I missed this blog.

It's been almost a month since I last posted a blog. Woah. That's how busy I was these past several weeks. I missed blogging, and I even said out loud to a bunch of people one night that I haven't blogged anything in quite some time now. How ironic. And to think that my last before this was also about blogging.

Anyway, while I'm taking a break from reading a few pages from Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest (more on that later), it's time to update.

I finally got to breathe after finishing 3 events in CSB--a full-length play written by one of the students, a dance revue, and a battle of the bands contest (wait, that last one sounded somewhat redundant). They all happened with only one week in between, but the play rehearsals were the ones that got to me because of the last nights, then I had to come to the office early the following morning. Talk about ngarag.

I've been faced, or still facing, a certain strange and awkward situation. I'd rather not elaborate, but I guess I'm just glad that there are things that I found out now from certain people instead of from others. What just irked me was that there were some epal people who first started listening in on private conversations, assuming that it was alright for them to do so. Right now, I'm still trying to figure out how to handle what's possibly been going on, and preparing myself for what could possibly happen so I wouldn't have to go all crazy once we get there.

In my last post, I mentioned a blog camp, and I haven't decided yet about going. I had checked the airfare going there and back, and I guess part of my decision is how much I'd be spending once I get my latest paycheck. Haha, I just found out a few days ago that the person I referred to at work got accepted, so there would be more money coming in as an incentive for that. So I guess I'll have to view my paycheck first tomorrow before I decide, as there are still other stuff that I'm paying for as well.

One of those is (what else?) this summer's workshop under TP. Sir Dennis is back teaching Rehearsal and Performance Techniques, and because I felt hanging after the AC's last session of script analysis class, I went ahead and enrolled for this class. Rayna's assisting, so it would be cool that she'd also be in the class.

So there, we're doing The Importance of Being Earnest for our recital. It's actually pretty cool that the number of characters is the same as how many we are in the class, unlike the last times I was in RPT. I'm actually pretty excited to do this play, especially after having read it through at least a couple of times this week. I still get these bouts of low self-esteem when it comes to my acting abilities, but hopefully I outgrow it soon. Apparently Sir Dennis said that I'm a late bloomer when it comes to acting, and I do believe he's right.

I'm also supposed to be on vocal rest right now. I was sent home from work Wednesday morning, but because I had the battle of the bands event that day (hence the purpose of dialing as early as 4am that day), I couldn't help but disregard the office clinic's EENT's advice to go home and not go to the event. Ack. But I spent one day of vocal rest already, except for the fact that I had to speak for 4 hours during workshop class. Ack, I'm such a bad patient.

Anyway, it's back to the script for the mute little me for a little while before I hit the sack.

To you, the reader, how are you lately? Yes, of course I want to hear from you too.

Brief post on blogging.

I've been concerned about not blogging as regularly as before every time I catch myself writing entries sporadically. I've been thinking about it again earlier while I was looking through some entries from last year.

(Here comes a lousy segue.)

Then a friend suddenly messaged me on Facebook, and we started talking about a really good play that we had both seen recently on separate occasions.

During an idle moment, I checked out his profile and this particular event caught my eye. It was a sort of blog camp this summer. Curious, I asked my friend about it and he said that he had attended it last year. I got even more curious, so I started checking out the event and related links. Suddenly I was seriously thinking about joining. It would be a good excuse to travel and meet new people as well. But we'll see, as I told myself that I'll decide by the end of this month.

Next to Normal, and some other stuff.

My goodness, because of these busy days, I've been neglecting my blog even more.

This current project I'm working on has been keeping me busy, and at the same time wasting a lot of my precious time due to one person in charge. I swear, I hate people who think they know a lot when they really don't.

Anyway, I'll let them learn on their own.


Last Sunday, I first had a nice surprise during the wee hours of morning when I had received a couple of text messages from a friend. We then had a spontaneous rendezvous later that morning, which was a nice start on a Sunday.

I was supposed to go straight home after that, but on a whim, I decided to go straight to Makati to check out Atlantis' Next To Normal in RCBC. I already heard from a lot of people who had already seen the play that it was really darn good, so I wanted to check it out.

My goodness, I knew it was a tearjerker, but I guess that was an understatement. I loved the music, I loved the story, and the actors were awesome. The play revolved around a typical dysfunctional family with a mother who was suffering from a bipolar disorder, and how the family copes with it.

I already knew the pivotal plot twist, even though I didn't know much about the musical prior to watching it. But when I was already watching it, I was so immersed into the entire thing that I was really struck by what was unfolding onstage. I was trying to be discreet while I wiped off tears from my eyes during Act 1. But I wasn't prepared enough when Act 2 began. My goodness, I was doing my best trying to hold back my tears, then I finally gave up and let them loose. But oh my, both my cardigan's sleeves were practically wet with tears during the last few scenes. I doubt that there was a dry eye in that theater.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Next To Normal! Hope I can catch it again, or at least drop by next week.


I got another haircut this past week, and it's so funny how people had noticed that my hair just keeps getting shorter and shorter. And to think that before I had my hair cut, it went halfway down my back. Yes, it was that long until I had it cut into a short bob. I wanted to have it cut shorter, but I wanted to get used to having short hair first. Last Wednesday, I had it cut in the exact length I had originally wanted and I love it! I think I'll keep my hair at this length for quite a while.


So in other news, to the people who still read this blog, how was your previous week?

Catching the Caredivas.

I haven't had the chance yet to blog about watching PETA's Caredivas last Saturday.

But before I get started, because a friend had commented that my last post seemed too much of a spoiler about the previous shows I watched, I guess I'm obligated to give a little disclaimer regarding spoilers. That was because the Zsazsa Zaturnnah Facebook page had found my blog entry and linked it to its page. So that was when I was told to put down a warning should there be spoilers or not. But then again, and my apologies if I sound like an airhead, I just have to say that I don't think I really have to do so, considering this is really my personal weblog. I don't really do those hardcore reviews and whatnot. I'm merely blogging about my personal experience.

Or maybe as a note to the person who linked my blog to the Facebook page, shouldn't he or she had gone through the entire blog entry to ensure that all posted links are free of spoilers?

Oh well.

Anyway, on to the entry.

After my shift last Saturday, I headed over to PETA's theater in New Manila to watch Caredivas. Jerald had gotten me a ticket to the 3pm show, and of course I couldn't pass up the chance to watch him play a drag queen, ahahaha. It was my first time to commute to PETA alone (considering the fact that I almost never go to that area), so I had to keep my eye out on where I had to get off from the FX. I arrived fairly early, so I had lots of time to have lunch at one of the nearby fast food places.

Found Meann in the lobby of the theater once I arrived. I haven't seen that girl in ages, and it's great to see a familiar face. After claiming my ticket from the FOH, I found that there were some people already waiting around, and before I could settle down anywhere, one of the ushers directed us to where we can line up and wait until open house.

Erik had watched the 10am show earlier that day with some friends, and he had texted me about the set once they had entered the theater. I was curious about that when he texted, and when I saw it once I entered the house, there it was. Platforms and ramps. Interesting.

The play was set in Israel, the story revolving around 5 gay Filipino caregivers, sidelining as drag queens by night. They were hilarious, they were endearing, they were touching. Right off the bat, each character exuded with their own unique quirks, giving it justice with their own crazy quips all throughout the show. I liked how they tackled certain issues about finding work abroad, plus dealing with the dangers of doing so, and acceptance. I swear, the entire show will make you laugh, cry, and laugh and cry at the same time.

I have to say, I found it interesting that the 5 main characters were "color-coded." Each of them wore a distinctive main color, from their regular clothes, to their caregiver clothes, right down to their drag costumes (except for the bongga finale, where they all wore the same color).

It's so funny how just the previous Saturday, I had watched an old flame perform a gay role. Here's another openly-straight friend do so in another musical production. Haha, baklaan talaga eh. But it's pretty cool that they did justice to their roles, and still be confident about their sexuality.

Congratulations to the cast of Caredivas! I had a blast watching it. Thanks for the ticket, Je! Ikaw na ang na-feature sa Jessica Soho, hahaha!

Oh, February, I had a blast.

Auditions tomorrow for Tanghalang Pilipino's Noli Me Tangere. I can't wait to work for this production. Thanks for the offer, Ate Jen!

And speaking of work, I received good news yesterday morning after my shift. My probationary period is over. I'm finally regularized! Woohoo!

2-play marathon: Orosman at Zafira, and Zsazsa Zaturnnah.

Like I once said, "More plays, more fun."

Last Saturday, I watched 2 more plays for the month.

