PASAY CITY, September 27, 2024 — SM is launching an expanded Share Shoes program this October through the SM Store to support underprivileged students, aligned with the 100th birth anniversary of its founder, Mr. Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr.
The program will benefit 20,000 kids from 100 public schools nationwide, from the previous year’s 16,000 from 80 public schools. It will be coordinated through 100 partner organizations and beneficiaries. A key element of the program involves the participation of SM Store customers themselves: For a minimum PHP3,000 single-receipt purchase, customers have the opportunity to sponsor a brand-new pair of shoes for a student for only PHP100.
A decent pair of shoes makes a difference in the lives of many Filipino school children. In 2023, the Philippine Institute for Developmental Studies reported that poverty remains a major barrier to education, with many Filipino children lacking even the basic necessities like proper footwear.
By joining this collaborative effort for social good, customers are not just shopping — they are creating a lasting impact, extending hope and support to those in need. The act of giving a pair of shoes not only meets a basic need but also sends a message of encouragement to students, assuring them that through education their dreams will be fulfilled. SM Store invites its customers to provide more than just footwear but also a path to greater possibilities for Filipino students.
Immerse in the dreamscape of Disney+ and glimpse the world on screen, exactly as you see it, with Samsung’s true Quantum Dot Technology
MANILA, Philippines – Global No. 1 TV brand Samsung Electronics Philippines (SEPCO) is bringing the magic of world-class entertainment directly to Filipino homes with the extraordinary lifelike color of its QLED Smart TVs powered by Quantum Dot technology. To deliver happiness to more families, Samsung is bundling its QLED Smart TVs with an annual Disney+ premium plan*, allowing them to enjoy their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content in the highest vivid picture quality.
No matter what you watch, Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology takes the viewing experience to the next level, where every scene bursts with the deepest, most vivid true-to-life colors, uncovering superb details from your favorite movies and shows on Disney+.
Producing a billion shades of color, Samsung’s QLED 4K Smart TVs developed with Quantum Dot technology allow you to view the world on screen exactly as you see it with your own eyes. With 100% Color Volume, Quantum Dot technology creates the most accurate depiction of the world, producing stunning natural brightness and breathtaking colors that stay accurate no matter the brightness.
“Whether you’re a fan of high-action superhero movies or tear-jerking animated films, Samsung’s QLED Smart TVs make home-viewing a more worthwhile experience,” said Mahir Al-Rubah, Head of Product Marketing for Samsung AV. “With Quantum Dot technology that delivers the finest colors and picture quality, our QLED Smart TVs will awaken the magic within their screens and immerse them in a world of vibrant content, creating memories for a lifetime.”
Enter a world of content with the magic of Samsung’s QLED Smart TV! Every purchase of Samsung’s AI TVs comes with a Disney+ Annual Premium Plan*, a complimentary soundbar**, and a free installation of GFiber Internet. For more details on Samsung’s exclusive offers, visit https://samsung.com/ph or any of Samsung’s authorized dealers nationwide.
Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa) continues its highly successful “We Get You, We Got You. Gets Ka Namin, Sagot Ka Namin” campaign. This refreshed initiative aims to leverage a wide array of media channels to connect with more Filipinos and offer tailored insurance solutions to a broader audience.
Since its initial launch, the campaign has resonated with the distinct segments of the Sun Life Grepa market including entrepreneurs, OFWs, blue-collar workers and high-net individuals looking for comprehensive financial security. With this effort, Sun Life Grepa hopes to further empower individuals by making financial literacy and access to insurance products accessible and affordable, whether for health, business, retirement, or family needs.
“This chapter of our campaign is not just about widening our reach but about deepening our commitment to financial inclusion and security,” Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim said. “In today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s crucial that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, feels empowered to secure their future. ‘We Get You, We Got You. Gets Ka Namin, Sagot Ka Namin’ highlights our dedication to understanding the needs of Filipinos and offering solutions that safeguard and protect their well-being for their bright future.”
