Ballet Philippines' Alice in Wonderland at The Theatre at Solaire (Paranaque City, Metro Manila)

 

Ballet Philippines' Alice in Wonderland

As part of Ballet Philippines’ (BP) 56th season, BP will present a full-length ballet adaptation of  “Alice in Wonderland,” choreographed by BP’s multi award-winning artist , choreographer and Artistic Director, Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk (a star dancer of the Kremlin Ballet Theatre), this coming December5-7, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire. 

Mikhail "Misha" Martynyuk

Martynyuk's version  portrays Wonderland as a "labyrinth of Alice's thoughts, memories and imaginations." For him, Alice in Wonderland is more than a reinterpretation of a classic - it is an exploration of the limitless creativity that defines ballet.  He explains, "In Alice, I wanted to create a world where movement tells the story beyond words.  Through choreography, mime and expression, we invite audiences to feel the humor, absurdity and heart that make Wonderland so unforgettable"

Ms. Katleen Liechtenstein

Ms. Kathleen Liechtenstein, President of Ballet Philippines, shares, "As we continue to evolve Ballet Philippines' artistic journey, Alice in Wonderland represents our ongoing mission to celebrate imagination, courage and the joy of discover.  It also reflects our deeper purpose - to bring Filipino talent and artistry to the forefront of the global stage, showcasing how collaboration between world-class artists like Mikhail Martinyuk and our homegrown dancers creates a uniquely inspiring expression of creativity and excellence."

This festive and enchanting original holiday production comes to life with playful choreography, surreal sets and a captivating score. A spellbinding journey for audiences of all ages, Alice in Wonderland is the perfect holiday escape into wonder and delight. Performances are scheduled for December 5 at 8:00 PM, December 6 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and December 7 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketworld. 

Part of the gala cast of Alice in Wonderland

This new take on the magical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic and timeless story is set in a vibrant and whimsical world where logic bends and imagination take center stage, whisking audiences down the rabbit hole and into a land filled with zany characters, mad tea parties, flamingo croquet, and tap-dancing playing cards.  

Handed down from one generation to the next—not just in Carroll’s cherished books (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass) but in more than thirty stage versions and countless films. 

Jenina Reyes-Ocampo

It brings together all the colorful characters namely the ever-curious Alice (played Ms. Jemina Reyes-Ocampo, on December 5, and Ms. Danielle Kleiner and Ms. Nicole Barroso, on December 6), the eccentric Mad Hatter (played by Mr. Peter San Juan), the frantic White Rabbit (played by Mr. Eduardson Evangelio, on December 5, and Mr. Mark Anthony Balucay, on December 6), the bumbling twins Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (played by Mr. Emmerson Evangelio and Mr. Alexis Piel, on December 5, Mr. Eduardson Evangelio and Mr. Carlo Padoga, on December 6), the mysterious Cheshire Cat (played by Ms. Gia Gequinto, on December 5, and Ms. Clarise Miranda, on December 6), and of course, the domineering Queen of Hearts (played by Ms. Ma. Regina Magbitang, on December 5 and 6, and Ms. Jemina Reyes-Ocampo, on December 6). 

Other characters, played by the gala cast members, include the Dormouse (played by Ms. Joanne Sartorio-Guillermo, on December 5, and Ms.  Gia Gequinto, on December 6), the King of Hearts (played by Mr. Emmanuel Guillermo), the Prince (played by Mr. Rudolf Capongcol, on December 5, and Mr. Ian Ocampo, on December 6), the Duchess (played by Ms. Krystn Janicek), the Mad Rabbit (played by Mr. Carlo Padoga, on December 5, and Mr. Carl Lacaba and Mr. Earvin Guillermo, on December 6),  the Caterpillar (played by Mr. Rudolf Capongcol, on December 6) and the Lead Flowers (played by Ms. Danielle Kleiner and Ms. Nicole Barroso, on December 5, and Mr. Eduardson Evangelio and Mr. Carlo Padoga, on December 6). 

For accessible seating, contact mobile numbers (0917) 550-6997 or (0999) 954-5922 or email tickets@ticketworld.com.ph.  To avail of tickets with Senior Citizen, PWD, Diplomat discount, visit their outlets. Tickets are non-transferrable.  Please come in proper attire. You can wear smart casual or more formal outfits, depending on the show.

Please do not wear slippers or flip flops, shorts, tank tops, sleeveless undershirts worn without a blazer or a coat, or sportswear. Otherwise, The Theatre staff cannot let you in.  Theatre doors open 30 minutes before the show. Late-comers will be allowed to enter The Theatre at a suitable time in the performance.

Casa Alegria Conferred as a UN Peace Center (Tagaytay City, Cavite)

 

United Nations Association Peace Center Conferment at Casa Alegria

Last October 18, 2025, in celebration of the United Nations' 80th Anniversary, the charming, 2-star, pet-friendly Casa Alegria Bed & Breakfast, a sanctuary for rest and regeneration as well as a living platform for peace and sustainability, shone on the global stage as it was conferred the distinction of a United Nations Association Peace Center by the United Nations.  Celebrating its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and peace-building, this designation highlights the property's focus on sustainable living and environmental regeneration within its forest-like setting.

 

Casa Alegria Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay by Cocotel

In line with this milestone, Casa Alegria will also be acknowledged as a Global Citizens Hub of the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC)—a place where leaders, innovators, and communities can gather to nurture dialogue, foster cooperation, and advance shared futures. Moreover, in light of the exemplary leadership and transformative contributions it's founder and owner, outdoor advertising magnate Mr. Alvin M. Carranza, a staunch, environmentalist and visionary, has been invited to serve as a member of the Advisory Board of the World Changers Academy (WCA).

 

From L-R: Casa Alegria General Manager Ms. Joan Karen Vallesteros (receiving award in behalf of Mr. Alvin M. Carranza), PRO - UN Global Citizens Ms. Ma Leonila Garcia, Global UNAP Young Professionals President Dr. Dary E. Dacanay and Global UNAP President Mr. Roderick C. Cruz

Poised to become a legacy movement for nurturing global citizens and future-ready leaders, WCA would surely benefit from Sir Alvin's wisdom and experience serving as invaluable guide to CWA's direction and impact. This dual recognition celebrates Casa Alegria not only as a sanctuary of rest and regeneration, but as a living platform for peace, sustainability, and global citizenship. Together, they will affirm Casa Alegria’s new role and mission as a beacon of hope.

 

Leaders from civil society, business, academe, faith groups, international organizations and representatives from government

This special celebratory gathering of unity included leaders from civil society, business, and academe; faith groups; international organizations; representatives from government; and members from online and print media. The presence of these diverse sectors will underscore the importance of this recognition and highlight Casa Alegria as a beacon of unity and renewal.

 

Swearing an oath for peace

Casa Alegria, a small but quiet retreat nestled on a steep hill directly facing the world famous Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, is more than a place to stay. Nestled in a lush, forest-like setting, it offers peace and a place to enjoy the all-time cool and fresh air of Tagaytay. With 8 well-appointed rooms, a dining area where breakfast and dinner are served, an infinity pool and a jacuzzi, all overlooking Taal Lake, it is an ideal place for big families, friends, and buddies.

 

Taal Volcano and Lake

Casa Alegria Bed & Breakfast: 4120 Ligaya Drive, Brgy. Sungay North Tagaytay, Talisay, Batangas.  Mobile number: (0928) 848-3061 and 0917 307 7462. Email: casaalegriabnb@gmail.com.

Hotel and Inn Review: Casa Alegria Tagaytay Bed and Breakfast (Tagaytay City, Cavite)

 

Date of Stay: October 17 to 18, 2025

 

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: *******

Rooms: ******

Condition and Cleanliness: ******

Staff Performance: ******

Room Comfort: *******

Food and Beverage: *******

Other Amenities: *******

Value for Money: *******

 

Casa Alegria Tagaytay Bed and Breakfast

Last October 18, 2025, in celebration of the United Nations' 80th Anniversary, I, as well as other media guests, covered the conferment of the distinction of a United Nations Association Peace Center, by the United Nations, to the charming, 2-star, pet-friendly Casa Alegria Tagaytay Bed and Breakfast the, a sanctuary for rest and regeneration as well as a living platform for peace and sustainability. 