After work, I met up with Lara at SM Mall of Asia for the matinee show of DUP's Orosman at Zafira. She's friends with the showbuyers so she was somewhat required to watch. I, on the other hand, am merely a fan of the show. We decided to meet early so we can have lunch together, plus so we can be one of the first in line, as seats are first come, first served. Anyway, we went to the venue first so we can get our tickets (thanks to Merdin for reserving them for us), then ended up at Slammer Burgers for lunch. I just love quality time over food with my breast friend.

After lunch, we headed back to Centerstage so we can wait for the house to open. Dingdong had arrived by then, and claimed his ticket. Grace arrived soon after, decked out in this pretty vintage dress, and we were so surprised as we weren't used to her wearing a dress. Anyway, when we noticed one of the guards fixing the entrance, we decided to form a queue. Lara and I stayed in line while Dingdong and Grace decided to grab a quick lunch. Man, we stood there for about 45 minutes before they opened the house.

As there were so many people, the show began about half an hour late, but I have to say, it was worth the wait. Even though the set was still almost the same as it was in UP, they added a little more punch with a couple of scaffolds, which served as great device when it came to set changes, and even choreography. Delphine and Judith were still awesome as Zafira and Gulnara, respectively. And of course, Roeder and Nazer were spectacular as well as Abdalap and Boulasem. The rest of the cast were equally fascinating to watch, as usual. They even added a bit of touches here and there, some surprising effects that I didn't expect. Some little mishaps with the technicals, but it can be overlooked. The lighting was still quite a spectacle to watch, from beginning to end.

After the show, it was kinda hard to leave the theater because the exits were pretty crowded. Even when we waited a bit inside, there was still some sort of traffic jam as we exited the theater. And of course, Lara still had to have her bit of fangirling with some of the cast, and we let her indulge in it. A little nudge was all it took for her to get a solo opportunity for a photo op with Jay Gonzaga (who played Orosman), as most of the young audience crowded around him for photos.

Congratulations to the entire cast of Orosman at Zafira! Watching it again was worth it.

Anyway, finally, when the crowd thinned out, we all rode with Grace to CCP, as she and Dingdong also got tickets to that night's show of ZsaZsa Zatunnah. Lara, on the other hand, was still uncertain, as her only limiting factor to watch was that Pinky Amador was playing Queen Femina.

Met up with Rosa and Mickey at Teriyaki Boy in Harbour Square the moment we arrived in the CCP area. My goodness, that Dynamite Maki really was dynamite, ahahaha.

We arrived at the LT lobby just when the third chimes were about to go off. But Rosa and Mickey still had to make a pit stop to the restrooms, so I handed over their tickets to them, left Ed's with Paulo at the table, and headed inside alone.

OK, not to compare it with the other play, but Zaturnnah is one of my most anticipated plays this month for a few reasons. And one of them is that Tad, who is actually the Didi understudy, was given 3 shows this weekend to perform that particular role. Surely I can't miss that, ahahaha. And to think that the first play that I saw him in almost 6 years ago was also a gay role (a gay Benvolio in TP's R'meo Luvs Dew-Lhiett). There are lots of other reasons, and most of them are because of revamps and changes in the show itself. There's almost an entire brand-new ensemble, a brand new set, and who knew what else?

Anyway, thank goodness I went ahead, because from the prologue, there was already something different. Kamusta naman ang backdrop which had enveloped Ada that went sailing over our heads at the end of the prologue. And by the time the opening song began, I was already ready to roll with laughter the moment Tad had stepped onstage as Didi.

One thing I noticed, mas fashionista ang mga taong bayan ngayon. But because of that, with about just 2 people looking like the usual taong bayan, they sort of stood out. Anyway, other than that, the cast was still decked out in the usual black and grey looks (in Act 1; they were more colorful in Act 2, but still more fashionista then some, hahaha), in contrast to the mostly-pink set. And because the set was pink, the ensemble wore pink instead of the usual black korombo (thanks to Kuya Red for the term) when they had to go onstage "unnoticed" as lifters and movers.

Eula was awesome as Zsazsa, as always. She was hilarious and stellar at the same time. Her tandem with Tad's Didi was seamless, as if they had done it before. Same goes with Tuxqs as well. Pinky Amador as Queen Femina was refreshing to watch, though I'm somewhat used to seeing Kalila essay the role. In fairness, she did give her own flavor to the antagonist, though I sometimes feel like there's something missing. And if Gabe Mercado is said to be the first openly-straight man to essay this role, Tad's a close second, also being confident with his sexuality, regardless of whatever role he takes on. He was cute and hilarious, and you'll end up missing him when he's offstage. Seeing him in those Didi costumes was quite a sight to see, especially in that yellow gown (complete with handbag!) for the finale and curtain call.

Going back to the set, one ramp on stage left jutted out into the audience area like a thrust, so it's sort of a dead giveaway that some of the action takes place along the aisle. And sure enough, some actors crossed over via this ramp and into the audience through the aisle, and at one point even going through rows of seats, thus sort of bringing back the intimate feel that the play had during its original stagings in the small Batute theater.

Oh wait, they changed something, or cut something short, by the way. The "machine" was gone, and there was a new part in "Prepare to Meet Your Doom." Naging duet? Hahaha. Nice, I like it.

From the first scene right on up to the curtain call, the entire audience was applauding and rolling with laughter. Manhid na siguro ang hindi matutuwa sa musical na ito.

After the show, the lobby was swarming with people, trying to get photo ops with the cast. There was a photo wall where Tuxqs, Eula and Tad gamely posed for photos. Aba, iba na si Tad, pinipilahan na lang ngayon, nag falsies at evening gown lang, hahaha!

Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah! This play never seems to get old for me. I still want to watch again. Who wants to sponsor me? Hahaha!

Post-Vday post.

I had asked a couple of questions in my previous blog entry about Valentine's day, and I got a few amusing responses. And a couple of friends even asked me the same question. So to be fair, I decided to answer my own questions as well, as promised.

I have a couple of favorite Valentine's day memories, none of the romantic kind, really, ahahaha. The first was when I spent the day with a bunch of friends who were involved in my thesis production. We were all single back then (and I think most of us still are right now, ahehe) and we all headed to the mall for lunch then caught a screening of The Phantom of The Opera (though it took quite a long debate before we got to decide on what movie to watch). Half of the group still had class so they had to leave after two-thirds of the play. Eventually, we all headed back to Taft, where 2 other guy friends had to disappear because of a double date. Ended up with just Nikki and me hanging out in Starbucks, just talking until another friend came along and joined us after a while.

Wow, I can't believe I remembered that, hahaha.

Anyway, the second V-day memory was just hanging out at Dencio's with an old flame. We were initially with another friend earlier in the evening, and eventually that friend had to leave for a family affair, but he paid for the rest of our drinks plus an order of crispy pata (woohoo!). We first just sat there awkwardly and quiet, until we eventually started talking, and that was when I finally got closure.

Anyway, so how did I spend my Valentine's day this year? I spent most of it at home, just vegging out in my room. I read a couple of chapters of my current book du jour, watched Mona Lisa Smile, then I headed out and met up with one of my good friends, and spent the afternoon just hanging out and talking. Instead of dreading the occasion and brooding about being single, I do believe that I like it this way, just treating it like an ordinary day, and it was pretty alright.

Speaking of ordinary days, I wonder what's in store for the rest of this week. Can't wait for the weekend to watch Orosman at Zafira and ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal.

So how about you guys? Looking back, how was this year's Valentine's day for you?

Merely watching.

One of the many reasons why I didn't commit to working for one production this quarter is simply because I don't want to be tied to just one show when there are so many good stuff to watch during arts month.

Last Thursday, I got to watch the 2nd day of Monodrama Manila (as part of the International Monodrama Festival, I think) in CCP's Tanghalang Huseng Batute. Alimuom, the monologue that Tad had performed in UP and in CSB, was part of it. Anyway, I got to watch the matinee show of the day's set. I was sitting next to Tuxqs and Miss Shamaine during the first monologue, Su Lokes, an entry from Mindanao. It took us a while to figure out the story, even as we shuffled through the program for its synopsis, but eventually we figured it out when we had stepped out of the theater during the intermission to defrost ourselves.

It was even more freezing than usual that time in the Batute (I think they just had to air conditioner filters cleaned or something), and even when I sat in between Anna and Russell in the gallery during the second monologue, Biyous (an entry from Visayas), I was still freezing my ass off. Something about the guy's characters threw me off. I got a little confused with his gay character and his patron, and well, I guess I got a little bored after a while, and even Russ stepped out for a quick bite, while Anna covered herself with Russ' jacket and started texting away.

