Jeffrey Evora (left), RWM VP for Marketing and Damon Brooks, Broadway Asia Associate Manager.

MANILA,philippines— After “The Sound of Music,” which is still currently being staged, Resorts World Manila (RWM) is now gearing up for its next production, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King & I,” its most recent acquisition from Broadway Asia.

“The King & I” tells the story of the British governess, Anna, who was hired by the King of Siam to take care of his many children. The relationship between the two is marred by conflict and differing beliefs preventing them from acknowledging and expressing their love for each other.

This production continues RWM’s commitment to help develop the Philippine theater industry and showcase world-class Filipino talents in its award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Its first production was the original “Kaos,” which combined Las Vegas magic with Broadway entertainment. Its second production, “The Sound of Music,” is now the longest-running Filipino production of a Broadway musical, and will run until May 27.

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Gourmet Farms Celebrates 25th Anniversary

A musical show highlighted Gourmet Farms’ 25th anniversary on April 28 at the farm’s headquarters in Silang, Cavite.

Gourmet Farms is the country’s undisputed pioneer in healthy lifestyle and eating habits. From its unremarkable beginnings as a hobby grower of coffees, lettuces and herbs, Gourmet Farms is today a sprawling diversity of inter-related businesses, that includes vegetables, cut-flowers, signature bottled, boxed and baked products, a country store of gifts and gadgets, a restaurant, a park and an enclave for private retreats.

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Joe Mari Chan will topbill the show called “In My Living Room.” His repertoire includes old favorites and new standards, duets with special guest stars, Janet Basco and Sheila Valderrama. Proceeds from the show will benefit Fr. Luis Candelaria’s St. Aloysius Gonzaga Foundation.

The festivities start at 6 p.m. with a buffet of favorite Filipino and Mediterranean dishes, as well as Gourmet Farms’ popular herbal coolers and fresh salad bar. At 8 p.m., the two-hour show will be held at the Al Fresco Gardens.

Gourmet Farms, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Escaler & Company headed by Ernest de Leon Escaler, has just won the prestigious FSSC accreditation – the country’s highest award for food quality and safety possible.

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Former UAE Ambassador Honored

Former Ambassador Roy Villareal Señeres, who served as the country’s Chief of Mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 1994 to 1998, was honored by the Department of Foreign Affairs with the Distinguished Service Medal in a ceremony held recently.

The award was presented to Señeres by DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario, “in recognition of his exceptional accomplishments, performance of duties and substantive contributions in advancing the interests of the country and the Filipino people as he performed his work as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Other former Ambassadors who were honored were Domingo Siazon, Alfonso Yuchengco, Jesus Tambunting, Rafael Seguis, Jose Brillantes and Ernesto Maceda.

During his stint as Ambassador to the UAE, Señeres spearheaded the government’s efforts to save OFWs Sarah Balabagan, John Aquino and Wahida Malaydin from the death penalty. At the end of his tenure, the Filipino community of the UAE cited Señeres for having sheltered in his own home numerous Filipina runaway domestic helpers who were abused by their employers.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 27, go to Manilyn Reynes, Jackie Kookoorichskin, Chiqui Ocampo, Pepe Pimentel, Josefa Pastrana, Rosita Z. Fragas, Alfred de Leon, Terry P. Villanueva, Erlinda S. Pastoral, Thea Inocentes, Anching Torillo and Jocelyn Giogar…