Check out “Casa Alegria Conferred as a UN Peace Center”

 

Room 7 (Agoncillo)

From its location on a steep hill, the property, formerly a family resthouse of outdoor advertising magnate Mr. Alvin M. Carranza (he also owns Casa Alegria in Antipolo and the 12-hectare Melba’s Farm in Talisay City, Negros Occidental), a staunch, environmentalist and visionary, was turned into a bed and breakfast in 2010. It offers scenic and stunning views of the world-famous Taal Volcano and Lake. It has eight well-appointed airconditioned rooms. 

 

View of Taal Lake and Volcano from our room

The guys, including me, stayed at the 36 sq. m. King Suite (Agoncillo), at the second floor, which has 1 king-size bed, a SMART TV with home theater system and a water massage bathtub. (Php7,000 on weekdays and Php8,000 on weekends).  From the foot of the bed, as well as the sofa, we had a great view of the volcano and lake.  The ladies stayed at the Family Room which has one bedroom with a queen-size bed and 2 single beds (Php5,000 on weekdays and Php6,000 on weekends). 

 

Family Room

Other rooms include the 20 sq. m. Standard Queen Room (Room 2), at the second floor, has 1 king-size bed and a glass wall that opens up to a veranda (Php4,200 on weekdays and Php5,200 on weekends). The 20 sq. m. Deluxe Queen Room (Room 5), located at the lower right corner of the building, has a small sofa, dining table and a garden view (Php3,800 on weekdays and Php4,800 on weekends).

 

Roofdeck dining area

Wooden deck, with seating area, around a tree

The 30 sq. m. Superior Queen Room has a 1 king-size bed, a SMART TV with home theater system and a water massage bathtub. (Php7,000 on weekdays and Php8,000 on weekends). The Standard Room (Room 4, Taal), on the ground floor, has quick access to the swimming pool area (Php4,200 on weekdays and Php5,200 on weekends).  Other rooms are the Queen Room A, Quadruple Room and Twin Room.  All rates include free daily breakfast.

 

The infinity pool

There's also a rooftop dining area, for breakfast and dinner, also with a view of Taal Lake and Volcano.  Our dinner (bulalo, crispy pata and pinakbet) that evening was delicious and filling.  Its other amenities include , an infinity pool, a sauna, a foosball table and a jacuzzi, making it suitable for group stays.  It offers daily housekeeping, van rental and free parking. 

 

The sauna and foosball table

Casa Alegria Tagaytay is located 1.3 kms. from Tagaytay Picnic Grove, 1.48 kms. from Museo Orlina, 2.31 kms. from Our Lady of Manaoag Tierra de Maria, 4.92 kms. from Taal Lake, 4.47 kms. from People’s Park in the Sky, 6.13 kms. from Sky Ranch Tagaytay, 6.96 kms. from Ayala Malls Serin and 9.5 kms. from Puzzle Mansion Bed & Breakfast.

 

Media guests. L-R: Ted Pelaez, George Buid, Ann Esternon, the author, Elvira Altez and Ma. Leonila Garcia

Casa Alegria Tagaytay Bed and Breakfast: 4120 Ligaya Drive,Labak, Brgy. Sungay North, Tagaytay City, 4107 Cavite.  Mobile number: (0928) 848-3061 and 0917 307 7462. Email: casaalegriabnb@gmail.com.

Online Book Launch of Halo-Halo Ecologies: The Emergent Environments behind Filipino Food (Philippines)

 

Halo-Halo Ecologies: The Emergent Environments behind Filipino Food, a labor of love of two passionate editors, 16 brilliant authors, one gifted artist, and a super supportive and organized university press, is finally out!  The first of its kind, this book, a multi-layered gastro-ecological discourse book on Filipino food, brings together a transnational community of food enthusiasts, engaged scholars, and social and environmental activists to set the table for a new canon in Philippine and Filipino/Filipinx studies and, more broadly, in food studies.

 

Online book launch

Here in the country, a virtual online book launch was held last October 3, Friday, 3–5 PM HST, and October 4, Saturday, 9–11 AM PHT.  Speakers included the book’s editors Dr. Alyssa Paredes, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan, and Dr. Marvin Joseph F. Montefrio, an associate professor of social sciences (environmental studies) at Yale-NUS College in Singapore.