We stepped out of the theater again during the intermission, and headed back inside just when Alimuom was just starting. Per usual, Tad's reformist soldier was engrossing, his stories were so graphic that it was almost revolting. There were some parts of the monologue that I didn't really want to listen to because of the imagery, ahahaha.

After the show, I went with Anna, Russ and Riki to Mang Inasal to eat. It was intriguing to hear some news about Riki, but I decided not to press on. It was so amusing watching these two guys with their antics with Anna, that you can't help but laugh til your sides ache. We were also joined by Martha and one of ZsaZsa Zaturnnah's new Dodongs (oh shoot, I forgot his name). Of course, Riki had introduced Anna and Riki as former ACs, and me as Tad's ex. Haha, kaloka, ganun talaga ang pagpakilala sakin. And speaking of the devil, Tad joined us a bit later. Kamusta naman ang panukso na pinapatabi siya sakin when he arrived.

When it was almost time for the ZsaZsa cast to resume rehearsals at 6pm, I tagged along with Tad, Anna and Russ to Starbucks to just hang out until Tad had to go back to Batute for the evening show. Interesting conversations abound, such as The Actors Guild, how the AC is now and before, and all that stuff.


On Friday, we resumed script analysis class, after quite a long break. Wow, and to think that the last class we had was on the first week of November. Anyway, we quickly wrapped up Pirandello's Six Characters In Search Of An Author, and then we started reading The Man of La Mancha. Funny musical, and we couldn't help laughing as we read the lines. I was also pretty amused at how Sir Dennis would suddenly begin a song with such fervor, complete with musical vamps, hahahaha.

One favorite line I liked in the play was, "We both select from life what pleases us." Interesting.

And when we had to write down all our initial reactions on the play after first reading it, I liked what Reg said. "I miss the man who treats me like Dulcinea."

After class, we headed to the buffeteria to eat, then I tagged along with Kat and Rayna to the Batute, so we could catch the Lithuanian National Theater Company's Birute Mar perform Antigone at the Monodrama Manila. My goodness, she was amazing. Even though we never understood what she was saying, her movements and expressions were so clear. Her eyes were so hauntingly piercing. Brava.


On Saturday, I first met with Rosa for lunch after my shift. We both had the yummy Curry Beef Rice at Pepper Lunch, then had their molten chocolate cake for dessert. Yummm. We went around Glorietta for a while until I had to go to CCP to catch another matinee of that day's set of monodramas.

Haha, Miss Nikki was delightfully amused when I told her I was a paying audience that day. As soon as the house opened, I settled in my favorite seat at the top of the bleachers. Little did I know that I was sitting at a perfect spot for a later performance.

Nar was up first for Anak ng Babaylan. I was so relieved that he was performing, because when I watched it the first time in CSB with a different actor, I didn't quite understand it. Nar was fascinating to watch, with all those ethnic movements as he performed the monologue, ending with his character sacrificing certain beliefs.

I already got to watch Skyzx in Queen Kong also in CSB, and her performance was still equally hilarious despite her character's unfortunate situation. It was just annoying how the students around me kept giving crazy comments all throughout the show (starting with "Nababaliw ba siya?" at the beginning of Nar's monologue).

The students just had to gasp when they realized who was performing in the next monologue. Ahahaha. None other than Shamaine Centenera Buencamino. She had performed El Galeon de Simeon when we went to visit the Galeon Andalucia last year, and she was awesome. With this quieter, more closed venue, I was able to concentrate on the performance more. And I realized, the kids around me had also shut up, caught up in the performance. My goodness, I was trying to hold back tears near the end of the monologue, and when I briefly glanced around me, I could also see half the crowd wiping away tears ever so discreetly, so I stopped holding mine back. Huwaw, now that was stellar.


Teena had texted me while I was still in the theater, asking if I was coming over to RCBC that day for Rent. I asked her if they were shorthanded that day, because I decided to just go if they were. And yes, they were. So instead of attending the monodrama forum after the matinee show, I headed for RCBC.

OK, I have to admit, this year's Rent is better than last year's. After I had ushered during the evening show, I simply told Geli, "It works." Exactly. Ganun naman kasi dapat. Learn and unlearn, diba?


Anyway, enough updates for now. Oh, Valentine's day already? Just for a little interaction, here are some little questions for those who read this blog. What's your favorite Valentine's Day memory? And how are you going to spend this year's Valentine's Day?

Time for sleep. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!