From left, Emmie Velarde, Bambi Verso, Alicia Herrera, Crispina Martinez-Belen, Bot Glorioso, with George Bassil, managing director Australian Tours and Holiday.

MANILA, Philippines -- Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, in partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL), recently sent us (together with other Manila journalists) to Sydney, Australia for a special preview of the current concert spectacular “The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber” at the Lyric Theatre Star City. To say the least, we were astounded with the stunning performances by the finest Australian theatrical performers as they relive Webber’s 14 most timeless Broadway hits.

In addition to this spectacular theatre experience of listening to Webber’s timeless songs which director Stuart Maunder has compiled for the musical (to be staged starting June 24 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines), we were treated by PAL to an informative city tour that had us visiting famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Bondi Beach and the Chinese Garden of Friendship. The city tour was capped by a majestic cruise around Sydney’s coastal attractions that went with sumptuous lunch.

If we had an interesting Sydney City tour, we are grateful to the formidable team of George Bassil, managing director of Australian Tours & Holiday and Gina Gaw, director of sales. We never thought that the unassuming George wasn’t only our driver that day, but also the owner of the tour company. We were also impressed knowing later that he is also a practicing solicitor, barrister and member of the Law Society of New South Wales.

George is the principal partner of the firm George Bassil & Associates.

On the other hand, Gina was into the tour and travel industry in the Philippines for many years before migrating to Australia where she has also made a name as an accomplished inbound travel agency manager. Gina has gained the respect of many outbound travel agents in the Philippines and in other parts of South East Asia.

With over 10,700 Filipino residents living throughout the continent, PAL remains confident its Australia operations will continue to remain robust amidst various challenges.

PAL’s pioneering twice-a-week flights to Sydney in October 1965, using the four-engine DC-8, has evolved to daily service to Sydney and Melbourne using the Airbus A340.

PAL used to fly to other major Australian cities like Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Adelaide and Brisbane.

Arnul Pan, PAL country manager for Australia, is optimistic of the growing market in that country. “PAL’s Australian operations contributed more than $42 million to the flag carrier’s total revenues in fiscal year 2009-2010. The figure is expected to increase to $60 million for the last fiscal year ending March 2011,” Pan said.

PAL recently marked its 70th anniversary with a grand affair at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at the Resorts World Manila.

‘Varekai’ starts Manila run Wednesday

Circque du Soleil’s “Varekai” starts its Manila run today, June 22, at the Quirino Grandstand, and is expected to take spectators into a wonderful world filled with enchantment, breath-taking performances and incredible acrobatic skills. “Varekai,” one of Cirque du Soleil’s Big Top shows, will run until July 24.

This grand event is Manila Hotel’s way of bringing the world and its talents closer to the Filipinos. It is also its opening salvo for its centennial celebration that will culminate in October 2012.

“Varekai” which means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies, is written and directed by Dominic Champagne. This production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, spirit and art of the circus tradition.

The show emerges from an explosive fusion of drama and acrobatics.

“Varekai” introduces an international cast of more than 50 artists representing 23 nationalities: Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakshtan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Serbia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and Ukaraine.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Wednesday, June 22, go to former Senator Jovito Salonga, Atty. Emily Padua of Pagcor, US-based Giselle Toengi, Leo Laud, Corazon Sandico, Jacquelyn Vargas, Evelyn Mateo, Singapore-based Doris Velasco, Virgina Veloria-Delmonte of New York, Dahlia G. Landingin, Atty. Wowee Posadas, Esa Atienza, Rosalina “Baby” Diestro, MB photog Mark Balmones, Pabiana Vinoya, Mico Aytona of Star Magic, and Suzi Entrata-Abrera of GMA-7’s “Unang Hirit.” Happy wedding anniversary to Willy and Jeannie Isberto of Florida… Solenn Heussaff is proving to the the “IT” girl with the many hats she is wearing these days. She is a model, make-up artist, TV host, magazine cover girl and actress. And now she has launched her singing career with an album under MCA Music, the local subsidiary of the worldwide label Universal Music Group.