The innovative and imaginative Filipino spirit finally finds a home in Greenbelt 5. This new program is part of the much-awaited re-development scheme of the Greenbelt area. Putting an emphasis on the Philippine house, Greenbelt 5 in partnership with Ayala Museum proudly present Beyond Designs, a design talk series featuring numerous Filipino trailblazers in interior design and architecture.

Well-known Filipino interior designers and architects will be asked to curate their own exhibits using one-of-a-kind furnishing pieces from the different shop merchants located on level 3 of Greenbelt 5 such as Ito Kish, Designs Ligna, Aguas Domicillo , Cereo, Budji Layug, and many more. Each inspired, modern furnishing utilizes indigenous materials found only in the Philippines and high quality imported materials that ultimately celebrates the love of home and family of Filipinos and their pioneering talent in the field of interior design and architecture.

The first speaker and curator of the Beyond Designs opening exhibit will be the brilliant architect Dan Lichauco, the managing partner of Archion Architects. He earned his bachelor’s degree in the University of Santo Tomas and his master’s degree in the University of Michigan. A former apprentice under the esteemed firm Leandro V. Locsin and Associates, he went on to become one of the top architects in the country earning numerous projects under his belt. Dan Lichauco not only advocates for green living but also puts an emphasis on “mirroring the complex Philippine culture” in his designs.

Beyond Designs will be held in the Home Section of Greenbelt 5 located at the 3rd floor lobby on September 23, 2010 at 4:30 pm.

reblogged from http://www.ayalamuseum.org/index.php?option=com_ayala_content&task=staticcontent&category=116&id=105

Xanadu sang by Rachel Alejandro

Xanadu Experience

Unlike the past musicals that I have seen, Xanadu offers on-stage seats. So I grabbed the chance. Well, I have two valid reasons behind this decision of mine. Theater and production design are part of my interior design curriculum in college. Basically, I wanted to observe and see things up close. Witnessing what goes on behind those thick velvet curtains is pretty much interesting. You get to be acquainted with the flow and the chaos. Secondly, the on-stage seats are the cheapest. Roughly, it is a third or maybe a quarter of the prices of the VIP or patron seats.

When I had my seat reserved online, its location was on either side of the stage. However, when we were already allowed to enter the theater, I was astonished to see that our actual seats were at the middle of the stage. We were not just part of audience, we were part of the play. Since the musical has several scenes involving the roller disco, we turned out to be the living props s by the rink. The entire group who signed up for these seats were simply surprised. We were instructed not to mak

e unnecessary movements since it might distract the actors. We were also told that during the 90 minute show, no one is allowed to go on a bathroom break.

Also, we were given props in the form of light emitting ring-like gadgets that were to be used during the finale song. The lady in charge also mentioned that at some point the actors may interact with us. She advised us to participate even if it means total public humiliation. Our cellular phones were also deposited to a counter at the theater lobby for it may cause some sort of interference.

Soon, the lights started to dim and the show eventually started. Kudos to Mr. Bobby Garcia. The musical was undoubtedly amazing and super duper funny. Rachel Alejandro's performance was magnificent. I still can't believe how she was able to sing, dance and act while wearing those roller skates. The entire cast did a great job. Chari Arespacochaga's rendition of an evil muse was very commendable. Felix Rivera and veteran actor; Noel Trinidad also wowed the audience with their theatrical prowess. Congrats to all the cast and crew of this surprise hit Broadway musical. Long live Xanadu!

XANADU

Rachel Alejandro dons a blonde wig and a pair of rollerskates as she topbills Atlantis Producstions' XANADU; the surprise hit Broadway musical.

Xanadu is a theater adaptation of the 1980's movie starring Olivia Newton-John. It follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Clio (Alejandro), who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach in California. She disguises as Kira; (pronounced as Keeeeeh-rah) an Australian lass who is on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny Malone; played by Felix Rivera.

With her help, they are able to create the first roller disco. But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters, Melpomene and Calliope; played by Chari Arespacochaga and Yael Pineda, take advantage of the situation.

This side-splitting musical brings us back to the 80's as the cast belts out hit songs such as "Magic," "All Over The World," "Suddenly," "I’m Alive," "Evil Woman," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Xanadu".

Theater actors Anthony Ong, Glen Llanes, Alys Serdenia and Bea Garcia portray the hilarious Greek Muses. Completing the ensemble is veteran actor Noel Trinidad who plays the character of Danny McGuire.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, "Xanadu" runs from Sept. 3-19 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 8927078 or 8401187 or check their website http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com/tickets.htm

Despicable Me - Official Trailer 4 [HD]

Despicable Me is hilarious! This is Universal Picture’s newest 3-D CGI movie which features the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russel Brand, Julie Andrews, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher.

DESPICABLE ME!

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow Minions, we discover Gru (Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!).

Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.

One of the world’s greatest super-villains has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

Written by Universal Pictures