Martial Law and Philippines’ Complex History Told in Dance Party with Here Lies Love

SEATTLE — The recent declaration of martial law in the Southern tier of the Philippines has reignited discussions about the country’s 1986 People Power Revolution, which ended a 20-year dictatorship under the Marcos’ regime. That’s exactly the story showcased in Seattle Repertory Theatre’s hit musical Here Lies Love — the feature presentation at Seattle’s Philippine Soiree on Saturday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m.

For the first time, a story about the Philippines and the Filipino peo-ple is told on mainstream stage by a Filipino cast.

Conrad Ricamora (Ninoy Aquino) and company in Seattle Repertory Theatre’s production of Here Lies Love. Photo by Navid Baraty.

The Soiree is presented by 3-time Tony and Grammy Award-winner Jhett Tolentino, in cooperation with the Filipino Young Leaders Program. Tickets are on sale for the special benefit performance at www.FYLPRO.org.

“It’s time for the Filipino artist to tell the story of the Philippines,” said Tolentino. “We have been portraying someone else’s story in plays like Miss Saigon, Allegiance, The King and I and The Flower Drum Song. Here Lies Love’s journey to Broadway starts with the community supporting our own.

“Which is why I am grateful to VIPs attending the Soiree to support our cause such as TV and film actress and producer Giselle Tongi and renowned Hollywood designer Oliver Tolentino.”

Here Lies Love is a one-of-a-kind musical, which follows the rise and fall of the iconic Imelda Marcos, first lady of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The show takes the audience in a wild dance party on the revolution, which led to the end of the martial law regime.

Melody Butiu (Estrella), Jaygee Macapugay (Imelda Marcos), and female ensemble in Seattle Repertory Theatre’s production of Here Lies Love. Photo by Navid Baraty.

Stories on martial law and the Marcos family in the Philippines remained controversial on mainstream and social media. Those born during the post-Marcos era fmd themselves sifting through fake news to develop their own conclusions.

“As the musical presents nothing but facts that happened in Philippine history, we thought this was a worthy effort to educate our commu-nity, especially this generation thirsty for information,” said Kit Zulueta, presi-dent of Filipino Young Leaders Program. “I urge supporters, detractors and the curious to join us and fmd out why this show is a must-see for all. ”

Besides, it’s a disco Filipino party. Sing and dance the night with us.”

The Soiree is open to the public. A post-show Q&A is an added incentive where guests can meet and greet the cast after meaningful discussion about the show. Soiree guests will also enjoy a Sari Sari marketplace featuring Filipino-made products and a Salo Salo reception to delight guests with Filipino food and drinks.

“We are also honored to have Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. Charge de Affaires Patrick Chuasoto and San Francisco Consul General Henry Bensurto join us and support this celebration of culture and histo-ry,” Zulueta said. “We hope you can join us too!”

The Filipino Food Movement sponsored the Soiree’s Salo Salo reception, which features ube butter mochi cake from Hood Famous Bakeshop, ube balls and white chicken adobo skewers from SaluSalo Filipino Kitchen, salmon kinilaw sesame chips and cascarone with coconut caramel from Kraken Congee and delicacies from Seafood City.

The Soiree also features a variety of cultural books from Pinoy Words Expressed Kultura Arts, ancient Philippine writing system Baybayin.org, Filipino-designer products in Matina and an exclusive showcase of limited edition Philip Stein Global Filipino Watch collection. The committee would also like to recognize the Filipino American National Historical Society and Kaya Collaborative in Seattle.

The Seattle’s Philippine Soiree is also brought to you by Supersmile, The Filipino Channel, in cooperation with Inquirer.net, Kababayan Today and Pinoy Buzz. # # #

 

Chicago PCG’s Ika-26 Pagkikita sa Konsulado Features Earthquake and Emergency Preparedness Briefing by Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and Chicago Community Emergency Response team (CERT)

The Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago held a lecture discussion on earthquake preparedness, response and recovery and capabilities to respond to a crisis or disaster in a community as part of its “Ika-26 Pagkikita sa Konsulado,” on 25 May 2017 at the Consulate’s Kalayaan Hall.

Mr. Jimmy Thompson, Regional Coordinator of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), and Mr. Richard Frizelis, Deputy of the Chicago Community Emergency Response team (CERT), and his team composed of Misses Josephine Mascarenas-Diaz and Maria Vergara, were the guest speak-ers for the 26th Pagkikita.

Mr. Thompson gave a pre-sentation on earthquake prepared-ness, response and recovery and identified its potential hazards and vulnerabilities. A major goal of the forum is to impart information and to reduce the damage earthquakes may cause. Mr. Frizelis and his team provided basic disaster response skills and techniques when facing earthquakes and other calamities and emergencies.

Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge, in his welcome remarks, thanked IEMA and CERT for sharing their knowledge that brought the Filipino community to a higher level of awareness, under-standing and preparedness for earthquakes, other calamities and emergencies.

To close the Pagkikita, Consul Ericka Anna T. Abad shared with the guests information on upcoming activities of the Consulate in coordination with the Filipino community. ****

National Restaurant Association’s Annual Show a Remarkable Success

(Chicago) The 98th annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® and Beverage Alcohol for Restaurants (BAR) at NRA Show® was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place from May 20-23. As the largest and most comprehensive event for the food-service industry, NRA Show/BAR 17 brought a diverse range of industry sectors together under one roof.

At more than 695,000 square feet, it was the largest NRA Show ever, and welcomed more than 66,000 total registrants. “NRA Show 2017 was a true reflection of today’s restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality indus-try,” said Atour Eyvazian, Convention Chair for NRA Show 2017 and multiunit owner of 122 total restaurants between 2 brands (Jack in the Box and El Pollo Loco). “Throughout the four days of NRA Show and BAR, the sold-out exhibit floor represented major advance-ments in products and services that will solve a wide range of real-world operator challenges, and the energy and optimism of our industry coming together was unmistakable.”

Thousands of independent and chain restaurateurs, along with representatives from the top deal-er/distributor, retail, and contract management organizations, filled this year’s Show. In addition, this year’s international presence was strong. The Show offered 55% more international pavilions this year, with new exhibits added from Mexico, China, the Philippines, Iran, and Canada.