Writing this in the office. Because I don’t want to tie up the phone line, I typed up the entry first, then logged in quickly to post this.

Went to watch CSB Greenstage’s Salome last night, their first evening show. I had asked Nicco to get me in as an exchange deal for the Beauty and the Beast freebie I gave him last month. Hahaha, as it turned out, all production design and technical theater people can get in for free, plus last night’s show was invitational. Nikki was supposed to go with me, but she had to cancel that day.

The play was held in the auditorium, and when I got there, there was the usual table full of crackers and dip that Miss Cindy had set up. She did the same last March for Beauty and the Beast’s opening night. We joked that there was more variety for this show than the last one. More guests began to arrive, and no one seemed to approach the snack table, so Sir Zandro told me to be the first to go. Hahaha, so I did, but not much. Strangely, I wasn’t hungry, and to think that I’ve been eating more lately, but haven’t even had dinner yet. Oh well. Jeffrey, our Lou in last March’s show, was also there, operating a video camera for the play’s documentation. Then Ria and John emerged from the auditorium, already in full costume. My golly, I missed those two.

When the house opened, Mish, Aiko, Alex and I grabbed seats at the very front row. Hmmm... too close, but it will do. In a venue like that, I know I wouldn’t enjoy viewing a play with a few rows of heads in front of me, because the seats weren’t really raked that much.

Familiar faces abound in the play. There was Alvin, a prod kid from this year’s senior batch; Bryce, the guy who played the title role in last year’s production of Macbeth by Dulaang Filipino; Sir Dennis, our Jacob in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Miss Magda from DF and who was supposed to be our Dulapil (Filip13) teacher 3 years ago; this other guy I saw in Stephen’s thesis production of Intersection (whoops, I forgot his name, sorry) who played the taong grasa, I think; and of course, there was the favorite burgeoning actor, Nicco, hahaha.

Jessica, the girl who played Salome that night, definitely fit the role. Bryce’s enunciation was better than the last time I saw him onstage. I guess English plays suit him better than the ones with Filipino dialogue. Sir Dennis was a pretty funny drunk antagonist, I’ll tell you that. I don’t know, but I think he’s actually having fun with his role and easily got comfortable, no matter how much lines he had. Miss Magda had this big stage presence, and was impressive, as always, but she could’ve easily downplayed the character a bit to suit the small venue. The two soldiers had a few noticeable things, like one had leather shoes instead of the army boots so his pants weren’t tucked in unlike the other guy. Then Alvin also wore a green baller ID bracelet on his right wrist while the other guy (who had a good voice, but was sort of eating up his words) had a wrist watch on his left hand. Then Nicco, ahehehe. I sort of already had an idea about his character, the gay page. But watching him was a lot different from just hearing from what he tells me. It was quite refreshing to see him in a role such as that. I may be biased, but he’s actually pretty good, having seen him grow as an actor in school. Miss Dayang and I even joked that he and Bryce looked good together, hahahaha! Then there were the Jews, consisting of Ria, John, and this other guy. They were amusing, and Ria was a natural, hahaha. For some reason, the way she spoke reminded me of Ate Tere.

Congrats to the cast and crew of Salome! Congrats to the director, Sir Jethro, as well!

Left CSB with Arnel, Miss Dayang and Sir Jed. By the way, Sir Jed’s going to be the musical director of the upcoming Noli Me Tangere, the Musical by Tanghalang Pilipino in CCP. Woohoo! I gotta catch that one.

Another play’s coming up this Saturday in DLSZ. It’s Lawyn’s thesis, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Hehehe, can’t wait for this one. It’s one of my favorite musicals, and it’s going to be held at my alma mater, which I haven’t been to in quite a long time.

There seems to be a lot of shows coming up that I want to see. There’s also the restaging of AAI’s Once On This Island, Stages' Footloose, LSGH Cue Drama Club’s Aida (heck, with Peachy and Alys as title role, I really have to see this), and a restaging of Meynard’s Rep class’ Avenue Q Highlights.

Good luck to y’all!

Ms Mila called the office early this afternoon. Bobby won an Aliw Award last night for Best Concert Stage Director... for the 2nd year in a row! Hahaha, because he's in Hongkong, Lea had to receive it for him.

Congratulations, Bobby!

