Ballet Manila's "Flights of Fantasy"

Early morning and I've got to head down south for this one to see "Flights of Fantasy". It's a series of shows for the 22nd Performance Season of premier dance company Ballet Manila. I've been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to watch their show but didn't get to because of distance (I live in QC) but judging from the lineup I said to myself "this is gonna be worth it" as I know every Ballet Manila production donnes world class standards. I love the art of dance and ballet always has got a soft spot in my heart because I attempted this and failed when I was in primary school. I used what little things I learned from that and applied it to tons of competitions that I had in Manila and in the regionals. Believe me, it helped.

What I like about this production though is that it's an original one. I'm talking about that legendary bird "Ibong Adarna". We love folklore, but as it was told in dance by Gerardo Francisco you would get to be flown into the magical kingdom of Berbanya. Prepare to be astonished as the company whip out their moves, techniques, even flying sequences. You'll be amazed at what the human body can do. If that's not enough, gorgeous west end star Gia Macuja Atchison will also sing as the great "Ibong Adarna". Music will be done by Diwa De Leon while set design and costume will be from Otto Hernandez. This is written by Angela Blardony Ureta. It will be shown on August 26 and September 2 at 6PM and will also show on August 27 and September 3 at 3PM so mark your calendars!

They also will be doing the classical ballet piece "Swan Lake" with music by Peter Tchaikovsky come October to pay homage to their Vaganova Academy style of dance. Premier ballerina Liza Macuja Elizalde and Osias Barroso will re-stage this at the Aliw Theater as well to make sure little girls who watch the show get inspired to do ballet after that.

You'll see Prince Sigfried, Odette, Odile and all the magic in between so this would be a good place to start to take interest in the art. Stage Design will be done by the marvelous Miguel Faustmann so prepare to be at awe. It will be seen October 7 and 14 at 6PM and October 8 and 15 at 3PM, get season tickets if you wish to see it all!

For a fun and endearing holiday season, Ballet Manila will be offering newly choreographed show by Ms. Lisa Macuja- Elizalde with the well loved fairy tale and staging of "Snow White". 

Set design will be taken cared of by Mio Infante and Costumes will be from Michael Miguel. Musical Arrangement will be done by Von De Guzman so this would be something to look forward to (he did local shows Amaya, Temptation Island). They will put a twist to the story and bring it to the 21st century. They'll be doing it on the same venue come November 25 and December 2 at 6PM, and November 26 and December 3 at 3PM. Kids would love this even if it's the queen doing the storytelling. Don't be afraid to watch as it's interesting. This is also their world premier!

They also got us to see a preview of Ballet and Ballads which will be seen next year. They'll do it on February 10 and 17, 2018 at 6PM and February 11 and 18, 2018 at 3PM. They will be featuring Martin Lawrence's Aria with music excerpts from Georges Bizet's The Pearl Fisher Opera and costumes designed by the one and only Jeffrey Rogador (of whom I've covered tons of fashion shows too).

We also had a preview of the interpretation of the song "Taralets" by local band Imago. It was choreographed by Gerardo Francisco which moves lived up to the dynamic and energetic song. It's very Filipino, and who would have thought it would be presented this well! It was just a fitting way to end the press preview, and if I were you I'd book tickets for the season instead of just a single show. Ballet and Ballads will also be featuring Asia's Crooner Christian Bautista and other artists, the songs they are planning to perform will surely be epic!

This is just one wonderous case of how to show the Filipino is world class. If you want to know more about ticket prices and schedules, please visit their official website www.balletmanila.com.ph and their accounts on FB, Twitter and IG. It's also available on TicketWorld outlets via www.ticketworld.com.ph/BalletManila/Online then click on View Details under the part where it says "Season Subscription Program" if you want to see it all. 

This is just one of the many things that Ballet Manila has prepared for the Filipino audience, and we fervently hope this won't be the last. I really was amazed with the short previews so I can't wait to see the whole show on the said dates. 

