Songs For A New World Press Conference

March 30, 2009 —- I, with my feloow bloggers, was fortunate enough to witness the Press Conference of Songs For A New World held at the Via Veneto, A.Venue Hotel Suites, Makati City. Thanks to Joriben and Ms. Peachy Atilano.

Not everyone knows my passion to theatre.  It all started during my college days.  Thanks to my Professor Tuqxs Rotaquio for encouraging me to act on stage. Anyway, this post is not about me. =)

The presscon started with a sumptuous meal.  Yummy! Then, I was shocked when Ms. Pinky Marquez sat in front of us, like we were eating on the same table.  I almost grab my cellphone and plurk that Ms. Pinky Marquez is in front us.

After the yummy lunch, the presscon, hosted by Ms. Pinky Marquez,  began.   Mr. Robbie Guevara told us his first encounter with Songs For A New World. Then, the introduction of the casts started.

Felix Rivera as “Murray” / Sam “Steam Train” Torres

Felix is known to be the “Golden Boy” of the current Philippine Theater industry. He got his first taste of musical theater with Tanghalang Ateneo’s LAM-ANG the Musical (Capino/de Guzman) where he played the lead. Years later, he found himself glued to the world of stage: Stages, Inc.’s FOOTLOOSE the Musical directed by Chari Arespacochaga, Trumpets’ JOSEPH THE DREAMER (2006), Dulaang U.P.’s BASILIA NG MALOLOS and OROSMAN AT ZAFIRA, Blue Repertory’s HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (as musical director), Atlantis Productions’ AVENUE Q, Repertory Philippines’ FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, HAMLET, ALTAR BOYZ (as vocal coach) and MULAN. As lyricist, he co-wrote the theme songs for MMFF entries AISHITE IMASU 1942 (Hanggang Wakas, Aishite Imasu) and EXODUS (Love that Never Fades sung by Sarah Geronimo and Erik Santos).

Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Veronica

Carla Guevara-Laforteza is a treasure in the Philippine Theater industry. She has done countless productions under Repertory Philippines such as FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CINDERELLA, SONG AND DANCE, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, ALADDIN, COMPANY, and many more. She has also done shows in other companies such as Trumpets’ THE LITTLE MERMAID, Center Stage’s THE KING AND I, Atlantis Productions’ AVENUE Q and 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, and Cameron Mackintosh’s infamous MISS SAIGON (London Production) wherein she was “Kim”. Aside from the theater, she has also been involved with Philippine TV as a host and performer in shows such as ASAP, MILLENIUM COUNTDOWN, MUNTING PARAISO, MAALALA MO KAYA, STAR DRAMA PRESENTS, STAR STUDIO PRESENTS, FLAMES, ABS-CBN CHRISTMAS SPECIALS, S.O.P., WALANG TULUGAN, DINA, KEEP ON DANCING and HIWAGA SA BUNDOK. She also won an award for BEST NEW ARTIST FOR TELEVISION from the Philippine Movie Press Club STAR AWARDS 2000.

Caisa Borromeo as Lisa

Caisa is a Voice Performance Major at the St. Scholastica’s College of Music. She has been involved in several theater productions under various companies such as Atlantis’ HAIRSPRAY, Stages’ WEST SIDE STORY (as Anybodys) and FOOTLOOSE (as Rusty), Repertory Philippines’ I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, LOVE’S LABOR’S LOST, CINDERELLA, MULAN (as Mulan), ALADDIN (as Jasmine), SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES (as Snow White), Ateneo Blue Repertory’s MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (as Gussie), and COMPANY CALL.

Anna Santamaria as Amy

Anna has been in various theater productions under Repertory Philippines in shows such as I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, MULAN, CINDERELLA, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. She has also starred in several musical revues of the Philippine Opera Company such as HEART AND MUSIC, THE RHYTHM OF LIFE, POC’S OPERA LITE: BAR TOUR. She was also part of Philippine Opera Company’s major production, LA BOHEME, which was staged in the CCP Main Theater in 2008.

Harold Cruz as David

Harold is a product of Repertory Philippines’ Summer Workshops before appearing in the professional stage. Under Repertory Philippines, he has done shows such as I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, MULAN, CINDERELLA, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, ALADDIN, MAN OF LA MANCHA and THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES. He has also joined productions in other companies such as the Philippine Opera Company with shows such as LA BOHEME, RHYTHM OF LIFE, and HEART AND MUSIC. He was also involved with several productions with Ateneo Blue Repertory, DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and BAT BOY THE MUSICAL.

Pinky Marquez as Mrs. Claus

Pinky Marquez‘s successful career in entertainment and the performing arts is so impressive for its remarkable variety. As a singer, she has one of the best voices around – a strong, clear soprano that is most aurally thrilling when she’s hitting the highest notes. This has enabled her to join show bands, perform as one of the most popular “Angfourgettables”, do many lounge acts and corporate shows, concerts and star in numerous unforgettable musicals. To name a few, they are KATY, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, FLOWER DRUM SONG, BY GEORGE!, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, LITTLE MERMAID, MULAN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CINDERELLA, GLORIOUS, ROMANCE IN D, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and original Filipino musicals like NOLI ME TANGERE, BALKHITA, EL FILIBUSTERISMO, and MAGNIFICAT. As a comedienne, she has done a lot of sitcoms, plus a number of movies. Refusing to be limited to making people laugh, she has also acted with distinction in stage dramas like THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, and OEDIOUS REX. On TV, she had her own cooking show for quite a number of years, aside from many guesting stints on variety-musicals and drama programs.

Then the casts of Songs For A New World sampled us with some songs that they’ll be singing on the show.  I was so engrossed and overwhelmed that I totally forgot to record their performance. Ooops sorry.  But trust me, they are great.  I can’t wait to watch the show.

“ Songs For A New World ” schedule are on May 1, 2, 8, and 9 ( 8:00 p.m. ) and May 10 ( 3:30 p.m. ).

“ Songs For A New World ” is presented by 9 Works Theatrical and its media partners: Manila Bulletin, Focus Media, Lifestyle Network, SIP Magazine, Circuit Magazine, 24/7 Magazine, ClickTheCity and www.psep-online.com.

For tickets and inquiries, call 9 Works Theatrical at 557-5860 / 0906-331-5961 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com, or call TicketWorld at tel. 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Here are some of the photos during the Songs For A New World Press Conference:

For more photos, you may visit my multiply account. Thanks.