Repertory Philippines Brings Magic to the Stage with Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper

 

Repertory Philippines (REP) is bringing a fresh spark of magic to Metro Manila with its latest family-friendly production, Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper. Running from August 22 to December 13 at the REP Eastwood Theater, this year’s Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) offering delivers an enchanting story of kindness, courage, and resilience. Co-directed by theater icons Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, the vibrant stage musical transforms the beloved fairytale into a fast-paced, heart-warming theatrical experience that will delight children and theater lovers of all ages.

Written and composed by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman—the creative minds behind REP’s past hits Alice in Wonderland and Snow White and the Prince—this brand-new adaptation is tailored specifically to keep young minds fully engaged. The fast-moving show centers around eight core characters, combining quick scene changes with lively original music. Alongside familiar favorites like the Fairy Godmother, the Prince, and the notorious Stepmother and Stepsisters, audiences will fall in love with Putterman, a mischievous, scene-stealing rat who adds plenty of humor and heart as he helps Cinderella navigate her journey to the royal ball.

To bring this magical world to life, REP has assembled a stellar cast of seasoned theater veterans and bright emerging talents. Taking turns in the iconic title role of Cinderella are actress-singer Katie Bradshaw, Swiss-Filipina performer Ornella Brianna, and Star Magic trainee Julia Santiago. The charming Prince will be brought to life by Khalil Tambio and Starstruck's Radson Flores, with Lance Soliman as cover. Meanwhile, the hilarious character of Putterman is shared by Stephen Viñas and Jay Pangilinan, with Steven Hotchkiss serving as cover.

The supporting ensemble features an incredible lineup of local talent, including Barredo and Mayen Cadd as the Fairy Godmother; Pinky Marquez and Ring Antonio as the Stepmother; Hans Eckstein, Steven Hotchkiss, and Hades Kitane as Frederick; Arielle Magno and Barbara Jance as Stepsister 1; and Sebastian Katigbak and Paul Atienza as Stepsister 2, with Jay Barrameda covering both stepsister roles. A dynamic ensemble and royal entourage—supported by swings Monica Tulio and Deo dela Cruz—round out the cast to create an immersive, full-scale stage spectacle.

Behind the curtain, a top-tier creative team ensures that every moment at the REP Eastwood Theater feels truly spellbinding. The production showcases choreography by Stephen Viñas, musical direction by Phoebe Bitoon, technical direction and lighting by John Batalla, and whimsical costume design by Raven Ong. Lawyn Cruz leads set design, Kayla Teodoro brings custom puppets to life, and Jana Jimenez crafts immersive video projections, all under the production management of Ayam Eckstein and stage management of Jojo Amboy.

Director Joy Virata emphasizes that whether this is a child’s very first trip to the theater or a holiday family tradition, the show serves as an inspiring reminder to hold onto big dreams and practice compassion. Tickets for this limited engagement are selling quickly, so perform your own magic act before the clock strikes midnight. Secure your seats for Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper live at the REP Eastwood Theater before the final curtain falls on December 13.

A Fresh Take on a Timeless Fairytale

Fast-paced scenes, high-energy storytelling, and eight core characters keep younger audiences captivated while weaving in meaningful lessons about empathy and resilience. Alongside classic favorites like the Fairy Godmother, the Prince, and the Wicked Stepmother, the show introduces Putterman, a mischievous rat who adds a dose of side-splitting humor and heart to Cinderella’s quest.

Pinky Marquez as the stepmother with the stepsisters

Repertory Philippines has once again proven its unmatched flair for creating magical, heart-warming family theater with its latest production of Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper. Co-directed by Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, the staging strikes a delightful balance between timeless fairy-tale charm and fresh, engaging theatrical energy. Barredo, who also pulled double duty by stepping into the glowing shoes of the Fairy Godmother during opening night, expertly sets the tone alongside Virata, guiding a production that is as visually enchanting as it is emotionally grounded.

Cara Barredo as the fairy godmother and Stephen Vina as Putterman

Barredo brings an irresistible charm to the role, balancing magic with a witty, slightly cheeky demeanor. Her comedic timing truly shines during her interactions with Putterman. The hilarious banter and kinetic energy between the Fairy Godmother and Putterman provide non-stop entertainment, keeping the theater echoing with laughter.

Katie Bradshaw as Cinderella

The show’s comedy delivers just as brilliantly as its heart, driven by effortless comedic timing and sharp stage chemistry. Cara Barredo’s Fairy Godmother brings a delightfully playful, motherly charm to the stage, and her hilarious interactions with Putterman prove to be absolute crowd-pleasers. Adding to the comedic spectacle are the delightfully unbearable stepsisters, whose exaggerated antics, ridiculous arguments, and scene-stealing physical comedy make them absolute joys to watch. Equal commendation goes to veteran performer Pinky Marquez, who portrays the Stepmother with masterclass flair—blending wicked elegance with comedic pomposity, making her a formidable yet thoroughly entertaining antagonist.

Radson Flores as The Prince

Anchoring the entire production are the mesmerizing lead performances of Katie Bradshaw as Cinderella and Radson Flores as the Prince. Bradshaw brings a radiant warmth, vulnerability, and soaring vocal strength to Cinderella, crafting a heroine who is both deeply relatable and inspiring. Beside her, Radson Flores shines as a captivating Prince, bringing effortless charisma, nobility, and an authentic sweetness to the role. Their magnetic chemistry makes the classic romance feel genuinely earnest and fresh. Under Virata and Barredo’s skillful direction, this talented ensemble brings Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper to life as an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud, and soul-stirring triumph for Repertory Philippines.

A sight to behold

The reveal of the ball gown is less a simple costume change and more a synchronized theatrical miracle. As the Fairy Godmother weaves her spell, the combination of clever stagecraft, lighting cues, and seamless practical effects makes the ragged dress dissolve into a breathtaking, shimmering creation right before your eyes. The transition happens with such speed and elegance that you can hear a collective gasp ripple through the auditorium—from wide-eyed children and nostalgic adults alike.

Katie Bradshaw and Radison Flores as Cinderella and the Prince

What makes REP’s execution stand out is how the costume design works in tandem with the performer’s movement. The moment Cinderella spins into her new attire, the golden dress catches the stage lights, turning a simple gown into a central character of its own. It isn't just about showing off fancy fabric; it visually translates her internal metamorphosis—from forgotten, mistreated maiden to a young woman ready to step into her own light.

It is practical stage magic at its finest, reminding us why live theater still holds a spell that CGI on a screen can never quite match.

Interactive Audience Magic 

One of the production’s absolute highlights is its clever break from the traditional fourth wall. During the frantic kingdom-wide search for the mystery maiden, the actors step off the stage and directly into the audience. The crowd lights up as the royal court actually tries the famous glass slipper on eager audience members. This immersive moment transforms passive viewers into active participants in the fairytale, making children squeal with excitement and adults chuckle as they try their luck at fitting into the slipper.

At its core, this adaptation shines bright by weaving a meaningful, modern message into its classic narrative. Rather than relying solely on magical transformations and true love’s kiss, REP's production takes special care to impart lessons of kindness, self-worth, resilience, and looking beyond surface appearances. It encourages the audience, particularly young theatergoers, to realize that true beauty and magic come from within. The show elevates this thematic connection through its brilliant audience participation, most notably during the iconic search for the glass slipper. As characters swept into the crowd to let audience members "try on" the slipper, the theater erupted in sheer delight, breaking the fourth wall and turning the theater into an active, joyful part of the kingdom.

Don't wait until the clock strikes midnight! Secure your seats early to experience one of the top family theater events of the year. Tickets are available through official Repertory Philippines ticketing channels and partner outlets.

Grab the chance to witness REP’s Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper from August 22 to December 13 at the REP Eastwood Theater.

Tickets are now available at TicketWorld and the REP Box Office at the 4/F Eastwood Mall, open on Wednesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For show-buying and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0966-9054013 or 0962-6918540, or send them an email at promotions@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org.

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Longtime fans, old souls savor the magic of Bread at Smart Araneta Coliseum

 

Bread's recent stop at Smart Araneta Coliseum gave fans a reason to celebrate the kind of music that never really leaves. Held last August 12, Toast: The Best of Bread drew a strong crowd to the Big Dome, where longtime listeners and younger fans sang along to familiar favorites such as Make It With You and Everything I Own.

For some, the evening brought back memories tied to songs they had loved for decades. For others, it was a chance to hear live the music they first encountered through their parents, family playlists, or karaoke nights. What connected everyone was the ease with which the songs still filled the room, sounding as familiar as ever while finding a place with a new generation. That feeling of continuity made Smart Araneta Coliseum an especially fitting setting for the night.

Bread helped define the soft-rock sound of the 1970s with songs that paired memorable melodies with straightforward, heartfelt writing. Decades later, tracks such as If, Baby I'm-a Want You, and Lost Without Your Love continue to hold a familiar place in Filipino listening habits.

They remain part of classic-hits playlists, family gatherings, long drives, and karaoke sessions, where their appeal often crosses age groups with little effort. Their staying power comes from emotions that remain easy to understand, whether a listener first heard the songs in the 1970s or discovered them only recently.

