Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2019

Go Negosyo in partnership with the US Embassy hosted this year's biggest digital summit, the Youth Entrepreneurship Summit. To properly equip micro, small and medium enterprises ( MSMEs ) and the youth, the summit focused on the theme, " YES! Angat Lahat sa Digital: Para sa Kabataan at Maliliit na Negosyante ", which highlighted the digital transformation that has been a game changer through the emergence of digital service platform that have democratized marketplaces for services and products thereby enanbling Filipinos to become self earning entrepreneurs.

YES 2019 aimed to enlighten the participants' knowledge of innovative and disruptive business models, which would allow their understanding of entrrpreneurship to reach a higher level. More than 6,000 attendees participated, including MSMEs, business leaders, digital players and technopreneurs, aspiring and existing young entrepreneurs, and academe.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion highlighted, " Digitalization is pro poor where people from low income communities can benefit and achieve prosperity. It creates great impact in the lives of many Filipinos today. The digital transformation that we are experiencing helps achieve the goal of the government on inclusive growth and development. These breakthroughs are actually turning Filipinos into self earning entrepreneurs by providing marketplaces for services and products. As for the youth, I believe that our future lies with the youth of today so we must all invest in them and mentor them well."

Adding, " All of you have the greatest chance today to succeed. Maximize technology for the advancement of your businesses."

The summit was also graced by USA Ambassador in the Philippines H.E. Sung Kim, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, and Grab CEO and Co founder Anthony Tan.

With all the digital breakthroughs, Go Negosyo brought the spotlight on the digital endeavors happening across the region through YES 2019. A roster of international and local speakers took part in the five fora presented.

In the first forum, Philippines' first unicorn startup founder Robbie Antonio, CEO of Revolution Precrafted joined the forum focused on highlighting innovation through collaboration. With him were Ricky kapur, Regional Manager of Asia Pacific Microsoft; Jeffri Cheong, Managing Director of Gawin.PH; Patrick Ngan, CEO and Co-founder of QFPay International; and Albert Go, Regional Director of Lalamove SEA and was moderated by Perry Lam, Founder and CEO of Perry Institute.

Forum two presented today's major players in the digital industry that are both gaining momentum nationwide and on international landdcape such as Henry Motte - Munoz, CEO and Co-Founder of Edukasyon.ph; Kenneth Lingan, Country head for Philippines of Google; Lito Villanueva, Managing Director of FintQ; Anthony Thomas, CEO of Mynt; Ray Alimurung, CEO of Lazada Philippines; Martin Yu, Associate Director of Shopee Philippines; Brian Cu, President of Grab Philippines; Dennis Ng, Founder and CEO of Mober; and Crystal Lee Gonzalez, Managing Director of Honestbee. The forum was moderated by Issa Liton.

Mario Jordan " Magellan " Fetalino lll, CEO of Acudeen; Andrew Cua, CEO of Tralulu; Paolo Bugayong, Co-founder and CEO of Aide; David Foote, Founder and CEO, Zennya; Audrey Tanco Uy, CEO and Founder of ServeHappy Jobs; Leeroy Levias Shoko, CEO of DibzTechInc.; Dennis Layug, Founder and Chairperson of Apptitude; Ellard Capiral, CEO of AdMov; and Keb Cuevas, CEO of Tagani.ph, discussed how different platforms have improvised innovative ways to solve problems in the society. The forum was moderated by Gretchen Ho.

Moreover, Gian Javelona, CEO of Oxygen Ventures; Dan Matutina, Graphic Designer and Illustrator and Founding Partner of Plus63 Design Co.; Erwan Heussaff, Founder of The Fat Kid Inside, Inc; Shaira Luna, Photographer; Pepe Diokno, Film Director, Producer, and Writer; Brian Tenorio, Chairman of Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce; and Niel Dagondon, President and Co-founder of Edusuite Inc. discussed how it us important to harness the industry and encourage creativity amongst the youth. The forum was moderated by Sam YG.

Forum five entitled, " YES! Angat Lahat sa Digital! Para sa Kabataan at Maliliit na Negosyante was presented by Senator Grace Poe; Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, ASEAN Business Advisory Council PH Chair and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion; Center Director of Singapore Polytechnic Innovation Office Neelesh Bhatia; Chairperson of Commission on Higher Education ( CHED ) Prospero de Vera lll; CEO of Angkas Angeline Tham; and Girls Will Code Founder Isabel Sieh.

