GMA Sparkle artists tour in US, Canada and Japan; Widows’ War begins

At the Philstagers 24th anniversary event (from left): Marcos Mamay, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vince Tanada and JR Rivas.

By: Rogelio Constantino Medina

PHILIPPINE Stagers Foundation (PSF), or simply Philstagers, celebrated recently its 24th foundation’s anniversary at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. It was graced by awardees Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Nunungan, Lanao del Norte Mayor Marcos Mamay. Also in attendance were FAMAS president and chairman of the board Francia “Cheche” Conrado, director Afi Africa and La Sallian surgeon Dr. Librado Toledo Jr.

Philstagers, the Philippines’ No. 1 mobile theatre company, is headed by its president and 70th FAMAS Awards best supporting actor Johnrey Rivas. It is chaired by award-winning writer-actor-director Atty. Vince M. Tanada, a renaissance man.

Winners of the Stagers of the Year were as follows: John Paul Santos (for production arts and sciences), Nicole Laurel Asensio (films), Dave Pajanustan (music), Yvonne Ensomo (drama), Godfrey Astronomo (dance), Renz Saavedra (ensemble player), and Chin Ortega (comedy).

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In the soft opening of PSF Blackbox Theatre on Calabash A corner G. Tuazon Street in Balic-Balic, Sampaloc, Manila, Philstagers showcased, after 35 years, the five short-act “SA series” (at the carwash, carinderia, rooftop, beauty  parlor and dilapidated house or barong-barong) of Vince M. Tanada when he was 16 years old. It was a successful show.

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Sparkle GMA artists and other photos during the grand presscon for their upcoming world tour.

Sparkle GMA Artist Center is picking up the pace as they extend their world tour and bring five shows to global Pinoys in the U.S., Canada and Japan.

The first show will be held on August 9, 2024 at the City National Grove of Anaheim, California, bringing Isko Moreno, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Boobay, Julie Ann San Jose, Rayver Cruz, and Alden Richards, to be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Sky Beverly Hills, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV. For tickets, you may contact Sky Beverly Hills at (626) 383-9201. This will be followed by a show in South San Francisco High School in San Francisco, California on August 10, 2024 to be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and BLVCK Enterainment, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV. For tickets, you can go to eventbrite.com.

On August 11, 2024, Alden Richards and Boobay will perform at Southview Alliance Church in Calgary, Canada to be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Berce Enterprises, and V. Fons Productions, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV. For tickets, please contact Vangie Fons at (587) 834-1820 or Ruvie Cruz at (403) 975-0085.

On August 17, 2024, the duo will bring their out-of-the-ordinary combo to Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue, North York, Toronto, Canada and will be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Taste of Manila and the Society of Philippine Artists, Recreation and Community, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV.

Finally, Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, Jillian Ward, Ken Chan, Rayver Cruz, Julie Anne San Jose and Betong Sumaya will bring joy to Filipinos in Nerima City, Tokyo, Japan on September 1, 2024. The Asia leg of the world tour will be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and One Network, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV. (For tickets, you may contact 03-68683880/080-43476888 or One Network Co. Ltd.’s official Facebook account.)

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“A thousand Forests” cast members (standing, from left) Venice Bismonte, Qhlouey Moreno, James Mavie Estrella, Santino Juan Santiago; (seated, from left) Prince Espana, Dennah Bautista and Ramjean Entera.Photos courtesy of Rogelio Constantino Medina

Musical film “A Thousand Forests,” produced by UP Los Banos and I.Syoot Multimedia Production and directed by Hanz Florentino, stars seven children, namely Dennah Bautista, Qhlouey Moreno, Santino Juan Santiago, James Mavie Estrella, Prince Espana, Venice Bismonte, and Ramjean Entera. It also stars Dominic Ochoa, Rolando Inocencio, Butchoy Ubaldo, Chai Fonacier, Aileen Sahibod, Cath Salazar, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Leslie Lina, Trina Tolentino, and Cai Cortez.

This film shows the essence of protecting our environment. The movie is being shown in more than 50 theatres in the Philippines.

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Bea Alonzo (left) and Carla Abellana take the lead roles in the new GMA teleserye “Widows’ War.”

From the successes of “Widows’ Web” and “Royal Blood” comes GMA Network’s newest murder mystery drama, “Widows’ War,” starring Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana in the lead roles and directed by Zig Dulay.

GMA Entertainment Group’s latest masterpiece boasts of a powerhouse ensemble, including Benjamin Alves, Rafael Rossell, Tonton Gutierrez, Jeric Gonzales, Juancho Trivino, Jackie Lou Blanco, Lito Pimentel, Timmy Cruz, Rita Daniela, Royce Cabrera, Lovely Rivero, James Graham, Charlie Fleming, Matthew Uy, and Ms. Jean Garcia.

Carla Abellana (left) with columnist Rogelio Medina

Based on the original concept of RJ Nuevas and Ken de Leon, “Widows’ War” revolves around Sam (played by Bea) and George (by Carla), former best friends who will go head-to-head to find out who between them is the real sinner or saint.

Global Pinoys can catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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