Went to ATC yesterday afternoon to meet with Rain so we can go to Zobel together. I had planned to go to Zobel to watch Lawyn's thesis, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, on my own, and then go with anyone when I get to the venue. But Rain had offered a ride, so I couldn't refuse, hahaha.

My mom and I went to ATC together. I told her I was getting my hair cut, and she decided to go with me. Then decided to have her hair cut as well, and I had to pay for it, hahaha. Then Nicco messaged me, saying that he was going to watch Charlie Brown on his own, so I offered that he go with Rain and me. But when I already had to meet Rain, we couldn't wait that long for him because Rain's mom was getting sorta impatient, so we just gave Nicco directions on how to get to Zobel.

When Rain and I reached the Sylvia P. Lina theater, we found Miss Cindy, Sir Jethro, Kat and Alex already in the lobby. We joined them as well.

The show was pretty good. I had already expected Mikki as Snoopy and Mae as Sally Brown. Those song numbers were amusing, and just like everybody, I have my favorites: "Book Report," "Glee Club Rehearsal," "My New Philosophy," "Little Known Facts," and of course, the ever-popular "Happiness." I was chuckling all the way with all the "Peanuts Potpourri" and vignettes. It was delightful watching Charlie Brown making a big deal about this little red-headed girl he likes, or Linus with his signature (security) blanket that he can't ever seem to let go. There's this one vignette I liked where Lucy was doing a survey about her crabbiness, and Linus' line telling her that he loves her was so endearing.

Hmmm... Benjor, the guy who played Charlie Brown, was casted pretty well. Lucy was good, but she spoke too fast. Hahaha, reminds me of myself, and the character also reminded Rain of myself as well. Chris as Linus, well, he was OK, but the way he spoke was still the same as I heard him as Captain Von Trapp when we were in high school. Miguel as Schroeder was barely audible at times, but he was amusing as a Beethoven fan in "Beethoven Day." Without bias, Mae's interpretation of Sally was great. She sounded like my recording of Idina Menzel when she did "My New Philosophy." And of course, Mikki was cute as Snoopy. I liked his little dance number in "Suppertime," hahahaha!

The set was also pretty good, after knowing that it was only made from cardboard boxes and a few gallons of paint. It really looked like the Peanuts strip.

Congratulations to Lawyn, and the entire cast and crew of Charlie Brown!

We also got invited to the cast party at Lawyn's house right after the show. Man, it's been ages since I last hung out at her place. I think the last time was last 2003, on the night Urinetown closed, hehehe. Lawyn and I left the Atlantis cast party early for that.

For quite a while, I sat at a table with Nicco and Rain, and Niki also joined us. He told us about this play he wrote, and it was so interesting that we all want to be part of it. He actually created this entire world on his own, all starting from the simple "Once upon a time..."

I managed to find some time this afternoon to watch Teena's DVD of De-Lovely, based on the life of Cole Porter beginning from when he first met his wife. My favorite quote...

"What is discretion but dishonesty wrapped up in a little good breeding?"

Oh yeah, here's a bit of news. I'm smitten. Over who? Good question.

I got a phone call this afternoon, proposing a new project for next month. A meeting tonight will help me with this decision.

Rain, Nicco and I had a Starbucks session after the Charlie Brown cast party, and Rain brought up the question of how I felt when someone recognized me from Greenstage. I told them I was sort of annoyed. True, every normal person would be flattered, even just a little bit. I don't know, but I didn't like the recognition from Greenstage's maiden play.

I'm still smitten, even though it's hopeless, because I keep brushing it off. Hahaha.

I'm just sitting here in the internet cafe to kill time. The meeting's at 8:30. Two more hours to go.

The project that I mentioned in my last entry fell through. Just this afternoon, hahaha. Well, to tell you the truth, I'm actually relieved. I don't think I can handle anything that demanding yet.

In other news, after ages, I finally got myself a new phone! Hahahaha, thanks to Kuya and good ol' PinoyExchange, I got the phone I've had my eye on since summer began. I just got it last Thursday evening, and I had to brave the rain just for that. Hahaha, anything for my new toy.

