Poison Ivy by Indrajeet Dasgupta - An Excerpt.

A poem is an excerpt from the book ‘Borderless’ of Indrajeet Dasgupta which will be launched by September this year.

1.    Poison Ivy

You are brought up to be mannered, yet bred for the kill,
Never too protected, barring mama's waffles and grill.
Horses, tennis, and violin by six, athletics, piano too in the mix,
Regimented, disciplined – like that old song on bricks.

They soon call your sarcasm, and your attitude cavalier,
You never cared… Oh, the drugs – they have no fear.
The schools are few, the dreamers many,
Your first day at Ivy but an epiphany.

Small dorm rooms, dining hall food,
Track and field, campus girls in the hood.
You had your fill early, though not wise,
Found divinity, in the devil's disguise.

You start work, with the famous six-figure,
Eighteen hours, luncheons and dreams bigger.
On your thirtieth, passed out in a drunken bout,
Trembling on the high rise ledge, a classic burnout.

The Ivy is clingy, yet symbol of eternal life,
Your life's worth is much more – than a career and strife.

“Poison Ivy” is a lyrical poem with four stanzas (quatrains). Every verse is intertwined which is a great way to recite poetry. This is how the author gives the poem its own melody or rhythm. The poem is written in the first person or could be a narrator. The Author used common words to delight the readers with a pattern of rhyming words more so, to arouse their emotions. 

The poem is not about sufferings. It tells us that even at an early age we can decide on our own be it good or bad which could lead to our life success or destruction respectively. 

The poem symbolizes the Ivy, like these vines people may have different personalities varies in the environment where we grow. But what matters most is how we live and how we should spend our life to become the kind of person you are. 

Sindak 1941- Philippine Stagers 18th season offering.

The fear that was felt in the hearts and minds of every Filipino during the pearl harbor attack until the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during the WWII that led to treason, cooperation with Japanese just to survive with the oppressions. It is the story of the lives of an ordinary Filipinos who risked their lives for freedom.  Moreso, Sindak 1941 reveals the controversial story of Douglas Mac Arthur during the siege of Corregidor in Bataan. A reality that we should have learned not only with today’s youth but for every Filipino who knew that this American General is our heroes during the Japanese Regime.

Sindak 1941 Gen Douglas Mac Arthur - Kuya Manzano

"Sindak 1941" depicts the life of Nestor and Felipe and their love interest Emilia and Sofia narrated by Tata Edong, a mute vagrant.  Nestor was successful in school and eventually became to be successful in shoemaking business while his brother Felipe, remain ignorant and peasant. True to his promise he always thinks the welfare of his brother Nestor. They parted ways because of the challenges brought by the war. One becomes a traitor and the others fought for our freedom.

The Philippine Stagers Foundation talented pool of performers showcases their talents led by Atty. Vince Tañada as Felipe. They perfectly give the emotions and characters needed in every role assigned to every actor in this musical play. The entire productions were really amazing, no dull moments, and every performance deserves applause.

Please visit Philippine Stagers Foundation Facebook Page for more information on Show and Tickets Schedule. The 18th Season Offering of Philippine Stagers Foundation, "SINDAK 1941" is shown from
JULY 2019 to MARCH 2020.

#SINDAK1941, #ANGARTISTA

Guaranteed Success With Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry

Laundromats have actually been in existence since the 1930s in the United States: a row of fully automated self-service machines where people brought their own detergent and waited for their laundry to finish.  For The Philippines, laundromats actually only started becoming popular in the late 90s and these were full service in nature. People came in and dropped off their laundry and picked them up at a later time already packed and folded. But a few years back, we started seeing the growth of self-service laundry shops and these have become so popular that you can now see one in every corner of the neighborhood.

The proven advantages of the laundry business consistently makes this industry a solid business choice. Experts say that the combination of flexibility and high demand appeals to aspiring entrepreneurs since these factors raise the probability of success.  Besides this, it is also an advantage that laundry shops are recession-resistant as clean clothes are considered a basic necessity. Unlike other industries, the targeted customers are not restricted to certain age groups; everyone needs clean clothes so everyone is a potential customer.

