the Young Artists Foundation of the Philippines.

Dr. Sunico was conferred an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree (honoris causa) by Far Eastern University in 2005. He earned praise from The New York Times for his “well-developed technique” and "genuine connection to the music" when he performs. He was also dubbed as a “brilliant pianist” by WNCN Radio. He has played in numerous countries around the world.

Dr. Sunico had several performances in the FEU Auditorium including a concert on September 22, 1988 titled: An Evening of Gershwin Songs with Della Besa, Josephine Roces, Joel Navarro and Antonio Maigue.

On September 17, 1997 he performed in a concert titled The Songs of the Philippine Revolution 1896-1898 with Antonio Maigue and Nanette Moscardon.

The last performance of Dr. Sunico in the FEU Auditorium was when he shared the stage with blind tenor-pianist, Carlos “Chuckie” Ibay to perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 on 2 Steinway grand pianos.

Additionally, Dr. Sunico has been a soloist of various orchestras worldwide including but not limited to the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Szczecin Philharmonic Orchestra (Poland), Towson Community Orchestra (Maryland, USA), Taipei Symphony Orchestra, Taiwan Normal University Wind Orchestra, Tokyo Sinfonia, Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, Ho Chi Minh Symphony Orchestra and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Music 101: 600 Years of Music, an Informance featuring Dr. Raul Sunico is open and free for all. Registration is required through this form: https://forms.office.com/r/jVE896xVh4

For more information on the concert, please follow or message the Far Eastern University Center for the Arts on their Social Media accounts:

Facebook: Far Eastern University Center for the Arts

Instagram: @feucenterarts

Lithuanian, Slovenian films to debut at Cine Europa 27 at the Shang

The biggest foreign language film festival in the Philippines gets even bigger as films from Lithuania and Slovenia debut in the 27th edition of Cine Europa happening this October 18-27, 2024 at the Red Carpet Cinema, Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong.

The Lithuanian and Slovenian films join the 20-strong film line up presented by the European Union Member States, the Alliance Française de Manille, the Goethe-Institut, the Instituto Cervantes, the Philippine-Italian Association, and guest country Ukraine. This year's selection is a mix of returning film festival favorites giving viewers another chance to see these movies, modern classics, and current releases that have never been shown in Philippine cinemas before.

Cine Europa 27 will also have screenings at the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio, University of San Agustin in Iloilo, University of the Philippines in Cebu and University of St. La Salle in Bacolod on 18 to 27 October 2024.

Here are the 20 films to be screened at Cine Europa 27.

Another Franko (Ukraine, 2024)

Director: Igor Visnevsky

Cast: Vyacheslav Dovzhenko, Akhtem Seitablaev, Nadiya Levchenko, Roman Kulish, Andriy Fedinchyk, Lilia Yushkevich, Maxim Donets, Irina Kudashova, Yana Kovernik, Oleg Voloshchenko, Vsevolod Shekita

This film chronicles the life of Peter Franko, the son of a renowned Ukrainian writer, exploring his love for his wife Olga, his rivalry with friend Andriy, and the historical events that shaped the destinies of millions, all while the mystery of his death remains unsolved.

Diabolik (Italy, 2021)

Directors: Antonio Manetti, Marco Manetti

Cast: Luca Marinelli, Miriam Leone, Valerio Mastandrea, Alessandro Roja, Serena Rossi, Claudia Gerini, Stefano Pesce, Luca Di Giovanni, Vanessa Scalera, Antonino Iuorio

In 1960s Clerville, the thrilling encounters between the enigmatic Diabolik and the alluring Eva Kant blend romance and crime, with Inspector Ginko determined to foil their plans.

Icare | Icarus and the Minotaur (Luxembourg, 2022)

Director: Carlo Vogele

In this animated film, Icarus, the apprentice of Daedalus, forms a secret friendship with the Minotaur before facing disillusionment and a tragic choice when King Minos confines his friend to the labyrinth and Prince Theseus arrives to confront the monster.

