Tickets Avilable at all Ticketworld outlets and online at Http://ticketworld.com.ph/Manilascope ContentsJune2017 8 tOycon ph Britney Spears Global Pop Superstar finally 10 coming to Father’s day 15 Tribute Tech Review 20 featuring Samsung S8 Series 24 hot Spots

The Performing Arts 26 are Alive in 29 Ticketbooth.ph

4 june2017issue | manilascope.com june2017issue | manilascope.com 5 Editor’s Note

h yes it is June, officially the start of the rainy season in the . OI’m still in disbelief that summer has waived goodbye so soon. And along with summer’s departure, we also bid adieu to the extremely hot weather it brought. Many would think that there will be less exciting events and happenings now that school year is about to start. Let me tell you that the fun is just starting here in Manilascope. I guarantee you that you are about to be blown away with the massive line up of hottest events that we have for you in this issue.

We are in a super treat that the phenomenal icon and world superstar Britney Spears will rock the stage of MOA Arena on June 15th. Yes, it’s her very first time in Manila so I hope you were able to buy your tickets already because it’s fast selling, if not, sold out. No one else other than the pop princess Britney Spears deserves our June cover. Thanks to Wilbros Live for bringing her in our motherland.

Watch out for Monty Python’s Spamalot play opening on July by Upstart Productions. If you are a sucker for comical broadways, you should not missed this. And yes this is a ripped off from the hilarious hit film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Check Shows and Theatre section in Manilascope. com to know where to grab your tickets.

Every June, we Filipinos heartily celebrate Father’s Day and Independence Day. I invite you to check the 2 special articles we have prepared for these special occasions. Not only you’d be reminded of the reasons why we annually honor these days, but also you’d get pointers on how and where to go to celebrate with your loved ones.

This month, we have launched our Snippets Hot Spots pages to guide you on the hottest restaurants and bars in town. Tech Review article has also premiered in this issue so if you are a gadget and tech freak, this article is for you. For our very first review, we present he Samsung Galaxy S8. Check out the page to really know if it is worth it.

Start turning the pages and enjoy this issue. Happy event scoping.

6 june2017issue | manilascope.com about us

Published by Enlightened Entertainment under the license of Wittygekko Inc.

Managing Editor Janette C. Varon

Consultant Antony Thor

Contributors Eric LeCain Martin Lopez Stela Nacionales Jean Paula Castiller

Photograph/Video Isaiah Forcadela

Design Reb Arce Eli Arce

Legal Counsel Atty. Gladys Vilchez (Hechonova Bulgay and Vilchez Law Office) Manilascope Magazine is printed on a monthly basis and distributed free of charge in popular establishments around Metro Manila. In order to increase readership, please leave the printed copies on premises and the same e-magazine is also available on tablet app under “manilascope e-magazine”.

If you want your events featured in our magazine, please send an Connect with us: email to [email protected]

You may also check our website https://manilascope.com for our magazine specification and media kit.

june2017issue | manilascope.com 7 8 june2017issue | manilascope.com june2017issue | manilascope.com 9 GLOBAL POP ICON

FINALLY COMING TO MANILA Spears ulti-platinum, Grammy Award- Mwinning pop icon Britney Spears is coming to Manila on June 15, 2017 at the for her first- ever and much-awaited concert in the Philippines. Iconic pop sensation Britney Spears is one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history with nearly 150 million records worldwide. In the U.S. alone, she has sold more than 70 million albums, singles and songs, according to Nielsen Music. Born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana, Spears became a household name as a teenager when she released her first single “…Baby One More Time,” a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 smash and international hit that broke sales records with more than 20 million copies sold worldwide and is currently 14x Platinum in the U.S. Her musical career boasts countless awards and accolades, including six Billboard Music Awards and Billboard’s Millennium Award, which recognizes outstanding career achievements and influence in the music industry as well as an American Music Award and the 2011 MTV Video Vanguard Award. So far, Spears has earned a total of six No.1-debuting albums on the Billboard 200 chart and 22 top 40 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 — four of which went to No. 1. Spears has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and won for Best Dance Recording in 2005. Her cutting-edge pop concert Las Vegas residency, “Britney: Piece of Me,” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has been voted “Best Show in Las Vegas” and “Best Bachelorette Show in Las Vegas.” Spears has also been creating fragrances for over ten years, and currently has 21 fragrances available in over 85 countries around the world. Presented by Smart, Bench and Wilbros Live.

