Cris Villonco, perfect as Molly in ‘Ghost the Musical’

We’d like to say Cris Villonco is ideally cast as Molly in “Ghost the Musical,” which Atlantis Productions together with Ten Bridges Media Corporation is presenting at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City from April 25-May 11.


This is not only because of Cris’ wide-eyed innocence and fresh beauty, but mostly because of her innate acting and singing prowess.


Cris’ hairstyle is also reminiscent of Demi Moore’s in the film version. But it wasn’t intentional. Cris has had the ’do for a year already. Cris said that it actually veers from the hairstyle worn by the character as depicted in the West End and Broadway versions of the musical.

CRIS VILLONCO with Christian Bautista in ‘Ghost the Musical’

Playing the role of Sam in the musical directed by Bobby Garcia is Christian Bautista.

Cris maintains that she neither watched the movie nor listened to its soundtrack before rehearsals.

She said, “I didn’t want to be influenced by what I see and hear, I want to do it my own take on the role.”

On the contrary, Christian said, “Pinanood ko siya to know what nuances to apply, at may mai-dagdag ako personally kahit konti…”

A veteran of 20 theater performances, Cris started her acting career when she was only nine years old.

Her grandmother, showbiz industry stalwart and one-time chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Armida Siguion-Reyna, was a great influence for sure.

Cris graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with concentrations in Music and Economic Development. Before returning to theater, Cris worked for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue Manila and Asia Society Philippines.

Also starring in “Ghost the Musical” are Ima Castro as Oda Mae and Hans Eckstein as Carl.



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4th Bulihan Festival Opens Today

In a recent interview with Sampaloc, Quezon Mayor Emmanuel Torres, he proudly announced the holding of the 4th Bulihan Festival (April 23-26), inviting everyone to attend the event, which showcases the culture, traditions, and products of his town.

Now on his third and last term as mayor of Sampaloc (formerly Barrio Dingin, renamed Sampaloc after a big tamarind tree that stood in the middle of the barrio; was officially declared a town in 1902), Mayor Torres said that as legacy, “I want Sampaloc to be known as a peaceful and progressive town.”

He added, “We are doing a lot of projects to attract local guests and tourists to come and visit our town. We aim to make our municipality a must-see tourist destination in the Philippines.”

Mayor Torres added that he’d always wanted to highlight the Bulihan Festival.

“This festival gives jobs to our residents, while promoting tourism along the way. There’s so much fun and excitement here so I hope more people would come to discover Sampaloc now if they haven’t,” he said.

He has encouraged his constituents to invite friends from all over the country to join the four-day festival, which coincides with the town fiesta.

To be staged today is a food show dubbed “Lutuing Sampalukin,” with 14 barangays participating. Native delicacies will be sold.

The Payas contest will be held on April 24. Residents along the parade route are encouraged to decorate the exterior parts of their houses with colorful buri and other indigenous materials to go with the theme “Blooming Sampaloc.” There are 46 houses vying for the cash prizes: P25, 000, 1st prize; P20, 000, 2nd prize; and P15, 000, 3rd prize.

The “Paradang Bayan 2014” will take place on April 25, followed by the awarding of the “Search for Natatanging Anak ng Sampaloc.” On April 26, the “Lunesan sa Ilog Festival” will be held at the Maapon River in Kakati, where residents will join a boat race and hold picnics by the river.

The processing of raw materials used in making buri can be witnessed by visitors at Mahabang Tanaw in Barangay Taquico. Watching the process will be a learning experience. Transforming buri into a variety of products is a unique experience only available in Sampaloc.

While in Sampaloc, don’t fail to visit the historic Tower House in Barangay San Isidro, which is made of yakal and adobe. Another landmark in the barangay is the Old House, built in 1924 and used as a garrison during World War II.

For nature lovers, there’s Hangga Falls in Barangay Bataan, one of the more popular sights in Sampaloc.

A visit to the town won’t be complete without one having crossed the hanging Guinto Bridge; a wooden link that only three people can cross at a time for safety reasons.



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Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, April 23, go to Angel Locsin, Angelita Bernardo, Joan Lim, Cecille E. Cuartero, Gloria Gomez, Boy C. de Guia, Rusty Ibasco Samson, Sandra Jane Graham, Mrs. Mary Carbonell, Mrs. Nida Rame, George Bernabe, Camilo Vergara, Eddie Katindig, Albert Virata de los Santos, Renz M. Glua, son of Edgar Glua of BSP, Annie Samson, April Eva-Betila of New York, Bert Lina and Clair Alinio… Belated birthday greetings to Erwin Manalo Dona (April 22), PR manager of Midas Hotel and Casino…

Philpop reveals top 12 songs for 2014

Philpop, the country’s premiere songwriting competition, has challenged budding, occasional and professional composers for years, amassing nearly 9,000 entries from Filipinos here and abroad since it started. Today, it is regarded as the breeding ground for brilliant songwriters.

