Showing posts with label Manila Bulletin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manila Bulletin. Show all posts

Friday, August 25, 2023

THRILLMAKER: The Humperdinck is back!

BY JOEE GUILAS



AT A GLANCE

  • This September, thelegendary British crooner returnsto the country as part of hisongoing world tour, “The Legend Continues.” Fans will be serenaded by his passionate performances in a two-night concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City, on Sept. 9 and 10, 7:30 PM.


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Engelbert Humperdinck

Ironic as it may sound, the singer who immortalized the song “Release Me” is not considering releasing his tight hold on fame anytime soon.  Legendary balladeer and frequent Manila visitor Engelbert Humperdinck will soon be en route to another world tour, including a stop in the Philippines this September.

“It’s been four years since my last visit, and I’m looking forward to coming over.  I’m excited about coming over there.  I know that Filipinos love my music.  I’ve been spending a lot of time online, and I see them singing my songs on karaoke,” shared Humperdinck. He said this also prompts him to always have something special for his Filipino fans whenever he is afforded the chance to visit the country.  This next visit is undoubtedly not going to be an exception.

“I have a surprise for the Filipino people when I get there,” he teased. 

The promised surprise is on top of the 87-year-old singer’s new album, "All About Love.”  He hopes that some cuts in this new project will be hits just like his classic “Release Me,” which stayed on top of the charts for 56 consecutive weeks in multiple countries.

“The music that I record seems timeless when I recorded them in the past, and I never get tired singing them, especially Release Me,” Humperdinck acknowledged. 

Asked whether or not he is getting tired of singing at his ripe age, Humperdinck stressed that slowing down anytime soon is far-fetched, at least at this point: “Retiring is not a word that I use.  I have such a great following that I don’t want to disappoint them.  Wherever I go, I get such a great reception.”  More than this, however, the debt of gratitude to his craft makes him stick to the life of being a musician.

“Music has been my passport to the world.  It’s made me see countries I’ve never seen before. It’s a wonderful way to make a living.” 

This September, the legendary British crooner returns to the country as part of his ongoing world tour, “The Legend Continues.” Fans will be serenaded by his passionate performances in a two-night concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City, on Sept. 9 and 10, 7:30 PM.

For over 50 years, Humperdinck mastered wooing audiences worldwide, earning him the title “King of Romance.” Among his commercially successful singles are “Release Me,” “Quando Quando Quando,” “Spanish Eyes,” and many more.

While his captivating vocals have charmed millions of fans, the man earned his icon status in the music industry with massive achievements through the decades. Humperdinck rose in the music scene in the 1960s alongside iconic bands The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Throughout his long career, he became a four-time Grammy nominee and released dozens of studio albums, selling over 150 million records. To this day, he consistently showcases his legacy and wins the hearts of listeners across the globe.

Now, given all these tucked into his belt, it should be no wonder why fans are finding it difficult to release his music from their playlists. 

hump1.jpeg
Engelbert Humperdinck

Ironic as it may sound, the singer who immortalized the song “Release Me” is not considering releasing his tight hold on fame anytime soon.  Legendary balladeer and frequent Manila visitor Engelbert Humperdinck will soon be en route to another world tour, including a stop in the Philippines this September.

“It’s been four years since my last visit, and I’m looking forward to coming over.  I’m excited about coming over there.  I know that Filipinos love my music.  I’ve been spending a lot of time online, and I see them singing my songs on karaoke,” shared Humperdinck. He said this also prompts him to always have something special for his Filipino fans whenever he is afforded the chance to visit the country.  This next visit is undoubtedly not going to be an exception. 

“I have a surprise for the Filipino people when I get there,” he teased.

The promised surprise is on top of the 87-year-old singer’s new album, "All About Love.”  He hopes that some cuts in this new project will be hits just like his classic “Release Me,” which stayed on top of the charts for 56 consecutive weeks in multiple countries.

“The music that I record seems timeless when I recorded them in the past, and I never get tired singing them, especially Release Me,” Humperdinck acknowledged. 

Asked whether or not he is getting tired of singing at his ripe age, Humperdinck stressed that slowing down anytime soon is far-fetched, at least at this point: “Retiring is not a word that I use.  I have such a great following that I don’t want to disappoint them.  Wherever I go, I get such a great reception.”  More than this, however, the debt of gratitude to his craft makes him stick to the life of being a musician.

“Music has been my passport to the world.  It’s made me see countries I’ve never seen before. It’s a wonderful way to make a living.”

