Hello, Sinag-tala Family. The SFTPAA is the cover story on the July 3, 2009 issue of the Asian Journal. To read the article, check the link below. Please pass the article on to others. Many thanks to Rick Garcia for the photos and to all our kind friends for their amazing, wonderful support all these years.

http://www.asianjournal.com/

Sonny Alforque
CEO & Artistic Director

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Hello, friends. We receive a lot of questions about how often and where we train for the Sinag-tala Theatrical Revue, how much time participants have to commit, how late we rehearse, if we charge anything, etc. Perhaps you’ve wondered about those things yourself. Well, to help you out, we’re forwarding some useful information. Please take a minute or two to go over the attached General Information About the 2009 Sinag-tala Training Program so you’ll learn more about what it’s going to be like to be in the ST2009 company. The bottom line is, it’s a lot of work for everyone but the payback is worth much more than you invest. And we’re open to working things out with those who have special circumstances.

ALL singers, dancers, actors and musicians MUST attend the SINGING AUDITIONS on July 10 or 11. No appointment necessary. Inexperienced and advanced performers alike are welcome. Be prepared to sing any song of your choice. Bring CD or live accompaniment if desired.
The dance auditions are for ages 12 and above only. Be ready to stretch, turn, bend and jump. No high heels, boots, sandals, flip-flops, baggy pants, short shorts, skirts, lowriders or tight or revealing clothing. Sweats, longer shorts, regular-fit jeans, sneakers and casual shoes are ok. Bring ballet, tap and/or jazz shoes also if you have them. Workshops and rehearsals begin on August 1. Sinag-tala 2009 will be presented on December 4, 5, and 6. Info: salforque@aol.com .

Sonny Alforque
CEO & Artistic Director

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Hello. As you may be aware, Sinag-tala: A Theatrical Revue is in its 20th season this year. Naturally, this milestone is very meaningful to a lot of people, so it’s going to be celebrated in some huge, meaningful way.

But it’s vital that this anniversary celebration belong to its alumni because they created the history we’re going to acknowledge. To us, an alumnus is anyone who has been associated with Sinag-tala: A Theatrical Revue for one year or more. That means you or someone else in your family.

So we’re making this effort to reach as many individuals and families we can whom we consider to be alumni. We know this first e-mail is touching only the tip of the iceberg but we hope it will lead to the countless other alumni with whom we have lost touch over the years. We definitely hope it will encourage all alumni to help us make this 20th anniversary as memorable and meaningful as it truly deserves to be.

Kindly do us a big favor by taking just a very brief moment to answer and return by e-mail the two short surveys linked below. They are designed to update our alumni database and allow alumni to have a say in what the celebration should be like. Now some say that most people don’t like opening e-mail attachments, much less surveys. But we hope you’ll agree that as special as the Theatrical Revue has been to the community, the chance to be involved in its commemoration would simply be too special to pass up.

We hope to hear from you by July 8 so we can get the ball rolling. If you know of other alumni we may have omitted from this distribution, please pass this message along. Most of all we’re excitedly looking forward to hearing from you, period. And not too far down the road, seeing you! We’d love it if you could sneak in a line or two telling us how you’ve been. Thank you so much for your time.

Surveys:
Sinag-tala Alumni Survey Part 1
Sinag-tala Alumni Survey Part 2

Sonny Alforque
CEO & Artistic Director
Sinag-tala Filipino Theater and Performing Arts Association

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Dear Sinag-tala Family and Friends

We bailed out the bank, credit card and auto industry. Isn’t it time to
“bail” out the arts and artists in our own community?

SFTPAA is asking you to help “stimulate” the future of our community by
investing in the training of artists and promotion of arts, culture, and
history.

Be part of our effort to continue the work that Sinag-tala have been doing
for the past 20 years. Help us raise funds for the 20th Anniversary of the
Sinag-tala: A Theatrical Revue.

Attend our first-ever Sinag-tala Benefit Night on:

Saturday, September 26, 2009
6:30 pm to 11 pm
California Ballroom, Doubletree Hotel (2001 Point West Way,
Sacramento, Ca 95015)

Ticket to the event is $50 per person.

You will enjoy sit-down dinner, performances, live band, no-host bar, raffles, silent auctions, and
dance.

RSVP to Cristine Lacerna at chie1000pix@comcast.net or call her at
916-514-3146.

This event is 14 weeks away. You have plenty of time to save for the
ticket and invite family and friends to come. This is both a fundraising
event for our upcoming show in December 2009 and a homecoming for our
Sinag-tala alumni from 1990 onwards.

Sincerely,

Cristine Lacerna
SFTPAA Board Member

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Hello SFTPAA Folks,

How can you help SFTPAA raise the funds needed to stage our 20th show this year? Well, let me tell you one way - one easy way:

RECYCLE and RAISE MONEY! Too easy to be true, and too good too? Well, read and learn:

Any model, type, brand, working or not-working cellphones
Ipods, Zunes, Creativ, Sandisk
Digital cameras
Digital video cameras
Handheld game system
Inj jet cartridges
Laptop/Notebook computers

All you need to do is bring any of these to our studio (or any other locations we will announce later) and drop it into a designated box. The box will then be collected periodically, send to the e-recycling company (free shipping to boot), and then, they send us a check. Cakewalk, right? Now, what are you waiting for? Look for these unused, unsung, unwanted pieces of tech around your house and turn them into money for the show. Check out the schedule for a next rehearsal or meeting at the studio to drop off your recyclable items. Watch out for announcements for other drop-off locations.

Email me if you have questions.

Thank you all,

Cristine (chie1000pix at comcast dot net)

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Hello, friends. Don’t think raindrops, think drop-off! This is just to remind you that the SFTPAA will be accepting donations for its big SALE today. Drop off your new or gently used items at the Sinag-tala Studio between 7:00PM and 9:00PM, or tomorrow morning starting at 7:30AM. The Studio is located at 8275 Florin Road, Suite 180, Sacramento, CA (2 blocks east of Power Inn Road).

Arrangements can also be made to pick up donations from your office, home or warehouse anytime before 6:00PM today. Call 916-217-1157 if you’d like someone to come by.

Volunteers to help us sort, tag and sell are also most welcome. Let us know if you’d like to help! The sale will be from 8:00AM to 2:00PM. Thanks to everyone for supporting the SFTPAA.

Sonny Alforque
CEO & Artistic Director

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What: SINAG-TALA ‘09 YARD SALE
When: Saturday, April 25, from 8 to 2
Where: Parking Lot, Sinagtala Studio, Florin Road

Set-up time: 7:30 in the morning
Clean-up/Haul time: 3pm

Drop off your donations at the Studio by Friday, April 24, from 7pm to 9pm.
Group your items by the following: clothes, toys, linens, electronics, small appliances, music, books, etc.

Invite your family and friends to stop by and get their “finds.”

If you want to help with the set-up, pls be at the studio by 7:30 pm. Coffee and doughnuts will be served.

Cheers,

Cristine

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Hello, everyone. We’re still undergoing our trial period with the Constant Contact e-mail service, so those of you who are on the mail sampling for that service will have received an “Earth Day” version of this bulletin. If so, you needn’t read further unless you can use a repeat broadcast.

For the remainder of our network, here’s what we have to share this time.

We just want to make special mention of two things. First, make sure to see our article below about our upcoming parking lot/rummage/whatever-you-call-it sale. In the spirit of Earth Day, let’s all go green. Donate all your good but no-longer-needed things for the sale. Recycling helps everyone - including the SFTPAA and you.

Second, as many know, Sinag-tala photoshoots are a big deal. That’s because they’re a sign that new, exciting Sinag-tala images will be popping up in different places soon. And that, in turn, simply means that we’re promoting a number of new, exciting things to come. So be sure to check our website, bulletins, e-mails, galleries and handouts from time to time and notice the great additions and updates to our photos.

To the Sinag-tala performers who lent their fabulous faces and personalities for the memorable 5-hour shoot we held on April 19 in Elk Grove, and to ace photographer Rick Garcia, we give our thanks and salutes. We can’t wait for the new photos to come out. By the way, alumni, you’ll have your own photoshoot later - this time with Vicky Johnson, our other ace photographer, handling the camera. If you’re an alumnus, contact us now - your face deserves to be memorialized, too!

Go Green - Donate Your Un-neededs
Support the SFTPAA!

Yesterday, they said it might rain this weekend. Then this morning they said it probably won’t. Whether it does or not, SFTPAA and Planet Earth really need your help.

Got brand-name clothes that no longer fit you? A snazzy clutch purse you don’t mind parting with? A tool box, microwave oven, gently used linen, kiddie toys, diningware, arts and crafts stuff, computer speakers, a sturdy footstool, bicycle or anything else that’s in good shape but just taking up space? How about donating some useful items to SFTPAA for its parking lot/rummage/whatever-you-call-it sale? It’s scheduled for this Saturday, April 25, from 8:00AM to about 2:30PM in the parking lot outside the Sinag-tala Studio, 8275 Florin Road, Suite 180 (2 blocks east of Power Inn Road). In the unlikely event the weather is bad, we’ll re-schedule and let eveyone know.

Donations may be dropped off at the Studio anytime after 7:00PM on Friday, or after 7:00AM on Saturday. If you prefer that someone pick up your donations earlier in the week, contact us today for arrangements. And remember - the fair market value of your donation is tax-deductible (ask us for a receipt), so helping us really helps your wallet too. And frees up space in your house.
The Touring Ensemble’s Up and Running
The Crowd Pleasers Are Coming!

Officially billed as the Sinag-tala Theater Ensemble, this year’s company of touring performers has begun training and rehearsing. By Fall, the children, teens and adults who make up the Ensemble will have worked tirelessly to share the Sinag-tala sheen with thousands of spectators at festivals, the State Fair, community events, schools, private functions and other venues.

These touring activities are part of the continuing training that is offered to interested participants in the Sinag-tala programs. By studying and performing during the touring season, participants further their knowledge about the demands of preparing different programs for different audiences and promoters, and under widely varying conditions. More importantly, they deepen their and the community’s appreciation for the Filipino musical, dance, cultural and literary artists whose works they interpret.

Through the artist fees offered by some promoters, the Ensemble is also noteworthy for helping the SFTPAA raise funds to cover oeprational expenses. If you know or meet any of the touring performers or staff, don’t forget to thank them for their hard and unselfish work.

Anyone who’s interested in booking the Sinag-ala Theater Ensemble is strongly encouraged to contact Booking Manager Sandi Corpuz at kellys90210email@yahoo.com at least six weeks in advance of the proposed event date. Because we are a theater company, our preparations are a bit complex and require substantial planning. Also, our calendar tends to fill up quickly. So the earlier the notice, the better for everyone.
The SFTPAA envisions a growing Filipino visibility among the arts practitioners and consumers in the Sacramento Region. One step towards that vision is making the broader community aware of the work in which both budding and established Sinag-tala artists are engaged. Whether it’s a recital, school play, chap book, open mic performance, concert, TV appearance, regional theater work, script or CD or book launching, competition, guest lecture or a stint behind a sound mixer somewhere - if you’re a Sinag-tala artist and you’re doing it, we’d like to tell others about it. So send us all the details ahead of time and we’ll mention your work in the Sinag-tala Marquee section of a forthcoming bulletin. You deserve, and everyone benefits from, your artistic glory.

Thanks for your continued interest and support, dear friends. Don’t forget to donate something good for the sale this weekend.

Sonny Alforque
CEO & Artistic Director

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Greetings!

Just filed your income tax return? Strategizing for the next tax season? Well, don’t forget that the SFTPAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and that monetary donations to the SFTPAA are tax deductible. So as long as you’re planning, plan for a generous donation to the SFTPAA. It will benefit your pocketbook AND the children, teens and adults whose main - if not sole - connection with the works of the best Filipino artists and with the theater and performing arts is Sinag-tala. No one else does for Sacramento’s Filipino and broader communities what we do. Get a jump start! Make out a check and mail it today to the SFTPAA, 2241 Arliss Way, Sacramento, CA 95822. Thanks as always.

By the way, we’re still in the midst of our trial period with a commercial e-mail service. That means some of you are getting the following information in duplicate. Under their terms, the e-mail service is willing to utilize less than a fifth of our complete mailing list at this time. So while we’re testing the service with a limited number of people, we’re covering all the bases by sending a second (actually the usual) version of the bulletin to everyone else. Thanks for accommodating us.

1. ST2008 on DVD this Saturday! Special Premier Screening! Thanks to Joeston and Estelle Rabara, who pored over zillions of footage this winter, Sinag-tala 2008: A Theatrical Revue is now available on DVD! See the entire show this Saturday, April 18 at Marcy Basila’s residence at 9506 Village Tree Drive, Elk Grove 95758. While you’re at it, pick up your copy of the DVD too if you’ve already ordered! Food will be served starting at 1:30PM. The showing will follow. Helena Piamonte will be collecting $5 at the door for food and drinks. Those who haven’t fully paid for their DVDs may also do so (see Lenny Nisay when you get there). To RSVP, please contact Cristine Lacerna at chie1000pix@comcast.net or Kathy Kaulupali at KatKaulupali@GMail.com . Don’t miss the fun! See you there!

2. Be A Model This Sunday! It Could Make You Famous! There’s still room for you if you’d like to participate in the Sinag-tala 2009 Photoshoot this Sunday, April 19. We had originally opened up our model list to touring enemble members but now we’re filling slots with anyone in the Sinag-tala Family who’s interested. Children, teens and adults of all ages are welcome. The photos will be used for promotional and marketing purposes. All participants will be required to sign releases.

You must arrive in your own plain black top (any style), black pants, black shoes and black socks. Other costumes, accessories and props will be provided. Girls and women must bring street makeup. The shoot will take place outdoors in the public park adjacent to the Laguna Town Hall at 3020 Renwick Avenue, Elk Grove starting at 7:30AM. We’ll end around noon.

The best place to park would be behind the Town Hall buidling. Look for the small U-Haul or similar moving van that we’ll be using to haul costumes. Please confirm with Sonny Alforque at salforque@aol.com if you’re coming so that we can plan accordingly. A few volunteers will also be needed to help with costumes and props.

3. About the FAST Lane and TAAG Teaming - How you can get involved without “being involved!”
There’s something much better than looking in from the outside. Introducing the two newest, hottest groups: Families and Alumni of Sinag-tala (FAST) and the Twentieth-anniversary Alumni Advisory Group (TAAG). Have no fear, Jonas Brothers. They’re not boy bands - they’re even better. FAST is an autonomous group of Sinag-tala families and alumni who prefer not to attend a lot of SFTPAA meetings but like to have fun-filled social gatherings while doing their own interesting support activities for SFTPAA projects. FAST is not governed by the SFTPAA Board and has its own policies.

TAAG is an ad hoc team of eager and energetic alumni who are developing creative ideas for making this anniversary year memorable and meaningful for everyone. Anyone who has had a past association with the Sinag-tala Theatrical Revue is technically an alumnus - including donors, performers, volunteers and artists.

In short, FAST and TAAG are great, enjoyable vehicles for stakeholders to help promote Sinag-tala programs. The odds are, you already fit the profile. There’s a spot just your size waiting for you in one or both groups. If you’re interested in becoming involved, contact board members-elect Cristine Lacerna or Karen Sinnung at chie1000pix@comcast.net or ksinnung@surewest.net respectively. The doors are wide open!

4. The Sinag-tala Marquee - What Sinag-tala Artists Are Up To. This section is devoted to highlights about the many wonderful splashes - big and small - that Sinag-tala Family members are making in the arts community to make the SFTPAA proud.

We got this information a bit late so it was left out of the last bulletin, but we’re still jazzed about it. Jennifer Domingo recently appeared in The Missoula Children Theatrical Production of “Pinocchio” on April 4 at St. Ignatius School in Sacramento. But that’s not the only feather in her cap. Jen will be in Stamford, Connecticut fromMay 6 to11,2009 as the only Filipina among four acting and runway modeling competitors from Sacramento that “The” agency is fielding. Break a leg performing for all those casting agents, Jen!

We’re proud that in-demand vocalist Lorraine De Arco and in-demand hiphop choreographer Jason Magsuci are this year’s Sinag-tala connections to Let’s Go, the annual musical revue created and directed by Pepper Von. The show comes to the Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento on May 22, 23 and 24. Tickets go on sale beginning tomorrow. For showtimes, prices and other information, visit http://letsgomusical.com/Lets_Go_Home.html .
So, Let’s Go with Lorraine and Jason!

Vicky Johnson will be honored on April 18 as one of five Most Outstanding Women selected from candidates from Vallejo to Siskiyou by the Sacramento Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. The award is in recognition of her many accomplishments as a community volunteer, which undoubtedly includes her numerous contributions as a Sinag-tala performer, visual artist, photographer, designer and costumer among other things. The award ceremonies will be held at the Holiday Inn Northeast in Sacramento. Congratulations, Tita Vicky!

Rinabeth Apostol, one of a growing number of professional artists from the Sinag-tala Family, is appearing in the San Jose Repertory stage production of the acclaimed novel Kite Runner, which opened on March 21 and is closing this weekend. The play is being presented at the San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113-2603. The Philippine National Day Association is sponsoring a group trip to see the show on April 18. For ticket information regarding that performance, contact Derek Ledda by Friday, April 17, at dledda0323@aol.com. For information about other performances, visit
http://www.sjrep.com/plays/2009/kiterunner/ . Break a leg, Rinabeth!

Thanks again for your interest. It means a lot to local Filipinos and others to whom mainstream arts organizations are not able to effectively deliver arts programs due to cultural, economic and programming obstacles. Our programs bring to children, teens and their famlies art that is culturally relevant and that helps everyone to discover the unknown in the Filipino American experience and the treasures of the Philippine heritage.

Have a great day! Please share this e-mail with others.

Sonny Alforque
CEO & Artistic Director

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Hello, everyone. Today, some of you received a Sinag-tala bulletin in a format using the Constant Contact commercial e-mail system. If you received that bulletin, you’ll find that its contents duplicate the news in this one. However, under Constant Contact’s free trial period terms, we were allowed to use only a sampling of our addresses, not the full list. So we’re sending this out to our entire directory to make sure everyone gets the same information others did. I apologize for the duplication of information.

1. DON’T FORGET THE ST2008 VIDEO SHOWING. Our ST2008 cast and crew will finally get a chance to be the audience this coming Saturday, April 18, when we all sit down in Marcy Bails’a sunroom to watch the premier of the ST2008 video. This is a yearly tradition that allows us to shamelessly cheer for ourselves - or tease those who deserve teasing. Those who ordered copies of the DVD may pick up their copies at that time. The showing beings at 1:30PM. Marcy’s address is 9506 Village Tree Drive, Elk Grove 95758. By the way, this is a fundraiser - the paltry sum of $5 per person will be collected at the door for the food and drinks. Please RSVP right away.

2. DONATE YOUR GOOD STUFF. The SFTPAA is holding a parking lot rummage/spring cleaning sale on Saturday, April 25 outside the Sinag-tala Studio at 8275 Florin Road beginning at 8:20AM. Please help us out by donating useable items that you think will sell. Items that tend to be best sellers include small appliances, kitchenware, tools, toys and linen. Items we discourage include exercise equipment, large furniture, Christmas items, tires, analog TVs and damaged clothing. Donations may be dropped off at the Studio on Friday, April 24, after 7:00PM or on Saturday, April 25 anytime before noon. Please remember that items will be priced to sell. Also, volunteers are needed to help sort, tag, organize before the sale and to box and haul items afterward. Please let us know ASAP if you’d like to donate some items and/or volunteer.

3. PHOTOSHOOT THIS SUNDAY. All touring ensemble members are requested to report for SFTPAA promo photoshoot that will take place this coming Sunday, April 19, from 7:30AM to noon at the park adjacent to the Laguna Town Hall, 3020 Renwick Avenue, Elk Grove. The shoot will take place in the morning to take advantage of the outdoor natural lighting. Approximately 8 children and 20 teen/adult men and women are needed. Those who are interested must confirm their availability via e-mail by Wednesday, April 15. Everyone should provide his/her own black top (any style), black pants, black dress shoes (no sandals or sneakers) and black socks. Additional costumes and accessories will be provided. Girls and women must bring street makeup. Non-members of the Touring Ensemble who would like to participate in the shoot will be notified if slots are available, but they must also confirm in advance.

4. LET’S TALK. Dynamic organizations have dynamic discussions. Please note the following meetings that will take place on Sunday, April 19.

4:00PM - SFTPAA Board Meeting
5:45PM - ST2009 Production Meeting
6:15PM - Joint SFTPAA Board, Production Staff/TAAG Meeting.

All of these meetings will take place at the Sinag-tala Studio, 8275 Florin Road, Suite 180, Sacramento.

Everyone in strongly encouraged to participate in the Production Staff; all alumni are encouraged to join the Twentieth-anniversary Alumni Advisory Group (TAAG). These two groups are very vital to the production of the Sinag-tala Theatrical Revue, particularly the commemoration of its 20th anniversary. We’re in very critical need of volunteers in all aspects of this year’s work and would therefore greatly appreciate your letting us know how much time and/or resources you can spare. If you can help or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact CEO/ARtistic Director Sonny Alforque at salforque@aol.com or ST2009 Production Manager Cristine Lacerna at chie1000pix@comcast.net . We guarantee that while the work is hard and humbling, it’s deeply, deeply rewarding. Don’t wait until Fall to volunteer - we need you now.
Time constraints (i.e. babysitting duties) prevent us from writing about other important news right now. But we’ll be getting back to everyone soon with more interesting highlights about who’s doing what and what’s happening all around in the Sinag-tala community. Thanks as always to everyone for the continuing and robust support that the SFTPAA has been getting. Enjoy the nice weather!

Sonny Alforque
CEO & Artistic Director

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