Lisa Macuja's Commencement Speech at Ateneo De Manila University

It's the season of graduation! I'm sure everybody's in celebratory mood! Some students out there who can't wait to get out of the campus and make their way to the real world are probably jumping in joy knowing that they have finally reaped the rewards after those sleepless nights (...), *seemingly* endless revisions (!!) and terrorist teachers (!!!).

Parents are also obviously elated with this milestone of their children, who may have brought sakit ng ulo at one point to the clan, but nevertheless gave immeasurable pride in the family. Now you're Engineer This, Doctor That! You're officially entitled for some bragging right, brother! Get that swag going, girl!

It's a routine that we witness year after year, but graduation never fails to feel fresh every time. The air is always filled with a sense of hope and solidarity.

Just before the fresh grads step out of their alma mater, there's always that Special Someone who's expected to motivate them in pursuing their dreams in the Real World. After all, it has been said that Life out of school is like an urban jungle where you have to thrive and survive. So you better be prepared! And that speaker is supposed to give you a sneak peek, along with a pep talk that you can make a positive difference and a big mark out there.

Recently, prima-ballerina Lisa Macuja Elizalde addressed the graduating students of Ateneo de Manila University. And it has gone viral. So let me share that with you.

Lisa Macuja Elizalde, as she is being introduced to the Class of 2015 of the Ateneo de Manila University. PHOTO by Dr. Remmon Barbaza

Below is a report from the Inquirer, which also contains Lisa's full speech: 

Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the country’s most famous ballerina, addressed the graduating students of the School of Humanities and the John Gokongwei School of Management of the Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday with a speech that drew raves from graduates and teachers immediately after the commencement rites and then quickly circulated by word of mouth and on social media. 

It was a classic commencement speech, meeting all the needs that that form is expected to meet: It made an immediate connection with the graduating class, paid tribute to the institution the students were graduating from, teased the institution’s self-image with a well-chosen punchline, drew deep from the speaker’s personal experience, then extracted lessons from that experience for the benefit of the audience. 

Many in that audience found the speech “inspiring” or “wonderful” or “moving,” and the speaker’s manner of delivery “poised,” “graceful.” Dr. Remmon Barbaza, acting Dean of the School of Humanities, called the speech one of the most memorable he had ever heard. On Facebook, he wrote: “It will surely be remembered for a long, long time.” JN 

The full text of the speech follows: 

You cannot imagine how great an honor it is for me to speak before you today. And that is certainly not a cliché or an exaggeration. Few people would ever guess that despite the many blessings I’ve received in over 30 years as a ballerina, most of my young life was spent pining for something that you all have and I don’t—a diploma from the Ateneo de Manila University.
You see, I come from a certified Blue Eagle family. My father, his brother and my siblings all graduated from the Ateneo, with all four men in my family in the Honors Class since their elementary grades. Although I married a magna cum laude from Harvard. (Sorry, my husband made sure that I stuck that in there somewhere.) 

When I was seventeen, fresh out of high school, I found myself standing at a crossroad in my life: I was accepted in both the Ateneo and UP for college.
But I decided to go to Russia instead and pursue my dream of becoming a ballerina in the toughest ballet school in the world, as a cultural scholar of the former Soviet Union. 

Given this opportunity, the diploma would have to wait. I struck a deal with my parents—I gave myself two years to devote to dancing, which was my first love. If it didn’t work out, I promised I would go back to school and become an accountant, which was what my grandparents wanted me to be.
That was the first big deadline I’ve ever set for myself. 

When I told my parents I wanted to study ballet in Russia instead of enrolling in college like everyone else, my father’s reaction was: “What? So you will become a dancer and just learn to count to eight for the rest of your life?” My mom, on the other hand, was very supportive. She herself wanted to become a ballerina but was forced to stop when a ban in the 1950s prohibited girls from Catholic schools to dance ballet. My grandparents? Well, they still wanted me to become an accountant. 

My dad probably thought I would find life in Russia so hard that I would hurry back home anyway, so finally, he relented. I left right after my 18th birthday and was assigned to the 7th year level of the Russian Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg. It was 1982 and the first snow had just fallen when our plane touched down in what was then a bastion of communism. 

