MANILA, Philippines — Roxanne Lapus has proven that her love for the theater can’t be doubted.

She admits that she was never a big fan of the musical, to the point she swore that should the opportunity present itself, she would never direct it. But then life has a way of making you take back your words, and that’s exactly what happened to Roxanne after she received a phone call from Christine Manalang of Ultimate Entertainment, asking if she would agree to direct the play.

“Primarily, as a person, I prefer dark plays like ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Les Miserables.’ I found ‘The Sound of Music’ too wholesome and family-oriented,” she said.

But she agreed to do it, and that decision has rekindled her love for the theater.

In school, Roxanne headed the drama guilds of her schools. Upon graduation, she directed her first dinner-theater play, “Lovers and Other Strangers,” which was SRO in all its performances.

For about 10 years, Roxanne, through SRO Philippines, produced different plays with the Intercon Hotel as the group’s base.

“There’s nothing like a play,” says Roxanne, who has been tapped to direct the local staging of “The Sound of Music,” which stars Joanna Ampil and Cris Villongco alternating in the role of Maria, and Audie Gemora and Ed Feist starring as Captain Von Trapp.

She is also directing “Kundirana: Kuwarenta Na, The Men, The Music and The Mission” slated Nov. 12 at the CCP.

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‘Ang Dating Daan’ turns 31

Known today as more than just a religious show, the longest-running TV program, “Ang Dating Daan,” is turning 31 today, Oct. 31, 2011.

The Ang Dating Daan (ADD) has become a by-word in public service for many Filipinos.

This program has come a long way after three decades, starting as a 30-minute radio program in 1980 over DWWA. “Ang Dating Daan,” hosted by Bro. Eliseo Soriano, was eventually also aired in other AM radio stations including DZME, DWAD, DZRD, and DZXQ.

The title, “Ang Dating Daan,” was derived from Jeremiah 6:16. The program is presently being running under UNTV channel.

The program is being broadcast today in territories as far the continents of Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. “Ang Dating Daan” is now translated into different languages such as in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.

On a daily basis, ADD and UNTV are giving free significant services to the public with medical consultations that go with free medicines, as well as legal consultations. Free jeepney and bus rides are on the busy road of Metro Manila for the convenience of daily commuters.

All of these services are being performed with ADD’s media partner, UNTV “Your Public Service Channel” under the supervision of “Kuya” Daniel Razon.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 31, go to Ms. Annabella Rama, Christopher de Leon, former Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Tessie Tomas, Liza Lorena, former QC Vice Mayor Connie Angeles, Francisco Gomez de Liano, Marites Sapigao, Rene Bisquera, Willy Narvacan, Marie Pantojan, Atty. Ed Gaddi, Grace Tamayo, Boyet Pasco, Andre Freiderick T. Alisuag, Conrado Giron, Manny Zamora, Luz Sanchez and director Rory B. Quintos...