MANILA, Philippines — Gantimpala Theatre presents the elusive and enchanting “Ibong Adarna”, a play based on the “Corrido at Buhay na Pinagdadaanan nang Tatlong Principeng Magkakapatid na Anak ng Haring Fernando at nang Reina Valeriana sa Kahariang Berbania.”

The play written by Ed Maranan and directed by Roobak Valle, will be shown on Sept. 23, 24 and Oct. 1 (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) at the AFP Theater; and on Oct. 7 and 8 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) at the Cinema 3, SM Southmall in Las Piñas city.

The play is about Don Pedro, Don Diego and Don Juan, three rich brothers from the Kingdom of Berbania, who set out to capture the illusive creature, as commanded by their mother Reyna Valeriana. The bird’s enchanted songs are the cure to their father Haring Fernando’s foreboding illness. For tickets, call 899-5911.

Letran entries are EU Centre competition finalists

Two video entries from Colegio de San Juan de Letran Broadcasting seniors, had been chosen as finalists in the 2011 EU Centre in Singapore Video Essay Competition.

These are “Intramuros: The Walled City” by Tosca Domingo and Jennifer Riesgo and “Taste Connection” by Airo Dancel and Ed Salting. The contest’s theme, “The European Union in Southeast Asia,” highlighted the increasing exchanges among the European Union and Southeast Asian countries.

“Intramuros: The Walled City” tackles how the European Union, through its connection with UNESCO, is helping to fund the restoration of Intramuros which is recognized as part of the World Heritage Series. “The Taste Connection” compares Filipino-style spaghetti to the EU-Southeast Asia relationship. The love for this gastronomic treat is just like the Philippines’ relationship with EU, a special bond brought about through history and trade.

Both videos were midterm production requirements for the course Investigative Reporting. Rizalino Pinlac, Jr. who teaches the subject, encouraged his students to join the video contest. “I told them that they should not doubt their ability to win,” he said. “I stressed that Letranites have won many times over in international competitions, and it is not impossible for us to repeat the victory.”

The judging panel will be chaired by the Ambassador of the EU to Singapore Marc Ungeheuer, and will include film industry professionals and practitioners from the region.

Speech workshop set

The CMA Toastmasters Club, headed by Marianne Oliva will conduct a free speech workshop for beginners, professionals and students on Sept. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Diliman Room, Tower B, Regalia Park Towers in P. Tuazon, Cubao, Quezon city.

Participants will be oriented by club mentors and officers on the finer points of speech preparation, organization and delivery. Participants who will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, may call Melrose Arandela at 0908-3836584.

UE nutrition team wins in cooking contest

University of the East College of Education (UE CoEd) nutrition and dietetics team composed of senior students Chenee Cagas, Anna Camille Fernandez, Ernaida Espra and Jennifer Hiducus won third prize winner in the Brown Rice Cooking Challenge organized by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute – Dept. of Science and Technology in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Employee Association, Inc.

The UE CoEd team adviser is UE Prof. Margaret J. Moreno, head of the UE CoEd Dept. of Nutrition and Dietetics, while the coach is UE Prof. Geraldine Maglalang.

The cooking challenge was participated in by more than 30 teams from various schools and universities in Luzon.