KUMAGCOW

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Photo credits: some images without my watermark belong to BalletManila.com.ph. 

10 Reasons Why You Should Watch Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz's Finally Found Someone

OPPO Philippines gave us a treat by having us watch the premier of Finally Found Someone, Star Cinema and Viva Films' latest project. The film stars Princess of Pop Sarah Geronimo and everybody's dream boy John Lloyd Cruz and it's been three years since their last pairing. I watched the movie earlier and I felt the need to list down reasons why you should watch it. I promise not to put spoilers, as much as I can.

1. Sarah Geronimo is a comedienne. It's not the dialogue at all, she does quite well in funny SLAPSTICK comedy.

2. John Lloyd Cruz is FRESH. I don't know what he did in the previous movies, but he looks a whole lot younger in this film. He lost a lot of eyebags, maybe got a lot sleep? Or maybe got thinner, those eyes which ladies love made him look younger. He stiill has those magic puppy dog eyes.

3. John Lloyd Cruz is CUTE x 10. You know that moment when you see John Lloyd so adorable? Multiply that into ten sequences because this is like a museum, he will be shown in different angles, different scenes in different days and show his best asset. It was a series of shots where I heard ladies helplessly shrieking because they find JLC so cute, those dancing pikachus won't be even a match.

4. The film also harnesses SOCIAL MEDIA. It can make or break you, and if you are not careful you would end up like her. Or him, so always know the TRUTH will set you free.

5. The TRUTH we speak of is painful, but you would go through it for the one you love. That takes a lot of COURAGE.

6. CAKE is SWEET. It starts with a cookie, then a business, then the icing on the cake. Do you know where that would lead them? A kiss? Maybe, maybe.

7. You are not ALONE. Even if you don't have family, you have FRIENDS you can count on. You'll be amazed what they would do for you if you just learn to ask for help.

8. The feeling of being IN LOVE can make you pee in your pants, ask Sarah Geronimo why.

9. The movie has a lot of realizations. One of them is to FIX YOURSELF FIRST before you LOVE somebody else. Get an OPPO F3 Special Sarah Geronimo Edition and make yourself pretty. Effortless selfies, group shots plus Sarah's signature on every unit. It's a POPSTER's DREAM COME TRUE!

10. Everyone deserves a SECOND CHANCE. :)

I hope this is enough to convince you to watch this Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz movie. If you want to know why I said these things, run to 200+ cinemas nationwide so you could catch this movie. You should never miss this if you liked their previous films. Again, thank you so much to OPPO Philippines for having us in this sure blockbuster event. They sponsored the tickets and popcorn but this list is mine, so go watch it! :) 

KUMAGCOW

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What's Good at Pancake House Ayala Malls Vertis North?

I remember the times I've been in Pancake House because for a big boy like me it was a bit sinful to eat in a place like this because I usually order the Lemon Tower which is consisted of 5-8 layers of pancakes drizzled with lemon sauce, lemon custard, sprinkled lemon rind, and tons of whipped cream. It was a dream and in my books it was the best concoction I could ever find in the Eastwood City branch's menu, but I didn't regret every single morsel I had to lick off the plate because it was really good. A few days ago, I was invited to the opening of their newest branch at the Ayala Malls Vertis North (situated right beside TriNoMa and aside from the festivities, I was actually looking forward to experience my Lemon Tower all over again, but aghast I was told they have already phased out this lovely thing from their menu. I didn't carry a sad face because honestly I was more relieved that there's a new Pancake House branch now near my home as I've been away from Eastwood for 3 whole years now. The moment I sat down with my  blogger friends, I felt right at home. 

Peach Iced Tea - Tangy, Fruity and a little sweet, this Peach Iced Tea would get your thirst quenched fast. This is one of the new things they offer in this store, perhaps you wouldn't see this anywhere else.

Blueberry Iced Tea - Your favorite cheesecake flavor in all it's fruit glory personified in a drink. The Blueberry Iced Tea is tangy but not gritty, you would love to have this with waffles with blueberry compote while in this joint.

Classic Cheese Burger - If you need to have a belly buster and something to make your hunger go away, their Classic Cheese Burger would fit that role. Two patties and layers of cheese, how can you go wrong with that?

Then the pancakes came. This one is the Salted Egg Pancake. It reminds me a whole lot of the Filipino Bibingka or rice cake which is a staple of every snack during the Christmas Season. Although it's July, they make sure you have your fix of salted egg goodness in every slice. They don't hold back in ingredients so you'll definitely love this if you want salted eggs on everything LOL.

We went out of the store and saw the Pancake House Executives whip out their golden scissors to cut the ribbon and finally open their newest branch.

In every branch, they do a small ceremony that calls for the "slicing of the pancakes". The star of the show are these lovely, fluffy and creamy pancakes! I could smell the batter and maple syrup from a mile away! So good!

Just look at this humongous pancake that they served just for this day. I remember my Lemon Tower looking like this except for the fact that it's got tons of lemon curd on it. Ah the memories!

We went back to our table and saw additional things we ordered for dinner. I love the pastas!

Pesto Pasta - My favorite pesto sauce got mixed with spaghetti. Their version was a little more on the safe side so it wasn't seasoned that much but I guess that's where you can ask for salt, pepper, and the additional parmesan cheese which you can ask from the nice people of Pancake House. They'll serve it right away.

Steak A La Pobre - The meaning of "A la Pobre" may be demeaning for some people but if you think about it, it's just how to cook a tough piece of meat even if they had limited means in the past. Their Steak A La Pobre was well seasoned, seared medium well, and enveloped with a rich thick garlicky gravy. Who in the right mind would not love that?

For those who love pasta like me, this is their Aglio Olio Pasta. It's not too oily, has just got enough garlic and bits of chili on it. If you favor things that are spicy, this might be your best bet because even if it's not covered in sauce, the oil based gravy is enough to get you that needed flavor to enjoy this bowl of pasta.

The Purple Yam Pancake takes use of the proven Filipino profile of combining purple yam (we call ube) and Macapuno (meaty coconut variety). I called it Ube Macapuno a couple of times because of the ingredients but I guess they prefer the popular new ube flavor to be the star of the show. I can't blame them though.

This is their Moringa Cucumber Cooler. Moringa is being mixed to bread, food items and drinks lately as it is known for it's nutritious content. I had this one and you know what? I thought I wouldn't like it. It turns out it's very refreshing, and all you gotta do is try it. Then we had our favorites!

This is their Classic Pan Chicken. I got the version of having it with Waffles instead of rice. Those waffles are CRISPY good and the chicken had been a long time favorite of mine too. It brings back memories of those meetings I had when I still had a day job LOL. I think they probably have pre cooked and marinated this with buttermilk if I'm not mistaken. Those Southern Fried Chicken recipes must have had become handy. They're super good.

This is their House Specials Set. For those who couldn't make up their mind because they want everything on the menu, this one is composed of a Taco, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, a Pan Chicken served with garlic bread and iced tea. You'll get everything nice rather than purchasing them individually, will save you a buck or two. 

Pancake House is now near my house, I couldn't be more happy now that there would be more opportunities for me, my family and friends to make more memories here. Even though I've lost one of the items on the menu, I would still love to get those moments spent with them over MORE crispy Pan Chickens and layers upon layers of fluffy pancakes that only Pancake House can do. 

I've been eating there for 3 days straight and I've never gotten tired of their food. Those Pan Chicken pieces are the culprit, and if I were you, I'd try it too!

Pancake House is located at the Ayala Malls Vertis North Ground Floor. They are near the back entrance fronting Seda Hotel Vertis North and right across Bench, you wouldn't miss it. Just follow the scent of maple syrup and it will lead you there!

For more information about their artists: