Here I am again, awake during the wee hours of the morning, because I arrived about 20 minutes ago from Taft.

Waaah, right now, my knees look like they just endured frat hazing. I bruise easily on my knees, so too much weight on them cause bruises, like all the Earth poses I did a few days ago. And now there's more because of the last activity we did. Nicco, would it be OK if we do less of the kneeling stuff next time?

Oops, I digress.

(Technically) Yesterday evening, after a few exercises on energy (who in Playshop could ever forget "HEY!"?) and mirroring, I gave the floor to Nicco for the dancing. Last week, we planned to do the exercise he proposed, playing different kinds of music, and dancing to their beat. "Make it danceable (is there such a term?)," he called it. He asked me to make a mix tape of different kinds of music, from danceable stuff, like Drei's CD of anime soundtracks, to harder and slower music, like some classical music I found in my own collection, along with some jazz and other stuff.

Anyway, first, he taught us a few steps, repeated it, then did it with the music. Nicco first played one of his CDs that we danced to, then he popped in the tape I made. Bwahahaha, during some songs (each had at playing time of at least one minute), some of us lost the beat, but would then catch up. I was alternately laughing at my choice of songs, and cringing because my knees were hurting. Sometimes I even caught myself singing some of the Broadway songs that I put in, hahaha.

After the usual dinner in KFC, Nicco, Drei, Nikki, Mish, Rain and I went to Starbucks and grabbed the usual couches in the corner. Nikki brought up the topic of what would be in store next for us for our second production. With a bit of brainstorming, we found an original idea, based on Drei's quip about Nicco. "You and your dancer moves." Wahahaha. Man, the things we come up with. I wonder how we can get it to end?

Gotta get some sleep. Going with my cuz to Pepe en Pilar and Eiga Sai at 12 noon onwards.

My cousin Beverly and I went to St Scho to watch Pepe en Pilar's last run in the St Cecilia's theater with Nicco, Rian (with girlfriend in tow) and Nikki (wahahaha, who took a break from ushering). It was my 2nd time to watch the actual show (the 1st time was last Thursday with Mimay, Lav, Henry and Nicco), that the songs keep ringing in our heads, hahaha. I heard they'll be back sometime later though, for another show, but with a live band. Coolness. I've gotta see that.

For this show, Pam played Tonet and Mrs. Galang, so another girl (the other Tonet and Mrs. Galang) played Catalina. Wahahaha, finally saw her again as a human being. Even though I liked the other girl's singing voice as Catalina, I liked Pam's interpretation of the character more, because this other one seemed more mataray and spoke more sharply.

This time, the audience was more receptive. Maybe because there weren't only the really young kids, there were grade school kids, plus DLSU students in the balcony where we were also sitting. But the older kids were the noisiest that some of the boys behind us became so annoying.

Wahahaha, as if on cue, Nikki, Nicco (your names really do sound funny together, teeheehee...) and I already know when to expect this and that. Even though we've seen the show at least twice, the actress the plays Pooh-Pooh the poodle still never fails to amuse us with her malandi yet Bisaya accent. And there's also this part where fireworks go off unexpectedly, and we were already covering our ears before then (so I heard my cousin jump in her seat beside me, wahahahaha).

Fave funny lines in the play include...

"Wala ka kasing BREE-DING!"

"Ang damot-damot talaga ni Sheryl!"
"Ang damot-damot talaga ni Sheryl!" (Yes, twice.)
"Ang bait-bait talaga ni Sheryl!"

"Hin-tay, Ban-tay!"

Sometime during the show, Nikki whispered that they're finally selling the musical's OSR that very day in the lobby. Woohoo! We were waiting for that, because the copy we got from her sounded pretty raw.

Anyway, one of the main things I loved about this musical is its concept. No matter how complicated life can get, if we go back to the way things were when we were kids, people would get along much better. *bow* Man, people get ever so stubborn and closed-minded once they become adults.

After the show, some of the cast members went to the audience as usual. For the second time, Nikki, Nicco and I (Rian and his girlfriend left during curtain call) came up to Arni (clad in the pink habit) and "made mano" (syet, ang conyo pakinggan), making some of the kids around us follow suit, wahahaha. Then Gary tapped me on the shoulder, saying "Nandito ka nanaman?" Hahaha, he shouldn't be surprised by now, because most of the shows I've been seeing lately, I watch twice (like their master class' showcase, Baby, and this one).

We then decided to eat at House Blend before we go to CCP for the Eiga Sai. As it turned out, Mimay was also there with her friend Gail. They're going to go to the Eiga Sai too, but decided to just watch the evening show (Waterboys) because she and Gail had to go somewhere else first. Mish also wanted to come with us, so we had to wait for her to leave her dorm. But then, Mish arrived a few minutes before 4 pm (when the afternoon show, Juvenile, was supposed to start), so we didn't make it. Plus the Dream theater (which had a seating capacity of 100) was already full by the time we got there. So we decided to hang out at the cafeteria while we waited for the 7pm screening.

Waterboys was such a hoot. It was a typical sports movie where the main characters end up on top, but the concept of using synchro-swimming was interesting, because they were all male. Interesting though. No matter how they didn't care and even felt embarassed about synchro-swimming, their persistence led them to the top.

While I was typing this whole entry (at the same time surfing and chatting with a few online friends), the entire soundtrack of Pepe en Pilar had already played twice. Hmmm... anyone out there who has a CD of Himala the musical?

Hehehe, to my CLOKWORX buds, check out this album in my photo gallery.

*starts to hide from hands itching to strangle me*

Crazy feelings...

When everyone gets all tense and pessimistic, I'm usually the one that acts calm. A cushion to those who get so frustrated and fall. I always have to be the optimist. When everyone's ready to frown, I have to smile for everyone.

Rawr... That's why it sort of frustrates me that I can't seem to let out any negative energy. When I'm pissed at something or someone, I don't know how to get mad. I don't even know how to show it. Instead, I force a smile on my face and tell everyone I'm OK.

But I'm not always OK. I'm not always that cheerful, perky girl.

*sigh*

I feel as if I'm a lousy friend. I hate feeling jealous of other people's attention. Why the heck am I feeling this? What in the world is wrong with me?

It's Tuesday. I'm taking a day off from anything work-related.

According to Tita Sherbs, I need a break. (Tuesday! )
According to Kris, I have to start being true to myself.

Took some time off yesterday to watch Resident Evil. Is that the only good movie running in Robinson's Place? Oh well. But the break wasn't enough. I need a vacation from everything. Well, everything except the upcoming Atlantis project next week, ehehehe.

The problem with me is that I don't know how to be honest with myself.

Someone: "Bakit si _____ parang bad-trip din?"
Me: "Oi, wag kayong ganyan. Ibig sabihin nyan di ako pwedeng ma-bad-trip."

Hogi, stop it.

But yeah, sometimes, it really can be tiring to keep smiling. Specially when everyone around you isn't. So I can't always be the buffer. I can't always be Switzerland and be neutral. I've always been the quiet observer.

I'm still feeling that lousy friend thing that I posted in my previous entry. That's one feeling I'm sure about myself. I'm not usually someone who craves attention, so what's wrong?

Maybe I need a boyfriend, hahaha. I can see Ari shaking his head in disbelief right now. Somebody slap me.

Enough drama. I gotta get dressed. Meeting Rosa for lunch.

Got home at almost 2 in the morning. Why? Because when Rain, Nicco, Drei, Mish and I were hanging out at the videoke place in Providence, Nicco won't let go of my feet when I told him I needed to go home.

Uneventful workshop led to this. Spent the evening listening to Pepe en Pilar (for the nth time) and the Canadian recording of Joseph. Only Rain, Nicco, Mish, Lawyn and I, plus the occasional Junjun and Mae were there.

Anyway, after dinner, Rain, Nicco, Drei, Mish and I ended up going to Providence because they wanted to do the videoke thing. Didn't sing, per usual, hehehe. The last time I sang with a videoke machine was with some YFC friends when classes got suspended due to a storm, hahaha.

So there, we were all sitting inside, when we realized that the machine wouldn't work. Drei and Nicco killed some time by grabbing the mics and beatboxing. Hahaha, they were hilarious.

Everyone (except me, nyahahaha) had at least 3 turns at the mic. I just hung around just watching them, occasionally humming along. Then when I realized what time it was, I told them that I had to go. But they kept insisting that I leave with them, as soon as they have finished this song and that. Hahaha, so when I stood up and firmly said that I had to leave, Nicco grabbed my feet and didn't let go. So his arms were wrapped around my legs while Rain and Drei were singing their last songs, hahaha. And to think that I was stuck in the corner, even though I was already at the door, nyak.

Anyway, gotta get some shut-eye for now. We're watching the DTR of Himala later, yay!

I'm sitting in an internet cafe right now. Rain was at the computer next time mine just a few minutes ago.

Hahaha, just for kicks, Rain "googled" my name along with my surname. 3 sites came up. The first was an article I wrote about theater. The third was an entry I wrote in my journal.

The 2nd one? The Tech Theater thesis from last year, Ritmo Enkwentro. Hahahaha, oi! I was already in a play pala where the cast had a Pepe and a Pilar. And I was Pilar! Wahahahahaha!

Bored si Hogi, ehehehe.

Went to see the open DTR of Himala the musical. Teeheehee, better to pay Php20 for a DTR than Php200 for the actual show. Though I'm still thinking of watching one of their runs.

A lot of us came to watch. With me were Rain, Drei, Nicco, Nikki, Arman, Mish, Mimay (even her sister Jade and friend), and even Ferson, Kuya Mike and Alber (with friend).

This just in! Kuya Mike agreed to rejoin the cast! As for Ferson, he wants to, but we're still waiting until he's really really sure.

Anyway, when we arrived outside the Little Theater, we cut in line, wahahaha. Bad. As if we needed it, because Arman and Drei already went in through the backstage area and saved an entire row for us.

Lots of familiar people in the audience. Tito Joey, Johann, Kuya Ramil, and Kuya Reuben (yes, from the CompanY; he's an alternate for one of the roles). Heck, Robert Sena was sitting beside Mimay in the row in front of me.

May Bayot was spectacular as Elsa. She's one of the reasons why I want to watch it again. Huwaw, I was in awe because of the voices of the cast. A-mazing. Hahaha, now I know what Lav meant about not doing much action onstage. And Henry's makeup made him look...green? And how many roles/costume changes did he have?

Too lazy to write much about the show right now.

==================

Males are complicated.

Some are good as colleagues.
Some are good as friends.

It's frustrating to look for a guy who can be more than any of those.

*le sigh*


That was too trivial.

Next topic, please.

==================

I just looked back on my old journal entries of this month. Another "back on this day" entry? Sort of.

It seems that I hang out with different people every year, depending on my interest. Heck, everyone does that anyway. With mine, it amused me at how much variety and flavor there was.

In 2002, I was with my YFC-CSB friends. Every waking moment, when I wasn't with my (then) boyfriend, I was with them. Being an active member and officer, I was always found at prayer meetings, youth camps, and some of those huge events. Even just plain hanging out at the cubicle in school, I was always with them. Heck, my household (I was assistant household head) was one of my favorite people in the world then. Our worst issues with each other then was having walls around us, despite the fact that our faith was so strong.

In 2003, I was with people we called the "Mannos' Angels". Groupie days, as I smugly call it now. I was always with them at gigs. Some of them are even in the Taft area. I listened to nothing but the band's genre of music. October was also the concert month, so not only was I with them, I was also with the band (because of an OJT), and an events company headed by a guy who was a day younger than me. I was in pure denial that I wasn't a fan, hahaha. Funny how being a huge fanatic can make people so naive. There's too many of them going around, even now.

This year, because of my prime love of theater, I'm with people with passion that matches mine. My eccentric taste for showtunes returned. Despite the fact that some of our talents our raw, it still didn't stop us from anything we wanted.

The high for musical theater is back. And I'm loving every single moment of it.

I'm not saying I regret some stuff in the past. And I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the years before. I just couldn't help but notice the fervor, the eagerness I have for my art has returned, and this time with more intensity.

Could it be that it was all thanks to Joseph and CLOKWORX?

Not less than 2 hours ago, I was sitting in front of Mish and Nicco at Wendy's.

During one silent moment, four words keep echoing in my head.

"How committed are you?"

It was the question we kept asking the additional cast who had auditioned for us. And that time, we were staring at my updated list of cast members. Commitment. Where are they?

Then a sudden flashback. Summer of 2003. Me and the rest of the Bye Bye Birdie cast sitting in front of Jennie. She was asking each of us what our goals in life are. When it was my turn, I proudly said...

"I want to produce my own show."

I was ready to smile at the thought.

Instead, I felt hot tears in my eyes, partly hidden by the glare of the light reflected on my glasses. The tears crept closer to the edge, wanting to spill out. But a few deep breaths pushed it back. No, I can't let anyone see me break down. I won't. No one has ever seen me cry in public.

Did they notice? I think I heard Mish say "Don't cry" or something. Or was I hearing things?

It's just that... I feel as if everything's getting crazy.

To CLOKWORX and other cast members... Guys, if may pagkukulang ako in anything, I apologize. I know sometimes I can be slow, and some people have to push me to keep going. Let me know if I'm not doing anything or not doing anything right. I'm pushing myself harder this time.

But the catch... I can't always be the buffer. It seems like every time pessimism comes our way, di ako pwedeng mabad-trip because everyone is already doing so. Plus, you guys know how I hate working with friends? Because I don't want to get into situations where nag-iinitan na ng ulo to the point na naglalabasan na ng sama ng loob sa isa't isa.

