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When Philippine Opera Company first staged Terrence McNally’s Master Class in 2010 with Cheri Gil as Maria Callas, I missed it. So when POC mounted the Tony Award-winning play with Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as La Divina, I said to myself that if I missed this one, I am sure to regret it. So I saw it on its premiere at the RCBC Plaza and was I in for a roller-coaster ride, witnessing the highs and lows of the legendary soprano as masterfully portrayed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.   Maria Callas is a complex character. She was one of a kind. A dramatic soprano with the range and agility of a coloratura, she almost single-handedly brought back the bel canto repertoire — Bellini's Norma, Donizetti's Lucia, Cherubini's Medea. Bernstein called her The Bible of Opera. But the woman behind the voice never felt enough. Her mother called her the fat, ugly, talented one. The Italian press said the same about her weight. She lost 80 lbs in a year, remade herself for Onassis, and still got l...

Theatre Group Asia's A Chorus Line is definitely a must-see!  This timeless musical showcases all-Filipino talents that will make you proud; it's the perfect directorial debut material for choreographer Karla Puno Garcia. The cast were perfect for their roles, from Conrad Ricamora as Zach (who's heard more rather than seen--definitely a challenge for the voice acting skills) to Lissa de Guzman as Cassie (WOW! Talent + Stamina!!) to the rest of the cast (ang huhusay, walang tapon). The material seemed fresh too despite being dated (mention of Hollywood and Broadway stage actors of yore that may be lost to the new generation of audience which can't be helped), thanks to Puno Garcia's amazing choreography and Farley Asuncion's musical genius. Hats off to TGA and the rest of the people involved in the staging of this beloved musical!  Watch now! A Chorus Line runs until March 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

Caught the final performance of Come From Away at Samsung Performing Arts Theatre last night (June 29, 2025) at 6pm. A lot has been said about this production, and I agree with all of the praise that has been given to it. Well-deserved, all of it!  CFA tells the true story of how Gander, a small town in Newfoundland, handled the dilemma of welcoming thousands of passengers from international flights that were diverted there immediately following the 9/11 attacks in the U.S.  I saw the show in Melbourne and fell in love with the story and how the ensemble moved me. When I learned that it's going to be staged locally, I just couldn't miss it! I was totally looking out for who's going to be in the cast, and, boy, was I wowed! The abundance of talent! I have seen half of the ensemble from the local staging of Stephen Sondheim's Company by Upstart Productions in 2019 (Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Cathy Azanza-Dy, Topper Fabregas, and Caisa Borromeo), incl...

9 Works Theatrical's production of Robbie Guevara's Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical is an ambitious undertaking that tackles injustice and how one can make a difference. Without revealing the plot, I will focus on some of the performances that stood out for me. Anthony Rosaldo, as the main lead, takes on a monumental task by being present in almost every scene. I can feel his commitment to the role, and it brilliantly shows. He's got a bright future ahead of him. Word of advice, though -- take care of your voice. Nicole Omillo's tongue-in-cheek portrayal of her character brings some element of fun to the musical, but when the need to amp up the drama, she delivers an intense performance, especially when the moment of truth dawns on her in the second act. Arnel Carrion's performance as one of the antagonists is remarkable. His musical number is something to look forward to. More roles for him, please! Another kontrabida who delivers menace with a capital M is Boo Gabunada. ...

Caught the evening performance of this musical last night at RCBC. First: the new arrangements by Ejay Yatco--amazing! It deserves an orchestra to better appreciate the genius behind the "new" sound. Didn't expect to hear Jose Mari Chan songs arranged in a very stagey way!  Second: Standouts (for me) were Carla Guevara Laforteza (her breathtaking rendition of "Hahanapin Ko" blew me away), Floyd Tena (his JR hits close to home--it reminded me of my dad in so many ways), Lorenz Martinez (his frenetic portrayal of a short-fused husband is so natural like he has done this so many times it looked effortless), and Justine Narciso (as the endearing Raya, the love interest to Neo Rivera's JD)--you and Neo made me believe you were meant for each other! Worthy to mention is the quartet of carolers (ang blending!). You know who you are lol! Pwede na kayong rumaket sa mga Christmas parties! Storylines: written by three theatre vets (Joel Trinidad, Robbie Guevara, and Lu...

DIRECTOR Jamie Lloyd's version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Sunset Blvd" breathes new life to the legendary 30-year-old musical by stripping it down to the basics. Without lavish sets and costumes, the outstanding cast led by Nicole Scherzinger as the former and forgotten silent movie star Norma Desmond heavily relies on their sheer acting, singing, and dancing prowess sans the usual spectacle associated with this production. Chairs, lights, and a video projection screen fill the stage and replace the floating mansion of the original staging. From start to end of the musical, the audience is treated to something akin to experimental theatre. For those familiar with the movie or who have seen Patti LuPone on the West End staging or Glenn Close on Broadway, Lloyd's version is a total departure from them. No lavish sets, no vintage car on set — just a big, 23-foot LCD screen. 'Sunset Boulevard' tells the story of Joe Gillis (Tom Francis), a down-on-his-luck writ...

Who'd have thought there's gold to be mined in a short story? Gilda Cordero Fernando's The Magic Circle is the basis of Repertory Theater for Young Audiences' (RTYA) Jepoy and the Magic Circle, as adapted by Rody Vera, with wonderful music and lyrics by Ejay Yatco and directed by Repertory Philippines' Joy Virata, founder and creative director of RTYA. In the musical, Jepoy anchors the audience as he discovers all things mystical and mythical in the forest, from the Tres Marias of Pinoy folklore, the faeries Maria Makiling, Maria Sinukuan, Maria Cacao to the aswangs, dwendes, kapres, and tikbalangs. It also includes some endangered animals native to the Philippines like the Philippine eagle, tarsiers, pawikan, etc. Throughout Jepoy's adventures, along with his trusted dog, Galis, he discovers what happened to his father who left him and his mother for the woods. Jepoy is one musical production for kids that can be enjoyed by adults. While the material is basical...

Have heard this musical a long time ago and how it takes off from Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid but on dry ground. Well, not really dry as the musical begins on a stormy night when the village storytellers try to calm a frightened child by telling the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who falls in love with a rich kid, and whose sacrifice has, uhm, supposedly united the social classes (the "black as night" natives and the light-skinned descendants of the island's French colonizers). But hey, it's very Disney (announced in 2020 as being developed by Disney into a live-action musical film adaptation), what with the exotic backdrop of the Caribbean and just the right blend of Latino music, ballads, and energetic dance numbers to tell the tale of the star-crossed lovers. So when I watched Once On This Island as staged by 9 Works Theatrical, I was awed by the talented cast, their energy was so affecting that I was tapping my feet during fast numbers. I f...

watched #littleshopofhorrors #thesandboxco #matinee #maybankperformingartstheatre Quick Review: Caught the matinee performance of this musical and was surprised that Audrey II was OJ Mariano! He wasn't scheduled to perform that afternoon but then again, I can't complain! His Audrey II was worth the price of the ticket. For those who don't know what Little Shop of Horrors is, the musical is based on a horror comedy film of the same title about an alien plant bent on world domination. The tandem of Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music) took the musical further by amping its campiness, making the musical a hit (it ran for five years off-Broadway). The local staging by The Sandbox Collective brings together veteran theatre performers perfectly cast in the roles (really feels that this is a pet project of Direk Toff de Venecia and Musical Director Ejay Yatco). Because you have the comedic talents of Reb Atadero (a brilliantly bumbling Seymour), Audie L Gemora (...

quick review habang fresh pa LOL (btw, thanks, Jeremy)! i was floored by this production of Repertory Philippines because i was trying hard to envision what was happening onstage while listening to the 1996 cast recording of the musical a couple of weeks ago. but thanks to repertory phils., they got THE Menchu Lauchengco Yulo to direct this musical revue. ang galing ng execution! her casting of 4 actors that can effectively essay 40 different characters was inspired. it was a treat watching all of them onstage! i believe repertory used the 2018 updated material with some tweaks from director menchu to make it more NOW (the projection design featured social media elements); she really pulled out all the stops for this one as there were so many things going on (scrims moving, the choreographed setting-up for the next scene, quick costume changes, etc.) and they were seamless. the actors were all terrific! loved the lullaby of Gian Magdangal (the baby song), the drama of rose ritz’ “very ...

I never thought I'd get to watch Mamma Mia!  on stage.  I first heard of this musical from my best friend Ruel, who has seen it in Las Vegas in 2003.  While he loves the music of ABBA, I am into stage plays and musicals.  So he lent me his souvenir program.  I was curious about how the ABBA songs fitted so I got myself an original cast recording of the show.  And I was totally surprised that the songs seamlessly fit in with the story.  Now I see the characters in my mind every time I play the cast recording.   Flash forward to 2008.  I was excited to watch the movie version of the musical.  Aside from having Meryl Streep (one of my fave actresses), it had a stellar cast which included Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters.   I was so blown away by the movie version that I watched it four times and told my father and my uncle to see it (they did and they liked it too). ...

