A Gesture of Appreciation by CCP

A special gathering for friends and colleagues in print, broadcast and online media was organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines recently to thank them for the continuous support .  Held at the Silangan Hall of CCP’s main building, the “A-Press-Ciation Lunch” is an annual event spearheaded by CCP's Corporate Communications Division as a token of gratitude to press friends who have supported the Center through the years.

CCP’s officials led by president Dr. Raul Sunico, other department heads and division chiefs attended the event. Dr. Sunico thanked the members of the press for their continued support in promoting the artistic programs and projects of the CCP. The event was emceed by Irene Obligacion-Rada, director of the Corporate Communications Division and host of the classical music radio program Culture Carousel, aired over 98.7 dzfe-fm, the Master’s Touch.

In welcoming 2015 as the year of ASEAN Integration, the media guests were regaled by the performances of dance artists from Cambodia and Indonesia as well as the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, one of the CCP’s nine resident companies, which performed traditional dances to their delight. The event was attended by ASEAN embassy representatives including the Executive Secretary to the Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, Minister Counsellor for Social and Cultural Affairs from Indonesia and the Counsellor of the Embassy of Malaysia. (Photos by Kiko Cabuena)

Sound, Smell, Sight, Feel, and Taste of Tocarre Spa

Feels like heaven. But you don't have to die to get there. Enter the sensual world of Tocarre Spa, located in the heart of Makati.   All your senses will be activated the moment you arrive.







Start at the Hearing Station where you can select from among harmonies which best sets you in a relax state. The sound of peace and tranquility will calm your stressed out mind before you move on to the Smell Station.  Here you decide what scent reinforces your relaxed state or rejuvinates your soul.

The Sight Station almost completes your tranquil mood and begins your journey to the world of sensual pleasure.



From here, you are given the freedom to concoct your own rub from plant herbs, fruits, dairies, tea leaves, and even coffee grinds based on how you feel.  There are experts who will mix and recommend ideal combinations and  right dosage for the effect you desire.  Would you prefer being relaxed or would you rather be re-energized?

Would you prioritize moisturizing your skin, rejuvinate your system, or simply calm your mind?  Advice early on what your goals are so the staff can direct you to the proper treatment so you can leave with the best possible experience.

Clean massage rooms, changing rooms, shower rooms, sauna and jacuzzu help keep you in that out-of-this world experience even for just an hour or so.

Try the footspa with your choice of rubs before sending your body for a luscious massage.  Wake up refreshed and have a snack at the Taste Station before you leave.  Now you are ready to face the world again.

 Tocarre Spa is located at 4/F Best Western Antel Plus Hotel Makati Avenue, Makati . For appointments or inquiries, you can call 555-1232 or 403-0808 loc. 2050.  You can also visit their website at http://www.toccarespa.com.ph/

"Time Stands Still" for Red Turnip Starting Jan 30

Press Release:

Fresh off the critical success of the Pulitzer Prize winner RABBIT HOLE, Red Turnip is capping off its second season with another heralded play from Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Donald Marguilles, TIME STANDS STILL.

Staying true to their promise to bring more straight plays to the metro, Red Turnip founders Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora are excited to add TIME STANDS STILL to their growing list of productions. The first season productions, COCK and CLOSER, redefined the theater experience with their biting scripts and clever, innovative staging. RABBIT HOLE’s quieter approach garnered acclaim for its stellar cast and astute direction.

TIME STANDS STILL is the story of Sarah, a photojournalist who must return home with her journalist boyfriend James after sustaining injuries from war-torn Middle East. The play follows their love story as they negotiate a more ordinary life, far from the thrills of a battleground. Yet the comforts of urban domesticity—the simple pleasures and small compromises—can be a minefield of its own. "Time Stands Still" is a blazingly important play about responsibility - to ourselves, to our loved ones, to our community, and to our world.

TIME STANDS STILL was a hit when it premiered on Broadway in 2009 and was brought back for a second run the very same year.  It also garnered two Tony nominations; Best Play and Best Performance by a Leading Actress for Laura Linney.

Ana Abad Santos and Nonie Buencamino headline the Manila premier as Sarah and James. An Aliw Award Winner for her stalwart turn in “Mary Stuart”, Ana Abad Santos is one of the most respected actresses of her generation, having done numerous lead roles for almost all of the Manila theater companies. She graduated from LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) and has crossed over to film and television work, most recently in the BAFTA-nominated “Metro Manila”. She is also an accomplished stage director and has received nominations and acclaim for her directorial work in “Hamlet”, “The 39 Steps” and Red Turnip’s "Closer”.

Nonie Buecamino is considered as one of Manila’s greatest leading men and character actors. He has essayed numerous roles onstage and has garnered many awards and nominations for his wide range of stage, film and television work. He is also fixture in the independent film scene and was last seen in Cinemalaya’s “Dagitab” and “K’na the Dreamweaver”, as well as Jun Lana’s “Barber’s Tales”. His most recent stage appearances include Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Stageshow”, CCP’s “Lorenzo” and in Resorts World Manila’s “King and I” as the King.

Nor Domingo and Giannina Ocampo round out the cast as the couple's longtime friend Richard and his much younger girlfriend Mandy. Nor Domingo is an actor, director and resident member of PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association). He was last seen in PETA's "Haring Lear" and as Fernan in the runaway hit "Rak of Aegis". He is also a Best Supporting Actor nominee for "Philippino Story" for Cinema One 2013. Giannina Ocampo is a rising star in the theater scene after her hilarious turns in Repertory Philippines' "Leading Ladies", "Boeing Boeing" and in

Resorts World Manila's "Cinderella" as the wicked stepsister Grace.

Following up his successful directorial debut in "Cock", Rem Zamora directs his second show for Red Turnip. “I'm quite excited about this one because, this time around, I will have an actual set”, he quips.  “But seriously, it’s a totally different script compared to ‘Cock’, it’s powerful because it’s so quiet.”

TIME STANDS STILL is set to open in Whitespace on January 30 and runs weekends until March 8, 2015.