La Flota de Indias | The West Indies Fleet (Spain, 2021)

Director: Antonio Perez Molero

A powerful documentary exploring the historical and cultural impact of the Spanish fleets that transformed the New World and fuelled globalization over two centuries.

Lang historie kort | Long Story Short (Denmark, 2015)

Directors: May el-Toukhy, Maren Louise Käehne

Cast: Mille Lehfeldt, Jens Albinus, Trine Dyrholm, Peter Gantzler, Cecilie Stenspil, Danica Curcic, Marijana Jankovic, Ola Rapace

A heartfelt ensemble comedy-drama, chronicling the tangled love lives of a group of friends, each seeking romantic redemption over the course of eight parties.

L'uomo senza colpa | The Man without Guilt (Slovenia, 2022)

Director: Ivan Gergolet

Cast: Valentina Canelutti, Branko Zavrsan, Enrico Inserra, Livia Rossi

In Trieste, Angela, a widow whose husband died from asbestos exposure, takes a caregiving job for Francesco, her husband's former employer, to seek revenge but ultimately discovers that her actions lead to unexpected truths and the possibility of forgiveness and a new beginning.

Mai departe | This World is My Arena (Romania, 2023)

Director: Tedy Necula

Cast: George Balta, Adrian Paduraru, Dan Murzea, Nuami Dinescu, Sara Cuncea, Cristian-China Birta, Diana Bagdasar, Ela Ionescu, Liviu Cheloiu, Ana-Maria Pandele

A biopic of George Baltă, a paralyzed rugby player turned marathoner and motivational speaker, this inspiring film is a testament to perseverance and self discovery.

Mancs | Paw (Hungary, 2015)

Director: Robert-Adrian Pejo

Cast: Zsolt Trill, Orsolya Holecskó, Tamás Keresztes, Oszkár Nyári, László Szacsvay

Inspired by true events, this family drama follows the heart-warming journey of Zoli and his rescue dog Paw, as they overcome personal and professional challenges together.

Mermaids Don’t Cry (Austria, 2022)

Director: Franziska Pflaum

Cast: Stefanie Reinsperger, Karl Fischer, Nico Ehrenteit, Julia Franz Richter, Inga Busch

Annika, a supermarket saleswoman struggling with her chaotic life, dreams of acquiring a glamorous mermaid fin that costs 2.458 euros, despite facing family challenges, potential layoffs at work, and a complicated love life.

Niebezpieczni dżentelmeni | Dangerous Gentlemen (Poland, 2022)

Director: Maciej Kawalski

Cast: Tomasz Kot, Marcin Dorociński, Andrzej Seweryn, Wojciech Mecwaldowski

In "The Mountain Retreat of Zakopane," Joseph Conrad and three artists wake up after a wild party to find a dead man on their couch, leaving them bewildered and facing the gendarmerie at their door.

O anthropos me tis apantiseis | The Man with the Answers (Cyprus, 2021)

Director: Stelios Kammitsis

Cast: Vasilis Magouliotis, Anton Weil, Stella Fyrogeni, Marc Pistono, Chiara Ore Visca, Brando Rossi, Mauro Racanti

After his grandmother's death, Victor leaves his village in a dilapidated car to find his estranged mother in Germany, picking up hitchhiker Mattias along the way, leading to a profound bond despite their differing personalities during their journey through the Italian countryside.

Per Arti | Remember to Blink (Lithuania, 2022)

Director: Austėja Urbaitė

Cast: Ajus Antanavicius, Anne Azoulay, Arthur Igual, Dovile Kundrotaite, Inesa Sionova

A French couple adopts two Lithuanian children and hires Gabi, a bilingual student, to help them adapt, but cultural differences and conflicting attitudes lead to tensions among the adults.

Přišla v noci | She Came at Night (Czech Republic, 2023)

Directors: Jan Vejnar, Tomáš Pavlíček

Cast: Simona Peková, Annette Nesvadbová, Jiří Rendl

This black-humor-infused home invasion horror follows a couple whose lives are turned upside down when one of their mothers takes over their home—and their sanity.