As a cash business, there are minimized struggles with accounts receivables and low capital investments can even bring high rates of return. Where else do you have the possibility of earning back one million investments in just 18 months? And where else can you operate a shop where your customers do their own work?

However, we must remember that success only comes with choosing the right equipment. Durability and dependability are a must before making decisions. And with Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry, these are not just words but commitments to their partners and customers. This is why more than 1500 laundromats in the country have chosen the brand as their partner in the laundry industry.

Whirlpool-Maytag offers an extended line of commercial and industrial laundry equipment such as washers, dryers, and stackable units for you to select from that offer reliable performance and high-energy savings. They are equipped with an Inverter Drive Technology that ensures energy efficiency and high extraction speeds which lessens the wear and tear on its components. These models also have advanced software that tracks payments, wash cycles, and settings so both the customers and owners can relax without worrying about their security.

You can rely on Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry to work with you in determining the right solutions for your needs. From equipment selection and installation, you’ll have the knowledge and experience of an industry leader behind you through the business seminars they offer nationwide.  You can profit from both our legendary reliability and the ongoing support of the world’s #1 preferred laundry brand.

Filipinos trust Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry to make their lives easier and their businesses more profitable.  It's that trust in the Whirlpool-Maytag brand that has helped build customer loyalty year after year because you can guarantee that you have a brand that’s ready to support you every step of the way. 

The laundry industry has a lot of untapped potential waiting to be discovered. Should you decide to start your own laundry business, Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry is ready to help you get started. To schedule a consultation, you may contact Ms. Windy Punzalan at (0917) 8236285 or at mpunzalan@exatech.com.ph.

For more information, you can drop by their showrooms located in Quezon City, Cebu, Davao, IloIlo, and Bacolod, or visit their website at www.whirlpoolmaytag.com.ph.

Dani Girl: Reimagining and Re-staging Hope

 

When Dani Girl first premiered in Manila back in 2014 as The Sandbox Collective’s maiden production, the show received wide acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. Stage actress Lea Salonga called it “perfection” in its simplicity and execution, while METRO Magazine praised it as a play that “refreshes the mind and soul and touches your heart and spirit.” 

This exhilarating musical by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond follows a girl’s magical and transformative journey. Far from sitting back and letting cancer take over, 9-year-old Dani Lyons sets off on a whimsical quest to find her hair and figure out the answer to the question, “Why is cancer?” Together with her fellow warrior and best friend Marty, they go on a journey of lightsaber duels, imaginary game shows, blasting off to outer space, and all the silly games in between—proof that a child’s imagination and fighting spirit have no bounds nor limits.

But what makes the re-staging of Dani Girl different five years down the road?

While the production is thrilled to bring back members of the original cast, it is also pleased to welcome fresh, new faces to the stage. Joining the cast is theater veteran, character actor, singer and voice talent, Juliene Mendoza who alternates with Lorenz Martinez in the role of Raph, Dani’s imaginary friend and guardian angel. Mendoza was last seen in Air Supply’s All Out of Love and a musical adaptation of Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada ‘70. 

Known for playing the titular role in the Asian premiere of Matilda and Young Nala in the first international tour of The Lion King, Felicity Kyle Napuli also joins the cast as young Dani Lyons, while Daniel Drilon, known for his performance in Fun Home and Newsies, alternates as Dani’s best friend and fellow warrior, Marty. “Having actual kids alternating as Dani and Marty adds a new, vibrant, creative energy to the show. It also invigorates with a wondrous perspective from actors who are closer to the age of the characters they’re playing,” shared Dani Girl director Toff de Venecia who returns to the director’s chair after 2015’s No Filter 2.0.

