by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 4, 2022 | Entertainment
Many people believe that in order to understand the present and possibly the future, it is important to understand what happened in the past. This is what Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar will attempt to do as it brings to life iconic Filipino characters that played pivotal roles in significant historical events through what is called now Freedom Land. Its revival aims to relive some of the Philippines’ greatest battles to achieve freedom and sovereignty.
Reliving pivotal stories through re-enactment will help us understand the challenges and successes of the past. Rediscover the importance of every event in Philippine history through Las Casas’ Freedom Land. Travel back in time and witness The Execution of Rizal, The Cry of Balintawak, and The Act of the Declaration of Independence.
From Rizal’s most loved novel NOLI ME TANGERE characters, Sisa, Maria Clara, and the infamous Padre Damaso to the iconic face of Philippine patriotism, Heneral Luna, these characters complete the Hispanic era and feel through monologues that will make your experience picture perfect and social media worthy. They can be seen daily at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 5 pm.
Aside from the iconic characters mentioned, storyteller, Lola Basyang will delight children and the child at heart with an anthology of short stories from Mondays to Thursdays.
Freedom Land theatrical play happens on all weekends of the month until December 2022, from Thursdays to Sundays. One show in the morning at 10:00 am and at 4:00 pm in the afternoon.
Located in Bagac, Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the only Philippine destination that showcases the best of Filipino heritage and culture through the colorful stories as retold by Jose “Jerry” Acuzar’s collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses.
From the majestic architectural design to a heart-warming revival of traditions, Las Casas is a complete package for one-of-a-kind travel to the past. All these unique initiations are in line with Las Casas’ mission to bring Filipino heritage to greater heights and have been awarded as the Best Historic Hotel in Asia Pacific in the year 2021.
To visit Las Casas via commute, take the Bataan bus from Cubao or take the ferry from SM MOA esplanade. If you are taking your own car, take the SCTEX road to Dinalupihan exit or San Fernando exit. It takes approximately 3 hours to get to the only heritage hotel and resort in Bagac.
For more inquiries, email re**********@***************as.com or call reservations at +63917.8729361, +63915.8519098, +64933.8224523, or visit our website at www.lascasasfilipinas.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 3, 2022 | Entertainment
Globe, the most reliable mobile network in the Philippines, continues to bring many firsts that help make every day better for every Filipino.
Globe announced exciting offers and upcoming events at the Globe Innovation Fest, held for the first time on ground at The Globe Tower in BGC on Thursday, November 3, 2022.
To showcase the different ways that Globe uplifts lives, the company brought together a series of exciting announcements and previews from its different businesses and partner brands through the Globe Innovation Fest (GIF) 2022.
GIF highlights stories and platforms that allow Globe customers to experience compassion, life-enhancing experiences, everyday acts of kindness and generosity, and enabling programs to help them grow, learn, and thrive.
“Globe is dedicated to improving the lives of Filipinos by giving them the latest innovations, products, and solutions to address their pain points. Our customers have access to a rich ecosystem of services across health, finance, education, e-commerce, and entertainment. Through all these digital solutions, we aim to deliver the kind of service and care that our customers can count on,” said Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu.
During the hybrid event held via Globe Virtual Hangouts Metaverse, Globe introduced upcoming events and offers that customers will surely enjoy in the coming months.
World-class entertainment
At the GIF, Globe shared the news on several events that will bring exciting entertainment experiences to Filipinos.
Globe is thrilled to be the first telco operator to offer special packages for customers in the Philippines to enjoy the popular streaming service, Disney+. Finally, Filipinos can enjoy the incredible collection of general entertainment content on Disney+ from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star, starting November 17, 2022. Download the GlobeOne app to learn more and avail.
Also on the streaming front, Erben Pilapil-Tuazon, Portfolio Director at Globe’s Get Entertained Tribe, announced Globe’s partnership with Tap Digital Media Ventures Corp (TapDMV) for the Philippine broadcast of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on TapGO TV Pay Per View, happening this November and December. TapDMV is the Exclusive Philippine Licensee of FIFA to stream the event.
With the partnership, Globe customers and GCash users can get an All-Access pass to the World Cup via TapGo TV pay-per-view at P1,999, with a P100 rebate.
Globe also prepared an exciting lineup of concerts and activities that customers will surely enjoy as on-ground events see a comeback.
Blackpink
Denisse Arao, Globe’s Strategic Sponsorships and Partnerships Manager announced the highly anticipated return of Korean pop supergroup BLACKPINK, who will be here on March 25 and 26, 2023 for the Manila leg of their Born Pink World Tour. Globe users should stay tuned for exclusive offers, early access, merch giveaways, and unique on-ground experiences.
