Ballet Philippines and the Manila Concert Scene this July

La Revolucion Filipina

Ballet Philippines restages its acclaimed production of La Revolucion Filipina as its 45th season opener and in commemoration of Apolinario Mabini’s 150th anniversary.

Written by Apolinario Mabini as a narrative memoir of the ensuing conflict between the Philippine revolutionists and the American colonisers at the dawn of the 20th century, La Revolucion Filipina is a poignant and powerful masterpiece translated into the stage by the choreographer Agnes Locsin. Together with Dennis Marasigan and Ryan Cayabyab, the epic production came into fruition and was first staged in the 1990s as part of the Philippine Centennial Celebrations. 

Jean Marc Cordero with the cast of La Revolucion Filipina

The full-length dance-drama covers the turbulent times in Philippine history, particularly the betrayal of the Filipinos by the Americans expressed in the Spanish-American War of 1896, the making of the Philippine Government in 1898 and the dissolution of the Katipunan. Three prominent historical figures played major parts in the production: Apolinario Mabini, Andres Bonifacio, and Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Audiences will witness unique ballet choreography as Locsin chose not to show much of extended arms and legs but crooked and contorted to transcend earthy and visceral emotion and strength. This fourth restaging of the modern dance masterpiece is led by three members of La Revolucion Filipina’s original cast, Annette Cruz-Mariano, Judell de Guzman-Sicam, and Alden Lugnasin. While the lead role of Apolinario Mabini will be brought to stage by Ballet Philippines principal dancer Jean Marc Cordero once again. Cordero first played the role in the 2008 restaging, and was notably his first lead role for the company. He shares the stage with other principal dancers, Richardson Yadao and Nicolo Magno, as the new production’s Emilio Aguinaldos.

Winner of the Gawad Buhay Awards in 2008, La Revolucion Filipina reminds the people of the treachery of their fellow countrymen and the immortal love of one paralytic to his motherland. The production will open on July 25 at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines Main Theatre. Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph for ticket details.

The Lumineers

Neyla Pekarek, Wesley Schultz, and Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers

Known for their hits “Ho Hey” and “Stubborn Love,” American folk rock group The Lumineers is coming to the Philippines this month. The band, then includes childhood friends Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, started breaking into the musical scene in 2005 by having gigs in New York. But when classcial instrumentalist Neyla Pekarek placed a Craigslist ad for a cellist, the two packed their bags and headed for Denver, Colorado. The band's sound slowly took shape and The Lumineers was later known for their heart-swelling stomp-and-clap acoustic roc / classical pop genre.  

This July 28, The Lumineers is set to perform live in Manila for the first time at a coming-together in musical solidarity against isolation, adversity, and despair. The Lumineers Live in Manila is presented by Midas Promotions and will be held at the World Trade Centre.

UPDATE (As of July 9, 2014): The Lumineers have cancelled their concert. Last Tuesday, the band has released a statement through their social media accounts saying “Regrettably we have to cancel the forthcoming concert in Manila due to unforeseen circumstances. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and want to thank the fans for their continued support.” For ticket refunds, contact SM Tickets at 470-2222 or  TicketWorld at 891-9999.

Jessie J Live in Manila

After making millions with her songs, with performances in front of a global audience, London-born songstress Jessie J shakes up Manila for a concert titled ‘Jessie J Live in Manila.’ The pop star burst onto the scene in 2011 with the single “Do It Like A Dude,” that was followed by “Price Tag,” the antimaterialistic anthem of its year.

This July 14, Jessie J will give fans a night of non-stop musical party as she rocks the concert stage with songs from her latest album, "Alive," which includes her latest compositions and masterpieces by Rodney Jerkins, Claude Kelly and Stargate. Jessie J Live in Manila 2014 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum is presented by Midas Promotions in cooperation with Futuretainment, Inc. Visit www.ticketnet.com.ph for ticket details.