Raffle prizes for the Filipino Voices writing project

I'd like to help encourage more people--especially young bloggers--to join the Philippine Issues Writing Project of FilipinoVoices.com. I'm donating three books to the pool of prizes that will be raffled off to participants at the end of the project.


The three books consist of two glossy, lavishly illustrated coffee-table books and one literary anthology.

1. WELCOME TO THE PHILIPPINES is a Department of Tourism-prepared compendium of everything attractive, significant and worth checking out in the country. Aside from the colorful photo spreads and concise text, the book offers a directory of essential information about travelling in the Philippines, from airline offices to bank schedules to shopping places to a list of hotels, resorts and top restaurants all around the country.

2. MANILA BAY: THE CROSSROADS OF ASIA, by Reynaldo G. Alejandro, Vicente Roman S. Santos and Alfred A. Yuson, celebrates "how one of the world's best natural ports became the hub of socio-economic, cultural and artistic exchange within Southeast Asia, and later, between East and West," as the book jacket puts it. Contributions from prominent writers and artists are fully illustrated with historical drawings and vintage and contemporary photos.

3. BAGETS: AN ANTHOLOGY OF FILIPINO YOUNG ADULT FICTION--Carla M. Pacis and Eugene Y. Evasco, editors. A beguiling collection of sixteen stories in English and Filipino aimed at Filipino young adults, "who need to have their own adolescent hero, even as Holden Caulfield continues to haunt the high school classrooms," says the intro. (Kevin, lay off the Chuck Palahniuks for now, aim for this!:-))

The Philippine Issues Writing Project
You decide the issue, in your own words, in your own style. This is a way in which everyone can participate, and this is also a way in which our readers will realize the multi dimensional aspect of the challenges we face as a nation.

So whether you are a technology blogger, a personal blogger, socio-political blogger, or a lifestyle blogger, anyone can participate, and is encouraged to participate.

This will be a two-month-long writing project, each Friday we will announce those who have participated and the articles they have written.

This is about the issues that you feel need to be written about. Whether it is in the technology sector, our economy, social justice, politics, it’s all up to you, be thoughtful and creative.

At the end of the two months, we will raffle off prizes for those who have participated in the writing project. Among the prizes will be P10,000 worth of books, cash prizes, and t-shirts. We will officially put up the list of prizes to be awarded in the coming weeks.

But, honestly, this isn’t really about the prizes, it’s all well and good, yes, but at the end of the day, we hope you can join this writing project because you truly want to write about the issues that are affecting The Philippines. To shed light on these issues, should be our number one goal.

Specific rules:
1. Maximum 2 entries per person
2. Contest deadline: June 27, 2008 (moved from June 9, to allow more bloggers to participate)
3. All topics allowed, no maximum or minimum amount of words
4. Must have been written on or after January 1, 2008
5. Must be an original work

Take this opportunity to let your voices be heard on issues that you feel affect us all. Full details on how to join, prizes and other updates here.

Thanks, Nick, for the chance to help.

Open auditions for Virgin Labfest 4

The Virgin Labfest 4, the most awaited theater festival in the country today, will hold open auditions at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Bulwagang Amado Hernandez on May 28 and 29, 2008 (Wednesday and Thursday), 6–9 p.m.

The Virgin Labfest, now on its fourth year, has earned a solid reputation for its exciting and provocative line-up of “untried, untested, unpublished and unstaged” one-act plays from playwrights both young and old. The lineup for Virgin Labfest 4 includes plays by National Artist F. Sionil Jose, award-winning playwrights Layeta Bucoy, Tim Dacanay, Allan Lopez, Job Pagsibigan, Debbie Tan and Dennis Teodosio, as well as newcomers such as Carlo Garcia, Anna Marie Gonzales, Jovi Miroy, Khavn de la Cruz and Malaysian writer Koh Jun Eiow.

Among those tapped to direct the plays are Virgin Labfest “veterans” Niel de Mesa, George de Jesus III, Cats Racsag, Tuxqs Rutaquio, Roobak Valle, J. Victor Villareal and Toshiisa Yoshida, and festival first-timers Dennis Gupa, Chris Millado, Floy Quintos, Paolo O’Hara, Leo Rialp and Tiffany Santuyo. Rody Vera is the Festival’s Artistic Director.

The auditions are open to all actors and actresses 18 years and above. Everyone is expected to bring two photos (a head shot and full-body shot) as well as a resume, and they may be asked to read scenes from some of the festival plays.

The Virgin Labfest 4 runs June 25-July 6 and is presented by the Writers Bloc and Tanghalang Pilipino with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. For further inquiries, please call the CCP Dramatic Arts Division at 8321125 local 1600, or Tanghalang Pilipino at 8323661, or send an SMS to 0928-5054424.

PLUS: The Virgin Labfest 4 lineup of plays below.

Virgin Labfest 4: The Lineup

Kapamilya, Kapuso, Kabisyo
Amoy ng Langit by Hase Hiroichi
Las Mentiras de Gloria by Layeta Bucoy
Ang Mga Halimaw by Carlo Garcia

Katotohanan, Katarungan, Kapatiran
Dong-Ao by F. Sionil Jose
Masagang Ekonomiya by Allan Lopez
Pamantasang Hirang by Tim Dacanay

Pagbabago, Paghahanap, Pagkakataon
Ang Kwento ng Menginga ng New York City Na Kamukha ng Bee-Stung Lips ni Julia Roberts by George Kabristante
Gumamela by Dennis Teodosio
Ang Bayot by Ogie Braga

Pagkagahaman, Panlilinlang, Pananampalataya
Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna by Floy Quintos
Mga Babaeng TooBright by Debbie Tan
Ang Paulit Na Libing by Koh Jun Eiow

Mga Premyadong Kuwentong Pambata
Victoria Anonuevo's Terangati, adapted by Niel de Mesa
Ma. Corazon Remigio's Bruhihi, Bruhaha, adapted by Argel Tuazon;
Edgar Samar's Nanay Ko Si Darna, adapted by Job Pagsibigan

Virgin Labfest 3 Revisited
Ellas Inosentes by Layeta Bucoy; dir. Tuxqs Rutaquio
Three Sisters by Yoji Sakate; dir. Jose Estrella
Mga Obra ni Maestra by Niel de Mesa; dir. Niel de Mesa

Staged Readings
Billboard by Jovy Miroy (full length play)
Kung Paano Maghiwalay by George de Jesus
Newtopia by Khavn de la Cruz
Ang Mga Mananahi by Ogie Braga
Ama Namin by Anna Gonzales
Asunto by J. Dennis Teodosio

Excerpts from Savage Stage (plays by Ma-Yi Theater Company, New York)
Excerpts from The Virgin Labfest Lab

Symposium: From Novel to Stage

The Virgin Labfest 4, now on its fourth year, offers an exciting and provocative lineup of “untried, untested, unpublished and unstaged” one-act plays from playwrights both young and old.

This year's festival runs June 25-July 6 and is presented by the Writers Bloc and Tanghalang Pilipino with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. For further inquiries, please call the CCP Dramatic Arts Division at 8321125 local 1600, or Tanghalang Pilipino at 8323661, or send an SMS to 0928-5054424.

Teaser to a tale of high drama

[Update 1: Mr. Guingona's published article here, and a related blog entry by Ria Pangilinan here.]

[Update 2: My “Saving Face” article here.]

If I were you, I'd buy a copy of the Inquirer tomorrow, Sunday, May 25 (or at least check out the online edition).

Our lead story for Sunday Lifestyle is an exclusive piece by noted actor-director Bart Guingona, who recounts a terrifying near-death experience that occurred onstage, in real time, during a performance of Repertory Philippines' Tuesdays With Morrie recently. Mr. Guingona co-stars with theater lion Jose Mari Gonzales in the touring Mitch Albom play, which played in Alabang for a couple of weekends and will run again in July and September.

