Cover Lea Salonga, Maria Ressa, and Dolly de Leon at the rehearsal celebration dinner for ‘Request sa Radyo’ with the Filipino community in New York (Photo: Lawrence Sumulong / NY)
Lea Salonga, Maria Ressa, and Dolly de Leon at the rehearsal celebration dinner for ‘Request sa Radyo’ with the Filipino community in New York (Photo: Lawrence Sumulong / NY)
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In preparation for its premiere at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater this October, ‘Request sa Radyo’ held its rehearsals in New York, culminating to a jovial gathering of some of the most accomplished creatives and respected art proponents from the Filipino community
Request sa Radyo, a Filipino play based on Franz Kroetz’s acclaimed theatrical piece Wunschkonzert, is set to be performed this October 10 to 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater under the direction of Bobby Garcia. Featuring Tony Award and Laurence Olivier Award-winning actor Lea Salonga and BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated actor Dolly de Leon, the play explores emotions commonly felt by overseas Filipino workers and tackles the complexities of loneliness in this day and age.
This momentous production, mounted by Tony Award-winning creative and co-producer Clint Ramos, recently held its rehearsals in New York. What better way to cap things off before it gears for its Philippine premiere than a bountiful feast with fellow Filipinos based in and visiting New York?
Read more: On Centre Stage: Lea Salonga looks back at her iconic roles and shares why self-care matters
Above Sandro Lorenzo, Bobby Garcia, Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Chris Mohnani, and Ernest Gatpandan
Sandro Lorenzo, Bobby Garcia, Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Chris Mohnani, and Ernest Gatpandan
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Held at The Carriage House, renowned Filipino chef Jordan Andino prepared his signature take on traditional Filipino favourites like shrimp siomai, pork and beef lumpia, kale and quinoa salad, and burrata for starters; charred eggplant rigatoni and spicy lobster chitarra, and his unique take on Filipino favourite chicken and pork adobo and branzino en papillote.
“I feel so fortunate to serve such legendary figures in our community,” Andino shares. “I’ve dreamt of making a cultural impact through my food, I feel privileged to be among some of the most influential among the diaspora.”
Lea Salonga and Jose Llana
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Woven together by their passion for promoting Philippine culture in their respective fields, the dinner was attended by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, Filipino Broadway stars Jose Llana (Here Lies Love, Flower Drum Song), Arielle Jacobs, (Here Lies Love, Aladdin), filmmakers Diane Paragas and Justin Tipping, architect and urban planner Aya Maceda, creative director Ernest Gatpandan, stylists Ceazar Cabreros and LJ Perez, sound artist Corinne de San Jose, designer Rafe Totengco, Silvelens Galleries co-founders Rachel Rillo and Isa Lorenzo, New York production manager Sandro Lorenzo, and model, author, and activist Geena Rocero.
Above ‘Request sa Radyo’ rehearsal celebration dinner held at The Carriage House, New York
‘Request sa Radyo’ rehearsal celebration dinner held at The Carriage House, New York
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“This moment signifies bigger things. We hope this work reverberates,” Rocero says in her toast to the production and the people behind it: Salonga, De Leon, Ramos, Garcia, including Samsung Performing Arts Theater executive director Christopher Mohnani. “You are an inspiration. What you do is important in making the arts evoke reflections on what we do and what is possible,” she continues, extending her congratulatory remark to all the other Filipino creatives present.
Read more: Out of the shadows: Dolly de Leon
Christopher Mohnani
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As the play hits closer to the hearts of the Filipino community in the diaspora, Garcia shares more of his insights from the recently concluded rehearsals. “We have been tackling the themes of isolation and vulnerability while at rehearsals. So it’s refreshing to get together and connect with a community of creatives who know the feeling all too well,” he says. “Let’s all continue striving and supporting Filipino artistry,” he adds.
Read more: Tatler Review: ‘Here Lies Love’ produced by Tony winner Clint Ramos
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Salonga and de Leon, who headline the show, share more about the dinner, which was both meaningful and amusing for them—a break they much needed from the intensive rehearsals.
“After a week of hard work, this was such a treat,” Salonga expresses. “To be engaged in conversation with fabulous Filipinos, including a Nobel Prize winner fattened my heart. And Chef Andino, you remind me of home,” she says.
“Celebrating the completion of our first leg of rehearsals for Request sa Radyo was truly special,” de Leon agrees. “The atmosphere feels like home, filled with warmth. It is the perfect way to unwind!” she exclaims.
Arielle Jacobs, Bobby Garcia, Jose Llana
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Request sa Radyo invites the audience to dive deep into the poignant solitude of a woman through her meticulous evening routine. This subtle yet powerful exploratory piece will have Salonga and de Leon alternating the protagonist character, totalling 20 performances.
This play also sees the directorial homecoming of Garcia, his first in five years. Garcia is a multi-awarded producer and director, best known for founding the prolific stage company Atlantis Productions and Atlantis Theatricals. Request sa Radyo is also Ramos’s first work in his home country in over a decade, and he boldly attempts a never-been-done-in-the-Philippines immersive stage design where he will completely transform the 1,500-seater theatre. Each performance will only have a maximum capacity of 400.
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Credits
Photography: Lawrence Sumulong / NY
About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
