Vice Ganda champions informal workers’ rights
TV host and actor Vice Ganda champions advocacy of Angkasangga Partylist for gig workers’ rights and recognition.
In a remarkable move of solidarity and support for the rights and recognition of gig and informal workers in the Philippines, Vice Ganda, the nation’s phenomenally beloved superstar, has officially endorsed Angkasangga Partylist.
This move was formally announced last October 5, when Vice Ganda stood side by side with her long-time friend and the CEO of Angkas, George Royeca, who has recently decided to take his advocacy to the political arena.
Angkasangga Partylist, under the leadership of Royeca, is setting the stage for a historical campaign aimed directly at elevating the lives and securing the future of the informal sector in the Philippines.
That said sector predominantly includes gig workers involved in various industries, notably the entertainment sector. The partylist is pioneering an initiative to bring to light the often overlooked and undervalued contributions of informal workers to the national economy.
Through Vice Ganda’s endorsement, Angkasangga Partylist gains a powerful voice that resonates not only within the LGBTQ+ community but also across the broad spectrum of gig and informal workers in the entertainment industry.
Vice Ganda’s unparalleled influence and extensive outreach bid to amplify the partylist’s core advocacy – recognition and substantial support for the informal sector.
George Royeca and Angkas have already proven their commitment to the welfare of gig workers through the innovative systems and support mechanisms implemented within Angkas.
Now, by transitioning into politics, Royeca intends to bring this advocacy to a national level, ensuring that the informal sector’s contributions are recognized and that they receive the benefits and support they rightfully deserve.
“I stand with George Royeca and Angkasangga Partylist, because I believe in their vision and their unwavering commitment to the informal sector and gig workers.
“Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of countless Filipinos who strive to make a living through gig work. It’s more than just earning; it’s about receiving the respect, security, and benefits these workers deserve,” said Vice Ganda.
The partnership between Vice Ganda and Angkasangga Partylist symbolizes a milestone in the collective fight for the rights and recognition of gig and informal workers in the Philippines.
By lending her voice, Vice Ganda not only supports a friend but stands firmly for a cause that affects millions of Filipinos, advocating for a future where all workers are valued and supported, irrespective of the nature of their work.
For more information about Angkasangga Partylist and their advocacy, visit https://www.angkasangga.ph/
Last show for Florante at Laura
“SOMETHING magical happens when artists come together! ”
Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s artistic director, couldn’t contain her excitement when asked about the premiere of the Florante at Laura, which will have its final performance on October 19 at 5 p.m.
The outstanding production, which comes at the heels of the ballet company’s highly successful Ibong Adarna, will be staged at the Aliw Theater and will gather some of the country’s highly esteemed creatives in music, literature, ballet and stage production.
“Florante at Laura was a project that was going to be Gerardo Francisco’s next epic adventure. This was planned way before the pandemic happened,” recalled Lisa.
Gerardo is the dance company’s longtime principal dancer and co-artistic associate, who also choreographed the award-winning Ibong Adarna.
Working with him is the exemplary British choreographer Martin Lawrance, who is behind Ballet Manila’s full length innovative retelling of Romeo and Juliet in the Filipino setting.
From the collaboration between Gerardo and Martin, the intricate pieces to this masterpiece of a production started falling into place when Lisa invited renowned writer and balagtasan expert Professor Michael Coroza as a guest in her show, Art 2 Art.
She asked him to watch Ibong Adarna. “I then invited Michael to collaborate with Gerardo and Martin Lawrence to create the libretto for Florante at Laura.”
Soon after, the quest for a composer began. Lisa imagined someone who can create original compositions akin to a Filipino Tchaikovsky – sweeping, dramatic, powerful and romantic.
“I was so very thrilled when National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab said yes,” shared Lisa.
One of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Ryan Cayabyab, was named National Artist for Music in 2018 with an extensive body of work ranging from orchestras and full-length musical productions to television and commercials.
“It had been quite some time since I wrote a large musical work,” he shared.
Breathing life into his original compositions is the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) under the baton of his son, Toma Cayabyab – another dream fulfilled for Ryan.
“Everything is a surprise and wonder for me,” said Ryan. “I challenged myself into accepting this landmark ballet production, and I hope that it becomes an important legacy for all of us involved in it.”
A literary masterpiece written by Filipino poet Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltasar and published in 1838, Florante at Laura follows the story of Florante, a duke who was held captive and enslaved by the Turks.
But with the help of Aladin, he managed to escape from his captors to return to his country, Albania, to face off the usurper Count Adolfo, seek redemption and reunite with his beloved Laura.