This September, the legendary British crooner returns to the country as part of his ongoing world tour, “The Legend Continues.” Fans will be serenaded by his passionate performances in a two-night concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City, on Sept. 9 and 10, 7:30 PM.

For over 50 years, Humperdinck mastered wooing audiences worldwide, earning him the title “King of Romance.” Among his commercially successful singles are “Release Me,” “Quando Quando Quando,” “Spanish Eyes,” and many more.

While his captivating vocals have charmed millions of fans, the man earned his icon status in the music industry with massive achievements through the decades. Humperdinck rose in the music scene in the 1960s alongside iconic bands The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Throughout his long career, he became a four-time Grammy nominee and released dozens of studio albums, selling over 150 million records. To this day, he consistently showcases his legacy and wins the hearts of listeners across the globe.

Now, given all these tucked into his belt, it should be no wonder why fans are finding it difficult to release his music from their playlists.

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Stressbuster - Top three ways to improve wellbeing through music

BY MANILA BULLETIN



AT A GLANCE

  • ‘It has many therapeutic effects. It can assist, manage, and reduce stress, decrease anxiety. It may increase self-esteem, strengthen coping skills, and more.’


With or without lyrics, music is the universal language of the soul. It transcends forms and boundaries and speaks within our deepest humanity. 
To be in sync with harmony calls for self-reflection, self-regulation, and self-expression. It increases motivation and happiness. When shared through experiences, it even harnesses meaningful relationships. 

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Janine Marie Flores—Part-time faculty under the Music Production Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP)


Janine Marie Flores, a professor in the music production program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP), stresses how music can enhance one’s mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being.


“It has many therapeutic effects,” she says. “It can assist, manage, and reduce stress, decrease anxiety. It may increase self-esteem, strengthen coping skills, and more.”  


Through music therapy, a clinical and evidence-based treatment, individuals can maximize the power of the art to improve their holistic wellness. With the guidance of a credentialed professional, objectives are tailored and specific needs are met. 


To further encourage the general public to utilize the wonders of melody for their overall health, Flores, who is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Music Major in Music Therapy at St. Paul University Manila, shares the top three tips one can explore in their day-to-day life.

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FOLLOW THE VIBES Choose songs that resonate with your current state or can influence your desired state

Create a playlist
Specific types of music bring out certain emotional responses. This may be similar or different from one person to the other. Some may feel calm listening to rock or pop music, others find solace in ballads or jazz.


Identify feelings brought by particular genres. Use these to manifest calmness, improve the mood, spark creativity, or inspire movement. If you want to shift from being upset to feeling happy, start with sad songs. Then, add happy-themed songs to change the mood into a more positive one. 

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PASS THE MIC Singing releases feel-good hormones and helps boost our mood

Sing
Singing releases endorphins and oxytocin, the “feel-good hormones.” It helps relieve pain, alleviate anxiety and stress, and boost mood. It also eases muscle tensions, corrects posture and refines breathing. It improves our lung capacity as we need to take deep breaths in order to sing properly. The act may even sharpen mental alertness, boost our confidence, increase our socialization skills, and develop more friendships.

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PUT IT IN LYRICS Songwriting helps us process and regulate our emotions, boost self-expression, relieves stress and increases self-esteem

Write songs
Interpreting difficult circumstances through music fosters self-expression, stress relief, and self-esteem. You can write music with or without words and improvise with various sounds and rhythmic patterns. This allows one to acknowledge, process, and regulate emotions. Substitute your own words for lyrics. Play an instrument with an unplanned melody. Create a new tune.

Monday, July 24, 2023

Meet the 12 finalists of 2023 PhilPop Himig Handog songwriting festival


AT A GLANCE


    PHILPOP PR PHOTO.jpg
    Eight of the Top 12 finalists of PhilPop Himig Handog

    A new batch of talented young artists will compete in this year's PhilPop Himig Handog songwriting festival. Only one of the 12 finalists will be hailed as the winner for their creative songwriting and music production. 

    The collaborative project, which was produced and presented by songwriting institutions PhilPop and Himig Handog, kicked off with a Digicamp series that is carefully designed to develop the skillset of aspiring participants in the fields of songwriting, music arrangement and recording, branding, marketing, career development, and intellectual property.

    After a two-month workshop with some well-known musicians, including National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, Jim Paredes, Paolo & Miguel Guico of Ben&Ben, Gino Cruz and more. 

    The entries went through multiple rounds of adjudication, headed by an esteemed panel of Board Members, producers, key leaders, prominent songwriters, and decision-makers affiliated with PhilPop and Himig Handog.

    Without further ado, here are the 12 finalists with their original compositions that will compete in the PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival:

    Bulacan: Rinz Ruiz – “Papahiram”

    Laguna: Francis Contemplacion – “ATM”

    Metro Manila: Tiara Cino – “Wag Paglaruan”

    Metro Manila: Kevin Yadao – "Ghostwriter"

    Metro Manila: Rob Angeles – "MHWG"

    Metro Manila: Geca Morales – “Langit Lupa”

    Metro Manila: Alvin Serrito – “Kurba”

    Bacolod: Shantel Lapatha – “Tulala”

    Cebu: Relden Campanilla – “Dili Nalang”

    Cebu: Jimmy Grajo – “Salamat (Nga Wala Na Ta)”

    Bohol: Keith Quito – "Buhi"

    Davao: Maric Gavino – “Taliwala”

    ABS-CBN Music Creative Director Jonathan Manalo stated that one of their considerations for picking the song is based on the quality of songwriting and composition. 

    "It was important to us that the songs were up to the standard that were set by bothPhilPop and Himig Handog. We also wanted to see how effective the fellows were in applying the lessons and insights that they've learned from the PhilPop Himig Handog DigiCamp. We wanted to challenge the fellows to break borders and push the boundaries of Filipino pop music. Lastly, we also had to factor in the appeal and marketability of the entries since our goal was also for the top songs to appeal to a wide range of Filipino music listeners," he said. 

    PhilPop Himig Handog Songwriting Festival is an initiative of Himig Handog and PhilPop Music Foundation. This year's game-changing event remains unwavering in its obligation to come up with innovative approaches in music-making and songwriting that are at par with international standards.

    Saturday, July 22, 2023

    The Filipinization of the French comic ballet Coppelia

    Ballet Philippines to showcase Filipino performative art in this classic piece with stronger dancing and technically demanding choreography.


    AT A GLANCE

    • Style, technique, and character are the focal points of Ballet Philippines'  54th season and Coppelia highlights these aspects in splendid fashion.


    By JAMES SAM

    Ballet Philippines’ 54th season is opening with a Filipino rendition of Coppelia. Originating in 1870 from Paris Théâtre Impérial l’Opéra, the story is centered around Dr. Coppelius’ daughter, a life-like doll, and her sudden presence at a town festival where two youths, Franz and Swanhilda, plan to marry. Franz, becoming infatuated with the doll, shifts his attention away from Swanhilda and in an attempt to win her betrothed back, Swanhilda decides to impersonate the beautiful, life-size doll. A hectic series of events follows, concluding with a narrative that places love above all.

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    Swanhilda played by Jemima Reyes

    A pandemic-stricken Ballet Philippines, in anticipation of its return to live performances, dons the title “Power of Dance.” Dedicated to sharing the passion of ballet to their audience, the company aims to reinvigorate the performance arts in the Philippines and elevate the experience to new heights. 

    According to Kathleen Liechtenstein, president of Ballet Philippines, the show is suitable for all ages. A family-bonding experience calling for introspection and self-discovery, Coppelia aims to inspire from the company’s new home at the Theater at Solaire.

    Coppelia played by Idelle Buhia.jpeg
    Coppelia played by Idelle Buhia

    Mikhail Martynyuk describes the show as a great brightness filled with powerful dances. Having debuted as the lead performer of Coppelia, Ballet Philippines’ artistic director carries with him a wealth of knowledge garnered from 24 performances of the show in Spain. In his desire to showcase the strength and talents of Ballet Philippines’ dancers, Martynyuk’s Filipino adaptation of Coppelia incorporates stronger dancing and technically demanding choreography.

    Coppelia_Franz played by Ian Ocampo.jpeg
    Franz played by Ian Ocampo

    “If you have style, you need to have technique,” said Martynyuk at a press preview, “If you have technique, you need to have character.” Style, technique, and character are the focal points of Ballet Philippines 54th season and Coppelia highlights these aspects in splendid fashion.

    Hosted at The Theatre At Solaire, Ballet Philippines’ Coppelia will run from Aug. 4 to 6. Tickets are available online at ballet.ph.

    Wednesday, July 19, 2023

    2023 AOV International Choral Festival: The best choirs from around the world compete

    Opening ceremony on July 20, gala concert on July 23


    MADZ 2022 02.jpeg

    The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Madrigal Singers are once again bringing together the best choirs from around the world for the Andrea O. Veneracion (AOV) International Choral Festival. The biennial competition will be held from July 20 to 23, 2023, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.

    Named after the founder of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, the late National Artist for Music Andrea O. Veneracion, the choral competition will have 22 choirs competing in the Folk Song, Equal Voices, and Mixed Choir categories. 

    Competing choral groups from Luzon are: The Archangel’s Journey Chorale from Caloocan City; BINHS’s Salinlahi Serenata Singers from Silang, Cavite; Calasiao Treble Chorus from Calasiao, Pangasinan; Coro Jesu from Makati City; De La Salle University Chorale from Manila; DYCI’s Dagalak from Bulacan; Gloria Patri Singers from Quezon City; Lighter Side Movement from Mandaluyong City; Los Cantantes De Manila from Manila; Oroquieta Chamber Singers from Lucena City, Quezon; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo Chorale from Laguna; Philippine Normal University Chorale from Manila; Philippine Vocal Ensemble from Makati; St. Paul College Pasig High School Chorale from Pasig City; Tarlac Männerchor from Tarlac City, Tarlac; and University of Baguio Voices Chorale from Baguio City, Benguet.

    MADZ 2022 03.jpeg

    The Visayas and Mindanao representatives are: Silay City Chorale from Silay City, Negros Occidental; Jose Rizal Memorial State University Dimasalang Choristers from Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte; University of Mindanao Chorale from Davao City, Davao del Sur; University of Southeastern Philippines Harmonia Polifonica Chorale from Davao City, Davao del Sur; and Western Mindanao State University - Grand Chorale from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur.

    The Bangkok Voices from Thailand will also compete.

    Five renowned adjudicators who have made their marks in the international music scene will evaluate and assess who will be named the best choral group in the country. The jury is composed of Christo Burger (Africa), Jãnis Ozols (Europe), Virginia Bono (South America), Zimfira Poloz (North America), and Mark Anthony Carpio (Asia).

    Each winning choral group in the different categories will take home cash prizes and a conch shell trophy designed by artist Mary Catherine Sta. Ana. The trophy resembles a large conch shell with a wide opening through which one may imagine listening to the sound of the seas that surround the Philippine islands. The parts of the shell suggest the form of a bird singing, taking inspiration from the theory that bird songs may have influenced the development of music. The conch shell is also used as a horn, perhaps to gather the people of a community, or to announce something. Here, it serves as a trophy announcing the grand winners of the choral competition.

    The competition will kick off with an opening ceremony on July 20, 7 p.m. This is open and free to the public.

    The Folk Song competition will commence on July 21, 5:30 p.m., while the Equal Voices and Mixed Choir competitions will be on July 22, 3pm and 5:30 p.m., respectively. Tickets for these three competitions are priced at Php 300.

    MADZ 2022 01.jpeg

    The Philippine Madrigal Singers will have a gala concert on July 23, 3 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from P300 to P1500. The Closing and Awarding Ceremonies will also be on July 23, at 6 p.m., open and free to the public.

    Ticket discounts apply for students, government employees, senior citizens, PWDs, AOV participating choirs, and group tickets. Tickets can be purchased via Ticket World at https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=INCHOFES23.

    For inquiries about the AOV International Choral Festival, Manila 2023, you may visit https://Culturalcenter.Gov.Ph/Event/Andrea-O-Veneracion-International-Choral-Festival-Manila-2023/ and https://Aovchoralfestph.Com/. Follow the AOV social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for latest updates. 

    Monday, July 17, 2023

    Catch clarinetist Jason Marquez at Manila Pianos this July 29

    ‘I decided to incorporate music with popular influences such as jazz, pop, Latin, bebop, and more. I aimed to offer a refreshing departure from the traditional 17th-18th century repertoire commonly heard in recitals.’


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    I GOT RHYTHM Clarinetist Jason Marquez with pianist Dingdong Fiel and cellist Job Polvoriza at Manila Pianos (Photo Richard Sy-Facunda)

    Clarinetist Jason Marquez who just earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance at the Andrews University in Michigan, USA is all set for a return engagement at Manila Pianos on Saturday, July 29, at 7 p.m.

    Manila Pianos is located along Paseo de Magallanes, Magallanes Village, Makati City.  He will be accompanied by pianist Dingdong Fiel.

    On June 17, Marquez surprised local music aficionados with a rarely played program for clarinet so varied and wide-ranging it left an audience asking for a repeat performance for those who missed it.

    A highly revealing opener was Bela Kovacs’ “Sholem-Alekhem, rov Feidman,” a Philippine premiere of Kenji Bunch’s “Cookbook” (2004) and with cellist Job Polvoriza doing a sensitive part in Robert Muczynski’s “Fantasy Trio, Op. 26” (1969).
    Marquez’s musicality was evident from the very beginning.

