MANILA, Philippines – Theater actress Ima Castro draws her excellence in stage acting from pain, for she has experienced a kind of suffering most haven’t.

Though she can still afford to joke about her separation from a “loved one,” she said “I have been moving on!”

A proof of this is her return to the Philippines to play the lead role in the musical “Aida,” an Atlantis Productions which mounts the stage from June 24 to July 10 at the Carlos Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Ima stayed in London where she was active in theater. While she is a successful stage artist, somehow, true love has always eluded her.

“Maybe I will be staying most of the time in the Philippines,” she said. After “Aida,” she will go back to London to settle things so that she could focus more on her stay in the Philippines.

Ima plays Aida, the Nubian Princess who falls in love with her captor and is soon caught between love and duty to her country. “‘Aida’ is a brilliant piece of musical theater. And it is such a great reason to come home. I am very excited,” Ima who for 10 years played Kim in “Miss Saigon” in Australia, Asia and the UK said.

“Aida,” by Elton John and Tim Rice, is a Tony Award-winning musical that will surely leave audiences in Manila the indelible memory of beautiful songs, soaring voices and a haunting love story. Completing the “Aida” love triangle is Almneris, the Egyptian Princess engaged to Radames played by Rachel Alejandro.

Also in the cast is Hajji Alejandro who plays Zoser, chief minister of Egypt and father of Radames. For the first time, he appears on stage with daughter Rachel. “Performing with her in ‘Aida’ is a dream-come-true,” Hajji said.

• • •
Duncan in 1st major concert

Duncan Ramos, dubbed the “Knight of R&B,” has made countless performances in the past but only tonight will he star in his own solo concert.

Titled “Unleashing the Knight,” it will be held at 10 p.m. at Zirkoh along Tomas Morato, QC. Joining him on stage are his good friends Luke Mejares and Jimmy Bondoc, fellow “ASAP” Sessionista Sitti, his equally talented sister Gem Ramos, Prima Diva Billy, singing general Benjie Belarmino Jr. and Ai Ai de las Alas.

We heard over the radio that Duncan was expecting Gary Valenciano to guest too (after all, Duncan was a Manila Genesis Entertainment talent) but he was told he is out of the country. Duncan was then told that Gary is actually here so understandably, Duncan felt bad about it.

Anyway, about his concert tonight produced by Jobert Sucaldito, Duncan said he had always dreamed of doing his own major solo concert but remained apprehensive until now.

Jobert said he’s always been a big fan of Duncan’s. “He’s a great artist and he dances well, too. Performer talaga.”

“Unleashing the Knight” is made possible by People’s General Insurance Corp., Mang Inasal Main, Mang Inasal West Ave. and Marketplace Kalentong branches, Neal Gonzalez, Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon, Isabela Gov. Bojie Dy and Laguna Gov. E.R. Ejercito.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 25, go to Philip Yalong, SVP-Corporate Services of GMA Network; Efren Reyes, comedian Chokoleit, Philip Cuazon Jr., Nini Chipeco, California-based Ryan Joshua Belen, Jennifer Nicolas, Marilu Slotta of Jamaican General Hospital in New York, USA; and editor-columnist Nestor Cuartero... Happy wedding anniversary to Dick and Flora Orense...