In a way, my father was right. That first year in Russia was indeed the hardest year of my life. It was a life that was filled with change and adaptation—new culture, new language, new dogmas, a new method of ballet training, new weather conditions… Then eventually, I had to make new friends and satisfy new mentors. Beginnings are difficult. 

But I stayed. Sometimes being stubborn has its rewards. There were many days in those cold ballet studios in the dead of winter when my body was ready to collapse from sheer exhaustion and it was just my stubborn will that pushed me to continue doing those drills again and again, day in and day out. Even in the many nights when I cried myself to sleep from homesickness or from the soreness of an injury, the pain was gently but obstinately pushed aside the minute I focused on my dream – the dream of becoming not just a ballerina but the best ballerina I could ever become. I substituted the occasional feelings of helplessness and anxiety with visions of achieving that dream. This—plus an attitude of gratitude, an overwhelming sense of appreciation for being exactly where I was and the miracle of how I even got there. 

Despite the many sacrifices, my being in Russia was a great blessing and I survived by putting all my energy in practicing, learning and following directions as I was being mentored in the very difficult Russian Vaganova system of classical ballet training. I was like a horse with blinders. Nothing else mattered but my art. The discipline first shaped my mind and spirit—then my body eventually followed. Not only did I stay to finish the two years of ballet training, I stayed on for two more, this time as the first foreigner to be invited as an artist of the 250-year-old Kirov Ballet. 

This is where that crossroad of my life has brought me. The journey was challenging but it was well worth it because I pursued a path that brought me closer to my heart’s calling. And when your heart speaks to you, you can never go wrong because it never lies. And it will push you to go forward and excel because at a certain point, your dream becomes like oxygen. You need it to breathe. You need it to grow. You need it to live. 

However, in today’s world, the standards of success have become a bit more complicated. You can’t just drill; you need to create. You can’t just learn; you need to innovate. You can’t just follow; you need to lead. 

Today, you find yourself in that same crucial intersection in life that I myself crossed many years ago. What can I tell you now that will make your next steps easier, if not more meaningful? 

My father was right in saying that ballet dancers are drilled to count to eight. It is in these classic eight counts that a segment of movement is born. Then we start all over again with one. From this repetitive drill, choreography is born. So they actually serve as building blocks for creating something new and creative.
In this fashion, allow me to share with you my own “eight counts” which I hope would serve as helpful references as you find your own rhythm and direction in life: 

FIRST
Decide and commit to something that you are passionate about. The earlier you do this, the better. Make a decision not just on what you want to do and what you want to achieve in the next few years, but try to picture where you want to be 20 years from now. This was something my father taught me. He was a very wise and logical man. After all, he was an Atenean right?  When I was 15, he made me write a list of what I wanted to be and should have done by the age of 35. I came up with the following: to get a degree from the Ateneo and become a teacher; to dance all the classical ballerina roles at least once in my career; to own and operate my own ballet school; to have my own family and be a mom. I committed myself to these long-term goals alongside my short term ones and looking back, I seem to have done everything before I reached 35 – except for the first one. But wait, since I am a ballet teacher, I guess it’s just a matter of getting a diploma then. Hmmm… 

SECOND
No pain, no gain. I cannot overemphasize this point. Nothing can take the place of hard work – not even talent. As they say, hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard. When my own daughter told me she wanted to become a ballerina, a part of me was excited for her and pleased that I could help her to achieve her dream. But part of me was also screaming NOOOOO because I wanted to protect her from all the blood, sweat, and tears that she would have to go through in order to achieve her dreams. In the end, she pursued her intention and now I know how my parents felt back then—extremely proud!

THIRD
Whatever your goal, get good at it! Whatever it is you are passionate about, you need to keep at it and practice. Repeat. Practice. Repeat. While you are practicing and repeating, don’t forget the “and” count — the “one-and-a-two-and-a-three” connecting counts that link together connecting steps in ballet. Bear in mind that there are also connecting points in life that are just as important as its highs and lows. These are the periods of rest, recreation, and stillness. These in-between moments are just as important because they give you a chance to breathe, to balance and to center. So keep on practicing – but take vacations too. Keep your focus… but remember it’s the linking “ands” that keep you connected. 

FOURTH
Honor your emotions and acknowledge your fears. It’s okay to be nervous, to feel anxious or to have stage fright. That means you care and that you want to excel. After three decades of dancing, I still gag before going onstage! That’s why I make sure to fast before every performance. Seriously, it’s when you stop feeling nervous that you should start to worry because that means you are becoming apathetic towards what you are doing. And that’s a scary place to be in. Your emotions are a part of who you are. Being emotional doesn’t mean you’re weak. Whether you need to deal with pressure, loss, failure, hurt or rejection, our emotions are not a baggage. Instead, they make us human. They make us whole. So cry, laugh, smile, scream… it’s okay! 

FIFTH
For a performing artist, the performance is the product and thus, the most important part of your work. All the classes, rehearsals, warm-ups and preparation culminate into that one performance. That is what the audience sees and that is what they will take away with them. Treat every time you get to practice your profession as a performance. Don’t save your best effort for another day. Always give 100% so you never have to regret anything. But BE PREPARED. You know in jumping, the deeper you do this step called a “plié” which means to bend (in this case your knees) the higher you are able to propel yourself into the air. The plié is your preparation. The soaring into the air is the goal. The more prepared you are, whether for a presentation, a task or a performance, usually, the outcome is also better. Take this moment now to thank your parents, teachers, mentors, administrators, family, colleagues, your Manongs and Manangs and your friends. For they all helped out to prepare you well. And they will continue to support you in the years to come. Believe me, you will need their support. 

SIXTH
Do something crazy.  Do something that defies all logic at least once in your life. You never know what could happen from there. I once found myself in Cuba and was asked to dance the full-length Swan Lake. Now you have to know something about Swan Lake—it has the most difficult ballerina role ever. In fact, in Russia, I was warned by my own teacher—who I loved and respected and trusted—that I should never do the roles of Odette/Odile. It’s true. She told me when I graduated that I was already equipped to dance any role out there—except Odette/Odile. “Because Lisa, you will never be a Swan Queen,” she said frankly but with every good intention. Well, my “something crazy” happened twice in my life. First, I accepted the challenge of performing Swan Lake in Cuba with only FOUR DAYS to learn and rehearse it. And I performed what was for me the WORST Swan Lake I have ever done in my career! Honestly, I still cringe when I watch the video. But I did it. No regrets. My second crazy moment was when I resigned from my former company, where I was principal dancer, and formed Ballet Manila in 1995 with 11 other young dancers. No money, no connections, just a lot of drive and dreams to begin with. Well, the company just celebrated its 20th anniversary last month with five times the number of dancers, plus a school and a scholarship foundation that promises a steady supply of well-trained ballet dancers to continue our mission of bringing ballet to the people and people to the ballet in the many years to come! Sometimes closing your eyes and taking that leap of faith will get you there—even if it makes you pass through a lot of heartaches and failure along the way. 

SEVENTH
This one is a quote I saw on social media but which I felt was truly valid and real:  “One of the hardest decisions you’ll ever face in life is choosing whether to walk away or try harder.” This is where setting a deadline for yourself is most important.  I gave myself two years to become a ballerina, although honestly I do not know what I would have done if it didn’t work out. (You see I hate accounting. Working with numbers was never my forte—unless of course it involves counting to 8). 

So push yourself through self-doubts, for they will certainly come. Push yourself through rejection. But also know when it’s time to re-direct. Re-boot. And then decide and commit all over again. 

EIGHTH OR LASTLY …
Serve. Offer yourself to a cause bigger than your own needs or ambition. Find ways to make your dreams meaningful to others as well. One thing that I’ve learned from my family of Blue Eagles is that an Atenean means being a “man or woman for others.” You need to serve. Serve your whole life. Serve yourself sometimes. But serve others more often. 

I met many of you during two separate visits to the Ateneo that have prepared me for today’s commencement speech. With today’s visit, I must say I haven’t been this often to Ateneo since I was in high school coming to watch Dulaang Sibol. 

So what are my eight counts again?
Decide and commit
Work hard
Focus and get good
Honor your emotions
Prepare well
Take the leap
Set deadlines
and Serve. 

Fly high Blue Eagle graduates! This is your time to soar!

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Lenten Guide from Pope Francis

This is a re-post from an article published last February on Time.com. You can find it here.

No need to throw out the chocolate, booze, and carbs. Pope Francis has a different idea for fasting this year.

Christians around the world mark the beginning of Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. This ancient day and season has a surprising modern appeal. Priests and pastors often tell you that outside of Christmas, more people show up to church on Ash Wednesday than any other day of the year—including Easter. But this mystique isn’t reserved for Christians alone. The customs that surround the season have a quality to them that transcend religion.
Perhaps most notable is the act of fasting. While Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and on Fridays during the Lenten season, many people—religious or not—take up this increasingly popular discipline during the year. 

But Pope Francis has asked us to reconsider the heart of this activity this Lenten season. According to Francis, fasting must never become superficial. He often quotes the early Christian mystic John Chrysostom who said: “No act of virtue can be great if it is not followed by advantage for others. So, no matter how much time you spend fasting, no matter how much you sleep on a hard floor and eat ashes and sigh continually, if you do no good to others, you do nothing great.” 

But this isn’t to downplay the role of sacrifice during the Lenten season. Lent is a good time for penance and self-denial. But once again, Francis reminds us that these activities must truly enrich others: “I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.” So, if we’re going to fast from anything this Lent, Francis suggests that even more than candy or alcohol, we fast from indifference towards others.
In his annual Lenten message, the pope writes, “Indifference to our neighbor and to God also represents a real temptation for us Christians. Each year during Lent we need to hear once more the voice of the prophets who cry out and trouble our conscience." 

Describing this phenomenon he calls the globalization of indifference, Francis writes that “whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades.” He continues that, “We end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other people’s pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own.” But when we fast from this indifference, we can began to feast on love. In fact, Lent is the perfect time to learn how to love again. Jesus—the great protagonist of this holy season—certainly showed us the way. In him, God descends all the way down to bring everyone up. In his life and his ministry, no one is excluded.
“What are you giving up for Lent?” It’s a question a lot of people will get these next few days. If you want to change your body, perhaps alcohol and candy is the way to go. But if you want to change your heart, a harder fast is needed. This narrow road is gritty, but it isn’t sterile. It will make room in ourselves to experience a love that can make us whole and set us free. 

Now that’s something worth fasting for. 

Christopher Hale is a senior fellow at Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good and the co-founder of Millennial.

Serena Williams twerks to Beyonce's 7/11

You will loooooove this!

Vogue shared their April Cover Girl Serena Williams' video where she channels Beyonce in the latter's 7/11 video. Check it out. She works it...Clap Clap Clap! 

Weekly Roundup [March 22, 2015]

Random readings and musings that made my week interesting.

Illustration by IGAN D’BAYAN

1. Who's Afraid of BBL?

The key ingredient in stemming extremism and terrorism is the ability of a strong and responsive government to meet the basic needs of its people and provide the security and protection that everyone desires. 

I just feel the need to post this one to spread awareness. A lot has been said about the BBL. But more than bits and pieces that make up the issue, we need more in-depth reports about it-- something that is easy to understand especially for the "masa." Usually, we're bombarded with data that is composed of technical terms and highfaluting words, which in turn make us overwhelmed and confused. This report, as such with Talk of the Town articles of The Philippine Daily Inquirer, is enlightening and an easy read.

2. Peace, but not at any cost by F. Sionil Jose

But P-Noy, it seems to me, is conditioned by ego which hinders him from adhering to the established requirements of protocol, of duty. 

What more can I say? It's F. Sionil Jose. Of course it's worth a read!

3.  Break in war on BIFF sought for graduation

School and provincial officials have asked the military to halt its all-out offensive against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for at least three days to allow the graduation of 13,000 students in Maguindanao province, where towns and communities had become either battlefields or evacuation sites in the ongoing war.

It's graduation season once again. Hope springs. But with war in the midst, how can students and families --everyone-- fully enjoy and celebrate this milestone? I have lived in Mindanao for most of my life. It's heartbreaking to hear the plight of our brothers and sisters in the area. You can help. Even spreading awareness will do. Use it responsibly.

4.  An enlightened way of moving forward by Gina Lopez

The lesson here? Stay positive. Enjoy life. We choose the lens through which we view life. If our lens is clear, compassionate and positive, then we not only live happier lives, we affect everyone else around us in positive ways. And we crystallize the web of life and love that should be rightly flowing through the planet.

There you go! :)

It's women's month. And so here is something for the ladies.

And men, who like to get to know the ladies! ;)

I came across an article on The Philippine Star this weekend and thought of "The Tita Singles Club," which is composed of my college friends who are all female and single. (Hello, guys out there!)

As of this writing, I have no idea how they came up with the group's name. All I know is that they all fit the category. Anyway, I may be an honorary member. Just tell me when the rites is going to be held, girls. I hope they can enlighten me on this one. Ha! Ha!

When you declare that you're single, people often give you that dumbfounded look that could be translated into a hundred and one ways. Or more!

"What is wrong with you?" "Mapili ka siguro masyado! Choosy!" "Ang taas ng standards!" "Ang ganda-ganda mo naman..." "Ay, sayang!" "Walang time? Busy masyado?" "ANYARE?"

The list goes on. If you've been in a situation where everybody seems to question your "single blessedness," and most of your friends have tried to set you up on a blind date, I am certain you can relate.

The article was originally published here. Share if you must!

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Are you happy being single?

WORDS WORTH By Mons Romulo (The Philippine Star) | Updated March 22, 2015 - 12:00am

Seeing pretty ladies who choose to remain single is not surprising anymore. Times have changed with women being more active in any field one can think of, from the military to politics, media and the medical field. And nowadays one can give a thousand and one reasons why these women stay single and happy. 

Read on as we ask some of these empowered ladies their thoughts on marriage and being single. 

Celine Lopez, entrepreneurI’m 35 years old and have been in the workforce since I was 18. I have supported myself throughout these years without my family’s help and this has given me the great gift of choice through self-validation. 

I have two strong female models who I look up to: my mother Emily Lopez and my former boss. Both are married with children and have mastered the delicate physics of balancing family and work. At my age, it can be said I’m “over the hill,” but I never quite felt the need to be married and settled just yet. I am still growing up; we all are. I believe you need to be a whole person before you get married and should not expect another person to fill that void. I admire all the women who have created families and unions with great success. 

It’s all about being honest with yourself and addressing your own needs independently.  In this life only you can make it right. You can’t expect a man to solve your problems. You are there as partners and you need to be solid to be an able partner to your spouse. Being single has its challenges, but being married is coming into an institution. 

Personally, I’m scared because people are capricious and you cannot control anyone. This is a truth. So unless you have that mighty inner strength, you owe it to yourself and the person you love to be whole. Nothing is guaranteed in this world and the only barometer is that when you’re with someone you choose to be with him and not because you need him. Only you in your entire self-autonomous being can weather whatever life throws at you. 

When you get married you need a partner, not the conventional white picket fence. If you’re happy then you have the ability to make anyone happy. Without that strength, it’s just co-dependence and perhaps a life of knife edged compromises. Love should make sense. Love yourself first, then you have the power to love anyone you choose in a healthy and sustainable way. 

Grace Lee, news anchor, TV hostI have always dreamed of having a family of my own. At 21, my prayer has been to be able to find God’s best and have four children. But only recently I came to realize that I have to work on being alone first — to be comfortable in my own company. To realize my strengths and limitations, as well as the dreams unrealized in my heart. And to wait. To be patient and not fret as God is never late.  

Nonny Carlos, executive recruiterAt this stage and age in my life/journey, I am happy being single. This is not to say that I have chosen to be single nor that I have closed my mind/heart if someone who I can be happy spending the rest of my life with comes along. 

What is important is that I have made the best of what I can be alone. I believe that one does not need another person to feel/be complete. I have helped perhaps a couple of hundred people be successful in their careers via my mission/work as a managerial recruiter for almost 45 years. And this I will continue for as long as I can. I have a close small circle of friends I can spend time with. I feel confident enough to travel on my own and not deprive myself of opportunities because I have no traveling companion. I wish that younger single ladies especially those in their 30s would come to the realization that there is so much more to life than being in a relationship or being married.Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 

Cory Quirino, health and wellness advocateI imagined that proverbial “knight-in-shining-armor” to make me happy. Today, I have come to realize that a woman doesn’t need a man to validate her existence. However, after having been married for seven years and after 30 years of being single, I still believe in marriage — for the right reason.  Two persons, whole and complete in themselves who simply are in harmony with each other — not just looking into each other’s eyes, but looking at the same direction in life — together. So, yes to marriage.  (Open to surprises,  I will let God do the choosing!) 

Atty. Farah G. Decano, city administrator, Dagupan CityAn empowered woman is one who thinks beyond herself. Being married or single is an irrelevant issue to her. Her life does not revolve around whether she has a company or not. I like to believe that I am empowered. 

Mia Borromeo, editor at large, Philippine TatlerMy life is so full and happy. Each day, I feel God has blessed me beyond measure. I love the priviledge of traveling the world, of seeing such amazing places and experiencing all that they have to offer; I love my peaceful garden, and being able to spend a few quiet moments meditating on nature every morning. And above all, I am so grateful for the wonderful friends I have. I may not have children of my own, but between my nephews, nieces, godchildren and adorable little children of friends, I have an extended family many times over. At this point, I couldn’t ask for more. 

AC Legarda, area head, Commercial Business Group, Ayala Land Inc.I am happy being single and it is my kids and family who complete me.  Love is not something looked for; it finds you and it has found me in so many ways.  Should it find me again, who am I to say no? 

Candy Dizon, jeweller/designer, Jul B. DizonI have never enjoyed being single as much as I do now. Being unattached at this stage and age offers freedom that a modern woman like me wants and needs. Having financial, emotional and spiritual stability is more important than having a partner at this time in my life. In addition to my complete freedom, I get to date, ogle, check out any guy I find attractive without getting into any argument or sense of guilt. Marriage is far off from my mind, but I will never say never.

U.P. Los Banos Gandingan 2015

Awards time!

In my career in the media industry, I've never attended an awards ceremony before. I've written one but I've never been into one as a nominee. Until yesterday.

From Bam Salvani

It was a two-hour trip from Quezon City to U.P. Los Banos for the 2015 Gandingan Awards presented by the U.P ComBroadSoc. MARS was nominated for Gandingan ng Kababaihan award. We didn't win but it was an experience worth remembering!

It wasn't a perfect staging but you have got to give it to the students for organising a "big" event like this. It was a delight watching the band Talahib, with their folk-flavored world music.

Memorable quotes from the event, particularly during their acceptance speech:

Sandra Aguinaldo accepting the award on behalf of Jessica Soho:
"Kaming mga reporter, ang biruan namin, parang nag-gi-graded recitation kami kapag magre-report kami kay Ma'am Jess. Kasi kabisado niya ang mga issues."

From DJ Chacha:
"Salamat sa Gandingan! Kasi nung napansin niyo ako, saka na naggagayahan ang iba! Kita niyo naman itong suot ko, hayaan niyo next year, mas mababa na ang neckline ko!"

Below are the (incomplete) list of winners:

A. Best Morning Show and Host- Unang Hirit/ Unang Hirit Team
B. Best Development-Oriented Talk Show and Host- Bottomline/ Boy Abunda
C. Best Public Service Program and Host- Salamat, Dok/ Bernadette Sembrano and Alvin Elchico
D. Best Investigative Program and Host- Brigada/ Jessica Soho
E. Best Documentary Program and Host- I-Witness/ Sandra Aguinaldo

F. Best Magazine Program and Host- Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho/ Jessica Soho
G. Best Drama Program and Host- Maalala Mo Kaya/
H. Best News Program and Anchor- 24 Oras/ 24 Oras Hosts
I. Best AM Station and Announcer- DZMM/ Ted Failon
J. Best FM Station and Disc Jock- MOR/ DJ Chacha

K. Gandingan ng Edukasyon and Host- Matanglawin/ Kuya Kim
L. Gandingan ng Kabuhayan Host- My Puhunan/ Karen Davila
M. Gandingan ng Kababaihan and Host- Investigative Documentaries/ Malou Mangahas
N. Gandingan ng Kabataan and Host- Matanglawin/ Kuya Kim

INTO THE WOODS THEATER REVIEW [2015]

A night of music and magic awaits us INTO THE WOODS, which is staged in the actual woods!

Upstart Productions invites Filipinos to the Kasalikasan Gardens in Bonifacio Global City to relish the music of Stephen Sondheim and the story of James Lapine, and to witness the artistry of our very own thespians.

Breaking from the traditional indoor setup, it was exciting to see an alternative way of staging shows, where the classic musical was re-imagined in an intimate park that is secretly tucked away a few meters from the busy streets of The Fort and under the star-lit sky on a breezy summer night.

Naturally, staging a play outdoors has its pros and cons. One of its highlights: something deeply romantic in these moments in the woods--- the majestic sun slowly setting down, the chilly wind brushing past our face, the chirping birds singing their love songs and the stars witnessing the inseparable lovers. No wonder the author and her companion saw several couples who made this their date night bonding.

The venue was not elaborately festooned with props. The audience seated on the usual white plastic chairs that were spread neatly around the venue.  In fact, I thought it was effectively minimalistic.

The real downside is the acoustics. Of course, musicals are better appreciated in a room with great acoustics but since this is outdoors, noise are heard from all over: the vroom and honks of cars nearby, even the loud fireworks from up above. They consequently drown the music and distracted the audience.

There wasn't a full band or orchestra present to accompany the actors singing, which is usually the case in conventional musicals. There was a one-man band: the keyboardist. All throughout. Though he manned the musicality of the show all by himself, he was unfazed. In fact, it seemed like he knew everything by heart... which apparently showed.

The ensemble was very entertaining. It was so surreal to hear newbie Jillian Ita-as sing the lines of Red Riding Hood, because it sounds exactly like Lilla Crawford in the movie adaptation. The Prince here is nowhere the look-alike of Hollywood hearthrob Chris Pine, but he was spot-on in his comic delivery, so as with The Big Bad Wolf.

Real-life partners Lorenz Martinez and Sheila Valderrama-Martinez played The Baker and his wife respectively, so chemistry there was very evident. It's also a joy to see veteran actor Noel Trinidad, more popularly known now as the father of Sir Chief of the hit TV series Please, Be Careful With My Heart, portrayed the narrator and the mysterious character. The last time I saw him on stage was when he did the unforgettable Roger de Bris in The Producers. What a delight!

Meanwhile, Rachel Alejandro was surprising in her role as The Witch. I have never seen her -- the sexy chef--- deglamorized like this. Or anything quite as whimsical. My friend and I, who are both self-confessed Streepers (meaning: fans of Meryl Streep), was looking forward to see how she'd give life to the role which Meryl played in the movie adaptation. Hers, as with the rest of the cast members, were more comic in tone as compared to the movie. To me the movie was darker and more serious in its approach. Alejandro did well though especially after her character's transformation and during Last Midnight.

No doubt, INTO THE WOODS will entertain. The material is also a nice avenue to introduce our kids to the world out there. The park itself resonated the theme: the fertile and wild woods says so much about the richness and complexities of human relationships .


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Healthy Shabu-Shabu

Pasta, Cakes and Sandwiches

Greens Vegetarian Restaurant Scout Castor Morato Quezon City

Vegetarians, listen up! There's a really cozy and homey cafe in Morato!

I know, you think of Morato and you associate it with party and fun.

But along Scout Castor in the Tomas Morato area, there's a quaint and quiet place where you can peacefully hangout and dine, or bring your date!

It's called Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe.

I am not vegetarian but I absolutely loved their food there. It doesn't even taste like "meatless."

You might encounter a difficulty parking your car nearby though.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Greenhills San Juan

#latepost

Press releases are powerful. Especially if they're written beautifully and persuasively. 

I read such on the dailies. One was about Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. I didn't particularly note the branches that opened here in Manila. But one day, I got my phone fixed in Greenhills and found one there. So I tried.

Their ramen was fairly good. But it wasn't really that spectacular for me. May be it's just me.

What really disappointed me though was their very very minute cheesecake! 

PhoA Vietnamese Cuisine

There's something about Vietnamese cuisine that I love: freshness.

Obviously, they like their herbs and spices. Kaya all the more malasa!

During rainy days, I crave for their hot noodles. Never fails!

Salad Galore!!!

A compilation.

Bow.

I just love them and can't get enough.

From The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf