Monday, November 24, 2008 Costanilla: Chamber Singers: gold in Busan By Sam Costanilla Spotlight
WE Cebuanos should congratulate the Cebu Chamber Singers (CCS) for once again bringing pride and honor to Cebu in a major international choral singing competition in Busan, South Korea last week. The Dennis Gregory Sugarol-trained CCS won the gold or first prize and the bronze or third prize in the mixed voice classic category and the folklore category, respectively.
Dennis told me that he and his singers never expected to win the gold medal in the mixed voice classic category since their closest opponent, the Northern Kentucky University Chamber Choir (USA), was so good. The American choir got the silver medal.
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DENNIS added that in the folklore category, his singers bested another choir from our own country, the University of the Philippines Vocal Ensemble that only got the bronze medal. To recall, the CCS also won last year in the 1st Asian Choir Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. We are truly proud of the CCS whose president is lawyer Nelia Lagura and what it has done for Cebu in the field of music. A victory concert-cum-Christmas presentation is in order.
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SINCE LAUGHTER is the best medicine, we might as well watch a hilarious presentation and become healthier. Standup comedian Rex Navarette will provide such medicine when he performs in Cebu again on Nov. 30, 8:00 p.m., at SM City Cinema 2. Ticket prices are P1,200 and P700 only.
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THE SHOW is titled “Rex Files: Pinoy Undercover,” so we can be sure that it’s going to be a night of non-stop laughter. For queries on the show and even ticket deliveries, may I advise you to kindly call tel. nos. 5167213 or 2319787 or cell phone number 09176284114. You may also visit www.jeugenioconcepts.com.
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IF YOU want to become part of a musical’s scheduled shows in the summer of next year, here’s your chance. The Buddhist Light International Association-Cebu is doing an open audition on Saturday, Nov. 29, for performing artists within the seven-40 year-old age bracket. Those that pass the audition will appear as actors or actresses in “Siddhartha: A Musical Journey to Enlightenment.” Interested applicants may download their applications at bliacebu.multiply.com and submit the form upon registration.
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THIS particular musical will surely be another wonderful treat for Cebuanos considering that some talented individuals are behind its staging. They include composer Jude Gitamondoc, production manager Michelle Sintoco, art director Walfrey Mercado, dance director Marijo Cypril Jamora and avant-garde artistic director Daisy Baad. For queries on becoming stars of Siddhartha, call Out Of The Box Training & Productions’ tel. no. 4160862 or cellphone number 09283258102.
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IT IS indeed laudable on the part of Dr. Lourdes Jereza, University of Southern Philippines Foundation vice president for external affairs, to act as project director of “Handumanan” slated on Jan. 17, 2009 at the school’s Theater for the Performing Arts in Lahug this city. Her task is not easy but with the support of artistic director Glen Albutra and marketing wizard Joe Go of the South Korean consulate in Cebu, I know she can deliver. This writer is also helping them. I’ll do the script and emcee the show. Dulce and novelty singer Max Surban have already confirmed to appear in “Handumanan,” while Vice Mayor Mike Rama and other local talents will also perform. The show is open to the public.
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THIS writer is selling tickets to Some Enchanted Evening Part II slated on Dec. 6 at Baseline, Juana Osmena St. this city.
This is another project of the Cebu United Radio & Television Artists Corp. headed by Emil Rizada Jr. The event features a dinner, a 45-minute concert and non-stop disco/ballroom dancing with the Zugbu band. Call or text my cell phone number for ticket reservations and deliveries.
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THIS mayor can no longer go anywhere without his wife tagging along. The missus had him “house arrested” recently after he confessed to having extra-marital affair with a barangay lass. (E-mail: samcost@yahoo.com or text 09268443888).