Dr. Marvin Joseph F. Montefrio and Dr. Alyssa Paredes

Also in attendance as their panel were Ms. Felice Prudente Sta. Maria (non-fiction author, internationally awarded cultural heritage advocate and food historian), Ms. Giney Villar (Executive Chef, food historian, blogger and writer) and Mr. Paolo Ven B. Paculan (educator, historian, writer and Filipino language teacher) sahred their comments and insights. CSEAS Director Dr. Miriam T. Stark and Consul-General Mr. Arman R. Talbo delivered the opening remarks.  Dr. Pia Arboleda (University of Hawai'i Momoa, Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures) moderated the entire session.

 The event was hosted by the Philippine Consulate-General in Honolulu in partnership with the University of Hawai‘i Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) and Mama Sita Foundation. 

 The book, part of the Food in Asia and the Pacific series, was published by the University of Hawai'i Press last April 30 of this year.  Mr. Aldy Aguirre created the book cover art and illustrations. Aside from Paredes and Montefrio, joining the online launch were the 16 co-authors namely:

• Anacorita O. Abasolo 
• Inigo Acosta 
• Maria Carinnes Alejandria
• Tami Alvarez
• Mary Jill Ira A. Banta 
• Jose Kervin Cesar B. Calabias 
• Dana M. Collins 
• Adrian De Leon 
• Katrina Beatrice David Jacinto 
• Nicolo Paolo P. Ludovice 
• Orven Mallari 
• Anthony D. Medrano
• Cla D. Ruzol 
• Joshua Ezekiel C. Sales 
• Thea Kersti C. Tandog 
• Jessie Varquez

 

A recipe for a new storytelling tradition that combines critical studies of Filipino food and of the environment, it takes as its starting point the metaphor of halo-halo, the iconic dessert and summertime treat of crushed ice, jellies, fruit slices, and ube jam, etc. which food writers and social historians, alike, frequently describe as a symbol of Filipino cultural identity for the ways it mixes local and foreign ingredients into a concoction now readily recognized as typically “Pinoy.” Halo-halo is also a product of Philippine ecosystems.  In an ever evolving and highly politicized foodscape, it represents an eclectic blend of environmental tales.

 In 294 pages and twelve chapters, the contributors complicate cultural icons, like Jollibee Chickenjoy and the sari-sari store, and bring these into conversation with the scavenging practices of informal settlements in Manila and the agroecological practices of indigenous lumad schools. They reveal new challenges in landscapes spanning the mountainous frontiers of Northern Luzon, the carceral spaces of urban Manila; the disaster-prone coastal communities of the Visayas; the hunger-stricken plantation zones of Mindanao, the ever-changing tides of the archipelago’s waterways, and the invisibilized ecologies of the diaspora. These are the emergent environments behind Filipino food, and they compel us to reimagine what, how, and why we eat.

 Mr. Krishnendu Ray, author of The Migrant's Table and The Ethnic Restaurateur, stated that “This is the most interesting book I have read about postcolonial and transnational gastroecology in terms of its empirical richness and theoretical provocation. Halo-Halo Ecologies’ critical juxtaposition of food and environment gets us around the cliches of mere ethnocentric gourmandism. It is a model for thinking through the complex history and experience of the world we consume (and destroy) to sustain ourselves.”

 Ms. Bettina Makalintal, senior reporter at Eater.com, added that “As Filipino cuisine and culture continue to gain global attention, Halo-Halo Ecologies provides an essential new perspective. While conversations about Filipino cuisine in the diaspora tend to focus on food as a symbol of cultural identity, this book implores us to broaden our scope. It's a crucial reminder of how vulnerable our foodways are and how much our connection to the land matters.”

 According to Mr. Saturnino M. Borras Jr., co-author of Scholar-Activism and Land Struggles, “This trailblazing book is framed, argued, and written in a compelling and extraordinarily accessible manner, making otherwise heavy to digest topics easy and appetizing to engage. A tour de force, it will proudly stand alongside classic books on Filipino culture and society.”

 Finally, Mr. Patricio N. Abinales, of University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, added “The painful irony of this book is that along with the pride over the internationalization of Filipino cuisine, one strongly felt in the diaspora, is the suffering of those back home as corporate greed, militarism, and the genetic modification of food continue the ecological devastation of their foodways. This intrepid group of scholars asks us to take a pause and consider the increasingly fraught histories behind our most cherished dishes.”