Erik Santos and Rachelle Ann Go (inset)

MANILA, Philippines — Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is set to premiere tomorrow night, the first time the well-loved musical is shown outside Broadway. For its Manila run, the cast is led by Erik Santos and Rachelle Ann Go.

Atlantis Productions and Metrobank are presenting the musical based on the 1989 animated film of the same title at the Meralco Theatre from Nov. 18 to Dec. 11.

“The Little Mermaid” features some of Disney’s most popular songs including “Part Of Your World,” “Kiss The Girl” and the Academy Award-winning (Best Original Song) “Under The Sea” by the song-writing team of eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. New songs by Menken and Glenn Slater plus a book by Tony Award-winning playwright Dough Wright will also be featured in the stage adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.

Rachelle Ann stars as Ariel while Erik plays Prince Eric. This stage version is directed by Bobby Garcia (“In The Heights,” “Next to Normal,” etc.) and Chari Arespacochaga (“Aida,” “Legally Blonde”).

Unique band to be launched

We discovered a unique band recently that impressed us. Called Ynstynk, the members – except for one – are fellow Ilocanos (from Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur) and that’s why we felt so proud of them.

The seven-member high energy band was signed up recently by Elto Productions. Their launching concert will be on Nov. 26 at April Boy Regino’s thanksgiving concert at the Marikina Sports Center. The event launches Ynstynk’s debut album produced by Live X Music.

The band members – Kimpee, Joey, John, Inyaki, Ron, Eich and Kenneth said now they could share their brand of music – pop, R&B, alternative, love songs – to more people. Their album consists of 10 tracks.

They also want to offer their compositions to other artists. They admit that not all of their compositions suit them.

While waiting for their big break, they put up a recording studio in Caloocan City.

Araneta lights giant Christmas tree 

In partnership with Coke, Araneta Center signaled the start of the holidays with the Christmas tree lighting held Nov. 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Open Parking grounds.

The lighting ceremony was led by Araneta Group Vice Chair Mrs. Judy Araneta Roxas.

Celebrities at the event were Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Enchong Dee, and Joseph Marco, Jessy Mendiola, Empress Schuck, Arron Villaflor, Kris Bernal, Steven Silva, Rocco Nacino, Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Ryza Cenon, Diva Montelaba, Sef Caydona, and Spongecola.

Other activities: Different chorale groups singing your favorite Christmas carols daily until Dec. 31 at Farmers’ Plaza, Ali Mall, and Gateway Mall; unveiling of this year’s Belen at the Farmers’ Market on Nov. 18; and the presentation of Electric Parade on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 6, and 10.

Also, be regaled by 1,000 voices, a 60-piece orchestra under the baton of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab at “Sang Libo’t ‘Sang Tinig ng Pasko, Araneta Center Christmas Special” with Piolo Pascual, KC Concepcion, and Lea Salonga on Nov. 19 at the Araneta Coliseum. Disney on Ice “Let’s Celebrate,” from Dec. 25 to Jan. 3.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 17, go to former PCSO Chairman and Director Manoling Morato, Lala Montelibano, Lillian Pickard, Ibana Henson, Lita Ramos, Imelda P. Sarmiento, Marivic Solomon Fulgar, Mildred Valderama, Liezl Veloso, David M. Santos, Lyra de Vera, Jacques Fereira, Josie Manago of GMA-7, Richie Primicias, Elizabeth M. Gerilla of Marilao Bulacan, Vicki dela Rea Euton of La Mirada, CA, Maloli Espinosa, Gail Stephanie C. Maderazo, Anecito “Sonny” Y. Macahindog, Othello Mendoza, BPI Fairview Manager, and MB food columnist Sol Jose Vanzi…