Category Archives: Blog

Thoughts, articles, comments on news, etc.

Blog

Nov-Dec 2012 diary

February 6, 2013 Kuya

Continuing with the purpose of knowing where I put my time and energy. Here the end of last year.

Shooting of film Slumber Party with Ms. Venus Raj. Lots of pics here.

Recorded Besame Mucho Spanish love song in my particular way.

Recorded Christmas of Love by Njel de Mesa. A mash of many different artist. Here my part only.

Awesome Urban Pirate photoshoot by Marian Yu.

Halloween turned into scary superhero Thor-ror, also by Marian Yu.

Shot Japanese film Death Match in Manila.

My directed feature film “Changing Direction” opened in Ecuador, South America.

Supremo film with Alfred Vargas opened in Manila.

Casual look photoshoot, by Marian Yu.

We won the best float prize in Manila’s Gay Pride.

Shot a commercial for a bank.

Opened film “Si Agimat, si Enteng at si Ako”.

Think all this is quite a lot of activity for those two month of ending of the year, yep. 🙂

I’m in the social groups if you want to keep close track of me: Twitter – Facebook.

Thank you, and keep up the good work!

Blog

Why to watch Boeing Boeing by Repertory Philippines?

January 31, 2013 Kuya

My very personal recommendations to watch this new theater play in Manila.

Coz Repertory Philippines is 46 years old. The longest running English theater company in the Philippines, they started it all. And most theater companies nowadays are founded by Rep members.

Coz Baby Barredo, the diva of Philippine theater is on stage again after 3 years, watch the experience in action!

Coz there’s an amazing cast of new and pretty faces.

Coz you can enjoy different accents if you are into that kind of stuff fetish 😀 American, German, Italian…

All directed by Miguel Faustmann, another theater legend who has been in Rep Phils forever.

Leaded by David Bianco who is also the lead of Marco Polo the musical, rehearsing with me everyday 😀

Coz there’s a new actress who just arrived from Singapore. Who was in the TV serie The Kitchen musical. Who is the girlfriend of Christian Bautista (if you love chismes). Who is a radio host in the mornings (89.9FM I was told). That is a real master class of acting and totally steals the show. Concentrated, in character and with a great corporal theater training that shows in every move. She is Carla Dunareanu.

Cast completed by beautiful and talented Giannina Ocampo and Jennifer Blair-Bianco as Bianco’s lovers and Topper Fabregas. More of them all in this link.

Blog

Partylist for Disabled in the Philippines: Pilipinos with Disabilities.

January 9, 2013 Kuya

There’s a new option to vote for in congress, a party that looks after the blind, the austists, the ones in a wheel chair, anyone with a disability in the Philippines.

Pilipinos with Disabilities – PWD

Leaded by Mr. Michael Barredo, a blind man who has represented the Philippines all over the world in multiple organizations, who now takes a new challenge.

A. To work for the full implementation of RA 10070 which calls for the establishment of Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in every City and Municipality in the country — this will serve as the nerve center on matters that affect PWDs, ensure active participation in community life & governance, and facilitate their mainstreaming back to society.

B. To push for the establishment of a national Registry for Persons With Disabilities (PWD) in the Philippines as provided for under RA 7277, IRR Rule IV, Sec. 3, Heading A, Sec. 1.1.3) with a reliable data base through which formulation of programs and activities that will benefit PWDs as well as those caring for them, will be facilitated.

C. To effect a decent and viable program that would bring about opportunities for employment in order to free PWDs from bondage of poverty, neglect and despair. This could be achieved with the implementation of EO 417 which aims for economic independence by —

· Urging all government agencies, even LGUs to emulate compliance started by the DepEd to grant whenever possible organizations of PWDs the privilege to supply 10% of the agency’s annual requirements for manpower services as well as material items (e.g., tables, chairs, desks, etc.).

· Enjoin TESDA to set aside a budget specifically to provide PWDs with technical education and training in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) to equip them with skills needed to find good jobs.

· Providing help and technological advice to organizations of or to PWDs that wish to engage in livelihood activities.

· To assist PWD organizations secure financial support for its programs, projects and activities.

D. To convince the national government to provide a package of benefits and better social protection through enrollment with PhilHealth and membership with Social Security System and PAG-IBIG.

E. To pave the way and help DPOs link up with government and civil society so that urgent PWD concerns & issues are relayed to and brought to the attention of the public for appropriate action.

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

· To call for a review of all existing laws work for the full and that impact on PWDs such as RA 7277, RA 9442, RA 10070, BP 344, EO 417, etc. and work for amendments, if necessary, and subsequent effective implementation and enforcement.

· To call for amendments or changes in Philippine laws to harmonize with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

· To ascertain the need to enact new laws that would be responsive to the welfare of persons with disabilities.