Anchored on four campaign videos, The campaign reaches out to a wider variety of audience. Whether through online platforms, streaming services, or radio, Sun Life Grepa’s message remains clear: to help Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.
Members of the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation Inc. (DFDCI) recently presented a 100-piece collection during The Stellar Fashion Gala, a fundraising charity event for the benefit of b.LOOM Project’s weaving communities in partnership with Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI).
Held at the luxurious Samal Grand Ballroom at Discovery Samal in Davao, the Luxe Resort collection highlighted the use of Philippine tropical fabrics–abaca, bandala, piña, banana, kawayarn and other textiles–produced alongside DOST- Philippine Textile Research Institute by designers such as Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Popoy Barba, Edgar Buyan, Egay Ayag, Windel Mira, and Benjie Panizales.
The Stellar Fashion Gala was more than just an ultra-chic evening of distinctly Philippine fabrics. It was an unforgettable labor of love which showed the launch of the b.LOOM Project, DFDCFI’s initiative to reframe the Davao artisanal weaving brand by realigning to the country’s perceived fashion niche in view of design identity and regenerative sustainability. The b.LOOM Project is a global artisanal brand manifesting DFDCFI’s distinctive Davao niche in fashion beyond the loom.
Proceeds from the event went to the b.LOOM Project’s Sustainable Enterprise Program on Indigenous and Emerging Artisanal Textile Weaving among Davao Region’s Extra-Mile Creative Communities. The Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) played an integral role in ensuring deserving communities were identified and the donation was adequately distributed.
Recognized for its active participation in renowned events such as Miss Universe, Manila FAME, and other various fashion festivals, DFDCFI serves as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the region.
“We’re in awe of the creativity and proudly Davaeño displayed by the b.LOOM Project at The Stellar Fashion Gala,” Beatrice Gonzalez – Magallanes, President of Discovery Samal mused. “We look forward to welcoming more fantastic events with a priceless view of the Davao Gulf at Discovery Samal. Samal Grand Ballroom is ready for your next spectacular milestones.”
Discovery Samal’s Samal Grand Ballroom can host up to 1,200 guests. The resort also offers more intimate event spaces for cozier events and meetings. For more information on the Samal Grand Ballroom and The Stellar Fashion Gala, visit the official Discovery Samal website.
What started as a simple SMS money transfer has exploded into the financial super app that Filipinos can’t live without! For 20 years, GCash has been rolling out feature after feature, making life easier, faster, and more inclusive for everyone.
From sending money in seconds to paying bills, shopping, and even investing, GCash has completely transformed how we handle money. And guess what? These 20 game-changing features are just a taste of what GCash has to offer! There’s a whole world of services in the app waiting to be explored. Ready to dive into some of the crowd favorites? Let’s begin!
SMS Money Transfer This is where it all began! Picture this: it’s 2004, flip phones are the hottest gadgets, and texting is the way to stay connected. Then GCash swoops in and changes the game, letting people send and receive money with a simple SMS/text! GCash made moving money as easy as texting a friend, opening the door to financial freedom for millions. Who knew sending cash could be as easy as sending “LOL”?
Buy Load By 2012, smartphones were everywhere, and GCash was right there, keeping up with the times. Enter Buy Load. Now you can reload your prepaid credits anytime, anywhere, straight from your phone! No more rushing to the sari-sari store for load. Today, more than prepaid load, you can also top up mobile data, promos, and other prepaid services like Cignal TV, Konsulta MD, and more. Life just got a whole lot more convenient!
Pay Bills Long lines at payment centers? Not here! In 2012, GCash’s Pay Bills feature turned your phone into a personal cashier, letting you pay for everything from electric bills to tuition without leaving home. Missed deadlines? Never again! Just a few taps, and you’re all set. With over 1,900+ billers all in the app to date, how is that for leveling up your money game?
