Annually, the school I attended for my primary and secondary education produces shows, in celebration of the conversion of the Saint after whom she was named. The shows range from plays to concerts, but majority were plays. I've seen Les Miserables and West Side Story, and I even joined the cast of a Filipino play, Walang Sugat. When I was in College, I was able to see a different kind of 'play'...the play which didn't have music and dancing in it; rather, the issues were relayed through angst-driven dialogue and acting.
Lately (read: probably two months ago), a friend invited me and my cousin to watch Avenue Q. I was introduced to a whole new style of theatre. The play was acted out by puppets, with their puppeteers on stage, to be seen by the audience. It was fun watching both the puppet and puppeteer together, and while I ended up watching the puppeteer, there were a few moments when I caught the puppet's acts. I commend the talent of the puppeteers, considering that they, themselves, had to act, but they didn't, even for a second, forget that this was the puppets' show. The action and reaction of the puppets perfectly mimicked those of their puppeteers. The songs were wonderfully funny; I especially liked If You Were Gay and It Sucks To Be Me. My personal favourite was There's A Fine, Fine Line. The play's cut into two parts. I was entertained for the whole first part; I found the second part a bit dragging. All in all, an entertaining show.
After the play, we grabbed a quick dinner at Bacolod Chicken Inasal, as it was the only establishment we found open at that time of the night. I had the Ysabella's Chicken, a dish made popular by the local television drama series Ysabella. It consisted of chicken inasal, garlic rice, and I think there was a veggie side dish, I don't really remember. Tasty dish, by the way. This restaurant is where I go to for my dose of chicken inasal. I frequent the branch located at Quezon City Circle. Now some of you may be asking what the heck is chicken inasal (those who aren't from my country, anyway)? Simply put, it's grilled chicken on a bamboo skewer. I don't recall what my cousin and my friend had, but I do remember we likewise had chicken skin. Never mind the calories; the dish was super delicious.
Yesterday, my cousin, a friend, and I were awed by Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, which starred no less than Lea Salonga. It has been my lifetime wish to be able to see Lea Salonga perform onstage. I'm glad to have had that wish fulfilled. First, the play itself. It's Cinderella, in every sense of the word, with a few minor forgivable changes. Second, the production. The costumes were a-ma-zing! The set was a sight to behold. The carriage that brought Cinderella to the ball was so elegantly designed you would really think it was transformed magically. Finally, the cast. World-class performance from world-class performers. I need not say more. But let me gush for a few more lines about the wonderful voice of Lea Salonga. I could listen to her sing all day! Her voice was so powerful and crystal clear. Needless to say, I loved the play. Incidentally, the play was shown at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines.
We wanted to get a Program of the play, but upon being greeted with various Cinderella merchandises, we ended up being confused as to what to bring home as souvenirs. I got myself a CD of the play, with the Original International Tour Cast. My companions wanted to have the shirt, but the price was way beyond their budget. As we ventured to every corner of the room, my friend and I approached the table selling Lea Salonga's CDs from way back. I immediately searched for her Christmas Album and found the song I had difficulty downloading: Even Santa Fell in Love. Finally, I have the song. Her Christmas Album contains a good selection of Christmas songs, including my favourites ever.
Before the play, we had lunch at Pancake House. The dishes at this restaurant are sumptuous, and their steaks are mouth-watering. The only complaint I have is the price, too exorbitant for such small servings. After the play, we had a nice, relaxing snacks at Icebergs. Initially, my companions were already craving for Halo-Halo. We had a good five-minute debate between Icebergs and Razon's but since my palate is an Iceberg virgin, we opted for the former. We each had a special Halo-Halo (crushed ice with a mix of gelatin, corn flakes, slices of banana, and yummy other ingredients I couldn't decipher; all bathed in creamy milk and topped with scoops of ice cream), and a clubhouse sandwich. Nothing special about the sandwich; but the Halo-Halo was heavenly. And there were no beans! Which I consider really wonderful because I hate beans. Chowking's Halo-Halo has all sorts of beans so I'm not really a fan.
