"Cock" Makes Philippine Premiere

A woman and a man fight it out for the love of another man in Cock.

Red Turnip Theater, an upstart theater production founded by five known theater actors, presents the Philippine edition of "Cock", a straight play written by renowned British playwright Mike Bartlett. The play is steadily getting positive reviews locally in England and internationally since the play premiered in 2009, even getting a Laurence Olivier Award the year later.

"Cock" is about a gay man who realized he can still fall in love with a woman and is willing to cut short his relationship with his male lover just to love her.

Topper Fabregas plays John, the central character. John's relationship with his boyfriend (Niccolo Manahan) has begun to be rocky, and the rockiness started to even accelerate when John met a former teacher (Jenny Jamora). After an intimate night with her, John realized he is in love with her. It sparked a battle for love and sexual identity that reached a boiling point when John's boyfriend invited John and his new-found love for dinner. A fourth visitor, the dad of John's boyfriend, portrayed by the "King of Philippine Musical Theater" Audie Gemora in a rare straight play performance, stepped in, and the confrontation heats up.

"Cock" is directed by Rem Zamora, one of the five guys behind Red Turnip (the others being Fabregas, Jamora, Cris Villongco, and Ana Abad Santos). In his directorial debut, he turned on Fabregas, Jamora, Gemora, and the returning Manahan, all with respected theater acting portfolios, to do the job for "Cock".

The play takes place at an MMA-like arena with no props and no name for everyone in the cast except for John, only superb acting from the four characters. According to Topper and Direk Rem, the absence of props and names for the other characters was made by Hartlett so that the audience could see the arbitrariness of the play. The crowd can design the stage and name the boyfriend, his dad, and the woman in their minds.

"Cock" is staged at the Whitespace in Makati from Friday to Sunday from March 7 to April 6 except on March 22 and March 30. Friday shows will begin at 9:00 PM, Saturday shows start at 8:00 PM, and Sunday shows will kick off at 4:00 PM. Aside from the regular schedule, there will be another showing of "Cock" on April 5 at 4:00 PM and on April 6 at 8:00 PM.

Tickets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) or at Red Turnip Theater (redturniptheater@gmail.com or http://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater).

PETA ARTS Zone Project Launched

A scene in the musical play "Rated PG", which was revealed during PETA's
ARTS Zone launch. PETA

The Philippine Educational Theater Association or PETA launched the Advocate Rights to Safety Zone or ARTS Zone at the PETA Theater in Quezon City.

The ARTS Zone project teaches positive discipline for children. PETA hopes that any form of child abuse will be eliminated especially at home and at school, making safe spaces for children. The project also aims at ensuring a child's positive growth toward his/her full potential.

"We want to bring about a culture change for Filipino families," said ARTS Zone Project Director Marichu Belarmino. "We believe that it is best to discipline children in ways where they too can participate so that they may understand what they are being disciplined for."

"We want [the parents and the children] to know that [saying that it is right to hurt others for a lesson to be learned] is not true, that true love does not hurt.

In the launching event named "Love Does Not Hurt", Dr. Liane Alampay spoke to the media about how discipline can be implemented without someone getting hurt.

Also, PETA's musical act entitled "Rated PG", a story about a mother and a father's strife to discipline their children in a positive, was launched.

Red Turnip Brings Cock to PH

What happens when a young gay man falls in love with a woman? That’s the central conceit behind Red Turnip Theater’s second offering, Cock by Mike Bartlett. A sold-out hit when it first premiered in London in 2009 and subsequently during its off-Broadway run a year later, Cock revolves around a gay couple whose rocky relationship derails when one of them sleeps (and falls in love) with a woman. Debates over one’s sexual identity explode when all three decide to sit down and “duke it out” over dinner. Hilarity ensues when another unexpected guest turns up and loyalties are put to the test. As one character puts it, “It’s the ultimate bitch fight”. 

The New York Times calls Cock “a terrific, tense little comedy” while The Huffington Post hails it as “a terrific contemporary play that puts much of other theatre to shame”. This critical darling is the perfect bookend to Red Turnip’s maiden season. 

Fresh off the success of their critically-acclaimed Closer last October at Whitespace, Red Turnip promises another unique, in your face theatrical experience with Cock. The vision of five estab-lished actors (Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora), Red Turnip aims to engage theatergoers with the sort of material that seems to be in short supply in the country—the straight play. 

