Ciara Sotto shows off pole dancing skills in new stage role

STAR CIRCUIT By Ricky L. Calderon

Read Original Article HERE

After doing her theater debut in the musicale "Magsimula Ka," Ciara Sotto takes on the pivotal role of Mimi, in the restaging of the popular rock musical "Rent" (produced by 9 Works Theatrical) at Carlos P. Romulo Theater of RCBC starting Feb. 12, 2011. She alternates with Sheree Bautista for the said plum role.

Ciara is excited with her new theatrical role as this also marks the first time that she's co-starring with Gian Magdangal in a play. She's also making use of her skills as a pole dancer since the role of Mimi (who is an exotic dancer) requires her to dance.

At the presscon held Monday at The Borough (located at the Ortigas Center in Pasig City), Ciara said she learned a lot from doing stage plays, things that she didn't learn when she was still doing TV shows and movies. "I've always wanted to do theater but Tita Mina (del Rosario, the late grand lady of Viva Films) got me to do movies. In theater, I learned so much about discipline. You've got to be ready with your lines and you've got to be on time," said the youngest daughter of Senator Tito Sotto and Ms. Helen Gamboa.

Here are excerpts from the Q&A:

What are the enjoyable and difficult experiences in doing this play?

"In this show, I get to do everything I want all at the same time. Singing while dancing and acting is something I've always wanted to do. Pole dancing and singing at the same time has always been a challenge. And I will have to do all that for this show. I am excited to do it and it's not very easy. But since the pole is my happy place, of course, I'm enjoying it immensely. And what's difficult for me in putting this show together is having to be, feel, and look sexy."

What is your favorite part of the show?

"Pole dancing and singing obviously! The two loves of my life."

 

What are you most looking forward to sharing with the audience?

"I just hope they have a good time. I hope they enjoy themselves and I hope that they go out of the theatre with a more appreciative outlook in life."

What is the most challenging and exciting part about playing the role of Mimi?

"Having to be sexy and a little slutty! That's both exciting and challenging for me. It's not very easy to be a seductress."

How does this experience compare with previous experiences you've had on stage?

"This play is very modern and unconventional. Liberating and I'd say wild. The theme is for adults. The last play I did (Magsimula Ka) was very Filipino and wholesome... extremes."

How far will you go bold as this role of Mimi calls for it?

"Whatever is appropriate and will make the show better."

"Rent," the 2011 version, will be newer, fresher and bolder in approach. It's under the overall supervision and direction of Robbie Guevarra.

Gian Magdangal reprises his role as Roger Davis, the songwriter, while Sheree (real-life girlfriend of Gian) will reprise her role as Mimi Marquez, the AIDS-afflicted dancer from Cat Scratch Club, alternately with Ciara.

  

Catch RENT on its FINAL WEEKEND RUN!

MARCH 5, 2011 / 3:30PM / Saturday / RCBC

Contact: Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

Borgy Marzan (0922.888.5344)
Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348) 

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

 

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Everything is 'RENT'

The Philippine Star

Original Article can be found HERE

MANILA, Philippines –  Funny how a few years can change a musical. After Tony awards, countless revivals, Vanessa Hudgens, and a movie adaptation, RENT resurfaces in 2011 as a sort of period piece — a musical sign of the times if there ever was one.

RENT is the imaginative retelling of the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme, set in New York City’s gritty East Village. This unforgettable and timeless story of a group of starving artists, who, despite poverty and illness, learn to fall in love and find their voices, brings a universal message of hope for everyone.

Due to insistent public demand, 9 Works Theatrical brings back its hit musical, RENT, on February 12 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT with book, music and lyrics by the late Jonathan Larson, has made a lasting mark on Broadway with its iconic score which includes the crowd-favorite, Seasons of Love.

Fredison Lo as Mark Cohen, Mian Dimacali as Maureen Johnson, and Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson

Among the country’s talented theater artists who will reprise their roles for the re-staging of RENT (previously staged by 9 Works Theatrical — Feb. 2010 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, and Dec. 2010 at the Power Plant Cinema 2) is singer/TV host Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis, the songwriter. Gian recently starred in 9 Works Theatrical’s hit musical The Wedding Singer and regularly appears in GMA-7’s Party Pilipinas.

Sheree Bautista, TV personality/singer and Magdangal’s real-life girlfriend, will reprise her role as Mimi Marquez, the AIDS-afflicted dancer from the Cat Scratch Club.

Alternating with Sheree and joining the cast for the first time is singer/TV personality and showbiz royalty Ciara Sotto. Ciara recently appeared in the local theater production of Magsimula Ka! and is thrilled to be playing a role that will both challenge her and put her pole dancing skills to great use. 

 

Catch RENT on its FINAL WEEKEND RUN!

MARCH 5, 2011 / 3:30PM / Saturday / RCBC

Contact: Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

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Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348) 

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Ciara returns to theater via 'Rent'

By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA

Original Article can be found HERE

MANILA, Philippines - Singer-actress Ciara Sotto’s latest role is a far cry from the social worker Monina of “Magsimula Ka!” last year.

This time, Ciara plays the sultry and AIDS-stricken bohemian Mimi Marquez in the local re-staging of the Broadway hit “Rent.” 

“It's wild, sexy, and rebellious, so it's a big challenge for me,” the actress told PEP. Ciara will be alternating with sexy actress Sheree Bautista.

Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” is an award-winning musical that had its run on Broadway from 1996 to 2008. It tackled taboo issues such as HIV-AIDS, sex, drug addiction, and LGBT.

Ciara is popularly known as a good singer, actress and, just recently, pole dancer. But can she be all these at the same time?

"Singing while pole dancing and acting has always been a challenge, and I'm excited to do it for this show because I get to do everything I want all at the same time. What's difficult is having to feel and look sexy,” said she.

In preparation, Ciara researched online about the character because she hasn’t seen any of the “Rent” productions except for the 2005 film adaptation. She also consulted other actresses who played Mimi in earlier productions, including Bituin Escalante who assumed the role in a 1999 production.

“It's a blessing that I got to talk to Bituin Escalante. She taught me the blocking, the dance moves, things like those. But in the end, you have to put your own touch.

"She taught me that Mimi is a heavy character to play, not just a girl na pa-sexy at may AIDS, pero maraming pinagdaanan. Mimi is very sexy, but a little frail inside. She's a seductress,” Ciara shared.

She also credited her co-stars for giving her a helping hand.

Meanwhile, Ciara said that her husband Joe Oconer is very supportive of her theatrical endeavors. The couple celebrated their first anniversary last Jan. 17.

“He watched me in 'Magsimula Ka!' He's very understanding and has no problems with me doing musicals, even if it would entail a lot of commitment and time apart,” said she.

The budding thespian also revealed that she and Joe are “not in a rush to have kids” and that she wants to concentrate in doing more plays aside from her TV appearances.

Catch RENT on its FINAL WEEKEND RUN!

MARCH 5, 2011 / 3:30PM / Saturday / RCBC

Contact: Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

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Robert Marzan (0922.888.5348) 

Email: watchplays@yahoo.com

 

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Newer, fresher 'Rent' goes onstage

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Original Article can be found HERE

MANILA, Philippines - The revolutionary rock musical "Rent" went back onstage in the country last February 12 as 9 Works Theatrical heeded insistent public demand for the return of the production.

Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis and Sheree Bautista as Mimi Marquez

But this year's "Rent" promises to be "newer, fresher and bolder in approach" under the direction of Robbie Guevara.

Written by Jonathan Larson, "Rent" won a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award. It is about a group of starving bohemian artists struggling with life and the deadly disease AIDS. Love and hope are the musical's themes which resonate in songs like the timeless hit "Seasons of Love".

Gian Magdangal reprises his role as the songwriter Roger Davis. His real-life girlfriend Sheree Bautista will play Mimi Marquez again, a dancer from the Cat Scratch Club who gets afflicted with AIDS. Ciara Sotto will alternate with Bautista for the said role.

Also in the cast are Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Fredison Lo, OJ Mariano, Job Bautista, Jenny Villegas, Mian Dimacali, and Lorenz Martinez, among others.

"Rent", presented through special arrangement with New York-based Music Theatre International, will be back onstage in the next 3 weekends: February 18-20, 25-27, and March 4-6.

 

Catch RENT on its FINAL WEEKEND RUN!

MARCH 5, 2011 / 3:30PM / Saturday / RCBC

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His, hers, theirs

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Original Article can be found HERE 

LIKE their characters Roger and Mimi in 9 Works Theatrical Production’s “Rent,” real-life couple Gian Magdangal and Sheree Bautista are renting a flat for now.

The singing sweethearts and their two-year-old son Haley live in a city condo with a panoramic view of Edsa.

The young, upwardly mobile couple are saving up to buy a modest pad in the city and a roomy vacation home in the province.

That they’re working hard for the monthly rent is just about the only similarity they have with their respective stage characters, Gian says.

He and Sheree play unconventional roles in “Rent”—he a songwriter/musician and a reformed drug addict, she a bar dancer and junkie. Both are HIV-positive. (Sheree alternates with Ciara Sotto as Mimi.)

“We had to do research,” he admits.

“I watched the movie and the Broadway versions,” Sheree says. Mimi was a dream role; she even auditioned for it twice. “When I first tried out last year, I didn’t get it. So I honed my voice with coach Kitchie Molina,” Sheree explains.

Living with one’s stage partner can be both a boon and a bane, they point out.

“We can bluntly say anything to each other,” Gian says.

“He always scolds me,” Sheree quips. “We end up fighting. That’s the only disadvantage. But I count myself lucky because I’m learning a lot from him.”

They agree that it’s quite difficult leaving work on their doorstep.

“As much as possible, we don’t want to bring work home. But it’s hard to turn it off,” he confesses.

Especially since they are both extremely passionate about acting and singing—so much so that they’ve built a mini-recording studio in their living room.

“The vocal parts on Gian’s first album (‘Love Tracks’) were all done at home,” she recalls. “We just e-mailed the files to his producer Jimmy Antiporda who was in the United States then.”

With a keyboard, mic, Mac computer, guitar and other gear, it has become easier for the couple to work on their music.

“Technology’s a big help,” she says. All sorts of gadgets, including iPods and iPads, lie all around the place.

They even have his and hers laptops. Hers is pink and studded with cutesy stickers. “I don’t like it when he’s messing with my files. So I made sure that we each have our own laptops,” she explains. “Between the two of us, I’m the gadget whiz.”

She concedes that it’s a role-reversal of sorts: She’s at ease with fixing cables and the computer, while he likes homey chores like cooking.

During the Living Stars visit, he whipped up cream dory fish with tomato sauce.

“He’s into healthy eating kasi, while I love junk food like doughnuts,” she says.

Away from the limelight, “we’re very simple,” he relates. “We just watch movies. Or we try to compose songs. But most of the time, we play with Haley. He’s the boss of the house.”

She notes: “At home, I usually do video editing or work on the computer. Or I record songs. We always sing at home.”

As early as now, they’ve noticed innate musicality in Haley.

Proud mom gushes: “He can carry a tune. He loves singing songs from ‘Little Einstein’ or ‘Spongebob.’ It’s because he watches us rehearsing or recording all the time.”

One time, Haley joined her while she was practicing “Single Ladies.”

“The bongo drums are Haley’s,” he says.

Needless to say, Haley has changed this couple’s life.

“We are still adjusting to family life,” he volunteers. “But Haley helped us. I know that it will take a lot of trust, love and understanding. We are basically two very different people, from diverse backgrounds, who must learn to live with each other.”

Luckily, he points out, “we are compatible. Sheree’s easy to deal with.”

It’s also a plus that they were longtime friends before deciding to live together. They met over a decade ago when they were in the cast of the Trumpets musical “The Little Mermaid.”

“We already had a connection and when we met again during ‘Philippine Idol’ [he was a contestant; she was a guest] five years ago, we sort of rediscovered each other,” he recounts.

Motherhood has completely altered her world, she says. “I used to be a party girl, always bar-hopping at night. But now, I’ve become a homebody.”

It was a welcome change of pace for her.

“I got tired of living alone,” she says. “Since I was 16, I was living independently. I got depressed going home to an empty house. I was ready to share my life with someone.”

If ever, they still prefer condo living over owning a house.

“Condo-living is low maintenance. Security is not a problem,” he says. “It’s more convenient and practical.”

