Actor-Dancer Gerald Magallanes in Focus

I could never forget the dance workshop facilitated by Gerald Magallanes in one day.

What was once the champion of the dance floor during my younger years, especially when I won the “John Travolta of the Philippines” Dance Competition many years ago and once the non-stop dancing competition champion, was at a loss during the workshop since I am already 66 years old. This was the first time I did dance exercises after years in quiescence.

Having been a relative of the late National Artist for Dance Leonor Orosa-Goquingco and having been linked to a family of dancers have added to the pressure.

Thanks to Gerald Magallanes, an accomplished Filipino theater actor, dancer and choreographer, for reviving my terpsichorean capability.

Over more than a decade with PSF, Gerald has earned multiple Aliw Award nominations, including nods for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical and a two-time nomination for Best Choreographer. He has extensive training from some of the Philippines’ most prestigious dance institutions, including Ramon Obusan, Ballet Philippines, and PowerDance.

On screen, he is credited for his work in films like Otso (2013) and the musical film Ako si Ninoy (2023). His recent productions include Bagets The Musical (where he performed as part of the cast for the nostalgic production at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, which enjoyed a successful run from January through March 2026); Reverse Card in which he reprises his role as Marvin’s partner, John, in KhoLab Productions and Artist Playground’s twin bill show Double Take (the production is scheduled to run from May 29 to June 21, 2026, at the Illumination Studio in Makati); Dalaga na si Maxie, a drag musical extravaganza, in 2025.

What a hectic day indeed to learn folk, jazz, modern and contemporary dance exercises from Gerald Magallanes who is widely recognized as a long-time resident artist and choreographer for the Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF), a prominent theater company he joined in 2009.

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Songs and Poetry in Photographs

Two press photographers turn images into music and poetry.

Business Mirror’s Bernard Testa brings his songwriter’s eye. Pilipino Mirror’s Riza Zuñiga brings verses honoring Filipino photographers, with a special dedication to George Tapan. A duet of sight and soul.

The opening of the photo exhibit of Fusion Unveiled is on May 25, 2026, 10:30 AM, at the San Beda Museum and Archives’ Wall Gallery, in San Beda College Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The exhibition runs until June 30, 2026.

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Elia Ilano to Star in “Violet”

One of Elia Ilano’s most notable upcoming projects is “Violet”, a short film that highlights the importance of peace and education among children and young people.

This film is backed by the KidsRights Foundation, an international non-governmental organization based in the Netherlands that advocates for the welfare and rights of vulnerable children worldwide, alongside WereldWijd voor Kinderen, a Dutch charity committed to improving children’s lives through healthcare, nutrition, education, and development opportunities.

It is expected to premiere in select cinemas nationwide in July 2026.

Produced through State of Youth Manila, “Violet” was selected as a recipient of the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize Project Fund 2026 under the theme “Peace and Education.” In the film, Elia takes on the lead role alongside Kian Co,  Ataska Mercado, Randy dela Cruz, Malou Canzana, and Josiah Cillo. The project marks a significant turning point in Elia’s career as she steps into emotionally layered material that amplifies the voices and struggles of today’s youth.

Further proving her evolution as a young artist, Elia also joins the groundbreaking musical production “Rizal 3000″. Set in a futuristic world where humanity stands at a critical crossroads, the production reimagines the ideals of national hero José Rizal in an era shaped by rapid technological advancement and social transformation. More than just a stage musical, “Rizal 3000” positions itself as a movement, a bold call to awaken patriotism, critical thinking, and nationalism among Filipinos through the transformative power of storytelling and the arts.

Despite her transition into more mature projects, Elia remains grounded in the kind of programming that first introduced her to young audiences. Since Season 2 of the educational children’s show “Artsy Craftsy”, now on its seventh season, Elia has become one of the program’s familiar and well-loved hosts. The show continues to inspire creativity, imagination, and learning among children through engaging arts and crafts activities. Recognized with the prestigious Anak TV Foundation Seal for its child-friendly and child-sensitive content, “Artsy Craftsy” has also become a platform where Elia’s natural charisma and hosting abilities continue to shine.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Elia Ilano represents a new generation of young artists unafraid to use their platform for purpose-driven storytelling. Through projects that entertain while tackling social realities, she is gradually emerging not just as a promising teen actress, but as a young voice for awareness, creativity, and positive change.

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Introducing Carl Rasco

I found out that Carl Rasco is a very good actor and director. He is a product of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila where I used to teach Mass Communications subjects.

He was my director in Vince Tanada’s “SA AZOTEA” in the “SA” series staged recently in PSF Blackbox Theatre in Sampaloc, Manila.

And I really admired his acting and directing capabilities that helped me win the Best Supporting Actor during the first week’s recital of the PSF Theatre and Film Summer Workshop with three prominent judges: Anton Juan, JP Lopez and Paul Jake Paule.

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