The Philippine Ballet Theatre is set to stage ‘Maria Makiling' this July
Playing the role of Maria's love interest, Juan, are Matthew Davo and Justine Orande. We've seen the two in previous PBT shows such as Sarimanok and The Nutcracker , so it's exciting to see their fresh takes on the different emotional sides to Juan's romantic yet heartbreaking journey.
Maria Makiling will have a limited run on July 5 and 6 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. For more information, follow their social media pages.
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The Sandbox Collective's ‘Side Show: The Musical' is Toff de Venecia's final love letter to Philippine theatre
Above Jon Santos interacting with the audience before the show starts (Photo: Gabriel Bohol) Before the show starts, the cast excitedly takes the stage and interacts with the audience—detached from their roles and asking questions. The day I watched, Jon Santos, who plays the Boss, mentions that we should get ready for a 'darker version of Bongga ', referencing his previous work in Bawat Bonggang Bagay . At a moment's notice, everyone snaps into character for a seamless transition to the start of the show. Ever committed to its advocacies, The Sandbox Collective starts Side Show with soundbites from prominent historical figures, but what struck me the most was former President Rodrigo Duterte's quote about the war on drugs. It was terrifying to hear once again, and to be used in this context reinforced what Santos had previously mentioned. See also: What to expect at the Philippine staging of 'Into The Woods' Above Reine Paisley in her theatre debut (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) JM Cabling's choreography, paired with The Sandbox Collective's partnership with Ivan the Selfie Magician, was one of the best parts of the show. The lively ensemble darting around the room while performing magic tricks set the tone—making it feel like I was at an old-timey carnival. It only gets better with Mark Dalacat's set design and Carlos Siongco's costume design, to which the production spared no expense. Above Marynor Madamesila and Tanya Manalang-Atadero as Daisy and Violet Hilton (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Krystal Kane and Molly Langley as Daisy and Violet Hilton (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Side Show 's casting couldn't have been done better as everyone—from the leads to the ensemble and alternates—infused their own unique variations to the roles. For instance, the Hilton Twins: Tanya Manalang-Atadero and Marynor Madamesila and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley gave us a glimpse of what it's like to be in their shoes. While the world around them can only see them as freaks, the show allows the audience to see past that. To us, the two aren't Siamese twins; they're just twins who talk and feel as we do. Above Jon Santos as The Boss (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) As the only role outside the ensemble that has no alternates, Santos masterfully commands the stage with his powerful presence as The Boss. It's a shame that his character has little appearance, as I would've loved to see more of his antics. Thankfully, Santos still puts on a show in the form of other characters that bear his signature flair. Read also: 'Intramuros Evenings' returns with a unique restaging of 'Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?' Above CJ Navato as Terry Connor (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Reb Atadero as Terry Connor (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Tim Pavino as Buddy Foster (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Vien King as Buddy Foster with Krystal Kane and Molly Langley (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Terry Connor, Buddy Foster and Jake—three characters who are made night and day through the different approaches by six actors were nothing short of perfect. CJ Navato and Reb Atadero, as the charming Terry, both performed heartfelt solos but differed in how they swaggered around as an agency suit. While the former makes it seem as though he's truly fallen for one of the twins, the latter makes it feel more sinister, changing how one might interpret the story. Vien King and Tim Pavino, on the other hand, gave us flashy and modest versions of Buddy. 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Remembering Pitoy Moreno—The Metropolitan Museum's tribute to a fashion icon
A highlight of the evening was a special segment featuring artists who were once recipients of Moreno's scholarships at the University of the Philippines. The M invited them to create works inspired by his fashion. The artists, including Issay Rodriguez, Carlito Camahalan Amalla and Digo Acuzar presented pieces in the museum's foyer which are available for purchase in support of The M's programmes. The night culminated in a musical performance by the UP Manila Choir, whose a cappella rendition of 1970s Manila Sound classics concluded with Bongga Ka 'Day , a fitting tribute to Moreno—himself referenced in the song as a symbol of glamour. The gala celebrated not only Pitoy Moreno's extraordinary body of work and artistry but also his enduring influence on generations of designers and his commitment to elevating Philippine culture on the global stage. See also: Filipino-British actor Claire-Marie Hall on 'Operation Mincemeat' and the joy of performing 'Pitoy often said that true beauty lives not only in design, but in how we connect with one another. Through your presence, support, and stories, you've proven that true,' shared Magsaysay-Ho. The gala also launched The M Museum's new membership programme, which grants year-long complimentary access for members and their guests. Proceeds from the event will support the museum's educational initiatives, exhibitions and cultural preservation efforts, enabling the team to continue the promotion, preservation and betterment of Philippine arts and culture. The success of Remembering Pitoy was made possible through the support of institutional partners, including the Jusi & Pina Foundation, BPI, Lexus and Tatler, among others. In celebrating Moreno, The M not only honoured a national treasure, but reaffirmed its role as a guardian of Philippine heritage—fashioned not just from fabric, but from memory, meaning and shared identity. His legacy is not only stitched into the gowns he created but also tightly woven into the many lives he touched and the causes he championed.