Filipinos have long embraced music that becomes woven into everyday life, and Bread's catalog has comfortably occupied that space for generations. Over time, the songs have gathered new memories around them without losing the sentiment that made them beloved in the first place.

Smart Araneta Coliseum carries a similar sense of familiarity. For decades, the Big Dome has welcomed generations of Filipinos for landmark concerts, sporting events, and cultural moments that often, become part of their own personal histories.

Some guests at Toast: The Best of Bread may have returned to a venue where they had watched favorite performers years earlier, while younger companions were creating memories of their own in the same space. The setting may have changed with the times, but the feeling of gathering for something special has remained part of the Big Dome's identity.

The same can be said for Araneta City. New dining spots, entertainment destinations, and developments continued to shape the City of Firsts, while its familiar role as a place where people meet celebrate, and spend time together has stayed constant.

"There's a timeless quality to Bread’s music that matches the energy of Araneta City perfectly," said Irene L. Jose, COO of Uniprom, the entertainment arm of the Araneta Group. "Toast: The Best of Bread just brought it all together, showing exactly why those melodies still connect and why the Big Dome holds such a special place in our lives."

For oldies and old souls alike, Smart Araneta Coliseum and Araneta City continue to offer the kind of magic that never needed to make a comeback. And with a fresh lineup of shows and events constantly around the corner, that timeless vibe isn't going anywhere anytime soon!

Whether you're looking for live concerts, massive sports events, or just a great weekend vibe, there’s always something exciting happening in the City of Firsts. Visit www.aranetacity.com and follow Araneta City on social media for the latest updates and event announcements.

Tired of Trying Skincare Trends That Don’t Work?

 

As rising costs make Filipinos more intentional about where they spend, skincare choices are also becoming more deliberate—with consumers looking for products they can trust to support their skin health long-term. Rather than a cosmetic luxury, skincare is increasingly viewed now as an essential for personal wellness.

However, navigating physical retail aisles and online platforms presents challenges, as buyers face competing claims, complex scientific jargon, and a constant influx of new ingredients.

This demand for clarity and science-backed solutions anchored the 8th annual National Healthy Skin Mission at SM Makati, organized by skincare brand Cetaphil in partnership with premier retailer Watsons and SM Beauty around this year's core message: "Healthy Skin Deserves No Compromise". The initiative provides consumers with direct access to clinically tested products tailored to specific skin needs.

“We see firsthand how the skincare landscape is evolving. Today’s shoppers aren't looking for quick fixes or trend-driven routines anymore,” said Pat Muyco, Group Senior Category Manager for Watsons. “As the country's leading destination for health and wellness, we are proud to be the trusted bridge that connects shoppers directly to clinically proven, dermatologist-recommended solutions like Cetaphil.”

For Cetaphil, being intentional doesn't mean finding the most products or following the latest skincare trend. It means understanding what the skin needs and choosing care that is backed by science and dermatological expertise.

“We are committed to helping more Filipinos achieve healthy skin by changing how they choose clinically proven skin care,” said Mark Sarmiento, Business Unit Head for Cetaphil. “As a sensitive skin expert and category leader, Cetaphil brings skin science and dermatological expertise through products that consistently work to add more value to consumers’ health and wellness journey.”

Don’t compromise your skin health with quick fixes

For Cetaphil Brand Ambassador Anne Curtis, making intentional skincare choices has become especially important as her skin navigates the demands of a busy lifestyle—from long days on set and frequent makeup application to changing environments.

“There’s so much going on online, so it’s important to know that the brand you’re using is something you can trust because it is certified by experts,” said Anne. “Don’t compromise your skin health with quick fixes or following trends. You deserve to take care of your own skin, but it’s also important to educate yourself about what’s available.”

Dr. Chesca Quinio-Calayag also adds that having healthy skin isn't about doing the longest routine or chasing every new ingredient that comes out. “It’s more about choosing products that are proven to work, gentle enough to protect your skin barrier, and effective enough that you don't have to keep replacing products that disappoint you,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sella Umali-Adasa reminded consumers to stop consuming products that leave adverse reactions. She explains, “Healthy skin shouldn't come at the expense of irritation. If your skincare constantly leaves your skin feeling tight, stinging, or uncomfortable, that's not something you should simply accept as normal.”

The mission also emphasizes the importance of understanding that healthy skin is not always perfect. According to Abe Mationg, Head of Marketing for Cetaphil, consumers should feel empowered to make choices based on their skin’s needs. “It’s mainly about making informed choices and listening to experts. All of us are different, so our skin isn’t perfect all the time. Sometimes you wake up feeling differently about your skin. But what’s important is to be gentle with yourself and have the right skincare for your skin type,” said Abe.