Follow them in Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pwdinc

Blog

Important Gay Quotes – LGBT in the Philippines

January 4, 2013 Kuya

I support gay marriage. I believe they have a right to be as miserable as the rest of us.
Kinky Friedman Correct 😀 – Kuya Manzano

I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I am not in favor of gay marriage. But when you start playing around with constitutions, just to prohibit somebody who cares about another person, it just seems to me that’s not what America’s about. Usually, our constitutions expand liberties, they don’t contract them.
Barack Obama That’s it. Even if u don’t believe, they have the right! – Kuya Manzano

I started being really proud of the fact that I was gay even though I wasn’t.
Kurt Cobain 😀 actually u can turn gay if u spend enough time in the gay community 😀 – Kuya Mazano

I think that gay marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Arnold Schwarzenegger That would be pretty awkward governor! :-DDDD – Kuya Manzano

Interesting to find all this quotes. There are thousands out there. Hope I find more and regularly publish some.

The thing is a feel I need to do something for the LGBT community and specially now in the Philippines where I live.

That’s why I joined the Gay Pride Parade in Manila. Coz’ this country needs a strong change.

We are living with moral values from fifty years ago. Wake up Philippines!

Precisely, a country where there are so many crossdressers and transexuals and they are integrated into normal life, cannot have any problem when it comes to accept gay marriage or gay rights of any kind.

Since I said months ago I support LGBT community and will appear in any campaing that asks me to.

Blog

Absolut Elyx lands in Manila

December 6, 2012 Kuya

Came from the event at Republic club for the presentation of a new vodka launching from Absolut. Elyx is a refined elixir not to mix with any soda, just to drink on the rocks. And the Philippines is the first place to try it in Asia.

Launched in Manila earlier this year, ABSOLUT ELYX is the product of 500 years of vodka-making expertise. The uniqueness of ABSOLUT ELYX lies in the natural ingredients and the traditional artisan methods used to make it. It is crafted from hand-selected estate wheat, and blended with soft and naturally filtered water, providing unsurpassed purity and quality. An instant “contemporary classic”, ABSOLUT ELYX is deliberately produced in small batches according to generations-old techniques, using an authentic 1929 copper rectification still, which is the key component to creating the super premium vodka’s signature taste.

Kuya Manzano and Tony Altamimi went together to the event.

Pernord Ricard Philippines’ Managing Director, Mr. Kevin Lee, led the night’s activities highlighting ABSOLUT ELYX as the new modern classic. VIP guests, artists, and media friends were treated to inspired performances by the Techy Romantics, electronic violinist Princess Ybañez, live ballerina pole expression dance, and explosive music by International DJ J. Espinosa (San Francisco).

Electronic Violinist, Princess Ybañez, provided the electrifying music for the live ballerina pole expression dances.

And one of the best surprise was to discover the host was my friend and coactress in Marco Polo the musical, which we are preparing for 2014 in Manila and Asean tour.

Jennifer Blair Bianco, the beautiful host of the Absolut Elyx Party.

Thank you friend Amiel Mendoza for inviting me to join your event, a pleasure. I’ll have to start drinking vodka on the rocks from now on then!

Blog

Why to watch Camp Rock the musical in the Philippines

November 19, 2012 Kuya

Coz Nel Gomez is awesome in his role, you sure know him from TV. Now he strarts a solo singer career and I’m sure Camp Rock helps him a lot coz he really gets to showcase his dancing, acting and singing.

Coz Repertory Philippines is the longest English running company in the Philippines (45 years old) and this is their 413th production. They and PETA started long time ago.

Coz Ms. Baby Barredo, the founder of Rep and theater legend, gave pointers personally several times to the performers.

Coz it’s directed by Audie Gemora, director of High School musical, so if you love that one, you’ll love this one.

Coz you can see live cute Markki Stroem. Actor also in Slumber Party the movie we both open Nov 29.

Coz the cast is full of energy and first time super happy performers. I’m glad I made a good job announcing the auditions so lots of youngsters came.

Coz the costumes are by Raven Ong and he’s always a sure bet. Check the costumes in Wizard of OZ, amazing. We met doing Peter Pan the musical in Meralco theater, he totally nailed it there as well.

Coz it’s a cute story about romance and following your passion. I always enjoy films and plays of people who work hard and succeed.

Coz there’s a cool dance challenge offered by Justin Valiente to Nel Gomez.

Coz Morissette, the female lead is so pretty aside from singing great, nice belting. And acts in a very believable way.

Coz you will laugh a lot with the acting of Jeff Flores. Never met him, and I really look forward to watching him again or working with him in the future.

Coz it’s full of pretty people. Did I say with A LOT OF ENERGY? Like Justine Peña. 😀 personal crush.

Another important discovery as an actress for me is Kiara Dario. She’s only 14 years old and OMG, there is an actress there. Super talented. Lets all follow her career from now on.

Don’t wanna leave out good performers and friends coz there are so many so I won’t detail anymore. Good job!

Coz there’s a lot of shows you can still watch. Check all of the performances here:
http://repertoryphilippines.com/

Blog

2011-2012 record of achievements in the Philippines

November 5, 2012 Kuya

I thought of keeping a diary of monthly achievements for my Philippine life. Coz I really do a lot of things normally and usually I torment myself with a feeling of lazyness and thinking I’m not effective enough. Also I tend to forget things, so this will be a good diary.

I should say to be fair with myself that since I got to the Philippines I’ve been very succesfull.

In 2011 I did 2 musicals and an opera aside from adjusting to a new country.

– Seussical, the musical. 6 months running in Greenbelt 1 as Wickersham character. A Repertory Philippines company production, directed by Joy Virata and choreographed by Edna Vida. More pics. Had a lot of fun, made friends and proved I can dance after all. I was the favorite of the choreographer (think it was coz of my akwardness).

– Peter Pan the musical, in Meralco Theater. Nov 2011. By Rep. Philippines again directed by Jaime del Mundo and Metxu Lauchenco-Yulo. With Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos leading the play. More pics. Also learned a lot and was very busy learning my new play in Tagalog in December…

– Noli me Tangere, the opera. Dec 2011. In the lead role of Ibarra. By Dulaang UP. More pics. What an experience. Completely in Tagalog I had to memorize sylable by sylable coz didn’t know much.

That was fantastic, got a lot of press specially because I’m a Rizal descendant and was playing his character naman. Check the press folder please.

– In the middle of all that I recorded a couple of songs with The Filipino Tenors. A group that started then and are singing in galas and TV now regularly. I had to quit because of the Noli rehearsals, schedule conflict.

In 2012 I had several concerts, guest participations. In The Men of Lunar Saints, Palladium club and 7th High club.

I modelled in a catwalk for the first time in my life and for a bodypainting event. Check the bodypaint pics, they’re awesome!

Many photoshoots with photographer Marian Yu. Too many to show each one now. You have all the pics in the fanclub actually.

Ganed 11.000 followers in FB and 1.000 in Twitter since I got to the Philippines. Total 13,388 in FB and 2.000 in Twitter.

Joined a theater play with Carlos Celdran: Living la vida Imelda. Political intended play. Super fun and meaningfull. I learned a lot of recent Pinoy history. This man is great! More pics of this performance art play.

Then I worked in production of an international super production show at Manila Hotel. Fuerza Bruta.

And all the TV and movie career here started for me

Walang Hanggan for ABS-CBN with Coco Martin. As an Italian policeman imprisoning him. Check the video.

Enchanted Garden for TV5 with BB Gandanghari. 3 chapters shot in Subic and a great result. Video.

And 5 movies so far: Supremo, Bad Romance, Si Agimat si Enteng at Ako, Slumber Party and Death Match (Japanese production). All to open soon.

Lots of pics in the fanclub so check one folder a day not to get saturated 😀

Blog

The Woman in Black in Manila review: world class theater by a college group?

October 20, 2012 Kuya

I was in a total rush to catch the play at 8 pm in Teatrino theater. Coming from my own event and then a casting there was big chances not to catch the gift for the senses that Mr. Toots Tolentino, the PR of this play, had prepared for us.

Arriving a few minutes before the curtain went up, we didn’t have time to shoot proper pictures to illustrate this and I hope another article by my colleague. So we started shooting during the play and the producer came to ask us to delete them because of intellectual property rights. I’m guessing the right owners really are strict about a play full of light effects and surprises to create that mystery halo of scare ness it has.

Jeremy Domingo, William Manzano & Reb Atadero.

Excited because I’m gonna watch my friend Jeremy Domingo perform, an incredible actor, now I know after watching him carry on all those characters so fast and with so many accents. He explained to the press that it’s really part of his normal job as a voice over talent to master a lot of different accents and voices.

I must admit that as a Spaniard I had a hard time to understand all the text with so many different accents. I was just amazed anyhow every time Jeremy changed character and voice and physicality.

Reb Atadero played the other character. Never met him before and must say he’s also a very good actor giving us a central character to conduct the whole story thru. Also a funny person as he showed during the presscon after the show.

Direction by William Elvin Manzano. Knew him from my role in Noli me tangere the opera, his girlfriend played a character in the play. Not sure if we are related actually, but there are not so many Manzanos in the Philippines, right? So…

I knew W.E. Manzano was a musician, and now I know he’s a DIRECTOR oh yes, with big letters. This output was so professional, so taken care of every detail. He made the actors really alive and constantly active with the energy always up. And lights, props, timing all in place.

Knowing the pay was produced by Dulaang Kalay, a college theater group, I was so surprised to see this impressive output. Congratulations to all the team. And congratulations for taking the decision of teaming up with Word of Mouth Theater coz’ all together you made it come true.

A special mention to the light design by Meliton Roxas Jr. So sad not to have the pictures of his lighting. It really created an atmosphere to believe. Scary and beautiful.

Precious Cundañgan, Jeremy Domingo, William Manzano & Kuya Manzano.

Thanks to Teatrino for lowering the aircon in the second half. During the first part we were all hugging and covering because of the low temperature, but I even thought it was a part of the ambient of the play, to get us into the foggy site.

And thanks to the sponsors, specially the FIC icecream. Great detail to greet us with one before the start.

KuyaManzano. Manila, 2012.

Pictures by Marian Yu.