Also coming to thrill their Filipino fans are Thailand’s biggest stars Bright (Vachirawit Chivaaree), Win (Metawin Opas-iamkajorn), Dew Jirawat, and Nani Harunkit. The boys will hold a November 19 concert and appear in an exclusive event for Globe customers on November 20, said Globe Prepaid Brand Manager Jam Ng.
Tuazon, meanwhile, drummed up excitement for the Head in the Clouds Festival — the largest Asian-centric festival in America — which will be held for the first time in the Philippines on December 9 and 10, 2022, focusing on the brightest Filipino talents. Globe customers stand to win tickets through various raffle promos.
And for Bonifacio Global City’s annual Holiday Celebration, Globe will be holding activities for its customers at the Serenade Concert at the 5th Ave., BGC every Saturday from November 26 until December 17. The concert will feature artists Zack Tabudlo, Unique, Adie, and OPM icon Jose Mari Chan, the voice behind the country’s most popular holiday music staples.
Aside from the concerts, Globe recently held the search for Kmmunity Kreator where Globe Kmmunity members showcased their talents inspired by their favorite K-stars. The winners will be announced on December 3 and 4 at KmmunityPH K’tizens Choice Awards 2022. All four (4) winners will receive P25,000 worth of GCash credits and P2,000 worth of Shopee vouchers. They will also officially become #HallyuTalkPH content creators for TikTok and official KmmunityPH Ambassadors.
Meanwhile, 0917 Lifestyle was relaunched as a gadget and apparel brand focusing on bridging everyone’s online and offline life. With their new pop-up store along High Street in BGC, everything on 0917’s online platforms can now be seen and experienced firsthand, according to Gladys Rojas, 0917 Lifestyle Head.
Product offers and innovations
Globe also provides hope, growth, and enjoyment with new innovations that keep life moving forward.
Anne David, Globe Business Integrated Marketing Head, talked about Globe for Education’s search for Heroes of Learning, an initiative to honor those who have championed learning despite the everyday challenges they have faced using technology. Globe also partnered with Google Philippines to upskill Filipinos by providing scholarships through Google Career Certificates, a program where Globe Prepaid and TM customers may receive access to IT certificate courses.
On connectivity, Globe has various pioneering and affordable offers for customers to enjoy.
Moriah Ganzon, Globe At Home Postpaid Marketing Lead for Online Channel, meanwhile, shared Globe’s pioneering avenue for connectivity, TMBayan Fiber WiFi, a prepaid WiFi service that aims to deliver reliable and affordable fiber connectivity in communities across the country for as low as P50 unlimited for 3 days.
Globe At Home has also made access to fiber connectivity fast and instant via the new GFiber online channel, which provides end-to-end digital support, from easy application to a 24-hour installation guarantee and real-time technician tracking. Disney+ Premium Plan will soon be made available on us, to new and existing customers who upgrade to GFiber Unli Plans 2499 and up.
Globe At Home is also set to become among the first in Southeast Asia to offer Fiber-To-The-Room (FTTR) technology, providing extremely fast and ultra-seamless WIFI connection with a speed and coverage 10 times the traditional WIFI network and capacity to handle up to 128 device connections. Existing Globe At Home customers may simply add this to their bill. With GFiber Unli plans boosted by FTTR, the digital experience at home will reach a whole new level.
On the other hand, Anna Baldos, Globe Prepaid Portfolio Head, shared how the new Go+ promos further help Gen Zs own their future with its freebie offerings. Go+ enables customers to pursue their passions with an additional 8GB for their favorite apps and sites. Plus, it also allows them to get their new essentials online with exclusive lifestyle vouchers from e-commerce apps.
As Globe continues to make industry-leading ventures, Globe Prepaid talked about Virtual Hangouts Metaverse. The platform offers first-in-the-country metaverse and hybrid experiences for passion-driven Gen Zs to enhance their tech engagement and give them valuable learning opportunities to turn their passions into professions.
At the same time, Globe again paves the way for Filipinos to live a life without boundaries with immersive experiences through innovations in Web3 and the metaverse. It has partnered with MetaverseGo for exclusive access to Metaverse and redemption of GUDI squad NFTs with Globe Rewards points so the community can experience the new virtual space first.
Globe also strives to make every day a win for gamers.
Globe Chief Commercial Officer Issa Guevarra-Cabreira opens this year’s Globe Innovation Fest, where Globe announced exciting offers and upcoming events to uplift Filipinos’ digital lifestyle.
Gaming for Globe ranges from casual to committed. Globe GoGAMES is a fun and simple way for customers to earn rewards points by playing hyper-casual games on the GlobeOne App.
During a Fireside Chat with Jed Reyes-Cuerva, Portfolio Manager for Games and Esports, Globe also recently participated as the main presenter of the Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit (ESGS), the country’s premier gaming convention which made a comeback as an in-person event this year.
As it constantly aspires to uplift the lives of Filipinos, Globe makes every day easier, simpler, more rewarding, and more fulfilling.
The Globe of Good ecosystem provides nutrition, upskilling, livelihood, and education to those in need and gives customers a chance to help. Through the Hapag Movement, customers can donate Rewards points or GCash to provide food and livelihood support for those suffering from involuntary hunger.
Customers can also unlock rewarding experiences that will allow them to make the most of their every day, with the GlobeOne App.
“To improve the lives of many, we always strive to do better for our customers and stakeholders. We want our customers to feel that we are here with them to make life easier and exciting every day,” said Globe Chief Commercial Officer Issa Guevarra-Cabreira.
To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 27, 2022 | Entertainment
DUP rises again after weathering two years of the CoVid-19 pandemic. To forge the path forward, the event, entitled “Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay” starts with honoring its founding artistic director – National Artist for Theatre Antonio O. Mabesa. These ushers in the reopening of DUP’s doors to the public as it presents two new exciting and thought-provoking works in its 45th Theatre Season.
Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay
Parangal kay Antonio O. Mabesa, Pambansang Alagad ng Sining para sa Teatro at Paglulunsad ng 45th Theatre Season ng Dulaang UP
Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay expresses a tone of gratitude in its heartfelt remembering of a captain and founder, a celebration of his fruitful past, his innovations in theatre-making, and a rekindling of the commitment to serve Sir Tony’s vision of excellence in the practice of Theatre.
It offers a personal and intimate commemoration of “Sir Tony” through the eyes of his students, colleagues, friends, and family. It shares how his mentorship and legacy live on in the lives and practices of the people he has inspired.
And to preserve the wealth of knowledge carried on by the Dulaang UP community, DUP now launches its 45th Theatre Season “BALIKWAS: Tanaw. Tugon. Tindig”, amidst the pandemic, as an agile response to the current conditions of theatre practice and the Filipino society in this “next” normal.
You can watch Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay in the video below that was recorded on Facebook Live at the event itself or click on the link here to watch the video on Dulaang UP’s official page.
Dulaang UP (DUP) and Sir Tony’s Legacy
National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa established Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) in 1976. Through his leadership and inspiration, DUP established a reputation for innovation and excellence in theatre while offering a training ground for young talent via the mentorship of the veterans. DUP has also served as a venue for staging published and new works making it an evident source of new talent for local and international theatre, cinema, television, advertising, and other creative industries.
In Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay, DUP traces the legacy of NA Tony Mabesa from the personal accounts of his colleagues, students, and friends in the local theatre community. Among them are renowned names in the field of theater, film, and television: Edna Mae Landicho, Monino Duque, Josefina Estrella, Anton Juan, Jr., Shamaine Buencamino, Dennis Marasigan, Karen Gaerlan, Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Eric Pineda, Banaue Miclat-Janssen, Ross Pesigan, and Adriana Agcaoili to name a few.
Part of remembering Sir Tony Mabesa is an interpretation of his biographical essay, Life in the Theater, which adds an intimate layer of commemorating his presence and contribution to professional theater and the Theater Arts Program of the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Memorializing Sir Tony would not be complete without a poignant testimony from one of his closest friends and colleagues in the industry, award-winning film & TV director Joel Lamangan. Lastly, a rendition of a song from Joi Barrios’ Gabriela: Isang Oratorio, directed by Sir Tony himself in 2006 complements a longing yet hopeful tone of honoring Dulaang UP’s beloved father.
Dulaang UP’s Lineage
Dulaang UP Artistic Director, Issa Lopez
Dulaang UP Managing Director Nicodemus Varona
Since its founding year, Dulaang UP has been a vehicle for articulating perspectives and assertions through the vision of its artistic directors.
For more than four decades, DUP thrived under the artistic directorship of catalysts of change and innovation in the theatre and performance scene such as Tony Mabesa, Behn Cervantes, Anton Juan Jr., Jose Estrella, Alexander Cortez, Amiel Leonardia, Ogie Juliano, Edna Mae Landicho, Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, Dexter M. Santos, and Banaue Miclat-Janssen.
