Press Releases Archives - Page 10 of 11

14
May
2014

Ex Libris Philippines: a Book Club with a helping hand

categories: Books, Press Releases, Uncategorized

If books can talk, they will have a lot to say.

Since books cannot do the talking, book clubs came to be. Book clubs whose members share the same love for reading by sharing stories about their favorite reads.

One book club that I discovered does more than reading books. They help send students to college.

Ex Libris Philippines, is a nonstock, nonprofit organization for book enthusiasts. The group believes that the nobility of ideals and great vision should not just exist in the pages of books or in the minds of authors long-dead and gone, but in reality. Their Scholarship Project helps send deserving but financially challenged U.P. students to school. Their past four fundraisers have helped fund the education of 22 scholars, some of whom have graduated with honors already.

Gabriela Francisco, the valedictorian of our music graduating batch in 2008 and fellow voice degree graduate, talks more about her book club and NGO, Ex Libris Philippines.

Touringkitty (TK): When did you start Ex Libris Philippines, and what is the club’s purpose and goal?

Gabriela Francisco (Gabi): Ex Libris Philippines began in 2007 as a book club, but one with a mission: to live out the ideals we read about in books, in daily life.

TK: Who started it? Your backgrounds? How did you come up with this organization?

Gabi: The founders are from UP Diliman. Natasha Francisco, the Founding President, also founded the college org, Ex Libris U.P. Most of Ex Libris Philippines’ members are also from UP. (Natasha is Gabi’s twin sister–TK)

TK: What projects do you have? What are your plans for this year and for the next years?

Gabi: Currently we have annual fundraisers for our Scholarship project, but in time we hope to have several more. We were also in the last event of National Book Development Board (NBDB) held at High Street, Bonifacio Global City. We had a book swap booth.

TK: Who are your scholars? How do you choose them? Are they all from UP? Will you open to other universities as well?

Gabi: Right now we can’t afford to help those in other universities like Ateneo because their tuition fees are too expensive. So we aim to help those who REALLY need help. Ours is more of a need-based scholarship, than a merit-based one. But of course, grades DO matter. And so we have several scholarship grant recipients who graduated with honors already.

TK: What does your organization champion? Who are you in service of?

Gabi: We are a book club with a mission, a conscience. Sure, we meet and discuss books like all other book clubs. But it’s not enough, for us. We need to LIVE OUT what we read about. We exist to help others. In the end, that’s what literature is all about: loving words, and living out that love with concrete acts.

And this is one of their projects we could all support.

Ex Libris Philippines will have a blocked screening of X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST on May 24, 2014, Saturday, 7:45 pm, at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati.

Watch the movie (I know you’ve been waiting for it!), and give a helping hand to deserving UP students.

~ Touringkitty

For more information about the blocked screening and the NGO:
Gabi Francisco 0920-9470835 gabitwin@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/exlibrisphilippines

08
May
2014

Mom’s Basket: A basketful of stories through cookies

categories: Breastfeeding, Press Releases, Working Mama

Sharing is caring.

It all started with sharing her homemade lactation cookies to someone who is a total stranger, but was in dire need of foods which will help increase her milk supply.

Dea Macachor-Mesa is the mom behind Mom’s Basket, her small home business which she started last year. Visit her Instagram feed and read actual testimonials of moms who have benefited through her yummy, healthy, lactation cookies.

Mom’s Basket logo (taken from her Facebook Page).

I got her to answer some questions (thanks, Dea!) for us to know how she started and what does she plan to do with her blooming business.

Touringkitty (TK): Is Mom’s Basket your fulltime business? Any other ventures/jobs?

Mom’s Basket (MB): This is just my sideline. I’ve been working full time as a writer for a US-based website for almost three years now.

TK: Why the name Mom’s Basket? How did you start it?