The National Healthy Skin Mission at SM Makati is open to the public until August 31, offering interactive installations, dermatologist consultations, and science-led approach skincare guidance.

Learn more about dermatologist-certified care by following Cetaphil PH on Instagram and Facebook. Cetaphil products are available nationwide at Watsons and SM Beauty stores, or online via Watsons Online.

2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair to showcase the modern Philippine coconut industry

The Philippine coconut industry takes center stage at the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair, which will bring together approximately 300 coconut micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the country from August 26 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

More than a marketplace for traditional coconut products, the five-day fair will showcase how Filipino entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, government agencies, and industry partners are transforming one of the country's most important agricultural resources into innovative, sustainable, and increasingly diverse products and business opportunities.

The fair will bring greater visibility to initiatives supporting the development of the coconut industry and promote closer collaboration among government agencies and industry stakeholders.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry's Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (DTI-BMDPO), the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair will feature 300 coconut MSMEs offering food and non-food products from different regions of the country.

From familiar coconut-based food products to new applications in health and wellness, personal care, home and lifestyle, the exhibition will demonstrate how enterprises are moving further into value-added production, product innovation, improved packaging, and new markets.

The fair also brings together implementing agencies of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), led by the Philippine Coconut Authority, to highlight programs, services, technologies, research outputs, and accomplishments supporting coconut farmers and other industry stakeholders.

CFIDP implementing agencies will maintain information desks throughout the event, providing visitors and beneficiaries with opportunities to learn about government programs and engage directly with the agencies involved in coconut industry development.

Special features will offer visitors different ways to discover the versatility and potential of the Philippine coconut industry. The CocoBar Café will showcase innovative coconut- based food and beverages, while the CFIDP Selling and Showcase Area and Product

Pavilions will feature diverse, value-added coconut products from participating MSMEs. The CFIDP Pavilion and CFIDP Implementing Agencies area will highlight government programs, services, and support for farmers, MSMEs, and other industry stakeholders, demonstrating the many opportunities across the coconut value chain.

Four days of business talks and cooking demonstrations will complement the exhibition, bringing industry knowledge, entrepreneurship, product applications, and market trends to the fair stage.

Market development will also be a key part of the event. Through Business Connect, participating cocopreneurs will have opportunities to meet institutional buyers and prospective market partners in targeted business-matching sessions designed to turn product exposure into potential orders and longer-term commercial relationships.

The 2026 edition builds on last year's performance. The 2025 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair generated Php96.9 million in total sales for 213 participating cocopreneurs. This year, participation expands to 300 coconut MSMEs, giving more enterprises access to consumers, buyers, market information, and potential business partners.

For visitors, the fair is a chance to see, taste, and discover just how far the Philippine coconut industry has come. From innovative products and new technologies to the enterprises and communities behind them, the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair brings the industry’s possibilities to life and invites the public to be part of its continuing growth.

 

The legend continues as Engelbert Humperdinck brings The Celebration Tour 2026 to Manila

 

Music lovers are in for an unforgettable evening as Engelbert Humperdinck returns to the Philippines for The Legend Continues... Engelbert Humperdinck The Celebration Tour 2026, taking place on September 25, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City. The highly anticipated concert gives Filipino fans the chance to experience one of the world's most enduring and beloved performers live on stage.

For over six decades, Engelbert Humperdinck has captivated audiences across generations with his signature voice, heartfelt performances, and timeless repertoire. With over 150 million records sold worldwide, he remains one of the most recognizable figures in popular music and continues to draw audiences around the globe.

His remarkable career is marked by an impressive collection of classic hits that have stood the test of time. Songs such as Release Me, Am I That Easy to Forget, Quando Quando Quando, A Man Without Love, The Last Waltz, and Spanish Eyes have become cherished favorites for listeners everywhere, earning Humperdinck a lasting place in music history.

Audiences attending The Celebration Tour can expect an evening that honors Humperdinck's extraordinary legacy while showcasing the artistry that continues to define his career. The concert will feature beloved classics alongside selections connected to his recent studio work, including music from All About Love, which revisits treasured songs from the Great American Songbook.

Humperdinck has also expressed his fondness for performing in Asia, sharing his appreciation for the warmth and enthusiasm of audiences across the region and his excitement to return to the Philippines this September.

Presented as a celebration of a career that has inspired generations of fans, The Legend Continues... Engelbert Humperdinck The Celebration Tour 2026 promises an evening filled with nostalgia, romance, and the timeless music that has made him a global icon.

The Legend Continues... Engelbert Humperdinck The Celebration Tour 2026 takes place on September 25, 2026, at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City. Tickets are available through TicketNet.