As Dulaang UP decides to open its doors after two years of hiatus, it also extends its pathway beyond the stage and onto the challenges of hybrid and new forms of performances, while making sure to stand for its core values through its new artistic director, Issa Manalo Lopez.
Under the new artistic directorship, DUP strives to hold onto its reputation and address issues worth taking.
New Productions
Two stellar productions are lined up in this year’s 45th theatre season; The Reconciliation Dinner, a new one-act play by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter Santos, showing this November 18-20, 2022; and Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba, original story by Dean Alfar, a stage adaptation by Maynard Manansala and Rody Vera, directed by José Estrella, to be staged by March 2023. For tickets, show buying, and sponsorships, you may contact Dulaang UP at du***********@****du.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 15, 2022 | Entertainment
Tony Mabesa, 27 JAN 1935 – 04 OCT 2019
I count myself as one of the lucky ones who had the privilege to attend Pagtutuloy, Pagtutulay: A Tribute to Tony Mabesa. The name Antonio “Tony” Mabesa is a name that brings love, happiness, respect, and admiration to every person he has ever encountered. His career in theater, film, television, and the academe span about 70 years.
While he has done so much for the entertainment industry, his biggest contribution, in my opinion, has been as an educator and founder of the Dulaang UP and other theater groups. His passion infected the people around him and made all his students and mentees strive to be better than they thought they could be.
Watching testimonial after testimonial from former students and individuals (some of whom are renowned personalities in theater, TV, and film) he has worked with was very heartwarming and tear-inducing. It made me regret that I never had the opportunity to work with him.
Joel Lamangan – director, mentee, and friend
Joel Lamangan shares his experiences with Tony Mabesa
The most memorable part of the evening for me was when Dir. Joel Lamangan came onstage to share stories and anecdotes about learning and working with Tony Mabesa. I smiled and laughed with everyone in the crowd when he talked about how Tony could not act like a poor man, which is why as an actor, he was always cast as the businessman, the priest, and the don.
As Joel relates more of his anecdotes he segues into how Tony Mabesa is the reason why Philippine university theater exists. It is because of him that Dulaang UP exists.
Balikwas by Dulaang UP
This media event kicks off the new season of Dulaang UP called “Balikwas” which begins with a one-act play by Floy Quintos under the direction Dexter Santos called The Reconciliation Dinner. It will be performed live from November 18 to 20 at the UP Theater Main Hall.
You can get your tickets at Ticket2Me. For ticket inquiries and sponsorship we can reach out to Dulaang UP at du***********@****du.ph or we can send them a message on their Facebook Page: Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP Official Page).
Congratulations, Dulaang UP! I look forward to watching your plays again soon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 13, 2022 | Entertainment
Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Aug. 5, 2022) — US-based Filipino producer Francis B. Lara Ho and Filipino-American actor-director Michael Copon are collaborating for the film “1521” which will depict a clandestine love story against the backdrop of the epic clash between pre-colonial Filipinos and Spanish forces of Ferdinand Magellan in Mactan, Philippines more than 500 years ago.
The film boasts a powerhouse cast including Copon, renowned American actor Danny Trejo, Filipino superstar Bea Alonzo, and award-winning actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.
“1521” opens with the character Didi or Diwata, who dreams of being transported to pre-colonial Philippines while exploring the ruins of an ancient Spanish fort. In her dream, she becomes a native princess who falls in love with Magellan’s handsome translator Enrique — their romance caught up in the conflict.
The events become more complicated after Didi awakens, and soon finds the line between her dream and reality blurring.
Lapu-Lapu statue in Mactan, Cebu
The film will also be told largely from the perspective of Lapu-Lapu, regarded as the first Filipino hero for leading the forces that defeated the Spaniards.
Copon, who will both direct the film and portray Lapu-Lapu, said he took on the project to highlight Filipino history and culture.
“People don’t know what happened to Magellan. Some people in America think he just died. And a lot of times, the history of the Philippines gets pushed under the rug, unnoticed, which led to the passion that we wanted to embrace those stories and embrace the culture, and say ‘Hey! Let me get this out there,'” said Copon, known for starring in “Power Rangers Time Force” and the teen drama “One Tree Hill.”
“Even more historic is, this is the first time a Hollywood director and producer are producing a movie about a Filipino story with Hollywood stars and Filipino stars in one movie,” he added.
Trejo, who starred in the “Machete” and “From Dusk till Dawn” film series, will play Magellan.
Alonzo will take on the role of Diwata while Puerto Rican actor Hector David Jr., who also appeared in “Power Rangers,” portrays her love interest, Enrique.
Copon said “1521” would not focus entirely on the Battle of Mactan, citing the romance between Diwata and Enrique, which he described as the “heart and soul” of the story.