At around 4 in the morning, I had this awful tight feeling in my chest that I can't seem to figure out where it had come from. A sign?

When I said goodbye to Mish and Nicco and boarded an FX taxi for home, I bent my head and the tears automatically fell. I must've looked like an idiot. I felt like one too. Because I'm not supposed to break down. Not when I still have work to do.

Why the hell am I getting too emotional?

Argh.

When I went to have brunch (hahaha, because I woke up at noon), my mom was at the table, complaining that no one ever uses the piano or the almost brand new keyboard in our living room anymore.

My brother used to be the music man of the family. He took endless lessons when we were kids. I started at the same time, but I quit on the 2nd day (and I was six years old then), then decided to pursue art.

After piano lessons, Kuya then taught himself to play the guitar and bought himself one. Played it for hours on end, taught one of our cousins, and they started jamming together. So he bought a bass guitar so they could play together. Whatever they played, I listened to, because I always listen to my brother's music. He still played the piano, but hardly ever.

When Kuya was in college, he met a group of people who wanted to form a band. He wanted to play the lead guitar, or was it the bassist? I forgot. But they already had what they were looking for, and he didn't accept the other offer to play the other instrument. As it turned out, that band happened to be the Hungry Young Poets. Nyak. But then he went on to playing the double bass for the school's chamber ensemble.

The piano was left untouched.

So now my mom was telling me to learn how to play again. So I asked her if I could stay an extra term in school so I can take an audit class on keyboards. I thought I was hearing things, or maybe I wasn't completely awake yet, but she actually agreed. Huwaw.

We'll see.

Went to UP Diliman late this morning with a written letter to Sir Montet once again, asking permission to use the music room for music rehearsals. Nyak, almost 2 hours of travel time from my house to UP, and I only spent 5 minutes in Sir Montet's office.

I was supposed to meet with Mimay by the time I arrived at the campus, but something came up, so I ended up waiting for her. As it turned out, Nikki was on her way over as well. Hahaha, she was wearing her St Scho uniform when she arrived, so I guess there were lotsa people staring at her.

Walked to the Bahay ng Alumni where Mimay was, and had lunch at Chocolate Kiss. Hahaha, ang "budgey" namin wasn't much, but I think I had too much of their pesto pasta. Then Mimay had to order devil's food cake and a Texas Square sundae for all of us to share. My golly. Too much sweet stuff.

Teeheehee, as I always say, I enjoy sitting down somewhere with a friend of two, just talking. I amused myself this afternoon listening to Mimay as she put Nikki in the hot seat. Don't worry about li'l ole me. I'm just the quiet observer. O ayan, Nikki, ha. Wala akong sinabi, hehehehe. You know me. As I promised Drei, Rain, and Nicco, I don't really post anything incriminating here about any of you guys.

*Commercial Break*
Hearing various stuff from people reminded me of that light teenybopper flick I saw on TV once called Little Secrets. I feel like the girl who keeps the neighborhood kids' secrets. Hahahaha. Kulang na lang is that I write everyone's secrets down and stash them somewhere that no one will find.
* End Commercial Break*

Tagged along with Mimay to have a video transferred, then walked to her college building to submit it. While I was standing around inside the first floor, a very familiar face was going down the stairs. It was Ranina! Hahaha, I haven't seen that girl in ages! As it turned out, she was about to start her thesis next semester and she needed actors. Any volunteers?

Anyway, after that, we took a jeep to go to the registrar for one final errand. My golly, it's like I had a whirlwind tour of the UP Diliman campus. Hahaha. By the time we boarded a jeep to Philcoa and an FX taxi to CSB, all three of us were almost worn out.

To Nikki and Mimay: Hehehe, too many funny anecdotes for today to write in here. If I put them all, it's going to make this entry into a novel, bwahahahaha.

A brief meeting with Miss Cindy and Sir Manolet about the restaging at St Scho, and then music rehearsals were postponed for tomorrow due to a meeting with the dean at the SDA. Oh well. *re-reads memorandum of agreement*

Turned schizo this evening, wahahaha. Probably because of all that chocolate I had. Or maybe because I've been too emotional these past few days? Hyper, low-batt, psycho, quiet, then I ended up with an ab workout because of laughter.

Lotsa stuff to do tomorrow. Holy kamote. Oh well, at least the evening will (hopefully) end on a high note.

Typing this in Mimay's apartment. Ahehehe.

Went to Oppen for rehearsal for The Guys. Man, I totally missed being with Atlantis. But this time, it was an intimate group, being a two-person show and all. With it was fun hearing all of Bobby's quips and stuff again. One thing I didn't miss? The static in the room. Rawr.

While I was reading the script to myself, I was just basically reading it. Sort of like what Bobby said how during that talk he did during the summer. Then during the 1st reading with Cherie and Mike, I found out that there was more depth to it. My golly. Imagine going back to the days when the 9/11 event was still fresh in everyone's mind.

Anyway, after a couple of readings, I sped back to school for music rehearsals with Sir Jed and the Joseph cast. It wasn't surprising that there was only less than half the group was there. I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Aw...

Hehehe, because I'm finally part of the cast, it was my first time to actually sing the musical with them. Hahaha, hirit pa nga ng iba the other day, di pa daw nila ako narinig kumanta ng maayos, because I love fooling around. Wahehehe, and after years of demoting myself to being an alto, I switched back to being a soprano. And to think that there were only 3 girls in the group (Mish, Mimay and I). Nyahahaha, Sir Jed had Mimay sing the Narrator's parts, even though she's still unsure about returning.

Went with Mimay, Mish and Drei to Dish right after rehearsal. It was Nicole's singing debut as well as her birthday (Happy Birthday!!! ), with Nyoy and Ian as her guests. Nakanaman. But when we got to the venue, Nyoy's spot was already done. Heck, we got there pretty late. Oh well. Wahahaha, when it was time for Ian's spot, I think I embarassed the people I was with because of my trademark "huwaw".

Jillie! Tita Sherbet! Tito Sunny! It was great seeing you again! I missed you! Funny ni Tita Sherbs when I introduced her to Mimay, Mish and Drei. She recalled all their names because they're all in this blog! Hahahahaha! What more if I introduced the entire cast. Watch kayo ng restaging! Hala, pressure. Hehehe.

My golly banana, my mind's suddenly went blank. Rawr.

Two more music rehearsals for Wednesday. One during U-Break and another in the evening. Hopefully attendance will improve. Noonienoonienoo...

As I typed that last paragraph, Mimay's looking over my shoulder, wahahahahaha. Chismosa. (May snide comment pa: "Gago ka!")

Went to the Atlantis office before rehearsal to look for a dark suit that Mike can wear for the show. Combing through the rack of costumes, I only found a bunch of black tuxedos from Dreamgirls, each labeled with the actor's name, and a navy blue suit thrown over one chair. I decided to take the largest of the four black tuxedos and the navy blue one to rehearsal. Hahaha, when Mike tried both on, that's when I found out that the navy blue suit was Aiza's when she played Dr. Scott in The Rocky Horror Show. Thank goodness Melvyn's black tuxedo fit him perfectly.

Grrr... forgot to bring my jacket, so I was freezing in my seat. Thank goodness Johnsy had asked to turn off the air conditioner after a while.

Joseph rehearsals. Just did the blocking of one scene. Hmmm... what do you guys say we work on that slow-mo part a bit more? Oh yeah, my apologies to Rain and Nicco for speaking without talking to you guys first. I just remembered that I'm under you guys pala, ehehehe. Sorry dears, my fault.

Detachment. What is detachment?

Developing and maintaining of a safe, emotional distance from someone whom you have previously given a lot of power to affect your emotional outlook on life.

Placing of all things in life into a healthy, rational perspective and recognizing that there is a need to back away from the uncontrollable and unchangeable realities of life.

Ability to exercise emotional self-protection and prevention so as not to experience greater emotional devastation from having hung on beyond a reasonable and rational point.

Hmmm... During the first staging of the show back when it was still a thesis project, I've maintained a safe distance from the cast. Didn't really get to bond or be chummy with them until after everything was all over. Right now, things became different. They became good friends of mine, so now I find it harder to be firm to them.

The downside of working with friends. Haaaay...

I'm disappointing myself because I feel like I'm losing authority. And I think it's affecting my performance in all aspects of the show, be it production-wise or artistic. When I start getting irritated, my brows start to knit together, but then it suddenly disappears and I end up blaming myself for everything. There's always this dialogue running in my brain. One side of me starts talking in my head and begins blaming other people, then suddenly the other side attacks and says that it was also my responsibilty. The latter side always wins.

Enough. I'm rambling again. I don't want to come to a point when I start saying that I'm beginning to get pissed and annoyed at people in the group just because of trivial things and other stuff.

Bah, I'm such a martyr.

Here's a plug...

Please watch Anne Nelson's The Guys, starring the brother and sister tandem of Michael de Mesa and Cherie Gil. Directed by Bobby Garcia for Atlantis Productions. October 16, Saturday (yes, today) at 8pm at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza, Makati. Tickets are sold at P350 and P250.

Was supposed to meet with Krystal somewhere near her house before 10:30 in the morning. But because I ended up riding the wrong jeepney when I got off at the Cubao MRT (yes, Jillie, I still get lost once I'm in that area), we met up at Jollibee about an hour later.

Stayed at her house while we waited for the AUV that was supposed to pick us up to help pick up some stuff elsewhere. But a couple of hours later, the AUV never came, so Miss Bernice told us to go straight to the theater. Got on a cab whose driver somehow had a knack for going into places that had the worst traffic jams. Plus when we reached the Makati area, he took a wrong turn and ended up going in the opposite direction. Krys and I wound up walking along Valero Street back to RCBC. Quote from Krys: "I feel like I'm in The Amazing Race and I'm in my own country!"

Run-through this evening was pretty OK. Because of the intimate number of the cast and crew, I was the only one backstage. And to think that in the beginning of the play, I have to scurry from one side to the other. Quote from Mike: "Lagare ka sa backstage." Well, not really. Other than that, I have only one other cue in my running list.

Hahaha, my favorite quote came from Johnsy over the headset. There was a line from the play that went "Everyone loved Barney."

Johnsy: Oo nga, Berns, di mo napansin? Everybody loves Barney. Dagdag kaya ako sa slides; si Barney na sumasayaw.

Wahahaha, and I was laughing all by myself while sitting on that wooden table at stage left.

Right now, I'm just wondering how the audience would react to a play like this. Specially because this is for a Filipino audience. We'll see. Every time I read the script, my heart would ache because the people being talked about felt so real.

After the rehearsal, I even found time to drop by Jollibee in Taft to spare a few minutes with Nikki, Mish and Anthony. Funny, Friday night and everyone retired early? That's a first.

It's been a long time since I last enjoyed a late-night phone call. Heck, it's been a while since I last used the phone at this hour. Talking to one of my 3 best friends a few minutes ago really helped me unwind after a long day.

Time to hit the sack. G'night, world!

"We have no idea what wonders lie in the people around us."

That was one of my favorite lines in The Guys.

Went to RCBC yesterday at around noon after stopping by at National Bookstore to buy a binder and a notebook for the play.

The show wasn't until 8 in the evening, but we had to run-through that afternoon. Ahehehe, while we were all hanging outside the lobby while waiting for the actors, Krystal was listening to her MD of Avenue Q. We were singing along to whatever track she was listening to, and Bobby noticed us.

Bobby: Krystal, what do you keep listening to?
Krystal: Avenue Q.
Bobby: Chari saw that. Watching it and listening to the CD is the same lang daw. What's your theme song there?
Krystal: ..."It Sucks To Be Me!"
Me: *laughs* Yeah! "So why... don't I have a boyfriend..."
Bobby: You know what's Mio's theme song there?
Krystal and me: *questioning looks*
Bobby: "My Girlfriend Who Lives In Canada."

WAHAHAHAHAHA!

Bobby: And what's Chari's theme song there?
Krystal and me: What?
Bobby: "You Can Be As Loud As The Hell You Want..."

Hahahahaha! Crazy Bobby.

My golly, during the last run-through that afternoon, I was almost falling asleep at my post on stage left. But right when my eyes were about to surrender, I suddenly heard someone falling asleep over the headset. Ahehehe, pareho pala kami ni Miss Berns.

After the run, when we were all hanging around once again in the lobby, more wisecracks from Bobby.

I had just come from the 3rd floor for some strawberry ice cream (and it was already cold enough in the theater) at the French ice cream place.
Bobby: So do you feel like you're in France when you're eating it?
Nyak.

Bobby: Sarah Geronimo. Idol ni Krystal.
Krystal: I don't even know what she looks like!
Bobby: ...Or maybe Christian Bautista.
Krys starts laughing and points at me.
Bobby: You like him, no, Hogi?
While perched on the edge of the table, I just grin.
Bobby: (still at it) Or Nyoy.
Once again, Krys laughs.
Krystal: Groupie!
Me: Yaakk...
Bobby: You follow him around, no?
Me: Me? Used to, pwede pa.

Then the topic shifted about Nyoy.

"I think Nyoy wants to go back to theatre, now that the acoustic scene is dropping."

Krystal: This is ATLANTIS. Everyone who's worked here would surely want to go back.

Heck, yeah.

Ahehehe, I thought Cherie's camera got lost earlier that evening. She asked me to go back to stage right to get her camera, but I couldn't find it, so I thought someone took it. I think I had this uber-nervous look when I returned to her dressing room empty-handed. But as it turned out, the camera was in her bag the whole time after the company photo was taken. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm just so nervous!" Ahahaha...

It was a pretty good show, but during the last part when Mike was giving the last eulogy that alternates with Cherie's last monologue, his mic was going crazy. Arg...

But other than that, it was pretty good. I can even hear Manman's loud laughter from where I was sitting. He came to watch the play, and even Chari and Tita Menchu were there.

Back to Joseph mode tomorrow.

Right now, I'm waiting for emails from our Joseph cast. They're supposed to send their writeups via email till midnight, but we extended it until noon.

So what have I been up to?

Monday:
Music rehearsals in the evening with Sir Jed. I left my tape recorder with Mish last Friday, so we managed to record the songs. Basically we just went through Act 1 and left early.

Tuesday:
Ferson brought some of his friends from school to join the production and so did Cris and another friend from Playshop, so we had them audition first, and then we continued blocking the first scenes. A little progress, but we're getting there. I was actually amused at the turnout; how everyone was so game.

Wednesday:
Music rehearsals during U-break, so thank goodness the new ones promptly came in. Sir Jed managed to teach them the Act 2 songs easily (well, not all, because we didn't have enough time).

Pictorials during the evening. Once again, attendance was pretty good. Not complete, but very good. If only we had that much people during music and blocking rehearsals, hahaha.

Hopefully the turnout will be as good for the rehearsals to come. Some stuff are moving pretty well (like clockwork, naks, ehehehehe), but we shouldn't really take it easy yet.

Time to turn in. I'll just check when I wake up if the other writeups had come in.

Sitting in an internet cafe, just killing time. Went to Makati earlier to meet up with Krystal so I can return her Seussical and The Last Five Years CDs, and so we can also cash our checks.

Anthony also gave me the roll of film used in the pictorial last night, so the first thing I did when I got to Greenbelt was have the pictures developed. Wahahahaha...

While we were walking around Greenbelt 3, we came across Hobbes. Hahaha, every time I pass by that shop, I couldn't resist staying inside that place for at least 20 minutes, poring over all the games and toys. I get easily amused, teeheehee... Plus you hardly see those classic board games anymore. I've been thinking of buying my own Clue board game for quite a while now. And when I saw their new version of the game, the tokens are the actual characters! Coolness, hehehe.

I feel drained right now. Funny. I was so hyper during rehearsals this evening, and I already new that I'd be crashing by the time we all sat down for dinner. Yep, I was right.

Had a lot of progress during rehearsals in the evening. Still a little slow, but at least we made progress. But holy kamote, looking at how many days before showtime, huwaw.

Anyway, we did some re-blocking of the first few scenes, a little choreo here and there. I couldn't believe that I was up there with the cast, dancing and all that. I didn't have dinner at that time yet (I stayed in the classroom while the rest went down to the caf to eat), and I was uber hyper, jumping around as if I was stuck in a Bye Bye Birdie world.

No matter how much I missed the original Joseph cast, I actually got amused with this new batch. The new girls that Son invited are always game for anything. They remind me of myself during better days, hahaha.

Gak, after typing that last sentence, I was just staring at my monitor blankly for 2 minutes. I'm so out of it.

Arrived home from Taft about an hour ago. More on that in my second entry.

Arman held a birthday bash at the Manila Hotel last night, and invited the Joseph cast, and some friends from CCP. A whole bunch of us went there right after music rehearsals.

My golly, Arman brought his karaoke, VCD and CD players for all of us to use in the suite. Of course, most of the people couldn't resist doing videoke in the common room, while the rest of us retreated to the bedroom to watch TV.

Hour after hour, the people started coming in, including the people who were involved in CCP's Troyanas. Holy kamote, those people were hyperrrr... I wasn't even surprised that Arnel was with them. Hahaha, they were the ones who took possession of the videoke. The rest of us, on the other hand, were mostly in the bedroom, listnening to some radio channel on TV. But of course, when it was Son's turn at the mic, we all crowded in the other room to listen.

After a while, we hooked up the VCD player to the bedroom TV so we can show everyone the Pasencia and Maalaala Nya Kaya videos with Arman and Nicco in it. Hahaha, naaaks, star na kayo. Everyone who hadn't seen it before erupted with laughter every moment or so, while the others who saw it already still kept laughing at the same stuff.

Everyone was getting pretty loud and "unsobered," that some time during the first few hours of the morning, I left the suite with Cris and Rain and went around the hotel. My golly, even with the doors shut, we could still hear the noise all the way down the hall even up until where the elevators are. Hahaha, we dared ourselves to go up to the 13th floor, which looked totally different. Tried scaring ourselves silly at the end of the hall that we literally fled back to the safety of the elevators and went to the ground floor lobby instead to sit and talk. Nyahahaha, we were each talking about one particular topic and when it came to my turn, the conversation was cut off because we decided to go back up. Next time na lang, Cris and Rain.

The CCP people were still at it at the videoke when we got back, and the Joseph cast were mostly in the bedroom, just talking, some of which are already wasted, ahehehe. When the CCP had left and said goodbye, the cast finally reigned over the videoke. Well, except me, of course, ehehehehe.

Most of us decided to spend the night at the hotel because we had rehearsals in school the following day. But when it was already past 5 in the morning, I wondered how will we ever get to school on time?

To be continued...

Time to write the next entry.

There were only two beds in the suite Arman got. When I decided to retire for the night while Rain, Mimay, Arman, Nicco, Arni, Cris L (holy kamote, I almost forgot that we have two girls named Cris), Lav, Ferson, and Mish were still singing to the videoke, I found that both beds were already occupied. Drei was out like a light in one bed, while Henry was in the other. Ended up sharing the same bed with Henry and Nicco, with me lying on the very edge. No wonder my back hurt today.

Nicco said that he'd set his phone's alarm to ring at 6:15 in the morning, so we could have ample time for a few "five minutes more" and to prepare for rehearsal that was supposed to start at 9 o'clock. His phone did ring, but when he reached for it, he turned it off and stuffed it in his pocket, hahaha.

When I woke up at around 8 in the morning, the two guys were still out, someone else was sleeping on the other bed while Cha and Anthony were sleeping on the floor, but I heard the TV on in the other room. Drei was watching Hook on AXN. Hahaha, ended up finishing the movie then tuning in to Animax with Cris M. Apparently, Rain, Mimay, Ferson, Arni, Lav and Mish had left for a while for some breakfast. When they returned, Nikki had come back after going home the night before.

After all of us were finally fully awake and had taken turns at the bathroom, we (minus Arman, Cha, Anthony, and Drei) all went back to CSB, and it was almost noon! Had lunch then borrowed the Joseph video from the LRC for the new cast members to watch.

After moving all the chairs aside, it was choreo time. Holy kamote, it was like a crash course in relearning all the choreo, because we managed to cover "One More Angel" and "Potiphar" with a little bit of "Go Go Joseph." My golly. I only knew the first half of "One More Angel," having rehearsed it with the original cast as a stand-in, so I had to watch everything carefully. By the way, loads of thank-yous to Lav and Arni for helping us recall the choreo!

Once again, let me just say that I'm not a dancer. This is the first time I actually danced at will in front of these people (except for that one time I was a stand-in for a wife). So I guess I was pretty self-conscious swinging my ass in front of everyone during that darn "Potiphar" scene, hahahaha. Rawr.

I was really crazy this afternoon. My energy would come out in sudden bursts, and then suddenly I go back to zero. What a roller coaster. I knew I was crashing because I didn't get enough sleep. But I actually enjoyed how productive the afternoon was. By the time we wrapped things up, my body's power supply was ready to die out.

Turning in early tonight. I missed having sole possession of a bed, hahaha.

I feel uber tired, but I actually sort of enjoy the feeling.

Before anything else, here's a shameless plug.

Please watch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on November 6, Saturday, with shows at 2pm and 6pm, at the St Cecilia's Hall in St Scholastica's College, Manila. Tickets are sold at P120. You can either buy from me before the show date or directly at the theater lobby on the date itself.

Getting busier this week (and what more when next week comes?) because of marketing the play at different places. Holy kamote, can we really fill up both shows?

Add the rehearsals. Blocking and choreography put into overdrive. Plus new added blocking courtesy of Nicco. Holy kamote. Funny, I didn't know the entire choreo of "Go Go Joseph" until this evening, and I wasn't even around when Nikki taught the steps to the new girls. I had to catch up fast when we were cleaning it. Another crash course in choreo for Hogi.

Because we're gonna be piled up with work these next two weeks, I'm not sure how frequent I'll be online. We'll see.

So please make me happy and come watch the show. Who knows, maybe watching me make a complete fool of myself onstage is already worth the money, specially since I haven't performed in quite a while. If you want tickets, just drop me a line here or message me through my phone if you know my mobile number.

I'm gonna leave you guys with a few pics of what our bunch has been up to these days. We already have our pictorial photos, but I haven't gotten around to scanning it yet.

(CLOKWORX in action?)

My throat hurts. My voice is going. I think I'm going to get sick pretty soon.

Nooooo. Puh-lease, no. Not when our show is in one week. Holy kamote.

I think it's because of temperature changes. We rehearse in air-conditioned classrooms, and because I'm so malikot, I could easily sweat it out. Ahehehe.

(The crazy things we do during rehearsals...)