Last year, the competition produced 12 diverse and exceptional compositions from both amateur and professional ranks, featuring different genres and styles. These top 12 songs have accumulated around 43 million hits on YouTube. The winning song, “Dati,” written by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana, performed by Sam Concepcion, Tippy dos Santos and Quest, got over 23 million hits – a testament to its overwhelming achievement.

This year, an impressive group of adjudicators from the music industry were on hand to examine the thousands of entries in four very taxing stages, until the top 12 was determined.

Philpop is proud to reveal its top 12 songs for this year, which will be included in the Philpop 2014 album produced and distributed by Universal Records to be made available on Spinnr.

The Philpop 2014 Top 12 songs are: “NGSB (No Girlfriend Since Break)” by Davey Langit; “The Only One” by Venelyn San Pedro; “Awit Mo’y Nandito Pa” by Ronaldo Sorioso; “Torpe Song” by Daryl Ong; “Babalikan Mo Rin Ako” by Soc Villanueva; “Song On A Broken String” by Jude Gitamondoc and Therese Marie Villarante; “Salbabida” by Jungee Marcelo; “Dear Heart” by Mike Villegas; “Hangout Lang” by Allan Feliciano and Isaac Joseph Garcia; “Qrush On You” by QYork’s James Palma aka Flava Matikz and Cedric Bonjoc aka Knowa Lazarus; “Kung Akin Ang Langit” by Cecilia Bocobo and Isaac Joseph Garcia; and “Langit Umaawit” by Ronaldo Sorioso.

One among them will emerge as the P1 million grand prize winner and this will be determined on July 26 at the Meralco Theater.

The foundation’s Executive Director Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, as with Board of Directors Noel Cabangon and Ogie Alcasid, are quite proud of this year’s crop of finalists.

The next step for the finalists is the production of the songs with some of the country’s top performers with the help of producer Ito Rapadas. They will also promote their songs extensively before finals night.

Philpop is presented by Smart, Spinnr and PLDT Telpad, co-presented by Maynilad, and Meralco. It is also supported by NLEX, Sun Cellular, TV5, First Pacific Leadership Academy, Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Philex, Sony, the Universal Records, Pinas FM, RX93.1, and MYX.

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Aerobics – Self-entertainment And Obesity Cure

According to reports from health agencies, there is an existing “obesity epidemic” affecting not only middle-aged people but also the young. And they are found mostly in Asian countries particularly the Philippines.

For those who are experiencing obesity, it might be best to consult a nutritionist and a body fitness expert. Or join those informal aerobics classes being held regularly during Sunday mornings at a park. Aerobics is a vigorous exercise that increases cardiovascular efficiency.

In Taytay, Rizal, Mayor Janet de Leon Mercado has advanced aerobics to a higher level, making it as a wholesome form of sports and entertainment. Recently, various women organizations in Taytay participated in the third Taytay Kababaihan Aerobics showdown held at the Kalayaan Park of the municipality.

First place winner in the aerobic showdown were The Exodus Dance Aerobic by Rodel de Leon; Placing second is Barangay Muzon Dance Aerobic, also by Rodel. Third place goes to Barangay San Juan.

Crowned best in costume is Batasin Dance Aerobic by Melani Zapanta; named best impersonator, on the other hand, is Meralco Dance Aerobic by Irene Silayan.

Other participants were Maharlika Tribe of Nagtinig Floodway B Dance Aerobic by Salve Espiritu, Barangay Sta. Ana Dance Aerobic by Sheila Calderon, Barangay San Isidro Dance Aerobic by Merlita De Padua and Upper Javier Dance Aerobic by Melanie Zapanta.

Mayor Mercado vowed to increase the prizes in next year’s aerobics showdown to give the participants more incentives.

The aerobics showdown was an entertainment bonanza for Taytayeños. The participants earned resounding applause from audiences.

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Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings, April 22, go to Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Leonor Caparas, Regina Patricia “China” Cojuangco, Vicky Lapena, Freddie Mañalac, April Rose Lina, Ciah Roliman, Mamam Bella Perez Saavedra, Ning-Ning Orlina, Minerva Matias, Marc Hanzel Dionela and Linda Tan…April 23: Angel Locsin, Angelita Bernardo, Joan Lim, Cecille E. Cuartero, Gloria Gomez, Boy C. de Guia, Rusty Ibasco Samson, Sandra Jane Graham, Mrs. Mary Carbonell, Mrs. Nida Rame, George Bernabe, Camilo Vergara, Eddie Katindig, Albert Virata de los Santos, Renz M. Glua, son of Edgar Glua of BSP, Annie Samson, April Eva-Betila of New York, Bert Lina and Clair Alinio… Belated birthday greetings to Erwin Manalo Dona (April 22), PR manager of Midas Hotel and Casino…