“We didn’t want to make a movie that is just about the battle and the war,” he said.
Lara Ho said the film would be shot entirely in Palawan, which was picked for its scenic beaches and mountains.
The producer, himself a Palaweño, hoped to provide more opportunities to the people in the province through the project.
“I am actually pleasantly surprised when we did the casting that there are quite a few Palaweños who are really incredible in talent. They just need the opportunities and so that’s what we are bringing here,” Lara Ho said.
“Sad to say that Palawan is one of the richest in terms of natural resources but our poverty level is very high compared to other provinces. That’s why I’m hoping that bringing projects here would change that,” he added.
“1521” is scheduled for release on June 12, 2023, coinciding with the 125th celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 12, 2022 | Entertainment
With a powerful line-up of inspirational and Bible-based content, Pray.com launches a new series, “Heroes of the Bible: Joseph,” to grow its audio collection and offer a new perspective on heroes found in Scripture. Immersing listeners in a memorable cinematic audio experience, Filipino-Puerto Rican superstar Gary Valenciano — known by fans as Gary V “Mr. Pure Energy” — voices the story of Joseph and helps offer insight into modern-day heroes of the faith.
“Gary is a breath of fresh air with some of the best vocals we’ve ever heard. Pray.com has been working together with Gary for the past year, and nothing but magic has been produced,” said Max Bard, Pray.com VP of Content. “He has a voice that feels like he’s giving you a hug. And with the brand-new release of Joseph, you will get to experience his range and the Bible come to life.”
Inspired by the book of Genesis from the Bible, this audio series introduces listeners to the flawed hero, Joseph. This beloved son of Israel received a coat of glimmering colors from his father, showcasing his favor over his brothers. However, his father’s favor puffs him up with pride, which ultimately becomes his downfall. Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery, forever changing the trajectory of his life.
“Joseph was a hero who went through a lot, and you’ll hear all of that when you get to listen to his story in ‘Heroes of the Bible,’” Valenciano said. “I have so enjoyed working with Pray.com on this content, as they’re not just professionals, the PRAY team is also passionate about putting the Word of God across in a manner that caters to everyone. This Joseph story is written in a way that can really be accepted and appreciated by people today. It’s slightly reimagined, and I tried to put in what I personally felt would have been the drama going on between Joseph, his brothers, his father, the coat, the dreams, Pharaoh, and all the other characters that played a role, the butler, the baker.”
Valenciano is no stranger to the story of Joseph or the unbelievable events that characterize his life. In fact, Valenciano secured a role acting as Joseph’s father, Jacob, in the 2022 production of “Joseph the Dreamer,” taking place at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in the Philippines.
He previously portrayed Joseph in the 1999 run of the musical. “At the time when I was asked to do ‘Heroes of the Bible’ content featuring Joseph — his story and everything that he went through — I had no idea that its release would fall right alongside the timeline of the musical,” Valenciano added.
As Valenciano guides listeners to discover and experience how God eventually redeems Joseph’s unfortunate circumstances, he invites people on a journey of excitement and entertainment. The biblical story of Joseph provides an example of a historic hero who trusted God. This modern adaptation should be able to offer valuable takeaways for people to do the same in their own lives today.
“Gary’s content has been so impactful for us to listen to, and we can’t wait to share such an engaging and inspiring story with our listeners,” said Bard. “This new version freshens up the language to meet people where they are, while still holding true to the holy Word of God.”
This and other prayer and Bible-based audio content can be explored at www.pray.com/discover.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched PRAY TEAM, the first community for Christians in Crypto, involving leaders who can teach members about the future of finance, Web3, and how NFTs are changing the world. Reaching more than 10 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck, and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
Globe is thrilled to be the first telco operator to offer special packages for customers in the Philippines to enjoy the popular streaming service, 
Pagtutuloy/Pagtutulay expresses a tone of gratitude in its heartfelt remembering of a captain and founder, a celebration of his fruitful past, his innovations in theatre-making, and a rekindling of the commitment to serve Sir Tony’s vision of excellence in the practice of Theatre.
Two stellar productions are lined up in this year’s 45th theatre season; The Reconciliation Dinner, a new one-act play by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter Santos, showing this November 18-20, 2022; and Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba, original story by Dean Alfar, a stage adaptation by Maynard Manansala and Rody Vera, directed by José Estrella, to be staged by March 2023. For tickets, show buying, and sponsorships, you may contact Dulaang UP at 
With a powerful line-up of inspirational and Bible-based content, 
You must be logged in to post a comment.