Scan-to-Pay QR Remember when cashless payments felt like something out of the future? GCash brought it to life in 2017 with Scan-to-Pay QR, the first of its kind in the Philippines. It made its debut when Globe Telecom’s President and CEO, Ernest Cu, used it for the first-ever payment at Mini Stop (now Uncle John’s). No more scrambling for change, just scan, pay, and go. GCash was at the forefront of the cashless revolution, making shopping faster, easier, and way more fun.
eKYC (Electronic Know-Your-Customer) Remember when verifying your identity (KYC) meant standing in line at a store? Well, not anymore! Launched in 2018, GCash’s eKYC feature made getting verified quick, safe, and fully digital. What once required a face-to-face meeting with your ID is now as easy as opening the GCash app, scanning your ID, snapping a selfie, and hitting submit. GCash handles the rest, and boom! You’re verified in no time!
GCredit By 2018, GCash wasn’t just about sending money anymore, it was about borrowing it, too! With GCredit, in partnership with CIMB, you could get instant cash when you needed it, with no bank hoops to jump through. Whether it was for an emergency or to pay bills, GCredit had your back!
GScore Also, in 2018, GCash launched GScore, and suddenly, your financial world was all about leveling up! The higher your GScore, the more perks you could unlock in your GCash app, like access to more lending products. It’s like your personal power up in the GCash universe, opening doors for more financial freedom! Today, there are 5.4 million unique borrowers, with 1 in 3 borrowers being small business owners and 2 in 3 borrowers being women.
GSave In 2018, GSave made saving money a breeze. No paperwork, no bank lines, and with just a few taps, you were saving like a pro. Finally, everyday Filipinos had easy access to banking and financial security at their fingertips. Today, GSave has evolved into a savings marketplace where you can open accounts with BPI, Unobank, CIMB, and Maybank, all within the app. Oh, and did we mention? There are now 10.9 million registered GSave users earning up to 15% interest on savings!
GForest What if you could help save the planet while using GCash? In 2019, GForest made that possible! Every transaction earned you points to plant virtual trees that were later turned into real ones. So far, GCash, through its credible local and international partners, has planted 2.8 million trees, covering an area twice the size of Quezon City! With 17 million Green Heroes and 138,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide reduced, GCash is helping the planet while helping you manage your money.
GInsure When the world turned upside down in 2020, GInsure was born to give users access to affordable health and life insurance. With just a few taps, getting insured wasn’t intimidating anymore. It was quick, easy, and right in your pocket. Today, GInsure is your one-stop shop for all insurance needs. From life and health to cars, travel, accidents, and even pets—yes, really, among others! And with premiums starting at just PHP 10 a month, it’s one of the most affordable options out there. With over 28.3 million GInsure policies sold and 7.8 million registered users, GCash is making protection accessible for all.
GLife Since its launch in 2020, GLife has grown into more than a lifestyle mini-program, it is now a full-blown super app within GCash! What started with shopping and food delivery has expanded into a one-stop shop for everything from travel bookings and entertainment to essential services like bill payment, health, and even insurance. With GLife, you can access a world of services without leaving the GCash app. It’s bigger, better, and more convenient than ever!
GGives & GLoan In 2021, GCash took borrowing to the next level with GGives and GLoan. Need that new gadget but don’t want to pay for it all at once? GGives lets you split your payments into easy installments, with select merchants even offering 0% interest! And if you need quick cash, GLoan has you covered with loans up to PHP 125,000. Just a few taps, and boom! Borrowing made simple, straight to your GCash ewallet!
GInvest Funds Ever wanted to invest in the world’s biggest companies but thought it was out of your reach? Not with GInvest! Launched in 2021, GInvest, now called GFunds, allows you to participate in the growth of both local and global companies for as low as PHP 50. Whether you’re eyeing top local corporations or global giants, GInvest makes it easy to start investing with just a few taps. Now anyone can build their investment portfolio without leaving the GCash app!
GJobs What started as a simple job search feature in 2021 has evolved into a comprehensive platform connecting users with employment opportunities. Now, GJobs, powered by PasaJob, helps job seekers by searching for jobs within the GCash app, offering tailored job listings and resources that streamline the hiring process. Now you can even refer friends and family to jobs and earn a referral fee once successfully placed. This feature facilitates employment and supports the growing gig economy, helping Filipinos find work that fits their skills and lifestyle.
Global Pay GCash did not stop at local payments. In 2022, Global Pay took things international! With GCash and Alipay+, cross-border payments became a breeze. Whether you’re shopping online or traveling abroad, GCash turned your phone into a global wallet, accepted worldwide! Keeping things easy no matter where you are.
Send Money Protect (Scam Insurance) With digital threats on the rise, GCash teamed up with Chubb to launch Send Money Protect in 2023. This cyber insurance adds an extra layer of security to every GCash Express Send transfer of up to PHP 15,000 for 30 days, shielding you from scams like social engineering, account takeovers, or online shopping fraud. Now, you can send money with total peace of mind!
GStocks PH Ever thought investing was too complicated? Not with GStocks PH, it isn’t! Launched in 2023 in partnership with AB Capital, GCash brought the stock market to your smartphone. Now, anyone can invest in Philippine stocks straight from the app, no brokers required.. With 692,000 users and a minimum investment as low as PHP 1,000, it’s investing, simplified, and accessible to all.
GCrypto Also, in 2023, GCash dove into the world of cryptocurrency. Buying, selling, and trading crypto became as easy as managing your e-wallet with GCrypto, in partnership with PDAX (Philippine Digital Asset Exchange). The world of digital currencies was now open to everyone, and GCash made it happen, all from your phone.
GCash Visa Card GCash didn’t just stop at e-wallets. In 2023, the GCash Visa Card bridged the gap between digital payments and the real world. Whether shopping online or in physical stores, you can tap into your GCash balance wherever Visa is accepted. No hidden charges, the best forex rates, and accepted in over 200 countries and territories, this card has you covered wherever you go!
GCash Overseas For Filipinos abroad, GCash Overseas was a total game-changer in 2023. Now, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and migrants can use GCash even with a non-Philippine SIM. From sending money to paying bills in real-time, GCash keeps you connected to your financial responsibilities back home. Want more control over your money? You can send funds to your family instantly, without service fees, or pay for bills in the Philippines, all from wherever you are in the world.
For 20 years, GCash has been pushing boundaries, but one thing has stayed the same: its mission is to make financial services accessible to every Filipino. From a humble SMS transfer service? to a super app that revolutionized money management, GCash has transformed the way we handle finances—and it’s only the beginning.
These 20 features are just the tip of the iceberg. GCash has even more to offer, with tons of tools and services making life easier every day. As we celebrate two decades with GCash, we can’t wait to see how it will continue shaping the future of finance for the next 20 years and beyond!
Finance superapp brings its lending products to more Filipinos with Barangay GCash activations and It’s Showtime segment
GCash is bringing smiles and prizes to Filipinos as it stages barangay tours in Metro Manila! The barangay roadshows will give more Filipinos access to financial resources to help them thrive everyday and be ready for rainy days. Through its team-up with the noontime TV show It’s Showtime, GCash reaches millions of Filipinos with fair lending solutions that only used to be available to a select few.
“Nine out of 10 Filipinos borrow money to cover day-to-day expenses, emergencies and financial or life goals but there is still a significant demand for accessible lending options.” said Baby Aquino, Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Fuse Lending, Inc. “Barangay GCash is our way of introducing lending solutions to Filipinos who need them. We want to let everyone know that help is now just a few taps away, and we hope to do so through inspiring stories and fun activities.”
During the Barangay GCash segment of It’s Showtime, lucky residents shared their personal experiences and received prizes that will help kickstart their dreams of a better future.
Among these are Nanay Luz, a single mom from Barangay Bagumbong, Caloocan, and Nanay Evelyn, a hardworking seamstress from Barangay Manggahan with four children. Nanay Luz is a hardworking mother who goes above and beyond for her kids. As a reward for her efforts, she was given school supplies worth PHP 30,000 and a kabuhayan package valued at PHP 20,000. Meanwhile, Nanay Evelyn also took home a brand new laptop for her eldest child and a pangkabuhayan showcase.
On top of sharing inspiring stories from lucky residents, Barangay GCash also visited the residents of Brgy. Bagumbong, Caloocan; Brgy. Manggahan, Pasig; Brgy. Post Proper Southside, Taguig; Brgy. Cembo, Taguig; and Brgy. Cupang, Antipolo. Through various GCash games, residents had the chance to win different prizes and understand how borrowing money can be empowering rather than being a source of shame.
Residents were introduced to GCash lending products: GLoan, an instant cash loan of up to PHP 125,000; GGives, which makes paying for large expenses easier with a flexible installment plan of up to 24 months; and GCredit, a credit line of up to PHP 50,000 for everyday expenses. GLoan, GGives, and GCredit are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply.
Residents also learned about GLoan Sakto, where they can borrow as low as PHP 100 directly to their e-wallet for small expenses, and Borrow Load, which allows them to get prepaid load promos for mobile or broadband even without a remaining balance. Available for Php 50 and Php 99 load-enabled SKUs with PHP 10 processing fee across all telcos and payable within 14 days. GLoan Sakto and Borrow Load are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply.
“Access to loans is crucial in providing Filipinos with the means to meet their immediate and long-term needs without disrupting their cash flow,” said Aquino. “It is important to empower Filipinos with technology that can help them in their daily lives, during emergencies, and in achieving their goals.”
Stories of hope and success on Barangay GCash can be watched every Friday at noon on It’s Showtime. Barangay GCash is also slated to visit more barangays in Metro Manila:
Brgy. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City
Brgy. Bagong Silang, Caloocan City
Brgy. Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
Brgy. BF Homes, Parañaque City
Western Bicutan, Taguig
Stay tuned to the official GCash page for more updates.
You can access GCredit, GGives, GLoan, GLoan Sakto at Borrow Load through the GCash dashboard or click the “Borrow” button. GCredit, GGives, GLoan, GLoan Sakto and Borrow Load are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply.
No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
GCredit is powered by CIMB Bank Philippines, Inc. in partnership with Fuse Lending, Inc.
GGives, GLoan, GLoan Sakto, and Borrow Load are powered by Fuse Lending, Inc.
GCash is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
CIMB Bank Philippines, Inc. is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Fuse Lending, Inc. is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. SEC Reg. No. CS201617622. Certificate of Authority (CA) No. 1897. Kindly review the terms and conditions in the disclosure statement before proceeding with the loan transaction.
Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. (Sun Life) is giving Clients the opportunity to harness the growth of the technology sector, as it unveils its latest offering: the Sun Life Peso Global Tech Funds.
The Sun Life Peso Global Tech Funds can be availed as a fund option to any Peso-denominated investment-linked insurance plans. There are two variants available for Clients to choose from: the Sun Life Peso Global Tech Growth Fund, which aims to provide long-term capital appreciation through accumulation of earnings over time; and the Sun Life Peso Global Tech Payout Fund, which aims to generate potential streams of income on a quarterly basis.
“Sun Life always takes its cue from Clients when creating new financial solutions, and they have been looking for ways to access the tech sector on a global scale,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Sun Life Chief Client Experience & Marketing Officer. “The Sun Life Global Tech Funds answer this need, and that is why we are especially excited about this launch.”
These Funds will function as feeder funds, where they will be initially invested in the Invesco Nasdaq-100 Exchange-Traded Fund, which tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index. The latter has historically outperformed the Philippine Stock Exchange Index in the last 10 years.
“The Sun Life Peso Global Tech Funds allow one to maximize their Peso assets by capitalizing on the tech market opportunities abroad over a long-term investment horizon,” Gonzalez-Chong said. “It’s a good alternative financial solution where clients can build their wealth while enjoying the benefit of insurance protection.”
The new track marks a subtle shift towards a more pop-oriented sound
Continuing her rise to mainstream acclaim, dwta releases her new single “‘Di Naman” via Sony Music Entertainment.
On her lushly arranged alt-pop track, the Albay native expresses her frustrations with someone who may not reciprocate the same infatuated feelings as hers.
As dwta describes it, “’Di Naman is a song about the playful but frustrating side of unrequited love. Back when I first started writing it, it felt like I was just venting about my crushes and my fear of rejection. But as time passed and I experienced more, I realized the song wasn’t just about being scared to make the first move but also about accepting that sometimes things don’t go your way in love.”
Co-produced with frequent collaborator Brian Lotho, “’Di Naman” reimagines chamber pop and jazz music influences through her own contemporary lens. This marks a subtle shift from her folk-y beginnings to a more mature and sonically intricate direction, while remaining true to her personal brand as a singer-songwriter.
Everything about the song is flowy and gentle, but not quite a sleeper: the arrangements soar in its delicate but ethereal way, never getting in the way of dwta’s affecting vocal delivery. The ascending strings and expressive piano lines contribute to the track’s masterful musicality. But it’s through her subdued singing that gives the torch ballad its much needed introspection and soul, striking a balance between old and new, and never feeling heavy on both ends of the spectrum.
“Our goal was to create a pop sound with an upbeat, quirky vibe,” explains the Santigwar hitmaker. “For the arrangement, we went through many revisions of the lyrics and melody. We added verses, changed some lyrics and melodies, and removed certain parts of the song. These adjustments made it easier to listen to compared to the original arrangement. We wanted to ensure that the song flowed smoothly and captured the right mood, making listeners to easily connect with the emotions.”
According to dwta, the song was inspired by some of her musical heroes, including Emily King, Lawrence, and Laufey.
As a Filipino recording artist born and raised in Bicol, dwta has shown immense promise in music—thanks to her artistic flair and charismatic folk/pop songwriting. With music that is deeply rooted in Bicolano heritage, the award-winning artist “crafts a musical journey that not only embraces the vibrant traditions of her country and the region, but also touches the hearts of a listener.” To date, she has amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone and has performed in packed venues across the country. One of her biggest hits includes “Padaba Taka,” which won her the award for Best Regional Recording at the Awit Awards in 2023. Dwta is also part of this year’s roster of Spotify RADAR, an annual program for rising artists.
Dwta’s “‘Di Naman” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
The song serves as the third single off her upcoming fifth album, to be released at the end of the year
Photo by Nina Sandejas
Barbie Almalbis continues to confront her inner struggles by releasing another song that openly addresses them in a musical way, following the release of her previous songs “Desperate Hours” and “Homeostasis.”
Her new song, “Happy Sad,” reflects on her own mental health and the stigma behind it, while helping her process her feelings through writing songs.
The alt-pop figure explains, “Sometimes we have to let go of things, and there are just things beyond our control, and we just got to continue, walk in and through the ‘wilderness,’ but I’ve always found hope in God that even through the hard times, He is still doing something good.”
Nick Lazaro, who also assisted in arranging the instrumental parts, produced the emotionally vulnerable track. Eclectic Kiss artists such as Pikoy, Marika Laciste, Faye Yu, and Marj Rojas also contributed to the background vocals, adding subtle layers of intricacies to the mix.
“I recorded the acoustic guitar and vocal at home, and we did backing vocals with everyone in Nick’s studio,” says Barbie Almalbis. “Nick also recorded the main instrumental track in his studio.”
“Happy Sad” will be part of her upcoming 2024 full-length album, which thematically brings her journey towards mental health, healing, and self-discovery into the conversation. She plans to release it sometime in November 2024.
Barbie Almalbis’ “Happy Sad” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.
“Something magical happens when artists come together! ”
Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila‘s creative director, couldn’t contain her excitement when asked about the upcoming world premiere of Florante at Laura.