MB: A few days after I gave birth, my mom came home from the wet market carrying a bag full of veggies and meat; she planned on making a lot of soup to help increase my milk supply. I remember the feeling of reassurance I got from seeing her come home with all those ingredients for me. That day came back to me while I was thinking of a name for the cookies. Okay, she actually used a green SM ecobag, but Mom’s Ecobag didn’t have the right ring to it, so Mom’s Basket it is.

I started baking my own lactation cookies when my daughter turned 6 months old. My milk supply dwindled as soon as she started eating solids. I always made extra for my sisters-in-law and a couple of close friends. One day, a mommy posted in the Breastfeeding Pinays Facebook group desperately asking for help on how to increase her supply for her premature baby who was still in the NICU. Since I had a lot of extra cookies that day, I offered to send her some. That mommy posted about the cookies on the BFP forum, and that day I got a lot of private messages asking me if I took orders. I replied to every one to say that I don’t and gave them the recipe instead. At that time, I could barely meet my work requirements because I was too busy with the baby. However, I thought of nothing else that night. I thought to myself, “Why not?” The very next day, I set up a Facebook page, did costing on the cookies, and messaged all of those moms back to say I was ready to take orders. They were some of my first customers. That was October last year.

TK: What products do you currently offer?

MB: I have classic oatmeal (P299), chocolate (P339) and chocolate chip (P339), and red velvet (P339). They come in packs of 28 pieces that are good for 1 week. I ship nationwide.

(My personal favorites are red velvet and chocolate chip!)

TK: Plan for the product for 2014? What should we watch out for?

MB: As far as my offerings go, these are probably it. My husband keeps telling me to expand to other baked products, but limiting my product list to just cookies means my production is more efficient, there’s less cleanup to do afterwards, and there are fewer ingredients to stock. I will probably come up with limited edition flavors every now and then because I like to experiment with new cookie recipes. Personally, I would like to be trained as a lactation peer counselor within the year. Majority of my customers are mothers like myself who have issues with their milk supply, and I would love to get the training to be able to support them and help them out as best as I can. I’m in the process of registering my business.

TK: How do you juggle motherhood and the business?

MB: I get by with a LOT of help from my family. My husband, my mother, and my siblings take turn watching over my baby girl so I can do some writing and bake cookies. I have no yaya, I don’t want to get one, so I have to rely on my family to help me.

Also, I have to prioritize, and at the end of the day, my baby is my #1 priority. Many times, I’ve had to postpone deliveries because I’m not able to bake or buy ingredients. It helps that my customers are all mothers and are very understanding. But I make it a rule to always, ALWAYS be honest with my customers if ever I won’t be able to deliver.

TK: Top three tips for breastfeeding working moms?

MB: 1. Don’t give up. Breastfeeding and working are not mutually exclusive. You can accomplish both if you’re determined to do it.

2. Get all the help you can get. Involve your husband in your breastfeeding journey so he can support you. Connect with other breastfeeding mothers so you can also get support from them.

3. Learn how to hand express.

This is a sample pack with all the flavors. Thanks for sending some, Dea! The whole family loved it.

~ Touringkitty

Visit her Facebook Page and Instagram account to know more about her products, to order, and to read the many testimonials of moms!

08
May
2014

Find your bliss through a weekend retreat

categories: Press Releases, Working Mama

Dear Woman,

Have you found your bliss?

Make it Blissful and the Exuberant Life might be of help!

Join the Life Bliss Weekend on May 24-25 at Casa Luminaria in Lipa, Batangas. Spend two full days of finding your bliss, knowing yourself more, in a beautiful garden backdrop.

Learn more about the event here: http://makeitblissful.com/life-bliss-weekend-a-creative-living-retreat-for-women/

Invest in something that will give you another perspective in life, work, and the things that matter.

~ Touringkitty

06
May
2014

Paraguayan Female Guitarist in Manila and Cebu concerts

categories: Press Releases, Uncategorized

The guitar is one of the most versatile instruments there is. It can stand alone as concert instrument as well as assisting accompaniment for a singer or another instrument.

