No Day but Today...to Watch RENT

As Jonathan Larson described the play in a one-sentence summary, “RENT is about a community celebrating life, in the face of death and AIDS, at the turn of the century." It is about how a group of friends, dealing with drug problems and AIDS affliction, had to cope with the complications that came with the life they have. It is also about loving and fulfilling dreams and seizing the moment amidst chaos.

I’ve watched 9Works Theatrical’s initial staging of RENT last 2009 and I have yet to watch the movie version, but RENT 2011 has something new to offer: new cast members and new surprise moves (pole dancing) that came with better acting and singing performances.

RENT COUPLES: Roger & Mimi (left) Angel and Tom (right)

Gian Magdangal still plays Roger (with alternate Al Gatmaitan), a once successful but now struggling musician who, from the tragic suicide of his last girlfriend, fell in love with fellow AIDS victim Mimi; Fred Lo takes up the role of Mark again, Roger’s housemate and a not-so less fortunate young man who chose to live the Bohemian life to pursue his dreams of becoming a documentary filmmaker and was left by his girlfriend Maureen for a woman; Mimi, the drug dependent club dancer, formerly essayed by General Luna’s vocalist Nicole Asensio and alternate Cara Barredo, is now played by Gian’s real life partner Sheree Bautista (Viva Hot Babes) alternating with Ciara Sotto.

"La Vie Boheme"

Because of stage chemistry and their emotion-filled rendition of “I’ll Cover You,” Job Bautista and OJ Mariano are back again as Angel Dummott Schunard (a young drag queen) and Tom Collins (Angel’s love interest), respectively; performance artist/activist Maureen Johnson is again played by Carla Guevara-Laforteza who alternates with the youngest but equally talented cast member, Mian Dimacali; Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, a lawyer and Maureen’s lover; and Lorenz Martinez as Benjamin Coffin III, former roommate of Mark and Roger turned building’s landlord, who wants to turn it into a multimedia studio, complete the major characters.

The rest of the ensemble is composed of Peachy Atilano, Harold Cruz, Johann dela Fuente, Pam Imperial, Gary Junsay, Anna Santamaria, Alys Serdenia and Mark Tayag.

The cast gamely poses after their performance at the press preview.

So what did I look forward to on my second time to watch RENT? I was intrigued about the pole-dancing component in the choreography of the song “Out Tonight” and was anticipating to see Ciara Sotto play Mimi but it was Sheree Bautista who was on stage the night I watched. I got to say that she did pretty well, owing to the fact that she only started to learn pole dancing in January and has had only three lessons before opening night. What I didn’t expect was for Job Bautista, as Angel, to do some pole stunts as well, this despite the fact that he can leap and bound tables with grace and balance on high heels. Of course, what is RENT without the inspiring "No Day But Today" and the heart-warming “Seasons of Love?”

Girls just wanna have fun... from watching RENT.

What are you waiting for? Catch RENT at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater at RCBC Plaza, Makati, on the remaining show dates on February 25, 26, 27, and March 4, 5 & 6, 2011. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00 p.m., with 3:30 p.m. matinee show on Saturdays and 4:30 p.m. matinee show on Sundays. For more details and ticket information, visit www.9workstheatrical.com.

Thanks to 9Works and JOT for the opportunity. Thanks to sis Marj for lending me the cam for the pics.

Of Mothers and Daughters

I saw the film way back and have yet to read the book so I was excited to watch Repertory Philippines’ staging of Amy Tan’s best-selling novel The Joy Luck Club when I first learned about it early last month in a partnership meeting with Rep. I know that it was an intricate story of four Chinese women who migrated to the United States and their relationship with their four American-born daughters but I wondered how the play would unfold their individual stories complete with flashbacks of their lives in China.

When I arrived at the Greenbelt OnStage theater, I saw a square platform in the center of the stage with several smaller wooden blocks. The platform I recognized as the same one from Equus but the rest of the pieces intrigued me. Soon enough, the platform became a house, then a dinning table then a mah jong table…talk about multitasking. The smaller wooden blocks became chairs that were moved around, depending on the required set and then was later used as the mah jong tiles towards the end. But am already jumping in my story.

When the play started and as the story progressed, I went down memory lane and was refreshed of the tale of these four Chinese women who bonded over playing mah jong thus forming The Joy Luck Club. The portrayals of Rebecca Chuaunsu, Jay Glorioso, Frances Makil Ignacio and Pinky Marquez as the mothers; and Ana Abad Santos, Lily Chu, Jenny Jamora and Cris Villonco as the daughters were equally brilliant and they established the right emotions to depict the complexity of their situations. Each tandem got their spotlight and the flashbacks were smoothly weaved into the storyline, with the mothers portraying their own younger selves. The audience laughed at the light, funny scenes and got teary-eyed at sad and endearing moments.

Each pair of mother and daughter illustrated how we, as children, can sometimes be so engrossed with our own lives that we do not take the time to really know who our mothers were, the women they once were, before we were born. This is the reason why most often than not, mothers and daughters (and sons, too) clash and us children would always think that they just want to push us around and do what they want. This realization got me thinking…even I never took the time to ask my mom how she was when she was little, how she was as a student, and what her hobbies were, among others.

Okay, enough of my musings. Just go and watch The Joy Luck Club, Repertory Philippines’ initial offering for 2011. It doesn’t hurt, too, that it coincides with the Chinese New Year season. Directed by Anton Juan, the show runs from February 4 to 20, 2011 at OnStage, Greenbelt. For ticket inquiries and other information, call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory-philippines.com. Tickets also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos from Repertory Philippines

China Crisis...Live in Manila

“Wishful Thinking”…the song that catapulted an English Pop Group in the 80s and it is, for me at least, one of the iconic songs of the New Wave scene. I feel a warm sense of nostalgia whenever I hear “Wishful Thinking” but when I heard that China Crisis was coming to Manila, I blurted out “China who?” Unfortunately, the song overshadowed the artists in my mind (pardon me, but I was still in ribboned ponytails back when the song became popular).

China Crisis core vocalist/keyboardist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon

When the opportunity to know them better came along through a press conference and one-on-one interview, I grabbed the chance. Here’s what I learned about them in snippets:

• China Crisis’ core are vocalist/keyboardist Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon;
• Their hit songs are Wishful Thinking, Black Man Ray, King in a Catholic Style, Tragedy and Mystery, among others;
• They debuted in 1981 with the single “African White” but the third single in their 1983 album “Wishful Thinking” became their biggest hit;
• China Crisis’ most recent project was their live album “Acoustically Yours” released in 1995;
• The group named themselves China Crisis but they have never been to China;
• Someone covered their song “Black Man Ray” in Cantonese;
• Gary thinks that “Stevie Wonder is a genius!”
• On family members inheriting their musicality, Eddie’s 16 year old son plays the guitar while Gary’s two daughters, though not musicians, are music lovers;
• When asked about who among the current artists they think has the staying power in the music industry, guess whose name came out: Beyonce!
• If given a chance to record new songs, they would, but as of the moment, they see China Crisis as a part of history in the bigger picture.

That's me while asking China Crisis if musicality runs in the family

Say cheese! Gary and Eddie gamely poses for the camera

With those bits of information in mind, I was set to watch their gig the following day in Eastwood Mall. Such a stressful early evening that 21st of January because aside from battling Friday night traffic, there was heavy rain to contend with. Fast forward, my companions and I arrived at the venue at half past 9, thinking that we have definitely missed the concert that was slated to start at 7 in the evening. To our delight, the show was still on and we were able to take our seats a few minutes before “Wishful Thinking” was performed. Thank goodness for that and all the stress we got early on slowly dissipated. China Crisis sounded like they did not age at all! Gary Daly still has the same cool voice and Eddie Lundon still played the guitar with youthful bravado.

China Crisis in action at Eastwood Mall

As I pondered on Eddie’s parting words during the interview over a great meal at Buenisimo, I just couldn’t agree more: that whatever genre of music there is, “what matters most is a good song.” And a good song they have indeed with “Wishful Thinking” that put them on the map of pop music history.

Press Con photos taken by Joy Wong. Thanks to Karen L. and Tinay M. of Eastwood Mall for the opportunity. :)

HerWord's "China Crisis Live!" Promo

Comment on any HerWord story from January 14 to 18, 2011 and get a chance to meet and greet China Crisis and win tickets to their upcoming concerts. Visit http://www.herword.com/promo/main.php?id=chinacrisis

Log 1-1-11

Happy New Year! May 2011 be better for all of us -- more love, peace, happiness, better health and wealth. :)

Sizzling Fragrance for Women

What's red and hot?

Beyonce in a red dress, wearing a fragrance of sexy chic elegance.

Red hot ad campaign for Beyonce Heat

We've seen Beyonce in both television and the big screen, having conquered music, film and fashion. Today, she unleashes her other side -- a visionary, trendsetter and global icon -- through her first signature fragrance Beyonce Heat.

Product set-up at the exclusive press launch in Red, Makati Shangri-La

Beyonce Heat is a captivating fragrance that unleashes a spirited fire within. "My fragrance is a unique expression of woman's powerful sensuality," said Beyonce. "I created this fragrance for self-assured women everywhere, for women who are not afraid to desire and be desired."

Another product display

I am a big fan of fragrances and I specially liked the floral, fruity, woody notes of Beyonce Heat. When I tried it, I was first greeted by the scent of a bouquet of rare, sensual flowers: magnolia, neroli and red vanilla orchid; balanced with a kiss of luscious blush peach; almond macaroon, sweet honeysuckle nectar and creme de musk; and finally a warm and sexy notes of giant sequoia milkwood, tonka bean and amber. Fierce yet feminine, sexy yet chic.

Beyonce Heat's luxe and sexy packaging

The fragrance is presented in a stunning glass bottle that makes a powerful, sexy and stylish statement. The bottle's curvaceously rounded base narrows to a sleek, squared neck and the red color gradient effect gives the impression of a fire burning from within. For a touch of ultimate luxury, the top of the bottle is edged with a gold band and topped with an opulent cap.

For scent layering, Beyonce Heat Gift Set also available

Philippines has been chosen as the only Asian country to carry Beyonce's first perfume line. Launched this November, Beyonce Heat was unveiled at the SM Mall of Asia. Beyonce Heat is exclusively distributed by Prestige Brands Philippines, Inc., a subsidiary of Prestige Group of Companies which represents International Designer Fragrances in Southeast Asia.

Ad campaign materials and product photo from Prestige Brands.

A Glam and Fab Lunch

Being a girl who loves fashion and accessories, last Friday's Ladies Who Lunch event (the BusinessWorld Female Forum) excited me so much that I even bought a dress for the occasion about a month ago. You may be wondering what brought about the excitement? Three things actually -- one, the topic for discussion was "Investing in Luxury" (read: branded bags); two, I'll be meeting the guest speaker Ingrid Chua-Go of Tresorie, Accessory Lab, and thebaghagdiaries blog fame; three, the luncheon's guest list was composed mostly of the who's who in the fashion and luxury world.

ME and Ingrid Chua-Go of thebaghagdiaries

I expected the speaker to be a much older woman because of her extensive knowledge in luxury and her experience in business. Alas, when she arrived, I met a youthful looking girly-girl woman in preppy fashion who was all smiles and kikay talk. She looked so young that I thought she was still single but she is married and has kids. With her was her mother Pacita Chua, the graceful lady who taught her all about luxury, who was also a kikay beneath the regal facade; and her ninang Kristine Yang, who is down-to-earth and warm, without any trace of arrogrance befitting a successful entrepreneur (she's the owner of Kristine's Jewelry and her family owns McDonal's Philippines).

(l-r) Kristine Yang, ME, Joy Wong of BusinessWorld, guest speaker Ingrid Chua-Go and her mom Pacita Chua

Ladies Who Lunch (LWL) is an invitation only event for women who are successful in their chosen field so when the ladies started to arrive, I cannot help but be in awe. The exclusive list included Amina Aranaz-Alunan of Aranaz bags and the School of Fashion and the Arts (SOFA), Edith Dychiao of Lucerne (Omega Philippines), Ruby Gan of Schu, Rima Ostwani of Rustan's, Michelle Washington of MMQ Theatre, Tetta Arroyo-Tirona of Stram Events, Arlene Florentino of CQ WOW and Concertus, Venus Navalta of ZenithOptimedia, Toni Abad of Mediacom, Isabel Gatuslao of Isabel Gatuslao Graphic Design, among others. Issa Litton, tv host and in-demand events host, was moderator and this was her 5th LWL stint with us.

Ladies Who Lunch circa Oct. 15, 2010

The talk was accompanied by eye popping slides of some of the world's most coveted luxury bags, as if Ingrid's detailed presentation (she even did some research to back up her talk) and intriguing side stories weren't enough. She started with sharing her first love affair with the Chanel Classic bag, telling us how she passed up meals just to save for it back in high school. Finally getting her hands on the dream bag opened a pandora's box and made her want more. By the time she got married and had to transfer her belongings to their conjugal abode, she had a sizeable collection of bags that took up most of the closet space she shared with her hubby. In order to maintain the peace and harmony in her married life, she just chose the bags she really wanted and started disposing her pre-loved bags to friends before selling them online. But soon enough, meeting up with her buyers became a hassle and so she opened Tresorie in Jupiter, Makati.

Ingrid describing the marks of a real Hermes Birkin with moderator Issa Litton-Garrido

Suffice to say, we learned a lot that afternoon -- about brands, bags and how they can be considered investments, and even how to distinguish real from imitation Birkin. All that after a sumptuous lunch buffet prepared by M Cafe. Oh! Did I mention that she brought a Hermes Birkin for us to touch and check? Heaven! If only I can take it home with me and be mine forever. She also showed us a cute Birkin parody from Taiwan aptly name Banane (or banana) thus the moniker Banana Birkin.

ME with the pink Banana Birkin and the real blue togo Hermes Birkin

We also got an earful of stories about the Paris fashion week (where Ingrid was invited to blog about) and about how some luxury brand store personnel would call 'faux fur' as 'fantasy fur'. Wow, fantasy! So now, imitation or fake is so passe...bags from Greenhills can now be called 'fantasy bags'. LOL!
Tetta Arroyo-Tirona of Stramevents, Issa Litton-Garrido and ME

Rima Ostwani of Rustan's, Blanca Mercado of BusinessWorld, Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Loralee Baron-Soong of the School of Fashion and the Arts

Ruby Gan of Schu and Toni Abad of Mediacom

Until the next LWL in 2011. :)