The tiniest mite has the mightiest sting

Telesa “Esang” de Torres to star in “Matilda”

This should already be a clue as to what I’m about to write. And since I’m very excited about it, I thought I would just come out with: “Matilda the Musical” is coming to Manila!

Produced by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, the musical, based on the novel by Roald Dahl, is about an extremely witty, intelligent and psychokinetically powerful 7-year-old named Matilda, her kind teacher Miss Honey, her cruel headmistress Miss Trunchbull, and a cast of rebelling children. It is all at once heartwarming, hilarious, and a great fable that reminds people to never underestimate the power of the littlest ones.

Starring Jamie Wilson as Miss Trunchbull, Cris Villonco as Miss Honey, and alternating in the title role are three incredibly talented young actresses, Telesa “Esang” de Torres, Uma Martin and Felicity Kyle Napuli.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, “Matilda” will run from Nov. 10 to Dec. 10 at the Meralco Theater. It is recommended for viewers aged 7 years old and above. This is the perfect family holiday musical, filled with Tim Minchin’s fantastic music, a great book by Dennis Kelly, and a whole lot of stagecraft magic.

Telesa “Esang” de Torres

For more information, visit Atlantis’ Facebook page, call TicketWorld at 891-9999, or visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Another season done

The title of this week’s article could also very well refer to Jona Soquite of Team Sarah. Besides being the first champion of this version of the franchise, she’s also the very first four-chair turner to win.
The smallest and the youngest of all the grand finalists, her big voice filled Studio 10 of ABS-CBN at each round of the competition. Starting off with Dianne Reeves’ “Better Days,” she displayed power, control and emotional honesty.

With her upbeat number, Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance,” she owned the stage, not once upstaged by the J Star Dancers. She looked like she was just a normal teenage girl, having the time of her life.

At Sunday’s final round, she sang a rousing rendition of Yolanda Adams’ version of “I Believe I Can Fly.” It was a big song for this tiny young woman, but not once did it sound shouted or oversung. We were all just breathless and in awe of how much she has grown since her very first Blind Audition. We anticipate great things from her.

Grand champion Jona Soquite (right) with coach Sarah Geronimo

To Jona, we give you our sincerest congratulations. And, to the other three finalists—Mica Becerro, Isabela Vinzon and Jeremy Glinoga—you’ve come such a long way from the first time you laid your voices on our ears.

You aren’t just singers, you are artists—and we are extremely proud of your progress, artistry and humanity. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts that you dared to step on that stage on the way to making your dreams come true. I am sure that this is not the last any of us will hear of you.

The season flew by so fast, and I am filled with enormous gratitude to everyone involved with the show, and to our most loyal followers for watching it week after week.

I can’t wait to see what next season will bring! We hope you’ll stick around for the ride.