10 june2017issue | manilascope.com june2017issue | manilascope.com 11 sNIPPETS

#Throwback The Greatest hits Live June 24, 2017, 8PM Music Museum, Greenhills, San Juan

The Greatest Chicago June 16, 2017, 8PM Newport Performing Arts Theater Resorts World, Manila, City

Toruk The first Flight June 23-July 2, 2017, Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City Philippine Opera Company’s Harana June 10, 2017, 8PM Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC Arts Center, 26th Street cor 9th Ave

12 june2017issue | manilascope.com sNIPPETS A pop punk weekend with the maine and state champs live in manila June 24-25, 2017, 8PM SM Skydome, SM City North Edsa,

Disney’s newsies July 7-30, 2017 Globe Iconic Store, , City

22nd Graphic Expo 2017 June 1-3, 2017, SMX Convention Center, Pasay City

Neverland Manila Presents Young Gunz June 11, 2017, Circuit,

june2017issue | manilascope.com 13 Artist’s rendition only.

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CS-AD-2017-0262-(spire ad 6x8p5in)-02.indd 1 5/17/2017 8:01:14 AM SaluteHow to toShow our Some Dads Love on Father’s Day

By Jean Paula Castiller, Contributor, Manilascope.com

ather’s Day is celebrated every 3rd Sunday of June. This years’ Father’s Day Ffalls on June 18, 2017, and it’s creeping up on us real fast thinking we might not have the time to plan anymore. Fret not if you still have no ideas on how to show some love to your fathers. Here are some awesome tips and suggestions from Manilascope on your dads, husbands, brothers, and son’s special day. Our fathers (most commonly called here as- Papa, Tatay, and Dad) surely love to eat, so treating him to a sumptuous first class meal is truly a big YES! Spiral Manila at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila has launched its Father’s Day Special called The Champ of the House, featuring Executive Chef Nicholas Shadbolt dishes and menu. A side from the delectable and nutritious dishes especially curated for the occasion, dads get the chance to win prizes from Sofitel’s brand partners like Zara, Estee Lauder, Savile Row, High Sierra, and American Tourister, to name a few . After having a resplendent meal and family chatter, it’s time to relax and get pampered. Dads need some spa adventure and leisure time for him to unwind and ease his tense muscles. Treat your old man to these awesome Father’s Day promo at Sofitel Manila prime shops. From June 16-18, 2017, Le Spa offers “Father like Son Massage Therapy” while Nail Artisan’s “Fit or a King Nail Treatment” promo is exactly what dads need for their nails. Who says only women deserve some nail loving? Don’t forget Ventura’s “King for a Week” promo will be available from- June 11-18, 2017, for some skin care gift for your dads. You can also book a room that is fit for a king at Crimson Hotel , Manila. Which offers an all-in room, “Dad’s Day” package that is guaranteed to make him feel special. Here’s another winning tip to make your father feel extra special...how about treating him to a concert? Yes? Just in time for Father’s Day weekend, The Greatest Hits of CHICAGO Featuring Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience is happening on June 16, 2017 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, . Let him jam and sing-along to his favorite Chicago hits including “ You’re the Inspiration”, If You Leave Me”, “ Hard to Say I’m Sorry” , and many more!. So buy him tickets as early as now. What are you waiting for? Make your fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers feel loved and appreciated this Father’s Day and always check Manilascope.com for more ideas and fun tips.

june2017issue | manilascope.com 15 Calendar:events

From - To Event Title Event Venue

05/31 - 06/03 Philippines International Beauty Show SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 06/01 - 06/03 22nd Graphic Expo 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 06/02 - 06/09 Rex Navarrete's FUNNY FRIDAYS Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City 06/03 - 06/03 The New Evangelization Conference 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 06/03 - 06/04 Paw Patrol - Live! Race to the Rescue Newport Theater, Resorts World Manila 06/03 - 06/03 Three In One Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque 06/09 - 06/11 International Health and Wellness Fair SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 06/09 - 06/09 Steve Angello Live in Manila 2017 The Palace Pool Club,BGC, Taguig City 06/10 - 06/11 The 2017 Asian Humanist Conference The Pearl , Manila 06/10 - 06/10 Kids Acts' CINDERELLA Globe Auditorium, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/10 - 06/11 PaINt$tAcÜLaR! Alveo Central Plaza BGC Arts Center,Taguig City 06/10 - 06/11 The BGC Arts Center Festival BGC Arts Center, BGC, Taguig City 06/10 - 06/10 My Name Is ASHER LEV Globe Auditorium, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/10 - 06/10 Only We Know: Stories of Siblinghood Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/10 - 06/10 Naamengak Gamin! Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/10 - 06/10 Indi'Sarswela Zobel De Ayala Recital Hall, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/10 - 06/10 Philippine Opera Company’s ‘HARANA Globe Auditorium, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/11 - 06/11 Passages Dance Artists in Flight Globe Auditorium, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/11 - 06/11 Illustrating History for Children Exhibit Hall, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/11 - 06/11 #galingNAMCYA Globe Auditorium, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/11 - 06/12 Neverland Manila presents Young Gunz Circuit City, Makati City 06/11 - 06/11 Biyahe Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/11 - 06/11 Rep 50 Years of Telling Stories Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque 06/11 - 06/11 Word of Mouth Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/11 - 06/11 Stages Sessions INDEPENDENT Globe Auditorium, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City

16 june2017issue | manilascope.com From - To Event Title Event Venue

06/15 - 06/16 Three in ONE - Perfect Blend Globe Auditorium, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City 06/15 - 06/15 Britney Spears Live in Manila Mall Of Asia Arena, Pasay City 06/16 - 06/16 Greatest Hits of Chicago Newport Theatre, Resorts World Manila 06/22 - 06/23 9th SAPS by Ariva SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 06/23 - 07/02 TORUK – The First Flight Mall Of Asia Arena, Pasay City 06/24 - 06/24 #ThrowbackOPM Greatest Hits Live Music Museum, Greenhills, San Juan 06/25 - 06/25 4Life United National Convention 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 06/25 - 06/25 A Pop Punk Weekend with The Maine Skydome, SM North EDSA, Quezon City 06/27 - 07/09 Sister Act Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque 06/29 - 06/29 Throwback Thursday , QC 06/30 - 07/02 ToyCon 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 06/30 - 07/23 Kinky Boots Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza 07/06 - 07/06 China Crisis & Peter Coyle Kia Theatre, Quezon City 07/07 - 07/30 Disney NEWSIES Globe Iconic Store, BHS Amphitheater, BGC 07/07 - 07/07 Super PopCon PH 2017 MOA Arena, Pasay City 07/08 - 07/08 CNBLUE 2017 Asia Tour: Between Us MOA Arena, Pasay City 07/08 - 07/08 4 of A Kind Music Museum, Greenhills, San Juan 07/12 - 07/14 4th Marine Philippines 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 07/14 - 07/16 Philauto 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 07/14 - 07/16 Philtrex 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 07/15 - 07/15 Songs in the Key of X Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque 07/19 - 07/23 Franchise Asia Philippines 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 07/20 - 07/23 Andrea O. Veneracion International Chora CCP Complex, Pasay City 07/21 - 07/21 Oh Wonder Live in Manila Samsung Hall SM Aura Premier, Taguig City 07/22 - 07/22 The 90's Live Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque

For more details about each event, please log on to https://manilascope.com or download manilascope mobile app on Appstore or Google Store.

june2017issue | manilascope.com 17 Calendar:events

From - To Event Title Event Venue

07/28 - 08/12 Monty Python's SPAMALOT Carlos P. Romulo, RCBC Plaza, Makati City 07/29 - 07/30 Culture for the Future SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 08/02 - 08/05 WOFEX 2017 World Trade Center, Pasay City 08/10 - 08/10 West Side Story Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque 08/12 - 10/22 Beauty and the Beast Onstage Theatre , 1, Makati City 08/14 - 08/14 Liam Gallagher of Oasis Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City 08/15 - 08/15 Phoenix Live in Manila 2017 Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City 08/17 - 08/19 Manufacturing Technology World Series SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 PackPrintPlas Philippines Series SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 China Machinery and Electronic BrandShow SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 Tranport and Logistics Philippines SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 Automechanic Philippines SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 Commworld World Trade Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 Corporate Gifts Expo World Trade Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 Digital Electronics World World Trade Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 EDUCA Expo World Trade Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 Signs and Media World Expo World Trade Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 Total Office Products Show Series World Trade Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 Systems Integration Philippines World Trade Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 Philtronics 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/19 PALMM Philippines SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 08/17 - 08/17 In the Mix 2017 Mall Of Asia Arena, Pasay City 08/18 - 08/18 G-Eazy Live in Manila Palace Pool Club, Taguig Cityw 08/21 - 08/21 Ariana Grande Live in Manila 2017 MOA Arena, Pasay City 08/22 - 08/22 All Time Low Young Renegades Tour MOA Arena, Pasay City

18 june2017issue | manilascope. From - To Event Title Event Venue

08/25 - 08/27 AsiaPOP Comicon Manila SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 09/02 - 09/03 6th Baby, Kids & Family Expo Philippines , 09/05 - 09/05 The 50th Birthday Concert Grand Ballroom, Parañaque 09/07 - 09/10 Food and Drinks Asia World Trade Center, Pasay City 09/09 - 09/09 4th Japan Education Fair and Convention DTI Philippine Trade Training Center, City 09/13 - 09/17 38th Annual MIBF SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 09/21 - 09/23 Beauty & Wellness Manila SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 09/21 - 09/23 Green Construct SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 09/21 - 09/23 Green Philippines 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 09/21 - 09/23 Hotel Suppliers Show SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 09/21 - 09/23 Green Energy SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 09/22 - 09/24 International Travel Expo 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 09/22 - 09/24 The Millionaire Mind Intensive Seminar SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 09/27 - 09/27 The Sound of Music Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque 10/07 - 10/07 Mayday Parade Live In Manila 2017 Kia Theatre, Cubao 10/09 - 10/13 IEFP 2017 Makati, Metro Manila 10/11 - 10/13 EECEA 2017 University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piñas 10/11 - 10/13 Digicon 2017 PICC Complex, Pasay City 11/03 - 11/05 Techno Games Xtreme Expo 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 11/03 - 11/07 5th Philippine SME Business Expo 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 11/07 - 11/07 Ed Sheeran Asia Tour 2017 MOA Arena, Pasay City 11/09 - 11/12 HVAC/R Philippines 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 11/09 - 11/12 Philconstruct 2017 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City 11/16 - 11/18 City Infrastructure Philippines 2017 Phililippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City 11/17 - 12/10 HAIR - Grand Musicale Onstage Theatre, Greenbelt 1, Makati

For more details about each event, please log on to https://manilascope.com or download manilascope mobile app on Appstore or Google Store.

june2017issue | manilascope.com 19 Tech Review Is Samsung Galaxy S8 Series Worth It? By Stela Nacionales, Contributor, Manilascope.com

ometime last April, Samsung released its latest model, the Galaxy S8 and S8+. The SS8 series is Samsung’s hope for redemption after the debacle of the Note 7. So what’s in the S8? A whole lot of goodies for the most part. 1. Design – Probably the sexiest and most beautiful smartphone currently out in the market, the S8 is sleek, narrow, and edgeless. Most early users claim that it fits in their grasp just perfect. The screen is a whopping 5.8”. Samsung has either gotten rid of, or moved its functioning buttons to the back, leaving only the front camera, iris scanner, and sensors. Its barely there bezel also helped make a lot of room for screen size upgrade. The curved screen on its sides gives superb edgeless viewing. With the screen being wider, there’s more space for buttons and multitasking areas. No joke, this beauty seems fragile, but the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 5 makes sure that it’s heavily scratch resistant, and hopefully, crack or break resistant too. 2. Functionality – The S8 now has four ways you can unlock your phone: iris scanning, pin, facial recognition, and fingerprint scanning. The fingerprint scanner is a small rectangular piece beside the back camera. It’s a bit of strange place to put the scanner on, but it may also just be a matter of muscle memory. Feedbacks state that the likelihood to touch the camera lens is very high. It’s in an awkward location and the speed of recognition is sluggish. The back camera itself didn’t get much upgrade but the front camera now has 8 megapixels, auto-focus and higher aperture rate. Pro-level selfies, here we come! The camera app overall now has a pro-mode which gives you more control and better pictures. 3. Internals – S8 RAM is at 4GB. WOW!! That’s almost as much as what a regular laptop runs on. This means the phone can run multiple apps and browsers at the same time without any glitching or slowing. Unless your phone is really your laptop, 4GB is a huge amount. To be fair, several models out there boast of 6GB Ram. The downside to this, the more functions you use simultaneously, the more battery you will require. In fact, S8’s screen size and higher pixels mean more battery juice requirement. So what’s up with the battery? It is now up to 3000mAH. Upon testing, S8 can run up to 9 hours and 21 minutes on working mode with brightness set to 50%. This, I guess, is from a fresh-out-of the-box phone. I wonder how it will hold up in harsher temperature conditions, think Mt. Pulag cold and Seco island heat.

20june2017issue | manilascope.com 4. What’s new? – Bixby AI. The phone’s virtual assistant that you can ask to do a lot of things of. If you’ve played around with iPhone’s Siri, then you will appreciate Bixby. Rumor has it that it currently only runs two languages, which is a major bummer. Expect large scale updates and improvement on Bixby in the future though. This review covers only the most basic but hopefully most important aspects that will make you say aye or nay to upgrading or switching phones.

Here are other factors you might consider: Wireless charging FTW!, dust resistant, water resistant up to 130m, extra memory card slot of up to 256GB on top of its internal 64GB, Bluetooth connection to multiple devices.

The price is its weigh in gold – almost 39,990p – 45,990p, the awkward location of its fingerprint scanner, underdeveloped AI

The bottom line: I want one! It’s beautiful. But is it worth it? If you are switching phones, it might take a while to get used to the interface that it’s almost not worth it. But if you’re upgrading, the price may be your biggest consideration.

Samsung Galaxy S8 (SM-G950F) complete specs: 5.8-inch Super AMOLED WiFi 802.11ac Quad-HD+ Infinity display @ Bluetooth 5.0 2960×1440 pixels, 568ppi NFC Corning Gorilla Glass 5 GPS with aGPS support, Samsung Exynos 8895 64-bit Galileo, Glonass, BeiDou 10nm octa-core CPU Fast Wireless Charging 4 x ARM Cortex A53 1.7GHz + Fingerprint Scanner 4 x Exynos M1 2.3GHz Heart-Rate Sensor Mali G71MP20 GPU Iris Scanner 4GB LPDDR4 RAM IP68 Rating, Dust, and 64GB internal storage Waterproof Expandable up to 256GB via Android 7.0 Nougat with microSD (uses SIM 2 slot) TouchWiz 12MP Dual Pixel rear camera Samsung Bixby, Bixby Vision dual-tone, dual-LED flash, 3,000mAh Li-Ion non- f/1.7 aperture removable battery 8-megapixel front-facing auto-focus camera with f/1.7 aperture Dual SIM (hybrid), dual LTE

june2017issue | manilascope.com 21 All About Philippine Independence Day By Jean Paula Castiller, Contributor, Manilascope.com n this coming June 12th , the Philippines will commemorate IIndependence Day ( Araw ngKalayaan, Araw ng Kasarinlan) or the Day of Freedom in its 119 th year celebration. It is not just a day where we Yes we all know we celebrate this rejoice because there is no class or work for it is public holiday. It’s the time of the year we can show some patriotism and love for our country annually every June 12th, however, This momentous event, which marks the liberation of the Filipinos did you know that before 1962, from the Spanish regime in 1898, is commemorated by the government it was celebrated on July 4th? agencies, the private organizations here in the country, and the Filipino communities around the world! Through these celebrations, Filipinos shows their gratitude to our predecessors for the pride, honor and courage they have sacrificed for us to be free from other countries’ supremacy. Filipinos attend flag raising ceremonies and parades that are held all throughout the nation. The main parade is held in the city of Manila, where the police and military march and the new incumbent President of the Republic takes part. Philippine flags are on full display in every Filipino houses, windows, cars, and street corners and offices and buildings. On this memorable day, Filipinos make it a point to perform various activities in different places in the country that held historical significance.

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, The shrine, which was made from wood and thatch, is the ancestral home of our first official President of the Philippines. It’s in this very house where Aguinaldo was born on March 1869 and it’s also where the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain was declared. To commemorate this historical event, every June 12th, a flag raising ceremony is observed by government officials.

Rizal Park, Manila (also known as Luneta Park) Located along Roxas Boulevard and situated in , is the heart of the city of Manila. It’s one of the major tourist attractions of Manila and a favorite leisure spot for tourist. The execution of the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896 happened in this very place renaming it from Luneta to Rizal Park in his honor. The bronze-and-granite is among the most famous sculptural landmarks in the country. This is where the Independence Flagpole stands, and where programs for Independence Day are held yearly, led by the Philippine President with a flag-raising ceremony, and a parade of military and government officials.

Bonifacio Monument, City This is a memorial monument, which recalls the Philippine Revolution who was headed by the founder of the Katipunan, the revolutionary Andres Bonifacio, who urged his men to raise against the rule of the Spaniards. A little trivia- The was sculpted by the national artist Guillermo Tolentino, the monument rises to a height of 45 feet with symbolic images and other features known as the “Pugad Lawin”. The Bonifacio Monument is acclaimed as one of the best monument of the world! Government officials of the city annually places wreaths and holds flag raising ceremony during Independence Day. National Holidays and Historical events are always easy to forget, and it seems as time goes by more and more people fails to remember why we celebrate them. But thanks to these historical landmarks which still has the power to refresh one’s memory why we hold celebrations for events like Independence Day, to make us recall the sacrifices that our predecessors have made for us to gain liberty. Here in Manilascope, we make sure that we always remember and will be forever grateful for our freedom. Visit manilascope. com for more Independence Day events. 22 june2017issue | manilascope.com june2017issue | manilascope.com 23 Hard Rock Cafe Makati Level 3, 3, Makati City (02) 893-4661 to 64

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june2017issue | manilascope.com 25 The Performing Arts are in Metro Manila!Alive By Martin Lopez, Contributor, Manilascope.com here is never a dull moment in this Tvibrant, culturally-rich metropolis. In addition to formal venues like concert halls and auditoriums, performances also take place in churches, casinos, malls, parks, stadiums and even in town plazas. Shopping complexes such as the Mall of Asia, SM North and Greenbelt; coliseums like the Arena, Big Dome and ; the Philippine International Convention Center and other similar facilities serve as performance venues for large crowd drawers, particularly popular shows and artists with mass appeal, both local and foreign.

Formal venues range from the premiere theaters of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to those found in office buildings such as the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation and Banco de Oro. Amusement parks such as Star City enable patrons not only to watch Ballet Manila performances but also to experience the rides all with one ticket. Churches also host concerts. The St. Joseph Church in Las Pinas is home to the famed Bamboo Organ, with a week-long festival every February. The and the San Agustin Church, both in hold their own week-long music festivals. Schools including those with conservatories such as the University of Santo Tomas, the University of the Philippines and St. Scholastica’s College stage concerts regularly. Remarkable too are schools like Far Eastern University who do not have academic courses or departments in the performing arts yet program year round performing arts events which are always open to the public and mostly for free.

Numerous theater companies abound within Metro Manila, each with their own seasons: Repertory Philippines and the Philippine Educational Theater Association both celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2017. In addition, there are newer, equally excellent groups such as Red Turnip, Atlantis, Gantimpala, 9 Works Theatrical, Trumpets and Resorts World Manila who regularly stage plays and musicals around town.

26 june2017issue | manilascope.com Professional dance companies abound and not just for ballet. In addition to Ballet Philippines, Ballet Manila and Philippine Ballet Theater, other like STEPS, Powerdance and the Daloy Dance Company contribute to the cultural vibrance of the metropolis.

There are 5 professional orchestras around town. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra either have concert seasons or regular performances, many a time with top caliber guest soloists.

Embassies and their cultural arms play a large role in diversifying and expanding the artistic offerings in Metro Manila, most commonly through film festivals but increasingly in artistic performances. There are growing audiences to the theater, dance and music performances held within the Philippine-Japan Friendship Month. in February, the European Union Month in May, the French Spring in June, the Philippine- Spanish and the German months in October.

With so many performances happening around town, it will be a travesty to be bored or to say there is nothing to do in this culturally rich metropolis. In fact, given the many options, I highly encourage you to check out your options and if necessary, discover a new artistic group or geographic area to do so.

For a listing of performing art events happening in and around Metro Manila, be a regular reader of Manilascope, check the Shows/Theatre section of Manilascope.com or https://www.facebook.com/groups/ ConcertsinandaroundMetroManila/.

june2017issue | manilascope.com 27 28 june2017issue | manilascope.com june2017issue | manilascope.com 29 30 june2017issue | manilascope.com Monty Python’s Spamalot: The Philippine Premiere ne of the funniest films of all time is now one of the funniest musicals of all Otime! The Tony/Drama Desk/Grammy Award-winning Broadway and West End sensation MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT , based on the hilariously silly 1975 comedy MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL , has been a smash hit in over 20 countries—and it’s finally coming to the Philippines! Produced by Upstart, the theater company that also brought you the recent hits LOVE/SICK and INTO THE WOODS , MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT tells a crazy version of the story of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail. It’s a favorite of theater audiences all over the world, including the show’s co-director, Joel Trinidad. “I’ve been a fan of Monty Python all my life,” he enthuses, referring to the six-man troupe that created the original film. “I can’t believe no one’s ever produced SPAMALOT here in Manila yet!” But it’s not just the material that’s won acclaim; the stars are multi-awarded performers such as Rachel Alejandro, Carla Guevera-Laforteza, Lorenz Martinez, Noel Rayos, along with many other veterans and rising stars. “We needed funny people who could not just sing, dance, and act, but who also could portray several roles,” shares co-director Nicky Triviño, herself a rising star in theater. “This is our dream cast!” The Philippine production of MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT will run on the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between July 28 and August 12 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati. Tickets at P2,000 (Orchestra Center), P1,800 (Orchestra Side), P1,500 (Loge), and P1,000 (Balcony). Get your tickets NOW by texting Upstart at 09178116156, sending a PM to the Upstart Productions Facebook page, or e-mailing them at upstartproductionsinc@ gmail.com. Upstart presents MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT . Directed by Joel Trinidad and Nicky Triviño. Musical Direction by Onyl Torres. Choreography by the Martinez Sisters. Monty Python's SPAMALOT. Book & Lyrics by ERIC IDLE, Music by JOHN DU PREZ & ERIC IDLE. A new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture "Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” from the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin. Original Broadway Production produced by Boyett Ostar Productions, The Shubert Organization, Arielle Tepper Madover, Stephanie McClelland/Lawrence Horowitz, Elan V McAllister/Allan S. Gordon, Independent Producers Network, Roy Furman, GRS Associates, Jam Theatricals, TGA Entertainment, Live Nation. june2017issue | manilascope.com 31