She has lived in this building long before they became an item. “This is my comfort zone. I’m used to this area already.”

“We plan to buy our own unit when we’re ready. We’re saving up for it,” he says.

In the meantime, they busy themselves with various projects.

Apart from “Rent,” he’s also on GMA 7’s “Party Pilipinas” and the Resorts World musical “Kaos.”

(“Rent” runs all weekends until March 6 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza in Makati.)

She is working on her second album and is preparing for a major reinvention from Viva Hot Babe to a more serious actress.

“We also dream of building a rest house in Bukidnon, in Sheree’s hometown. Or in the suburbs,” he says. “We prefer to live away from Manila. It’s too polluted and congested here.”

They also love going out of town, for quick beach holidays in Batangas or Boracay.

“We earn our own keep. We have to pay for our obligations, but at the same time, we try to balance work with leisure,” he says.

Another goal is their trip to the altar.

They are in no hurry, though.

“We want to take it one step at a time,” he says. “It’s just that now we are preoccupied with work. When the time comes, we will proudly announce it to the whole world.”

Catch RENT on its FINAL WEEKEND RUN!

MARCH 5, 2011 / 3:30PM / Saturday / RCBC

Contact: Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

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Your Rent is due again

BY SAM L. MARCELO, Senior Reporter

for BUSINESS WORLD Weekender

Original Article can be found HERE

When Robbie Guevara, artistic director of 9 Works Theatrical, chose to restage Jonathan Larson’s Rent in 2010, he was apprehensive. The musical based on Puccini’s La Boheme had been "done to death" and he feared that people were tired of it. He was pleasantly surprised when the company’s production played to a packed theater several times.

Gian Magdangal and Sheree Bautista as Roger and Mimi in 9 Works Theatrical‘s restaging of Rent

A limited run mounted at Rockwell in December was also well-received. "Due to insistent public demand, we knew that we needed to bring Rent back," said Mr. Guevara. And so here it is again: eight bohemian friends in the Lower East Village of New York City dealing with life, love and AIDS.

What is it about the show that makes it stick? Is it the songs -- those 525,600 minutes that will cover you in vindaloo and make you moo? "People will always relate to the story," the director said. "Fine, it’s set in New York but who doesn’t have a family? Who doesn’t have best friends? Who doesn’t lose loved ones or cope with pain? It’s so simple that if you find Rent alienating, there’s something wrong with you. That’s my take on it."

This February staging features additions to the cast, chief among them Ciara Sotto who alternates with Sheree Bautista in the role of exotic dancer and druggie Mimi. Incidentally, Ms. Bautista is the real-life girlfriend of Gian Magdangal, who returns as songwriter Roger Davis.

Carla Guevara-Laforteza rejoins the cast as performance artist Maureen Johnson. Mian Dimacali, who took over the role in December 2010, alternates with Ms. Guevara-Laforteza.

Also reprising their roles are Fredison Lo as filmmaker Mark Cohen; OJ Mariano as philosophy professor Tom Collins; Job Bautista as drag queen Angel Dummott Schunard; Jenny Villegas as lawyer Joanne Jefferson; and Lorenz Martinez as landlord Benjamin Coffin III.

The director pushed aside concerns about the cast’s relative inexperience (many are newcomers to the stage). " Rent’s been put on a pedestal, which is well-deserved. People think that it’s an intimidating debut but they forget that the original Broadway cast was composed of first-timers. If they did it, so can we. It’s difficult but it’s doable."

Broadway star Idina Menzel, for example, was a wedding and bar mitzvah singer before she originated the role of Maureen in 1996.

"Whether you’re a complex main character or a chorus member juggling three or four roles, it’s not easy. The actors have to put in the work and these guys definitely have," Mr. Guevara said. He added that this version will have "newer and more exciting choreography" -- pole-dancing at the Cat Scratch Club included.

The director isn’t worried about how this run will do because people have called in advance and expressed interest in seeing the show. "The question now is, do we do it next year?," said Mr. Guevara. "I’m leaning towards -- no." He paused and added: "I don’t know. Maybe. We’ll see."

 

Catch RENT on its FINAL WEEKEND RUN!

MARCH 5, 2011 / 3:30PM / Saturday / RCBC

Contact: Onay Sales (0918.536.2116)

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Photo Coverage: 9 Works Theatrical Revisits Rock Musical RENT

by Oliver Oliveros

Original Article can be found HERE

Jonathan Larson's ground breaking rock musical "Rent" has arguably developed a life of its own.  And 9 Works Theatrical's third endeavour of mounting the show is one tangible proof -- "Rent" runs anew at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City in Manila from Saturday, February 12 to Sunday, March 6, 2011. 

BroadwayWorld.com (Philippines) brings you some production photos fresh from the local theatre company's media preview held Friday, February 11, 2011.  "Rent's" original and additional cast members performed a few musical numbers, which included Act One's rousing finale "La Vie Boheme," before the media's still and moving cameras. 

Presented through a special arrangement with licensing company Music Theatre International (MTI), 1996 Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon "Rent" is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini's classic opera "La Boheme".  It tells the story of one year in the life of eight friends who are living the Bohemian lifestyle in Manhattan's gritty East Village. These friends strive for success and acceptance as they endure the obstacles of poverty and AIDS epidemic at the turn of the millennium.

Gian Magdangal (Roger), Sheree Bautista (Mimi), Fredison Lo (Mark), OJ Mariano (Tom), Job Bautista (Angel), Jenny Villegas (Joanne), Lorenz Martinez (Benjamin), Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Maureen), Mian Dimacali (Maureen alternate) and ensemble players Peachy Atilano, Harold Cruz, Johann dela Fuente, Pam Imperial, Gary Junsay, Anna Santamaria, Alys Serdenia and Mark Tayag reprise their respective roles.

New to the company are TV personality-turned-actress Ciara Sotto (Mimi alternate) and opera singer Al Gatmaitan (Roger alternate). 

9 Works Theatrical, the theatre group that also staged "Songs for A New World" and "The Wedding Singer," promises a fresher treatment of the material compared to the last two runs.  Stage director Robbie Guevara has incorporated a pole dancing routine in "Out Tonight," Mimi's first big solo number for instance. 

Jojo Malferrari as musical director - band, Onyl Torres as musical director - vocals, Charles Stephen Thompson, Francis Matheu and Mara Andres as choreographers, Mio Infante as scenographer, Martin Esteva as lighting designer, Chuck Ledesma as sound designer and Bek Soriano as costume stylist complete the artistic team. 

 

Catch RENT on its FINAL WEEKEND RUN!

MARCH 5, 2011 / 3:30PM / Saturday / RCBC

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Ex-Viva Hot Babe joins cast of 'Rent'

 

by Boy Villasanta, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Original Article can be found HERE

MANILA, Philippines - It was singer-actor Gian Magdangal who prodded live-in partner Sheree, an erstwhile Viva Hot Babes member, to try and audition in 9 Works Theatrical’s third edition of Broadway hit “Rent.”

“The first time I auditioned, I failed, would you believe?” revealed Sheree at the lobby of Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC on Ayala Avenue recently.

“Kasi, may sore throat ako no’n. But the second time I auditioned, I passed it,” she added.

“I am really excited in theater. This is another venue and I am doubly excited dahil kasama ko si Gian,” 

Sheree, who done theater production in school, said.
The former Viva Hot Babe is also ready to shed her sexy image. “Although I am not conscious about my image and I don’t care about it but I have to prove something in my career.”

She is now under the care of a new talent manager, Arnold Vegafria. According to Sheree, Vegafria is now working on her inclusion in a soap opera.


As Mimi
Sheree alternates with singer-actress Ciarra Sotto in “Rent” as Mimi, the drug dependent girlfriend of Roger (Magdangal).

During the press preview, it was Sotto who tackled the main female lead in the musicale, which has lent enlightening and dramatic insights into the characters of multiracial occupants of an apartment building in a New York district.

Surprisingly, Ciarra did a wonderful, judicious and emphatic performance not only because of her acrobatic moves but her illuminating rendition of a drug addict passionately in love with the artist Roger as well.

Sotto was very confident about her breathing life to her persona as she reacted and introspected with her fellow actors portraying varied roles.
It was an unforgettable journey in Ciarra’s acting career so she said during the press call that she would want to concentrate on live performances particularly theater.

