NATIONAL ARTIST SALVADOR “BADONG” BERNAL PASSES AWAY
SALVADOR "BADONG" BERNAL PASSES AWAY
National Artist for Theater and Design Salvador "Badong" Bernal passed away today. He was 66 years old.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of a great artist," says CCP Vice-President and Artistic Director Chris Millado. "Badong redefined scenic design in the Philippines and was a teacher and mentor to our current crop of designers. He was responsible for creating the beautiful sets and costumes that defined the aesthetics of the various ballet, theater and musical productions at the CCP and other venues," Millado continues. "He will be greatly missed as a theater artist, mentor and friend."
Considered as the Father of Philippine Theater Design, Salvador Floro Bernal produced a brilliant body of works which have enriched Filipino original works in theater, dance and music. Since 1969, Bernal designed more than 300 productions for drama, musicals, operas and concerts such as those for Musical Theater Philippines and Opera Guild of the Philippines. He had designed period costumes for movies like Oro, Plata, Mata and Gumising Ka, Maruja and for TV commercials and calendars. Bernal was known for using indigenous and locally available materials for stage such as bamboo, abaca fabric, hemp twice raw, rattan chain links, and styrofoams in productions such as Rajah Sulayman, Abaniko, La Traviata, Tomaneg at Aniway and Pagkahaba-haba man ng Prusisyon sa Simbahan din ang Tuloy (Much Ado About Nothing). As an acknowledged guru of contemporary Filipino theater design, Bernal created the CCP Production Design Center and organized PATDAT (Philippine Association of Theatre Designers and Technicians) in 1995. As president of PATDAT, which is also the Philippine Center of OISTAT (Organisation Internationale des Scenographes, Techniciens et Architectes du Theatre), Bernal introduced Philippine theater design to the world.
His last CCP production was the musical version of "Banaag at Sikat" with Tanghalang Pilipino. Before his death, Bernal was working on the design of King Lear with PETA to be directed by long time friend and collaborator Felix "Nonon" Padilla.
Salvador Bernal was conferred the National Artist Award in 2003.
Necrological services will be announced later.
‘80289: 80s to the Max’ at Music Museum
THE WEB MAGAZINE: ‘80289: 80s to the Max’ at Music Museum
“80289: 80s Music To The Max” is a grand musical tribute to the 80s which features six of the most iconic OPM artists of the decade namely: Lou Bonnevie, Gino Padilla, Jamie Rivera, Chad Borja, Ella May Saison, and Juan Miguel Salvador.
Lou Bonnevie launched her musical career in 1984 via the concert “Next In Line.” Music lovers remember Lou for rock ballads with such passion that her voice doesn’t only weep, it bleeds! Lou is one of the few female performers who can come up with the same intensity in both vocal prowess and performance. Lou is currently swinging from “live” performing to producing music festivals, concerts, albums, and operas. Working behind the scenes provides the correct pace in her career, giving her room for more creation and inspiration. With her wit, charm, and talent, Lou definitely belongs to a rare breed of artists who live the art and not just cry it out.
Gino Padilla’s big break was in a softdrink commercial that was shot in Hollywood, California where he had a duet with the legendary Tina Turner in Pepsi’s “In The Mood For Movin’.” He then went on to record a toothpaste jingle for Close-up which earned him 2 major Awit Awards: Best in Ballad Recording and Song of the Year. Gino’s greatest hits include “Closer You and I,” “Gusto Kita,” “I Believe In You,” and “Let The Love Begin” which became certified Gold and Platinum.
Jamie Rivera gained worldwide recognition when she played the role of Kim in Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning musicale “Miss Saigon.” Jamie’s actual training began when she joined the Metropolitan Theater Chorus in 1985. She recorded her first full-length studio album under Octo Arts International entitled “Hey, It’s Me” in 1986 and she did five full-length albums for the same label since then. Her hits include “Mahal Naman Kita,” “I’ve Fallen For You,” and “Awit Para Sa Iyo” among many others. Today, Jamie is the country’s undisputed Inspirational Diva, touching the hearts of millions of Filipinos with such songs as “Tanging Yaman” and “Jubilee Song.”
Chad Borja started his career in the 80s as one of the most prominent lead vocalists of several bands such as The New Minstrels, Zee, and Counterpoint Band. His first album “All About Love” produced the hit single “Ikaw Lang” which spawned a blockbuster movie starring Vilma Santos, Ronnie Rickettes, and Cesar Montano. His self-titled follow up album was produced by Richard Merk and was a massive commercial success! After a bout with cancer in 1998, Chad Borja is singing again! Chad was sidelined from performing live for nearly a year due to thyroid cancer. After throat operation and radiation therapy, the balladeer was declared cancer-free and returned to the stage with a series of sold-out performances!
Ella May Saison sings with a powerful voice that captivates her audience. A voice so effective, you will wan tto hear it again and again. Signing since the age of 7, Ella May combines various vocal styles including jazz, gospel, and blues. She started her recording career at 19. Her greatest hits include “Till My Heartache Ends” and “If The Feeling Is Gone” among many others. Her soulful voice earned her the title of “Manila’s Queen of Soul” following her best selling albums “Language of Soul” and “Full of Love, Full of Soul.”
In 1981, Juan Miguel became a finalist during the 4th Metro manila Pop Festival with his original composition, “Magkaisa, Ikaw, Ako, Lahat”, sung by Eugene Villaluz. In 1984 he won a Cecil Award for Best Jazz Composition for his song “Why”, sung by Jacqui Magno.
It was in 1983, Juan Miguel became not just a member/vocalist, but the bands’ Musical Director and keyboardist as well. Of the band called “Rage”. The Rage Band soon became a spear-header and one of the most popular rock acts of the 80’s. The Rage took “live” performing to a different level. In 5 years, they had performed in every major coliseum and theater all over the Philippines; guested in practically every popular TV show; was awarded “Best New Artist” in 1984 by the Guillermo Mendoza Foundation; Was featured in several TV commercials; and had performed in foreign countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and Taiwan. Simply put, Rage is now considered an 80’s Icon.
Toto Gentica , whose musical career traces back to the 80’s with significant collaborations with Gary Valenciano , Kuh ledesma , Zsa Zsa Padilla and Lou Bonnevie will be the show’s music & artistic director.
This 3-hour musical extravaganza will also features a 10 pc band of veteran and current industry players with three lovely back up singers dubbed “Filipinas”. The cast will be supported by ten dancers as it documents the definitive images and sounds of the 80s – from its greatest hits both locally and internationally, a montage of its most memorable movies, the most romantic and thrilling duets, the famed 80s Punk and New Wave genres, the 80s New Romantic Set, the greatest girl groups, as well as songs of the greatest 80s icons among many others. This ultimate 80s musical event culminates with a grand party as powered by the most danceable tunes of the decade!
The concert will also feature surprise guest appearances of some 80’s icons.
“80289: 80s Music To The Max” is brought to you by Dimitri Productions, PAGCOR, Crossover 105.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, CR8V Web Solutions, Inc., WDS Design & Photography, Bonne Vivant Events , Aldrain Advertising and MYX Music Channel. All interested buyers and sponsors may call 2194274 or . Tickets are likewise now available in all Ticketworld outlets and the Music Museum