Tokyo Travel Itinerary 3 Days

Wazzup Pilipinas!
If one wants to learn, live, make memories and experience different cultures, then traveling is the answer. Travelling is one pack of all these things leaving you with memories for a lifetime. Traveling to a distant new place can not only rejuvenate a person physically but also mentally. Travelling can heal your mind, soul, and heart. And makes you more creative in your respective field.

Traveling to a far away, outrageous, isolated place can teach to better ways of living life. Tokyo is a lovely place to travel. It is capital of Japan and one of world's most famous conurbation. It consists of various cities, towns, and villages to travel. Today Tokyo has inexhaustible options for shopping, culture, entertainment, and food to explore. Tokyo has a pleasant weather for most of the year.

Overview of the unique culture of Tokyo

The culture of Tokyo raised from ethnic Jomon culture. Now with the mixture of Chinese, Korean, Greek, Indian, European and American, Japan derives its own special distinctive culture. Tokyo's beautiful culture consists of many activities and art forms. Ikebana is a flower arranging activity stands out a Japanese art representing "living flowers".

Also, origami which is paper folding activity. Then crafts like doll making and pottery. Kabuki is a Tokyo's tradition drama and dance performance in complicated costumes. Bunraku is a puppet theatre you can enjoy in Tokyo. Kamishibai is also a beautifully executed storytelling affair with animations, sounds, and music. Tokyo also has cultural games such as Onsen where local people use hot springs as public bathing tubs. Also, don't miss Tokyo's tea festival.

Talking about festivals Tokyo celebrated so many religious festivals and rituals. Starting from the year, Tokyo has its calendar filled with many cultural festivals. April is the best month to visit Tokyo to have experience of their cherry blossom affair. To be accepted by the people of Tokyo it is important for a visitor to know about their culture in advance.

Adventurous affairs in Tokyo
Tokyo has a lot of versatility in adventurous activities. There are any adventurous activities worth a try in Tokyo. Such activities are bicycling, skiing, tennis, golf, and hiking. Tennis is really famous among youngsters of Tokyo. Tokyo has a large number of tennis courts about hundred in Roppongi only. Tokyo has bike side path along all the rivers in the city and bicycles are usually found on them.

If you are one of those who loves swimming and surfing then there are many beaches around Tokyo. And other aquatic activities can be done at Sumida River. Skiing can also be done around Tokyo. During warm weathers rides on a cruise can also be enjoyed in Sumida River and Tokyo Bay. Cruise ride passes through beautiful bridges which gives romantic vibes due to lights in the night. Also, during March-April when cherry blossom is happening the sight is must watch.

Other things like Disneyland tour, Mount Fuji, relaxing in sento should also be considered. This is for sure that a visitor in Tokyo can never be bored because there is a lot to be experienced.


Cuisine not to miss

While traveling to a new place cuisine is one thing you can't miss. Especially a place like Tokyo which serves so many options of authentic Japanese food. You can have them anywhere either street food or at some fine-dine fancy restaurant. Foods like Sushi, Ramen, Tempura, Sashimi, Sukiyaki, Suba, Udon, Miso soup all add up to the traditional food of Tokyo. Some Tokyo specialties have come international famous and favorites.

Tokyo is a hub of many international communities and these specialties reflect in their food. Shin Okubo-Korean Town, Kagurazaka- France Town, Ikebukuro- China Town all as these names suggest a variety of food from different regions Tokyo serves.

Tokyo for Shopaholics! 

If you are Shopaholic then you are going to love Tokyo. This is because Tokyo has so many varieties to shop from. From high-end fashion to quirky styling, vintage wares and so many to shop in Tokyo. Ginza is the place you must visit. It has fancy boutiques, malls, departmental stores. You can find cultural crafts also here. Asakusa is a place with small, crowdy lanes but will surprise you with a wide variety of home décor stuff. 

This place also offers a wide variety of famous Japanese culinary with small shops. If you are looking for a watch to shop in Tokyo then The Watch Company has so many elegant and classy watches to shop from. For more to explore you can check Kuramae, Kōenji and Kichijōji, Shibuya, Akihabara and many other places. 

But keep in mind that there are many places in Tokyo which offer tax-free shopping over some particular decided price so carry your passport for proof. Also, while shopping in small lanes do carry cash instead of credit card. Unlike other Asian countries, you can't bargain in Tokyo. Tokyo is a place which will give you memories and experiences forever and worth your time and money.