A new emphasis on hope is also unique to the 2019 re-staging of Dani Girl. In a world seemingly dominated by pain and suffering, the show aims to uphold the presence of hope amidst struggle. The show hopes to remind audiences that human beings have the innate ability to cope and overcome, and that hope can sometimes take on a different form, one that isn’t readily available to the naked eye. With hope as a thematic cornerstone, this season’s re-staging of Dani Girl is poised to serve as a beacon of light in a seemingly bleak world.

As The Sandbox Collective marks its fifth year of producing new, groundbreaking and cutting-edge theatrical work, Dani Girl also serves as a celebration of the childlike innocence, wonder, imagination, courage, and hope that people often forget and lose as full-fledged adults.

Similar to the social and community aspect of Every Brilliant Thing, The Sandbox Collective will be working hand in hand with institutions and organizations specializing in cancer care and awareness. Working with warriors, survivors, doctors, and specialists will lend a more truthful, timely and relevant perspective to the show’s cause.

Dani Girl: A Musical About Hope will star Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee, Rebecca Coates in the title role of Dani. She is set to alternate with Felicity Kyle Napuli. Luigi Quesada will return as Dani’s best friend and fellow warrior, Marty. He will be sharing the role with a new cast member, Daniel Drilon. Returning cast members include Awit award-winning actress Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Pam Imperial who will be alternating as Katharine Lyons, Dani’s mother. Meanwhile, stage veteran Lorenz Martinez returns and alternates with new cast member Juliene Mendoza in the role of Raph.

Toff de Venecia makes his much-awaited directorial comeback in this re-staging of Dani Girl. He is at the helm once more as director and executive producer. Joining him is Sab Jose as assistant director and marketing and public relations director. Completing the artistic team is Ejay Yatco as musical director, Stephen Viñas as a choreographer, Faust Peneyra as scenographer and costume designer, Miggy Panganiban as the lighting designer, Joee Mejias as projection & video designer and Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer

Santi Santamaria leads the production team as co-executive producer (9 Works Theatrical). Rounding out the production team are Anna Santamaria as operations and finance director, Maine Manalansan as design director, Elliza Aurelio as associate producer, Pauline Gaerlan as production manager, Myka Cue as marketing and public relations associate, Jonjon Martin as public relations manager and Anissa Aguila as head stage manager.

Dani Girl: A Musical About Hope will open on August 10, 2019, and will have a limited engagement until September 1, 2019, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Tickets are now available through Ticketworld online.

Dani Girl: A Musical About Hope is co-presented by The Sandbox Collective and 9 Works Theatrical, together with Make-A-Wish Philippines. Special thanks to Privato Hotel Group, official hotel partner, Toy Kingdom and St. Luke’s Medical Center; institutional partners Carewell Community Foundation, Inc., Childhaus, Make-A-Wish Philippines and Cancervants; community partners Pineapple Lab, Classic Chef, K Best, and DC Superheroes Cafe; official media  partners Theater Fans Manila, Young Star and Art+ Magazine.

★★★★★

To say it is good for the soul is an understatement. 

In its simplicity and execution, it was perfection. — LEA SALONGA

★★★★★

“A play that refreshes the mind and soul and touches your heart and spirit.  Dani Girl just hits you spot on.” — METRO MAGAZINE

★★★★★

A humorous and heartwarming musical about faith, hope, and love. Why we shouldn’t be all afraid of death. And if you ever lost someone at some point in your life, this is definitely going to uplift you. 

— MEGA MAGAZINE

DANI GIRL

by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond

With music by Michael Kooman and book and lyrics by Christopher Dimond, Dani Girl: A  Musical About Hope is presented through special arrangement and licensing with Samuel French. 

  Facebook: The Sandbox Collective  and  9 Works Theatrical  Twitter and Instagram: @thesandboxco and @9wtonline

For inquiries, please contact: 

SAB JOSE at +63 917 8877225 or sab@thesandboxco.com

JONJON MARTIN at jonjon@9workstheatrical.com  

#DaniGirlMNL