Curtains: Nemesis (finally, hahaha).

We're finally done with Nemesis, which actually took a year in the making, hahaha. Mimay, Betty and I were supposed to have done this last year for Mimay's directing class under Jose Estrella, but due to the search of the perfect Alan and other complications along the way, it got deferred to this year.

After weeks of planning and rehearsals (still continued with the search for Alan as Tad had to decline due to Romeo and Juliet rehearsals), we were finally back on track. Evenings at Ayn's house (dubbed as Villa Dimaya by Mimay) became a regular thing. We always looked forward to dinner before rehearsal started, as well as Opa-bashing on the side, hahaha! We just love our stage manager, wahehehe. I swear, this play would have been pretty different if we got someone else to be our SM. No one would be as generous as to feed Betty all her lines, and as well as provide murmured comments as Mimay piled up all my notes, hahaha. I'll miss all the crazy conversations we always have around the dining table, discussions over the script, several Filipino translations, character profiles, "sharing dreams" and looking interested, hehe.

I was actually grateful for rehearsals being so far from my comfort zone. It meant learning a new commuting route, and how to get around.

Early call time at Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan yesterday morning. Because of that, my mom had to curl my hair the night before. But per usual, because my stick-straight hair can't really hold much of a curl, it wasn't as tight as I wanted by the time I got off the UP jeep.

After one stage adjustment, we only got to have one DTR before the actual show, where I had to drink real liquor, hahaha. Hello, that's the only thing similar about Margaret and I, so the reaction from the whiskey was totally real. Due to the time constraints, after the DTR, we just rehearsed the 2nd half of the play and the curtain call. Hahaha, out of sheer amusement during the bathroom break, I was still in the stall, reading all the famous vandalisms that you find in every other forwarded email. For a change, I snapped photos of a couple of them.

"1st time ko magvandal!"
"Pagpa2loy mo..."

"Whatta crap! (all o'these)"
"That's y ts called toilet. U put crap here."


Showtime! It went pretty great. It was pretty amusing to have the audience laugh at some lines that we didn't expect to actually be funny. When Alvin suddenly had the mistake of switching Betty's and my names around, I just had to react in that Margaret tone, "AKO?" Hahahaha! Benta sa audience!

By the time the show had ended, I suddenly recognized people from the crowd. There was Merv, sitting in the front row, hahaha! And yay, Micah, Dyown and Billy came to watch as well! And while I was still talking to them, I was super surprised and glad to see that Arni and Lav were also there.

After the show, Opa and I headed over to CCP for the 2nd day of Virgin Labfest auditions. Of course, I wanted to be there, as Tad was going to be there. They had watched the premiere of Hubad the movie that afternoon and went straight to sign up for the auditions. There they all were, the AC hanging around at the south entrance and some inside the door. Basically just chitchat, camwhoring and kulitan, with Chrome and Je's new magic trick on the side, hahaha. Tin was also at the audition! Yay! It was great to see all these crazy people all in one day.

Still too early. I'm still to lazy to move. But I still have to get going. *stretch*

Updating. And procrastinating.

I haven't blogged in a while.

Days are getting busier. Nemesis on Thursday afternoon. Classes have resumed. And Virgin Labfest 4 is finally here.

Haha, I was gearing myself up for the Labfest since the beginning of the month, but I never heard any news until I suddenly got a text from Tuxqs, asking if I knew anyone who's willing to be his stage manager, or if I was available. So of course, I said yes. Hahaha.

For the past few weeks, I've been traveling back and forth between the south and Quezon City for Nemesis. Last night was our last rehearsal at Ayn's house. Huwaw, I can't wait for Thursday. But I can't believe it's going to be over so soon. After being shelved for a year, we'll miss the "let go" moments, the recurring jokes, and of course, Barbara, Alan and Margaret.

