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| The cast of the popular '90s sitcom "Home Along Da Riles" (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Film Development Council of the Philippines) |
The cast of the popular '90s sitcom “Home Along Da Riles” came together to celebrate the opening of Philippine Film Industry Month last September 1, 2023 with a free screening of the restored and remastered version of its 1993 movie adaptation. Present during the premiere were the kids of Dolphy's iconic character Kevin Cosme including Claudine Barretto (Bing), Vandolph Quizon (Baldo), Boy 2 Quizon (Estong), Smokey Manaloto (Bill), and Gio Alvarez (Bob). They were also joined by Maybelyn dela Cruz (Maybe Madamba), Dang Cruz (Yaya Roxanne), and Nova Villa (Aling Ason).
Nova Villa highlighted the significant role that laughter and comedy play in our culture, saying “Ngayon ay ating sariwain ang 13 years na pinasaya tayo ng Cosme family. Sariwang-sariwa pa rin po ang ‘Home Along da Riles’ sa mga kwentuhan sa bahay bahay, ayan po ang nagagawa ng comedy, kultura ng Pinoy yan, nakakatulong po ang comedy sa atin, napapagaan natin ang mabibigat na problema at mga hinaing sa buhay.” With the theme "Tuloy pa rin ang Tawanan", the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)' month-long showcase is dedicated to paying tribute to iconic Filipino comedians such as Dolphy, TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon), Eugene Domingo, Aiai Delas Alas, Michael V, Vice Ganda, and many others who have played pivotal roles in shaping and enriching our film and TV culture.
Film lovers can enjoy more ABS-CBN restored comedy classics for free at the Rizal Open Air Auditorium and all Cinematheque Theatres nationwide for the whole month of September. The lineup includes “Here Comes the Bride” (September 13), “Ang Tanging Ina” (September 26), and “Daddy O, Baby O!” (September 28). For more details on its upcoming film showings, follow ABS-CBN Film Restoration on Facebook (facebook.com/filmrestorationabscbn), Twitter (@ABS_Restoration), and Instagram (@abscbnfilmrestoration).
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Jasmine Yen, Daughter Of Donnie Yen, Unveils Debut Album 'tbh'
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| 19-year-old singer-songwriter Jasmine Yen is the daughter of well-known Chinese actor, martial artist and politician Donnie Yen. (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/RCA Records Greater China) |
19-year-old singer-songwriter Jasmine Yen unveils her debut album ‘tbh’ which consists of 8 songs, written in part or entirely by Jasmine. Among these songs, four are fully in English. The album release follows the announcement of her signing to RCA Records Greater China, a division of Sony Music Entertainment (SME) in late July, along with the release of her first single “idk”. Jasmine’s debut album ‘tbh’ is a kaleidoscope of pop versatility. From the enthralling ballad “it’s not u it’s me“, to the sensual “tempo” to the upbeat dance numbers “idk” and “tbh”, her vocals effortlessly float over impeccable production and ear-wormy melodies. One of the crowning moments of the album is the English focus track “what the !“, an energetic, pop-punk-inspired song that is equal parts cheeky and witty.
“I’ve always considered myself a shy person, and at times, I do feel like it can be challenging to express myself with words. Since childhood, I’ve found music and songwriting to be my favourite method of self-expression. This album is my way of showcasing my confidence and highlights my coming-of-age journey of not being afraid to hold back on sharing my thoughts and emotions. There’s definitely a running theme of empowerment through this album. Since I was really young, I’ve always been drawn to ‘girl power’ anthems because I’ve consistently been surrounded by such strong, inspiring and independent women (my mom, my grandma, and my aunt)," said Jasmine.
The bilingual focus track “tbh” is accompanied by a dance video which could very well be considered an athletic feat. Just ask Jasmine who filmed non-stop for 10 hours with her crew of dancers. She shares, “I had an amazing dance crew in Shanghai, and we learned and practiced the entire choreography together for two weeks leading up to the filming date. The whole process was unforgettable and I’ve learned so much. I’m so glad that everything worked out great and the video looks so effortless!” Raised in Hong Kong, Jasmine began nurturing her talent at a young age, starting to compose when she was only seven years old. To date, she has written over 70 original songs, including 30 during the pandemic. Through her music, she hopes to inspire a generation of bold and confident girls.
