Performers of ‘Saltimbanco’

MANILA, Philippines — After performing the very exciting and breath-taking “Varekai,” Cirque Du Soleil is coming back to Manila, this time to present its signature production “Saltimbanco” at the Mall of Asia Arena, which is expected to be ready for performances in April of 2012.

“Saltimbanco” will be shown in August 2012 yet but starting on Nov. 30, advance tickets will be available online exclusively to Cirque Club members. Membership to the club is free, just go to www.cirqueclub.com. For the general public, tickets will be available starting Dec. 2 at www.cirquedusoleil.com/saltimbanco, www.hoopla.ph and www.smtickets.com.

Since 1992, “Saltimbanco,” which is Cirque Du Soleil’s longest running touring show, has performed to sell-out audiences in Europe, North and South America, Australia, Japan and New Zealand among other countries.

With a cast of more than 50 high-calibre artists from more than 20 countries, “Saltimbanco” features breathtaking acrobatic acts like the gravity-defying Bungees and Trapeze and seemingly impossible balancing, jumping and spinning.

“Saltimbanco” comes from the Italian “saltare in banco” which literally means “to jump on a bench.”

Cirque Du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to 300 cities on six continents. This year, Cirque Du Soleil will present 22 shows simultaneously around the world. The company has received such awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gemeaux, Felix, and Rose d’Or de Montreux.

2nd Science Film Festival launched

SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union of the Philippines, the Embassy of France, the Goethe-Institut, and ABS-CBN Foundation unreeled the 2nd Science Film Festival at the SM Mall of Asia’s Director’s Club with “Of Forest and Men,” a short film by Yann Artus-Bertrand.

The festival themed “Nurturing the Home of our People” celebrates UNESCO’s declaration of 2011 as the International Year of the Forest, a joint project from the Dept. of Education and Dept. of Science and Technology.

Ricky Lee launches second novel

Award-winning scriptwriter Ricky Lee is set to launch his second novel, “Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata” (originally titled “Aswang”) tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the Skydome, SM North Edsa. The novel is a political satire set in the popular hangout Tomas Morato.

The novel is about Amapola, a gay impersonator who becomes a “manananggal” and is destined to save the Philippines.

Better known as a screenwriter, Ricky Lee has over 160 produced movie scripts to his credit and has won awards for films like “Anak,” “Madrasta,” “Moral” and “Himala.”

Gretchen graces Baume-Mercier exhibit

Gretchen Barretto graced the launch of Baume & Mercier exhibit that showcased its latest collection of elegant timepieces at the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 5.

Gretchen was presented a watch from the brand’s Linea Collection by Christian Bartosh, Baume & Mercier managing director for North East Asia who flew in to Manila for the event.

Highlights of the event were the brand’s reinterpreted winning watch models: Ladies’ Linea and men’s Classima, and Capeland.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 27, go to Consul Millie R. Ablaza, former Sen. Freddie Webb, former PMA Pres. Dr. Primitivo Chua, SM’s Millie Dizon, Barge Ramos, Ronaldo Valdez, Millie Reyes, Dr. Gracia F. Valledor, Emma Cawit, Aaron R. Gabriel, Ofelia S. Angeles, Norman Reyes, Boy Bautista, Virgilio Bonifacio, Eleanor M. Gerilla, Roy Muhi, Mila Llorin, and Gem Ramos of Star Magic... Happy wedding anniversary to Ronald Andrew and Michelle Hipolito...