The outstanding production, which comes at the heels of the ballet company’s highly successful Ibong Adarna, will be staged at the Aliw Theater on October 12, 2024, at 8 PM, and on October 13 and 19, 2024 at 5 PM. Florante at Laura will gather some of the country’s highly esteemed creatives in music, literature, ballet, and stage production.
A collaboration of masters in their craft
“Florante at Laura was a project that was going to be Gerardo Francisco’s next epic adventure. This was planned way before the pandemic happened,” recalled Lisa.
Gerardo is the dance company’s longtime principal dancer and co-artistic associate, who also choreographed the award-winning Ibong Adarna. Working with him is the exemplary British choreographer Martin Lawrance who is behind Ballet Manila’s full length innovative retelling of Romeo and Juliet in the Filipino setting.
With this collaboration, Gerardo shared, “Clear communication, thorough discussions, and mutual support were crucial in keeping us on track.” To this, Martin agrees. “We just seem to click and bounce ideas off of each other. It has so far been a very fruitful collaboration. Communication has been the key!”
From the collaboration between Gerardo and Martin, the intricate pieces to this masterpiece of a production started falling into place when Lisa invited renowned writer and balagtasan expert Professor Michael Coroza as a guest in her show, Art 2 Art, where she asked him to watch Ibong Adarna. “I then invited Michael to collaborate with Gerardo and Martin Lawrence to create the libretto for Florante at Laura.”
Soon after, the quest for a composer began. Lisa imagined someone who can create original compositions akin to a Filipino Tchaikovsky—sweeping, dramatic, powerful, and romantic. “I was so very thrilled when National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab said yes!” shared Lisa.
One of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Ryan Cayabyab, was named National Artist for Music in 2018 with an extensive body of work ranging from orchestras and full-length musical productions to television and commercials. “It had been quite some time since I wrote a large musical work,” he shared.
Despite being a seasoned composer and musician, Ryan was thrilled to work with fellow creatives: “Most important before I start creating music is the mutual understanding among the other creatives and the producer regarding style and medium of music.”
Breathing life into his original compositions is the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) under the baton of his son, Toma Cayabyab—another dream fulfilled for Ryan. “Everything is a surprise and wonder for me. I challenged myself into accepting this landmark ballet production, and I hope that it becomes an important legacy for all of us involved in it.”
An epic production with mesmerizing visuals
A literary masterpiece written by Filipino poet Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltasar and published in 1838, Florante at Laura follows the story of Florante, a duke who was held captive and enslaved by the Turks. But with the help of Aladin, he managed to escape from his captors to return to his country, Albania, to face off the usurper Count Adolfo, seek redemption, and reunite with his beloved Laura.
To translate the story’s universal themes of love, betrayal, and friendship in dramatic visuals, Ballet Manila tapped the expertise of key players who have been involved in many local and international productions for decades. Set designer Mio Infante explained that his designs depict not just the actual setting in the story. “This epic ballet includes a diverse set of locations, which not only serve as physical spaces but also symbolize the internal and external conflicts of the characters, as well as broader themes of love, war, loyalty, and betrayal.”
Complementing his designs are the stunning costumes from Make It Happen, led by Otto Hernandez & Therese Arroyo Hernandez. The duo noted, “Costumes play a crucial role in conveying the story and message of a production. It can contribute to the overall visual aesthetics, help define characters, evoke emotions, and enhance the audience’s understanding of the narrative.”
Meanwhile, lighting director John Batalla emphasizes the importance of using a distinct lighting color palette to differentiate the varied locales of Florante and Laura. “Mood is certainly a major part of the themes that lighting has to tackle in a production such as this in order to transport the audiences to a different time and far-away places.”
Expect more from Ballet Manila
As one of the country’s leading dance companies, Ballet Manila has been known for its keen eye for excellence and artistry. While it has created many award-winning productions, the audience can expect more world class performances thanks to the leadership of Lisa.
But for now, she wishes the audience to bask in the magical greatness of Florante at Laura. “That’s why we work so hard every day – to create art that people will want to watch again and again.”
All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
