Win tickets to watch Cirque du Soleil : Varekai in Luneta

they will be giving away two tickets to the lucky winners to watch Varekai
read the details below

Sun Life Financial is a proud sponsor of Varekai™ by Cirque du Soleil® which opens on June 22 under the Blue-and-Yellow Grand Chapiteau at the Luneta, across the Quirino Grandstand.

Pronounced as ver·ay·’kie meaning “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies, Varekai brings you into a captivating forest inhabited by whimsical and enchanted creatures.

In celebration of its 116th year in the country, Sun Life is giving away 116 tickets to lucky winners thru the “Experience the Sun, Experience Cirque du Soleil” promo. Interested parties must log-in to www.sunlife.com.ph and answer a simple question about Sun Life. Moreover, participants may upload a video sharing any experience they have with the Company for a chance to win a free trip to New York City, USA.

The online promo can only be accessed from sunrise to sunset (from 6am to 6pm), Mondays through Fridays, from May 23 to June 17, 2011.

"We're thrilled to be a sponsor of Cirque du Soleil and align their awe-inspiring tour de force performances with Sun Life's brand," says Sun Life Philippines President and CEO Riza Mantaring. “Both of us share the sun as our core symbol and we both trace our roots back to Canada. We look forward to showcasing how bright life is under our sun and sponsoring Varekai is a preview of that.”

"We're very excited to have Sun Life Philippines on board as an official sponsor, “says Ross Meltzer, Corporate Alliances Director at Cirque du Soleil. "The sponsorship is a great match for both of us, as Cirque du Soleil seeks partnerships with companies who share the same attributes, such as excellence, performance and engagement.”

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial – Philippines introduced life insurance in the Philippines in 1895 and is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies, a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of wealth accumulation and protection products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Tracing its roots back to 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2010, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of Can$464 billion. Sun Life Financial, Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

About Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 28th anniversary in 2011.From the 20 or so performers the company featured when it all began in 1984, Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil has become a leading provider of quality entertainment with 4,000 employees, including 1,000 artists from some 40 countries Cirque du Soleil has thrilled close to 90 million spectators in more than 200 cities on five continents. The success of Cirque du Soleil has been recognized with a number of awards, notably the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux and Félix, as well as the coveted Rose d'or de Montreux. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/varekai/tickets/manila.aspx

Cirque due Soleil :Varekai places Manila on Entertainment Map of Asia

I like to share this news about the coming show of Varekai. Have you purchased your ticket ?
more news below

check out also here my blog feature about Varekai
http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-coverage-cirque-du-soleil-in-manila.html
http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com/2011/03/az-video-blog-my-video-coverage-of.html

- press release

When staging huge productions, foreign artists look to our neighbors like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Macau, and Taipei, to host shows that will cater to a more affluent market. Big productions such as the “Lion King”, “Wicked” and “Phantom of the Opera” have been staged in some of these Asian countries and have done exceptionally well in terms of market sales.

Over the years, Manila rarely gets the opportunity to stage big productions due to the lack of infrastructure and the Filipino market has always been underestimated.

Macau, on the other hand, has become an entertainment hub for its five-star hotels and casinos as well as entertainment shows for all ages. The Venetian Hotel in Macau, for example, was able to stage big ticket productions including “ZAIA”, one of the many offerings of Canada-based international performing group Cirque du Soleil. And for years, Filipinos wishing to witness such international caliber stage productions had to spend more money by travelling to other neighboring Asian countries.

In an effort to bring world-class entertainment to the country, Hoopla Inc., official promoter of Cirque du Soleil in the Philippines, finally brings one of the Cirque du Soleil big top live production Varekai.

Varekai has been touring in the last nine years in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. This year, Varekai finally visits Asia beginning with Taiwan in January. They are currently performing in South Korea and will be premiering in the Philippines in June 2011.

Hoopla, Inc. believes that the Manila staging of Varekai will help boost the image of the Philippines as an entertainment destination and will encourage other big-ticket productions to consider the country for their shows. The official promoter also shares that they are very excited to bring Cirque du Soleil to the Philippines because they feel that the local audience deserves only the best. Made possible by the show’s presenting sponsors, Manila Hotel and Banco De Oro, together with its official sponsor, Sun Life Financial, they stressed that there is huge market for high-quality productions in the Philippines, affirming the Filipinos’ passion for art, music and entertainment.


Cirque du Soleil will set up its trademark blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) which can house up to over 2,500 audiences across Quirino Grandstand. Varekai will perform in Manila for a limited engagement from June 22-July 8, 2011. Tickets are available through our online box office at www.hoopla.ph or www.cirquedusoleil.com. For inquiries, call 775-0939, 881-0947, 0919-4508125 and 0917-4436463.


About Cirque du Soleil
From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from close to 50 different countries.


Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities on five continents. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

For information about Cirque du Soleil, images and additional information on the show, please visit: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/pressroom/default.htm

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Here are list of schedules of their shows

June 23, 2011 (Thu)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 24, 2011 (Fri)	3:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 24, 2011 (Fri)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 25, 2011 (Sat)	3:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 25, 2011 (Sat)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 26, 2011 (Sun)	1:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 26, 2011 (Sun)	5:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 27, 2011 (Mon)	No Show	No Show
June 28, 2011 (Tue)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 29, 2011 (Wed)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 30, 2011 (Thu)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 2, 2011 (Sat)	3:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 2, 2011 (Sat)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 3, 2011 (Sun)	1:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 3, 2011 (Sun)	5:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 4, 2011 (Mon)	No Show	No Show
July 5, 2011 (Tue)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 6, 2011 (Wed)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 7, 2011 (Thu)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 8, 2011 (Fri)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 9, 2011 (Sat)	3:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 9, 2011 (Sat)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 10, 2011 (Sun)	1:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 10, 2011 (Sun)	5:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park

Price and seating arrangements

my coverage: Cirque du Soleil in Manila premieres on June 23, 2011

photo from the press preview of Varekai in Manila Hotel

I've heard of this Cirque du Soleil from some people, in movies, tv, magazine and the internet. The show runs in different countries and it will have its first show here in Manila this coming June 22, 2011. That's why I'm not that familiar and not so excited when I heard that Cirque du Soleil is coming, and after I Googled it, then I discovered that this show shouldn't be missed, now I'm super excited!

more story below

The press con and preview of the show was held inside the Maynila ballroom in Manila Hotel, its my first time there and I'm amazed on the vintage style of the room and its interiors. I managed to set myself up and fixed my camera gear for some photo coverage to be posted here in my blog.

Tickets for Cirque du Soleil is now on sale and you can buy tickets from a regular price of P2,500 to P6,500 or get that VIP tickets added with a Tapis Rogue for a price of P10,000. Just visit Hooplah.ph for ticket info. Cirque du Soleil will present one of their show called "Varekai", the word means "whenever" from Romany language of the gypsies-the universal wanderers, it is a story happening in this extraordinary world deep within a forest at the summit of a volcano, a world that everything is possible and that world is called Varekai.

They also shared a good news that there will be 20% discount to senior citizens and to kids.

Here are list of schedules of their shows

June 23, 2011 (Thu)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 24, 2011 (Fri)	3:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 24, 2011 (Fri)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 25, 2011 (Sat)	3:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 25, 2011 (Sat)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 26, 2011 (Sun)	1:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 26, 2011 (Sun)	5:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 27, 2011 (Mon)	No Show	No Show
June 28, 2011 (Tue)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 29, 2011 (Wed)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
June 30, 2011 (Thu)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 2, 2011 (Sat)	3:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 2, 2011 (Sat)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 3, 2011 (Sun)	1:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 3, 2011 (Sun)	5:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 4, 2011 (Mon)	No Show	No Show
July 5, 2011 (Tue)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 6, 2011 (Wed)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 7, 2011 (Thu)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 8, 2011 (Fri)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 9, 2011 (Sat)	3:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 9, 2011 (Sat)	7:30pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 10, 2011 (Sun)	1:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park
July 10, 2011 (Sun)	5:00pm	Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park

Price and seating arrangements



- VIP guests include DOT Sec. Alberto Lim and Ambassador, Christopher Thornley, of the Embassy of Canada and with general manager of Hoopla, Therese Tinio
- blogger friends spotted at the press preview


- Varekai flashes on the screen
- logo of Hoopla Inc, our local promoter for Cirque du Soleil in Manila


- General Manager of Hooplah
- (forgot the name)


- a view from my seat
- Mr. Robert Mckenzie, tour manager of Cirque du Soleil opens the press preview of the show


- "Its show unlike any other"
- one of the performer in make up and costume


a breath taking stunt


more Varekai performers


-acrobatic moves by a performer using his crutches
- taraannnn!!! everyone clapped after the preview


- awesome make up and costume


- Q and A session with the tour manager, local promoter and Manila Hotel manager


-Manila Hotel Manager shares their plans for their 100th anniversary this Oct 2011, I heard that more shows and surprises coming soon
- and some one on one interview with Cirque du Soleil productions


-interview with the performers
- my view while I was on stage waiting for my turn for the interview


- photo op with one of the performers


- and a group photo with them...as requested by that Manila Hotel waiter hahaha..thanks!



and here are some photos from Varekai show


Flight of Icarus and Georgian Dance


juggling and La promise


Russian Swings

Az video Blog - my video coverage of Varekai : Cirque du Soleil in Manila press preview

I attended the press preview and launch of "Cirque du Soleil in Manila" and here they will present their show called "Varekai". The show will premiere on June 22, 2011 to be held in Under The Blue and Yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at the Luneta, across Quirino Grandstand. Tickets are now on sale starting March 4, 2011.

watch the videos below

It's a great experience to see even a live preview of Cirqu du Soleil, and the show is very popular all over the world to have a world class production for stunts, arts and music that is live on stage.

Tickets for the show is now available for purchase at www.hooplah.ph
you may call 775-0930.

"Varekai" which means "wherever" in Romany language of the gypsies-the universal wanderers, it is a story happening in this extraordinary world deep within a forest at the summit of a volcano, a world that everything is possible and that world is called Varekai.

Varekai first premiered in Montreal in 2002 and it was visited by more than 55 cities in more than 12 different countries around the world, and now they are finally here first ever in Southeast Asia and our country - the Philippines is lucky to have this awesome show that is now being celebrated for having it's 3,000th show last August 2010 in Ostende, Belgium. 6 Million people patronized the Varekai around the world and the most great example here is that Cirque du Soleil productions do their performance with any use or show with "ANIMALS".

Cirque du Soleil started with a group of street performers in Baie-Saint-Paul in Quebec City in Canada during the early 80's and now they don't stop performing and this 2011 they have 19 Cirque du Soleil shows around the world!

And now they will be here in Manila and inviting us to be part of their amazing show!

Cirque du Soleil was brought here by their Manila promoter - Hooplah Inc. and the event is co-presented by the Manila Hotel, as the general manager of Manila Hotel said to us that this show will serve as its aunching event in a series of build up activities for their forthcoming 100th anniversary celebration which will culminate in October 2012.


Trailer
Here's a trailer that I found in Youtube. It is the same video trailer that was shared to us in our press kit, but this one is a little shorter.


Press Preview
Here's a sample show that was held in Maynila Ballroom, Manila Hotel. Its just a teaser and full stunts and action will be revealed on June 22, 2011.


A word from Therese Tinio, General Manager of Hooplah , Manila promoter for Cirque du Soleil

"Tonight is the beginning of a wonderful experience for the Filipino people"

Hooplah, as the local promoter of Cirque du Soleil, is pleased to bring a performance that will surely encourage families to go beyond their imagination and will surely be enjoyed by all the people, young and old alike and definitely to be talked about in the Philippines for a very very long time, Because Varekai combines beauty, art and stunts never seen before.

Its a show unlike any other

We will have no less than 20 shows here at the Big Top in Quirino Grandstand"


Interview with Robert Mckenzie, tour manager of Cirque du Soleil
I got a chance to interview the show's tour manager and he answer my questions below
1. How long does it take for their performers to practice and prepare before the show?
2. What are their safety measures and if they experience some accidents during the show?
3. And final question is that why the show only started this year in our country and not in the past years, did they receive any invitation from a local producer back then?

all answered by Mr. Mckenzie in my video interview.