Sonne und Beton | Sun and Concrete (Germany, 2020)

Director: David Wnendt

Cast: Levy Rico Arcos, Rafael Luis Klein-Heßling, Vincent Wiemer, Aaron Maldonado-Morales

A gripping coming-of-age crime drama set in a heatwave-scorched Berlin, where a group of teens devises a high-stakes plan to escape their grim reality.

Souvenir (Belgium, 2016)

Director: Bavo Defurne

Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Kevin Azaïs, Johan Leysen, Carlo Ferrante, Sophie Mousel

A once-famous chanson singer’s life changes when a young boxer encourages her to return to the stage. A moving story of rediscovery and romance in this heart-warming drama-comedy.

The Strange Case of Jacky Caillou (France, 2022)

Director: Lucas Delangle

Cast: Thomas Parigi, Edwige Blondiau, Lou Lampros, Jean-Louis Coulloc'h, Romain Laguna, Georges Isnard, Sivan Garavagno, Jean Marc Ravera

In a mountain village in the French Alps, young Jacky Caillou, who lives with his grandmother Gisèle, a renowned magnetizer-healer, becomes determined to heal a perform a miracle.

Taste of Freedom (Ukraine, 2024)

Director: Alexander Berezan

Cast: Iryna Kudašova, Tetiana Malkova, Tomasz Sobczak, Kosťantyn Temljak, Irma Vitovska, Pavel Li, Rimma Zjubina

In the vibrant streets of Lviv, a young cook pursues her dream of becoming a chef at a prestigious restaurant, but her life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a 1929 cookbook by the legendary chef Olga Franko, leading her on a journey of self discovery and belief in herself amidst the challenges of success.

That They May Face the Rising Sun (Ireland, 2023)

Director: Pat Collins

Cast: Barry Ward, Anna Bederke, Ruth McCabe, Lalor Roddy, Sean McGinley

A tender adaptation of John McGahern’s celebrated novel, portraying a year in the life of a small Irish lakeside community in the 1970s.

Tigrar | Tigers (Sweden, 2021)

Director: Ronnie Sandahl

Cast: Erik Engelen, Frida Gustavsson, Johannes Kuhnke, Maurizio Lombardi, Alfred Enoch, Liv Mjönes, Antonio Bannò, Lino Musella, Gianluca Di Gennaro

Based on a true story, this gripping drama delves into the harsh world of professional soccer, where a young talent’s dreams turn into a nightmare of obsession and pressure.

Toivon tuolla puolen | The Other Side of Hope (Finland, 2017)

Director: Aki Kaurismäki

Cast: Sakari Kuosmanen, Sherwan Haji, Kati Outinen, Tommi Korpela

This poignant drama about a Syrian refugee and a middle-aged Finnish salesman explores the deep humanity and unexpected kindness amidst adversity, spiced with Kaurismäki’s trademark humor.

Here is the schedule of screenings for the Red Carpet, Shangri-La Plaza Mall leg of Cine Europa 27.

