Wellness in the Workplace

Did you know that the position of your keyboard, the height of your office chair and even the angle at which your computer monitor tilts, can have an impact on your health? In fact, both employers and employees are probably not aware that occupational hazards are quite common in the workplace.

With the office increasingly becoming the second home to most people, it is important to know that occupational health hazards can affect an employee’s health and wellness, says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MEDICard Philippines, Inc (MPI), one of the pioneers in the health maintenance industry in the Philippines. Poor workplace management can result in work-related illnesses and high levels of absence due to sickness. This is alarming, not just because of the costs involved, but also on how it impacts service delivery.

Moreover, the Department of Labor and Employment, through the Occupational Safety and Health Standards, aims to protect every worker from injury, sickness or death through safe and healthful working conditions. This in turn ensures manpower resources are conserved and loss or damage to lives and properties are prevented.

Wellness in the workplace is one of the areas of concentration by MPI. In fact, it has been the first to offer occupational health and clinic management services, to help employers provide a healthier workplace for its workers and employees. “We saw that a lot of medical and health problems can be prevented just by identifying possible hazards in the workplace.  So through our services we monitor the workplace environment and ensure it is a healthy place to work,” says Dr. Montoya.

This means that factors like ventilation, room temperature, lighting, chair and table ergonomics and even the positioning of one’s computer are constantly checked to ensure that workers remain healthy and productive.

In addition, Dr. Montoya says that government mandated policies on infectious diseases, family planning and disaster management are being implemented by their occupational health doctors in their client companies.

“We also try to set up a safety committee in case there are emergencies within the office like SARS and bird flu. We issue advisories on how to handle these diseases and how to take care of people affected by the illnesses,” says Dr. Montoya.

Complementing MPI’s occupational health and clinic management services is its soon-to-be-launched MEDICard Lifestyle Center. A first-of-its-kind, the MEDICard Lifestyle Center is designed to offer effective solutions for wellness and lifestyle diseases.

Indeed, it is possible for the office to be a haven for health and wellness. With MEDICard Philippines, Inc. employers are assured of having happy, healthy and productive workers.

Sweet Charity Goes Onstage August 5

“Do you wanna have fun? A few laughs? And a good time? “

Prepare yourselves as the spirit of the 60’s set in a night club in Manhattan comes to life as 9 Works Theatrical proudly presents Broadway’s most sensational spectacle and critically-acclaimed dance comedy musical Sweet Charity.

Like vintage champagne, Sweet Charity shall pop its cork set on August 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati City, to become one of the bubbliest, frothiest and happiest musical treats Manila will experience.

Sweet Charity (book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and conceived, staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse whose name is synonymous to All That Jazz, and Chicago) is about a taxi dancer’s adventures and misadventures in the ways of love and who always gives her heart, and her earnings, to the wrong man.

Sweet Charity was originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse when it premiered on Broadway in 1966. With over 600 performances, the production won the Tony Award for Best Choreography in the same year before opening in London a year later. A 1969 film version starred Shirley MacLaine. A Broadway revival in 2005 featured Christina Applegate.

Sweet Charity boasts a load of musical numbers that have been an imprint on Broadway since its debut. Let’s take a quick look at some of them.

“Big Spender” is not just the song that’s very synonymous to the musical but it is also the ‘stand out number’ that theater audiences always wait for with bated breath. The chorus girls grace Fandango Ballroom with their jaded charm and fashion, dazzling legs and double-jointed shoulders. They have to deliver an appealing combination of seductress attitude to attract the 10cent ticket holders for a dance. Deliciously bored, the dance hall hostesses breathe death into this cynical dead-eye number with their drained voices promising “ Fun.…. laughs… good time.”

“Rhythm of Life” is the hilarious, trippy, anarchic and upbeat tempo song with the hippie generation of a San Francisco-based church congregation led by Daddy Brubeck.
“The Rich Man’s Frug” will definitely showcase the dancers in the show to be kicking it up with sensational, exciting and innovative Bob Fosse moves.

“Baby, Dream Your Dream” which is about dreams that won’t in fact be realized shall feature the wonderful pairing of Ciara Sotto as Helene, Shiela Valderrama–Martinez as Nickie, and Sheree Bautista as Carmen –  Charity’s ever-cynical dressing room confidantes and fellow hostesses. Here, the girls sing about reality and dreams as they remove their makeup at a dressing table, symbolic of who they really are under the cosmetics.

“I’m a Brass Band” is a dance number of Charity on the eve of her engagement, where she will give one of the purest and most infectious expressions of sheer happiness that audiences could hope to see.

Charity’s other songs include “ Where Am I Going? ” and “ There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This ” – two numbers in the show which promises to be filled with zest and bravado.
The rest of the musical numbers include: “Charity’s Soliloquy,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “I’m the Bravest Individual,” “Sweet Charity,” “Too Many Tomorrows” and “You Should See Yourself.”

The Sweet Charity cast

Giving life to the different characters in Sweet Charity are a mix of the country’s well-seasoned actors and talented young artists.

NIKKI GIL plays Charity Hope Valentine, a kooky, feisty, punchy and a bubbly dance hall hostess in New York who has been used and dumped by a succession of distinctly uncharitable men, but who hasn’t stopped hoping for a happy ending. As a mainstay host and artist of “ASAP Live ” and “E-Live” on ABS-CBN and a VJ for MYX, Nikki’s foray into theatre included a lead role as Elle Woods in the local production of the musical “ Legally Blonde ” produced in 2010. Audiences can expect the unexpected as she unleashes her dynamite – legs, frills, lipstick, and a performance that will be full of vitality, pathos and verve.
KRIS LAWRENCE plays Oscar Lindquist, a claustrophobic, wimpy nervous man who Charity befriends in a stalled elevator. A neurotic tax accountant by profession, hopefully, he shall give Sweet Charity the love she has longed for. From winning a local singing talent search a few years back, Kris has become one of the young breed of soul artists and has recently released his album Moments of Love. His regular TV show is on GMA-7’s Party Pilipinas.
SHIELA VALDERRAMA-MARTINEZ, who plays Nickie, one of Charity’s closest confidantes at the Fandango Ballroom, is one of the leading ladies of Philippine theatre today. She has appeared in various productions here and abroad which include Hong Kong Disneyland’s The Golden Mickeys, Cinderella, and 9 Works Theatrical’s hit show, The Wedding Singer as Julia Guglia.
CIARA SOTTO, who plays Helene, another close confidante of Charity’s, is one of the country’s top-rated artists. Her recent role as Mimi in the 9 Works production of RENT last February marked her stamp as a stalwart both in acting and dancing. She also appeared in Magsimula Ka at the Music Museum in 2010.
SHEREE BAUTISTA plays Carmen, one of Charity’s co-dancers. A TV personality who ventured into the musical theatre scene, her role as Mimi in the recently-concluded rock musical RENT has proven that indeed, her musical artistry was well-received by the press and audiences alike.
MIGUEL FAUSTMANN plays Herman, the authoritarian owner of the Fandango Ballroom and Charity’s boss. As Philippine theatre’s well-respected ‘man for all seasons,’ Miguel’s roster of roles he has portrayed for over 20 years in Repertory Philippines’ various productions firmly attests his stature as the ‘consummate artist.’
OJ MARIANO plays the dual role of Vittorio Vidal, the charming, egotistical and confident Italian film star, and Daddy Johann Sebastian Brubeck, the enigmatic leader of the Rhythm of Life Church. Originally a singer and concert performer, OJ’s luck came into a streak when he bagged the coveted role as Tom Collins in RENT last Febuary 2010. His highly-acclaimed moving performance prompted 9 Works Theatrical to cast him again for the same role in the re-runs of RENT last December 2010 and February 2011.  
ANGELA PADILLA plays Ursala March, the melodramatic actress and Vittorio’s girlfriend. Angela has been a resident actress of New Voice Company since 1996, having appeared in Aspects of Love, I Want to Make Magic, Save the Human, Wind in the Willows, and Into the Woods.

Joining the ensemble is a mix of seasoned talents as well as up and coming actors in the industry: Caisa Borromeo returns to 9 Works Theatrical for this production of Sweet Charity after her critically acclaimed performance in Little Women; singer-actress and Party Pilipinas blocking director Chinie Nepomuceno; and prima dancers Vinia Pamplona and Carmelle Ros as dancehall hostesses opposite Charity. Also in the cast are theater veteran Topper Fabregas, Job Bautista who was last seen as Angel in 9 Works Theatrical’s RENT, Francis Matheu who was the choreographer of 9 Works Theatrical’s The Wedding Singer, Anthony Tarrosa Ong, Peter Alcedo and Chai Relucio.

The Sweet Charity artistic team is led by Robbie Guevara (Director), with Lorenz Martinez (Assistant Director), Joseph Tolentino (Musical Director – Pit Orchestra), Sweet Plantado (Musical Director – Vocals), Mio Infante (Scenographer), Martin Esteva (Lighting Designer), Mio Infante and Hanna De los Reyes (Costume Stylists and Designers), Dale Amon (Graphic Designer), and Roy Macam (Photographer).

The Sweet Charity production team is led by Santi Santamaria (Executive Producer), with Anna Santamaria (Company Manager); Toff de Venecia (Marketing & PR Director); Toots Tolentino (PR Consultant); Jonjon Martin (PR Manager); Carlos Canlas (HR Manager); Sunshine Domine (Production Manager); and Aries Alcayaga (Stage Manager).

Sweet Charity runs from August 5 to 27, 2011: Fridays 8pm or 8:30pm; Saturday 3:30pm & 8pm; Sunday 4pm; at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City.

A limited number of performances are available for fundraising and block-buying. Please call 557-5860, 586-7105 or 0917-5545560 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info.
Sweet Charity is presented by 9 Works Theatrical in cooperation with The Rockwell Club. Made Possible with Make Up For Ever and Café Mediterranean. Also brought to you by Dusit Thani Manila and Chocolate Schubar. Media Partners include The Lifestyle Network, Velvet Channel, Metro Magazine, Maven Magazine, Business World and Focus Media Audiovisuals. With special participation of Movement Dance Studio and Opus.

Sweet Charity is produced by, arrangement with, and the music and dialogue material furnished by TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano. Produced for the Broadway Stage by Fryer, Carr and Harris.

Ballet Philippines’ Candice Adea and

Jean Marc Cordero Triumph at Boston IBC

Fresh from their success at the First Boston International Ballet Competition, Candice Adea and Jean Marc Cordero, principal dancers of Ballet Philippines, arrive home with pride after a sensational victory.

The pair recently won special awards at the Boston IBC: they won a Lead Role in a Russian Ballet Performance, a special award given by the artistic director of Russia’s Chelyabinsk State Opera to a single performer or pair of the highest caliber to perform as lead performers with the Russian company. Adea and Cordero will be performing the principal roles of Basilio and Kitri in the full-length production of “Don Quixote” in Russia in 2012.

Adea won a second award: the Maris Liepa Award for Outstanding Artistry, given by Andris Liepa, jury member and son of the late legendary danseur Maris Liepa. As a prize, she has been invited to perform at an international gala in Paris in 2012, alongside stars of the Bolshoi and Maryiinsky Theaters, two of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Adea will be performing “Firebird.”

This success comes in the heels of their triumph at last year’s USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi, where Adea won the Silver Medal. In the ballet world, three of the most prestigious ballet competitions are in Varna, Bulgaria; Moscow, Russia, and Jackson, Mississippi. Candice is the first Filipina to win a medal in one of these competitions (Jackson).

Cordero was a semi-finalist in Jackson, the farthest any Filipino danseur has placed here in Jackson – an even greater feat considering he only started taking ballet 7 years ago.

Both dancers have been completely trained in the Philippines.  Adea trained with the CCP Dance School, the official school of Ballet Philippines, and Philippine High School for the Arts, and Cordero, likewise with the CCP Dance School. Ballet Philippines ballet master Victor Ursabia coached the pair for both Jackson and Boston.

“We wish to thank the Filipino and Jesuit community in Boston, led by Dr. Mario Bucal, for hosting us in Boston, and a host of organizations and individuals who made our trip possible: Philippine Airlines, CCP, NCCA, BP president Margie Moran Floirendo, BP artistic director Paul Morales, Tats Manahan and a lot more who were very generous and supportive,” Cordero said in an interview.

“We Filipinos are not far behind from the rest of the world, especially if we put our heart and mind to it,” says Adea. “Everyone was good, but what set us apart was our soul in dancing.”
For more information on their performances, visit www.balletphilippines.org.

MARICHELLE MARIVELES: Torch Singer at 16

Marichelle has become a YouTube favorite among music vid lovers, singing her heart out in heart-rending covers of such diverse artists as Etta James, Lady Gaga and The Beatles.

When I see your face there’s not a thingthat I would change ’cuz you’re amazing  just the way you are…

This is an excerpt from the Bruno Mars song “Just the Way You Are”, which served as Marichelle’s status on  her Facebook fan page. She may be a sixteener, but her artist’s soul has been ridden with emotions both heart-warming and hurting.
Meet Marichelle – songbird on the rise. She is a YouTube star  who’s headed for a recording deal soon.

She was a grand finalist of the Storyland Idol 2010 search. Acting-wise, she appeared in the movie Best Friends Forever. On TV, she acted in the Precious Hearts Romance series on ABS-CBN. She was also seen in  Love ni Mister, Love ni Misis on GMA-7. Marichelle had also done segment commercials for the show Rated K.

The pretty young lady has a lot of things going for her: a lovely face, a charming personality, and a voice so dynamic that she can hit the high notes and deliver an assortment of pop songs which speak of romance, love lost, and love regained.

Pop, rock ‘n’ roll and R&B are the dominant genres in her repertoire. Her cover of  Destiny’s Child’s  “Stand Up for Love” is an amazing song, and is enjoying a lot of  views on her YouTube channel. Other marvelous cover renditions are “All I Could Do Was Cry” (Etta James) “Para sa Akin” (Sitti), “Born This Way” (Lady Gaga), “Over the Raindow” (Judy Garland) and “Spending My Time” (Roxette).

An excerpt from an original Filipino composition, “Always on My Mind”, is another favorite among her young fans. This powerful ballad showcases her voice range, which rings loud and clear like clear chimes on a warm breezy day.

Summa-Hana Arts and Language Foundation is proud of their pretty protégé, whom they discovered in one of their music classes. The vibrant teen impressed her instructors with her singing talent, combined with much enthusiasm and PYT charm.

She enjoys learning at Summa-Hana. She believes in the adage “An investment in knowledge yields the best interest.” On her mentors and classmates, “They are my second family. I love them.”

Taylor Swift, Beyonce Knowles, and Michael Jackson are some of her musical influences.

Finally, she says, “I just want to say ‘thank you’ to all the people who liked my Facebook page  (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marichelle-Mariveles/135989583127466) and who subscribed to my YouTube channel. I’ll continue to make videos for my viewers.”

Aside from singing, Marichelle’s other hobbies are painting, playing badminton and playing with her pet dogs. – J.R.M.

Check out Mari-chelle’s videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/chellemariveles? feature=mhum.