MANILA, Philippines -- It’s interesting to note GMA Artist Center stars coming together on the first day of Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai’s” run at the Big Top Tent at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.

It was an indication that such intangible aspects as creativity, strength and flexibility are indeed present in the world-class circus act, and that they don’t fail to draw even in the most discriminating of artists and spectators.

“Varekai,” presented by Manila Hotel and Banco de Oro with Sun Life Financial as its official sponsor, is now on its last few days (until July 24).

Spotted at the much-acclaimed Canadian-based show were GMAAC talents Iza Calzado, Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, Frencheska Farr, Maricris Garcia, Jonalyn Viray, Rich Asuncion, Gwen Zamora, and Marvin Kiefer who were among those applauding wildly the 13-magical acts from the 130-strong performers making up “Varekai.”

“Varekai” has definitely captured the hearts of Filipino audiences with its fantastical creatures, enchanting music, colorful costumes and unique acts like the Icarian Games, Aerial Straps, Russian Swings and Georgian Dance. Below are some quips about the show from celebrities:

“Unbelievable. At least once in your life, you have to watch a Cirque show” – Luis Manzano, actor/TV host. “Varekai took our breath away” – Ricky Lo, columnist-TV host; “Dergin Tokmak of ‘Varekai Cirque du Soliel… thank you for the inspiration you’ve given me… ‘Varekai’ is an experience!” – Gary Valenciano; “Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Varekai’ is one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. It is sheer genius and absolutely brilliant! Everyone has to come out and watch it” – Anton San Diego, editor of Philippine Tattler.

For tickets, visit the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapitteau, or log on to www.hoopla.ph or www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Veteran theatre persons honored Wednesday

The country’s so-called “Living Treasures of Philippine Theatre” will be honored Wednesday, the culmination of the 1st Philippine International University Theatre Association, during rites to be held at the Miriam College at 4 p.m.

Nick Lizaso, executive director of the IUTA event, said the honorees include Ms. Naty Crame-Rogers, Jess Peralta, Jose Mari Avellana (posthumously), Fr. James Reuter, SJ, Onofre Pagsanjan, Ms. Amelia Lapena-Bonifacio, Alberto Florentino, Ms. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Ms. Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, Ms. Babay Barredo, Ms. Joy Virata, Teddy Hilado, Salvador Bernal, Tony Mabesa, Ms. Celia Diaz-Laurel and Ms. Rustica Carpio.

Nokia Phils. hosts ‘Transformers’ premiere

Nokia Phils. hosted the Greenbelt 3 Cinema premiere of “Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon,” which was a fitting venue for the unveiling of Nokia’s latest entertainment smartphone that promises a whole new kind of viewing experience for mobile users.

Among the celebrities who were spotted at the premiere (KC Montero hosted the program) including “Showtime” host Vhong Navarro, Rocksteddy’s Teddy Corpuz, music icons Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal and model-actor Victor Aliwalas. Joining them were Nokia execs Nikka Abes, corporate communications manager; Aveline Siy, head of marketing; Jessica Toe-Hio, head of care; Mike Smith, device portfolio manager; Corinne Bacani, services marketing manager; Jonica Pena, Felyn Ong and Lissa Boluso, marketing managers.

TCL is ‘Transformer’ international promoter

Michael Bay, director of “Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon,” personally chose to team up with TCL as the film’s international promotion. Together with Paramount Pictures, Bay handpicked TCL as the international promotion partner because of its creative and highly impressive innovations in Intelligent 3D TV technology.

Michelle Yao, president of TCL North America, the US subsidiary of TCL Multimedia, Inc., the cooperation with Paramount and Michael was not accidental while TCL Group Executive Liangqi Chun of Brand Management Center, said in an interview that TCL’s partnership in “Transformers 3”s main purpose is to promote its Intelligent 3D TV.

As Asia’s pioneer maker of premium home entertainment solutions, earning the exclusive promotional partnership rights for the sci-fi adventure film is a huge opportunity for TCL to break into the international market, particularly in the US. For this, Michelle Mao said “we are extremely ecited about TCL’s partnership with Paramount. It will create great exposure for our brand around the globe.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Wednesday, July 20, go to socialite Ms. Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas, Raymart Santiago and wife Claudine Barretto, Jorge Araneta, Agot Isidro-Sandejas, LA-based Anjanette Abayari, Ms. Zenaida Tantoco, Mrs. Nenita Evans, Dr. Mely Europa, Ser Alcantara, Butch Victoriano, Vice Consul Ron Castro, Tess Pamintuan, Dennis Ladaw, Biboy Ramirez, Bebong Muñoz, Rayver Cruz, Mrs. Gloria Roco and Dr. Emil C. Yap III, MB’s EVP-Advertising Department… “Patikul,” one of the finalists to the Directors Showcase on the 2011 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, will be screened today at 1:30 p.m. at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 5, tomorrow at 12:45 p.m.at CCP MKP Hall; on July 22 at 9 p.m. at CCP Thanghalang Batute; on July 23 at 3:30 p.m. at CCP Main Theater and 9 p.m. at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 3; and on July 24, 1:30 p.m. at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 5… Solenn Heussaff led the pack of partygoers during the recent debut of Ginebra San Miguel’s Antonov Vodka Mixed Drink of which she is endorser. Solenn also charmed the guests with a soulful serenade. Aside from being model and actress, she is also a singer, and has recently launched her debut album under MCA Music…