The summit was simultaneously telecast in ten schools: Bulacan State University, National College of Science and Technology, Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas, University of San Agustin, Cebu Institute of Technology University, Foundation University, Universidad De Zamboanga, Western Mindanao State University, University of the Philippines-Mindanao and University of Southeastern Philippines.

WANT TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA, AUSTRALIA, UNITED STATES, AND NEW ZEALAND?

" Do you  have the dream of making it big in Canada, Australia, USA, and New Zealand!

Interested to study, work and live in those countries? PROVEN AND TESTED, one of the easiest way to become a permanent resident is via Study Visa Pathway. As International Student, you are allowed to work part-time. After finishing your studies, you may be allowed to work full-time. Your spouse may full-time and your school aged kids may study for free.

Come and attend our #FGlobalBridge EXPO this APRIL 12! Participants will be able to attend orientation seminars describing what Fil-Global can do for them. You will also get a chance to meet and learn about the schools and their course offerings directly from the representatives of our school provider partners from abroad! Get up-to-date and relevant information about studying and easy pathways to live in your preferred country! All of these… FOR FREE.

To make sure you have a slot, you may pre-register through our Manila Branch via call or text: +63 2 798 0302, +639 33 821 4100.

Make 2019 the year you make your life your own! Start a new venture that will shape your future. Attend #FGlobalBridge EXPO 2019: STUDY, WORK, LIVE ABROAD!

FUTURE PROOF YOURSELF! MAKE THAT LIFE CHANGING CHOICE!

#OneStepCloser
#FGlobalBridgeEXPO
#ChooseFGISC
#FutureProofYourself

GO NEGOSYO's MENTOR ME ON WHEEL GOES TO LUCKY CHINATOWN

February 28, 2019 - Go Negosyo's Mentor ME On Wheels goes to Lucky Chinatown located in Binondo, Manila in the heart of the oldest Chinatown in the world.

Go Negosyo in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry aims to bring mentorship closer to every Filipino by conducting FREE mentorship across the nation in the convenience of the MSMEs.

MMOW served more than 500 micro-entrepreneurs, both aspiring and existing negosyantes. Present during the program were Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion; CEO of Alliance Global Inc. and Chief Strategy Officer of Megaworld Corporation Kevin Tan; Senators Sonny Angara and Bam Aquino; CEO of SL Agritech Henry Lim Bon Liong; Chairman of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry George Barcelon; President and CEO of Lamoiyan Corporation Cecilio Pedro; President and CEO of Richprime Global Myrna Yao; President of Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc. Olivia Limpe-Aw; CEO of Wilcon Depot William Belo; CEO of Universal Leaf Winston Uy; CEO of Lapid's Chicharon & Barbeque Rey Lapid; President and CEO of FERN Inc., Tommany Tan; CEO of Uratex Naty Cheng; President of Cellprime Distribution Corp. Eric Yu, among others.

Concepcion highlighted: " With the right  mindset and level of creativity and innovation, most of you will shine and persevere in the business community. The government, with the help of DTI, Go Negosyo and the private sector, will be here to mentor you especially in areas on how to use and source money to grow your business and on how to reach more markets for your products and services. "

MMOW program is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's vision to capacitate micro-small businesses in boosting the Philippine economy. Through MMOW, mentors are introduced to micro and small entrepreneurs, and offers technical and practical know-how on entrepreneurship through sessions in more convenient and accessible locations.

Megaworld is a staunch supporter and partner of Go Negosyo in Serving the MSMEs and has been actively involved in Go Negosyo programs. This leg was made more special as Lucky Chinatown, a Megaworld property, served as the official venue partner of Go Negosyo's Mentor ME on Wheels.

Watch out for the next MMOW in your local malls!

I Love you, LC - the movie

Coach Dave Aguila the founder of LCIF Philippines "low carb and intermittent fasting" brought to the silver screen what he has been practicing since September 2013.
Producing a film on how to impart his knowledge about losing weight in a light comedy movie with a twist of romance that captures the viewing audience.

I love you, LC revolves around an obese lady named Patty played by Jef Gaitan, Survivor Philippines Finalist and FHM Model. Who did justice to her role as someone who gathered enough courage and initiative to become slimmer inspired by her interest with a guy named Lloyd Castro portrayed by Marlon Marcia former Mr. Philippines 2014.

Does one goes a long way to empower oneself or just to gain another individual's attention?

Catch the opening of I Love you, LC on February 27, 2019 in Cinema nationwide.

A Toast! To a successful Premiere Nite last February 23, 2019 at Cinema 3 Fishermall Quezon City


Starring:

 Jef Gaitan - FHM Model and Survivor
 Philippines Finalist, as Patty Sandoval

Tommy Penaflor - that's my Bae Eat Bulaga, as Louie Castillo

Marlon Marcia - Mr. Philippines 2014, as Lloyd Castro

Directed by:

Dave Cristofer Aguila and
Dave C. Cecilio

Check out their FB page LCIF
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lcif.ph.

Kalinangan TV, GUYS Pormal na Inilunsad ang 2019 Gawad Bagong Bagani

SIMULA na ng pagpili sa mga bagong mandirigma ng kultura at sining Maharlika at Pilipino sa paglulunsad ng 2019 Gawad Bagong Bagani: Parangal at Pagkilala sa mga Pinoy Cultural Volunteers na proyekto ng Kalinangan TV at Group of Unified Youth for Social Change (GUYS).

Bagamat noong nakaraang buwan pa binuksan ang pagbibigay ng nominasyon, noong Linggo lamang, Pebrero 17, 2019 sa Coconut House restaurant, Quezon Memorial Circle pormal na nag-anunsiyo sa media ang Kalinangan TV at GUYS hinggil sa parangal na nabanggit. Ito ay upang mas mabigyan pa ng sapat na kaalaman ang publiko hinggil sa kung ano ba talaga ang Gawad Bagong Bagani at para saan ang parangal na ito.

“Ang pangunahing layon ng 2019 Gawad Bagong Bagani ay bigyan ng motibasyon at inspirasyon ang ating mga alagad ng sining upang mas lalo pang gumawa ng mga obra na nagpapayabong, nangangalaga at naglilinang sa tunay na kulturang Maharlika at Pilipino,” paliwanag ni Rjhay Laurea a.k.a. Rjhay Gwapito, direktor pang-ehekutibo ng Kalinangan TV.

Aniya, pangunahing layunin ng Kalinangan TV ang ikonekta muli ang mga Pilipino sa tunay nitong pinagmulan bilang mga Maginoo (tawag sa tribal royal families at nobles noong bago dumating ang Kastila) at Maharlika (mas mababang antas ng nobles na binubuo ng mga mandirigma at malalayang mamamayan ng mga kahariang katutubo).

Naniniwala si Laurea na sa ganitong paraan lang tunay nating maiaalis ang ugat ng mga kasalukuyang problema ng bansa.

“For us to heal our land, we must go back to our roots, we must acknowledged our real ancestors. Ito lamang ang paraan para magamot natin ang mga sugat sa lipunan ng ating bayan,” dagdag pa ni Laurea.

Dumalo rin sa isinagawang paglulunsad ang chairman ng GUYS-Unlad Kabataan Party (GUYS-UKP) ng CALABARZON Region na si G. Marvin Guiron, UNA senatorial bet G. Dan Roleda, at ang kaapu-apuhan ni Lakan Dula (ang huling hari ng Tondo bago ito nasakop ng mga Kastila) na si Propesor Sofronio Dulay I. Naroon din ang ilang vloggers at bloggers.

Katuwang din sa proyekto ang Quezon City Bayanihang Bayan, Sinebiswal, Ganda Negosyo and The Philippines Event.

Samantala, inihayag naman ni GUYS National officer-in-charge SK Kgd. Renz Jacquilyn Cruz na nakipagtuwang ang kanilang grupo sa Kalinangan TV dahil malaking tulong din ito sa mga kabataan na kanilang pinagseserbisyuhan.

“Kasi nga po, alam naman natin ang hilig naming mga kabataan ay culture and arts talaga. Gusto namin ng mga sayawan, kantahan, spoken poetry, paintings, drawings, fashion at marami pang iba. Basta sining, maaasahan natin ang mga kabataan,” sabi pa ni Cruz.

“Kaya naman inilalapit ng GUYS sa mga kabataan ang hilig nila at kasabay nun, iminumulat natin sila kung gaano kaganda at kahusay ang ating katutubong sining, ‘yung tatak katutubong Pilipino talaga, sa ganitong paraan, hindi lamang natin nailalayo sa masasamang elemento kaming mga kabataan, kundi natuturuan din kaming mahalin ang sariling atin at maging makabayan,” dagdag pa ni Cruz.

Ang 2019 Gawad Bagong Bagani ay may tatlong kategorya na mga sumusunod:

1. BAGONG BAGANI na isang parangal na ibinibigay sa manggagawa at artista sa iba’t ibang larangan ng pangkultura at pangsining na gawain na nagpamalas ng namumukod-tanging ambag sa pangangalaga, pagpreserba at proteksyon sa kultura at sining Pilipino, gayundin, sa pagbuhay ng diwang pagkamakabayan, pagkamakatao, pagkamakakalikasan, at pagkamaka-Diyos sa ating lipunan.

2. KAMPILAN NG BAGONG BAGANI na para sa mga sosyo-sibikong organisasyon, pribadong indibiduwal, ahensiya at opisyal ng pamahalaan na may mga pangmatagalang proyekto, programa, isinulong na mga batas at ordinansa na naglalayong pangalagaan ang kultura at sining Pilipino.

3. KALASAG NG BAGONG BAGANI na para sa mga pribadong indibiduwal, kumpanya at korporasyon na tumutulong, nangangalaga, umaalalay, nagbibigay proteksyon sa mga BAGONG BAGANI at katuwang ng KAMPILAN NG BAGONG BAGANI sa pamamagitan ng pag-isponsor at pagsuporta sa iba't ibang aktibidad na naglalayong payabungin at pagyamanin pa ang kultura at sining Pilipino.

Ang nominasyon ay maaaring isagawa sa pamamagitan ng pag-iiwan ng mensahe na may impormasyon ng ninonomina tulad ng pangalan at larangang kinabibilangan nito sa Facebook fanpage ng Kalinangan TV o mag-text o tumawag kay GUYS OIC Bb. Renz Jacquilyn Cruz sa numerong 09364610298, maaari ring ipasa na kaagad ang kartera o portpolyo ng ninonomina sa kalinangantv@gmail.com.i###

Kalinangan TV, GUYS Launches 2019 Gawad Bagong Bagani

THE search begins for new warriors of Maharlikan and Filipino culture and arts after the advocacy vlogsite Kalinangan TV and it’s community-based youth arm Group of Unified Youth for Social Change (GUYS) formally launched the 2019 Gawad Bagong Bagani: Parangal at Pagkilala sa mga Pinoy Cultural Volunteers.

Although the nomination already opened last month, the formal launching only happened last Sunday, February 17, 2019 at the Coconut House restaurant in Quezon Memorial Circle. The activity aims to increase public awareness about Gawad Bagong Bagani and the real purpose of the awards.

“Ang pangunahing layon ng 2019 Gawad Bagong Bagani ay bigyan ng motibasyon at inspirasyon ang ating mga alagad ng sining upang mas lalo pang gumawa ng mga obra na nagpapayabong, nangangalaga at naglilinang sa tunay na kulturang Maharlika at Pilipino,” Kalinangan TV executive director Rjhay Laurea a.k.a. Rjhay Gwapito explained.

The main objective of Kalinangan TV is to connect the present-day Filipinos to its original roots as the Maginoo (tribal royal families and nobles of pre-Hispanic Philippines) and Maharlika (a lower class nobility composed of warriors and free citizens of ancient tribal kingdoms).

Laurea believes going back to our past and honoring our ancestors is the only way to uproot the current problems of the country.

“For us to heal our land, we must go back to our roots, we must acknowledged our real ancestors. Ito lamang ang paraan para magamot natin ang mga sugat sa lipunan ng ating bayan,” Laurea said.

Present during the launching are CALABARZON-based GUYS-Unlad Kabataan Party (GUYS-UKP) chairman Marvin Guiron, UNA senatorial bet Dan Roleda, and the direct descendant of Lakan Dula (the last king of pre-Hispanic Tondo Kingdom) Prof. Sofronio Dulay I. Vloggers and bloggers also graced the occasion.

Other partners for the project are the Quezon City Bayanihang Bayan, Sinebiswal, Ganda Negosyo and The Philippines Event.

Meanwhile, GUYS National officer-in-charge SK Kgd. Renz Jacquilyn Cruz said they partnered with Kalinangan TV because it’s advocacy is a big factor in youth development.

“Kasi nga po, alam naman natin ang hilig naming mga kabataan ay culture and arts talaga. Gusto namin ng mga sayawan, kantahan, spoken poetry, paintings, drawings, fashion at marami pang iba. Basta sining, maaasahan natin ang mga kabataan,” Cruz pointed out.

“Kaya naman inilalapit ng GUYS sa mga kabataan ang hilig nila at kasabay nun, iminumulat natin sila kung gaano kaganda at kahusay ang ating katutubong sining, ‘yung tatak katutubong Pilipino talaga, sa ganitong paraan, hindi lamang natin nailalayo sa masasamang elemento kaming mga kabataan, kundi natuturuan din kaming mahalin ang sariling atin at maging makabayan,” Cruz added.

Among the categories of 2019 Gawad Bagong Bagani are the following:

1. BAGONG BAGANI is a recognition given to workers and artists of different culture and arts profession who showed a one-of-a-kind contribution to the preservation and protection of Filipino culture and arts, as well as giving life to the spirit of patriotism, humanitarianism, environmental protection and pro-God advocacies.

2. KAMPILAN NG BAGONG BAGANI is a recognition given to socio-civic organizations, private individuals, government agencies and officials who have long-term programs, projects, bills and ordinances that aims to preserve and protect the Filipino culture and arts.

3. KALASAG NG BAGONG BAGANI is a recognition given to private individuals, companies and corporations who helps, preserves, assists and protects the interests of the BAGONG BAGANI together with the KAMPILAN NG BAGONG BAGANI through sponsorships and support they provide to various activities which aims to enhance and develop Filipino culture and arts.

Nominations for 2019 Gawad Bagong Bagani can be done through a private chat message with the information of the nominee such as name and profession, send it to Kalinangan TV Facebook fanpage; send an SMS or call GUYS OIC Ms. Renz Jacquilyn Cruz at 09364610298; or send the nominee’s profile or portfolio atkalinangantv@gmail.com. ###

Zoomanity Group CEO, Robert Laurel Yupangco at Anti- Bullying Forum 2019

Last February 11, 2019 at La Consolacion College, Pasig (LCCP), 400 students attended the  Anti- Bullying Forum. LCCP had 2 distinguished speakers;
An award winning entrepreneur, Robert Laurel Yupangco who is also the grandson of our former President of the Philippines, Jose P. Laurel and the CEO of Zoomanity Group. Lastly is the newly graduate & Cum Laude from Polytechnic University of the Philippines who in-spite of being poor & bullied, still managed to proved that one can still make it to the top and ignore any challenges.

The Manila Times Business Writer, Entrepreneur and LCCP PTC President, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas moderated the event.

Cyber-bullying or any bullying done through the use of technology or any electronic means is also bullying punishable under the law.

According to LCCP Guidance Councilor, Letmi Dela China, “pursuant to the provisions of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 10627 otherwise known as the “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013” the Guidance Office would like to have an Institutional 3 Days Anti-Bullying Campaign as part of the Bullying Prevention Program of La Consolacion College Pasig. The program adapts three different approaches to bullying such as (1) awareness-communication, (2) early intervention and prevention; and (3) remediation-violation. We hope that through this campaign we will be able to impart the students on how to stop bullying and how to protect and save them from bullies.”

Philippines. The Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 was signed into law by Former President Benigno Aquino III on September 6, 2013. The law requires all elementary and secondary schools in the country to adopt an anti-bullying policy.

“M. BUTTERFLY” NATIONAL TOUR 2019 ALL SET FOR SIX-CITY RUN FROM FEBRUARY TO JUNE

The M. BUTTERFLY National Tour 2019 is all set to spread its wings even wider to reach major cities namely Iloilo, Dumaguete, Cebu, Davao, Manila and Baguio.


 Presented by Tony and Grammy award winning producer Jhett Tolentino and FRONTROW Entertainment (producer of highly-acclaimed independent films Bhoy Intsik and Bwaya), the M. BUTTERFLY National Tour 2019 was decided upon by the producers to bring this world-class masterpiece to those who did not have the opportunity to catch its 2018 Manila run. After all, location should not limit one’s exposure to the arts and culture.

Most theater companies in our country whose successful productions in Manila are often hindered from bringing their projects to other key cities because of the many challenges and technical details involved. And this is why Jhett Tolentino and FRONTROW Entertainment are taking this bolder step to carry on their mission and advocacy in the performing arts and to further enhance audience development throughout the Philippine archipelago.

  This revival production of David Henry Hwang’s M. BUTTERFLY is the winner of the 2018 ALIW AWARDS for Best Play, Best Actor and Best Director. It was also nominated for two  Best Featured Actresses in a Play and Best Ensemble.

M. Butterfly, which tells the story originally premiered on Broadway in 1998 and won 3 Tony Awards for Best Play, Best Feature Actor and Best Director.

Synopsis: René Gallimard is a member of the French embassy in China. René is mild mannered and considers himself to be poor with women. He meets and falls in love with Chinese opera star Song Liling, a woman whom he considers to be the embodiment of the perfect woman, Madame Butterfly. But when West meets East, everything is not what it seems..

Targeting audiences between ages 18 and beyond, the producers are hoping that this classic drama, inspired by Giaccomo Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly’, will likewise resonate to theater audiences from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that “ love, power and deception holds no boundaries – whether this be in a rural or urban setting.”

RS FRANCISCO, the 2018 Aliw Awards Best Actor for M. Butterfly shall reprise his iconic portrayal of Song Liling, the Chinese opera singer who is Gallimard’s object of affection and seduces him through his biases of the East then exploits their intimacy to collect classified information for agents of the Chinese Communist Party.

​RS first essayed this role in May 1990 for Dulaang UP, opposite veteran actor, writer and critic Behn Cervantes. On its debut, M. Butterfly immediately rose to critical acclaim with packed houses and box office success in over 100 performances throughout the Philippines.

In the many years thereafter, RS Francisco’s theater credits in numerous productions and variety of roles continued to hone his craft as a compleat artist. In films, his most recent awards include the SINAG MAYNILA Best Actor, the STAR AWARDS Movie Actor of the Year and the SUBIC BAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Best Actor.

When M. BUTTERFLY was revived recently on Broadway, RS had thought of bringing it to life once again to the new theater audiences of today. After all, this is the only ‘one’ role that continues to remain as closest to his heart.

To add a diverse twist to the M. Butterfly National Tour 2019, young actor AIRA IGARTA will step into the role of Song Liling as alternate in certain performances. As an original member of the Kurogo ensemble of the play’s 2018 Manila run, Aira is a stage and film actor from the Theatre Arts Program of UP Diliman where he took part in several Dulaang UP and Dulaang Labortoryo productions. Trained by the likes of Tony Fabella and Luther Perez, Aira was originally a dance and voice scholar at Quezon City Performing Arts Foundation (QCPADFI).

French actor OLIVIER BORTEN shall essay the role of Rene Gallimard, a former French diplomat, who relates the story of his passionate, disastrous affair with Song Liling from his cell in a Paris prison, where he is serving a long sentence for treason.

Philippine theater royalty JENINE DESIDERIO, who among many other theater, film, television and recording credits, assumed the lead role as Kim in the West End’s original Miss Saigon, will portray Gallimard’s wife – Helga. The pair married as a matter of convenience; Helga’s father had diplomatic connections that helped Gallimard ascend in his career.

After 25 years of stage acting experience in the United Kingdom, Scottish NORM MCLEOD has stepped in the Philippine stage as Manuel Toulon, the French Ambassador to China who also happens to be the dominant and strong-willed superior of Gallimard at the embassy in Beijing. Toulon promotes Gallimard to vice-consul and charges him with collecting information to aid the American war in Vietnam.

Trilingual American actor LEE O’BRIAN will once more personify Marc, the sexually unapologetic best friend of Gallimard. He encourages Gallimard to take sexual advantage of the women around him without regard for their feelings or even their consent. Although M. Butterfly was Lee’s first theatrical endeavor, his acting skills have already been tried and tested in international films Edsa Woolworth and Forgive Me Father. O’Brian also portrays Sharpless in M. Butterfly for a brief while.

Portraying the different roles of Suzuki, Comrade Chin and Shu Fang is powerful and well-rounded artist MAYEN ESTAÑERO. Her impressive performance in the 2018 run of M. Butterfly landed her an Aliw Awards nomination for Best Featured Actress. Mayen’s previous theater credits include Dalanghita Production’s Corazon Negro, An Operetta as Maestra, Virgin Labfest’s Mula sa Kulimliman as Leila and Sugid Production’s Buwan at Baril as Asawa. Comrade Chin is a member of the Red Guards, a paramilitary arm of the Communist Party in China. Song communicates with Comrade Chin often, to pass on the classified information he gathers from Gallimard.

Twice a finalist as Best Actress for the Aliw Awards, MAYA ENCILA receives her third nomination as Best Featured Actress for her unique characterization of Renee and Pin-Up Girl in M. Butterfly. The stunning Arizona native plays a young, sexually liberated Danish woman with whom Gallimard has an affair. Renee’s boldness presents a stark contrast to Song’s modesty, which Gallimard finds both exciting and obnoxious. A true expert in performing arts, Maya has taken the stage countless times as Mary Lennox for The Secret Garden, as Belle for Repertory Philippines’ Beauty and the Beast musical and as Lara for Philippine Stagers’ KATIPS, to name a few.

Rising soprano star JASMIN SALVO will be the new Opera Singer for the national tour.
The members of the ensemble playing the role of Kurogo are as follows: PHEITH IENA BALLUG, ULLYSES BASA, SASA CABALQUINTO, FRANCO FERRER and JOHN PAUL ORTENERO.

The artistic team of M. Butterfly are as follows: Jhett Tolentino and RS Francisco (Producers), Ohm David (Set), Eric Pineda (Costume), John Batalla (Lighting), Jethro Joaquin (Sound), Joed Balsamo (Music) and Carissa Adea (Choreography).
The M. BUTTERFLY NATIONAL TOUR 2019 will benefit 10 charitable institutions namely: Iloilo Prima Galaw, Philippine National Red Cross Iloilo Chapter, The Children of Cebu Foundation, Silliman University Culture and Arts Council, the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, Love the Children Foundation, House of Hope Foundation, Halfway Home for the Boys and St. Louis University Culture and Arts Center.

PLAYDATES:
ILOILO CITY
VENUE: SM City Iloilo Cinema 6
Feb. 14 – Thursday – Opening Night – 7pm
Feb. 15 – Friday – 2pm / 7pm
Feb. 16 – Saturday – 2pm / 7pm
Feb. 17 – Sunday – 2pm / 7pm

DUMAGUETE CITY
VENUE: Luce Auditorium, Silliman University
Feb. 28 – Thursday – Opening Night – 7pm
Mar. 01 – Friday – 7pm
Mar. 02 – Saturday – 2pm / 7pm
Mar. 03 – Sunday – 2pm / 7pm

CEBU CITY
VENUE : SM Seaside City Centerstage
Mar. 14 – Thursday – Opening Night – 7pm
Mar. 15 – Friday – 7pm
Mar. 16 – Saturday – 2pm / 7pm
Mar. 17 – Sunday – 2pm / 7pm

DAVAO CITY
VENUE: SM Lanang Premier Cinema 6
Mar. 28 – Thursday – Opening Night – 7pm
Mar. 29 – Friday – 2pm / 7pm
Mar. 30 – Saturday – 2pm / 7pm
Mar. 31 – Sunday – 2pm / 7pm

MANILA
VENUE: Maybank Performing Arts Theater
May 8 – Wednesday – Opening Night – 8pm
May 9- Thursday – 8pm
May 10 – Friday – 8pm
May 11 – Saturday – 2pm / 8pm
May 12 – Sunday – 2pm / 8pm
May 15 – Wednesday – 8pm
May 16 – Thursday – 8pm
May 17 – Friday – 8pm
May 18 – Saturday – 2pm / 8pm
May 19 – Sunday – 2pm / 8pm

BAGUIO CITY
VENUE: St. Louis University
May 30 – Thursday – Opening Night 7pm
May 31 – Friday – 7pm
Jun. 1 – Saturday – 2pm / 7pm
Jun. 2 – Sunday – 2pm / 7pm

Ticket merchants per area:
ILOILO, DAVAO, CEBU, BAGUIO – SM Tickets at any SM Mall nationwide or online at SMTickets.com
DUMAGUETE – Culture and Arts Council Office, Silliman University through contact nos. (035) 422-4365, (0917) 300-0346, (0999) 797-7825
MANILA – TicketWorld through contact no. (02) 891-9999 or ticketworld.com
The ticket prices vary per city between P500 to P2,000 plus taxes and fees.
Check out M. Butterfly at the following social media:
Facebook: /MButterflyPH
Twitter: @MButterflyPH
Instagram:@MButterflyPH
YouTube: MButterflyPH
For further inquiries, please contact JHETT TOLENTINO at (0906) 576-6914.