Rem Zamora makes his directorial debut with Cock.“We’re excited to be back in Whitespace. A lot of people who came to Closer said they enjoyed the intimacy of the experience and the space. That was in Hall B. We’re going even more intimate this time in the smaller Hall A. Cock also plays in the round so it feels like you’re watching a fight in an arena—no frills: just words and pure conflict in the ring, and an intense involvement in the audience.” 

Zamora has assembled a tight cast of theatrical heavyweights for Cock’s Manila premier: Topper Fabregas (Boeing Boeing, The Producers), Niccolo Manahan (Next Fall, Doubt), Jenny Jamora (Mind’s Eye, A Little Night Music), Audie Gemora (Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables) Fabregas is John, a young man caught between his gay lover and his growing attraction to an-other woman- W, played by Jamora.

Niccolo Manahan makes a theatrical comeback as M, John’s lover who isn’t about to let him go without a fight. “I feel ‘Cock’ will be a great experiment for me; an experiment in balancing my life with the things I enjoy doing, and an experiment in pushing my range. I don’t know where this ex-periment will lead but its an incredible opportunity that I’m thankful for.” 

Rounding off this impressive cast is theatre stalwart Audie Gemora as F, M’s well-meaning father whose sudden appearance at dinner throws everyone for a loop. “The birth of a theater group is always exciting and eventful with fresh artistic vision and passion. I am thrilled to be part of Red Turnips 2nd offering, ‘Cock’. This is Rem Zamora's directorial debut and my first time to be acting opposite brilliant young actors Niccolo Manahan and Jenny Jamora, while Topper Fabregas takes on his most complex character yet. Together we jump into a crackling cock fight of personalities, emotions and words.” 

Cock is a comedy… with bite. No props, scenery or furniture. Just actors, sharp dialogue and some clever staging. All essential. Absolutely Red Turnip. 

Cock is supported by Fila through the kindness of its President and owner Cris Albert. Supporting the arts has become one of her numerous advocacies, a true testament to her gener-ous spirit and her commitment to giving back to the community. 

Direction by Rem Zamora, technical direction and lighting design by John Batalla, set design by Denis Lagdameo and sound design by Jethro Joaquin. 

Cock will be staged at Whitespace—2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati—on March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4 (Friday, 9 p.m.); March 8, 15, 29 and April 5 (Saturday, 8 p.m.); April 5, Saturday at 4 p.m.; March 9, 16, 23 and April 6 (Sunday, 4 p.m.) and special closing gala on April 6, Sunday, 8 p.m. Tickets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) Or Red Turnip Theater (redturniptheater@gmail.com or http://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater)

Havaianas to Give Post-VDay Dream Photo Shoot

It’s never too late to express your love to your other half!

Celebrate post-Valentine with the most colorful flip-flops in the world as Havaianas colors 5 lucky couples’ love story by giving them the chance to have their dream photo shoot with one of the best photographers in the Philippines who dubbed themselves as the “Rockstars of Wedding Photography”–MangoRED.

Photo package includes:

                        •Overnight stay at the Villa Del Rey Cabanas in CWC (Venue of the photoshoot)

                        •Make-up and Styling

                        •Round trip fare to and from CamSur

                        •Best photos will be compiled in a coffee table book

Havaianas will give lucky couples a chance to get their dream
photo shoot.

For a chance to win this every couple’s dream photo shoot, customers must purchase any 2 of the participating styles from February 13 – March 16, 2014 at the following authorized Havaianas retailers in South Luzon:

·         All Flip-Flops SM City Naga

·         All Flip-Flops SM City Batangas

·         All Flip-Flops SM City Lipa

·         All Flip-Flops SM City Calamba

·         Soleil Ultimart San Pablo

The greatest love story is yet to be told…

It could be yours!

Who can join?

·         The promo is open to all lovely Havaianatico couples aged 18 years old and above.

How to join?

·         One (1) raffle coupon will be given for every purchase of 2 participating styles.

·         Drop boxes will be located at each of the participating stores. 

·         Five (5) winners will be drawn (one per store).

·         Deadline for submission of entries is on March 16, 2014.

·       Raffle entries will be drawn on March 25, 2014 at each participating store with the supervision of a DTI representative.

·         Winners will be notified through phone call and email.

·         Winners must present the winning raffle coupon and valid ID (passport/SSS/postal ID).

·         Prizes are transferable but not convertible to cash.