    On top of that, he had a way of explaining his repertoire, which made enjoyment easy for the first-timers in this all-clarinet program. “I decided to incorporate music with popular influences such as jazz, pop, Latin, bebop, and more. I aimed to offer a refreshing departure from the traditional 17th-18th century repertoire commonly heard in recitals. I wanted to present something fun and accessible to those who may not be as familiar with classical music. My hope was that this diverse selection would spark curiosity in first-time audience members and encourage them to attend more classical music concerts in the future,” he said.

    Still, the Copland concerto and Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” were the evening’s beautiful highlights.

    The audience roared their approval at Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm. “It is a marvelous arrangement by James Cohn that beautifully captures the essence of simplicity, joy, and exceptional artistry,” he enthused.

    Marquez plays on a B-flat Tradition model clarinet by Buffet Crampon.
    Before acquiring his instrument, his professors noticed that his previous clarinet was getting in the way of his growth as a musician “After successfully raising the necessary funds, my clarinet teacher and I embarked on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Ann Arbor, Michigan to meet with a Buffet Crampon clarinet dealer who also happens to be the 2nd/bass clarinet player for the Detroit Opera Orchestra.”

    Marquez distinctly remembers the dealer presenting approximately 20 different clarinets from various models by Buffet Crampon for him to try. “We meticulously narrowed down the options to three clarinets, which I took home to playtest for a few weeks. This trial period allowed me to thoroughly assess and evaluate each instrument before making my final decision,” he recounted.

    In addition, his clarinet teacher ordered several clarinets from Royal Global for him to playtest. “I had the fortunate opportunity to test these clarinets at the Howard Performing Arts Center, which is our on-campus concert hall. My teacher recorded and attentively listened to how the clarinets sounded and projected within the concert hall setting. Based on the evaluation, we ultimately made a final decision on the clarinet I am currently using,” Marquez said.

    Pianist Dingdong Fiel admitted it was a tough repertoire they played at Manila Pianos. “It was a very challenging program but definitely worth it.”

    Marquez sums up his Andrews University schooling: “My overall experience at Andrews University was amazing. I had the opportunity to meet incredible musicians whom I am proud to call my friends. The professors were dedicated and showed genuine care for their students. My clarinet teacher, Jason Gresl, is an exceptional and dedicated educator. The lessons and coaching sessions I had with him were some of the best in my musical journey.”

    By insistent public demand, Manila Pianos will present Jason Marquez with Dingdong Fiel and cellist Job Polvoriza in a repeat performance on July 29,7 p.m. For tickets, call 09065104270 or email artsnewsservice@gmail.com

    Tuesday, May 16, 2023

    Philippine historical musical 'Klasical' to happen in Makati this June

    Klasical is a musical of Philippine history featuring “Tribu” and is produced to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.


    Ephesus Teatron Group Inc., after a three-year hiatus, will return to the stage with their first major live musical concert, “Klasical.” The concert will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at the OnStage Theatre in Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

    Klasical is a musical of Philippine history featuring “Tribu” and is produced to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

    Featured artists are Sweet Samaniego (also the director of show), Marga Roco, Terence Guillermo, Onyl Torres and Nazer Salcedo.

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    Magro Roco

    Special guests are Pinky Marquez, Miguel Braganza and Gala Dance Company.

    KLASICAL is a repertoire of traditional classical Filipino music with improvements on instruments, symphony, melody, harmony, orchestra, and vocal that make up a combination of traditional local and Western music. The inspiration of this collection is to preserve national culture in these traditional Filipino songs and to achieve renewed vigor by means of upgrading sound to be appreciated across generations.

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    Nazer Salcedo

    Filipino music has grown from its grassroots origin of a highly emotional and romantic love song into a highly developed piece of art with a universal appeal. Even if you don't understand a single word, you'll likely find classical Philippine music to be a great way to relax and enjoy this unique style of Filipino culture.

    “Klasical” is a repertoire of unforgettable kundiman songs such as Ako’y Kampupot, Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan Ka Irog, Bituing Marikit, Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Folksong Medley, Kalesa , Ay, Ay, Ay, O Pag ibig, Katakataka.

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    Onyl Torres

    It is a musical show about love, heartbreak, Filipino culture of courtship and serenade, passion, and poetic expression of love for country and history. Included in this rich collection are a few arias and opera pieces like O Mio Babbino Caro, Canto Patriotico De Maria Clara, and others.

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    Terrence Guillermo

    All these songs and themes that transcend time and place will be carried out by Tribu’s immense talent and their unwavering commitment to musical excellence. Listeners can expect an updated and well-arranged musical score by one of the most sought-after musical directors, Pifo Cifra.

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    Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.