tatlong interview questions para kay direk frannie ukol sa "unite & ignite for 40"....

Gantimpala Theater Foundation will always be Gantimpala Theater Foundation. No matter what. Isa na itong institusyon na masasabi. At sa lahat halos ng mga theater groups, itong GTF (Gantimpala Theater Foundation) ang nakapag-produce ng pnakamaraming mga aktor at aktres, mga artista, komedyante, TV and event hosts- na pawang nagsipag-ningning sa kani-kanilang mga respective fields of endeavors. Utang nilang lahat ito sa napakagandang acting training & background na ibinigay sa kanila ng Gantimpala. Na dahil sa paglabas nila sa mga stage plays ng Gantimpala, naging susi iyon para tuluyan silang makapasok sa mundo ng pelikula, telebisyon, teatro, at iba pa. May lucky charm kasi ang Gantimpala pagdating sa paglikha ng mga ganap na aktor, o, sabihin man din nating- mga ARTISTA.

Kaya naman napakaganda ng naisip ni direk Frannie Zamora na mag-organize ng isang major event na mag-u-unite muli sa mga past & present Gantimpala artists. Io ay kanyang konsepto o "brainchild", sa pakikipagtulungan ng GTF at ng The Library music bar ni Andrew de Real. Pinamagatan nila ang event na iyon na "FULL FORCE (UNITE, IGNITE, FOR 40)".

Dahil 40 years na ang Gantimpala Theater Foundation this year, hindi ba't kay sarap makita na magsasama-sama muling lahat ang mga artistang naging kaparte ng mga stage plays ng Gantimpala? Kundi man, yaong mga nakasali sa kanilang mga acting workshops, special performances, and the likes.

So there. Sa isang special coffee tete-a-tete with direk Frannie kamakailan lang, nagtanong kami ng three questions sa kanya ukol sa event na nabanggit. And below is the Q & A with direk Frannie:

(photos by jhay-r lagrimas/ text by robert manuguid silverio)

ROBERT: as you promote and did all the great tasks to fulfill this worthwhile project- the unite & ignite at 40- i saw your great sincerity and honest intentions. what can you say about this great task you did?

DIREK FRANNIE: *You know what, i don’t wanna call it a great task. Basta you have to do what you have to do. Kung maging malaki ang impact ng pagtutulungang ito sa kumpanya, well and good. This my way of giving back to this company that became my home for so many years. Supporting Gantimpala is like supporting your own family.

ROBERT: gantimapala will always be gantimpala. do you think an institution like this must be greatly supported by fellow gtf artists? and so far, what can you say about the feedbacks and support they gave to you on this project- i mean, by your fellow gtf artists?

DIREK FRANNIE: *Oo naman, fellow artists should support GTF. When it comes to the support of GTf members, nakikita ko naman yung pagtutulong tulong. But what surprised me the most is the enthusiasm of my non-GTF friends and other outsiders. Nakakataba ng puso ang natatanggap kong suporta galing sa kanila. *I hope that Sponsors and Advertisers will support GTF. I have never seen people work so hard, putting so much of their passion to their craft, even when the monetary return doesn’t compensate for the efforts that they give out. And GTF has been true to the advocacy of promulgating the arts and the Filipino culture, making sure that people do not forget about all these literature that makes us Filipino.

ROBERT: DIREK FRANNIE, YOU ARE THE BRAINCHILD OF "FULL FORCE: UNITE, IGNITE, FOR 40", DO YOU REALLY THINK IT'S HIGH TIME FOR ALL GTF ARTISTS TO FINALLY UNITE NOW AND SAVE GANTIMPALA?

DIREK FRANNIE:*The fundraising shows—“Unite, Ignite for Forty”, slated on Oct 5, 12 and 19 at The Library—came about when I was assigned to head the Special Events Committee of Gantimpala theater Foundation for the year 2016.

*OO! Dapat nga noon pa nagtulong-tulong. You see, GTF is home to so many established artists in the industry. Most of the time, people doesn’t know that. Pero when you start looking through how they started their respective careers, you’ll find out, sa GTF sila nag-umpisa at nahasa.