I have always loved the guitar. Though I’m not that proficient, I can carry playing simple chords good enough to complete a song. To compensate, I married a guitarist. He might not be playing professionally, but he can definitely pull off a classical piece, or accompany me in singing kundiman.

I was blessed to have handled a guitar program, one of my previous projects in my previous cultural work. You can read about that here.

So I fell in love with the guitar more, and it’s definitely a treat to hear classical guitarists in concert, like this foreign act who is considered the best in her country.

Paraguayan guitarist Berta Rojas is coming to Manila for a series of concerts on May 15 in Manila and May 17 in Cebu, and a masterclass on May 14.

The concert in Manila will be at 8 pm in the Meralco Theater. The concert in Cebu will be at 8 pm in the Marcelo Fernan Hall in Lahug. Jointly organized by the Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc., and the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, the concerts will be the classical guitar events of the year in the country.

Ms. Rojas, described by the Washington Post as “Guitarist extraordinaire,” will play a mainly classical repertoire with a taste of jazz and salsa.

Also performing are Monching Carpio and Triple Fret. Monching is a former college mate and one of the young and bemedalled guitarists of today. Triple Fret is the first all girl guitar band in the country. Three lovely girls who can rock a riff.

Berta Rojas will also give a masterclass to selected guitarists who have qualified in a screening process on May 14 at Richmonde Hotel,her official Manila residence during her tour. For those who are wondering what a master class is, it’s much like an actual lesson, only there will be an audience. The master teacher (Ms. rojas) coaches the guitarist participant for 30 minutes and will do some critiquing on the piece he played. Guitarists and enthusiasts will surely learn a lot even by just observing.

As a soprano, I was fortunate to have sung for master classes of internationally known opera stars–Filipino tenor Arthur Espiritu and Australian soprano Claire Primrose.

For ticket purchases, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or Ticketworld.com.ph. For further inquiries, please write Monch Carpio at monchingcarpio@gmail.com or ipavinc@gmail.com.

I do hope to see you there, and please, support at least one art activity per month. It will nourish your cultural soul and develop good taste.

~ Touringkitty

05
May
2014

Sofia the First is coming to town!

categories: Press Releases

Aria and I love playing princesses at home, that’s why I am happy there’s Sofia the First on Disney Junior.

And much to my excitement, I have been anticipating her visit ever since I saw the tarp announcement on the facade of SM Mall of Asia a few weeks back.

Let us all meet the young princess for the first time in the Philippines!

—

Sofia the First: The Royal Meet & Greet

Toy Kingdom is highly honoured to present Her Royal Highness, Princess Sofia the First on her Royal Meet and Greet in the Philippines! During the royal visit, fans will get to take pictures with Sofia and enjoy fun games and activities at the activity area.

Schedule & Venue:

May 9 – 11, 2014, Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia

May 9 – Gates open at 4pm

May 10 – Gates open at 11:30am

May 11 – Gates open at 11:30am

First come, first served.

Mechanics:

Customer is entitled to get one (1) FREE Sofia the First Academy Journal for a minimum purchase single receipt purchase worth P1000 of any Sofia the First merchandise at Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom Express branches.
Present the original receipt to the customer service counter of participating Toy Kingdom store to get the FREE journal.
Customer must bring the journal to enter the Sofia the First activity area on May 9 – 11, 2014.
The journal will serve as ticket to redeem the Sofia the First event pass. Event pass covers 1 kid plus 1 companion.
Promo period is from April 15 to May 11, 2014

Shop Online: toykingdom.ph

Follow Toy Kingdom:

Facebook.com/ToyKingdomPH

Twitter.com/ToyKingdomPH

Instagram.com/ToyKingdomPH

01
May
2014

Groove to the beat with Johnny Rockets’ dancing servers

categories: Press Releases

They dance, and dance really well! Johnny Rockets servers in action.