·        Winners shall be given one (1) week to confirm upon receipt of the email or phone call. Otherwise, it shall be forfeited in favor of Compagnie de Catalina, Corp.

·       Winners shall allow themselves to be featured in any and all publicity materials connected to the promo. 

·         All photos taken by MangoRED will become an exclusive property of Compagnie de Catalina, Corp.

·        Photo shoot with MangoRED will be on May 15-16, 2014 at Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC).

All employees of All Flip-Flops, Compagnie de Catalina, Corp., Terry SA Inc., their sub-distributors and authorized resellers and other promo partners/third parties, including their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, are automatically disqualified from joining this contest. Persons reporting regularly to All Flip Flops, Compagnie de Catalina, Corp., Terry SA Inc., their sub-distributors and authorized resellers under a contract or service and who, by the nature of the service they render may have a direct and personal knowledge of the promotion shall also be disqualified.

Like the Havaianas Philippines Official Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/havaianasphilippines to find out more updates about the Havaianas promotions.

PLG Returns for Season 2

Philip Abadicio (L) will be continually seen on TV5 as his Philip
the Lifestyle Guy show is gearing for its second season.
(file photo)

Philip Abadicio's show on TV5 is here to stay as the lifestyle show host announced that "Philip the Lifestyle Guy" will have a second season.

Abadicio, who also hosts "It's More Fun with Philip" on TV5's sister station Aksyon TV, made the announcement at the show's relaunch at the Laudico's Guevarra Restaurant in San Juan City.

The venue, which also served as a taping site for the show's latest episode, welcomed people from the print and online media who graced the relaunch event.

Abadicio said a deep gratitude to the lifestylers who continue to watch the show and urged them to spread the word to everyone.

"I want PLG to be relevant and enjoyed not only by people of wealth and influence but by all our Kapatids here and abroad," said Philip. Philip the Lifestyle Guy is aired every Sunday at 11:00 AM on TV5.

Havaianas Launches Espadrilles in the Philippines

La Salle point guard Thomas Torres is one of the chosen en-
dorsers of the new Havaianas Origine.

All hail to the latest product extension of Havaianas to land our shores! These pairs are the newest innovation from the brand that will let you rediscover its heart and soul, allowing you to wander freely on the grounds of fun, fashion, color and excitement this season.

The Same Flip-Flops Anatomy

The long wait is finally over, as Havaianas, the makers of the world's most loved and famous flip-flops, will be making the Philippine debut of the Havaianas Origine.

Being brought into the country for the first time, these equally-chic pairs of espadrilles from Brazil are set to make waves. Havaianas Origine swanks off the iconic buttery-soft rubber base matched with different colored canvass to cover the feet. Made of 100% cotton uppers, these espadrilles have been hand-stitched to the brand’s iconic marshmallow soles and adjust to the contours of your feet. And expertly crafted in Brazil, they are perfect for the dreary unpredictable weather and suitable for any-lifestyle wear the same way flip-flops have been to Filipinos.

The Story Behind Espadrilles

Before the 1960's, the most popular shoes in Brazil were the espadrilles which were made of cord stylishly assembled to produce a pair of functional footwear. These espadrilles, originally called Alpargatas, were worn heavily during that time like how Havaianas flip-flops are nowadays.


Alpargatas, on the other hand, is the registered corporate name behind the Havaianas brand. Alpargatas, the company, was very popular for producing Alpargatas, the shoes until they expanded into flip-flops manufacturing as well in the same period.
Essentially, this was the origin of everything for Havaianas as an institution. The brand started with espadrilles and now Havaianas is going back to fabricating its original product offering hence, the name Origine (from the Latin word, origin).     

Havaianas Origine for Every Lifestyle   

Donning this new line from Havaianas will make you versatile in anything that you decide to do for the day – from strolling on the busy streets of the city to relaxing on the serene shores of your favorite beach, and everything in between. With Havaianas Origine, style is still the priority and comfort is not compromised at all.

The instant joy that your feet feel from slipping on Havaianas flip-flops is the same for when you wear the Havaianas Origine. Both represent the carefree, luxurious joy and laidback vibe that’s distinctly Havaianas.  

Havaianas Origine is exclusively available at your nearest All Flip-Flops stores: SM City Batangas, SM City Calamba, SM City Lipa, and SM City Naga. For more details, log on to www.facebook.com/havaianasphilippines.