Press Release: The Gruffalo – LIVE!

 The last time I had the chance to watch a theater play was during college. Being a future educator back then, we conducted theater shows although most of them, sa likod lang ako. Mainly, hindi ako ang bida because I was a freshman at the time. I could say that I missed being on a school organization that produces theater plays.

But worry no more..

Let The Gruffalo introduce your little ones to the magic and wonder of world-class theatre! Showing at the RCBC Theatre from January 27 to 31, 2016, don’t miss out!

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

“Irresistibly charming!” The Times, UK

“Monstrous fun!” Daily Mail, UK

Mouse sets off on a daring adventure through the deep dark wood in search of hazelnuts, meeting the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake on the way. Will the story of the fabled Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these wily woodland creatures? Armed with only a nut map and a little courage, Mouse must outwit them all, and after all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?

Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their adults, in a show that’s toured around Britain and the world. Let your imagination run wild!

“No. 1 Children’s Show!” The Independent, UK

“An altogether winning performance!” New York Times

The Gruffalo - LIVE has grown into one of the biggest and most anticipated live shows in Hong Kong and Singapore and Manila can finally welcome the production come 2016. The Gruffalo - LIVE 2016 will be performed by a professional theatre company from the United Kingdom.

“In its four years, The Gruffalo - LIVE has grown into a major family entertainment event in both Hong Kong and Singapore,” says Matthew Gregory, Executive Producer of Hong Kong-based ABA Productions. “This show will provide a fun and educational experience that the whole family can enjoy. I truly hope that this will give children an opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre and expand their knowledge of the art.”

Brought to Manila by Concertus Manila, in partnership with ABA Productions and Lunchbox Theatrical Productions. Special thanks to Nickelodeon. Book your tickets at TicketWorld. Call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Production info:

Directed by Olivia Jacobs. Creative Producer Toby Mitchell. Designer Isla Shaw. Lighting by James Whiteside, music by JollyGoodTunes, and choreography Morag Cross.

Adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
Illustration © Axel Scheffler and Macmillan Children’s Books

Press Release: Disney on Ice 2015 - Magical Ice Festival

I remember the days that I loved Barbies and Disney Princesses Cinderella and Snow White. Through the years, I have gone to love Disney Films like Toy Story and Frozen. I loved them more before Jami came since my sister's tv was tuned to Disney Junior everyday because of my nephew. When Jami came, I loved it the most and I started to appreciate Sophia the First, Hi-5 and Elmo's World.

I always see Disney on Ice on TV back in my childhood although I never got the chance to watch them personally. I always wonder? "What is it like?"

This Holiday, The touring show that enchanted audiences from across the globe is back with yet again another exciting run of Disney On Ice at the Big Dome.

Starting December 25 until January 3, Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival will feature magical moments from across the kingdom with a superstar lineup of Disney royalty. See your favorite Disney characters from The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, and for the first time ever – the Academy Award® winning and number one animated film of all time Frozen.

“This year’s Disney On Ice is truly magical with Disney properties that are packed with heart and personality. We have princesses that are exuberant and strong-willed, but we’ve also expanded the roles of spirited supporting characters, so that they’re more prominent in the show,” says Producer Nicole Feld.

Expect a spectacular production filled with adventurous and comical segments shared by well-loved Disney princesses Ariel, Rapunzel, Belle, and never-before-seen characters Anna and Elsa!

“We are taking a fresh new spin on how we’re presenting the Disney stories. We are weaving together the four worlds of royal sisters Anna and Elsa, Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel as they each embark on their own epic journey,” says Producer Juliette Feld.

Sing and dance to popular Disney tunes with interactive and playful segments for kids to be led by Disney superstars Mickey and Minnie. Also join Anna as she fearlessly sets off on an epic journey, together with Kristoff and reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in perpetual winter. Dazzling costume designs, spectacular set elements, and jaw-dropping stunts are also what make this year’s show even more exhilarating.

In Beauty and the Beast’s “Be Our Guest,” the theatrical elements of the glitzy napkins and silverware costumes will astound audiences. “The costumes are designed to emphasize the overwhelming amount of table décor that appears in the movie. The napkins unfold to increase their size and the forks tower over the heads of the performers. This is a big moment for Belle; the costumes need to reflect that,” says Costume Designer Cynthia Nordstrom.

Moreover, lighting plays a crucial role in giving the overall production a truly magical feel.

“The colors really pull you into the different worlds of the princesses, but it’s how the lights are arranged that command your attention when the characters are performing their acts. For example, when the Daughters of Triton are introduced, the lighting individually highlights each of them. Your eyes follow the spotlights,” says Lighting Designer Sam Doty.

I can't wait to see it Live this time!! Sobrang excited na ako promise!!! =)

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival features an astounding display of creativity and talent, with spellbinding Disney stories we have all come to enjoy and love! Buy your tickets early and visit TicketNet website or call 911-5555 for more details.

Press Release : 2015 Best Ramen in Manila by a Japanese Reviewer

Gaku Nakamura is a self-styled Japanese Ramen Consultant living in Manila. Last year, he listed his top 10 ramen with Ramen Nagi topping the list. But with a number of new and authentic restaurants popping up, here is some of Gaku-san’s top ramen for 2015!

#5 Mendokoro Ramenba

MUST TRY: Shoyu Tonkatsu

Gaku says: “Mendokoro has tonkotsu-based ramen with chashu. The restaurant looks just like a Japanese-style kitchen and it reminds me of a good ramen restaurant in Japan, Afuri. The taste of the broth and chasu is very nice.”

#4 Mitsuyado Seimen

 

MUST TRY: Cheese Tsukemen

Gaku says: “Tsukemen soup is yuzu flavor and the noodles are thick. I have never thought that cheese can fit wih Tsukemen, but you will be satisfied once you taste it at Mitsuyado!

#3 Ramen Daisho

 

MUST TRY: Miso Ramen

Gaku says: “The best Miso ramen in Manila! It is located along Shaw Blvd. Although not located in a major mall, lots of people go there just to eat Daisho's delicious ramen. Not only ramen, but their gyoza are also delicious.”

#2 Ramen Nagi

MUST TRY: Butao Ramen

Gaku says: “Nagi’s tonkotsu-based broth tastes like real Japanese tonkotsu. If you’re a first-time visitor, try Butao. When you've eaten half of it, try to add their Fire sauce to change the taste. You can also change the firmness of the ramen and the toppings based on your preference.”

#1 Find out Gaku-san’s #1 best ramen in Manila, check out the full list on www.foozap.ph

Talk about Good Food on Foozap!

Foozap is your personal food diary loaded online. From the words, “Food” and “Usap” (Filipino word for “talk”), Foozap allows you to share your food adventures, search and discover the best restaurants, and create your own foodie community.

You can check out food reviews from the top food bloggers, post photos of restaurants you’ve recently tried, add restaurants on your “Wish” list and get notifications if any of your friends visited and reviewed your wished restaurant.

Check out Foozap to start your own food journey! Simply log-in www.foozap.ph or download the android app. You can also like their facebook page, www.fb.com/foozap to join giveaways to your favorite restaurants.