One warm afternoon last week, I took my daughter to a far away land called Eastwood Mall. We were invited to join the Bloggers Day of Johnny Rockets, an international restaurant chain which gives you that feel and groove of the good ol’ American atmosphere.

Think 50s and 60s Americana and you will think of burgers, shakes, and fries. Johnny Rockets has all these and more. This summer, they introduced their Summer Shakes which blends the best of both worlds: Filipino favorite Halo-Halo, Guyabano, and Hawaiian Breeze!

Cool down with these yummy and refreshing shakes.

Before the event started, we got to take a sip of their shakes outside the warm sun of Eastwood.

Halo-halo got the landslide win for me and my daughter, and for most of the guests there as well. Pure halo-halo goodness without mixing the ice and the toppings.

Halo-Halo get the moustache of approval from Aria.

The servers dance throughout the program, as well as our children.

Here's Touringkitty's heiress, Aria, with Glaiza of Moomy Musing's little Noa. That lady dancing server did a great job making the kids dance. — Here’s Touringkitty’s heiress, Aria, with Glaiza of Moomy Musing’s (www.moomymusings.com) little Noa. That lady dancing server did a great job making the kids dance.

They had us taste their original burger, fries, and shake. I am not so much a burger person, but very much a fries and shake person. So I was delighted know they will give a whole serving of shake!

More dancing happened, as you can see in the next photos:

Johnny Rockets Dancing Servers are the restaurant's pride. — Johnny Rockets Dancing Servers are the restaurant’s pride.

Kids join in the fun. My Aria would not miss the dancing, and eventually joined in again after eating.

Do you want to have your kids a rockin’ and groovin’ summer? They can still participate in the Johnny Rockets Summer Camp!

From the Johnny Rockets Facebook page. Click the photo go to their FB page.

Learn to create their burgers and make that smiling ketchup-in-a-serving plate. Dance to the cool tunes of the era. Enjoy four days of meeting new friends. Slots for May still available. You may visit their branches to inquire.

From the Johnny Rockets FB Page. Thanks for having us!

Visit their branches all over the metro:

JR Burgos Circle
Unit WS-1 Burgos Circle,Forbes TownCenter, RizalDrive Cor.West Crescent Park,
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig 1634
(02) 836-9546
STORE HOURS: Open 24 HOURS

JR Eastwood Branch
Ground Floor Eastwood Mall Veranda Libis Quezon City
+632 4702117 / +632 4702208
STORE HOURS: Open 24 HOURS

JR Tomas Morato Branch
No. 205, JR 1 Building, Tomas Morato Ave, beside CKB Center Bldg., (in between Scout Rallos & Scout Limbaga Streets),Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City
+632 3520693 / +632 3528486
STORE HOURS: Open 24 HOURS

JR Robinsons Galleria Branch
Level 2, Space No. 2355, Robinsons Galleria Veranda, Robinsons Mall, Edsa corner Ortigas Ave., Ugong Norte, Quezon City
+632 4776499 / +632 4776501
STORE HOURS:
Mon-Thurs: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM / Fri-Sat: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM / Sun: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

~ Touringkitty

25
Apr
2014

Dine and Shine at Movie Stars Cafe + Discounts!

categories: Press Releases, Promos

Do you love watching movies? Concerts? Shows? Musicals? Look no further, because you can get almost all of it in one sitting–while dining!

Movie Stars Cafe welcomes you with this door.

We first learned about it through my sister, who had been here a couple of times last year. Then, for her holiday treat to us, she brought us here before Christmas. We had a great time, and I knew we will go back here again.

Luckily, I got an invitation to visit again this month, so we visited on Easter Sunday, after we were done with church engagements from morning to afternoon.

Lots of posters and memorabilia around. Better check them out in between shows, which are 30 minutes apart.

TVs everywhere! While waiting for the on-stage shows, movies are shown. — TVs everywhere! While waiting for the on-stage shows, movies are shown…

...and characters like him appear from nowhere! He recalled us, from our previous visit. — …and characters like him appear from nowhere! He recalled us, from our previous visit.

Before I show you what’s on stage, let me show what’s on our plate:

Popcorn shrimp and rice. It was cheat day for my husband, so he got some beer.

We had a humongous serving of what they call "The Notebook." P420. — We had a humongous serving of what they call “The Notebook.” I had banana milkshake, on the other hand.

I was not able to take a photo of what my mom and sister ordered, it’s called Star Wars, another humongous serving of stir-fried veggies and chicken, over a big serving of rice. Their meals can be shared, so better plan your order well. They also have a buffet, if you’re up for more eating.

So, on with the shows:

Nah, not this! My daughter was too comfortable on stage. This was just about when the restaurant opened, where there were just a handful of diners inside.

The shows began with this cosplayers. Good thing they added more staff, or else there would be no one serving the food!

Barbie Girl. Be-wigged ladies with preppy clothes.

The much-awaited main show, Beauty and the Beast! The singers did great.

During our first visit, this was the main show:

Lion King. The female who sang Mufasa was good.

I think I liked Beauty and the Beast more than their Lion King Presentation. I caught bored dancers during the Lion King, teehee!

Before we ended our night, we caught this!

A foreigner re-proposing to her wife. They have been together for three years and have a child already, but this guy proposed his love and marriage to her. *insert cheesy music here*

They also had an Easter egg hunt. Lucky my daughter was, she missed that morning's egg hunt at church. She got two eggs (with our help, of course) in exchange for toys. — They also had an Easter egg hunt. Lucky my daughter was, she missed that morning’s egg hunt at church. She got two eggs (with our help, of course) in exchange for toys.

Here's Touringkitty's posse: My husband, daughter, Touringkitty, my mom, and my sister. — Here’s Touringkitty’s posse: My husband, daughter, Touringkitty, my mom, and my sister.

We did have a good time. And you can have a good time with them, too!

For reading this blog post, you get 10% discount when you visit Movie Stars Cafe! Just mention the code: LGRK-5489 and that you got it from the Touringkitty Blog.

Would love to hear your experience! Share it here on the blog or on my Facebook Page.

—

Movie Stars Cafe

Seaside Blvd. SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

www.moviestarscafe.com

~ Touringkitty

12
Apr
2014

Everest Academy Manila: The first Catholic International School in the Philippines

categories: Press Releases

As a mom of a preschooler, my question these days is this: “Where do I send my daughter to school?”

Last month, I and another mom-blogger, Irene, through Mommy Bloggers Philippines were privileged to be invited to take a look at a Catholic International School at BGC. Two words struck me: Catholic and International. It was the first time I have heard of a school offering both criteria I was looking for, so it instantly piqued my curiosity.

I first heard of Everest Academy Manila from another Philippine Madrigal Singers alumna, who teaches in the school. During my visit to Everest, I even saw her in action, teaching a small class of all-boys who are in fourth grade.

You read it right, all boys. At Everest Academy, they separate genders starting fourth grade. From their website, “Research has proven that brain development differs between boys and girls which becomes significant when they are between 9 and 12 years old. Everest offers gender specific education in a co-ed campus starting in fourth grade.”

We were welcomed by their Communications and Administration Manager, Corinne Medrana. Her name rang a bell, and I later found out she was one of the founding members of LATCH.

Betty Rivera, the Executive Director of Everest Academy, explained to us how the school molds its students into becoming Christian leaders. She also elaborated on Integral Formation, the school’s most important “asset.” It is a registered trademark, which has four pillars — intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic development. Likewise, she stressed that the students’ parents and families are their “partners” in teaching, that’s why Everest encourages the active involvement of families in school activities and events.

Betty added that Everest has a sister school in Taguig, Mano Amiga, where Everest students interact with the less fortunate students of the school through outreach activities and regularly visiting and playing with them.

We also got to tour around Everest. Here are some snaps I got from the tour:

We first chanced upon the fifth grade female students in their Physical Education class.

