Theater group to stage ‘Les Miserables’ in Bohol

Wake-uppers:

 

Ayala and Carbon

Scene: The unique concert event of celebrated folk-rock artist Joey Ayala (with his band Ang Bagong Lumad) and Pinoy pop icon Lolita Carbon of the band ASIN is tonight, July 8, at 7 p.m. at the Danao EcoPark. Ticket is P300. For inquiries, call Beryl at +639103390672.  According to Mayor Thomas Gonzaga, the concert coincides with the 50th Foundation Day of Danao, the first town to launch extreme adventures in tourism.

 

Seen: Veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez was at the Bohol Bee Farm (and other tourist attractions) shooting an episode about Bohol for her TV program on ABS-CBN.

 

Scene: Actor and businessman Mandy Ochoa lost his wallet and cellular phone while going through the Tagbilaran Airport’s X-ray machine.

 

“Oh my God Kuya Leo, nilagay lang ni Tito Mandy ang kanyang cellphone at wallet sa tray at hindi na lumabas mula sa x-tray machine,” shared Mandy’s friend AKK to Bared.  

 

Gov. Edgar Chatto has requested for an investigation into the matter which is within the purview of the police agency. 

The airport terminal building has no CCTV cameras. Now, flyers need to remove their shoes in order to pass through airport security.

 

Ochoa

However, “RM” who is Bared’s friend and working inside the airport said that the incident was “First time pa na nahitabo diri sa atoang airport.”

 

The who si Mandy Ochoa? He appeared on Ang Tanging Ina (as father of Angelica Panganiban) in 2003 and Basta’t Kasama Kita (TV series) in 2002.

 

Scene: The first meeting to organize the “elusive” reunion of the University of Bohol- Day High School Batch 1998 is on July 21, 9:00 am at the UB High School Principal’s Office. Look for Elaine Joy Auza.

 

 

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There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
As they turn your dream to shame

He slept a summer by my side
He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came

And still I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.

-I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables)

 

 

Many singers like Elaine Page, Ruthie Henshall, Petula Clark, Leah Salonga, et al, have done a fabulous cover version of this song. The song springs the old water works into the eyes.

 

Susan Boyle, a woman who goes against everything our society expected of a "star," joined Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, had a remarkable version of this song. From the moment Susan opened her mouth and started signing I Dreamed a Dream everyone was clapping and cheering during a standing ovation. You know the words she had sung conveyed her true life experience.

 

Well, the good thing is Boholanos can hear this song this Sandugo fever as DreamBig Productions in cooperation with Cre8tive Thespian Club Inc. will stage the "Les Miserables," the infamous novel authored by French writer Victor Hugo, on July 27 and 28, 2012 at the Bohol Cultural Center.

 

DreamBig Productions is a newly established group of young Boholanos that aims to provide a productive, competitive and innovative approach in the field of performing arts, creative productions, training and learning. Its mission is to mount quality, realistic, educative and creative productions.  On the other hand, the Cebu-based Cre8tive Thespian Club Inc. is a non-profit organization composed of students and young professionals who have banded together for the love of theater.

 

Les Mis is set during 19th Century France, delving into the lives of revolutionaries, outcasts, orphans, bandits and lovers. The musical has produced some of the most memorable Broadway songs, such as I Dreamed A Dream and On My Own.

 

I have to tell you that mood is somber in Les Mis. There is a tone of melancholy predominates, even when events are relatively happy. So, better bring handkerchief or tissue during the show.

 

DreamBig Productions said that they bring “Les Miserables” to Bohol because “it is a story worth telling and retelling.”

 

“Some proceeds of this musical will go to the benefit of Cogon Night High School fund,” says Celeste Grace Yap Telmo, event organizer of DreamBig Productions.

 

“Through this, we can help the Boholanos to open their hearts for performing arts and give them the chance to experience how theater play plays an important role in our daily lives,” adds Celeste, “It's time to step out of the box and think of something educational and entertaining.”

 

Tickets for the grand premier (July 27, 7 p.m.) and gala night (July 28, 7 p.m.): P200 (orchestra), P130 (balcony); for the matinee opera (July 28, 2 p.m.): P150 (orchestra) and P100 (balcony).

 

For tickets and promos, contact 09128137759, or email cgracetelmo@gmail.com/celestegracetelmo@yahoo.com/ Prodjb@yahoo.com, or visitwww.lesmizbohol.webs.com for more info.

 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter or email at Facebook.

Miss U fever and other tidbits

Wake-uppers:
Hours after Philippine bet Shamcey Supsup was named as the 3rd runner-up at the Miss Universe 2011 pageant, jokes spread like wildfire online. Joke! Joke! Joke!

Aling Dionesia Pacquiao with Ms. Navarette

Joke 1:  (At the Miss Universe pageant back stage..)
Ms.CHINA: Congratulations Angola!
Ms.ANGOLA: Thanks China, you like my crown?
Ms.CHINA: Yes of course, go check what's written on it..
(Then Angola takes off her crown and read the little words on the back.)
Engraved on the crown: "MADE IN CHINA."

Joke 2: This alleged statement was aired via NBC News: “I have reservations with the results. If the only basis is the Q and A portion, after having been trimmed down to 5, Ms. Philippines deserved to win. What made her different from the rest is that she had no seconds to rethink of her answer as she had no interpreter to break the ice. The rest had their interpreters and having breaks on seconds to think about their answers. Hands down, Ms. Philippines answered straight to the point.”  But sorry to burst your bubble, the highly influential celebrity did not actually say that. Answering a query on the alleged statement, a moderator on Oprah's official website Oprah.com said Oprah has not issued "any comments of this nature." OWNModerator13 responded: "There is no truth to the statement. Ms. Winfrey has not made any comments of this nature. Thank you for asking."

Joke 3: According to a very reliable source the main reason why Ms. Philippines Shamcey Supsup's failure to win Miss Universe pageant was her inconclusive response to the Q n A part of the pageant. It had nothing to do with her religious belief but because she does not want to marry the son of the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto. Who on earth wants to be called Mrs. Shamcey Supsup-Bhutto. Mas ayaw din pakasalan ni Shamcey si Richard Poon kasi ang full name nya is Mrs. Shamcey Supsup-Poon. Tsaka ayaw din na si Hayden Kho makatuluyan kasi the full name is magiging Mrs. Shamcey Supsup-Kho.

Joke 4: Lea Salonga gave high scores to Miss Angola because their family names sound the same: Angola-Salonga.

Joke 5: The photoshopped photo of Aling Dionesia Pacquiao being crowned as Miss U winner (with Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarette) is widely circulated all over the internet. No, Mommy D didn’t win the Miss U!

***

Everyone is still in frenzy over the recently concluded Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The country's bet — Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup — was the third runner-up.

A Penelope Cruz look-alike, Shamcey ranked a place higher than Venus Raj, who was fourth runner-up in the 2010 pageant. Shamcey is the fourth Filipina declared third-runner-up in the Miss U: Lalaine Benette (1963), Chat Silayan (1980) and Desiree Verdadero (1984).

Leila Lopes of Angola, the first titleholder from her country, was crowned the 60th Miss Universe.
Aside from Shamcey, the others who are part of Lopes' entourage are: Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko (1st runner-up); Miss Brazil Priscila Machado (2nd runner-up); and Miss China Luo Zilin (4th runner-up).

Some Filipino fans have expressed disappointment over her non-title win, despite a good standing throughout the pageant.

According to Bohol’s seasoned host and personality guru Raul Gatal “the Philippines already lost five Miss Universe crowns because of the q&A courtesy of Chiqui Brosas (1975), Desiree Verdadero (1984) Miriam Quiambao (1999) Venus Raj (2010) and Shamcey Supsup (2011).”

“Shamcey's case was the biggest blow, she aced the question but lost,” said Raul.  However, Bb. Pilipinas-World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit said that “it's not all about the q&a , it's the overall performance.”

But I agree with Raul when he said that for Shamcey to have finished third runner-up was good enough. She made us proud!

“Shamcey did everything right but Angola outshone her because she had that sweetness, sincerity and showed a hint of vulnerability those endearing herself to the judges and to the crowd,” said Raul. “Becoming Miss Universe doesn’t mean you’re the most beautiful or the smartest...it's a matter of luck, timing and destiny. It was written in the stars that Miss Angola would become miss universe,” added Raul.

Farrah Faye Mian: ‘Even if I were in her place, I wouldn’t have been able to tell the whole world of my principles and beliefs in such a way that would make me give up my love.’

Anna Maris Igpit: ‘I honestly feel that Shamcey deserves a higher rank.’

Anyway, Bared asked Anna Maris and Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011 Farrah Faye Mian what they could say and how they would answer the same “tricky” question.

What is your reaction of the Miss U 2011?

Maris: This year's pageant is actually new for me because I was used to the opening number with the candidates dancing and the intro with their national costume, if not, recorded. But I love the pacing, very quick as usual. The dresses (opening) and swimsuits were gorgeous!

Farrah: I think Shamcey did a great job! I know that most people don't really appreciate nor recognize the fact that she was only the 3rd runner up but I think it’s one of the greatest feats she will ever earn for this country. Imagine, among all the countries in the world, our country's representative was chosen among the top5 and that wasnt an easy journey for her. I think all of us should just congratulate and be happy for her after all, she brought fame and glory to our beloved motherland.