“You know how sometimes you have an experience of singular intensity that it threatens to change you forever?,” begins Mr. Guingona. Then, several paragraphs later, after he's narrated the riveting details, he asks: “An artist working himself to the bones to make ends meet, living a hand-to-mouth life to entertain and edify others... Is it worth it? There’s too little money in it. Little or no fame. Yet some of us continue to do it and some of us die doing it. Most of us know there’s no financial security in it and only get by on its promise of spiritual certitude. Are we insane?”

I edited the piece, and nearly teared up while reading it. Here's a story that exposes the madness, magnificence and grit of those who dedicate their lives to the theater--they who pledge to finish the show in the face of herculean odds, sometimes even of Death itself. Read the piece and join me pay homage to those who toil in the creative vineyards--in particular to Mr. Avellana, whose towering bravery and commitment to his art qualify as heroism of the highest kind.

As Mr. Guingona puts it, and to which I can only agree, “The least we can say is BRAVO!”

PLUS: My “In the case of my face...” entry also appears in the Sunday issue, but in a shorter, sweeter version. Sorry, Fritz, the L'Oreal-pampered cat's out of the bag!

[Update 1: Mr. Guingona's published article here, and a related blog entry by Ria Pangilinan here.]

[Update 2: My “Saving Face” article here.]

Rare video: Ana Feleo and Tex Ordonez in 'Contra Mundum' duet from 'Larawan, The Musical'

Two of the best voices in Philippine musical theater today sing Kakalabanin Natin ang Mundo, a song from Musical Theater Philippines' Larawan, The Musical. This was performed during Philstage's birthday tribute to National Artist for Theater Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana last February 2008. (Sorry for the eternal long shot, couldn't get any nearer.)

A backgrounder: Ms. Avellana was the first Candida in both the stage and film versions of Nick Joaquin's play, Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, on which Larawan, The Musical is based. Naty Crame Rogers (still an active actress in her '80s, having just appeared in Tanghalang Ateneo's May Day Eve, another Joaquin work), played the role of Paula, Candida's younger sister.

What you will see flashing on the background screen as Ana and Tex sing their duet are excerpts from the landmark film version of Portrait, directed by Ms. Avellana's late husband, National Artist for Theater Lamberto Avellana, with Ms. Avellana and Ms. Crame Rogers immortalizing their signature stage roles on celluloid. (The live piano accompaniment is by Jed Balsamo.)

The musical itself is no less pedigreed, with music by Ryan Cayabyab and libretto by another National Artist (this time for both Theater and Literature), the late Rolando Tinio. Tragically, Mr. Tinio died a week or so before the triumphant opening of the musical, which starred Celeste Legaspi as Candida, Zsa Zsa Padilla as Paula and Ricky Davao as Tony Javier.

Larawan arguably ranks as one of most star-studded original Filipino musicals ever mounted. Aside from the three leads, the other performers included Hajji Alejandro, Roeder Camanag, Louie Reyes, Eugene Villaluz, Carla Martinez, Dawn Zulueta and Mikee Cojuangco. The “Old Guard” chorus alone consisted of Fides Cuyugan-Asencio, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Nomer Son, Robert Natividad and Gamaliel Viray--all boldface names in Philippine opera.

And Mikee Cojuangco's alternate was a young singer-actress named Madonna Decena--who, many years later, would floor the judges of Britain's Got Talent with her audition, and achieve her own measure of international fame via YouTube.

Zsa Zsa Padilla, whose work in Larawan received glowing reviews, also sang the part of Paula in the original cast album. In the musical's second run, however, she was no longer available. If I recall correctly, Leah Navarro was announced as her replacement, but was dropped a few weeks before the show, causing the usual mini-tempest in show-biz talk shows.

Rachel Alejandro then stepped into the role, joining the other cast members who were reprising their parts. There was one more addition--Abby Viduya aka Priscilla Almeda (yes, the very daring Seiko Films bold star), then dipping her toes in legitimate musical theater for the first time.

This was the run I caught at CCP's Main Theater. It was my first time to watch Dawn Zulueta, Priscilla Almeda and Rachel Alejandro on stage, singing, and it's no exaggeration to say that, overall, I was very much taken in. (This is also the first time those names are appearing together in one sentence, I think.) Ms. Viduya/Almeda could sing, Ms. Zulueta was an exotic comic presence as Elsa Montes the “Conga Queen,” and Ms. Alejandro, though quite young-looking for the part, delivered a powerfully sung Paula, her glistening alto blending seamlessly with Celeste Legaspi's dramatic soprano.

The song featured in this video, Kakalabanin Natin ang Mundo, is the spinster sisters' cry of liberation near the end of the musical, when they've come to terms with their impoverished lot, and are finally resolved not to give up their crumbling Intramuros home--their one tenuous link to a faded era of gracious living marked by art, beauty, poetry, gentility. To a crassly commercial world, they fling their defiant challenge: “Kung ang tao sa ngayon/Nasa isip puro pera/At hindi na uso'ng poesiya/Di na bale'ng magkagera!” Contra mundum, indeed.



PLUS: Celeste Legaspi and Zsa Zsa Padilla's version of this song, from the original cast album of Larawan, The Musical:

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Plugs and more plugs

Two shows you have to make time for this weekend (try bilocation):

1. Bituin Escalante sings the standards at Mandarin Oriental's Captain's Bar, 9 p.m., this Saturday, May 24, the last of her two-weekend engagement. Haven't had time to watch, but video excerpts here (a poor substitute at that) show that the star is to these classic songs born. Watch her croon Alfie; spine-tingling.

2. Lea Salonga's My Life... On Stage concert this Friday and Saturday, May 23-24, 8 p.m., at the Philippine International Convention Center. That's Lea Salonga. Nuff said.

Day job, playgoing, blogging--all that, plus movies, DVD marathons, dinners with friends, reading, sex (I'm kidding), etc.--have kept me from any decent blog-hopping in the last few months. I've missed out on so many interesting new blogs and bloggers. Don't ask me who's supposed to be “emerging-influential” now, I wouldn't have the slightest idea.

But I'd like to make a pitch for three blogs that I think are worth your bookmarks--two quite new, one not-so:

1. Misterhubs. This “Pinoy legal urbanite” who blogs anonymously writes with a droll, casual sophistication--on days when he's not skewering show-biz targets with his witty zingers. He's been around since last year, which means the site has built up an archive of good reads, from playful odes to model Leandro Okabe to this--an excerpt from his entry on office pooping, hands down my favorite Misterhubs post:

I don’t know about you but for me, pooping in the presence of another is quite an intimate act. It’s almost at the same level as French-kissing or opening a joint account. Since I wasn’t in the mood to get intimate with mysterious peeing guy that day, I waited and waited and waited (Mr. Pee had to wash his hands, examine his blackheads, and comb his hair) until he was finally out of the loo.

After what felt like eons, I finally downloaded my files. I was aiming for a silent, Baby Suri-like delivery but a few gargling sounds came out. The neat thing was everything was over in eight seconds and there was no icky splatter.

With military precision, I unrolled the reel of tissue in my hand and began Operation Wipe Off. Some people are thrifty when it comes to tissue papers. They would only use X number of squares, just enough to prevent underwear stains. I’m not like that. I’m the Paris Hilton of tissue papers. I have no problem consuming one whole roll in one sitting if that’s what it takes to feel like a new person...

2. Lakwatsero. Angel Juarez doesn't do travel blogging the way many of us do--with elongated ruminations on escape, movement, freedom, nature, the balm of awesome sights, all that luggage-bound jazz. Instead, he gives up facts: where and when to go, what to do, where to stay, how much to spend. The emphasis is on the quirky, untried and unconventional--away from the tourist horde as much as possible. The pictures look fetching, too. This is a most helpful blog for people who are as conscious of their wallets as they are of their wandering itch. Check out Angel's Boracay/Tibiao entry to know what I mean.

