Friday, March 30, 2007 Serna: Summer sizzlers! By Roger Serna: Sounds and images
EXCEPT for some schools, it’s vacation time for most schools nationwide. That means students out there already have the time all to themselves to enact their plans or those of their elders.
At this time of the year, what comes to mind are beaches, mountains and other such beautiful works of nature. Speaking of beach, aside from the swimsuits, sunglasses, headgears and sunblock, another item that comes in handy are the ever reliable slippers or, in today’s parlance, the flip-flops.
Flip-flops have even invaded malls, offices, places of worship and other such places which don’t impose strict dress codes.
And do you know, that flip-flops especially the high-end ones, have ceased being just ordinary, day-to-day wear?
They have reportedly become status symbols, not merely because of the high price that go with them but also because wearers get to flaunt their feet and soles. With beautiful feet and reddish soles, one supposedly gets to convey that he or she has the budget to get regular foot spa and the like. O-ha!
So there, flaunt your feet and be objects of envy. Ha-ha!
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Speaking of Holy Week especially among urban dwellers in Cebu, the town of Bantayan, the white sands and the religious processions that feature life-size and decades old statues of saints gets into the picture.
Some towns, however, have also come up with activities that not only highlight the deep religiosity of the residents but also serve as tourist attractions.
One of these is Minglanilla which, through the years, has earned the reputation of staging colorful Easter celebrations. From mere portion of the religious activity depicting the risen Christ meeting His once grieving Mother locally known as Sugat complete with small children in harness and angel costumes flying around the two important characters in the tableau, Sugat has grown to become the Kabanhawan Festival which now includes street dancing and other activities endemic to the southern town.
The other Cebu towns have also slowly developed their own attractions revolving around the passion of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Mother and the other people that play significant roles in their lives.
These not only help deepen the faith of the residents and visitors but also enliven an otherwise too serious a scenario.
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Right after the Holy Week when gears turn to normal level or even shift higher, Star Cinema, in tandem with Viva Films, brings the comedy film Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo to moviehouses nationwide on Apr. 7 to be exact. This I gathered from Josie Pereyra of JSP Ads & Promotions.
Directed by Wenn Deramas who also brought last year’s summer hit, D’ Lucky Ones, Ang Cute Ng Ina Mo topbills the comedy queen herself, Ai-ai de las Alas, with young dramatic stars who also have comic talents Lucky Manzano and Anne Curtis.
Giving ample support are Eugene Domingo and John Lapus with their signature yet new brand of comedy. Also in the cast are DJ Durano and newcomers Nikki Bacolod and Vince Saldana.
Good news to stargazers! Ai-ai, Luis and Anne will be in Cebu tomorrow for a mall show at the Ayala Activity Center at 4 p.m. Don’t miss that!
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Speaking of summer activities, here’s one that will surely be productive. Little Boy Productions and the Sacred Heart School – Jesuit will bring to Cebu world-class theater artist Michael Williams of Repertory Philippines to supervise musical theater workshops at the Gen. Maxilom Avenue campus of SHS-J.
The workshops aim to develop children’s talents in theater and performing arts, foster teamwork and instill discipline, commitment and support while enjoying the company of new friends.
Two classes are in store: one for kids aged 6 to 12 years and another for young adults aged 13 years and above. Both workshops run from Apr. 16 to May 6 with daily sessions of three hours from Mon. to Fri. for three weeks and culminating with a Broadway musical presentation at the Marcelo Fernan theater on May 7.
Classes include acting, voice and movement techniques. Michael Williams was in the original London cast of Miss Saigon and had appeared in The King and I, Les Miserables, Once on This Island and other productions.
Little Boy productions, on the other hand, recently produced the stage version of High School Musical in Manila. Call 2549320, 4157068 or 0917-8155794 or visit Exams Excellence at Manros Plaza, Gen. Maxilom ave. if you’re interested.