Do you think Shamcey deserves 3rd runner-up or higher than 3rd runner-up?

Maris: I honestly feel that Shamcey deserves a higher rank. The least for her should be the 1st runner-up. Her over-all performance was really good. I was shocked when she was called as 3rd runner up because I was already expecting Angola and Shamcey as the last two standing.

Farrah: I think she should have won because she really showed what a Miss Universe should embody: that is strength, beauty, grace and most of all, conviction. Even if I were in her place, I wouldn’t have been able to tell the whole world of my principles and beliefs in such a way that would make me give up my love. She is a woman of substance, intelligence and beauty and I think she deserved the crown more than anyone else.

Was it the question that Shamcey lost to Angola/Ukraine?

Maris: I don’t think it was the q&a round that cost her the crown. In fact, she gave a very strong and straight to the point answer. I’m not really a fan of Shamcey's walk. But I think it worked for her. I believe it was the judge's call already.

Farrah: I don't think it was the question. In fact, I am still confused as to why she only got the 3rd spot when she was the only one who spoke for herself without the aid of an interpreter.

What will be your answer of the question "Would you change your religious beliefs for the one you love?"

Maris:  No, religion should not get in the way when it comes to love. If a guy truly loves me, he will embrace our differences and respect what I believe in. Because after all true love encompasses everything including religion, which I believe can’t be taken away from you in life and even after.

Farrah: I don't think I'll ever change my religious beliefs for the one I love because if he loves me back as much as I love him, then he'll understand. My beliefs are one of the things that made me who I am, one of the things that made him love me, and if I were to change it then I wouldn't be the same person. Most of all, God's love is greater than any earthly romance we find and I’m sure that if he really loves me, then we'll find a way to make it work without compromising both sides.

***

Thanks Ima Castro

Miss Saigon and recording star Ima Castro with the sisters and working force of the Holy Spirit School-Tagbilaran...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...and visiting the tarsier (and other attractions) in her countryside tour.

At her concert last Tuesday night, the Miss Saigon and recording star Ima Castro gave her best that the audience, composed mostly of nuns, teachers, students and alumni of Holy Spirit School Tagbilaran, once again thrilled to the Ima Castro songs. Good show, Ima Castro!  Anyway, here is a letter from David Crankshaw, who’s responsible of bringing Ima to Bohol, says it all:

In between performing in the show, “In The Heights” in Makati and other shows around Manila, Ms. Ima Castro came to Bohol for a concert organized by Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran.

Ima’s first visit to Bohol was on Sept. 12. Ima, Mollinder Cadiz (pianist), Ellawyn Cruz (road manager) and members of the organizing committee from school departed on a short sightseeing tour. Ima was amazed by the beauty of the Loboc River, Chocolate Hills and the amount and age of the churches in the area, and she fell in love with our own local celebrities, the tarsier.
On Sept. 13, Irma visited Holy Spirit School to watch the Intramurals dance performances then she treated the students and faculty to Whitney Houston’s “I’m every woman.”

“An evening of fine music” began with front acts of music and dance by grade and high school students and Ms Jennifer Ann Talisic (Jats) HSS Alumni. Ima came on stage around 8pm and performed various pop and musical songs from artists like Bob Dylan, Barbara Streisand and Sharon Cuneta. Followed by  her very own “Shine” and other OPM songs. During the short interval the audience was entertained by pianist, Mollinder Cadiz.
The second half of the included many songs from the shows including, “I Dreamed a Dream” (Les Miserables) “It Won’t Be Long Now” (In the Heights), “Easy as Life” ( Aida) and “I’d Give My Life for You” (Miss Saigon). HSS Alumni Jennifer Ann Talisic (Jats) then joined Ima on staged to sing (unrehearsed) “Tell him” by Barbara Streisand and Celine Dion.
The last song and the encore were “Listen” and “And I’m Telling You” from the musical “DreamGirls.” After a standing ovation Ima spent nearly an hour talking and having photo’s taken with the SSPS sisters from school and anyone else that requested.

We were all treated to an evening of powerful and emotional music, performed by an amazing, yet humble artist, Ms. Ima Castro.

***

Bohol Hot Rods show held

A Hot Rod in urban slang is any vehicle that had been modified to improve its appearance or performance and often times both.

Bohol’s First Car and Motor Show was held last September 10 at Island City Mall Carpark. It was presented by Island City Mall, Auto Kraft Works, Shiang Ma Nou and Disco Records Center. Organized by CentralSense Production, it featured Bohol’s best cars including Mr. Hans Schoof’s Mercedes Benz SLS 2012, Poch Lamug’s Audi TT, BMW Z3’s, Mercedes Benz ML, Subaru WRX STI, Nissan 350z, fully set-up Ford F150, customized Honda cars and more.

Boholano motorcycle enthusiasts also graced the event by participating in the Slow Drag race, Burn-Out and Pimp my Bike competition, as judged by Blake Go, Philippine’s Drag Racing champion.

The visitors and on lookers had a great time with the competition photo ops with the models from Cebu and the featured cars during the event. Supportive car companies also united during the event, displaying their featured cars.  The whole time, the crowd was entertained by Bohol’s bands and Cebu’s DJ SEEK.

“The success of the event will hopefully inspire even more Boholanos to join and raise the level of car and motorcycle modification to a much higher level,” said Karla Tirol Magno, one of the organizers.

For Bohol’s Premier Car & Motorcycle Modification, please contact 09173040638 at Auto Kraft Works.

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Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.

‘Miss Saigon’ Ima Castro at Bohol Cultural on Sept.13

Will Ely Rose Apple Angcon be the Olay Natural White Bar Ambassador? With your help, it is possible!

BREAKING NEWS: Miss Bohol Sandugo 2011 first runner-up Ely Rose Apple Angcon has been selected as a finalist for the Olay White Bar Ambassador.

The search called for women to step into the spotlight and flaunt their evenly fair skin with confidence so they can “live on the lighter side of life.” It is also about helping women achieve the even fairness all over they desire, and in the process gain a newfound confidence to enable them to pursue new opportunities and enjoy the good life.

Apple, who has a model-like looks and skin that glows with natural fairness says, “In my age there are things that hinders me from going beyond borders, one of which is skin impurities all over but not anymore after I started using Olay Natural White bar. I deserve to rock the little white dress because for me there is no way of being shy at all, no way of insecurities and no way of giving up to domination's in all faces because with Olay I could be the fairest of them all.”

The winner will get a custom-made little white dress by Inno Sotto and she will also be featured in a Preview Magazine fashion spread and star in an Olay Natural White Bar TV commercial with Kim Chiu.

The voting period is extended until September 8. What are you waiting for? Vote for Apple Angcon as the Fairest of All. Head over to www.stylebible.ph/olay, register and vote for Apple.

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The Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran is pleased to announce that for their much-awaited project  this year, they are bringing in Miss Saigon star and award-winning recording artist Ima Castro for a concert on Sept. 13, 8 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center.

“It is our greatest honor to present to you for the very first time in Bohol Ms. Ima Castro,” the organizers said. 

Ima Castro will sing unforgettable hits like Shine and Nanliligaw, Naliligaw in her concert in Bohol on Sept. 13.

Called “An evening of fine music... a soiree musical performed by Ms. Ima Castro,” proceeds of the concert will go to the projects of the Holy Spirit School as part of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) Centennial Celebration in 2012.

Ima Castro left Manila in 2001 to star in the UK Tour of Miss Saigon after succeeding Lea Salonga in the role in the Manila engagement of the hit musical.

Ima’s first break in the music industry came when she won the grand prize in the 1991 Panasonic nationwide Quest for the Best singing competition.

Her album, “Mamahalin Kita-Ima,” became a gold record thanks to her popular duet with Lloyd Umali entitled “Nanliligaw, Naliligaw.” Soon after that, Polygram Records decided to make her second album, a self-titled one which was released in 1997. It includes “Shine,” her winning song in the 1996 “Metropop Song Festival.” She went on to win several local and international awards including Best Singer Award in Osaka, Japan and Best Interpreter in the First Asia Song Festival in Bali, Indonesia. 

Theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh asked Ima to join the UK Tour of the show for two years in Manchester, Dublin, Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham and Southampton. Later she toured Belfast, Cardiff and other cities in the UK. She also joined the show in Lisbon. She also did concerts in Manila and Tokyo with Russell Watson. 

Apart from Miss Saigon, some people are not aware that Ima recorded the romantic ballad You’re My Number One with no less than Latin heartthrob-singer Enrique Iglesias (who has Filipino blood running through his veins from his mother’s side). Ima has also lent her voice on tracks in albums by Martin Nievera, Nonoy Zuniga, Mike Francis and David Pomeranz.

Though based in London since playing Kim in “Miss Saigon” in 2001, last summer, Ima played in the pop-rock musical Aida and Tony Award-winning play In the Heights.

Tickets are priced at Php 1,000 (VIP), 500, 200 and 100 (general admission). For ticket reservations, call HSS at 411-2558 or visit Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran.

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Email leoudtohan@yahoo.com.