Rating: ★ Category: Books Genre: Childrens Books Author: Jeff Kinney I think I can safely say that I've outgrown the Wimpy Kid series. Now, to go back to rereading my Calvin and Hobbes comics strip/compilation.

It's been more than 6 months since I last posted here (my bad).   Anyway, after welcoming 2011, we're now in the middle of it.  Time really does fly fast.  Ever since  I started work for MSL, my online work was pushed in the back burner (which is really a good thing).  I am now on my way to my 7th month (I started work officially on December 2010).  So far, am doing good.  Can't really complain.  Thus far, MSL saw four employees go.  The first one was Joseph (he found himself spread too thin.  Told him he should focus on what he should have been doing in the first place).  Then a new writer came in, her name was Isey.  She didn't last for a week!  She felt she didn't belong.  Then Lawrence was let go (creative differences).  Then Erwin had to resign and seek greener pastures in Singapore.  He's now successful finding work there.  Finally, May was let go.  Details on that to follow. Despite ...

2010 was a year full of surprises.  From the start of that year, I had a very promising job that was slowly turning into a nightmare.  It was then that I realized that money isn't everything.  I'd rather keep my self respect rather than continue working in an environment that makes you lose it.  So after almost 6 months of slaving it out (and oftentimes, saving my boss' ass), I had to quit pronto ! Actually, I was already out of work but continued to keep up appearances for my father.  He didn't know that I quit.  It would prove to be a disappointment for him if he learned that. So I still went out of my way as if going to the office.  But in actuality, I was doing work online.  Not until my dad was off to the US that I broke to him the news that I have quit my job.  So that's another highlight of the year, my father going to the states and staying with my brother.   Another thing was my work online.  Ruel pointed me the way...

Rating: ★★ Category: Books Genre: Other Author: Jeff Kinney *sigh* It was quite an entertaining read. But I was missing something. I guess I was looking for a better resolution of Greg and Rowley's friendship. But it shouldn't stop you from buying the book. It tells of Greg's adventures in that interesting stage of change-- puberty.

I have encountered this poem time and time again.  First, when I heard the music version on the radio.  It was being read and the chorus was sung.  Then around early high school, my mother asked me to search for the poem.  She asked my Tito Lito to make a poster out of it so she can read it everyday.  Time and time again, I find myself reading the poem.  The chorus of the music version playing in my mind.  But nothing beats the written word and how it inspires one to be better... to become a better person. Without further ado, here is the poem, written in 1927 (if I am not mistaken), by Max Ehrmann (I am sure many of you didn't know who wrote it, hehe)... It still moves me the way others were moved by the beautiful words and the truth that lies in each and every line. DESIDERATA Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak yo...

Rating: ★ Category: Movies Genre: Independent Buenavista literally means pleasant view. But sad to say, the movie didn't live up to its title. This is the second indie film directed by Lino Tanada that I have seen, the first was his film adaptation of Orlando Nadres' Hanggang Dito Na Lamang at Maraming Salamat. I had no expectations that this would be as grand as Peque Gallaga's Oro, Plata, Mata since it's an indie. But the opening scene reminded me of Oro so much so that I know I am going to be somewhat disappointed with the film. And I was right. Granted that this is an indie film and is financially-challenged, it could've been tightened further in terms of pacing. Editing seemed to be a major problem here. It became so obvious that they were using just one videocam. Story could have been scripted in such a way that you won't get the feeling that you're watching a soap opera or listening to a radio drama (goodness!! how many times do you...

I never thought that it would come to this... me not having a regular work anymore... me freelancing... at this stage in my life, who'd have thought that I'd go freelancing for the second time?  The first time was when I was in between jobs (it's the time after I resigned from Caballero Worldwide Partners and before I got into Digitel) and had to reconnect with people who'd give me work.  I think I was a consultant for Commerce Advertising that time and another small agency in Binondo (I think it was ESP Advertising).  There were other writing jobs for me as well.  Freelancing that time was financially rewarding.  But the security isn't there.  I mean, the usual perks that one gets when he's a regular employee, like health coverage, bonuses, etc.  I guess that's the price I have to pay by going freelance.  I did it before.  But I was so much younger then.  And I knew that God took care of me for two years while I was doing freelance...