A time to celebrate

A Silver Harvest at the CCP, Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s 25th anniversary show, gathered personalities who in one way or another worked with Gantimpala either as an actor, production staff or workshopper. Award-winning actor Ricky Davao hosted both the video show and the live performance together with Wowie de Guzman, Alma Concepcion, Chat Silayan, Alan Paule, Kimberly Diaz, Jose Javier Reyes, Pinky Marquez, Noni Buencamino and the husband and wife team of Spanky Manikan and Susan Africa.

A Day in The Life of An Actor followed a much-applauded video presentation of posters of past productions. This mime-dance numbers featuring Val Trono, Ding Cruz, Christopher David, and Jamaica Tagorda got a hearty applause from an appreciative audience.

A dazzling display of vocal prowess was the highlight of the Magsimula Ka medley. Magsimula Ka was one of the original musicals the company produced and the original cast and some guests Isay Alvarez, Pinky Marquez, May Bayot, Beverly Salviejo and Joy Viado with Noni Buencamino, Miguel Vera, Michael Laygo and Arnold Reyes performed the medley with bravura!

Heart-rending was the tribute of the theater group to two of its dearly-departed members-comedian Rene Requiestas and award-winning character actor Ray Ventura. But the highlight of the evening was the counterpoint production featuring excerpts from the four classics Gantimpala has been known for.

Richard Quan and Kimberly Diaz were Ibarra and Maria Clara in Kanser (Noli Me Tangere), Alan Paule, Wowie de Guzman and Paula Ferrer with Bodjie Pascua for El Filibusterismo; Miguel Castro, Zed Carreon and Arkin Da Silva with Jam Tagorda for Ibong Adarna and Jojit Lorenzo, Adriana Agcaoili and Dekster Santos for Florante at Laura.

The awarding of the Gawad Gantimpala to Dean Lucresia Kasilag, the company’s moving spirit and inspiration was met by a standing ovation. This was followed by the keynote speech of Gantimpala’s Founding President and Artistic Director Tony Espejo.

Moonstar 88’s 2nd single

Pop-folk band Moonstar 88 released its second single album recently. Billed Press to Play, the album boasts of Sulat as its carrier single. Incidentally, Sulat has been getting good airplay from top radio stations and its music video, featuring Vhong Navarro and Maui Taylor has been in heavy rotation on MTV and MYX. Moonstar 88 is composed of Acel Bsa (vocals), William Pineda (drums), Herbert Hernandez (guitar) and Paolo Bernardo (bass).

Brief Moments, the second issue of Raymond Lontok’s photography art books on underwear, is now available for P375 at all Bench stores nationwide.

Published by Metropolis Publishing, Brief Moments shows various styles and techniques in male photography. It contains duotone and color photographs of the country’s top models in their skimpy best. Brief Moments was published following the success of its initial outing, Brief Encounters. A third and final issue, Brief Affairs is now in progress.

Lagi Kitang Naaalala at CCP

A musical tribute to National Artists for Music Levi Celerio, Atang dela Rama and Lucio San Pedro is scheduled at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Sept. 6, 7 and 8 at PM. Billed Lagi Kitang Naaalala, it will raise funds that will help perpetuate the legacy of the three National artists. The star-studded musical tribute will feature Lani Misalucha, Celeste Legaspi, Calvin Millado, Verni Varga, Rachel Alejandro, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Roselle Nava, Franco Laurel, Keempee de Leon, JM Rodriguez, Tin Arnaldo, Diane dela Fuente, Piolo Pascual, RJ Rosales, Robert Sena, Bituin Escalante, Anna Fegi, Jay, Elizabeth Ramsey, Sylvia La Torre, Isay Alvarez together with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Philippine Madrigal Singers, Tanghalang Pilipino, Ballet Philippines, and choirs from the University of the Philippines. These performers will render songs with lyrics written by Levi Celerio such as Lagi Kitang Naaalala, Ang Pipit, Pitong Gatang, Kung Ako’y Magaasawa, Kalesa, Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Diligin ng Hamog Ang Uhaw na Lupa, Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Waray-Waray and Kahit Konting Pagtingin, excerpts from the zarzuelas Dalagang Bukid, Paglipas ng Dilim where Atang de la Rama performed, and compositions by Lucio San Pedro to be performed by the Angono Symphonic Band, and the choirs from the UP and the Philippine Madrigal singers. Chris Millado directs the musical with Chino Toledo as musical director, choreography by Edna Vida, Denisa Reyes, and Alden Lugnasin. Dennis Marasigan is the lighting director and production design by Boni Juan. Sound design by Willy Munji. For inquiries call CCP marketing at 8321125 loc. 1801-1806/5517930/5517930/8323878.

Blue party

Everything is set for PLDT MyMusic’s Blue party at the NBC tent tonight. Lucky callers of PLDT MyMusic’s 1-908-MYMUSIC (1-908-6968742) who won free tickets to the much-awaited exclusive Blue party can mix, meet and greet with their favorite UK band Blue. Blue is the latest among the top acts brought in by PLDT MyMusic after A1 and Jennifer Paige. Blue, whose debut single All Rise went straight to number 1 in the UK charts after its release has been touted as the next Best Pop New Artist in the recent UK Pop Awards and the Best British Newcomer of the Brit Awards 2002. Other Blue singles that went straight to the top chart are If You Come Back, and Too Close.

The band is composed of Duncan James (22), Anthony Costa (20), Lee Ryan (18) and Simon Webbe (22). A message from Lee Ryan, who due to an injury was not able to join the group’s Asian tour, will be played. The Blue party caps the band’s Manila tour. With access to over 2.2 million subscribers, only PLDT MyMusic, can bring stars, artists, music and interactivity closer to the music fans nationwide.