John Lapus is “Sweet in a Box”

Plus: Dance of the Steel Bars opens in cinemas today Dog tags boost donation box of Hero Foundation, Inc.

Two-time Aliw awardee for Best Comedy Act, actor and TV host John Lapus takes center stage at the Music Museum on June 15, 2013 with his show entitled Sweet in a Box to celebrate his 20 fruitful years in the showbiz industry.

“Sweet after twenty years is much bolder and spicier. Of course, I will be in my honest, direct to the point punch lines as I tackle life inside the box of showbiz,” says comedian John. “Watch out for my new character Tweetums and the infamous Kris Anino crying a river while announcing her resignation from showbiz and prepares to embrace politics in 2016. But wait, there’s more – the ending of my show is a must watch! If people know me for my buwis-buhay dance numbers, might as well, let’s do a level up. The end will showcase Sweet coming out of the box.” He also highlighted that he will be wearing stunning creations of this industry’s fabulous and celebrated fashion designers namely JC Buendia, Pablo Cabahug, Jeffrey Rogador, Tatah Galias, Totoy Madriaga, Bea Albert and Bing Cristobal.

From his humble beginnings as a researcher, Sweet has come full circle as a total entertainer and award winning actor. With the support of his fellow Star Magic Kapamilya talents Angeline Quinto, Enrique Gil and Xian Lim with the special participation of Jake Cuenca and Julia Clarete, audience can only expect best live performances. Directed by Phillip Lazaro who also spearheaded Sweet 16, Sweet @ 18, Comic Divas, and the two record-breaking Jose – Wally concerts in Araneta Coliseum.

“This is one, very exciting concert! In fact, we are sending a special reminder to everyone watching. The show is not the usual doll in the box. Sweet in a Box concert is recommended for 13 years old and above not for its small parts but because of its dirty parts,” John ends in guffaw.

The show is sponsored by ABS-CBN, Star Magic, Pep.Ph, Orange Segment Print and Design Studio, Golds Gym, Hairwatch Salon and Planet Drugstore. For ticket inquiries, you may call 0927.751.5726 / 0923.929.9994 or TicketWorld hotline 891-9999.

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With an authentic gritty setting, star-studded cast, gripping storyline and a soundtrack that combines contemporary street dance with the sound of a big Hollywood film score, the theatrical release of Dance of the Steel Bars will kick-start Philippine Independence Day with a bang.

Directed by Cesar Apolinario and Marnie Manicad and starring Dingdong Dantes (“Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles,” “One More Try,” “Kimi Dora”), Patrick Bergin (“Sleeping with the Enemy,” “Patriot Games,” “Robin Hood”), and a pack of seasoned talents, the release from Portfolio Films and GMA Films comes exclusively to SM Cinemas nationwide today, June 12, 2013.

“Wringing with the combined raw talent of both cast and crew and set against the real backdrop of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, Dance of the Steel Bars brings audiences into an inspiring story that celebrates the flawed human spirit’s journey in search of redemption and truth,” says Stuart Cameron, Producer of Portfolio Films.

Dingdong Dantes believes that this project will show the world the resilient Filipino culture, the remarkable talent of local filmmakers and their vision towards globalization of the film industry. “It will be something that will mark the start of something great and I am so proud to be part of it,” says Dingdong.

Playing equally important roles in Dance of the Steel Bars are Mon Confiado as Gudo, Kathleen Hermosa as Lulu, Thou Reyes as Dong Mata, Gabe Mercado as Deputy Warden Diaz, Renee Salud as Charity and former Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia as herself.

“We are very happy that Dance of the Steel Bars is our Independence Day offering. It’s a movie that we could be proud of not only in the Philippines but also worldwide, ” says Jose Mari Abacan of GMA Films.

Dance of the Steel Bars is produced by Portfolio Films International. The story is by Cesar Apolinario, Marnie Manicad and Jiggy Manicad. The screenplay is by Cris Lim. The story is inspired by the lives of the CPDRC Dancing Inmates and is a fictional account of how the dancing program started.

The movie had a successful premiere on Monday (June 10) and is getting rave reviews.

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The HERO Foundation, Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization that sends military orphans to school, is giving their donation box a new look. The “dog tags” donation box looks like a container full of what appear to be coins but are actually hundreds and hundreds of soldiers’ dog tags.

“Dog tags” signify fallen soldiers’ supreme sacrifice to bring about peace, offering their lives to attain it. In return, it is but proper that we reciprocate by sharing whatever amount we can donate for our heroes’ families, their children in particular.

The redesigned donation box was launched at the 4th Floor Trinoma Mall Cinema lobby on Monday, June 10. To make the event even more momentous, HERO Foundation ambassadors like 6Cyclemind, Ces Orena Drilon, Callalily, as well as new ambassador Young JV were present to hand in their personal donations and to meet HERO Foundation scholars.

Ces Drilon hosted the event that saw Callalily and 6Cyclemind, as well as Young JV performing in a mini concert that followed the launch.

Also present at the event were talent managers Carlo Orosa and Audie Gemora of Stages, Inc., which pledged support to the HERO Foundation by producing a brand new all-Pinoy musicale titled “Blue Bird of Happiness” this September to be staged at the Meralco Theater. HERO Foundation bought a night of the show as part of its fund drive.

At the said launch, which fittingly coincides with the celebration of Independence Day, children of actual soldiers also symbolically placed their father’s dog tags in the container to start off the fund-raising campaign.

HERO Foundation, Inc. had been raising awareness and funds about the plight of children of soldiers who were killed while seeing action since 1988 when it was founded by the late President Corazon C. Aquino in collaboration with her then-administration’s Defense Secretary Renato De Villa.

For close to 25 years, HERO carried on the noble task with the support extended by corporations and private individuals as well. The scholarship come in the form of stipend that are directly given to the families of fallen soldiers to help them with the cost of books, uniform, meals, transportation, school supplies, and sometimes, even their tuition fees.