MRG Services, Incorporated, in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism is bringing “Karim at Jasmin” to Long Beach California. This original Filipino opera is a timeless story of love and intrigue and of duty and passion. It is the first and only original Filipino musical opera, written and conceptualized by Dr. Ramon Sison-Geluz, who for the past 20 years has been writing, editing, revising and polishing each scene of the opera, composing the songs and writing the lyrics as well as creating and designing the costumes for the characters.

            Originally staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on 4 November 2006, “Karim and Jasmin” will debut in the United States on Saturday, 23 June 2007 at the Long Beach Convention Center Terrace Theater with a matinee at 2:00 pm and gala premiere at 8:00 pm.

            The cultural extravaganza will place the Filipino opera in the mainstream entertainment scene alongside classical productions such as “Madam Butterfly” and the like.

            World class talents breathing life to “Karim at Jasmin” are renowned performers Anthony “Gelo” Francisco, Maria Cristina “Kit” Navarro, Bones Deoso, Luningning Buan-Manahan, Everlita Rivera-David and a host of other talented actors. Award-winning director Jet Montelibano directs.