Andrew Lloyd Webber’s -The Phantom Of The Opera

It was my first time to watch an opera at CCP Main Theater with my brother last August 28, 2012.  Parking was a pain in the ass, it took us nearly an hour before we were able to park at a nearby parking area.  So, I suggest you come early.

We hurriedly ate dinner inside the car while waiting for an empty parking slot at Harbour Square.

It is a good thing that The Phantom of the Opera did not disappoint us. I highly recommend Andrew Lloyd Webber’s -The Phantom Of The Opera. Everyone, I tell you, don't you dare miss this play!

I wanted to capture some scenes for you my readers, unfortunately, the security at the entrance asked me to leave my DSLR at the counter. They give me a number tag and asked me to claim my camera after the show. Too bad :-(  The pictures below is courtesy of Jory Rivera.Thank you Jory!

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s critically acclaimed masterpiece celebrated its 25th anniversary on the West End stage last year, and continues to play to full houses nightly in London, New York and around the world. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has been seen by over 130 million people worldwide, in more than 27 countries, has won over 50 major theater awards, and has grossed more than US$5.6 billion. 

The setting of the tragic romance is in the Paris Opera House,  said to be haunted by a Phantom. Young talent Christine Daaé catches the Phantom’s fancy and he eventually falls in love with the young beautiful performer. Unfortunately, Christine even has already pledged her love to her childhood friend, Raoul.

The love triangle ignited a feud that affects the activities of the opera house and leads to an emotional roller-coaster ride filled with jealousy, passion, deceit, devotion and thrill. At the end Christine is forced to make a decision, which can only end in  two ways

1. Her marriage to the Phantom
2. or Raoul’s untimely demise.

The cast and crew are world-class. They have nearly a hundred tons sets, more than 700 stage lighting equipment and accessories. Oh, and yeah over 230 intricately designed and restored costumes by the late design titan Maria Björnson. I so love the dresses! They were so lovely. I wish I could wear one. The plot’s unexpected twist will leave you breathless. “The Phantom of the Opera” is truly one of the most exquisite multi-sensory experiences in musical theater.

“Inside a musical like this, which is ‘God’s gift to musical theater’ as it has been quoted, it’s true on every level,” Roxmouth said.

You are getting the best of the best be it in design, stage, orchestra, musical score. It's been around for 26 years and there’s a reason for that. It is simply the best among the best.

 

I wonder how much money did the producers spent for the Philippine run of this play? They have a magnificent stage. I super love the stage, casts, dresses, music and the whole play in general.

 

Special commendation to Andrea Creighton's performance. She played the character of Carlotta Guidicelle also known as the Opera Diva. As the Prima Donna Carlotta, Andrea Creighton relishes every opportunity not only to showcase her legitimate operatic prowess, technique and stylish Italian accent. Andrea played Carlotta with great comic touch and compelling vocal control. Tunay na kahanga hanga ang galing ng boses niya. Grabe!

Ticket prices ranges from:

Note: I was not paid to write about this show. This is my own experience. This is the best show ever for me. It is worth every penny! I want to see this play again, if I'll be given a chance. Super Like ko talaga!

Attire? I saw a lot of ladies fully made up and some in gowns and stiletto heels but that was not necessary. Smart Casual will do, just don't go there in shorts and slippers.

Don't miss your chance dear readers. Watch Andrew Lloyd Webber’s -The Phantom Of The Opera. Buy your tickets now and be enthralled! Super like ko yun song na All I ask of you! Kakilig! Happy Watching!

Ladies Night at Buddha-Bar Manila

An Invitation to all the jovial, lovely ladies of the cosmopolitan Metro, brace yourself to celebrate this August 31, 2012, as Buddha-Bar Manila stirs up an enthralling revelry that will surely enliven Manila’s party scene. Buddha-Bar Manila is opening its doors for Ladies First!—a night for all women who know how to party in style. Manila’s hottest DJ trio of Ornusa Cadness, Mia Ayesa, and Sanya Smith—collectively known as The Zombettes, will provide the unique world-famous Buddha-Bar music, soothing yet sensual that will transport you to a place away from the clatter and clutter of everyday life. The affair will be hosted by iconic radio DJ Sam YG, plus prizes like an e-gadget and a French designer bag will be raffled to all the lady attendees. Ladies First! is truly set to fuel the fabulous crowd all night.

But what makes it even more exciting is that the place is not just a typical setting with an open dance floor and couches on the sides. As a franchise of the world renowned bar-lounge-restaurant chain conceived by the late Raymond Visan in Paris, France in 1996, Buddha-Bar Manila carries the Buddha-Bar signature sophistication that has awed even the crowds of Monte Carlo, Kiev, Prague, Budapest, Mexico, Dubai, Beirut, Cairo and Tblisi. Buddha-Bar Manila has the same grandeur and opulence, with mystical interiors coupled with a glorious expanse filled with ornate fixtures, subdued amber lightning, and eclectic Asian décor.

And of course, what’s a party without delicacies and thirst-quenchers? Palates are guaranteed to feast with Buddha-Bar’s wide array of drinks and dishes that are all conjured with first-class ingredients and gustative concepts. With cuisine that perfectly fuse the strong Asian flavors with delicate French influences, dishes like Seared Sesame Tuna with Shiitake Vinaigrette, Fillet Mignon cooked “Teppan Yaki” Style, and a full selection of sushi palates will truly lift any party up a few notches.

A Classy Destination in the Metro

With or without themed events, Buddha-Bar Manila is always poised to satisfy its guests. In addition to its luscious treats and drinks, the mix of original Buddha-Bar music— ambient tracks and chill-out grooves— complement its overall ambiance. And since Buddha-Bar is known for its world-class DJs, it also offers compilations of musical collections that are exclusively selected by these DJs and stamped uniquely Buddha-Bar.

The newest lifestyle destination that is nestled in Makati at Picar Place has now become the haven for people who want to escape the frenzy of urban life and bask in Buddha-Bar Manila’s fantastic backdrop. Formally launched in January, Buddha-Bar Manila’s opening was graced by the presence of top fashion models Tweety de Leon-Gonzales, Mariana Benipayo, Bianca Valerio, fashion designers JC Buendia and Randy Ortiz, TV personality Rovilson Fernandez, and other prominent and discerning individuals who all have a penchant for classy party spots.

So ladies, mark your calendars and experience the exceptional delight first-hand this August 31. Feel free to bring your gentlemen friends along and be dazzled as you revel in the spotlight on a stylish night of music and culinary delight—only at Buddha-Bar Manila.

Ladies First! is Buddha-Bar Manila’s special ladies night out on August 31. For only P1,000( One thousand pesos), every guest is entitled to two (2) complimentary drinks. Plus all the ladies will get the chance to go home with an

•  e-gadget 
•  or an iconic French designer bag. 

For ticket reservations, call (02) 856-6719/6859/5738.

Buddha-Bar Manila is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue 
Open six days a week from 12nn until 2am (3am on weekends). 

For more information, visit <www.buddhabarmanila.com>

Villar Foundation Partnered with DZRH for Manila Bay Cleanup

Villar Foundation Partnered with DZRH for Manila Bay Cleanup 

The recent cleanup drive of the Villar Foundation with Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), attracted hundreds of volunteers.

Keeping with its environment-related advocacies, The Villar Foundation had recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) as represented by radio station DZRH in its Manila Bay Cleanup drive.
 
The Villar Foundation, led by its vibrant Managing Director Cynthia Villar, together with at least 1,000 volunteers from schools, barangays, NGOs, socio-civic organizations, and other private individuals and groups had joined the cleanup drive. Their assigned garbage cleanup area is in the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat & Eco-Tourism Area or LPPCHEA, off Manila Bay.
“We have always been concerned about the condition of the Manila Bay. The recent typhoons have shown all of us the bay’s decaying state due to people’s indiscriminate throwing and dumping of garbage there. Regular cleanup drives such as this are always a good idea,” quips Cynthia Villar.

During the recent typhoon Gener, according to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), at least 200 truckloads or over 500 tons of garbage, washed away to shore by the storm surge, was collected around the Manila Bay area. It took weeks to completely collect the big piles of garbage.
Villar added that the foundation conducts regular weekly cleanups at LPPCHEA but Saturday’s cleanup with DZRH is just bigger in terms of number of volunteers.

As per the MoA, MBC or DZRH lead the Manila Bay Cleanup project last August 25, 2012 (Saturday) along the coastline of Manila Bay from Navotas to Bacoor, Cavite in line with their agenda to help promote any and all efforts in relation to the promotion of sustainable ecosystem of Manila Bay.

The clean-up activities took place from 7am to 11am onwards and the garbage collected was turned over to the appropriate government solid waste collector in the area.

“The Villar Foundation and DZRH agree that this is a joint cooperative undertaking, but more importantly, it is a major public service activity that shall help contribute to the promotion of a livable, healthier and ecological sustainable Manila Bay,” cited the MoA.

Villar has been vocal about her strong support for the protection of Manila Bay. It can be recalled on March 16 this year that Mrs. Cynthia Villar filed a petition for Writ of Kalikasan against a Manila Bay reclamation project that is seen to cause catastrophic flooding in the area. The Supreme Court granted her petition and issued a writ of kalikasan in April, 2012.

“We will continue to support campaigns or drives to protect Manila Bay and neighboring areas including LPPCHEA. At the same, time, we will continue to oppose projects that will cause damage and destruction to the bay and nearby cities,” cited Villar.

For more details about the projects and programs of the Villar Foundation, please visit its website www.villarfoundation.org or follow its Twitter account www.twitter.com/VFoundationInc