Magdangal was also perfect as Roger.
This year’s version of the Broadway hit is quite impressive with all the elements (from lights, sound, stage design, acting, music etc) jibing to create a consistently cohesive whole.

 

Catch RENT on its FINAL WEEKEND RUN!

MARCH 5, 2011 / 3:30PM / Saturday / RCBC

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BALTAZAR’S OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA: Swaying to the Rhythm of Love and War

by Arren

Original Article can be found HERE

In the unappeasable thirst for power, a powerful leader is murdered leaving behind his wife and daughter who would grieve for him and would vow to take revenge for his death. In the unpredictable machinations of the heart, two people fall in love only to find themselves torn apart by familial duty, treachery and war. This is only the beginning of the tale of love and war in Francisco Baltazar’s Orosman at Zafira.

Brought to life onstage by Dulaang UP in 2008, Orosman at Zafira is now on its third run at the SM Mall of Asia Centerstage. Dulaang UP has adapted a contemporary retelling of the story making it more accessible and fun to its audience. Long verses were made into song, music was harmonized with the mood of the different scenes, and dance became the medium where the characters expressed their emotions. 

 

I still remember that I almost didn’t watch Orosman at Zafira in 2008 simply because it was Balagtas. Then I found myself buying a ticket to the show since it everybody was saying it was very good. And as I was watched the performance for the very first time, I fell in love with theatre. What is not to love with a language, though not easily understandable, that was spoken with so much emotion that it became a melody to the audience’s ears; with the music that is distinctly Filipino and made our hearts beat to its rhythm; and with the brilliant choreography by director Dexter Santos, especially those of the war scenes that raised goose bumps and made the audience watch in wonder at the beauty and intensity the dances were executed.

Three years later and after watching Orosman at Zafira for the fifth time in its third run premiere, it got bigger and more beautiful. A bigger space meant that the ensemble could move more freely, and they had to fill that big space with intense energy for the audience to feel. Which is exactly what they did. Every jump, kick and spin was executed with so much power. The chorus didn’t have to speak to tell what they are feeling; their dancing was more than adequate in showing their own story. In the war scenes their movements and cries reeked of desperation to conquer the enemy, but with it also came the torment of knowing that they’re battling to their death. I found myself teary-eyed when everyone was praying to God to save them from the bloodshed that was to come. In words and in movement, the strong yearning to flee from the path that they are on was evident but everyone was caught up in the consequences of their actions and they knew that it was impossible to escape.

Orosman at Zafira is the portrayal of how a powerful passion for love or ambition can drive people to do beautiful or ugly things. In the thirst for love, people become desperate to do anything to achieve another’s heart. In the thirst for power, people can become absolutely heartless to get to that pinnacle of supremacy. When so much passion is portrayed in a performance, it reaches the audience and leaves them awestruck. From every performer and the people behind Orosman at Zafira, I felt the love they had for what they are doing. Every note, line, movement and cry was born out of love.

Indeed, love can drive people to do so many things. In this case, the product was a beautiful play. No doubt there were sweat, blood, tears,bruises and sprained ankles that went with making this play possible, but love still prevailed. A fitting representation of the heart of Orosman at Zafira: 

“Kasumpa-sumpa man, pag-ibig, pag-ibig at pag-ibig pa rin.” 

Direction and Choreography by DEXTER SANTOS 

Original Music by CAROL BELLO 

Orosman at Zafira is one of the most-acclaimed works of Francisco Baltazar,

the “King of Tagalog Poets.” It is the story of the struggle for power of three kingdoms: Marueccos, Tedenst and Duquela. Amid hatred and war where two individuals find love, this musical adaptation highlights the strength of the Filipina and celebrates Philippine culture through breathtaking dance and music. 

This original Filipino musical features Jay Gonzaga, Maita Ponce, Delphine Buencamino, Tao Aves, Roeder Camanag, Red Concepcion, Kevin Concepcion, Acey Aguilar, Jean Judith Javier, Neil Tolentino, Nazer Salcedo, Ronnie Martinez

and the Dulaang UP Ensemble. 

 

Catch OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA on its LAST Saturday run

February 26 / 3PM / SAT @ MOA CenterStage

Ticket Price: Php350

Contact Onay @ 0918.536.2116 to reserve tickets.

 

 

 

Orosman at Zafira: A story of love, justice and sacrifices

By Flow Galindez

Original Article can be found HERE

"Buwan man o taon ang bilangin, pag-ibig, pag-ibig at pag-ibig pa rin!" This is how Orozman at Zafira of Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar struck me when I first saw it in University of the Philippines Diliman last 2010. Gladly, Dulaang UP and Bit by Bit Development Company of Darwin Mariano brings it to a more mainstream audience to appreciate the art and legacy that Balagtas left in the Philippine literature. Now, Orosman at Zafira will run in all Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of February 2011 at SM Centerstage Theater in SM Mall of Asia.

The masterpiece of Balagtas follows the story of a Zafira, a princess from the tribe of Marruecos who thirst for justice after her father Mahamud was murdered by a Tedenst. Like a Romeo-Juliet set up, Zafira fell in love with Orosman, one of the sons of Boulasem, leader of the enemy tribe. With Gulnara, Zafira asked help from Zelim, the leader of Duquela to slay the murderers of her father. This how the quest for justice and love of Zafira and Orosman had started.

Just when I thought, Dulaang UP and all the performers had shown their best in 2010 that really amazed me. The 2011 production really surprise me from the costume, effects, fight scenes and how actors portrayed their roles. Let me discuss it one by one; the costumes were improved it gave more distinctions between tribes, which unlike before the only thing I can recall was Maurrecos are those with red stitches and accessories, while the remaining tribe it is hard to distinguish. With a bigger space it gives the actors move freely to execute fight scenes including with the props and acrobatic stunts which was rare to do in the UP campus.

Music and lighting effects helps to add with the emotions of each character. I really love how the group of Dexter Santos (Director) and Carol Bello (Musical Director) combines regional instruments with the modern equipments and create wonderful music and it goes very well with the actors singing, acting and choreography. It just when I saw Orosman at Zafira last Friday (Feb 4), I can barely hear some actors because the music is louder and their voices. I just hope the group could correct that in the succeeding performance.

I'm still fascinated with the vocal prowess of Tao Aves (Zelima), and Jean Judith Javier (Gulnara) which are still doing their roles this year. I saw them singing in 2010 and their voices are so powerful. While Maita Angeli Ponce and Sarah Delfine Buencamino who played Zafira alternates were great in doing their roles; Maita was the Zafira last Feb 4, while I saw Delfine perform the prayer during the press conference last January.

Orosman at Zafira, tells the story how women can be brave and strong. The Balagtas' creation gives the limelight to women and how they can empower themselves and fight for their right and justice.That is why this play is worth watching as it reaches out to the mainstream audience.

Orosman at Zafira includes performers like Jay Gonzaga (Orosman), Maita Ponce and Delphine Buencamino (Zafira - alternate), Tao Aves (Zelima), Roeder Camañag (Abdalap), Red Concepcion (Aldervesin), Kevin Concepcion and Acey Aguilar (Zelim - alternate), Jacinta Remulla (Gulnara), Jean Judith Javier (Gulnara), Nazer Salcedo (Boulasem), Neil Tolentino (Mahamud), Felipe Ronnie Martinez (Ben-Asar), and the Dulaang UP Ensemble. The artistic team of OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA includes Tuxqs Rutaquio (Production Designer), John Ilao Batalla (Lighting Designer), Anril Tiatco, Katte Sabate, and Patrick Valera (Dramaturgs), Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director), Via Antonio (Associate Choreographer), Irish Pangilinan (Associate Musical Director), and Lao Rodriguez (Accessories Designer). The production team is composed of Atty. Darwin Mariano (Executive Producer), Carlo Francia (Associate Producer), Toots O. Tolentino (PR/Publicity Consultant), Ida Elopre (Production Manager), Ohm David (Technical Director), Loraine Macatangay (Stage Manager), Cherry Bong Edralin (Marketing Manager), and Jojit Lorenzo (Photography).

Catch OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA on its LAST Saturday run

February 26 / 3PM / SAT @ MOA CenterStage

Ticket Price: Php350

Contact Onay @ 0918.536.2116 to reserve tickets.