October 18, 2024

6:00 PM Lang historie kort | Long Story Short

9:00 PM Niebezpieczni dżentelmeni | Dangerous Gentlemen

October 19, 2024

1:30 PM Icare | Icarus and the Minotaur 

3:30 PM Toivon tuolla puolen | The Other Side of Hope

5:30 PM Přišla v noci | She Came at Night

7:30 PM Tigrar | Tigers

October 20, 2024

1:30 PM Taste of Freedom

3:30 PM Sonne und Beton | Sun and Concrete

5:30 PM Mancs | Paw

7:30 PM Souvenir

October 21, 2024

5:30 PM Mai departe | This World is My Arena

7:30 PM Mermaids Don't Cry

9:30 PM That They May Face the Rising Sun

October 22, 2024

5:30 PM The Strange Case of Jacky Caillou

7:30 PM La Flota de Indias | The West Indies Fleet

9:30 PM O anthropos me tis apantiseis | The Man with the Answers

October 23, 2024

5:30 PM Diabolik

7:30 PM Per Arti | Remember to Blink

9:30 PM Sonne und Beton | Sun and Concrete

October 24, 2024

5:30 PM Another Franko

7:30 PM Niebezpieczni dżentelmeni | Dangerous Gentlemen

9:30 PM Icare | Icarus and the Minotaur 

October 25, 2024

1:30 PM Toivon tuolla puolen | The Other Side of Hope

3:30 PM  Přišla v noci | She Came at Night

5:30 PM Tigrar | Tigers

7:30 PM L'uomo senza colpa | The Man without Guilt

October 26, 2024

1:30 PM Mancs | Paw

3:30 PM Mai departe | This World is My Arena

5:30 PM Mermaids Don't Cry

7:30 PM The Strange Case of Jacky Caillou

October 27, 2024

1:30 PM La Flota de Indias | The West Indies Fleet

3:30 PM Diabolik

5:30 PM Souvenir

7:30 PM That They May Face the Rising Sun

Admission to Cine Europa 27 is for free on a first come, first served basis. All films will be shown in their original language with English subtitles.

Cellist Damodar Das Castillo excites in Strings of Gold series opener

Mariel Ilusorio and Damodar Das Castillo

With a remarkable combination of youthful vigor and artistic maturity, cellist Damodar Das Castillo continues to excite as he and the ever reliable pianist Mariel Ilusorio officially christened the MiraNila Heritage House and Library as Metro Manila's newest classical music performance venue.

The concert also served as the unveiling of the newly restored Steinway 1904 grand piano.  With its dark brown finish and various ornate accents like the rococo-styled feet, the rare piano is a welcome change to the dominant stark black concert grand pianos that have dominated the scene for decades. 

But the audience had to wait a bit to hear the piano as the program began with a solo by Damodar performing the Prelude from Suite No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Right off the bat, Damodar, exuded a level of confidence and security that is beyond his 17 years.

And when joined by the seasoned Ilusorio in Frédéric Chopin's Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 65, he held is own and the two played as equals as if longtime collaborators. The meaty Chopin sonata could've served as the concert finale piece but this just wrapped up the first half.

The second half was a mixed selection of pieces starting with Faye Miravite's Transcendence that uniquely incorporates Damodar's meditative chants. This was followed by Nicanor Abelardo's Cavatina, Henry Mancini's Moon River, and Richard Rodgers' Edelweiss, a trio of pleasant tunes. The familiarity of the latter two pieces unfortunately prompted some audience members to hum along with a few doing so severely off key.

To close out the program, Damodar performed the first movement of Antonín Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, B. 191. With such aplomb, Ilusorio showcased the newly restored Steinway's brilliance effectively, laying aside whatever misgiving an audience member who longed for an actual orchestra might've had. The longing would've been for the complete concerto being performed instead.

Post performance Q&A

The MiraNila audience couldn't get enough of the duo and they were rewarded with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Pezzo capriccioso, Op. 62 and Ennio Morricone's Gabriel's Oboe from The Mission as encores that kept the mix of standard classical repertoire with the more recent, crowd-pleasing music presented in the concert.

The high ceiling of MiraNila house provided natural amplification and reverb, but making it very unforgiving even with the slightest intonation error. Thankfully, Damodar was very secure with his cello, showing no signs of hesitation. The only hesitation he had was during the post-performance Q&A section wherein he responded with just brief words compared to the more Ilusorio who gave eloquent answers as well as annotations throughout the evening.

The MiraNila Heritage House's inaugural Strings of Gold concert once again proved that Damodar Das Castillo is one of the country's most exciting young artists who has the potential to be a headliner on the international stage. And that Mariel Ilusorio remains one of the most reliable pianists who let her collaborators be at ease and truly shine on stage as well.