3. Pan, Nessus and Chiron. The “fabulous" (Ian Casocot's word, and he's right) Palanca Hall of Famer Nicolas Pichay, lawyer and man of letters, now blogs, and his first entries make for vigorous, compulsive reading. Here he is recalling a confrontation with a wayward niece:

The more tears she shed, the more encouraged I became in piling one on top of the other my homily on the responsibility of family, the grace of humility and honorable subservience to obligation. I was really getting into the sweet contravida-ness of my role and relishing the souring of her wedding. The scene was building on the emotional stakes thus far established and the suspense was the kind that held an audience before the network run the commercial for feminine napkins. I couldn’t stop. I felt my face heat up as it crumpled and distorted. I did not slow down to take in air as I raced from one poetic allusion to the next running down mixed metaphors in the process. After twenty minutes, I began to sound like a robot about to disintegrate. My head started to throb, my chest started to tighten. I’ve seen this in the movies. At this point the father would now be clutching his chest and succumbing to a heart attack. Luckily, I was able to step on the emotional break before the onslaught of cardiac arrest. I dismissed her even before she could wipe her runny nose...

Finally: Filipino Voices is holding the Philippine Issues Writing Project, which encourages bloggers of all persuasions to write about any issue that affects the nation. “You decide the issue, in your own words, in your own style... So whether you are a technology blogger, a personal blogger, socio-political blogger, or a lifestyle blogger, anyone can participate, and is encouraged to participate.” The project will run for two months, with prizes at stake. Click here for more details. I'll blog about it next time, after I've firmed up something. Hmmm.

New Voice Company's workshop showcase

Watch some of Philippine theater’s most exciting new finds in “Scenes and Songs (Eksena’t Kanta),” the New Voice Company’s 2008 Workshop Showcase, which unreels at the RCBC Theater on June 1 at 12 noon.

Directed by NVC Associate Artistic Director Rito Asilo, director of some of the company’s critically-acclaimed hit shows (“Into the Woods,” “The Vagina Monologues,” “Frozen” and “Cabaret”), the two-hour production will feature 31 of its students interpreting provocative scenes and memorable songs in English and contemporary Filipino (translated by Asilo). Batch 2008 includes a mix of dedicated professionals and talented newcomers, with the special participation of top NVC workshop alumni like Missy Maramara, Nikki Ventosa, Mica Margolles and April Celmar.

“Eksena’t Kanta” will be followed in the evening by NVC’s special VDay show—a back-to-back performance of “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer” and “The Vagina Monologues”—at 7 p.m. For tickets and other details, call Rona or Jaybee at 8965497, 8966695 or 8990630.

Why 'Pinoy Idol' sucks

So true and so well said that I just had to borrow and reprint the words verbatim:

When I saw the pilot episode of PINOY IDOL, where they were choosing finalists from a sea of contestant-wanna-bes, I felt I was watching a different show altogether. I thought I was watching... uhm... “Wish Ko Lang” because they showed clips featuring some contestants and their unbelievable struggles to get through the harrowing audition process. One contestant told her depressing tale, how she sold her car to get to Manila to join the contest. “Gusto ko talagang manalo sa Pinoy Idol para makaahon kami sa hirap. Pagod na pagod na kasi ako sa ganitong buhay.” Another contestant was even taped during her father’s burol complete with coffin in the background. I thought I was dreaming -- maybe I was. Another contestant, who was barely 18, when asked why he joined the contest answered “Para mapakain ko po ang mga magulang ko at mapag-aral ko ang mga kapatid ko.” Another girl said “Para makakain po ako ng tatlong beses isang araw.” It went on and on and on and on. Wow. I thought this was a singing contest. Bakit parang naging KAPWA KO, MAHAL KO with musical production numbers in between segments? Ano yun? Kulang na lang mamigay si Mel Tiangco ng relief goods sa mga contestants.

Why does everything have to be OVERLY DRAMATIC? Why are we romanticizing poverty so much that it feels like everything we do is motivated by money? Yes, times are hard but should we milk every melodramatic moment in front of the camera? This is a singing contest --- not “Wowowee” where, as a contestant, “the more tears you shed you get more chances of winning.”

Whatever happened to following your dream? Whatever happened to “pride” and “dignity” in performing? Of becoming a real artist? Of pursuing your passion? Of expressing yourself and communicating to others? This contest should be about talent and musical passion. Nothing else.

It’s not the contestants’ fault they have tragic stories to tell. (Heck, my life will make an interesting Maala-ala Mo Kaya episode but I’d rather keep my sob stories to myself, thank you.) They were asked sad questions by the segment producers and the poor hopefuls, willing to do anything and everything to be in the final 12, willingly answered. The Pinoy Idol writers obviously exploited the more “heart-warming” and “human interest” angles of the contestants’ lives to make the show more “touching” and “relevant.” Dapat merong “Awwww...” moment. Lagi na lang ba? Is it really necessary? They have so many shows focusing on mushy stuff already. Geez. Pati ba naman singing contest?

They're by Vince De Jesus, and there's more of his typically sharp, witty and pertinent observations about GMA-7's ineffectual singing tilt, the state of the local music industry, money versus artistry, etc. in his aptly titled Multiply post, “Milking the Melodramatic Cow.” And he's not even talking of the contestants yet.

PLUS: More raps in the head, for Nina's “What-is-she-on?” birit here, Sitti's “desafinado-sintonado” bossa here. Stop laughing, this is serious!

In the case of my face...

...Time has won. My long-held pose of studied nonchalance toward it just won't do any more, in the face of the first hints of fine lines, crow's feet, dark spots, blemishes and--horrors--jowls that now greet me in the mirror every day.

But of course. By September this year I'd be two years shy of the big Four-O. What did I expect?

Still, I find hilarious these days the lengths to which I try to hold on to whatever is left of my youthful skin. Because this wasn't always the case. Until my mid-20s I had subsisted on only one cleansing regimen for my face: Safeguard. Long before it acquired a “conscience” in those ads, I'd been using the damn soap for both body and face--even for scalp in the absence of shampoo. Grew up with it, brought the habit to Manila when I relocated here, saw that it worked even better against the grit and grime of city life.

For a few years, at least, I never worried about the condition of my face. The flesh-colored, kidney-shaped soap with the antiseptic smell guaranteed that I presented a clean, fresh look every morning. It was one more thing, I thought, that made me a different sort of gay guy: never into fashion, beauty pageants, home decorating, and, yes, cosmetics. I had friends who obsessed over their beauty products and routines. I got by with the most ordinary bar of soap. Dearies, I mocked them, I'm so butch compared to all of you. Which, of course, just had them bursting into laughter.

Ah, the bravado of youth.

I can't pinpoint exactly when my facial constitution began to change. Perhaps it was around that time when I began spending late nights out, boozing and partying, even on weekdays. This was a time when I could go for 48 hours without a wink. I had a good job, I was earning well, I was in the city--fuck, this was my “Me” time. The nerdy ex-seminarian was on a roll. I never did learn how to smoke, but the amount of second-hand smoke I choked up on in bars and among friends over that period must have been enough to fry my lungs. And what do they say now about how all that bingeing eventually ravages one's face?

I tried Eskinol when I noticed my face becoming oily. The “For Men” variant, because even then I was disdainful of getting into any fancy beauty habit. Na-ah, regular blue-collar guy here, nothing vain or fastidious for me. At this point, I still heard regular compliments from colleagues about my smooth, clean face. Women, especially, were envious when I told them it was just Safeguard and Eskinol Master. They, meanwhile, had to pile on the gunk every morning--to no avail, for some. (Chortle.)

The good Lord must have noticed how radiantly high-handed I was about my complexion, and decided to teach me a lesson. Boom! One day I woke up with a severe case of chickenpox. How did I know it was a cosmic slapdown? Because, rather than blooming on the rest of my body, the blisters all flocked to my forehead, my cheeks, my nose. Overnight, my face was one big sore. It was a miserable time. See the three craters in the middle of my eyebrows in the picture above? They're a permanent reminder of that humbling affliction. Good thing the scars didn't darken. Sebo de macho, counseled the elders, and they were right.

But there I was--the former picture of flawlessness, now pitted with scars, nicks, indentations. I never regained that creamy, baby-like face, though I tried using Safeguard again. The soap only made my skin dry, flaky. What a betrayal. Something had changed inside, and in the ensuing years, it's become a case of trying out one product after another just to ensure I'd end up with a reasonably healthy-looking complexion free from blemish, irritation or zits. (Yes, I still get them occasionally.)

A vaunted product would work for a time--Nivea's line for men, for instance--and then somehow lose its potency. So I'd stake out the supermarket counter for yet another brand, and since I'm always skeptical about the literature written on a product's backside, choosing one is agony for me. I've often sighed for the good old days when a lowly bar of soap could do the job. But then friends would admonish me, “With so many products out there today, you've no reason not to find one that suits you.” Noted. Mag-lecture ba?

But they should know. A few of them are in their late 30s or 40s, and they've got youthful-looking skin to show for it. But then, they've always been adik about beauty products. They were metrosexuals way before the term got used (or abused). It's just that many of the brands they shove at me, the ones that come with their breathless endorsements, often don't work. Try this, try that, they'd coo. I'd lather on the potion, and the next day I could double as a flashlight with my suddenly-oily skin in full shine.

So, paradoxically, I've come to terms with the burdens of--should I say the word?--aging, though not in the enlightened way others are managing it. Sorry, the simple-life ethic will come later for me. Heck, when life begins at 40 I'd have all the time to go Zen and let the wrinkles run riot on my face. For now, since I don't want to sport those tell-tale lines--yet, I must learn to endure the daily ritual of applying some mysterious elixir on my face, with the hope (and the crossed fingers) that it would work a tad longer than my budget and conscience would allow for yet another indulgence in inexcusable vanity at Watsons.

Last week, my friend Fritz went to Bangkok and asked if I wanted anything bought from there. “Dami dito moisturizers, eye cream, mga wala diyan--magsabi ka lang,” he texted. I wonder why he mentioned these products instead of, say, spicy sampaloc or Tom Yum soup.

Fritz, who's into facial and hair stuff more than I'd ever be, happens to be a straight guy. What has become of the world? Where are the old Safeguard-wielding, wash-and-wear dudes? But, anyway, since even Fritz himself (of The Man Blog--dig that) was buying some for himself, I asked him to find L'Oreal's Revitalift For Men, which isn't available locally. “The one with the double action, yung lifting and whatever,” I told him. Of course, even with the vague description, he knew which one to pick. God bless metrosexuals. What would clueless homos do without them?

“Eye cream, ayaw mo? Meron din dito,” he asked, very subtly. Masyadong vain na ba yun, I pondered. “Sige, go,” was my answer. A little over a thousand baht for the two products. The next time you see me and I don't look as strikingly smooth and young-looking as these expensive treatments have promised, I'll seriously think about suing L'Oreal--and Fritz, for that matter. For violation of the Truth in Advertising Act, for my inability to brag to envious colleagues, for loss of sleep and equanimity.

This beauty business is aging me fast.

Season auditions, workshop showcase at Gantimpala Theater

Gantimpala Theater, one of the leading dramatic arts companies in the country today, invites the public to two very special engagements: “Blue Jeans,” the recital production of the Acting in Musical Theater for Teens, Young Adults Batch 2008, and the one-day only audition in line with the company’s 31st season.

“Blue Jeans” is a musical play that feature some of the most popular tunes of the ’80s as performed by this year’s summer workshop participants. Roeder Camañag directs, with musical direction by Onyl Torres.

The performance is on May 24, 7 p.m., at the Open Air Auditorium in Luneta, Manila.

On May 26, 2-8 p.m., Gantimpala Theater signals the start of its 31st season with a one-day-only audition to be held at the Open Air Auditorium Building. The audition is open to all professional and non-professional actors, male and female, ages 18-45, with pleasing personality.

Bring a short profile and two photographs--close up and whole body.

Gantimpala will produce 11 plays during the 2008-2009 season: the four classics—“Florante at Laura,” “Noli Me Tangere,” “Ibong Adarna” and “El Filibusterismo;” J.Dennis Teodosio’s “Sleeping Beauty,” a new children’s musical based on the Grimms’ fairy tale; Rolando Tinio’s “A Life in the Slums,” the fifth season offering of GTF’s National Artist Production Series; and the touring productions of Boni Ilagan’s “Katipunan: Mga Anak ng Bayan,” William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero’s “Forever;” and Teodosio’s “Ang Pagong at ang Matsing.”

Call 5280603, 5365860, 0921-5286308; e-mail gantimpalaproduction@yahoo.com.ph.

We hear you, Joanna

Hi Gibbs. I hope you can upload the cuts from Jo's CD soon. With her being cast as Maria in West Side Story, I'm sure a lot of people would love to listen to her voice, especially her audition piece Think of Me from Phantom. Thanks, Gibbs! -- TheBachelorGirl

You asked for it, Lorna--you got it.

Or, perhaps the better words to say are, “Sorry for the delay?” Because I did promise a couple of months ago, in an entry about Filipina West End star Joanna Ampil and my brief video interview with her, that I would upload sample tracks from her just-released CD in a follow-up post.

That follow-up entry has been put off time and again--laziness, is all--but I've no excuse now. Not with Lorna reminding me about it, and not with the good news that Joanna is coming home later this year to star as Maria in Stages' production of West Side Story (alternating with pop singer Karylle).

This marks the first time that Joanna will perform in a theater production before Manila audiences. That makes this show, in consumer shorthand, a “must-see.” In fact, it's nothing less than a coup for Stages to have signed her up for this role (props to you, director Audie Gemora!).

For the last 16 years, Joanna has made a huge name for herself in London, appearing successively in some of the West End's biggest musicals. It bears repeating what Mark Duffy, of the Association of Irish Musicals Society, said of her performance in the 2005 musical revue The Musical of Musicals: “...Joanna as Princess Jade shows why she is a major West End performer with stunning vocals.”

Vocally, I think, she's highly equipped for the role of Maria, as her soprano singing in the CD shows. Now, about Karylle, I'll be honest: I've never particularly liked her as a singer--or at least what I've seen of her so far on TV, with her nasal sound and wobbly notes. But who knows? She just might surprise us yet. I hope she does. If my doubts prove baseless, I'd be happy to eat my words, pass the ketchup, please...

For the playlist below, I chose four songs that, collectively, showcase Joanna's remarkable vocal versatility: the light-operatic, worlds-away-from-Sarah-Brightman Think Of Me and All I Ask of You (from Phantom of the Opera--she duets with Niklas Andersson in the latter song), the hard-driving pop-rock number Out Tonight (from Rent) and the full-throttle Broadway warhorse I Dreamed A Dream (from Les Miserables). The last track is, in my book, one of the most heart-rendingly beautiful versions of Fantine's anthem I've ever heard.

Ladies and gentlemen, Joanna Ampil.

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PLUS: We see you, Joanna.

Free tickets to 'Avenue Q's' farewell run

The farewell run is on June 13-22 at the RCBC Theater, Makati City. This time, Carla Guevara-Laforteza--the lovely Miss Saigon alumna who headlined Repertory Philippines' production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Song & Dance last year--is stepping into the role that Rachel Alejandro played in the first two very well-received runs of Avenue Q.

The rest of the cast are still in--Felix Rivera, Aiza Seguerra, Joel Trinidad, Frenchie Dy, Teenee Chan, Rycharde Everley. After the show's final Manila run, Atlantis Productions is bringing Avenue Q to Singapore's Esplanade Theater in October.

Director Bobby Garcia is offering four free tickets to the June 17 (Tuesday) 8 p.m. performance of Avenue Q to bloggers. The one usual condition applies: Blog about the show--in whatever way you like.

I'll tack on another one. In the interest of making these freebies accessible to more people, I'd prefer that those who get the tickets this time are bloggers who've not had the chance to join activities, avail themselves of free tickets or win other prizes from this blog.

In short, I'd like to see new faces enjoying the experience of musical theater on June 17. I'm sure those of you who've won previously would understand.

My e-mail is gibbs_c@yahoo.com. First-come, first-served; one blogger, one ticket. Don't blackmail me, please, with news that you'll die if you don't see Avenue Q. I can send flowers, you know. A simple admission that you're a pervert and you like watching nude puppets boink each other would do. (Smiley)

Now, sing with me: "The Internet is for porn, the Internet is for porn...!"