CASTING CALL FOR ACTORS TO THE CINEMALAYA 2017 FILM AUDITIONS

OPEN auditions for various male and female roles for the Cinemalaya 2017 film finalists will be held on October 15 and 16, 2016 from 10am-7pm at the MKP Hall (Multi-Purpose Hall) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The required characters for the following Cinemalaya 2017 films are:

“ANG GURO KONG DI MARUNONG MAGBASA”

Aasim (8-10 years old, smart boy, willing to undergo gun, firing and military training, fluent in Tagalog), Basil (10-12 years old, brave neophyte child soldier, willing to undergo gun, firing and military training and fluent in Tagalog), Kapitan Badi (in his early to late 70’s, a chieftain in his barrio, very helpful to his subordinates and fluent in Tagalog), Kareem (8-10 years old, likes to hold and fire a real gun, willing to undergo gun, firing and military training and fluent in Tagalog), Aban (10-14 years old, uses his gun like a skilled warrior, willing to undergo gun, firing and military training), Jaraah (20-25 years old, beautiful and loving girlfriend of Aaquil, and fluent in Tagalog), Draco and Dado (30-40 years old, wicked torturers, and a Military hair cut needed).

“NABUBULOK”

Luna (in her 30’s, morena, comfortable with nudity), Jason (in his 40’s, American, mestizo, tall with commanding presence), Paul (16-20 years old, Filipino-American, mestizo, fluent in English), Casey (6-9 years old, Filipino-American, mestiza, fluent in English), Benjie (25-30 years old, tall, moreno and muscular)

“REQUITED” 

Female (lead role, 27-35 years old, girl-next-door look with a feisty attitude, must know how to ride a mountain bike, outdoorsy and athletic)

“RESPETO”

Hendrix (16-19 years old, male, handsome, knows how to rap, good-humored), Doc / Neron (60-70 years old, male, ill-tempered, irritable, strict, rude), Mando (30-40 years old, male, muscular, filthy but clever, lives in the squatters), SPO3 Fuentes (30-35 years old, male, ordinary-looking policeman, moreno), Hepe Agustin (40-50 years old, male, robust, trustworthy), Connie (35-40 years old, female, prominent, pretty, loudmouth), Payaso (16-19 years old, male, good-humored, has good vibes, comedian, coward, hasty), BB. BTK (16-19 years old, female, cute but arrogant, knows how to beatbox, tomboyish but still feminine), Mang Egay (40-50 years old, male, always wears a jacket even in hot weather, dark-skinned, talkative and smiling, encouraging), Helena (16-19 years old, female, sexy, pretty, loves to watch underground rap battles), Breezy G (18-22 years old, male, goon, small but terrible drug user), Female troops of Helena, Underground rappers, Troops of Breezy G, The poets of Luneta, Spies of Mr. Hao, Barangay Tanods (males), Mr. Hao (male), Mang Kanor (male), Informal settlers, Riot police.

“UNANG PATAK NG ULAN SA BUWAN NG MAYO”

Bobong (male, 11-13 years old), Perla (female, early 20’s, slim), Kore (female, mid-30’s to early 40’s, mestiza, Manila-born), Friends of Bobong:Tulok (male, 13-15 years old, tallest in the group), Tirong (male, 11-13 years old, nerd), Boy (male, 11-13 years old, arrogant), Nano (male, 11-13 years old, naughty), Parents: Mar and Bising, Elmo and Simang (mid-30’s to early 40’s), Neighbors: Doro (male, mid-late 20’s), Nane(female, mid-late 20’s), Wile (early 30’s), Sale (mid-teens), Nana Ansang (70’s to 80’s).

“BACONAUA”

Divina (16 years old, typical provincial lass), Dian (15 years old, Divina’s sister, pretty), Dino (13 years old, Divina’s youngest brother), Pol (18 years old, Divina’s friend, fisherman, muscular), Loloy (14 years old, sibling of Pol), Nica (18 years old, Divina’s good friend, girly), Aling Lora(in her 50s, Divina’s distant relative), Jun-Jun (18 years old, Divina’s cousin, son of Lora), Caloy (13 years old, Dino’s good friend), Mang Danny(in his 50s, sea guard, father of both Pol and Loloy), Col. Abdullah (in his late 30s, Coast Guard official), Soldiers (in their 20s).

Applicants are advised to bring their resumes with full body and close up photos.

For inquiries, contact the CCP Media Arts Division at 832-1125 loc. 1704 or1712.

question and answer with gerald santos....

GERALD: NAKAKAGIGIL!!!

1.) Rald, what exactly do you feel now, because palapit na ng palapit ang final anouncement sa mga mapipiling final cast ng Miss Saigon broadway version?

Excited.. hopeful ...syempre, at kinakabahan.. ang tagal na kasi nung auditions.. March pa yun..


2.) Ano-ano ang mga paghahandang ginagawa mo ngayon kung sakaling mapili ka sa cast ng Miss Saigon?

Preparations if ever.. currently ay nagbo-voice training ako.. this will help me not only in miss saigon, if ever, but it will also enhance my singing technique as a performer..kailangan kasi ng voice endurance at resonance.. iwas paos.. nag enrol din ako sa isang English class for my English communication.. Again, hindi lang ito for miss saigon, if ever..gusto ko din maging komportable sa English language.. yung conversational English.. I am also psyching up myself to be more independent..


3.) Rald, marami ang nagi-expect na matutuloy na ang pagpasok mo sa local movie world, sa larangan ng pag-arte after your convincing performance sa "Memory Channel". Pero tila natabunan ito ng Miss Saigon. Paano na ngayon ang acting career mo kung sakaling matuloy ka sa Miss Saigon? Ngayon pang nagi-enjoy ka na sa paggawa ng mga pelikula?

3. Kung sakali at matuloy ako sa miss saigon, i can always go back to acting naman.. my biggest dream right now ay makapasok sa miss saigon, then maging part din sa Miss Saigon movie na magsisimula ang production sa 2018..itodo ko na yung pangangarap ko..part talaga ang acting in movies sa mga future plans ko.. yung Emilio Jacinto movie, hopefully ay magawa k9 pa din before the year ends.. Napakaganda nung story at sobrang inspiring sa ating mga kabataan.. kaya siguro ako nag eexcel sa musical, combination ito ng dalawang malaking passion ko: singing and acting!


4.) Rald, isa ka sa mga artista at singers na napatunayan na maski walang back-up ng mainstream network, ay makakagawa pa rin ng sarili niyang ningning at pangalan. Anong masasabi mo rito?

Naniniwala kasi ako talaga na sa industry natin, there will always be room sa tunay na talent; may network o wala. Magaling ang talentong Pinoy! Magsha-shine at magsha-shine kahit pa itago mo.. it's just a matter of time.. naniniwala din ako na ang bawar isa ay may kanya kanyang panahon..basta maghintay ka lanang at darating yung takdang panahon para sa yo. Of course, never give up! Even if others are discouraging you, dont ever think of quitting. You know yourself better at ikaw ang nakakaalam ng maximum potentials at limitations mo..

Magsha-shine at magsha-shine kahit pa itago mo..

5.) Sino-sino at kaninong mga tao mo pinagkakautangan ng loob ang magagandang pangyayari ngayon sa karera mo?

Una syempre si GOD.. everything happens sa wil Nya. Faithful sya sa atin kahit matigas ang ulo natin minsan.. sa manager ko, kay kuya rommel, na alam kong napakarami na ring sinakripisyo para sa akin.. sa Team Gerald na hindi ako iniiwan kahit sa low points ng career ko.. sa mga kaibigan na hindi tumitigil na pagbibigay nila ng suporta sa akin. Sa mga press people latulad mo Tito Robert for always believing in me.. naniniwala ako na bread and butter ang isang artisra at press people.. At sa family ko na talagang source of inspiration ko. Gusto ko sillang mabigyan ng magandang buhay.

"FULL FORCE: UNITE & IGNITE FOR 40": A BENEFIT SHOW FOR GANTIMPALA THEATER FOUNDATION

Gantimpala Theater Foundation is now celebrating its 40 years of existence as a theater group. It is already an institution to be reckoned at, having produced a great number of famous theater actors/actresses, TV stars, comedians, hosts, singers, artists, and the likes.

Thus, director Frannie Zamora thought of making all the past Gantimpala artists unite for a special fund-raising project, a benefit cause, too. It will also be THE MAJOR REUNION of all past Gantimpala Artists in the last 40 years! How monumental!!!

Below are only some of the names of stars, actors, actresses, artists- who all acted in a Gantimpala stage play or have attended past Gantimpala acting workshops:

AIAI DE LAS ALAS, ARNELL IGNACIO, JOEL LAMANGAN, KETCHUP EUSEBIO, YUL SERVO, LANCE RAYMUNDO, GERALD SANTOS, JUDE MATTHEW SEVILLA, SANDINO MARTIN, PAUL JAKE PAULE, PETER FLORES SERRANO, ANDREW DE REAL, MICHAEL IGNACIO, ROEDER CAMANAG, FRANNIE ZAMORA, ROOBAK DEL VALLE, WOWIE DE GUZMAN, ADRIANA AGACAOILI, JUN PABLO, JHAY-R LAGRIMAS, TOMMY ABUEL, JOHN GADDI, KAKAI BAUTISTA, JOEL MOLINA, JM DIZON, MICHAEL IGNACIO, JOJIT LORENZO, RONNIE LAZARO, TROY MARTINO, SOLIMAN CRUZ, CHINA COJUANGCO.... AND MANY, MANY MORE!!!

Kukulangin po ang space ng blog article na ito sa dami ng mga past Gantimpala artists. At lahat po sila ay imbitado!!!

FULL FORCE! UNITE & IGNITE FOR 40!, IS A BRAINCHILD OF DIRECTOR FRANNIE ZAMORA TO GATHER FUNDS FOR THEIR UPCOMING FUTURES PLAYS. THANKS, DIREK FRANNIE FOR THIS WONDERFUL CAUSE!

FULL FORCE! UNITE & IGNITE FOR 40

That's the title. One great major event for all theater actors before the year ends. Kaya go na kayong lahat and let us all UNITE & IGNITE!!!

see u all there.

(words by robert manuguid silverio)

direk frannie: for a cause

the gantimapala theater foundation's present board members

the late tony espejo: the founder of gantimpala theater foundation

a past gantimpala play

KANSER: GTF'S CURRENTLY RUNNING PLAY WITH HUGE SUCCESS

don gordon bell upgrades his professional career....

DON'S BEST CAMERA SHOT, AS PHOTOGRAPHED BY HIS BUDDY-JOHN SILAO.

Now that American actor turned professional photographer- Don Gordon Bell- is not so busy with his film career, he got all the time to UPGRADE some key factors in his hobby/profession- that is, Photography- which he really loves doing most.

Over upgraded bacon cheeseburgers (American size), french fries, chocolate sundae and another upgraded size of Diet Coke, handsome Don gave us some new exciting things about his Photography career. And it's all about UPGRADING.

"The last few months, I upgraded into full-grade camera", Don started saying in a tete-a-tete interview at Wendy's Burger House in Glorietta malls. "And I loved it! Plus the fact that I basically have a professional level camera which is a 5-D Mark 3 video camera. My DSLR camera and video call is also very good. I can shoot BTS with video and stills. It helps me a lot now in my new ventures as a professional photographer. I really upgraded myself and it's high time!"

We learned from Don, he's now involved with a company called ACTOR'S PRIME, a CGI- or what we say as-"Computer-Generated-Image" photography, video and film company. And Don is so much involved with this and his full passion nowadays went into it.

"It's in association with Ruben Ma. Soriquez", Don continued on saying. "Of course, everybody knows Ruben now. He's been doing teleseryes at channel 2 and also an indie film maker. And mr. Paolo Pertola, a director in his own right and also a director of Photography is the main man here. Paolo is a CGI expert. A genius! he's been doing all those CGI's on commercials and other stuffs. It's really a challenging and upgrading new venture for me. These guys are my friends and I really love working with them."

But the main parent of their company, according to Don is ABRACADABRA advertising company which provides TV commercials to all their projects. And so far, everything is doing well.

"We all already did something", Don went on. "We already had three major projects. And now, I am currently editing a BTS (Behind-The-Scenes) for a new project with them. I also worked as an actor in one of our teasers/video entitled 'Hurry Padrey', a take-off from Harry Potter. It's a satire on Harry Potter filmswherein you coul see Ruben Soriquez as a look-alike of Harry Potter."

But what about Don's acting career now? He's been so supportive to the Filipino indie film industry, and we feel, it's high time forhim to be given a much-needed break at his acting career. Maybe a lead role in an indie film or a more challenging, dramatic role for a film- not just a "support" role!

"Yes, I will soon be doing a movie, and I am now working on a film script", Don revealed. "But as of now, I can't reveal details yet. On our CGI company with Ruben Soriquez, I will be having a minor role for a film project with our company. I will star opposite Mara Lopez and other Italian actors in our enxt film. It's about monsters and C.G.I.'s. Our market will be childresn and adults, too."

Before the end of the year, Don is planning to have a dual exhibition of Photography together with his best friend John Silao.

"It will be a street Photography", Don said at the end of an interview. "Mostly behind-the-scenes shots. But I will also include my photos with famous dignitariesand entertainment people. It's gonna be fun."

Yes, mr. Don Gordon Bell will be very much around... for MORE.


(words by robert manuguid silverio)

DON WITH RUBEN SORIQUEZ

photo by David Patrick Valera 

DON WITH HIS GREAT BUDDY, JOHN SILAO.

A VERY SEXY YOUNGDON GORDON BELL IN AN IFUGAO COSTUME

twin bill theater thanks all the peole who watched "suicide incorporated"...

"We're making way for the Suicide Squad opening, guys.

But seriously, from everyone (cast & staff) at Twin Bill Theater, THANK YOU.

Thank you for watching, supporting, and loving us. But most of all, thank you for your life. None of these would ever be possible without your willingness to spend some time with Suicide, Incorporated.

However, please remember that the battle doesn't end here - it's only the beginning.

Continue to spread the word on mental health and continue to help save lives.

See you in our next productions!"--- FROM FRANCIS & jOSEPH, of TWIN BILL THEATER'S FB PAGE

We just hope, Twin Bill Theater will re-stage "Suicide Incorporated" soon. Been hearing about the good feedbacks from some people who watched their last play. Along with "Dog Sees God", which media people loved when they saw it.

Twin Bill Theater is owned by twin brothers Francis and Joseph Mattheu. This month of December, they will present a stage adaptation of the Christmas Carol novel by Charles Dickens. How exciting to watch!

francis mattheu as elias in "kanser" by gantimpala theater foundation

Francis, one of the twins, currently is acting outside Twin Bill. He was casted by direk Frannie Zamora as Elias in the currently-running play with music- "Kanser" by Gantimpala Theater Foundation. To some media people, Francis as Elias in the said play, was one of the most convincing portrayals of Elias in the history of Kanser performances through the years.

And yes, together with his twin brother, Joseph- they both promise that TWIN BILL THEATER will continue presenting worthwhile stage plays with advocacy and passion in the coming years.

More power, Francis and Joseph!!!

(by robert manuguid silverio)

the dance of the gay senior citizens... soon to be a play from gantimpala theater foundation! (or, the restaging of "sayaw ng mga SENIORita...)

Yes, one of our favorite theater directors in person of Jun Pablo is now busy preparing for his upcoming next play for Gantimpala Theater Foundation- the restaging of the modern classic play- Sayaw Ng Mga SENIORita.

We last saw this play more than three years ago, and among the original cast was the very sexy BB Gandanghari. But this time around, BB will no longer be available for the said play and direk Jun is now on the lookout as to whoever will be replaced for BB's very "hot" role in the sexy play about Gay Senior Citizen's dance with handsome boys.... and well, LIFE.

The play is a collaboration of artistic and creative minds of direk Jun and Jose Javier Reyes, the one who wrote the play. It's their "tandem".

Veteran director Joel Lamangan will reprise his role on the said play and director Frannie Zamora may or may not join the added new "senior gay citizen" of the play. 

Directors Manny Castaneda, Soxy Topacio with singer Arnel Ignacio, as of press time, are still arranging their schedules and availability.

Target dates of performances will be on last week of November to first week of December.

Among the handsome boys to be included in this very hot but deep play about Gay Sexuality are going to Jansen Aguilar (who's currently portraying Padre Salvi at Kanser: The Updated Version) and Joel Molina (a commercial model-theater actor who's now seen in teleseryes in channel 2).

Aside from BB's character, the play is also now on the lookout for four more boys aging from 18 to 25 years old to be casted on the play. Auditions for their respective roles will be announced soon.

THE DANCE OF THE GAY SENIOR CITIZENS- "Sayaw Ng Mga SENIORita"...
IS THE DANCE OF A CONTINUING HEAT AND FIRE...
ANTICIPATION AND LUST...

The play will be performed again.... SOON!


(written by robert manuguid silverio)

LANCE RAYMUNDO'S SUPERNATURAL POWERS AND EXPERIENCES SOON TO COME OUT ON A BOOK!

LANCE: A HIDDEN GIFT WITH THE SUPERNATURAL

Yes, you just read the title right. Lance Raymundo has "supernatural" powers. Most of his life, he had encountered experiences with the so-called Supernatural Phenomenon. As early at the age of 6 or 7, Lance had seen ghosts, kapres, White Ladies, and even "tiyanaks", take note. 

"It's been so many, I could not even count them anymore in my fingers", Lance said to a blogger at the start of a mini-interview. "And I am so happy now, a book publisher got interested to turn those experiences I had with my Supernatural gifts to a book. It will be compiled and together with my brother Rannie Raymundo's experiences also with ghostly creatures, soon a book on us will be published. I can not reveal yet all the details as of press time."

But we heard, the publishers of this book are the same as the publishers of Pinoy Ghost Stories series of books. A writer from the said publication house had been interviewing Lance and Rannie, and all their ghostly encounters will soon be read in one major book. Wow.

But mostly, it's Lance's creepy encounters that would soon fill-out the book.

"I've had them as far as I could remember", Lance said again. "I can say that I am also sort of a VISIONARY, too. I could see things and events ahead of time. I could get signs and visions that protects the future. I may sound weird to you, but I seldom speak about these things. Maybe, I could also feel that, you, Robert, is also a Visionary like me."

The blogger interviewing Lance at that time went numb and dumb. How could Lance knew it? Ha-ha.

"Sometimes, people get these gifts", Lance went-on saying. "For others, it can be a curse, but for us, these are gifts because we know how to use it properly and not to disturb further those 'phenomenons' because they gave it to us for a reason. And finally this time, I am revealing them. Watch out for the book."

Surely.

Anyway, Lance is now busy shooting three indie films at the same time. He's out to fly to Hawaii country by next week and be back by first week of October to attend the benefit show of Gantimpala Theater Foundation entitled Unite & Ignite for Forty.

"It's such a hectic life we have now", Lance said in the end. "But we should never forget who we were."

Definitely.


(words by robert manuguid silverio)

MS. TRIXIE DAUZ PHOTOGRAPHS THE PERFORMANCE OF "KANSER: THE UPDATED VERSION" AT THE STAR THEATER...

MS. TRIXIE DAUZ: PASSION FOR THE ARTS

Newly-graduated from the University of the Philippines, Ms. Trixie Dauz joined the world of the Arts scene and the Entertainment world of the Philippine showbiz industry with full passion, dedication and great advocacy on her part.
She's now connected with PEP.PH as a writer-blogger-contributor. She's mostly involved with people on the theater scene.
Just recently, she attended the media premiere of the much-talked-about play from Gantimpala Theater Foundation-  "Kanser: The Updated Version", and how she loved watching the play.
With that, her beautiful shots below, taken from the actual performance of the said play which was held last week at the Star Theater, all looked so eternal and wonderful.
Thus, we decided to grab and blog her beautiful photos from the performance of the play.

"It's one of the most beautiful plays that I have seen", Ms. Trixie said to a blogger. "The play was redeeming and how I love to watch it again the next time."

Thank you for watching "Kanser: The Updated Version", Ms. Trixie Dauz. 

"Kanser: The Updated Version" will have its last performances for the month of September tomorrow at the SM South Mall Cinemas, with shows at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. More shows coming in the provinces by the month of November.

And below are Trixie's great shots. Enjoy and cherish!!!

(words by robert manuguid silverio)

PHOTOS BY MS. TRIXIE DAUZ, BELOW: