Bloodlines

This tale breaks the comedic notion of Baltazar’s time to deliver a story of two lovers set apart in a war-torn land. Three powerful tribes represent themselves through commanding movements: Marueccos, majestic and just; the Tedenst, cunning and proud; and the Duquela, savage yet valiant.

As Zelima, the stage play’s narrator (and thereafter reveals as the daughter of Ben-Asar of Tedenst), predicts the terror and battle in their land which eventually results to deaths due to thirst for power. The flow of the story runs amongst the exploits of the members of each tribe as they quench their hunger for power and the same time continue their pursuit for love.

Grace and Tenacity

Every character’s facet is given equal emphasis as they dance and sing their way to a very memorable performance. From Zelima’s death knell to Zafira’s cry for help, from Abdalap’s declarative boasts to Orosman’s affectionate courtship, from Gulnara’s predisposition of saving her love Aldervesin from the wrath of sultan Mahamud of Marruecos to avenging Mahamud and Mahamud’s daughter Zafira in the end, every note is sung effectively and gracefully. As a stark contrast however, the choreographed fight sequences and skirmishes are a wonder to behold with every back-flip or forward kick radiating the tenacity and heart that every performer pours into each one’s craft.

Nostalgic Ingenuity

The set of Orosman at Zafira is well prepared in such a way that the lights are aglow and frolicking during the dance at the feast but melodramatic and dim during the death scenes. Additionally, the props play significant roles in setting the mood for every scene with the stage in constant flux as every broom grass section shifts with precision and the backstage doors double-up as viewing panels to highlight the main characters’ situation, the tribes’ constant struggle, and other significant evidences which may or may not include any of the main characters.

In terms of visual presentation through the character’s clothing, costumes merit unrivalled praise as they give a whole new dimension to the character’s persona. From the coveted crown (a bracer adorned with precious jewels) to the handcrafted swords and skirts with intricate designs, these are testaments of the hard work and dedication of the production team.

Rhythmic Distinction

The one of a kind experience that the musical team provided originally for Orosman at Zafira is truly noteworthy. The drumbeats that signal the start of the war, the harmony of the guitar and the beauty of the gangsa resound throughout the feasts and the other-worldly chants that wrap the audiences with spell binding results. The music enriches the fabric of culture that the story weaves making it a distinct and very critical part of the production. With every beat, harmony, and melody, the music made each scene convincing as war and love begins.

Beyond Parallelism

As the characters portray how human love can overpower bloodlines and the laws of their tribe, each character also struggle with conquering power. Boulasem, sultan of Tedenst, fears for his own thrown thus seeking for the ultimate power becomes his greatest weapon. His thirst for control starts the war of tribes and the war of love. While he assigns each of his sons Abdalap and Orosman to aid him in obtaining the utmost power, both sons seek the throne in Zafira’s heart.

Orosman at Zafira clearly depicts how a leader’s word is unbreakable and that anyone against it should welcome death. While Gulnara and Aldervesin can continue their affair for the second time around, Boulasem orders his son Abdalap to marry Gulnara. But due to Abadalap’s own hunger for power and Zafira’s love, he is faced with the last resort of killing his own father for his own selfish goals. What used to be a love for father and family, fury-filled brothers Orosman and Abdalap battle for Zafira and again, for power.

Towards the end of Boulasem’s reign, although Zafira longs for Orosman, her duty as Mahamud’s daughter and heir of the throne remains in her blood and whole being. Tragedy as it is, Zafira has dealt with the curse of loving her father’s enemy who in the end gains the throne. The never-ending war of tribes is both the end and the beginning of a new regime.

Simply Patriarchal

Hints of patriarchal society weave through the character’s dialogues and situations. Gulnara, though her heart yearns for Aldervesin, is treated as a mere object without feelings when she is chosen as Mahamud’s spouse and later on, Abadalap’s. Women are also treated as weak entities in the tribe without voice, as Boulasem mockingly laughs at Zafira for avenging her father and leading the tribe of Marueccos. While it is only apt for either Gulnara or Zafira to become successors of their own tribe, both women become slaves under Boulasem’s reign. Though Zelim, sultan of Duquela, chooses to side with the Marueccos, his position as leader of Duquela remains intact.

Destined for Greatness

The audience is in for a wonderful experience of going through the mind of Francisco Baltazar as told through the visionary eyes of Director and Choreographer Dexter M. Santos. The compelling depth of the narrative, the gracefulness of the actors, the spirit and vigor of the dance choreographies, the ruthlessness and bloodlust of the fight scenes coupled with the enchanting musical scores and the intricate costumes and props all account for a captivating production that is Orosman at Zafira. This production is truly a fitting start to the 35TH season of Dulaang UP to ignite the audience’s love for the theatre and to rekindle the passion for the performing arts.

Orosman at Zafira Official Photos
Click on each thumbnail for a larger version of the photos.

DUP's 35th Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP), the University of the Philippines’ official performing theatre arts group launches its 35th season with the theme “Return Engagement: Plays Deserving a Second Look” on July 22, 3:30 pm at its improved home, the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theatre, 2nd Floor, Palma Hall, Diliman, Quezon City.

The season will restage various DUP productions, among which are Orosman at Zafira on August 11-29, a musical hailed as 2008’s first great production with Dexter Santos as director and original music by Carol Bello; Shock Value..Take 2 on September 14 –October 3, a new chapter is added in this exciting comedy that mirrors the wacky and controversial truth about showbiz life with Floy Quintos as playwright and Alexander Cortez as director; Isang Panaginip na Fili on November 24-December 12 is another powerful and compelling post-modern musicale of Rizal’s El Filibustersimo and nominated as 22nd Aliw Awards Best Musical production under the direction of Floy Quintos with Cj Javier providing the music; and Amphitryon on February 16 to March 6, a Filipino translation by Jerry Respeto based on Heinrich Von Kleist’s play with Josefina Estrella as the director.

Also, UP Playwrights’ Theatre on its 22nd season will present, Floy Quintos’ new play Fake on May 4-13 at the Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan with Dulaang UP founder Tony Mabesa as director. Aside from these theatre productions, Dulaang UP has two upcoming fund-raising efforts: Backstage Sale with various Dulaang UP artists on July 27-30 at the College of Arts and Letters New Building and the launching of Friends of Dulaang UP on July 22.

For further details, please contact telephone numbers (632) 9261349 and 9818500 local 249 and Telefax (632) 4337840.

FEATURED PLAYS:

Orosman at Zafira
directed by Dexter Santos; music by Carol Bello
August 11 – 29, 2010
Hailed as the first great production of 2008 and being among the best musicals of the same year, Orosman at Zafira brings Balagtas closer to one’s heart as it exemplifies “dance as the basis of theatre”

Shock Value
written by Floy Quintos and directed by Alexander Cortez
September 8 – 26, 2010
A timely, exciting and truly entertaining comedy that mirrors the wacky and controversial truth about the life of people in show business

Isang Panaginip na Fili
Directed by Floy Quintos; music by CJ Javier
November 24 – December 12, 2010
Described by Gibbs Cadiz as a “Fili on steroids,” this powerful and compelling postmodern musical of Rizal’s El Filibusterismo was nominated Best Musical Production at the 22nd Aliw Awards

Amphitryon
Filipino translation by Jerry Respeto; directed by Josefina Estrella
February 16 – March 6, 2011
A pleasantly comic performance that ranked as one of the plays which showcased the best of Manila theatre in 2009

After its very successful production last 2008, Francisco Baltazar’s Orosman at Zafira, an adaptation under the direction and choreography of Dexter Santos with the original music of Carol Bello, will once again mesmerize you as it opens for Dulaang UP’s Essential Theater season on the company’s 35th year.

The first run of the play extended due to popular demand back in 2008 and received nominations for Best Musical Production and Best Director at the 21st Aliw Awards. It also garnered numerous praise and commendations from renowned critics and artists.

Baltazar’s Orosman at Zafira tackles the rivalry for power in the kingdom of the tribes of Marruecos, Duquela, and Tedenst. Amidst these warring tribes, Orosman and Zafira find love.

Aside from narrating man’s lust for power and the fluidity of his principles and beliefs, this production also serves as an avenue for promoting national heritage through the integration of different ethno – linguistic dances and music in a fresh and captivating manner.

Dulaang UP is a semi-professional school-based theatre company which serves as the key device to maximizing U.P. Theatre students’ capacity in the performing arts, which includes designing, technical management as well as stage and theatre management.

Composing the renowned artistic and technical team of Orosman at Zafira are:

Sir Anril Tiatco and Katte Sabatte (Dramatury), Tuqx Rutaquio (Production Design), John Ilao Batalla (Lights Design), Jojit Lorenzo (Photography), Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director), Via Antonio and Jeff Hernandez (Associate Choreographers).

Orosman at Zafira will run from August 11-29 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, U.P. Diliman from Wednesdays to Fridays at 7pm and during weekends at 10am and 3pm. For tickets please contact Cherry at 09177500107, or the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 981-8500 local 2449 or 433-7840.

Disney-Pixar brought another film about love, intricately wrapped in an adventure packed story of exploring the wilderness. For almost a year of advertising the movie in cinemas for some parts of the globe, watching only the trailer gives a totally different story for what “Up” really is.

“Up” is a story of Carl Fredricksen and his quest of flying his house and parking it next to Paradise Falls. His unusual travel includes the giant bird Kevin, a talking golden retriever Dug, and the Wilderness Explorer Russell who accompanies Carl in his new life adventures. Along the way, they meet the sinister Charles Muntz who was a famous explorer Carl and his wife Ellie admired when they were still kids.

People of all ages enjoy watching Disney- Pixar films because of the colorful world of fantasy that brings out the child in everyone. Although kids are the foremost fans of animated movies, for the movie “Up”, it’s a tale for people who have been kids long ago.

Three relevant key things give important messages – Carl Muntz’s blimp Spirit of Adventure, Ellie’s Adventure Book, and Carl’s and Ellie’s house flown to Paradise Falls using thousands of balloons. The blimp has inspired Carl and Ellie to dream and imagine their own adventure, a time in life when children believe that all things are possible. Ellie’s adventure book documents her goals and all the stuff she wants to do in the coming years – all of which are shared only with her husband Carl. Finally, what used to be a worn out and broken clubhouse becomes Carl and Ellie’s humble home, a standing witness to their love, plans, and dreams.

Watching the film once is not enough to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of life with the foundation of love and dreams. Who wouldn’t love Carl Fredricksen who withstood age, time, and physical limitations just to fulfill their dream of getting their house up to Paradise Falls? Who wouldn’t adore Russell who accompanied Carl all throughout the journey and willingly aided the old man beyond performing his duty as a Wilderness Explorer? Lastly, who wouldn’t be moved by Ellie, who dreamt not just of Paradise Falls but more importantly envisioned of achieving all her dreams with her husband Carl?

Prepare your heart. And think about what you want to do with your life and who you want to spend it with. A little reminder about THE transcending love may keep you directed to your path, your dreams, your reason for living.

I first learned about President Corazon “Cory” Aquino when I began studying the Philippine history. It was my subject on Sibika at Kultura when I read about the first female Philippine President on books and saw her picture on postcards which my mother bought at National Bookstore for school projects.

On August 1, 2009, the Philippines mourned. The people bade goodbye to the former president as she battled her last breath to colon cancer. People saw it coming – her final days – but the strength she showed combating that illness for more than a year was nothing compared to the years she spent fighting for the Filipinos as a leader and tending to her family as a mother and father.

During Martial Law, Cory Aquino’s husband and prominent political icon Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was gunned down at the then Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983 upon arriving from the United States. Ninoy was a major opponent of the Marcos’ administration. His determination and goal for the country to fight against inhumane acts and abuse of power during the Martial Law led the nation to leave their homes and raise their voices on the streets to finally end their silence and seek for change. It was the start of the People Power Revolution.

Today would not be possible without Cory Aquino’s courage and leadership. Taking over the presidency in 1986, she led the restoration of democracy in the Philippines that inspired other nations to do the same. The unimaginable multitude of people in thirst for freedom only had faith at that time. Courage was probably questionable. Survival for one’s self may not be an option. How could anyone survive during Martial Law when guns and tanks were ready to fire and take down lives at any moment?

Although history shares her term may not be the most successful in economic success and political stability due to coup attempts, Cory Aquino’s fostering display of courage and faith to the Filipino people was enough to change the people at that time. Her courage as a woman is unfaltering, considering she had the responsibility to lead and take over the nation, and at the same time fulfill her duties as a mother to her five children.

Until her last day on earth, Cory Aquino was proud to be a Filipino. She was praying for us. And she was hoping that the country will unite once again for peace. Now, she found her own peace with our Creator – and with her husband who has waited for her long enough.

Diamonds are a girl’s bestfriend – and boys too.

Owning diamonds as jewelry, gadget accessory, first class home décor, or simply as a most treasured possession suggests class and a fine way of living. Being the hardest mineral, diamonds are expensive as these natural objects take thousands of years before they form into a sparkling stone.

People who love sparkle definitely love diamonds. Prices of diamonds are steep that even celebrities need to charter a set of diamond jewelry for special occasions. For bigger Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie or Beyonce Knowles, a jeweler can provide them with the finest diamonds for them to wear on the red carpet. With this X-deal, there’s no doubt wearing celebrity diamonds becomes part of the pop culture.

Given that you already have your fist diamond – an engagement ring or a family heirloom – it’s just suitable that you know how to take care of them. Bringing your diamonds to a trusted jeweler for a regular clean up is one of the best ways to keep your expensive stone last long and maintain its glimmer.

Taking care of your diamonds is like taking care of a child. You need to have regular consultations with a professional jeweler to see if your diamonds are still intact with the metal braces in your ring or necklace for instance. At least once a year will be enough for a check-up or repair.

While you’re at home, you can still take care of your diamonds with basic home treatments. If you want to have pieces of jewellery like celebrity diamonds, here are some tips you can do at home:

1. Dissolve a detergent or a liquid soap in lukewarm water. This is an inexpensive mixture to clean your diamonds.
2. When you have small pieces of diamonds, use a strainer when rinsing with water so you don’t lose them especially when you clean over the sink.
3. Use a brush with soft bristles when cleaning your diamonds so they won’t scratch.
4. Immediately pat them dry with a soft cloth after washing.
5. Place your diamonds in a box when not in use. Separate them from other pieces of jewelry so they will not be damaged through scratches.

 

 

As much as you would want to feel like a celebrity or a socialite all day, remove any piece of diamond jewelry when you’re out in the field. Don’t wear them when you’re doing physical and outdoor activities.

Even if these are totally expensive pieces, taking care of your celebrity diamonds will not cost you much, just as long as you know how to store them properly and have them checked regularly.

This isn’t about how Heidi and Spencer spent their time posing for the camera and how LC, the principled one, instantly became a positively favorite public figure because of her moralistic values.

“The Heels” is about women’s heel and their feet. Everyday you see women wear those high heels and sexy strappy sandals as they go to the office for work, or spend the evening at a club with friends. Despite the economic crisis which suggests cost cutting on everything extra, women just can’t get enough of those high heels with different colors and styles as seen on the latest fashion trend.

Seeing women parade their way to the office wearing their designer stilettos like Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, or probably a surplus one from a thrift store, you wonder how women can keep up walking with their aching feet through those high heeled shoes. 

And just to please and seduce men, women perfect the grace of walking in high heels. A perfect stance shows no sign of pain or limping cadence. Every stride comes with a fierce face or a smile covering up any smudges of aching toes or ball of foot, and then wondering where the nearest coffee shop may be so they can sit and rest for a while.

Before going through a detailed health issue on your beloved feet, there’s always a couple of reasons why women, despite the feeling of discomfort due to prolonged use, still wear a four-inched heel even if they had to walk miles. And these are some of the reasons:

• Women look sexier wearing high heels.

• High heels can elongate the legs.

• High heels symbolize women of power as these fashionable pairs are worn by top corporate executives and celebrities in TV series and movies.

• Fashion wise, it can flare up one’s boring clothing ensemble.

• It’s something women don’t necessarily need but really want. 

Whether these strappy heels are limited designer brands or mass-produced manufactured item found at inexpensive clothing stores, what’s important to know is that one should wear a pair with caution. Health wise, daily and extended use of high heels can cause damage to one’s feet. Having blisters is just a simple form of harm you can give to your pretty feet.

Wear your heels with grace and with care. Feel sexy, powerful, and fashionable while you wear a piece of footwear you can’t live without – just make sure you’ll also give your feet a time to rest, a time to be beautiful.

Taken from Daily Mail

These are just some of the reasons why people become sad. You might have experienced one or several of these reasons. Feeling melancholy is just a normal thing for you to experience. It’s actually healthy for you to be sad once in a while so you have the chance to contemplate on your recent situations and reflect on your actions.

Being sad gives you the chance to realize the importance of life and the people around you, offering you the simplest things in life. It teaches you how to appreciate the blessings you receive daily no matter how insignificant these blessings can be in man’s eyes.

The things that make you sad are also normal. Death for example is the final stage in the process of living, that’s why it’s just common for you to grieve and be sad. When people get sad, they express themselves through crying. They show cheerless facial reactions.  They become somber. Most of the time, they want someone to be with them as companions so they can forget the reasons behinds their sadness even for a while.

When the feeling of misery becomes too much to handle, people begin feeling intense emotions far from just shedding a tear. This condition is called clinical depression which is usually consulted with an expert for treatment. When a person is sad, he or she will feel the situation in just a short time and will still have the determination to get through life. On the other hand, a depressed person needs diagnosis with the condition that affects both mental and physical health.

Being sad and being depressed are two different things. While sadness refers to a person’s normal reaction to painful circumstances, depression affects a person’s daily habits which linger for months – years even. Signs of clinical depression may include: (a) loss of appetite, (b) extreme weight loss, (c) loss of interest in everyday activities, (d) feeling worthless, (e) loss of hope, (f) wants to be alone all the time, (g) stress and fatigue, (h) losing the interest to live and be happy, (i) being irritated frequently, and (j) even committing suicide.

It’s alright to be sad once in a while. Shed a tear. Talk to someone. Succumb to your emotions for once in your life. If you feel like you’re getting overboard, make sure you seek for an expert’s advice to cure your condition. Think of the reasons that make you sad. Understand your condition. And look forward to chances of finding bliss once again.

Pimples are just one of the worst skin conditions that put a person’s confidence down. Although companies manufacturing beauty and skin care products continuously provide scientific breakthroughs to beautify the skin, these just ultimately ransack your whole paycheck as the price of beauty becomes steeper.

Taken from Team Sugar

Having such skin condition differs from one person to another, depending on an individual’s genetic make-up, food intake, and stress levels. Some people are lucky to use a daily facial wash or soap to remove pimples on the face, chest, and back while others have to deal with spending thousands of bucks to redeem that healthy and flawless skin.

Having a fare share of this pimple fighting battle, here are some few tips to get rid of your nasty zits.

Consult a dermatologist.

At the start of that terrible painful pimple, consult a dermatologist immediately, preferably those in the hospitals instead of commercialized treatment clinics. Based on experience, commercialized centers offer not just the doctor’s skin expertise but also the company’s services. In turn, treatments will be more expensive and at times, not that effective. 

Taken from Your Privacy

Hospitals employ highly qualified dermatologists who truthfully advise patients that curing pimples may take time before the condition is resolved. Consultation fees and prescribed medicines may be cheaper as well. Plus, a dermatologist will give you options as to which type of treatment you prefer to cure your pimples instead of pushing you to try expensive services. 

Stick to a trusted brand of soap or facial wash.

If you walk into a grocery store, you’ll notice one aisle devoted to various brands of beauty products for pimple prone skin, oily skin, and even those intended for wrinkles. Products from big companies also have enormous advertising budgets, so don’t be fooled by picking out the most popular brand of the season. Don’t get rid of your facial wash you’ve been using for years just because you had a sudden pimple breakout.

Taken from Clear Acne

Stick to your old, tried and tested mild soap or facial wash. Use it twice a day: one in the morning and before you go to bed. You can use it at occasional times in the day when the oil in your skin is at most noticeable. Putting strong chemicals on your face will just irritate your skin more. It will take time before your skin adjusts to another product so be extra careful. 

If you have pimple marks, you can use kojic soap which helps peel dead skin and lighten pimple scars. An unscented clear soap is also a mild soap that can be used as a substitute for facial wash.

Regularly eat fruits and drink water.

With the emergence of fast food delivering only what’s fat, oily, and dangerous to the health, people result to consuming meals on-the-go and taking for granted which food actually provides vitamins and minerals. Fruits are best sources of nutrients and can help improve a person’s metabolism through fruit fibers. Fruits also have Vitamins A, E and zinc which all give the skin a healthier glow. 

Taken from The Perfect Shape

Even though it’s hard to complete at least eight glasses of water a day, one must try to do so because water flushes out toxins in the body. Cleansing is the key. It helps excrete unwanted and harmful particles which contribute to pimple formation.

Now you know the basics of fighting pimples the natural way, it’s time to include these in your daily habits to a healthier and pimple-free skin. Removing those nasty zits will be much easier.

When? March 13, 1:00pm 

Where? Sofitel 

For What? Philippine Gala Night of World Health Tourism Congress on March 27 

Who’s the Designer? Patis Tesoro 

What are the requirements? 

Girls, 5′9″. Should come in 4-inch heels. Should come in model’s clothes and must be professional. 

Boys, 6′. Should come in model’s clothes and must be professional. 

Big Budget.