unSAULicited

This December, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Kyoto-based theater group BRDG bring a unique cultural experience to Manila with Sari-Sali portal café サリさり portal cafe , an interactive “cafe-in-a-theater” show. The production runs for a limited engagement from December 6 to 8, 2024 , at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Directed by Ian Segarra and Keiko Yamaguchi , this innovative performance draws inspiration from Japan’s Hokkori Café , a welcoming space where people of different backgrounds come together over good food and conversation. Sari-Sali portal café adapts this concept into a theatrical production that seamlessly blends music, dance, theater, and food to celebrate community and multiculturalism. A Cast of Characters and Community At the heart of the show are four characters whose diverse stories resonate with themes of connection and belonging: Ayaka (Hitomi Nagasu), an introverted artist Mayumi (Zoe Damag), a passionate Filipino music te...

Repertory Philippines (REP) wraps up its 2024 season with Going Home to Christmas – A Jose Mari Chan Musical , a production that feels like a warm reunion at the arrivals gate. Running until December 15 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, this jukebox musical—REP’s first—celebrates family, love, and the uniquely Filipino magic of Christmas through the iconic songs of “Mr. Christmas” himself. A Filipino Love, Actually at the Airport The musical feels like a Filipino Love, Actually , with its interconnected stories unfolding in an airport during the holidays. From rekindling love to navigating unspoken feelings and eagerly awaited reunions, the narratives capture the joy, anticipation, and bittersweet emotions of the season. The airport setting is the perfect metaphor for the holidays: a hub of movement, emotion, and connection that mirrors the longing for home and family during Christmas. Stories That Land Close to Home The script, penned by Luna Griño-Inocian, Robbie Guevara, and Joel...

Attending The Sandbox Collective's production of "Tiny Beautiful Things: A Play About Life – In Letters" at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater was an experience that left me deeply moved. Based on Cheryl Strayed's best-selling book, the play dives into love, loss, and the universal struggles that unite us all. A Masterful Direction with Room to Grow From my seat in the last row, I was impressed by how director Jenny Jamora maximized the entire venue. The blocking and movements were just right, ensuring that every audience member felt connected to the unfolding drama, regardless of where they sat. The theater's setup truly made any seat a good one. Throughout the play, the set subtly transformed, enhancing the storytelling as the performance progressed. It took me a bit to realize this evolution, but once I did, it added a new layer of depth to the narrative, making the progression feel natural and immersive. Stellar Performances with Minor Hiccups L...

The Far Eastern University (FEU) Chorale has reached a major milestone, celebrating the 20th anniversary of its revival with a concert series titled “Dalawang Dekada: 20 Years in Harmony.” This momentous series not only honors the choir’s two-decade journey but also introduces its new Artistic Director, Mr. Roijin G. Suarez, a distinguished conductor with an impressive track record in choral music. The concert series debuted on November 9, aligning with the 75th anniversary of the historic FEU Auditorium. This special performance paid homage to choral music’s evolution, tracing its roots from the Renaissance period through to contemporary compositions, underscoring the enduring beauty and cultural importance of choral performance. On Saturday, November 16, the FEU Chorale will continue the celebration with a mini-concert at the FEU Chapel, scheduled from 6 to 8 PM. A Legacy of Musical Excellence The FEU Chorale was initially revived in 2004 by Dr. Lourdes R. Montinola, then FEU Chair, ...

Opening on November 22 at the Mirror Studio Theater in Poblacion, Makati, CAST PH’s upcoming production of Gruesome Playground Injuries promises an unforgettable theater experience. Directed by Nelsito Gomez, this play by Rajiv Joseph explores the lifelong bond between childhood friends Doug and Kayleen—a bond forged and reinforced by the literal and emotional wounds they carry through the years. Spanning thirty years and numerous pivotal encounters, the play is a meditation on trauma, love, and the indelible marks that relationships leave on us. Topper Fabregas and Missy Maramara take Joseph’s powerful script and elevate it to new heights, bringing out the raw, complex layers of Doug and Kayleen with remarkable intensity. Topper’s portrayal of Doug captures his reckless, impulsive side with a physicality that is as humorous as it is heartbreaking, giving audiences a sense of Doug’s vulnerability and his need for connection. Missy’s performance as Kayleen is equally profound; her abil...

Disclaimer: This review is based on the technical dress rehearsal of Dulaang UP’s Nanay Bangis . Some elements may change in the final performance. Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) opens its 47th season with Nanay Bangis , a fearless Filipino adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children , set in 1970s Mindanao. This adaptation tackles themes of survival and resilience against a backdrop of political conflict, bringing new life and urgency to a classic anti-war narrative. Exceptional Lead and Supporting Cast At the heart of Nanay Bangis is Geraldine Villamil, who brings fierce energy and depth to the role of a mother who must make tough choices to protect her family in the midst of chaos. Villamil's portrayal is both relatable and moving, striking a balance between humor and intensity as her character navigates the moral complexities of survival. She embodies a sense of strength that feels deeply grounded in Filipino culture, making Nanay Bangis a com...

As we approach the season of giving, a unique and touching event is set to bring warmth and inspiration to the community. "Sabaybayan," an original musical presented by The Child's World – A Growing Center Inc. (TCW), will take the stage this December 8th and 9th. Featuring an ensemble of 80 talented, differently-abled individuals, this performance is more than just a show—it's a celebration of love, friendship, and community. More importantly, it’s a fundraising effort for a noble cause: a Forever Home for individuals with special needs. For over 40 years, TCW has been a second home for individuals with special needs, providing them with care, education, and support. As many of these individuals, like Ella, approach adulthood, their families face an uncertain future, wondering who will continue to provide for their loved ones after they’re gone. TCW aims to address this concern by building a communal living space in Cavite—a “Forever Home” where individuals with spec...

This November, Tanghalang Ateneo, the prestigious theater company at Ateneo de Manila University, brings a fresh take on Euripides’ classic tragedy Medea , translated into Filipino by the National Artist for Literature and Theater Rolando S. Tinio. This production, directed by Ron Capinding, delves deep into themes of betrayal, vengeance, and the raw power of passion—presented in the hauntingly beautiful language of Filipino. A Timeless Story of Love, Rage, and Revenge First performed in 431 BC, Medea is a powerful exploration of human emotions and the consequences of betrayal. Medea, a sorceress who sacrificed her homeland to help her husband Jason retrieve the Golden Fleece, is abandoned when Jason leaves her for Creon’s daughter. This act of betrayal pushes Medea into a dark descent, plotting a course of revenge that culminates in tragedy for Jason and his new bride. "Eloquentia, Sapientia, Humanitas": The Ricky Season The 46th season of Tanghalang Ateneo, titled “Eloquen...

The FEU Center for the Arts is set to captivate audiences with “Tutti Trombone: A Collaborative Concert,” an extraordinary showcase that unites acclaimed trombone musicians from across Asia and North America with the vibrant talents of local student artists. Scheduled for November 18, 2024, at 6 PM, this event will take place in the iconic FEU Auditorium, now celebrating its 75th anniversary. A Celebration of Brass: Local and International Talent Take Center Stage “Tutti Trombone” continues the legacy of previous “Tutti” concerts—such as Flutti , Guitarri , Celli , and Harpi —with an innovative program centered on brass and percussion. At its heart are two standout ensembles: the Thomasian Trombone Choir and the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps (DBC). The Thomasian Trombone Choir, led by Ricson Poonin, acting principal trombonist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, is composed of trombone students from the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. This young ensemble made its debu...

For generations, the tales of Juan Tamad have been a source of amusement, reflection, and cultural pride in the Philippines. This November, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) brings these timeless stories to life in a whole new way with their latest creation, “Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad,” a dance production tailored specifically for young audiences. A New Chapter in Children’s Dance Theater “Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad” marks a special milestone for ARDP as it expands its repertoire to embrace children’s dance theater. This full-length work is the brainchild of choreographer Erl Sorilla , who not only crafted the choreography but also penned the book, making this project his first major endeavor of this kind. Adding to its enchantment is the mesmerizing musical score composed by the award-winning Toto Sorioso , known for his rich and heartfelt storytelling through music. The production also benefits from the expertise of Loy Arcenas , a renowned Filipino director and Broadway designer...