I woke up yesterday morning to the sound of an incoming message from Teena, ahehehe. She had an extra ticket to the closing of Once On This Island's restaging, and I was suddenly awake. So we saw the show at RCBC together. When we reached the lobby, I found Anna walking toward me, saying that Lea will be watching because she saw Mommy Ligaya. True enough, Lea came to see the show. Heck, how can you not tell that she was there? She was applauding and cheering and screaming loudly throughout the show, hahahaha!

Now that I'm off the hook with Tatlong Villanueva... Carlo! You owe me big time, hahahaha!

For someone who hasn't been online for quite a while, I didn't update this baby very well, didn't I? I'll do so tomorrow.

Let's start by quoting what my friend Zyra wrote in her blog...

I've just realized how important it is to always keep in touch with people no matter how long you haven't seen each other. I've met a lot of people who became my friends and I haven't really kept in touch with most of them. I feel bad now coz I should have kept in touch. But I think it's just the way how it goes. You can't really keep in touch with everyone.

So true. But even though you still try to keep in touch with some of your friends, they choose to be out of touch. Not really a choice for some of them, but it still happens.

Que sad.

Oooh, another happening about a common friend. But like Jillie said, we're not really involved anymore. As disappointing as it may seem, what's done is done.

Hahaha, we're got a lot of free time on our hands right now in the office. Aside from my updating the directories, we mostly just sit around and talk and think about what we're going to eat next, hahaha. It seems that everyone's noticing that I've been gaining weight since BATB's run. Oh no.

Tagged by Lifey...

1. What are the things you enjoy doing even when there's no one around you?

Make faces at the mirror, hahaha! First I used to just smile, because my cousin and I got used to always smiling when facing a mirror. Now I make more faces to exercise my facial muscles.

Read. I've been bringing books to the office (sometime I read some of Bobby's books that he keeps there) to keep me occupied.

Get a coffee jelly frappuccino at Starbucks and watch the people around me.

I've been reading Candace Bushnell's Trading Up, and found this paragraph interesting...

At the age of 18, Janey came to think of herself as the sort of person who could draw out confidences, and had quickly understood that getting information was power. It wasn't always the information itself that was important (which was the mistake that most people made), but the act of being told things: it formed a bond between her and the confessor--a sort of unspoken pact of friendship, which she could draw on later to get what she needed.

Nyahaha, I know a lot of people who are so much like Janey in that way. And get this, Janey's the typical social climber that used to have a bad rep.

Anyway.

Donna called the office yesterday, saying that she'll be giving us tickets to MSO's concert tomorrow. I really want to go, but the tickets haven't arrived yet.

Other concerts I'm looking forward to watching...

Mojofly on September 2nd

The Sound of Passion on October 1st (featuring Jun!)

First of all... Ed's back! He's visiting from Toronto for 2 weeks. Woohoo!

Last Friday, my initial plan for the evening was to go to Folk Arts Theater for that concert that Manila Symphony Orchestra was going to be a part of. But while I was on the way to work during the morning, I got a text from Ed that he was going to be in Makati that afternoon, so we made plans to meet. OK, so I guess I wasn't going to MSO's gig after all. Which was just as well, because Donna had forgotten to give us our tickets.

Met up with Ed in Glorietta after work, and we waited for Gonx and Yelle at the Food Court while we caught up on each other's news. Hahaha, apparently, Ed is still quite the ladies man. Anyway, when the two arrived, we decided to eat at Cafe Bola in Greenbelt 3, so off we went. We bumped into Paco somewhere near the venue, and he was so surprised to find Ed with us, hehehe. He decided to join us as well.

Coffee after dinner at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was more interesting. Too bad Yelle had to leave then. Ahahaha... One torpe's advice to another. What in the world?

Snippets...

Ed: We're all single at this table.
Me: So why are you listening?

Me: I'm not really discouraging you, BUT I'm not really encouraging you, either.

Ed: Holy sh*t, we're talking about ____?!? I thought it was ____!


Yesterday morning, I went to the condo to pick up the costumes that we were to return to LSGH. Rain was supposed to meet with me at around 9 am, but change of plans, so I had to sort out all the costumes on my own. Drei wasn't of use, he just went back to bed after I arrived. I was just putting that huge coat (the last one I put away) when Rain arrived, so I rewarded myself with the grapes I brought with me.

We took a cab with the costumes, munching on grapes the whole way, hahaha. I want more of those. We arrived at LSGH during their lunch break, so I called Peachy, who was in the cafeteria at that time. She went with us to the rehearsal room to drop off the costumes, while telling us what had happened. Miss Ginny had gotten mad at the cast that she walked out. I think it was an episode that had already started the day before. Anyway, the three of us trooped back down to the caf so Rain and I could get some lunch. The rest of the members of Cue were also there at the next table. My goodness, those are high school kids and college freshmen? Alys arrived sometime while I was almost done with my food, and I was so surprised to see that she lost weight. Huwaw.

Peach, Rain and I were walking around the campus when we saw Ezer arrive. Hahaha, he was so surprised to see Rain and I, so we told him why we were there. We went up to the high school faculty room to say hi to Miss Ginny. Hehehe, we finally said that we brought back the costumes.

Back at the rehearsal room, the Aida cast had formed a circle and were talking about things that had occured. I felt like such an intruder, listening in on their issues. They kept at it even with Ezer, who was there helping out just because for the love of it. Miss Ginny finally emerged with her own lecture. Hahaha, she just had to mention Myke (her favorite) for his passion for Cue.

We got to see the first few scenes of their run until Rain and I had decided to leave, because he wanted to check out some stuff at Shoppesville. Said goodbye to Miss Ginny and told her that we might drop by rehearsals again sometime in the next week. Heck, I would want to help out, no charge at all, as long as they feed me, hahaha!

Checked out jewelry and kikay stuff with Rain. Hehehe, I have my eye on a few items for myself, as well as a gift for my mom's birthday in 2 weeks. I wanted to buy something right then and there, but the money I brought was for my ticket to Mojofly, ahehehe.

Went back to Taft so I can give that money I mentioned earlier to Nicco, so he can give it to Vivien, who'll be the one getting the tickets for us from the manager. Then Rain, Nicco and I went to House Blend for a bite to eat. I was sort of hungry as well, so even though I had plans to have dinner with the rest of Hogi Hall later that night, I still bought food. Stayed there until Miko had come to join us and went back to the condo, then Rain and I set off for ATC, where I was meeting my clique.

It was great seeing a lot of them again. Aside from Rosa, Iam, Aris and Ed, there was Mike, PJ, Seph, Gonx, Josh, Joy (the newlywed!), Liv, Jackie, and Alvin. And I still ate, hahaha. I'm such a pig. We mostly just sat around and talked, but it was fun just being there with them. A bunch of us went to Aris' house afterwards so the guys can have their drinking session. Rosa, Iam and I were the only girls who went. Hahaha, Gonx got this issue of Cosmopolitan along with the drinks, and we all flipped through it, with Mike giving the usual comments.

Here's something. PJ was actually funny that night, HAHAHAHAHA!

Anyway, I'm out for now. Time for dinner.

Ahehehe, I was supposed to vent about something, but then opted not to take it out here.

So what has been happening in the boring world of Hogi? Nothing much.

I got an unusual and surprising text messages. First was last Tuesday morning when I was getting ready to leave the house. It was from Zyra...

Hogi... I have bad news. Moira died in a motorcycle accident...

She passed away last Monday morning... at 17 years old.

I didn't really believe it at first, because I remember someone playing this huge prank that someone had passed away. So I texted another person from a totally different group of friends. His reply confirmed that it was true.

Holy kamote.

Moira was our classmate in Trumpets Playshop for 2 years in a row. Tall and slim, with a model's figure (well, she used to be one, anyway). You would think she's in her twenties until you got to talk to her (she's still in her teens). The way she would run up to you, the way she would laugh and talk... It was all so... Moira. I would sometimes believe that we actually switched ages whenever I stand next to her.

When I first met her in summer of 2000, I didn't know she was 14 until I had already dropped out of the class.

I remembered how Moira kept leaping in front of me that very first day that I brought my video camera to class in 2001, trying to document everything. Her physical appearance led to being typecasted as the ditzy Britney, the stereotypical mean girl-slash-ringleader of the popular girl group in our showcase. But in the end, it wasn't really typecasting. She just pulled off the role so well.

"You dare mock me, BRIT-ney?"

Moira was also our prom queen in 2002 showcase. I was a wreck from the previous showcase and had no clue about makeup, but she quickly did her magic and I was ready in a pinch for our own show. She kept cracking me up backstage, all dressed up to the nines and in full makeup, yet trying to pretend she was gay and hitting on all of us.

A girl so full of life, and full of laughter.

I'll miss you, Moira. I love you.

Earlier in the week, I got a text from Frances, one of my former classmates from UST as well as a very good friend of mine. She invited me to go with her to this German silent film festival at Megamall, because its last day would be last night. She also mentioned that a couple of our other friends would be joining us.

I haven't seen my UST friends for 3 years now, so I took this as an opportunity to see them again.

Clarz was the first one I saw. Hahaha, she hasn't changed one bit, but I totally cracked up when she told me that I looked more mature. Hahahaha! Next came Frances, who was with her high school friend Mizel (sp?). We had to wait for Jem at the food court because we were already starving.

My goodness, it was great seeing these girls again.

Anyway, we got to see Destiny, this moving picture by Fritz Lang. And the music was scored live by Cythia Alexander. Coolness. Such a simple storyline about a girl's search for her beloved fiance, trying to get him back from Death.

Those moving pictures would've been a great thesis if I was a production design major.

I'll wrap up this entry for now. I need to meet up with Rain.

I remember getting this text message a couple of years ago.

Thought for the day: It's hard enough to acquire humility but it's harder to maintain it. Character is what you really are, reputation is merely what other think you are.

Remember who sent this to me? Maybe the sender did, hehehe.

Kinda makes me think.

I was ranting in a private entry early (for those who know, you know where to look), and to quote a high school Chemistry teacher, "Well, I really don't care."

Then another quote comes to mind...

I know a guilty face when I see one.

HAHAHAHAHA! Wala lang, I just remembered that because of the situation.

Anyway, time for snippets...

I met up with Cris sometime last week. We decided to meet at Market Market because it's close to where she works. I didn't really mind going all the way there because I needed a change of scenery myself, not having been there before. Hahaha, here's the thing, I never knew how to get around the Fort, so I took a cab. Thank goodness Cris showed me the best way to get out of there. Anyway, we got to sit around and talk for a while until we had to leave, so a little updating here and there about some people. We gotta get together again sometime.

It was nice to see some friends again last Friday night, but the place wasn't really what I had in mind. Somber faces all around. Not a good place to reunite with them.

I once took out my Rocky Horror Show CD and listened to it. Then I told myself, I want to do this show.

Oh yeah, Calvin bought the closing show of Footloose (September 25). So those who are interested in watching, let me know so I'll forward your number to him.

A topic that was opened up last week while talking with a couple of friends made me think. Again. Go figure.

Here's the same topic, over and over again.

I always try and make an effort to stay in touch with friends from various circles. But I always end up in vain half the time. I realized I'm not the only one who's clingy with friends. I found at least a couple who are the same. Heck, a friend even ended up brooding when I mentioned detachment.

Sometimes, when some people lose touch, I start brooding myself.

I wonder how many people are like myself and these two friends I mentioned?

Too much quiet time puts me into these contemplative moods.

I met up with Nicco and Drei after work because I wanted to get my Mojofly ticket and CD before the concert itself. Then I impulsively joined them to Festival mall to watch a movie.

But here's the catch. My dad's cousin, Tita Lorie, is in town, visiting from California. My mom wanted me home early so Tita Lorie can see me. She kept texting me even when we reached Festival mall, so I had no choice but to go home. I told this to the boys, and said that I can just catch my own ride so they can still watch a movie, but they insisted they take me home. Then I impulsively invited them to my house as well, hahahaha.

Nicco and Drei have impeccable timing whenever they come over. There's always lotsa food in the house. So we dug in for the second batch after my parents, Tita Lorie, Ate Emily and the rest had eaten. Then when they had already left, we popped in Almost Famous in the DVD. We were supposed to watch If Only, but our player won't read Nicco's copy, so we opted for the other one instead.

Favorite funny quotes...
"It's all happening!"
"We are not Groupies. We are here because of the music, we inspire the music. We are Band Aids."

Bwahahahaha.

I was texting Anne this afternoon, then I gave her a call... while we were both at our respective offices, hahaha. I haven't heard her voice in ages that it was great to hear her again. Anne, promise, I'm gonna give you a call tomorrow when we're both off work. I wanted to be my totally hyper self while I was on the phone earlier, but I wasn't in the proper place, hahaha.