PLDT-Smart Gabay Kalikasan premieres a musical revue billed

‘Songs for a Changed World: COVID and Climate Change’ on June 5 on FB and YouTube

In celebration of World Environment Day (WED) 2020 this Friday, June 5, PLDT and Smart, through Gabay Kalikasan, premieres a timely and relevant all-original musical revue billed “Songs for a Changed World: COVID and Climate Change.”

The Gabay Kalikasan show will feature popular music interpreted by outstanding talents in Philippine theater, specifically the cast and production team behind the widely successful musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”

“Songs for A Changed World,” with concept and libretto by Floy Quintos, musical direction by Myke Salomon and direction by Dexter Santos, will be streamed on the Gabay Kalikasan Facebook page and YouTube channel at 8 p.m.

PhilStage Brings "Mundong Entablado" To One Night Stand On September 1

Seven of the country’s finest theater artists are set to join forces on September 1 for PHILSTAGE’s fundraiser. Entitled “Mundong Entablado”, the show is part of the One Night Stand monthly cabaret at 12 Monkeys Music Hall, and features songs from eleven contemporary Filipino musicals.

Theater veterans Bituin Escalante, Cris Villonco, Sweet Plantado, Nonie Buencamino, and OJ Mariano take the stage with rising stars Kim Molina and Sandino Martin in this unique celebration of Manila’s vibrant performing arts scene. Under the direction of Topper Fabregas and musical direction of Ejay Yatco, the program consists of songs from Rock Supremo, Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Bituing Walang Ningning, Lorenzo, Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Maxie the Musical, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, Sa Wakas, Rizal X, Isang Panaginip na Fili, and Rak of Aegis, all re-arranged for this cabaret.

ART IS A BANG: : Lorenzo

We all know Lorenzo Ruiz De Manila as the saint who lived during the Spanish regime and the first Filipino saint. But how is his life relevant to the Filipinos of today? LORENZO the musical is a timely tale about the life of the saint and a OFW in verge of death sentence overseas.

The two  Lorenzos, OJ Mariano as Laurence, an OFW on death row in an Arab country, and Lorenz Martinez as St. Lorenzo Ruiz, performing in Filipino from the usual English plays where is known for makes it one of the reasons one should watch this one of a kind play.

Though it seem to have the common perception that it would be just like any other play out there, Lorenzo has broken free from the conventional storytelling of the martyrdom of the saints and his companions who was revered for their unwavering faith in God. 

ART IS A BANG: Of OFWs, Saints, and Rock

LORENZO is a musical about the life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz

What do you get when you put together an OFW on death row, a fugitive who became a saint, and rock music?

LORENZO is a theatrical production on the life and struggles of two Lorenzos: Laurence (OJ Mariano), an OFW on death row in an Arab country, and St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Lorenz Martinez), the first Filipino canonized as a saint for his martyrdom in Japan.

LORENZO’s executive producer, Christopher de Leon, has assembled a stellar artistic team for the production. The musical’s libretto was written by award-winning writers Juan Ekis and Paul Dumol, with the collaboration of Joem Antonio. The musical’s beautiful melodies were composed and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab. Internationally-trained Gino Gonzales heads production design. And, last but not least, the play is directed by industry veteran Nonon Padilla.

The production is unique in its storytelling; its premise has Laurence dictating the libretto of a musical he has written about Lorenzo Ruiz to a Filipino reporter.