7 Mistakes To Avoid Making If You Are A First-Time Visitor On Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippines is a relatively easy destination to visit and enjoy, even by South East Asian Standards. Most of the people there speak English and it is a beautiful country full of happy people with a relaxing vibe.
However, there are some mistakes that are easy to make, especially for someone who has never visited Philippines before. Fickle weather and a large number of islands can mess up any plans in a second. This is why more than knowing what to do, it's also good to know what not to do if you are first time visitor on Philippines.

1. Planning too much
This can apply to any destination but Philippines especially. As stated already, the weather is fickle and you can't really know for sure at what time you'll be able to see what. Vesta Trantham, a Travel Blogger at UK Writings explains: “Boats and busses don't have a steady schedule that you are used to, and they can change their direction pretty quickly. Maybe the hotel will not be to your taste or the beach will not suit you – the point is, don't make stead-fast plans. Leave plenty of room to go somewhere else if your arrangements fail”.

2. Not bringing any cash
Philippines may be one of the most popular tourist location, but it certainly doesn't accommodate to all of their needs. Payment options being one of those needs. You'll likely be unable to find a working ATM even on some of the most popular islands and cities. That's why you need to come prepared and bring enough money in cash to last you until you are sure that what you see is a fully functioning ATM.

3. Not studying the weather
Before deciding to go on this trip, take a good look at what the weather might be like in that particular month and what some predictions are. “Otherwise you'll just end up disappointed that it's always raining and you haven't seen any of the beautiful beaches that you've dreamed of. Some parts of the country are dry while it's raining in Manila so, chose your destinations accordingly. Typhoons are not so easy to deal with, but keep checking on relevant websites”, - comments Alexandra Phaneuf, a Travel advisor at Essay Roo.

4. Not acting like a local
The best way to see this wonderful location is by becoming one of the locals. Eat the food that they eat and do the things they do. Ride on their busses and boats, walk on the same streets and immerse yourself in their culture.

5. Not going to a hotel because you think private accommodation is cheaper
Getting a AirBnB apartment may seem like a good idea but you'll just spend more money than you need to. That apartment is probably more expensive than any decent, mid-range hotel in Manila or Cebu. For a lot less money, you can get a good service, a concierge and a quality accommodation while at AirBnB you would spend a lot of money and end up with no guidance or help which is a bad way to start your trip  in a big city like Manila.

6. Getting annoyed just because you spent some extra money
Philippines is probably a lot less expensive than most of European and American destinations. So, when it happens that you have to pay a few extra pesos for something, it's not a good idea to make a big fuss out of it. “You probably spend a lot more where you live and you don't pay much attention to it. This can only run your vacation and confuse the locals It's common knowledge that people in Asia don't like to raise their voice or being yelled at”, - says Martin Davis, a Travel writer at Boom Essays and Stateofwriting

7. Not joining tours
With so many beautiful places to visit and all the islands that you can see, it could be a terrible mistake not to take tours. Those guides can take you to some of the most amazing places on earth and you wouldn't be able to find them on your own.

Takeaway
There are many mistakes that a first-time visitor in Philippines can make. Most of them are easy to fix but the biggest one would be not enjoying your time there. Have fun and embrace the peaceful vibes of these wonderful islands.



Written by:

Freddie Tubbs is a travel writer and editor at Paper Fellows. He also works as a blog content writer at Academized and contributes expert posts to Australian help blogs.

Bell Films Launches Big Comeback Movie Kontradiksyon

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BELL FILMS, the film production arm of Universal Records Philippines, has relaunched its operations, featuring their big comeback film “KONTRADIKSYON,” during THE NEXT ATTRACTION concert held on June 30, 2018 (Saturday) at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

After over 23 years, Bell Films is proud to make its comeback into the realm of film production as it strives to enter the digital age of quality and relevant Filipino films. Bell Films was one of the early independent film production outfits that brought international quality films to the Filipino audience way back in the 1960s. The company has also produced films such as Twin Fists for Justice (1974) starring Ms. Vilma Santos and Hong Kong Martial Arts Superstar/Actor Meng Fei, and two movies featuring the Universal Motion Dancers: Sige… Ihataw Mo! (1994) with Claudine Barretto and Wowie De Guzman, and its sequel Ibigay Mo Ng Todong-todo (1995).