Last Saturday, while most people went to watch Lea's 30th anniversary concert at the PICC, I headed over to Assumption with Betty to watch METTA's production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Of course I don't want to miss Tad's performance as Benvolio, as he portrayed the same character in TP's R'meo Luvs Dew-Lhiett, the jologs version of the play. That, and we haven't seen each other in quite a while because of our schedules. Most of the cast were students of the school, while the rest were professional actors, mostly from TP, haha. Too bad I didn't get to watch the afternoon show, when Anna had played Juliet, and Kat as Lady Capulet. But congrats all the same to you guys!

Hahaha, while Betty and I were talking before the show, I heard someone from behind say my name. There was Pam, Aria and Micko, sitting a couple of rows behind us. As it turned out, John, the guy playing Tybalt, was their friend as well as a fellow Zobel alumnus. My golly, it was great to see those familiar faces. I still can't get over how tall Micko and Aria are now.

First script reading of our Labfest play this evening. I made a little mix-up in the reservation of venues, but it was fine in the end. As of now, I owe May a copy of the English lyrics of "Gracias A La Vida," ahehe. Could this be a possible sequel of Ellas Inosentes? HAHAHA! That was the running joke the entire evening, thanks to Sir Dennis, who had sat in halfway through our script reading.

Procrastination ends here.

Snippets from around the table.

Plates of pancit canton, shrimp crackers, glasses of water, 3 sets of scripts, and pencils are scattered all over the dining table.


"Nakalimutan mo bra mo nung isang araw."
"Ha? Hindi ako nagba-bra eh..."

"... Tapos ayun na, shine-share na niya sakin yung mga dreams (*insert weird expression here*) niya."
*Laughter and chorus of "whys" around the table.
"Eh mukha raw kasi akong interested eh."

*While scraping the dregs of pancit from the bowl, half to self*
"Sayang eh..."

"Gusto ko ng matamiiis..."
*Gets jar of Nutella and a loaf of bread*
"Konti lang..." *while spreading a huge dollop of Nutella on a piece of bread*


Yep, there's always good progress when great minds come together, hahaha.

A reunion with the GG7 boys.

I have never attended a get-together with my original blockmates from when I first transferred to CSB. But when Carlo had sent me a text message last week inviting everyone to a reunion, I decided to jump at the chance, especially because it was pretty close to JP's birthday.

Our original block was composed of transferees, most from DLSU-Manila, and a couple of us from UST (but we were both Zobel alumni). I forgot the total number of students, but there were about only 7 girls in the block, only about 3 of us were pretty friendly with everyone, including me. Most were taking up Computer Applications or Human Resource Management, while I was the only Production Design student among all the transferees that term. Even though I was one of the boys and hung out a lot with JP and RA and some others, I was pretty eccentric for them to handle. They teased me mercilessly, because they knew I wouldn't kill them for it, hahaha.

JP was the closest friend I had in the block, as we always talked even though we were worlds apart. We met up during breaks, talked on the phone in the evenings about his current heartaches. And because it was publicized that it was his birthday, we joked that he'll be the one paying for everything.

Anyway, I barely knew anyone after our first term, as I headed off to my own little world of theater, and only reappeared for our second recollection and one get-together, resulting in Marci having to drive me all the way home (his vivid memory of me, hahaha!). Then they never heard from me again.

After rehearsals and a pictorial at Ayn's house, I headed off the Mall of Asia. Carlo's chosen venue was Hooters, as it was fairly new. The first person I almost immediately saw was David, and we decided to go inside and reserve a table for the entire group. Stanley arrived next with his girlfriend in tow.

After JP had arrived, the rest started appearing as well. There was Carlo, who also brought his family for a while (his son's adorable!), Reiner, Kris (and his girlfriend), Carl (with girlfriend), Boj, Mark (and girlfriend), Reggie (and wife), and finally Marci (with wife). Yes, everyone had brought their significant others except for JP (whose girlfriend is spending quality time with her dad) and me (Tad's in Zambales with his family for an overdue beach outing).

Hmmm... about Hooters, it didn't really impress me. Aside from the staff's outfits, there was nothing much similar with the original Hooters in the US. So yeah, the ladies dance when YMCA or some other song starts up, but hello, they just dance for the heck of it. Parang ang lungkot pa nila kung sumayaw. Mga teh, di ba kayo masaya? David had even commented that they look like they're on their day off, if you know what I mean.

My goodness, I've forgotten how crazy these guys can be when they make hirits. Specially David, Carlo and Marci. When someone slinks away to smoke or go to the bathroom, or even if there is anyone not present at the table, David will start talking and joking about them. Carlo would go around the table and start picking on anyone he feels like talking to, hahaha! Marci naman, walang patawad. He'll raise his voice and talk to you from the other side of the table para lang asarin ka, wahahaha.

"JP, sagot mo naman lahat diba?"
"Si Carl pulang-pula na. Carl! Mestizo ka pala! Kasing kulay mo na yung mga baso!"
"Pinsan ha? Gaano na kayo katagal magpinsan?"
"Nasan na si Boj? Nanlalalaki? HAHAHA!"
"Hogi, na-chicks ka ba ni JP?" (Here comes the taas-kilay effect.)
"Ako, walang girlfriend." (Repeat while looking at me.)
"San mo sine-save yung pictures mo?" "Wala, ine-erase ko lang, haha!"
*snaps photo* "Ang pangit mo!" (And repeat with next victim.)
"Pare, tanungin mo si JP kung anong gagawin niya pag dumating dito si Owen na naka-skirt."

Sure enough, before that last hirit manages to make it to JP's ears, I turn to look at the entrance to find Owen approaching our table, hahaha!

Every time I try to attempt a French exit from the group so I can get home early, something gets in the way. Sudden downpour of rain (this happened a lot). David spies someone leaving the table and starts talking about them, and adding, "Yan ang nangyayari kapag umaalis ang tao eh."

I have to admit, I sometimes regret not bonding with these guys much after our first term together. They were like kuyas to me back when we were all starting out in CSB together. Then I chose to disappear from their world. Super thanks to Carlo for the invite. Til the next get-together, y'all!

Trek to UP for Marisol.

I had made plans to watch Marisol in UP yesterday. Alone. Hahaha. But as it turned out, Cindy didn't get to watch it the evening before, so we decided to watch it together.

Met up in UP as early as 4pm so we can gab and pig out on isaw at the same time. We pretty much bummed around the whole time, but because I missed this girl, it was pretty fun. Because we had a lot of time on our hands after the isaw-fest, we took a jeep that went around the campus the other way so we got to kill a lot more time. Hey, beats walking all the way back to the Faculty Center, hahaha.

Lots of time still left, and we ended up at the entrance of Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan and entertained ourselves pretty well. I finally got to watch her performance in Maria Vahina (hahaha!), thanks to her PSP. Then after a while, I went back to my crochet project (which I brought with me) as she became content with playing Diner Dash until the house opened.

So on with Marisol. Before I got to watch the play, I already read one review and there were already a bit of feedback from quite a bunch. Most didn't really appreciate it. It was pretty... interesting. Or maybe I just don't get it at all. Or maybe I had a lot of things in my mind, or maybe I could just blame it on ADHD. Even with that, Mailes was still superb as the title role of Marisol. She was pretty compelling to watch. I love the exchanges between her and Sigrid, who played June. Hahaha, one funny instance was in June's first scene with Marisol. A huge bug was flying around the entire venue and it chose to fly around the acting area during that particular scene and I think Sigrid got pretty distracted by it yet managed to create witty banter with Mailes even with that darn insect around. Nicco, of course, was quite the standout as usual as the only male actor in the play. Refreshing is the apt word to describe my baby bro's performance, specially as Lenny.

Even if the play took a little over 2 hours, I was quite surprised that it didn't really feel that long. I guess that's one more good thing about it. It wasn't really that dragging.

Back to our own play this evening, with a new Alan aboard. More script reading, more discussion. With the progress, I'm getting to enjoy this even more. We still learn a little more as we go along.

One little project and another. Hope nothing falls through.

Playshop concert and an unexpected mini-reunion.

I've never attended a Trumpets Playshop tribute show in years, ever since I stopped taking their workshops. This year, I decided to check it out, even if it means trekking all the way to AFP like I did last year just to watch Marielle's showcase.

The first familiar faces I saw in the lobby were Lao and Tara. Hahaha, Lao was selling his accessories there, with Tara giving him a hand. Sometimes I bummed with them, sometimes I mingled with the crowd when I found familiar faces. Tita Luna was the next familiar face I saw, and it was great to see her. Seeing her made me miss Jamie too, but he was too lazy to brave the distance and crazy traffic.

Familiar faces... there were so many of them before. Now there were more strangers than friends and acquaintances.

When 6pm came, I went inside the theater, only to find that the concert wasn't starting for another hour. Instead, Playshop Groove was progressing, one of the kids division, and another for the teens. Hmmm... the kids were pretty fun to watch, but the teens were a different story. Yeah, there were a bunch that were pretty good, but in some of the groups, there were some girls that were more conscious about their appearance than their performance. Kind of reminds me of my former students, hahaha.

After announcing the winner of each division, there was a 15-minute break before the concert began. Found that Lao and Tara haven't left yet, as they had decided to stick around a little while longer before leaving.

The show began with some of the Playshop teachers doing the opening number of The Little Mermaid with Roden (as host) stopping it in mid-song and giving them new lyrics to sing. Leslie was also there, as she was one of the Playshop teachers this year, and the one who won in Hired's search for the next Playshop teacher.

In between video clips of Playshop's founders talking about how the workshops were born, there were song and dance numbers by the Playshop kids, former and current Playshoppers, and past and present teachers, including The Company. Hahaha, I just love their rendition of "My Humps." One of my favorite parts of the show was when the teachers came out and did "God I Hope I Get It" from A Chorus Line. I almost fell off my seat from laughing when I saw Chevy enter clad in pink short shorts with a matching top, HAHAHAHA! Then of course, there also the Broadway medley, since most of the Playshoppers are into musical theater. I'm such a sucker for these also.

After the show, I waited for Leslie in the lobby so I could congratulate her, and wish her good luck as well for her kids' upcoming showcase. Got to meet her friends Jamie and Israel, and ended up hitching a ride with them out of AFP. We sort of got lost for a good 20 minutes, but we managed to get back on track despite Leslie's crazy directions, hehe.

Leslie had decided to go out to dinner at Eastwood, and as I was killing time, I rode with them the whole way. Having commuted from that area before, I figured that I was just as easy to catch a ride from there. Hahaha, after we had parked the car and they had started to debate as to where to eat (no one could decide), we walked around aimlessly until I began to hear music. Loud music. Way familiar-sounding music. Then I saw a tent with a stage underneath and I saw a familiar setup.

Yep, the Akafellas were singing in Eastwood, and I had no idea, hahaha! It's been ages since I last heard them sing, even more since I last went to any of their gigs. Sure enough, I found myself walking toward the area. Leslie and I found a couple of familiar faces sitting at a table right up front and center. Hahaha, there was Reuben and Ikey (with girlfriend Joey). So we hung around and watched their set. It felt weird to see Reubs and Ikey sitting there while a couple of other new guys were singing in their place. But they still sounded pretty good.

After the set, Leslie and I went backstage to say hello to the boys. For old times sake, I entered their little dressing area with my old signature "Huwaw!" HAHAHA! It was great to see these boys again. Little changes around, but these guys are still the wacky ones I used to work with. Leslie did some photo ops, and even played photographer for one fan (mistaking a point-and-shoot digital camera for a DSLR as she was holding it like one, hehe). Then some started bidding their farewells. Thank goodness Paulo offered me a ride home, haha. For some reason, I didn't think I'd make it before my estimated time if I commuted. Hooray for southside people, hehe.

On our way to the parking area, Pau and I ran into a group of people that seemed familiar to me. A familiar blue boho skirt was the first thing that caught my eye. Sure enough, it was Kat. And there they were, Nicco, Martha, Olive and Arkel. Hahaha, I haven't seen them in quite a while as well. Wheeee! And it was high time I finally got to see the new couple in person. Happy for you, baby bro! You guys owe me a lot of kwento, hahaha!

The whole ride back, Pau and I just caught up on each other's happenings, with his photography stint and my frustrated efforts in, well, everything, hahaha.

And yes, I will not leave this out. When we got to our village, we started cracking up when he noticed this flower shop called

"... and flowers."

HAHAHAHA! Yep, that's it. That's what it's called.

"Parang may buwelo when you have to say the name." *brief pause* "... and flowers..."
"Cards, chocolates..." *brief pause* "... and flowers..."

Haha, ano buh. I wonder if he'll keep this going if ever we do that concert together. Now "...and flowers" is forever imprinted in my brain with Paulo's voice, hahaha.

Seeing the AFLS gang again.

Mimay had called off Monday and Tuesday rehearsals, so I was debating with myself whether or not I should go out on Monday night, either to catch MNNV at the Fort, or join them before they head out to ABS to catch Lea's taping of a Sharon episode. I chose AFLS over MNNV, mostly because I haven't seen most of them in ages (I think the last I've seen half of them was during ZsaZsa Zaturnnah and the rest were at Lea's Tomorrow concert).

Mimay and Tin's persistence to meet up earlier and hang out at Trinoma resulted in me hurrying up my morning chores and both of them texting me the whole time I was on the road before I had to meet Tin at the MRT station, hahaha.

The first thing Tin and I did when we arrived at Trinoma was look for the nearest place to buy myself a ball of blue yarn and a new hook to make my crochet project. The hook I have at home was the wrong size for the kind of yarn I was using. The next thing we looked for was Mimay, who wasn't really there yet even though she was badgering us to hurry up.

Text messages to Mimay:
Dahil minadali mo kami, libre mo kami ng lunch.
Dahil late ka, hanapin mo kami. Clue: isang banyo. Hahaha!
Shet ka, nasan ka na? Baka kainin na ako ni Tin sa gutom niya.

Settled at Brothers Burger for lunch, then when we looked for a place to just sit and talk, we ended up not finding that non-existent Gloria Jeans branch that Tin had insisted. Off to Starbucks then. While Tin and Mimay talked, I took out my hook and yarn and listened to them, improvising crochet patterns as I worked the yarn into a circle. Haha, by the time they had finished applying makeup, I had something that somewhat resembled a small potholder. Progress, yay.

When it was time to meet the rest, we hopped on a cab to ABS. Jhack had mentioned a certain venue with a green gate, but by the time we arrived, there wasn't any green gate in sight. Opted to meet at Starbucks at ELJ instead. Found Jeff on the way, then we trooped to Starbucks where Jhack was. Carmel and Edcel arrived a few minutes after we did. It started drizzling, so we went inside and sat around at the food court. A bunch of us started to eat (after a little horror story by Jeff that they spent hours sitting in hunger during the last time they went to a taping, hahaha) while waiting for Betsy and Zen. Camwhoring galore and talking, along with Carmel's endless makeup application (and her rants about her eyeliner), hahaha!

Betsy was still on the way, so we decided to go ahead with Zen to the studio. It took a really long wait outside the studio, but we entertained ourselves just fine, hahaha. Seating wasn't really a problem, as Zen had reserved us a whole row. Thank you, Zen!

Being so used to live theater, I still can't seem to appreciate the business of TV production. Everyone was required to clap on cue, no frowning is allowed, bawal ang "nakahalukipkip" ang kamay... all that jazz. I remember once being in YSpeak, and because I was in the dressing room the whole time the floor director spoke to the audience, I never heard these before. Never mind that I was sitting on the front row then, directly in front of two of the cameras. Haha, I had no idea about what to say and do before they cue to commercial. Nyak.

So anyway, there we were, sitting in the audience. My fellow AFLS friends were waiting anxiously for Lea to appear. As it turned out, the first thing that was going to be taped was her singing "The Journey." Hahaha, funny moment was somewhere in the middle of the song, Lea turns to face our direction, sees me amidst our happy group, and even does a double take and chuckles while she was singing, hahahaha! Great to see you too, Lea!

As it turned out, that was the only thing Lea had to shoot to promote her 30th anniversary concert. Jeff suddenly stood to follow GR backstage, and because Edcel and Betsy were sitting on the edge of the bleachers beside me, they leaped off and the rest of us followed suit.

Everyone went backstage and hovered around, waiting for Lea. I said hello to GR, who I haven't seen since the closing party of Avenue Q. When Lea appeared, she said hello and bussed me on the cheek before the guard started herding people away from the halls. When the people started crowding around Lea, I suddenly felt Carmel's camera in my hands. Haha, it's the Tomorrow concert all over again.

Oh, those AFLS moments...
Betsy's legendary Sharpie.
"Thank you." "What for?" "... For everything..." -Someone's Janina moment. HAHAHAHA! (I told you I'm not leaving this out.)
Carmel's cyborg transfer.

I haven't done the groupie thing in 4 years, and I'm so glad I'm past it. But it was great being with the AFLS gang again. These guys just crack me up. Too bad I won't be able to go to the concert. Girlfriend mode ako that weekend, hehehe. But let's get together another time!

On crochet and my "make-and-do" phase.

I was just hanging around in my room earlier, just reading a good book. It was a good read, but I found my mind wandering. ADHD moment, ahaha. So I put the book down and went to the room across the hall and opened one of the drawers where I knew I would find some of my old junk. Looking at my old stuff is one of my favorite boredom-busting activities.

At the bottom, I found a plastic bag, its material translucent enough for me to see a lot of colorful stuff inside. When I opened it, I had discovered where all my missing yarn and hooks had gone. There were the black, purple and red balls of yarn that I had used to bind old notebooks. There was an old hook from a craft set my mom gave me to create a shag pillow. And a huge spool of white crochet yarn. Connected to the white yarn was an old abandoned project of mine, a small crochet bag modeled after those Sak bags.

I miss doing any kind of arts and crafts. I remember that most of the books I checked out of the grade school library (if not Bobbsey Twins or Nancy Drew) were "make-and-do" books. I made toy houses out of my dad's balikbayan boxes and dragged them to every room in the house. I dismantled my doll houses and improvised new ones out of them. I once made a "car" out of shoe boxes for one of my stuffed teddy bears, and I even sewed him shirts and even a jumper from scraps of fabric I found lying around the house. When Iam started toting around a pouch bag as a purse back in 5th or 6th grade, I spent one weekend making drawstring bags out of old pillowcases. Haha, Rosa wanted one as well, so I made her a similar bag out of yellow silk that I was saving for a future project. I once "stole" a huge piece of black cloth from my mom's fabric collection and transformed it into a T-dress for a project.

When I had typhoid fever during one summer, my aunt taught me the art of crochet to keep me from getting bored. Those basic stitches helped me get ahead in Home Economics class in 6th and 7th grade when we had to do crochet projects. I got envious glares from my classmates as they watched me do consecutive chains quicker than they could knot. In 7th grade, we were required to glue stitches we had learned to our notebooks for our teacher to check each time. I remember one particular classmate who once "borrowed" my notebook to check if I had copied the instructions right. When I had opened my notebook, I had realized that she had torn off at least a couple of my work and passed it as her own. Instead of getting mad or retaliating or whatever, I ended up just shrugging it off. If she doesn't know how to do those simple stitches herself, she's going to have a tough time when we started doing the huge motif projects. And she did, hyukhyuk.

I took out that spool of white yarn and the crochet hook and tried to see what I remember. As I created chains and doubles and triples, I realized how I missed doing crochet projects, and how therapeutic it was. I missed the delight in learning a new decorative stitch (haha, even the most simple ones, like the cluster and the popcorn). I loved the idea of creating my own patterns before.

I want to to do arts and crafts again. Too many techie people today. (Ha? Ano raw?) Maybe I can start crocheting again. I already have a little project (or two) in mind. All I have to do next is look for some good quality yarn in a nice shade of blue and a size 3 hook.

Learning.

During a short chat, I learned a little more about tact.

More importantly, I learned a little more about myself.

Hey, real friends are the ones who tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

==============================

Most common question asked this past month: "How do you feel?"

And the response had to be given right away, without thinking.

But what if you know you're feeling something, yet you're not sure how to verbalize what it is?

I feel... indifferent? Or exceptional? Hahahaha.

==============================

I know Mimay doesn't really want me talking about it, but finally, the cast of Nemesis is complete. Well, at least this evening, it is. For the first time, we had 3 actors during one rehearsal, hahaha. We also finally found our fearless stage manager as well, hahaha. Let's get it on.

But first, we have to let go of some things, ahehe.


[edit]

May 10th. 12:40 pm
I think I jinxed it by blogging about it, hahaha. Eep.

[/edit]

Changed? Or no change at all?

For some reason, most our talks were always one-sided. It was almost always about you. We don't talk much anymore (almost never), but in the last couple of conversations we had, it's even more one-sided.

Wala mang, "Kamusta ka na?" or "Ano na'ng balita?" Not even an "I miss you." Though that last one may not ring true for you.

Nagbago ka na ba? O ganyan ka talaga at hindi nagbago?

Hahaha, natamaan ba?




"Stone, stone in the air, where it lands, we do not care."
("Bato-bato sa langit, ang matamaan, wag magagalit." Hahahaha!)

Nemesis. Finally.

Ever since our little production of Nemesis fell through last year due to a lot of things (imagine my script turning into confetti on my bedroom floor), it has become of of my frustrations.

This year, Mimay was determined to finish it as a requirement to graduate, ahehehe. Before she left for a month-long stay in the US, she said that we might have to use an entirely different play, as she wasn't allowed to use the same one again. Finally she got to talk with her professor yesterday, and was given the go signal to do Nemesis again. Yay!

Now it's back to casting an Alan. At least now we have a couple of options, ahehehe.

Monday: More Randomness.

Just some random thoughts...

Isn't it funny kung may sinabi ka na blind item or something similar tapos biglang may nagi-guilty o natatamaan? Or kung nagpaparinig ka (be it on purpose or not) and then someone suddenly fesses up?

Wala lang, napaisip lang.


I wonder... If I still pursued interior design, mas may pera siguro ako ngayon, hahaha. And I probably would've graduated already years ago, ahehehe. My mere frustration of that aspect of design got me interested in watching every episode of Top Design. When I caught last night's episode where Matt and Carisa, as a final challenge, were tasked to design a beautiful loft, I myself imagined all the things I could do with that space. I had to agree with Jonathan, that sunken bed that Carisa had put in was fierce. And Matt's "princess room" for his daughter was so darling.

I wish I could do that.


Remembering Betty's word on the last day of workshop: KA-ULAYAW.

kaulayaw (ka-) n. one's pleasant or intimate companion or friend

She mentioned that word when she said that she regretted having bonded with our workshop classmates because she always arrived exactly in time and leaves right away. Hindi niya naka-ulayaw ang mga kaklase namin. Reg had also said it, because she has summer classes. I, on the other hand, always arrive early (therefore labeled as the "early bird") and always get to talk with the others at the south entrance.

But for some reason, even though with all the constant hanging out (before and after classes, Friday nights at Kala bar, that darn walk-a-thon all over Taft, Vito Cruz, Leon Guinto and Estrada) and the emergence of the "come-backers", I seem more detached from this bunch compared to the previous workshop friends I've had. I have no idea why.

Even with that, I still miss this crazy bunch.


Tad and I finally got to watch Ironman yesterday. And as a belated 7th-month present, he gave me these pretty slippers that I absolutely adore, plus some fudge brownies. Anyway, the film rocked! I grew up with a brother that was a huge fan of Marvel, DC, etcetera, so I guess it sort of got to me too, hahaha. Plus that little scene after the credits was quite amusing. Go Avengers!


Out of sheer boredom after securing an adjustment form in school, I ended up hanging out with Nar and Tuxqs this afternoon. They were talking about Nar's workshop recital when I arrived, debating between Sabado sa Sam's and Last Order sa Penguin. Hahaha, that cab story that Tuxqs told will forever be embedded in my mind, especially with the "tok-tok-tok-tok..." HAHAHAHAHA!

So anyway, how are you? Yes, you, the one reading this. I miss you.

Someone made me a 2nd Facebook account. Who are you?

This is weird. And annoying.

I logged into my Facebook account just a few minutes ago while I was chatting with Ria. I hardly ever touch my Facebook, only about once a month to approve friend requests and ignore all those unnecessary applications that I think are just a waste of my internet time.

When Ria had decided to add me to her Facebook, she found 2 accounts under my name. What the hell? I hardly log into the site, so why the heck would I make a second account?

Whoever created that account, please erase it. I do not want to confuse people, specially since I had no idea that someone else out there created it. And to whoever's adding me to their Facebook, I'm the one with the least info in the profile area, and the least number of applications displayed. Would that make any difference?

[edit]

OK, found out who it is.

Seriously man, I know this really isn't a big issue. You could've at least told me about it beforehand so I wouldn't be surprised. It could've been flattering. But I'm really touchy when it comes to personal accounts. Operative word here is "personal." I'd really appreciate it if you erase the account you made.

[/edit]

Curtains: Ang Mga Propesyonal.

One month had passed so quickly.

Yesterday, we performed Ang Mga Propesyonal as our recital for Rehearsal and Performance Techniques workshop.

As usual, I arrived a little earlier in Batute and found my own little corner. I stayed there until Gigi arrived and we started throwing lines as some of the others walked around the stage. As the crew did a paper tech for the lights and scene changes, some had already gone to the Conference room to prep up a little early. Headed over there at 4pm as well.

Hahaha, as it turned out, Rayna and Trency had established "Ampy's Salon" as was willing to do people's make-up. Half the girls had to put their hair up in buns, and Kris and I lucked out finding a bunch of hairnets in one corner because we had forgotten to bring our own.

A little past 5, we all trooped back to Batute's dressing room through the buff. A little warm up, then we closed the dressing room for open house, and we said a prayer. Woohoo, showtime! A whole bunch immediately went backstage while Gino, Gigi and I stayed in the dressing room until after the National Anthem. Then we joined the rest.

Everything went pretty smoothly when the show started. Of course, the permit for food and smoking wasn't approved so we never got to use the food. I didn't even notice how fast everything was happening until I realized that it was already the 4th scene. I barreled through, and then Louie missed his cue, hahaha! What's even funnier was that he came in and started smoking, which got the OJTs backstage into a panic. By the time our scene had ended, we were all cracking up backstage while the drama concluded onstage during the 5th scene.

We did it! Hahaha, and what would even be funnier was that we didn't receive our certificates right there and then, as it was still missing a signatory. But even with that, Sir Dennis still acknowledged us one by one.

One final company call after the show with Sir Dennis, Mayen and Tara. The usual "How do you feel?" question was thrown, ahehe. Of course, they did mention a few points here and there, plus Mayen's "Masasama ang mga kaibigan ko." Hahaha! But hey, I liked what Sir Dennis had said, hahaha. "Put it this way. You performed a show with only 19 rehearsals. That's a feat."

I didn't exactly invite people to watch this year, but what's pretty disappointing was that my parents didn't even try to go, and I didn't even hear a good luck, break a leg, or congratulations anywhere. Oh well. It did make my day, though, when Tad managed to make it even though his rehearsal in Makati had ended late and had to endure the rush-hour traffic just to reach CCP in time, yay.

As early detachment, I didn't join some of the guys for dinner, and opted to have quality time with Tad instead. Since the workshops began, we never got to spend much time together because of our contrasting schedules. Dinner and talking, with a side order of notes (hahaha!) was a simple pleasure that I was thankful for last night. I was so giddy for many reasons.

Photos to follow.

Bituin Sings The Standards

Plugging for Bito...


Join me at the Captain's Bar of the Mandarin Oriental on the 17th and 24th of May as I sing the songs closest to my heart.

For ticket inquiries call 891-9999 for reservations or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call the Mandarin Oriental 750-8888 loc 2446.

You may also call The Thirdline Inc. at 4260103

Tickets are at P1,000 and P800

I hope to see all of you there!