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Alice Reyes' Alma Mater Helps With The Restaging Of "Rama Hari"
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Cultural Center of the Philippines) |
“Rama Hari", the celebrated Filipino rock opera ballet created by five national artists, returns in September; the show scheduled on September 22, 2023 at the Samsung Performing Arts Center in Circuit Makati is supported by the alumni association of Maryknoll/Miriam College, the alma mater of National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes who is the director and choreographer of the ballet. Aside from Ms. Reyes, four other National Artists are cited in “Rama Hari” including Ryan Cayabyab who composed the music, Bienvenido Lumbera who wrote the lyrics and libretto, Salvador Bernal who created the production design, and Rolando Tinio who wrote the English translation.
“Rama Hari” recounts the ancient Sanskrit epic story of Prince Rama and his pursuit to save his wife Sita from the evil Ravana and reclaim his right to the throne. It’s been hailed as “timeless” and “a masterpiece" with the ballet’s productions in 1980 and 2012 given standing ovations. Maryknoll Miriam College Alumni Association (MMCAA) chairperson Ambassador Millie Sta. Maria Thomeczek said, “We are proud to help re-introduce this wonderful work by five National Arts, one of whom is Alice Reyes, an Amazing Alumni Achiever awardee of our school. Just as ‘Rama Hari’ enthralled audiences in the past, we are certain it is going to captivate the current musical-goers who must see this beautiful ballet opera.”
Ms. Reyes is touched by the move of her fellow Knollers. The National Artist said, “Ang saya ko naman na may Maryknoll Miriam College Alumni Association na nandiyan.” She added that the support also helps her advocacy to promote Filipino music and ballet. “Today’s generation should be proud of our culture. I am glad that those from the education sector or community like MMCAA are taking a leap for audience development and cultural education.” The “Rama Hari” September 22nd show features Karylle Tatlonghari, Arman Ferrer, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, Audie Gemora, Poppert Bernadas, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Orchestra of Filipino Youth, the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, and many more performers. Tickets are available through the MMCAA via telephone number 8-930-6272 local 1187, text/ Viber cel no. 0951-1611701 or email at alumni.mmcaa1979@gmail.com
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Daryl Hall Live In Manila On November 2023
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Ovation Productions) |
In an announcement made by Ovation Productions on August 4, 2023, the modern-day renaissance man and renowned singer-songwriter Daryl Hall is scheduled to perform live in Manila on November 27, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. He will be joined by The Daryl’s House Band and Todd Rundgren as special guests. Hall is known as half of the iconic duo Hall & Oates and will perform many of the duo’s popular hits, which include Maneater, Kiss On My List, Private Eyes, I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do), Out Of Touch, One On One, Say It Isn’t So, Rich Girl, Method Of Modern Love, Every Time You Go Away, She’s Gone, Sara Smile, and You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, among others. He is also an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the best-selling duo of all time. Since 1972, during the Hall & Oates years until now, the Philadelphia soul man is still achieving career milestones more than four decades later, continuing to perform with his band to sold-out venues around the world.
Hall has come a long way, and in addition to his career mileage, he released his first retrospective album, “BeforeAfter”, on April 1, 2022. This is a compilation album of Daryl Hall’s solo work. Its 30 songs draw from his five studio albums: Sacred Songs (1980), Three Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine (1986), Soul Alone (1993), Can’t Stop Dreaming (1996), and Laughing Down Crying (2011), as well as from his running concert broadcast series, Live from Daryl’s House. He is the star of his very own award-winning web series-turned-TV staple Live from Daryl’s House as well as a successful venue owner with “Daryl’s House", a restored venue and live music space in Pawling, New York, USA. One of the artists he featured in his webcast is Todd Rundgren, who will also be with him in his concert in the Philippines as his guest performer.
Presented by Ovation Productions with TAP GO as official media partner, Daryl Hall’s concert is guaranteed to be an unforgettable night of great music and good times. Tickets for Daryl Hall Live In Manila are available at smtickets.com and are priced at Php15,750 (SVIP), Php14,750 (VIP), Php12,750 (Patron), Php10,750 (Lower Box A), Php9,750 (Lower Box B), Php5,750 (Upper Box) and Php2,750 (General Admission). Don’t miss your chance to see this legend perform live!
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East Asia Super League Welcomes New Taipei Kings For 2023-2024 Season
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| (Image Source: East Asia Super League) |
East Asia Super League (EASL) and the P. LEAGUE+ announced that the New Taipei Kings will join the former's 2023-2024 season, replacing the recently disbanded Bay Area Dragons. EASL CEO Matt Beyer said, “EASL is ecstatic to welcome the New Taipei Kings to our inaugural home-and-away season and to grow our partnership with the P.LEAGUE+. We look forward to bringing top Japan B.LEAGUE, Korea Basketball League and Philippine Basketball Association teams to New Taipei in front of the Kings’ sellout crowds.”
The New Taipei Kings took second place in the 2022-2023 P.LEAGUE+ season, hosting a series of electrifying, sold-out games in the Finals series. They boast Joseph Lin and Byron Mullens among a stacked roster coached by Ryan Marchand. New Taipei Kings owner Phil Chen said, “The New Taipei Kings are focused on building a tradition of excellence and part of that is playing in the toughest competition available to us. We’re very excited to join EASL in the upcoming season to face off against the top professional teams from around the region.” Beyer, P. LEAGUE+ founder Charles Chen, and the entire EASL and P. LEAGUE+ upper management have been in long-term discussions about increasing the presence of P. LEAGUE+ in EASL. The addition of the New Taipei Kings in the 2023-2024 season significantly expands EASL’s reach and market in Chinese Taipei.
With the 2023-2024 season approaching fast, EASL has also taken a significant decision to increase its focus on its core competency which is running a league and maximizing its use of resources to make the league as dynamic and as electrifying as possible as well as commercially successful. Following consultation with stakeholders regarding conflict-of-interest issues due to running both a league and owning a team, EASL management has decided to immediately cease the operations of the Bay Area Dragons team and has offered all players and coaches a generous termination package. Head Coach Brian Goorjian will stay with EASL as a league ambassador during the term of his contract. Beyer said, “We thank the Bay Area Dragons and the Philippine Basketball Association, and its leadership, for an excellent season during their 2022-23 campaign which included reaching the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Finals game seven, played in front of a record-breaking 55,000 people, and taking third place in the first season of EASL at EASL Champions Week.”
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Exclusive FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Finals Ball Unveiled
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| (L-R) Sonak Corporation Chief Executive Officer Anil Buxani, Molten Head of Marketing Noa Hasegawa, FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis and PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial holding the recently-unveiled Molten BG5000 World Cup 2023 Official Game Ball (center) to be used in the Finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 on September 10, 2023. (Image Source: FIBA) |
The race is on to get your hands on the limited edition “gold” Molten ball whose first version out of the manufacturing will be used during the final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 on September 10, 2023 (Sunday) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The BG5000 World Cup 2023 Official Game Ball is a masterpiece as it is crafted for the historic occasion and is expected to leave basketball enthusiasts, fans, and collectors alike in awe. Over 1,200 of them are slated to be sold exclusively in the Philippines, making the ball highly collectable.
“The BG5000 World Cup 2023 Official Game Ball (finals edition) represents a perfect synergy of cutting-edge technology and the timeless essence of basketball. We made sure that the design and performance pay homage to the sport’s rich history,” said Molten Head of Marketing Noa Hasegawa. The Molten official finals ball is a true work of art, featuring intricate detailing that pays homage to the tournament’s prestige. They can only be purchased exclusively through Molten’s e-commerce hub via www.molten.com.ph. Adorned with the distinguished tournament emblem, the coveted Naismith Trophy, resplendent in gold, and the precise date of the final match of the FIBA World Cup 2023, this limited-edition masterpiece is a testament to the event’s profound significance. To make it even more unique and desirable, it will be packaged in a premium box with a gold plate and engraved with the serial number.
“We continue our mission to be the leading supplier of sporting goods on a global scale, transcending borders beyond Japan. Through meticulous and consistent refinement, we continually enhance our products, striving to deliver nothing but the best to both the players and valued customers,” said Anil Buxani, Chief Executive Officer of the Sonak Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Molten in the Philippines. Hasegawa, Buxani, and FIBA officials led by secretary-general Andreas Zagklis and PBA Commissioner Willy Marcial unveiled the official finals ball on September 4, 2023 at the FIBA World Cup Fan Zone inside SM Mall of Asia. “We are excited to be able to unveil this special official Molten game ball for the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. The beautiful design certainly captures the significance of what will be a memorable occasion,” said FIBA Media and Marketing Services Director General Frank Leenders.