The Next Attraction concert aimed to showcase world-class Filipino musical talent, while exploring the different worlds and genres that can be featured on film. Big name OPM Icons and artists such as Freddie Aguilar, Vina Morales, Christian Bautista, Gloc-9, Julie Anne San Jose, and Shanti Dope performed at the event.

The event also served as the media presentation for Bell Films’ 2018 debut production, Kontradiksyon starring Jake Cuenca, Kris Bernal, John Estrada, Paolo Paraiso, and Elizabeth Oropesa, among many other stars featured on the film. The action film, which is directed by multi-Palanca award-winning Writer Njel De Mesa, is set to be an intense ground-breaking, in-depth, critical, and edge-of-your-seat look on the Philippines' current drug war. which will have the audiences see the various aspects and opposing views of the big issues in the country. The film is expected to premiere later this year.

Follow Bell Films on social media: Bell Films (facebook.com/bellfilmsph) on Facebook, YouTube, and @bellfilmsph on Twitter and Instagram.

TraXion To Bring Financial Inclusion to 89 Million Unbanked Filipinos

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TraXion, a fully-featured financial services platform for the unbanked and underbanked, is enabling full financial inclusion for everybody in the Philippines. To create a ready-to-go solution, it blends a very new technology—blockchain—with decades-old technologies like text messages and leverages a broad network of existing brick-and-mortar shops.

Eight out of 10 families in the Philippines are unbanked or underbanked. This means they have never had access to financial services that the middle class takes for granted. Being stuck in a cash-only economy limits people's financial options, putting their financial security at risk, and stifling their economic potential.

TraXion is offering full-featured savings accounts that enable payments, low-cost remittances, peer-to-peer loans, savings accounts, a full range of insurance options, investment consultancy and a philanthropic crowdsourcing platform.

A Pragmatic Approach

To accomplish this feat, TraXion is using existing infrastructure: mobile phones and convenience stores. TraXion has developed a mobile e-wallet that works on even the most affordable feature phone through the proven power of SMS. They're also rolling out e-wallets to the estimated 600,000 merchants operating ubiquitous privately-owned "sari-sari" convenience stores all across the Philippines.

The whole system is powered by blockchain technology and automated by smart contracts. Blockchain tech keeps funds safe and secure, while TraXion's TXN token helps to ensure speedy, low-cost remittances, taking mere seconds for an international money transfer instead of the average processing time of one-to-five business days. A much larger-than-average percentage of the Philippine population works abroad, remitting money back home every month to support their families—who often withdraw this money in one envelope of cash. This represents an extended market base that TraXion is eager to reach.

"After establishing our customer base in the Philippines, we will expand first to Indonesia and other countries where there are a lot of overseas migrant workers to better facilitate their remittances. Our first client contract with a seafarer's cooperative is a move in that direction, onboarding up to 1 million maritime entrepreneurs," said TraXion Founder and CEO Ann Cuisia.

Being on blockchain means TraXion is platform agnostic, allowing it to be easily adapted for different technologies and approaches in different countries. While they are focusing on sari-sari store integration in the Philippines, for example, the higher smartphone penetration in Indonesia will make it easier for TraXion to access the market directly.

Cuisia is also the Founder of GavaGives, the most popular online charity crowdsourcing platform in the Philippines, which will be connected to the overall TraXion platform. The TraXion team is dedicated to combating poverty, having promised to allocate 2% of their tokens as rewards for top philanthropists on GavaGives. The charity platform was a testing ground for TraXion's e-wallet and the underlying blockchain technology. GavaGives uses Hyperledger Fabric to track contributions through the value chain, greatly increasing accountability.

GavaGives has recently partnered with Coins.ph, Southeast Asia's leading e-wallet. The partnership will draw more attention to TraXion's blockchain method of verifying trustworthy NGOs, by bringing up a list of top-performing philanthropy organizations operating on the GavaGives site whenever someone uses Coins.ph to make a donation. This will greatly reduce charity fraud across the region.

There are a number of other companies also currently working on financial inclusion solutions. Among them, She Counts is giving unbanked women in Tanzania and Indonesia access to mobile banking services, Paysafe enables cash payments online in many countries around the world, and IDBox combines a solar-powered Raspberry Pi with a fingerprint scanner to offer power–main free access to financial services in Papua New Guinea. While none of these companies offer the full scale of services that TraXion is ready to launch, Cuisia-Lindayag remains hopeful for their success.

"We aim to work together with other companies that make e-wallets, not compete with them," said Cuisia. "At the end of the day, we're all working together for the common good. We must not lose sight of this."

TraXion's TXN token pre-sale has already begun, and their crowd sale begins on August 1st. More than $4 million has already been raised in their private sale. For more information and to learn more about the KYC process, visit https://www.traxion.tech.

Additional Facts and Figures:

According to the World Bank's most recent Global Findex, 22% of all humans on Earth remain unbanked.

In the Philippines, 89 million people are unbanked or underbanked, and credit card penetration is only 3%.

2.2 million migrant Filipinos work overseas at any time, making the Philippines the third-largest remittance-receiving nation in the world, according to a recent World Bank report.

The Philippines has a very high rate of mobile phone penetration, at 75% according to a 2017 joint report by We Are Social and Hootsuite.

"Sari-sari" convenience stores account for 40-45% of company sales in the country according to a recent estimate by Procter & Gamble Philippines.

DOTr, CAAP to Inaugurate Maasin Airport's New Passenger Terminal

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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is set to inaugurate the new Passenger Terminal Building of the Maasin Airport on July 2, 2018.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade will lead the inauguration with DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo, and CAAP Director General Capt. Jim Sydiongco.

The airport’s new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) aims to upgrade the airport from a community airport to a standard Principal Class 2 airport, so that it can meet increasing air transport demands. 

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the Maasin Airport Project is expected to enhance the city’s economic accessibility. 

“Gusto natin inclusive growth, kaya kung mapapansin ninyo, agresibo tayo sa pag-implement ng mga proyekto sa mga probinsya. Gaya nitong bagong terminal ng Maasin airport na siguradong makakatulong sa economic activity ng Leyte,” he said.

Maasin Airport is one of the community airports under the CAAP National Airport System, and is the only airport serving the region of Southern Leyte.

In 2013, Maasin Airport served as a backup entry point for relief goods and medicine deliveries during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda— proving its capability and potential to serve as an alternate airport to Tacloban City’s Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport.

Local officials of Leyte, led by Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla and Vice Governor Atty. Carlo Loreto, together with Maasin Mayor National V. Mercado and Vice Mayor Maloney L. Samaco will also be present at the inauguration.

A budding city discovering its potentials, Maasin City’s attractions include the eco-treat of Cagnituan - a huge subterranean cave, cool waterfall, and a refreshing lagoon; an 18th century church which is a pilgrimage site, while its neighboring towns are known for dive sites.

DOE Encourages Young Women to Join the Energy Workforce

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GENDER EQUALITY:160 students from Tanauan City National High School took part in the Department of Energy-Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office's ENEReady campaign. With the theme, “Breaking Gender Stereotypes in the Energy Workforce”, it was held last Thursday (28 June2018) in Batangas. The campaign seeks to encourage the country’s youth, particularly the female students, to take courses in science, technology, 

The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to invite more young women into the field of science, technology and engineering, as part of its strategy for energy security of the country. 

On 28 June 2018, the DOE held its 12th ENEReady event for 160 Grade 10 students in Tanauan City High School, with the theme “Breaking Gender Stereotyping in the Energy Workforce.” Through this program, the DOE is encouraging students to enroll in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Track in Grade 11. The DOE, through its Gender and Development advocacy, is also focusing on women to harness their potential as they constitute half of the Philippine population.

During the event, the students were provided insights on technical career opportunities in the energy industry by linking them with the different bureau functions of the agency. At the same time, they were introduced to the concept of energy resiliency.

The lady speakers from the DOE Renewable Energy Management Bureau and Energy Resource Development Bureau shared their work experiences, as well as the benefits that they derive from their respective vocations in the energy department. They emphasized that among the adaptive capacity indicators of a country is the number of engineering graduates per year, as a percentage of the total population. For the Philippines, this stood at a meager 0.07% in 2016. 

The school’s principal Lilibeth L. Cabrera expressed her appreciation to the DOE for presenting a wide array of technical disciplines in the energy sector, as well as the various opportunities in energy industry. She said that before the ENEReady Program, their career counselling was limited to the more common jobs available in the market, such as nursing, medicine, accounting, and information technology. 

The Batangas event was held in collaboration with the Junior Chamber International’s (formerly the Philippine Jaycees, Inc.) Tanauan Mabini Chapter, through its President, Anna Marie Quarer and Engr. Edison Subala.

DOE-Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office headed by Division Chief Helen B. Arias spearheaded the ENEReady Program. Since its inception in 2016, the program already inspired more than 2,000 students to take up engineering and science courses.

OTHER PHOTO:

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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT:Helen B. Arias, Head of the Department of Energy Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, invited high school students to pursue science, engineering and technology courses.  The DOE ENEReady program was held in Tanauan City High School in Batangas last 18 June 2018 (Thursday).

Jinggoy Buensuceso's Distortions of Reality

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The sound of hammering metals, continuous grinding and welding of materials in Jinggoy’s studio allows him to dream of linear, smooth-flowing sculptures transporting him to a new dimension, one that is other-worldly and spectacular.

 The Supernova series, a molten aluminum work is Jinggoy’s take on the candid manipulation of an otherwise concrete element, intervening and interpreting with colored-powder coating this time that resembles the beginning of the cosmos, the magnanimous hues of the constellations, quiet and subdued, silent but contained and ultimately, holding the universe within.

He introduces his toys acquired during his college days, little elements of spontaneous play that allows him to construct, deconstruct and reconstruct.

The Lego and the Gundam series are an assemblage of these toys and even the artist’s identity in its literal sense. The hair he believes is a symbol of power, a gift that God gave to us to prove that we are in his likeness and being. Additionally, the tribes of the south believe that a hair that can reach the ground can be vital to nature inclination and strategy making in war. These new works are an evolution of his landscapes and his personal belief on the state of flow, depicting an imagined niche of battle and peace. Inspired by the collision of stars, ground-breaking wars and the highest entity, it is a surreal dream and a distortion of reality.

Hailed as the Outstanding Designer of the Year by Wallpaper Magazine in Thailand in 2016 and one of the Rising Asian Talents of Maison et Objet Paris in 2017, Jinggoy Buensuceso is a three-time Mugna Awardee for his eco-friendly and contemporary designs. This current day, the artist still identifies as a creative force both in the fine and functional art and exemplifies as a true icon in his own right. 

Jinggoy Buensuceso

July 7 – August 25 2018

Distortions of Reality

Galleria Duemila, 210 Loring St. 1300 Pasay City

Shane Filan Performing Westlife's Greatest Hits and More Live in Concert

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Westlife’s lead singer Shane Filan is coming back to MANILA for his much-awaited live concert featuring Westlife’s greatest hits and more on Saturday, September 15th at the KIA Theatre. Filipino fans will hear their favorite hits like “Swear It Again”, “Uptown Girl”, “If I Let You Go”, “World of Our Own”, “You Raise Me Up”, “My Love”, “Everything To Me”, “Need You Now”, “Heaven”, “Unbreakable”, “What About Now”, Beautiful in White”, “About You” and more.

With his third album, Love Always, delighting both fans and critics, Shane’s solo career is quickly gaining momentum. Its already been a huge hit all over Asia, securing the number one spot in the Philippines and Indonesia, Love Always has proved a major hit with fans. Shane is also thrilled with the album’s top five position in the UK charts, placing him on an even footing with the biggest names in world music. An Asia Deluxe Edition will be released on July 6.

Shane says ‘This is the first time I have put live tracks on the album. I go on tour so much now that I thought it would be nice to include something that people haven’t had before. There will also be two new songs which I wrote before Christmas and I am so proud of them. ‘Back To You’ is the new single and a song I am very close to. The track is about being on the road the whole time and being separated from those you love. You do it because it’s part of the job but you realize how much you miss the family.

Shane has cemented his position as one of the UK & Ireland’s most popular male solo artists, following phenomenal success with Westlife – one of the world’s most successful bands of the last few decades – and he shows no signs of slowing down. “There’s nothing that make me happier than singing and being on stage” he says, “it’s something I am very proud of and it’s what I want to be doing for the rest of my life.”

Catch Shane Filan – the lead singer of Westlife – up close and personal live in concert. Tickets go on-sale on Friday, July 6 via TicketNet.com.ph or Call 911-5555.

Tickets at Popular Prices:
VIP – P4,200 / Orchestra – P3,675 / Loge – P3,150 / Balcony – P2,100

For more information, follow Wilbros Live on social media.

Facebook.com/WilbrosLive

Twitter/Instagram @WilbrosLive

#ShaneFilanMNL2018 #WestlifeGreatestHits

An Overall Supremacy for the Raider R150 at the Super Series Nationwide Championships - Bacolod GP

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The Suzuki Raider R150 proved itself once again at the 3rd Leg of the Super Series Nationwide Championships in Bacolod City. With combined agility and strong performance of the Suzuki-VMan Racing Team with the Raider R150, Team Suzuki reigned supreme attesting that it is indeed the Underbone King at the Super Underbone races of the Bacolod GP.

Suzuki-VMan Racing Team’s April King Mascardo and Eane Jay Sobretodo grabbed the Champion and 2nd Runner Up spots respectively after an intense battle at the Baywalk Karting Zone in Bacolod City on board the Raider R150 Fi. Mascardo who was also the pole sitter of the race consistently led the competition from the time trial to the finals while Sobretodo who started 3rd on the grid had an exciting battle with other riders but still managed to cap the race on the podium after an intense head on with his peers.

Another promising rider from the Suzuki-VMan Racing Team Djereck Ondillo and Dan Carlo Alvarado also dominated the Underbone Beginners/Novice Class with a powerful 1-2 finish with the Raider R150 Fi. Ondillio also had a very strong performance securing 2 more championship wins at the Raider Breed Wars R150 Fi and R150 Carburetor One Make Races. Alvarado also had a strong finish with a 2nd runner up win at the Raider Breed Wars R150 Fi One Make Race.

 

The Raider Breed Wars Raider R150 Carburetor and Fi One Make Races were also a hit to the riders of Visayas testing the Underbone King’s power and performance with its signature 150cc engine. Privateers Kirby Caparon dominated the 2nd Place on both Raider Breed Wars Races while RJ Comendador won 3rd Place for Raider Breed Wars Raider R150 Carburetor One Make Race.

The Super Series Nationwide Championships is already in its mid season but we still have a lot to witness with Team Suzuki-VMan Racing’s performance and the whole racing battle. Catch the action again on the following dates and venues:

Cebu GP – Aug. 26
Bulacan GP- Sept. 16
Manila GP – Oct. 28

The Suzuki-VMan Racing Team is powered by Racing Boy Philippines, RK Racing Chain and Sprocket, Faito, VMax Racing, Koso, Pirelli, LS2 and Motoworld. The Raider Breed Wars is powered by Pirelli, Racing Boy, YRS, Faito, Koso and RK Racing Chain and Sprocket.

Stranger Than Fiction: Guadalupe: The Musical

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In 1531, in the newly conquered land then known as New Spain, a series of
unexplained— some might say miraculous— events occurred that would change the
world forever. That incredible true tale is now the basis of GUADALUPE: THE
MUSICAL, a brand-new theatrical production in English, presented by the Julie Borromeo Performing Arts Foundation.

And what a tale it is! A ghostly apparition… a skeptical bishop… a brutal overlord… a
dying man brought back from the brink of death. “The story of Juan Diego of Guadalupe is practically a musical already,” quips Borromeo, who is both producer and (along with Rose Borromeo) choreographer of the show. “But what makes this story different is all the supernatural elements in it that simply can’t be explained.” Of these there are many, and all a matter of public record: the painted images on Juan Diego’s now famous tilma (or apron), which show no evidence of any brushstrokes, and whose pigments come from a source unknown to nature; the seeming impenetrability of the cloth from which it was made; the mysterious recovery of Juan Diego’s dying uncle; the list goes on and on.

But although it deals in the miraculous, GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL, which stars
stage icon Cocoy Laurel as Juan Diego, is not a conventional faith-based show. “It’s not
a ‘religious’ musical as such,” declares theater legend Baby Barredo, who directs the piece. “It’s a powerful piece of theater that just happens to contain religious elements.” It’s an important distinction, and one that drove the creation of the show from the start.

For scriptwriter and lyricist Joel Trinidad and composer Ejay Yatco, the creative task was to use factual, historical events as a backdrop for a true story that contains some fictional elements. “Some of the most popular musicals in the world combine fact and fiction this way,” shares Yatco. “MISS SAIGON, EVITA, LES MISERABLES… The list goes on and on.” But how can GUADALUPE audiences tell fact from fiction? “You’ll see some things in this show that seem completely implausible,” says Trinidad with a smile.

“Those are the ones that really happened.”
The Julie Borromeo Arts Foundation presents GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL. September 29 to October 14, 2018 at
the Meralco Theater. E-mail Ria Pangilinan at riapangprojects@gmail.com for fundraising opportunities.