While the fifth grade boys have their computer class.

They have a well-lit library and a reading corner--on the floor! — They have a well-lit library and a reading corner–on the floor!

After the tour, their principal, Mr. Rosano Landar, talked about the school’s curriculum. Mr. Landar is my husband’s friend and kababayan from Iloilo, that’s why my husband was glad to know that I got a chance to tour Everest.

Parents nowadays are very much concerned about the teaching method the school is using. Mr. Landar mentioned that the main element of teaching in Everest is Integral Formation, which combines Progressive and Traditional methods. How progressive are they? I saw students in middle school history class holding iPads and laptops. Yes, they are allowed to use them for educational purposes. And with the very small class size that they maintain (maximum of 25 students per class), the teachers can focus both on individual and group instruction. Everest emphasizes this, because they want their students to get to know each other, not only classmates of one year level, but across all levels.

Indeed, it was a homey feel when we visited Everest. The administration knows their students by name, and converses with them like they were their own children. They invited one of their students, Santi Puno, who gave us a firsthand glimpse of how it is to be an Everest student. I found a Youtube video of Santi, also talking about his Everest experiences so far, which was taken last year. He was a well-mannered, eloquent young man, who we all think would have a good future in politics (his grandfather is former mediaman and lawyer, Dong Puno).

If you’re wondering how “International” the students are in Everest, the majority come from purely Filipino families. A small percentage are from foreign families. Also, since it is an international school Everest is using a curriculum designed and licensed by the National Consultants for Education which is based in Atlanta, Georgia. They have local DepEd accreditation for the elementary level and is accredited by AdvancEd.

Everest Academy belongs to a network of more than 200 international schools all over the world under the Regnum Christi Movement and the Legionaries of Christ. With their competent teachers and peaceful and happy learning environment, students nurture positive studying habits and create fun memories with their peers. Santi was asked to describe in one word how it feels to be in Everest, and he said with full smiles: it feels like “home.”

~ Touringkitty

—

This school year 2014-2015, Everest is opening its doors to incoming Kindergarten and Grade 9 students. They shall expand up to twelfth grade as each school year passes. For more information, visit their website, follow them on Facebook and Youtube.

22
Mar
2014

Run for Breastfeeding: Join the Nurture Run on May 18

categories: Breastfeeding, Press Releases

UPDATE: The event is rescheduled to May 18 from April 13. See details on their website.

—

You would definitely join a fun run for any good cause, but would you run for Breastfeeding?

The recent calamities that struck our country underscored the importance of breastfeeding, especially in times of emergency. Lactation support groups made their way to far flung areas where breastfeeding and child feeding support are much needed. Milk donations poured out, even wet nurses came to aid.

Breastfeeding is best for babies. Even best for their parents and families. It’s most accessible, practical, economical, and greatly beneficial. Personally, I advocate extended breastfeeding, meaning beyond two years. I still breastfeed my 3 and a half year old daughter because we both know it is still best. We complement with nutritious food, of course. I cannot enumerate the many wonderful benefits breastfeeding has given my family.

Spring has sprung, but for us here in sunny Manila, summer is kicking in. Looking for something worthwhile to do?

Join the Nurture Run on ~~April 13~~ May 18, 2014, Sunday, 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the ~~Quezon Memorial Circle~~ Cultural Center of the Philippines. This upcoming event is led by a Beauty, Brains, and Breastfeeding (BBB), a nonprofit and lactation consulting organization committed to promote, support and protect the rights of the breastfeeding mother and her child.*

BBB has the UNICEF, the International Labor Organization (ILO), as well as local government agencies, as its staunch partners in implementing its goals.

The event was introduced to online media through a press launch a couple of months ago at Recess by Chef Chris.

Iza Abeja, Executive Director of BBB, talking about the real situation of recent disaster-stricken areas. Patricia Hizon hosted the event.

BBB’s partnership with international and local agencies strengthens them to fulfill their main mission, which is to uphold breastfeeding in emergencies and in the workplace. Still, new mothers are not aware that it is their right to breastfeed even when working.

Other speakers included Henry Mdebwe of the UNICEF and Kate Demetrio of the National Nutrition Council. Mr. Mdebwe discussed the benefits of and the global policy on breastfeeding. Kate, on the other hand, gave us a picture on how formula feeding is an added risk during emergencies.

Media partners and bloggers were invited to this event. I got invited through Mommy Bloggers Philippines, a very supportive online community of mom bloggers.

Seven of the 300 members of Mommy Bloggers Philippines! What an overwhelming online community of mothers!

In attendance were: Glaiza Tomino of Mommy Musings, Lanie Lluch of Tweenselmom, Jen Bave of I Am Mommy Bave, Nadia De Leon of NanayStrip, Bedalyn Aguas of MamiAndFamily, and yours truly.

Watch out our blogs for more about breastfeeding! Check out my own posts here.

Act fast and join the Nurture Run! Race kits cost P450 which contains the race bib and a shirt. Get your race kits here. Not only will you run and be fit this summer, you will also help increase awareness in this really natural act of breastfeeding. This summer, #LetsBeReal.

~ Touringkitty

17
Feb
2014

Euro-Pinoy Jazz Concerts: Fusion of Music, Mind, and Culture

categories: Concerts, Music, Press Releases

“I met my colleagues here [in the Philippines] and I told them how exciting it is to do this musical experiment,” Dr. Petra Raymund, director of Goethe-Institut Philippines said.

She was talking about a similar project she did back in 2012 at the Jazz Fest Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where jazz guitarist Nguyen Le of France and jazz singer Michael Schiefel of Germany performed with two Bosnian jazz artists, Edvin Hadžić on doublebass, and Dr. Amar Češljar on drums. And since the German and French players know the jazz scene both in Europe and globally, they suggested to collaborate with Italian double bassist Furio di Castri, Spanish percussionist Tino di Geraldo, and Filipino saxophonist Tots Tolentino, who they handpicked for this event.

Thus, the Euro-Pinoy Jazz Concerts came to be.

Five jazz masters are coming together for a week of music-making. Not only do they collaborate as musicians, but also as composers, as they are set to create new and original music. The culmination of which will be presented in a two-night concert on February 21 at the Arts in the City, Bonifacio Global City, and on February 22 at the historic Maestranza Plaza in Intramuros.

Concert is FREE! BUT you must RSVP! Click the photo or copy this address to your browser for more details: https://www.facebook.com/europinoyjazzconcerts

How will they do it? They have been communicating the past months online, and will gather together for a four-day collaborative workshop starting February 17, Monday, as they work toward a fresh repertoire for the concerts. Sounds interesting, especially that the five musicians are masters of their own instruments who will bring in a fusion of music, creative minds, and culture. Take, for instance, Nguyen Le, who will meld together traditional Vietnamese and Western music and, Tino di Geraldo, one of Spain’s leading percussionists, who will bring together classical, jazz, and flamenco styles.

The Euro-Pinoy Jazz Concerts is presented by the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) Philippines together with the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Intramuros Administration, and Arts in the City.

EUNIC Philippines is composed of the Alliance Française de Manille, the Goethe-Institut Philippinen, the Instituto Cervantes, the Philippine Italian Association. The event is their first collaborative project.

Julian Vasallo, Political Counsellor of the European Delegation, said that they aim to attract lovers of this kind of music, and that they look forward to expanding this event in the future. He invites us to witness this “Jazz blind date” with these outstanding musicians.

Members of EUNIC Philippines with Adelina Suemith of NCCA.

(Admission to the Euro-Pinoy Jazz Concerts is FREE but RSVP is required. For inquiries, call Sabrina Durand, Alliance Française Cultural Coordinator at (02) 895-7585, or visit the Euro-Pinoy Jazz Concerts Facebook page.)

Category: Press Releases

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: