First day of OJT with Tito Sunny yesterday. Hahaha, at first, I was supposed to go to Greenhill Studio on my own, but then Tito Sunny called, telling me that I won't be allowed inside without a gate pass, so we arranged to meet at Dunkin Donuts along Aurora Blvd.

So when I hopped off the Cubao MRT station, I walked to Aurora. But as it turned out, I was going in the wrong direction! Hahaha, Tito Sunny called and told me then to take a jeep in the other direction to Balete. So off I set off again. While I was walking, there was even this creepy guy who kept jumping to the middle of the road and kept going in front of the vehicles. Scary. Anyway, all the jeeps that passed by were full! Gah... Yun iba, puro may nakasabit pa sa jeepney door. Tagaaaaaaaaaal before I managed to flag one jeep down. Kakahiya tuloy kay Tito Sunny and Jill when I arrived at our agreed meeting place super late.

Anyway, when we got to Greenhill Studio, we went to Studio B. Tito Sunny needed to record 2 minus ones then, so I sat next to him in front of the Pro Tools. I was told that despite the fact that the digital equipment was easier, I should learn how to work the analog equipment first. Kaasar naman kase si Sir Mike, he didn't really teach us much during Tecthe2 and Soundes classes. So there, I was just sitting there, "observing" (ahehehe), asking a few questions that popped in my mind, while Jill was inside tinkering with the piano.

Then at 6, off we went to Alpha records. That's where I met 15-year-old Nicole, one of Tito Sunny's talents (hmmm...that sentence sounded weird...). Anyway, for the rest of the evening, the minus one for the song "You Don't Know Me" was copied, then Nicole rehearsed the song, then recorded it. Parang ang dali, no? Hahaha, not quite. After copying the minus one, Tito Sunny let me ask the techie more of the questions I had about the analog equipment. After a while, I managed to understand quite a bunch, whee.

Nicole came in then to practice the song with the minus one, and then when the equipment hanged, we decided to take a break for dinner. Then after a little bit more rehearsing, it was time to put Nicole's voice into the song. During the recording itself, I managed to find out how everything the techie said applied during the recording. Nakanaman, hehehe, I'm actually learning on my first day.

It was well after 10pm when I was back on the road for home. Hehehe, I actually missed all the late nights I had during my other OJTs, and here I am again.

I'm getting hungry. Dandan, nasa'n ka na?

Met up with Jill and Dandan for lunch yesterday at Aku. After getting our orders, Tito Sunny and Tita Sherbet joined us. Whee, Tito Sunny brought our copies of the NV&M album! He even got Dandan and me a poster as well. Thanks Tito Sunny! Hahaha, right now, I'm still wondering where to put the poster because I don't have any more space on my walls for a new poster.

So anyway, there we were, just talking over lunch. When Dandan had to leave for a while for consultation for her thesis, the rest of us remained. We even got one of the Aku staff to play my CD so we could listen to it while we were there.

When Tito Sunny and Tita Sherbet left, we still stayed a little longer until it was time for class (our next classes all start at the same time).

Had another lunch date again today. This time with Maika and Teena at D' Marks in Greenbelt 3. MMMmmm...pizza and pasta. Yum. Hehehe, and here we go again. Maika brought her NV&M CD with her and we asked one of the D'Marks staff to play it, heeheehee.

Hahaha, what an appropriate title. It's technically a Sunday.

Just got home from RCBC Makati. I went to watch Blue Rep's production of Footloose, which was directed by Chari. I went to see it with Lexi and some members of the PinoyExchange Theater Club--Oliver, Ernest, Christianne and Edward. We were supposed to get discounted orchestra tickets, but since we found out that the show was sold out, we got to have complimentary tickets instead. Yay, we don't have to pay, but we had to sit on Monobloc chairs along the aisle. I didn't really mind, hehe, because as long as I get to watch the show, I'm happy. Heck, I once went to see Honk! while standing on the aisle half the time.

Lexi and I hung around at Java Man while waiting for the show to start. When we first got there, Oliver was already waiting, sitting with Chari, Abi and Rony. I even got to meet Robert and Li-Tong, who will be in that new Schonberg show still in the works that are still kept hush-hush. Trivia lang, Robert played Thuy in a production of Miss Saigon and Li-Tong is part of The King and I.

My goodness, while we were sitting at Java Man, Oliver told me that he saw my name listed as one of the prospective teachers for this year's Playshop. Ackkk... puh-lease don't mention Playshop right now. My Playshop career is on hold this year because of my thesis. *sniffle*

I got to sit on the aisle seat along the 1st row closer to stage right, while Lexi sat behind me on the 2nd row. Hahaha, I could see the left wing from where I was sitting. My goodness, I could see the light spilling out from there. Hello, have you guys heard of the word "masking"? Arg, they didn't put any black cloth to mask the wing.

So on with the show.

For those who don't know the plot, Footloose is mainly about this new guy who moves from Chicago to a new town where dancing is prohibited, all because of an accident that left 4 kids dead. There's also the typical new guy meets girl, girl's the daughter of some goody-goody dad, girl has a rebel boyfriend, new guy tries to fit in to get the girl...that kind of stuff. Anyway, in the end, the no dancing rule gets lifted and everyone parties.

Lotsa familiar people in the cast. There was Kyla, who played the female lead as Ariel. I still love her voice. This young lady's gonna go far, I swear. And to think that she's also in Star In A Million. Then there's also Franz, who played Reverend Moore. This guy's voice is so powerful. I've heard him sing before for the "No Strings Attached" concert, and man, his voice rocks. Very Broadway. Elea was also there as Lulu, but her voice wasn't showcased as much. Caisa as Rusty, same as Kyla, I admire her voice. I'm still wondering if she's still singing for After Eve with Elea and Allotte. Bea did a cameo in the 1st scene of the second act along with Ala Paredes, but like Elea, I didn't get to hear much of her voice. For some reason, though, I found Ala's voice too thin, or whatever. Basta when I heard her tonight, I felt as if I wanted to squeeze her guts out because I know she can do better with her voice, which seemed to lack power.

So far, all the people I've mentioned were from the chorus of "No Strings Attached", hahaha.

Then there's also Dan, who played Lyle, one of the rebel guy's sidekicks. At first he pulled off the macho rebel image real well, but halfway through Act 2, I saw it strip off and some of the real Dan showed through. Ahahahaha... Whoops. One surprise was Eleanor, on of my old teammates from track, who's also the younger sister my friend and fellow Hogi Hall-er Marielle. Funny nga eh, earlier, I was chatting with Marielle and she mentioned Footloose, telling me that Eleanor is in it, and she's wearing Yelle's old prom dress in one of the scenes. Yep, sure enough, Eleanor was wearing the dress, and actually cartwheeled while wearing it.

Blue Rep actually pulled it off well, with the minimal set design, but I was disappointed at how they set it up. It was very evident that there were spots on stage right that were quite wrong, such as the space behind the platform there was too narrow, because Franz had to sidestep every time he had to pass there. Then there's also the Moore living room, also on stage right. Once again, Franz was the victim. The black masking was already touching his chair and could practically sink into it. Jeez, can't they just move it farther from the masking? Then there's the backdrop. I was impressed with the skyline backdrop they first used, but the rest of their backdrops (which were all from a projector) were obviously clip-arts, as Oliver had said. Sayang talaga. They didn't have consistency on that part. The skyline backdrop had this neon look to it, as well as the cowboy hat backdrop for the opening of Act 2. But aside from that, the others were clip-art. I liked the stars and moon backdrop, though.

I can't help but notice the lighting. It was BAD. It seemed that the light board person doesn't know what he's doing. During most scenes, there was only a spot for the leads while everyone else disappeared in the dim parts. Hello, why not put a faint wash over the stage aside from a spot for the lead? Jeez...

Hahaha, my brother would love the costumes. 80s-inspired because of the movie, I loved it as well. Hahaha, I wonder when they'd bring back the weird fashions of that decade. The teeny-boppers would probably raise brows, ahahaha. Of course, lack of consistency showed once again when the employees of the burger place wheeled themselves onstage wearing in-line skates, when during the 80s, the skates were much different.

I enjoyed Dan's choreography. I can't wait till he starts working on our thesis. I actually turned green with envy while the cast was dancing. Heck, dancing is one of my frustrations. Then I learned after the show that the cast actually had to take dance classes at gyms aside from rehearsals.

I got to see lotsa familiar people before the show and during intermission. Huwaw. There were Enzo (paging Peachy, hehehe) with Carmen and Becky, then Tito Audie was also there. Then I saw Luis during the intermission, but I didn't get to say hi to him, darn. Franco was there as well. When he saw me in between acts, he said that he already saw me before the show started but didn't get to say hi, oh well. We did get to have a bit of small talk after the show.

So anyway, after the show, Lexi went ahead while I stayed with Oliver, Ernest, Christianne and Edward for a while. Then off we went to Starbucks in Valera (which was a block away from RCBC) for coffee and to interview Chari and Tito Audie. Robert and Li-Tong joined us too, as well as Oliver's friend Hendri, who I assume would be what Ernest would turn out to be 10 years from now (hahaha...). I actually enjoyed the discussion, even though I mostly just sat around and listened. I got to pick up a lot that I could use while doing my thesis. While we were talking to Chari, I got even more impressed by the Blue Rep people, because the way she talked about them, they seemed to have so much passion in what they do. I think I'll join them when I graduate. I'm taking Mic's word for it.

Pictures to follow soon. I forgot to bring my camera, but thank goodness Ernest brought his.

Finally! Here are photos of last night's live chat with Chari Arespacochaga, Audie Gemora, with Robert Vicencio and Li-Tong Hsu of the Schonberg UK group. Pictures courtesy of Ernest (senyorito_nes).



PEx Theater Club, coffee round 1, at Starbucks. Clockwise, there's Edward, Chari, Robert, Li-Tong, me, Ernest, Hendri, Tito Audie and Christianne




Hendrik intently listens to Chari as Christianne and Edward browse through the Footloose program.




Li-Tong, Edward and me, listening in on the discussion.




Chari Arespacochaga, director of Blue Repertory's production of Footloose.

I just found out during my Joseriz class this morning that our field trip to Banahaw will be on the 21st. Our group is supposed to interview the Rizalistas that live there, plus we get to hike and check out the caves and stuff and all that.

Then I realized that Franco's birthday bash will also be on the 21st, arg. The field trip will start at dawn till the afternoon, and might not be back in Manila til early evening. Hope I can make it.

Ang babaw ng sinabi ko a. Hehehe...

Darn this school connection. So sloooow...

Hahaha, I just remembered what Lexi and I were talking about the moment we got out into the lobby of the Carlos Romulo theater last Saturday night. Watching a play was quite a change from going to all those gigs. Teeheehee...

I have to admit, I needed that every once in a while. When I walked to my seat to wait for the show to start, I had to remember all theater etiquette that I was so used to doing before. Believe it or not, before I got exposed to the acoustic scene, I didn't know how to whoop and cheer as loud as I can before. True, I can be loud and outgoing even before that, but it was pretty different.

Last year, when Krystal brought me to my first Hard Rock gig to watch our favorite Jimmy Early (hahaha, no offense to Jett) and to expose me to the music, I was just sitting with her and Jem at the bar, letting them do the whoops and cheers while I just politely applauded. When we kept coming back week after week, I joined in, shouting private jokes, like calling out "Chiquita!" and Lana's famous "Michelle whoop". Then after that, there was no stopping me. My friends now know when to duck and hide whenever I do my patented "huwaw!" hehehehe.

So when I went to OnStage with Lawyn, Mae, Justin and Dari to watch Beauty and The Beast, I had to remember where I was, hahaha. It felt weird coming back to the theater. But it also felt good at the same time.

Last Saturday, I almost lost my poise when I started laughing out way too loud at some of the funny parts. Teeheehee... and to think that I was sitting at the front row.

It's nice to be back in the theater. I'm finally back. Of course, it's not my only home, right, Angels?

Holding Out For A Hero
from Footloose

Where have all the good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where's the streetwise Hercules
to fight the rising odds?

I'd like to know
Isn't there a white knight upon a firey steed?
Late at night I toss and I turn
And I dream of what I need
I need a hero

Somewhere after midnight in my wildest fantasy
Somewhere just beyond my reach
There's someone reaching back for me

Racing on the thunder
And rising with the heat
It's gonna take a Superman
To sweep me off my feet
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero til the end of the night

He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero til the morning night
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life

Up where the mountains meet the heavens above
Out where the lightning splits the sea
I could swear there is someone somewhere watching me
Through the wind and the chill and the rain
And the storm and the flood
I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood
Like a fire in my blood
Like a fire in my blood
Like a fire in my blood
Like a fire in my ah! Ah!
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero til the morning night
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life
Larger than life
I need a hero!


Teeheehee, wala lang. I just love this song.

Note to self: Don't order Aku's bottomless iced tea for dinner before heading home.

Hahahaha, today was the 2nd day in a row I went out to eat at Aku before going home. Last night I had dinner with Maika and Lauren, and Dandan stopped by for a while. Jill stopped by as well until Tito Sunny and Tita Sherbet picked her up. This afternoon, I went there once again with Maika. Dandan stopped by again for a while to chat with us.

And for two days in a row, I always feel the need to go to the bathroom halfway during the ride home. Hahahaha... And to make things worse, my mom would always tease me by opening the gate ever so slowly, arg.

Gah, I was supposed to post something else, but it suddenly slipped my mind.

My YFC friend Aethan has been asking me since last month about hiring the AKAfellas for several events he's been organizing. For a while, I've been the one texting and calling Franco for him, asking him about particular dates in the guys' calendar. Hahaha, I already gave Aethan Franco's number, but I was still the one coordinating for them.

A couple of weeks ago, we finally found a date for one of Aethan's events when the fellas are free. Coolness. So the two guys decided to meet for contract signing, and that day was today.

Aethan was so funny. He texted me this afternoon, telling me that I forgot to tell him that the AKAfellas manager was the Jasper guy from those Coke commercials. Hahaha, I assumed he already knew because the name I gave him was Franco Mabanta. He said that he was ever so formal before he met Franco in person this afternoon, and to think that the latter came in gym attire. Hahahahaha, I was texting the two of them at the same time, so I was laughing at the both of them.

I was just looking through my old Blurty entries from last year. Camille kase eh.

When I saw my post from exactly last year, I realized then that it was my first day in Dreamgirls. Hahaha, it was my first time to meet Nyoy, my goodness. And I thought that he was just this Jett-Pangan wannabe back then. He looked like a kid, and he was dancing and singing beside Jett. I didn't realize until after rehearsal that he was the alternate for Jimmy Early, hahaha.

I had to laugh when I saw the other entry. It was about an exchange of messages with my idol, Lea Salonga. We were talking about West Side Story. Despite the fact that it was only a little exchange online, I was still starstruck. She actually took the time to reply to me right away.

Last year, Ari gave me a box of these scrumptious food for the gods for Valentine's Day. This year, he said he's gonna give me chocolate crinkles. Yummm, heeheehee. So sweet of him. It's so funny how we get along much better when we're not together.

Sitting in the I-Nook right now. Krystal and I have been throwing her Frisbee around in Plaza Villaroza for about half an hour. Hahaha, during that half hour, the sun been coming in and out from behind clouds. Well, at least it wasn't shining down on us most of the time, thank goodness.

It seems that there's this group of people training to throw and do Frisbee tricks. Ooooh, I want to learn. Hahaha, before today, the last time I ever held a Frisbee was when I was in 2nd grade, and I was back in Seattle with my mom, my brother and my aunt. Kuya and I would throw our Frisbees in the backyard, and mine would always go up the hill and almost out into the road (my aunt lived in this split-level house behind a hill).

I miss throwing Frisbees. The last dics I threw after that were during my high school track and field days, being the team's discus and shotput thrower (my goodness, and they raised eyebrows at me because I didn't look like a thrower due to my size). Thank goodness for Krys. Maybe I'll get myself one sometime next week.

And the next time Krystal brings her disc, I'd better bring a spare shirt with me.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, EVERYONE!

Hahahaha, don't have a valentine this year. But Ari, where are my chocolate crinkles? Teeheehee...

Love Heals

Like a breath of midnight air
Like a lighthouse
Like a prayer
Like the flicker and the flame the sky reveals
Like a walk along the shore
That you've walked a thousand times before
Like the oceans roar

Love heals

There are those who shield their hearts
Those who quit before they start
Who frozen up the part of them that feels
In the dark, they've lost their sight
Like a ship without a star in the night
But it's all right

Love heals
Love heals

Love heals when pain's too much to bear
When you reach out your hand
And only the wind is there
When life's unfair
When things like us are not to be

Love heals when you feel so small
Like a grain of sand
Like nothing at all
When you look out at the sea
That's where love will be
That's where you'll find me
You'll find me

So if you fear the storm ahead
As you lie awake in bed
No one there to stroke your head
And your mind reels
If your face is salty wet
If you're drowning in regret
Just don't forget
Don't forget
Don't forget
It's all right

Love heals
Love heals
Love heals you
Love heals
Love heals

I miss Bito's voice when she sings this on my "Love Matters Most" CD. The last time I heard this song live was during the Rent concert, and despite the fact that Rachel had ruined the beginning, I still loved it. I can still see the cast singing it line per line.

Part of the song reminded me of my valentine last year. Aw...

But of course, my motto still says "No Regrets".

I only have a few words for this entry.

RESPECT naman, please.

OK, so I feel better right now.

Can't wait for tomorrow. I'm meeting Jill and some others in Glorietta tomorrow. ASAP's gonna be there, so Jillie will have her fix of Star In A Million's Erik Santos, hehehehe... I wonder if Ian's gonna be there.

Hahaha, speaking of Star In A Million, I got to watch it this evening. It's been such a long time since I watched it. I only saw it when it was still part of ASAP, and the only time I saw it when it became a spin-off was when Erik won. Anyway, so there, I tuned in. Plus I was told that the AKAfellas would be in this evening's episode. Whoops, wrong, I think what they filmed last Tuesday will be aired next week. According to Chev, Kyla will be bidding goodbye soon. Aw... Darn.

Check this pic out. Can anyone guess who it is?

Arg, kaasar si Ariel. Since we didn't get to meet up last Friday, nagalit daw sya sa akin so he ate my chocolate crinkles. Hmpf. Tampo na ako.

While sitting in church this morning, I observed the 2 sisters who always sit near us. They're the daughters of one of lectors (is that what they're called? I forgot), so their mom knows my dad, who also works in church as a minister. Anyway, there I was, sitting in church, looking at them, envious of how close they are.

All my years, I've always wanted a sister. I'm only close to one of my girl cousins, who's a few months older than me, so she's the closest thing I ever had to a sister. Heck, I'm not even close to my brother, and the 4-year age difference makes a bigger gap.

But even though I never had a sister, I've been really grateful for having friends that feel like sisters to me. There's been Rosa and Iam, who have known me for more than half my life. I found adopted sisters in some of the Angels, like Jill, Lexi, Maika (hahaha, and my friends in school think we're cousins), Peachy, Anne (the ate I never had), Trish, Anne and everyone else. I realized I've been blessed with surrogate sisters.

I love times like these when I just sit down and reflect on life, and be thankful with what I have right now. There's already too many crazies in this world, so enough of that. It's time to be optimistic.

I remember this book series by Clive Staples Lewis called The Chornicles of Narnia. It's a series of 7 books about this magical world of Narnia.

The first book showed the creation of Narnia, how it came to be with the song of the Lion, Aslan. The beautiful world of Narnia was witnessed by 2 children, Polly and Digory, when they stumbled into it by chance.

As I read it, I envisioned the images written in the book. Darn beautiful. I could really see the world forming.

I kept reading the series, and saw how many things, good or bad, Narnia had gone through. Good and evil kings and queens and witches ruled as time progressed.

But all good things must come to an end. By the time I reached the 7th book, everything was getting so complicated. True colors showed, the talking animals and the men started dividing and falling out for the last time. A fake Aslan suddenly started roaming the land. Everything was all screwed up.

So what happened? Aslan returned and destroyed the land of Narnia because of all the evil that's been going on. Despite the fact that all that hard work that's been done, it was the right thing to do then. Everyone was gone, but Aslan made a new Narnia. A bigger, more beautiful one, without all the screwups. The Friends of Aslan stayed with him in the new Narnia.

A beautiful story, loosely based on the Bible.

Kinda reminds me of something else, too.

I've always thought some people could handle things maturely. Why are they acting like kids?
Why gang up? Why manipulate people's minds?
So many why's.

Why does it take catastrophe to start a revolution
If we're so free?
Tell me why

Why can't people just act civil?

Ironic, really. Because they actually used the word civilized.

Enough negativity. I used to be so optimistic. Switch on optimism.

Here are some pics of a good time spent last Sunday.



Lexi strikes a pose while Dandan puts pink eyeshadow on Peachy while we were in Greenbelt 3's First Aid.




Peachy, Dandan and me in front of the makeup display.




Dandan still at work on Peachy, hehehe... Umiral ang kakikayan ni Dandan.




Vanity. Hahaha, mga maGANGda standing in front of a bathroom mirror.




Vanity shot number 2.




Pam, Dandan, Maika, me, Peachy and Lexi at Greenbelt 3 Food Choices.

So I went to CCP to watch the sunset. Maika joined me as well. I loved feeling the cool breeze against my face combined with the warmth and the golden glow of the sun surrounding us.

Here are some pics...




Maika sitting with the sun behind her. Even though the flare on the upper-right is a big photography no-no, I still like this shot.




Hahaha, sort-of-candid shot of me. I didn't want to face the camera because the sun was directly behind Maika.




Maika and me, waiting for the sun to set.




I was trying to get a decent shot of passers-by, and then suddenly this kid passed by, running. Perfect timing.




Maika in semi-silhouette. Naks, pwede nang mag-model.




Me once again, checking out the boats.

Funny how the day before, I just told myself, "Damn it, ignore all the crazies. Remember the times you were so at peace before when you took afternoons off in CCP before work? Why not try it again?" So that's when I got so hung up on going to CCP to bike around. Then Maika told me last night that there's something going on somewhere in the complex. Oh forget it, I'm not going there.

So I took a little break from the rest of the crazy world I was once part of. Yesterday I decided to go watch the sunset. Maika texted me yesterday morning, asking if she could go with me, so it was the two of us.

There we were, just walking around, ignoring those lovey-dovey couples, fishermen, and bike-rental guys scattered along the way. I found comfort in the cool late afternoon breeze and the mild warmth of the sun against my skin.

I wanted to rent bikes and ride around the entire CCP complex, but Maika didn't want to because she said she'd forgotten how to ride. Ahahahaha... What more pa kung kasama namin si Dandan. Hehehe, I have to teach her to ride next time we go back.

When the sun had finally set, off we went to Harrison Plaza so Maix can buy a blank cassette tape from Oddysey. Hahaha, when we reached the cashier to pay for it, we found the display of pins. We both got this pin that says (what else?) "100% Angel". We wanted to get at least a couple more for the others, but there were only those two, so maybe we'll find more of those when we get back.

Then off we went to Tokyo Tokyo for dinner. Mmmm...I just love their red iced tea.

How would you do on American Idol? by geela
Name
Age
Simon says	Utterly horrible
Paula says	Wonderful! I love it!
Randy says	I like your voice
Success level	No one recalls you in a year
Created with quill18's MemeGen 2.0!

Spent another early afternoon playing Frisbees with Krystal in Plaza Villaroza. She got a new Frisbee this time, a smaller one with rubber edges so it wouldn't be ruined on the rough surface of the ground. Whee, I'm enjoying it more and more. I'd better get my own disc soon. I even noticed that our throws are getting much better, and heck, this is only our second day.

I never knew how therapeutic Frisbee throwing could also be, hahahahaha...

Spent the evening having dinner with Tita Sherbet and Tito Sunny at Aku while they waited for Jill to finish her midterm exam. Back to bottomless iced tea, ahahahahahaha... As I once said, food will cure anything, teehee... Mmmm...I'm still hung up on their fettuccine, no matter how heavy the pasta sauce can be. And then there was the yummy ube and pandan ensaymada Tita ordered. I only got to eat a bit of that ensaymada, because it was also pretty heavy. Tito Sunny got the most of it, at first refusing, but then getting forkfuls of it while Tita and I were talking, ahahaha...

Tito Sunny had this great idea for the group. Pretty cool, I'd love to do that.

Lexi sent me a text message early this evening, telling me that she was at Westin. She said she went to check out her friends' prom.

Hahaha, then I said that how I wished colleges also had proms. That would be pretty cool. Because after your high school prom, the next occasion where you'd be all dressed up would be debutante balls and stuff like that. And then what's after that? Weddings, hehehe.

I remember thinking about having a "second chance at prom" party. For those who didn't enjoy their high school proms, they could do it right the next time around.

Here I go again with my weird ideas...

While I was in our school canteen at noon today for lunch, someone approached the table where Kathy and I were sitting and asked if we could answer a survey for them. I figured it was the usual survey that students give out as a requirement of some certain subjects. As it turned out, it was a survey on chocolate wafer bars, and we had to sample four different kinds, then rate them all according to color, taste, smell, all that stuff. I felt like those human guinea pigs that sample food products before they start selling them. Hehehehe, of course, my vote still goes to both Kit Kats and Pik-One chocolate bars. Mmmm... thanks to that survey, Kathy and I got free dessert, hahahaha...

I'm missing Franco's birthday party right now at The Fort. Darn. Oh well, at least I'll still get to watch the 'fellas tomorrow at ATC. Whee, someplace close to home, finally.

For the first part of this entry, I'd like to share today's Gospel, Luke 6:27-38. For you guys who think it's boring, you can just skip ahead until after the Gospel reading.

Jesus said to his disciples: "To you who hear, I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount.

But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and klend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."

Hahaha, my dad probably thought I was crazy as he looked at me from across the church during the Homily this afternoon, listening intently to the priest. And to think that we were both so visible to everyone, with me sitting in one of the front pews and Dad sitting at a different front pew with the other ministers.

"So easy to say, but very difficult to practice," Father John said with his thick Indian accent. "If someone doesn't like you, either you understand why or you don't, just tell them, 'God bless you'."

Hahaha, I've been doing that a lot lately. I'm not the type who carries grudges.

When I got home, there was a new mountain bike parked in our garage. It was the bike Ate Maui had given Kuya earlier this morning when he had jogged over to her place (hahaha, we live in Las Pinas, and Ate Maui lives somewhere in Paranaque). Wheee! I took it out for a test drive. Gah, we have to get the seat adjusted by dad, because it was too high. Kuya can adjust to any height anyway, so we're gonna favor my level of comfort for the seat.

Kuya also got a badminton set, so we immediately started playing. Man, I haven't had this much fun sweating it out with my brother in quite a while. I mean, the last time we played badminton or rode bikes together was when I was still in grade school. Mom even joined in for a while when Kuya passed his racket to her to play with me. Gah, I forgot how much of a tennis player my mom used to be.

And to think that the morning had just started.

Thanks for the answered prayer.

I went to ATC after lunch to meet with Teena and Mika, who went there early for the AKAfellas album launch. My goodness, ASAP was there live, so there was this ginormous crowd. Gah...

Then I found out that Teena and Mika were staying in Delifrance because, which was on the other side of the mall from where I had arrived! I tried every route I knew just to get to the other side, but there was no avoiding the crowds. I had to brave through at least one pack of crazed ASAP fanatics to get to the other side.

While ASAP was going on, the three of us were just hanging around inside Delifrance, away from the heat and the crowd. I swear, the people have high entertainment value from where we were sitting. Every time a celebrity had to go to their respective green rooms (one was right across from us, at the closed now closed Cinzeo. The people were standing around (ang tiyaga nila to stand around for at least 2-3 hours, I swear) waiting for celebrities, and when one would arrive, surrounded by bodyguards, all the people would scream and run just to catch a glimpse of them. Jeez.

Hahaha, Nyoy was there, passing through Starbucks with Kuya Jo while waiting for AJ. Went in to say hello and a little small talk, then Teena called me because we were meeting the fellas at CPK.

Huwaw, when we were inside CPK, the guys said that they're paying for what we were gonna order. Thanks, guys. Aileen, Kuya Rommel, and Iya joined us after a while.

Anyway, when it was time for the guys to go (they're performing at the Activity Center), we left with them. They were selling CD's in front of the stage, so Aileen and I got our copies there (Teena and Mika got the last 2 remaining copies at Oddessey), with a free poster too, yay. Huwaw, all the seats were occupied already, but Kuya Rommel and Iya got seats in the very front. Ahahahaha, so Aileen took the last remaining seat, while Teena, Mika and I sat on the floor in front of them. Hahaha, sitting there, I remembered Jill when she sat on the floor during the Acoustic album lauch of Nyoy with Mannos at the Podium last year.

Hahaha, picture taking galore during the show, as usual. Red even took out his camera and videotaped while they were still singing, hehehe.

After the show, there was autograph-signing, and despite the fact I hate being seen lining up for autographs, that's what I did, hahahahaha... When the crowd had thinned, we had a pic taken with the guys. But after one camera was used, Myke immediately left the stage. We called him back, so he stepped on this Monobloc chair to get back onstage. Suddenly he fell, because as it turned out, the chair was faulty, because his foot went through the seat! Mic and Aileen ran towards him, but not to help him with his foot. They snapped pictures of him, hahahahaha! Thank goodness he was OK.

When I checked my phone after we had left the stage, I saw that Franco had tried calling me. Gave him a ring to ask what was up.

Franco: Hey, sweetie, the album's out na.
Me: I know! We're here at the launch. Where are you?
Franco: I couldn't make it.
Me: Darn...
Franco: Oh yeah, about the album, it's only available at Odyssey, Astrovision, and maybe SM stores.
Me: What about Tower and Music One?
Franco: There pa lang, long story.
Me: Ah okie...
Franco: So there...
Me: Oh yeah, advanced happy birthday!
Franco: Thanks!

So there, for all you guys who want to get the album, those are the only places you can get 'em.

We lingered near the stage with the guys when the crowd had thinned even more, then we all parted our separate ways. I went with Teena, Mika, Ate Tere, Aileen and Robi to Corte de las Palmas where Teena's and Robi's cars were parked, then said goodbye to them and Mika (who was riding with Teena). After that, Aileen, Ate Tere and I hung around in Seattle's Best before we left.

Uploaded pics in my gallery, so check them out.

It's February 23, 2004...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO FRANCO MABANTA!

Heart of Crystal


What is Your Heart REALLY Made of?
brought to you by Quizilla

The day went by pretty slow today, arg...

Hahaha, spent the morning watching School of Rock on DVD. Was too lazy to get moving so I settled myself in front of the TV before lunch.

Met up with Jill and Dandan in Aku before thesis class. Didn't stay long, though, because Rain had texted, asking me to get my ass to class (huwaw, that rhymed, hehehe). During class, we spent the first half discussing artistic stuff, and we finally agreed on a director! And it's not even going to cost us, because Miss Cindy's willing to do it!

As for the casting, once again, nothing's settled yet. Rain's still hung up on his choice, and Anthony with his. But the one thing we all want is someone people know so we can get the ticket sales moving. Here are the prospective Josephs the group had in mind:

DJ Myke - He already did the role back when he was still in LSGH's Cue Drama club. He probably still knows the character backwards and forwards.

Nyoy - A CSB alumni (from Technical Theater, yet) whose music career is still rising fast. Heck, he's been in professional plays by Gantimpala and Atlantis, anyway. Plus we're still set on one of our goals to showcase CSB talents.

Paolo V - This guy's got very good instinct as a musical theater performer.

Gah... thinking big and small...

===edit===

Not 5 minutes after I had settled in my seat in front of Miss Cindy, I saw my phone ringing (hahaha, forever in discreet mode from Monday to Friday). Franco again...I wonder what news he brings this time... As it turned out, he had just checked out the forum and was touched with the birthday greetings we left in his message board. Plus more news: The album was heard abroad, and people liked it so much that they might get nominated in a worldwide a capella awards show. Great job, you guys!

After meeting with Miss Cindy, we left class early. Nyahaha, I finally got to try the pesto pasta in the canteen's Chef's Station. Heck, the only things I eat in the canteen are Chef's Station's tonkatsu and Country Style's bagels and donuts (though I kinda got sick of the donuts because Richie and I get that everyday during Urinetown). Being a huge fan of pasta, especially pesto, I decided to try the one they're selling at Chef's Station. Not bad, even though the pesto I prefer are the ones from Don Henrico's and my aunt.

Heard a bit more news from a friend about someone. I can't really help but feel so disappointed. *sigh*

Hmmm...now I'm craving for more pesto...

Uploaded a new usericon, hehehe... Que vain.

I don't know why, but suddenly I started singing this song that we used for one of our Playshop showcases.

COME IN FROM THE RAIN
by Diana Ross

Well, hello there
Good old friend of mine
You’ve been reaching for yourself
For such a long time
There’s so much to say
No need to explain
Just an open door for you
To come in from the rain

It’s a long road
When you’re all alone
And a man like you
Belong ways to a long way home
There’s no right or wrong
I’m not here to blame
I just want to be the one
Who keeps you from the rain
From the rain

And it looks like some disguise
Now that I know you’re alright
Time has left us older
Wiser, I know I am

’cause I think of us
Like an old cliche
But it doesn’t matter
’cause I love you anyway
Coming from the rain

And it looks like some disguise
Now that I know you’re alright
Time has left us older
Wiser, I know I am

And it’s good to know
My best friend has come home again

’cause I think of us
Like an old cliche
But it doesn’t matter
’cause I love you anyway
Coming from the rain


Hehehe, FYI, this song is written by Carole Bayer Sager, who was one of the people behind the musical They're Playing Our Song.

Yep, I'm finally back home in Broadway. Hopefully I can put up my name in one of the marquees. Right, Hogi... But I can still dream, can't I?

(Hahaha, that last sentence reminded me of Dandan's favorite song.)

You're chocolate. You're the old soul type, people
feel that they have known you their entire
life. Many often open up to you for they view
you as thoughtful and trustworthy. Although
people trust you, you have a hard time trusting
them. You prefer to keep your feelings bottled
up inside, or display them very quietly. It is
alright to open up every once in a while.


Which kind of candy are you?
brought to you by Quizilla



You should be wearing the colour....Purple! Purple
creates mystery, and is associated with
royalty. You are a very interesting person,
and have a variety of friends. Purple, would
look great on you!


What colour should you be wearing?
brought to you by Quizilla

This was my friend Kassy's status in YM right now...
What is fame without true friends?

So true...

In my questionnaire about technical theater that Nyoy answered for me...
WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE SCENARIOS TO WATCH OUT FOR?
Deadlines, inconsistencies, lack of budget and a lot of misunderstandings!

In this month's issue of Chalk magazine:
Mojofly...
You should get along not only in terms of music. Leave no room for unresolved issues...popularity complex, these are what usually kill a band.

Session Road...
On staying grounded: It's not letting the whole fame thing get to your head, it's should be a thought not for oneself but for the love of the music.

From friend and Pink magazine EIC Bebeth Timbol...
...there's always that member that's matigas ang ulo...

Hehehehe, sana di kami magkasabunutan by the end of this term or next term, for that matter.

Ahehehehehe, moving on...

Another set of quotes from a song, this time from Broadway musicals:
Chess...
No one in your life is with you constantly
No one is completely on your side

Into the Woods...
But he drew me close, and he swallowed me down,
Down a dark, slimy path, where lie secrets that I never want to know,
And when everything familiar seemed to disappear forever,
At the end of the path, was Granny once again,
So we wait in the dark, until someone sets us free,
And we're brought into the light,
And we're back at the start..
And I know things now, many valuable things,
That I hadn't known before.
Do not put your faith in a cape and a hood.
They will not protect you the way that they should.
And take extra care with strangers, even flowers have their dangers,
And though scary is exciting,
Nice is different than good...

...And you think of all of the things you'd seen.
And you wish that you could live in-between.
And you're back again, only different than before.
After the sky.

Tick Tick Boom...
Come to your senses
Defenses are not the way to go
And you know,
Or at least you knew
Everything's strange,
You've changed and I don't know what to do
To get through
I don't know what to do

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown...
Happiness is being alone ev'ry now and then.
And happiness is coming home again.
Happiness is morning and evening,
Daytime and nighttime too.
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That's loved by you...


OK, that's enough singing, hehehe...

Summer's nearing...

My initial plan for summer before I started this term was to work as admin assistant once again for Playshop. But after discussing thesis concerns with my thesismates, I realized that Playshop was out of the question, because we'll be holding rehearsals for the show during the summer. Gah...

Then I got to talk to Rain earlier this afternoon...

Me: Pwede bang mag-racket this summer in between rehearsals?
Rain: Sige, OK lang.
Me: Coz I'm planning to work sa Playshop as admin assistant ulit. Wala lang, just wanna earn the cash.
Rain: Yeah, sige.

Now I'm just hoping the people behind Playshop can let me work alternate days. We did that for the Alabang branch last year, but that was just agreed among us Alabang admins assistants and Ate Maricel, the branch's project director. I wonder if this year's PD will let me do the same.

I heard the coolest news from Krystal today. Bito told her that her album will be coming out this very Sunday! They'll be launching it on ASAP, and then mall tours all March.

Coolness. I've been waiting for that darn album for the longest time. I once heard last year that "Come To Your Senses" will be included in the album. I sure hope so. But I also heard that some songs got cut. I wonder which ones...

But...
More power, Bito!

Kinda makes me miss the whole Atlantis crowd, specially the CSB grads. All the Atlantis shows I've seen or been a part of, there were always CSB graduates and students. Heck, even teachers. Check this out...

Proof
Stage Manager: Miss Bernice
Crew: Rogel (hahahaha, oldest tech grad), Krissy, Krystal and me

Rocky Horror Show
Stage Manager: Miss Bernice
Lighting Designer: Sir Gerry
Crew: Bea, Arnel, Karen, Jem, Johnsy
Cast: Nyoy (mwehehehehe, another oldie)

Dreamgirls
Stage Manager: Miss Bernice
Technical Director: Sir Gerry
Crew: Bea, Arnel, Karen, Jem, Krystal, Adam, Arni, Karl, Nathan and me
Cast: Nyoy, Johann, Val

Urinetown
Stage Manager/Production Manager: Miss Bernice
Technical Director: Sir Gerry
Crew: Bea, Arnel, Karen, Krystal, Lawyn, Moppet and me

Hahahahaha, Bea and I once joked that we can also call the company CSB productions because of the Benildean population.

I've been spending my bum days at home sitting around in front of the TV set or in front of the PC. I decided to try something different today, so I took out Kuya's bike and rode around the village.

I've forgotten how fun it was to bike around. Back when my brother and I were little kids, we waited impatiently every afternoon for our mom to let us out so we can ride our bikes. And we'd stay out there till the sun had already set. But back then we were only allowed to bike within the limits of our street.

This afternoon, I tried going around the block a few times, like I had done yesterday, then I decided to go farther. Way farther. Hehehe, I managed to get to the very fringes of the village and back. It was pretty fun, but scary at the same time because I'm not used to riding a mountain bike and competing with all those cars, tricycles and even trucks.

While I was coasting along the main road, I happened to pass by the place where Jennylyn (yes, that girl who won in Starstruck along with Pio's cousin) took voice lessons. Hahaha, there was even this banner out front congratulating her. Coolness, when I stopped my bike in front of the place to check it out, Miss Susanna herself took some time to talk to me.

After that, I kept going until I reached the end of the village and took another route back home. Hahaha, thank goodness I still remember the route that the bus service I rode in high school used, because I wanted to avoid all the major roads as possible.

Oh man, I just remembered that I have to sleep early tonight. I'm going with Dad, Kuya, and Ate Maui to the GMA Fun Run tomorrow morning. Ate Maui will be running the 3K route while Kuya will be doing the 10K. Good luck, you two!

Woke up during the wee hours of the morning to go with Dad, Kuya, and Ate Maui to Luneta for the GMA Fun Run. Actually, it was just Kuya and Ate Maui who were participating. Dad was the one who offered to drive, and they made me the photographer.

We left the house at around 4 am, then stopped over at the 7-11 in front of our village to get some fresh batteries and Gatorade. Hahaha, when I checked out the items at the counter, I did a double take on the cashier, because she looked so much like Aelain (well, a taller version, maybe). Then off we went to pick up Ate Maui at her house, then it was straight to Luneta.

There were already a lot of people milling around, all runners and spectators. Dad and Kuya even said that I should register too so Ate Maui will have some company for the 3K run, because Kuya's doing the 10K. Too bad registration had already ended. While I was sitting in the car with some taho, I even saw this lady with her dog, and both had 3K tags, hahahahaha! The dog was registered to run with her master, cute!




Kuya: "Dali, picture muna bago kami pumasok!"




"Isama mo naman pati yung numbers namin!"




Love Anover and some other emcees onstage, while runners and spectators alike continue to mill around. Uhm, hello? The 5K and 10K had already started! Go!

The 10K and 5K run began at around 6 am, then the 3K run followed a few minutes after that. Actually, a lot of the runners arrived late, but some of them still ran anyway and tried to catch up. Some just stayed behind, so sayang yung registration nila. Dad and I went to the finish line to wait for Ate Maui, because she's coming in first with the 3K runners. My golly, one of the first to arrive was this little kid, running really fast, and he was barefoot! Huwaw.




The start and finish line for all the runners.




While waiting for the runners to arrive, I just had to take a picture of the sunrise, hehehe.

5K and 3K runners were all arriving at the same time, but then the organizers had to check up on everyone who reached the finish line. Nyak, nawala yung thrill of reaching the end because the path was so narrow so everyone had to line up to get through the finish line. Jeez!




Ate Maui, waiting in line to get through the finish. Wala na, walang kwenta na tuloy yung time on the counter.




Because of the lines the 3K and 5K runners made, the 10K runners didn't know where to go to cross the finish line.

When both Kuya and Ate Maui had gotten through, we hung around the car for a while before we left.




Kuya: "O, picture ulit after the race!"




"Isama mo ulit numbers namin!"




"Kunyari hinahabol ko yung car!"
And I was taking this picture while I was sitting inside the trunk, hahaha.




"Last na, before tayo umalis."

Finally, we left Luneta to have breakfast. We went to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Greenbelt 3. MMMMmmmm... coffee and salmon scramble, yummm...




"Last picture na!"

Whoops, sorry about the looooong entry.