50 Shades the Musical Parody

"Meeting Mr. Grey can be quite an experience..."

Grabbed from www.facebook.com/50ShadesManila

So true.

MR. GREY IS IN TOWN!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! Well, actually, I could... because I am ushering for his show, 50 Shades! The Musical Parody, YEY!

Hmmm... What can I say about the show? It is uber funny, I swear! It is something really, really worth watching if you have extra cash and incidentally, have nothing to do! And well, if you were not satisfied with reading the trilogy or watching the film.

I really cannot reveal much about the show as there are surprises that you guys must see... take for example Mr. Grey. Oh my! He is just the hottest (and definitely the most talented) guy ever to walk the stage of Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza. There are some... juicy scenes, which is definitely the reason why the show is for 18 years old and above. There is Charlie Tango that will put to shame the helicopter scene of Miss Saigon ;) And of course... the RED ROOM of PAIN!!!

I don't know about you guys, but when I think about parodies (especially musical parodies), I think of crappy music, forced acting, and plainly a performance that seems like two people decided in a snap of a finger to make a play making fun of the original text and making money out of a worthless show. But 50 Shades! is definitely not that. It is fun and light, but not crappy AT ALL. The book was well written, and the writer definitely read the trilogy and referenced memorable lines and scenes and happenings from the book. The music was just WOAH! The songs are stuck in my head just upon watching the show once... how much more that I am always ushering during the weekends?

But what truly made me love about 50 Shades! is that it creatively referenced the iconic scenes from the biggest Broadway shows. To all theater fans out there, you will be definitely delighted once you see scenes from Les Mis, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, and Sister Act. Personally, I do not see the parody of the said musicals as blasphemous to the original material, but actually as a beautiful reminder that there are so many magical shows that I must see (like Les Mis, which will start on March 11!)

Another good thing about 50 Shades is that despite the original text being known as highly sexual, the play is actually, well, kinda kinky, but it is not pornographic in anyway (sorry to burst the bubbles of those wishing there are actual live show) and it is not very much inappropriate. Okay, I am not explaining myself well here. What I just mean to say that conservatives will definitely be shocked at the metaphors but not to the extent that they will run screaming to the hills (Yey! A Christian Grey quote! LOL). To the fathers out there who are not willing to allow their daughters to watch 50 Shades! thinking that it might be some kind of an explicit live sex show, keep your hair on, the show is nothing like that... at least, not very much like that ;) I would just like to share that my sister told my mother (who of course, told me) that my father told me sister that he is actually apprehensive that I am ushering for 50 Shades! provided it material. Well, Mr. Punsalang, I have read the book and I have seen the movie, the play is a playful adaptation of those, keep your hair on (An Anastasia Steele quote! LOL).

Grabbed from www.facebook.com/50ShadesManila

To be honest, I am now rereading the trilogy, and I must commend the writer for reliving some lines and scenes. I mean, for the writer to come up with a unique and creative way to relive the not-so-known lines from the book is actually amazing! And another cute thing about the parody is that, despite it being, well, a parody, it did not tarnish in any way my initial imagination on who Ana and Christian are. Though, I must admit that after watching the show, I became more in love with Taylor than with Christian :D LOL

So, to 50 Shades of Grey fans out there who are unwilling to watch the show because you fear that the parody is a blasphemy of the trilogy you cherish so, believe me and watch the show, you will definitely love it. During yesterday's show, one of the audience member was giggling like a child almost throughout the show. She definitely has ready 50 Shades and was definitely enjoying the show. You guys can also share the same emotion. So, come out of your ivory tower and watch Mr. Grey up-close!

What made 50 Shades! even funnier is that the production is given a local color. All the audiences are hysterically laughing at the Filipino references put in the musical. Imagine it as how 50 Shades of Grey would be if set in the Philippines.

More than the material itself, the cast is soooo wonderful. You must already know that it is not an all-foreign cast - Bituin Escalante is amazing (especially during her solo part in a number during the second act), Karel Marquez is such an adorable Ana (very innocent and cute!), George Schulze is amazing a Jose (and frankly, much better than the film version, who I incidentally have forgotten), Julz Savard who redefines what best friends are (she plays Katherine Kavanagh), and Lorenz Martinez… nuff said (sorry but, he will always be Heneral Mascardo to me… or perhaps not after 50 Shades!)

Of course, the off-Broadway cast are spectacular as well. I am actually yearning to know them and have my photo taken with each of them. I mean, they are doing my dream from the place I dream to live my dream! And I must admit that I drool over the David-esque bods of Chris Hodgson and Isaac Saleh. But most of all, I envy Casey Rogers' Aphrodite-come-to-life physique (she plays the Inner Goddess… and with just your imagination, you must know why: D) Another thing I definitely envy are the vocal prowess of Brenna Wahl and Chloe Williamson (you guys must watch the show to know why!) Kaitlyn Frotton as Katherine Kavanagh might worry you about your roommate, LOL. And there is Greg Kata, who is funny as hell.

Oh, well, I am just a lowly usher who incidentally just want to talk about the play I am ushering for, who am I to critique? YOU guys are better critiques. So, what are you waiting for? Watch 50 Shades! The show is extended until the 20^th of March and they have a number of shows to accommodate you all. Visit 50 Shades! The Musical Parody’s website, www.50shadesmanila.com to learn more about the spectacular show and also of course, to book your tickets. Hurry! Mr. Grey’s palm is more than ready to meet you! ;)

Views on the LGBTQI

I am posting again! Yay! I am alive! Naaaah!!

Kidding aside, I what the content of this blog entry is not a criticism to anyone but rather a discussion (if not merely raising curious questions from yours truly) of the gender discrimination in the Philippines. Before I start, let me just tell you that I have friends, or at least I have acquaintances who are members of the LGBTQI community, some of them have homosexual relationships. I am also a Roman Catholic. Lastly, I will do my best to be non-discriminative and unbiased.

So, first, I have a question intended for the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and other religious sectors, but of course, those who are reading this are also welcome to answer. The Holy Bible said that the Lord created the man in His liking, and the woman from the man. Now, the question is who created members of the LGBTQI?

Personally, I believe that God created us all. Well, I believe that a Supreme Being created us all, it’s just that diverse cultures and religions call the Supreme Being differently – God, Allah, and a lot more (again, this is my opinion). Going back, I believe God created all that exist, but not including all that is negative and wrong – murder, theft, deception, laziness, and a lot more. I believe that all this negative stuff was created by Lucifer, God’s fallen angel (now, I am referencing the Holy Bible). With that said, I do not see members of the LGBTQI as ‘negative’ beings in this world, because just like men and women, members of the LGBTQI community do good things. Of course, there are members of the LGBTQI community who do wrong, just like how many men and women do wrong, and much more like how many Catholics do wrong. Hence, just like biologically male and female human beings, members of the LGBTQI community are creations of God, who have their own discretion as to what is wrong or right.

Whether the Catholic Church see members of the LGBTQI community as immoral or not, allowing same-sex marriage in the Philippines is in the discretion of the State, given that there is a supposedly separation of Church and State (of course, I am talking about civil marriage). But on the other hand, isn’t marriage just a superficial event? I mean, many marriages fail the same as many live-in relationships prosper. So with or without the approval of the State with the same-sex marriage, homosexual relationships should be just fine.

More than the same-sex marriage, I think what the LGBTQI community should be pushing is the Anti-Discrimination Law. With this, any act of discrimination towards homosexuals would be punishable by the law. And also, with this law, people will stop the discrimination and promote respect towards homosexuals. And this law covers the discrimination in the work place, education, business, etc.

Last thing, is the point many people are raising that it is not being gay or lesbian that is the issue, but the sexual act made by gay and lesbian couples. People argue that it is stated in the Holy Bible that the purpose of marriages (and sexual acts) is procreation, which is actually why most people ask newlyweds when they will have their first born. Many people say that homosexual sex is purely for pleasure, as no child would be made after they have sex. But then again, there are heterosexual couples, who are not yet married, who have sex. Isn’t that already a violation of God’s words? Perhaps that kind of issue is less significant compared to homosexuals having sex.

Another thing is, even married heterosexual couples have sex just for pleasure and not procreation. I mean, why on earth would impoverished couples have 11 children? Do they honestly want to feed 13 mouths in their family? Personally, I believe that the answer is no. impoverished couples do not intend to have 11 children, but they were keen on having sex (for pleasure, I suppose) yet they do not have or could not afford contraception and so they just multiply.

And lastly on this last point of mine, how about infertile women and sterile men? Are they violating God’s words by having sex with their husbands or wives even they are fully aware that they could have no child? People might say that infertile couples have sex because they expect a miracle. Okay, fine. But I firmly believe that many people have sex for pleasure (most of the time). If not, then how come bars and night clubs are blockbuster spots for ‘sad’ and ‘unsatisfied’ men?

Again, all these are my opinion. You may contradict me, bash me, even hate me, for thinking and having the guts to post all these, but I cannot just sit and watch the minority, who I believe are not at all bad beings, to be discriminated.

If this post appears biased, I am sorry as I have failed to keep my promise of staying unbiased. I just want to speak my mind.

Image credits to mishulkaa of DeviantArt

La Cage aux Folles Bid Everyone Au Revoir

Yes, 9 Works Theatrical’s La Cage aux Folles has already left the stage two weekends ago.

Yes, this blog is actually delayed.

Yes, I am having sepanx (after watching La Cage for two runs).

But seriously, the purpose of this blog is to put those who have not watch in an envious fit (hopefully).

Before anything else, I would like to pardon the photos of the show included in this blog, as they came from the previous run. Still, the photos are spectacular, since the show itself was magnifique.

Now, I will give you reasons why you guys should have watched La Cage:

1.       La Cage promoted LGBTQI relationship, and it was not malicious at all (except for Hanna)

Michael de Mesa and Audie Gemora

Many people always think about sex and its ‘dirtiness’ when they think about LGBTQU relationships. But in La Cage, you could see that LGBTQI relationship is just like any heterosexual relationship. Of course, there is the ever presence (and ever stereotypical) ‘male’ and ‘female’ characters, but you can see that there is nothing wrong with a gay relationship. Albin and Georges were not malicious, they are just simply in love with each other.

2.       La Cage was about parenting

Steven Silva and Michael de Mesa

With a very discriminating society, people always think that in order to create a family, there must be a female (the mother), a male (the father), and the child (a heterosexual child). Some people even believe that the existence of the LGBTQI is brought by the devil. But in La Cage, you can see that a family is not exclusive to only blood relatives nor to sexual assignment. In La Cage, a family are those who you love, no matter what they are. Also, La Cage showed that two males can be the parents of a child, and still the child is well-loved.

3.       La Cage was not a pa-twitams love story

Steven Silva and Joni Galeste

Yes, La Cage featured the love story of two couples, though one couple was not as highlighted as the other, BUT it was a story about true love. By true love I mean knowing how to accept your partner’s faults and knowing to forgive them, understanding each other’s needs, and still retaining the fire burning after all these years. In all honesty, whenever Audie Gemora and Michael De Mesa would do With You on My Arm, I am like a giggling teenager because they are so cute together. Their chemistry is appalling, especially during The Song on the Sand.

4.       La Cage had wonderful numbers

Cheeno Macaraig

After seeing the show in its two standing ovation-flocked runs, the songs in La Cage did not tire my ears. The tap numbers, the can-can number, and of course, The Best of Times were very catchy and entertaining. Every time the audience members passed by me after the show, there was no day that none of them was singing or humming I am What I am or We are What We Are.

5.       La Cage had amazing costumes, make up, and set

La Cage aux Folles

I thought that the costumes for Grease were wonderful. I thought that the set for The Last 5 Years was breathtaking. I was wrong, because La Cage’s costumes and set were far more wonderful breathtaking. The quick changes of the Cagelles were even more amazing: in one number, the ensemble would have to look like a man and the next number they would have to look like Cagelles. For those drag fashion fans, I think you missed half your life by missing La Cage. The gowns used at the Finale were so beautiful (well, duh, they were designed by the best designers in the country).

6.       La Cage had the best cast ever

We face life though it's sometimes sweet and sometimes bitter

With Audie Gemora and Michael De Mesa leading the cast of 9 Works Theatrical’s La Cage, you already know that you are in for a very good show. Upon watching the both charming Steven Silva and Joni Galeste, you realize that you have just witnessed a great show. But the presence of Sheila Francisco, Raul Montesa, and Noel Rayos brought the roof down. And of course, there are the Cagelles (Dindo Divinagracia, Randi De Guzman, Cheeno Macaraig, Chesko Rodriguez, JP Basco, PJ Rebullida, Arnold Trinidad, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Carlos Deriada, Analin Bantug, Mako Alonso, and Mara Javier)… nuff said!

7.       La Cage was just a perfect show

We are what we are!

And to prove the I am having sepanx, let me tell you my dream last Friday. By some unknown miracle (or seizure), Manager JonJon asked me to be one of the Cagelles for the closing show. Having no choice, I had my self made-up by Joni, dressed in the costume for the first number, and wore an outrageous wig, in less than 30 minutes before the show. The scary part was that, the lipstick brush Joni was using was probably embedded with blade as my lips bled every time she spread the lipstick on my lips. I could actually taste the blood. I dunno what happened next, because thank goodness, I woke up. Talk about weird and scary dream.

Au revior, La Cage!

 

I Am Pabebe (And NOT Proud To Be)

I know that for some reason, these Pabebe Girls (Ugh, they are proper noun now!) are famous by whining online, via Youtube. And I also know that for some unfathomable reason, some people like them. I, on the other hand, do not see the purpose of their fame nor do I see their purpose period. And yet, here I am saying that I am a Pabebe (UGH, I HATE TO ADMIT THAT!!!!).

So first, how do I define Pabebe. Well, primarily, I do not give a damn about what truly is the definition of Pabebe. But I define Pabebe as whining like an errant child asking for sweets. And given that definition, I hate to admit that I am Pabebe - because I realize that I whine... ALL THE TIME. And it actually took me the 20 years of my life to admit to myself that I whine.

I do not really know the reason why I am blogging this. But hey, I live in a democratic country where freedom of expression is present, I want to express myself and the internet is available, so might as well blog this. And I do not care if you do not like what I am blogging about. So for those who disagree, go, comment and bash me, if that makes your day.

PABEBE: WHINING

I recently watched a wonderful play of The Sandbox Collective titled #NoFilter. I must say, it was good. The actors were great, the monologues were amazing, the set was so cool, in totality, it was an awesome show (Okay, I am being redundant here). However, I was not able to relate. Well, I was able to, but not because I did those things that millennials do, but because I know a lot of people around me were doing what millennials do. I could relate because I also observed those things among my friends. Yet, here is the catch: I do not like it in the way that the show was about whining young adults. They were whining about how they are misunderstood, how people expect them to be, how they want to be like this but they cannot, how they do not enjoy life, how life did not meet their expectation, et cetera, et cetera.

I guess, after watching #NoFilter, I started to realize that the generation I am is a generation of whiners. I do not really know if the radicals of the 60s or the hippies of the 70s or the baby boomers of the 80s were also whining about not being understood and other stuff, but it would seem to me that the millennials are highlighted for their whining given that the internet is readily available and with just a click of a finger, one could post his or her sentiment (much of like what I am doing).

And then, few days ago, I went to my dentist. There, I witnessed and participated on a conversation between a grandmother and a VAWC advocate. They were talking about the grandchild's mother who was taking away her privacy and freedom because the mother was checking her phone when she is unaware of it, the mother was forbidding her to go out with her friends, the mother has a standing curfew even when the child was with her grandmother, et cetera, et cetera. Well, perhaps, the mother was a tad too strict, perhaps the mother is a bit paranoid, and perhaps the mother is suffering some mental disorder, but for a fifteen year old girl, does it REALLY matter if your mother checks your phone? Does it REALLY matter if your mother does not allow you to go out with your friends? Does it REALLY matter if your mother is strict?

My mother is strict. Until now that I am working, I still have to ask for her permission if I could go out with my friends. I still have to ask for her permission if I could buy something, even if that was from my salary. When I was in high school, my mother never let me to go on a sleepover. When I was in high school, my mother never let me to go to my classmate's house unless it was for a practice or for a project or unless there was no class the following day. When I was in college and I perpetually had my phone with me, my mother used to check my phone (that was why my secret blew into my face... Gosh, the drama was unbearable!). When I was in college, it was not until when I was in fourth year college that my mother allowed me to go out with my friends and go to a bar in Morato. When I was in college, I never really was allowed to go out with my friends and go home late (unlike my friends).

Even though I was mad whenever my mother would not allow me to do a number of things, I know the reason why my mother imposed such policies was because we are not financially well-off. How could I go to Pampanga and Pangasinan with my friends if we barely have the $$ to go to the market. Another reason was because my friends live in the North, while I live in the South. And if they decided to go to SM North after school for a night cap, even when I go home an hour earlier than them, I would still be traveling when they were already in deep slumber in their home.

So I really do not get the child's reason for feeling so down and the grandmother's need to talk to a VAWC advocate to find solution for the mother's craziness. Just the same way I do not see the reason why people think of committing suicide just because a certain part of the society do not accept or do not understand them.

If only adults are as cute as babies when they whine...

But then again, I also do whine. And I feel the need of disclosing my Pabebe-ness so that I will not be tagged as self-righteous. And, well, I feel guilty (and disgusted) about my being a Pabebe...

I am a Pabebe...

• in the gym - Okay, so recently, I started going to the gym to be fit and because I hate seeing myself in the mirror looking like a log (shapeless, I mean). On my first week, when the instructor would tell me to do this and that, I would just nod and do what he told me to do. About a week or two weeks in, I met this two girls, a year younger than me, and we became a bit close. That was when I started whining. I would say 'It's heavy,' which was true, but ultimately meant that the trainer would lighten up the weights. As time wore on, I learned to say no when I do not feel like doing the exercise. Just last night, when I weighed myself and saw that after a month of going religiously to the gym, I did not lose a pound, I realized that I was an effing Pabebe. The instruction actually teased me of being a Pabebe and I was a bit pissed, now with losing not a single pound, I realized that he was right;

• at home - Looking back, even before I started working, I hardly do a thing at home. All I ever did that benefited both my mother and I was to fix the bed in the morning, do the dishes, and occasionally fold the laundry (which I do grudgingly). When my mother asks me to sweep the floor, I would tell her that I will do it later, which would take such a long time that my mother would do the sweeping herself. I do not know how to cook, but I know how to cook rice (although my mother would be the one to check the pot every now and then, not me). I only cleaned the refrigerator once, only because my mother was not at home. When I started working, nothing about my house chores changed. Every morning, while it is too early for my mother to eat but I am already eating, I would see her sweeping the floor, cleaning the fridge, start doing the laundry, feed and let the cat out, and so much more (not to mention that she prepares my breakfast and packed lunch). In the afternoon, my mother would go to tutorial sessions yet, when she comes home, she still takes care of the cat and do other chores (except doing the bed and washing the dishes). NOW, I HAVE THE NERVE OF GETTING PISSED AND FEELING TIRED. Ugh, I hate my Pabebe-ness;

• when I was still studying - I always ranted about my classmates, how some of them are not responsible, how some of them comes to class late, how some of them have a dying grammar skills, how some of them are lazy, and a bunch of other stuff. And then I realize, DUH!!! They are not like me. Just like how I am not just like them. I should've learned about benefit of the doubt earlier in my life;

• about saving - I said that I want to save up so that I can buy a new phone, new clothes, new shoes, even a car. But then again, whenever I feel like buying, I would. Like for example, this concert that features my favorite singers, it is not a necessity, but I want to watch. And I already have the ticket. Now that I have the ticket, I am thinking, is it worth it? Perhaps in some way, it is worth it. I mean, my inner fan girl is having a party. But my I-wanna-save girl is scowling at me (and so is my mother). But you know what is worse, I am whining about my incapability of saving up AND my incapability of buying things that I want. PABEBE!!!

• about the Philippine government - I always rant to my mother about how bad I think JUNIPER would be if he would be elected as the next president of the republic, or how I think PLUTO is a good person but does NOT have the makings of a president and how his wife CHACHA is actually tarnishing his name, and of course, the traffic, the corruption, and so many others. I just rant and do nothing to to help alleviate the situation. However, at least I am a registered voter, I can help make change next year during the elections;

• about the practice of journalism in the Philippines - I would constantly say NOEL is a bad reporter and is not a journalist at all, that he just bullies other reporters, or that he is self-righteous. But then again, I do not rant to the proper people, perhaps the KBP or the management. And who am I actually to critique, when I hardly have the time to listen, watch, or read the news?

• about my dreams*** - I have so many dreams. I want to perform, I want to act, I want to sing, I want to teach, I want to study, I want, I want, I want... but then, I am not even sure which dreams could really be my reality. And the worse is, I am not doing anything to make those dreams a reality:

1. Singing - I could do vocal exercises, but I don't. And I self-pity about my lack of finances to go on legit singing classes.
2. Journalistic writing - I say I want to become a journalist, but I do not know half the cabinet members of the Philippine government. And like what I said, I hardly have the time to watch or read or listen to the news.
3. and others which I better not mention, they might bore the hell out of you guys.

*** But give me please the  benefit of the doubt: I just graduated from college and I do not yet have the means to do all my dreams (into their extravagant extent, I mean). But I know that I could and i SHOULD start small.

Realizing that I am a Pabebe made me disgusted with myself. I am actually like those people I dislike. That thought made me have this mid-year resolution: It is high time for me to be mature and know what I must do. This is the time for me to separate the must do and the want to do. Most of all, I MUST STOP THE EFFING WHINING. Just like what was mentioned in #NoFilter: Say no to Global Whining.

DREAM. PLAN. DO.