Ati

Daddy's Email

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 04:07:00 +0000

(When we --- his children, started living on our own, the only means of communication our Dad could afford is either a text message, a call, or a forwarded email from his office --- and that's not on a daily basis. Things happen, and Men, admit it or not, you really find it hard to express yourselves. Same with our Dad. He keeps his emotions and whatever he wants to say, and mask them with anger and impatience toward us. But he doesn't fail to send emails expressing what he really feel and the messages he want to tell us. Here, I'm sharing some of those emails, which I hope can one way or another, help you or your family connect those ties once again. Enjoy reading!)

A Heart Warming Story

(The Irreplaceable Void)

4 years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very often I wonder, how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel right now? She must be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is incapable to taking care of the house and the kid. 'cos that is the exact feeling that I have, as I feel that I have failed to provide for the physical and emotional needs of my child, and failed to be the dad and mum for my child.

There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at work. Hence, I had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So thinking that there was still rice leftovers, I hastily cooked an egg and left after informing my sleepy child.

With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well as when I am home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of all energy. So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went straight into the room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed with intention of just having a well-deserved sleep, all i heard and felt was broken porcelain and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and there lies the source of the 'problem'... a broken bowl with instant noodles and a mess on the bedsheet and blanket!

Boy, was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes hanger, charged straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy, and give him a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy, except a short explanation:

"Dad, I was hungry and there wasn't anymore leftover rice. But you were not back yet, hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles. But I remembered you reminding me not to touch or use the gas stove without any adults around, hence I turned on the shower and used the hot water from the bathroom to cook the noodles. One is for you and the other is for me. However, I was afraid that the noodles will turn cold, so I hid it under the blanket to keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to remind you 'cos I was playing with my toys...I am sorry Dad..."

At that moment, tears were starting to run down my cheeks...but I didn't want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the bathroom and cried with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that episode, I went towards my son to give him a tight hug and applied medication on him, while coaxing him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up the mess on the bed. When everything was done and well past midnight, I passed my son's room, and saw that he was still crying, not from the pain on his little buttock, but from looking at the photograph of his beloved mummy.

A year has passed since the episode, I have tried, in this period, to focus on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and to attend to most of his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will be graduating from kindergarten. Fortunately, the incident did not leave a lasting impression on his childhood memories and he is still happily growing up.

However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much regret. This time, his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my son's absence from school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting him to explain. But he wasn't to be found, so I went around our house, calling out his name and eventually found him outside a stationery shop,

happily playing computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and whack the hell out of him. He did not retaliate, except to say, 'I am sorry, Dad'. But after much probing, I realized that it was a 'Talent Show' organized by his school and the invite is for every student's mummy. And that was the reason for his absence as he has no mummy.....

Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the kindergarten has recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he has kept to himself and stayed in his room to practice his writing, which I am sure, would make my wife proud, if she was still around. 'cos he makes me proud too!

Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has passed. It's winter, and its Christmas time. Everywhere the christmas spirit is in every passer-by...Christmas carols and frantic shoppers....but alas, my son got into another trouble. When I was about to knock off from the day's work, the post office called. Due to the peak season, the post master was also on an edgy mood. He called to tell me that my son has Attempted to post several letters with no addressee. Although I did make a promise never to hit my son again, I couldn't help but to hit him as I feel that this child of mine is really beyond control. Once again, as before, he apologized, ' I'm sorry, Dad' and no additional reason to explain. I pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office to collect the letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily questioned my son on his prank, during this time of the year.

His answer, amidst his sobbing, was : The letters were for Mummy. My eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and continued to ask him: " But why did u post so many letters, at one time?" My son's reply was: " I have been writing to mummy for a long time, but each time I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence I was not able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to the postbox, I could reach it and I sent it all at once..."

After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to do, what to say.... I told my son, " Son, mummy is in the heavenly kingdom, so in future, if you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it will reach mummy. My son, on hearing this, was much pacified and calm, and soon after, he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will burn the letters on his behalf, I brought the letters outside, but couldnt help opening the letter before they turn to ash.

And one of the letters broke my heart....

Dear Mummy,

I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent Show' in school, and the school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not around, so I did not want to participate as well. I did not tell Dad about it as I was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all over again. Dad went around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I sat in front of the computer and started playing games at one of the shops. Dad was furious, and he couldnt help it but scolded and hit me, but I did not tell him the real reason. Mummy, everyday I see Dad missing you and whenever he think of you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in his room. I think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own good I think. But Mummy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please appear in my dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I heard that if you fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you miss, you will see the person in your dreams. But mummy, why havent you appear?

After reading the letter, I cant stop sobbing. 'cos I can never replace the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife....

For the females with children:

Don't do so much overtime. If you cannot finish the work, it must be some kind of problems within the company, and it is not your sole problem. Feedback to your boss. Endless overtime may not necessary be the answer to the problem. Take care of your health so that you can treasure and take care of your little precious.

For the married men:

Drink less, smoke less, cos nothing can replace your good health, not even business nor clients.

Try thinking this way, are you able to work till your clients are totally dependent on you? or your boss is totally dependent on you? In this society, no one is indispensable.

Take care of your health, so that you can take care of your little precious and your loved ones.

For those singles out there:

Beauty lies in loving yourself first.

With confidence and loving yourself, you will see the beauty in other things around you. You will be able to work better and happier. Don't let your health be affected by your work or your boss, so nothing matters more than your well being.

Walking Thoughts [in Tagalog] - Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:48:00 +0000

Sa likod ng tabing, ay mga taong may kanya-kanyang istorya ng buhay. Sa likod ng mga ngiti, maskara at kolorete sa mukha at katawan para sa iba't-ibang karakter, ay mga taong may hinagpis o pinag-daraanang pasakit sa buhay. Pasakit na siyang nagpalakas at nagpatindig sa kanila bilang Tao. Sa likod ng iba't-ibang makukulay na kasuotan, ay mga taong nagnanais makilala, marinig at maipabatid ang mensahe ng kanilang ikinikilos sa mga taong may kakayahang magpabago ng lipunan. Sa likod ng mga palakpakan, ay ang pagnanais na mapagtagumpayan ang piniling karera sa buhay.

Pera man ang sa nakararami'y makapag-pupuno ng kanilang pangangailangan, iba pa rin ang galak sa puso sa tuwing makakagawa ka ng isang bagay na kaytagal mo nang gustong gawin. Iba pa rin ang pakiramdam na magsilbing simpleng inspirasyon sa kahit iilan o isa man lang indibidwal. Iba pa rin ang pakiramdam na makapag-pabago ng isang buhay. Iba pa rin ang mapabilang sa mga taong iisa ang layunin. Iba pa rin ang magsilbing "instrumento" para maihatid ang mensahe ng Maykapal.

Nakakataba ng puso ang bawat papuring namumutawi sa labi ng ilan. Gayun din ang luwag ng pagtanggap sa bawat puna o pintas ng nakararami. Nakakawala ng pagod ang bawat halakhak na napag-sasaluhan. At nakaka-bawas ng lungkot ang bawat biruan.

Sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, ay wala ni isa mang kapalit na hangad, kundi ang respeto at pagtitiwala --- na maipag-patuloy ang aming paglalakbay kasama kayo patungo sa isang masaya at mapayapang mundo. :)

Walking Thoughts [Part II]

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:48:00 +0000

SOON:

...I'll be leaving the place i loved for more than a year.
...I'll be leaving the landlords whom I considered my second parents, who never failed to understand and care for me (and who tell me stories, just to keep me company when I'm down and troubled).
...I won't receive any more free sliced pizza, salad, cake, or just any food/viand from them; whenever they feel I'm hungry and got no food to eat.
...I'll be invisible online, 'coz I won't have access to free internet connection anymore (after trusting me with their password).
...I'll be living with different sets of neighbors, and will once again learn how to befriend them.
...I'll have to pack my things, move-out and re-arrange them all over again, in a very short span of time, in a much smaller place than I used to live.

Amongst all these life-changes, there's always this one constant thing --- I will still be all by my self. Funny thing is, even if I keep on telling myself, I Am Fine and that I'm used to it, there's always this huge part of me, that says "No, you are not".

*Sigh* I wonder when all these will end. I want to enjoy life, the way I enjoyed it before. I want to be happy for Real. I want to pursue all my plans which were placed on hold for such a very long time. For once, I want to be someone who'll make a statement of success. For once, I want to be that someone, who they'll look up to and be proud of; and not someone who, after all the things I've done, sacrifices I made, and after everything that happened to me -- will get a feedback that I haven't done anything "right" and "good".

If only someone could understand how difficult it is to live alone, when there's no one to take care of you when you're sick, no one to laugh with when you're happy; if only someone could understand how it feels to be nobody, if only someone could understand how it feels to walk in a place where as if no one sees you, if only someone could understand that feeling of hopelessness when you can't run to anybody when you needed one most...then maybe, just maybe, you'll get my message across --- Living My Life Is Never That Easy.

Walking Thoughts [in TagLish] - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:53:00 +0000

One good thing about being single, is that you can move and get around in your own pace, without thinking of someone waiting for you. You can go home anytime you want, and go to places you wanted to explore without someone complaining how their feet hurts 'coz you keep on walking to 'never-never land'. Anyway, I'm not writing about the perks of being single (--- err, maybe just a bit. Hehe), and I'm not saying that I discovered - my thoughts are walking.

I just want to share how glad I am to be working in a beautiful environment, where even if it's a long walk to my destination, I get the chance to think freely (without worryng if a truck will come out of nowhere and bump me), and observe things and people around me. So I started documenting my thoughts and decided to share it with all of you:

-> When we were kids: madadapa muna tayo at masusugatan, bago matuto lumakad.

-> When we started studying: may mga exam na maibabagsak muna natin, bago tayo magfofocus sa pagre-review.

-> When we started to love: ma-ha-heart broken muna tayo, bago natin matututunan kung paano ang totoong magmahal at kung sino ang dapat mahalin

-> When we started working: hindi natin agad-agad makukuha ang proseso at maco-coach muna tayo, bago tayo ma-cha-challenge to perform well.

-> When we become parents ourselves: may magagawa tayong hindi magugustuhan ng mga anak natin, causing them to retaliate and leave home; before we realize their worth.

Above all these, my realization may seem cliche to some, but let me give my own version. I realized:

Na sa kahit saang eksena ng buhay, sa kahit saang landas na ating tatahakin, meron at meron talaga tayong pagkakamaling magagawa. Meron at meron talagang makakapuna. Meron at meron talagang susukat kung hanggang saan mo kaya at kung tatagal ka ba.

And what kept me going all these years? It's not just my faith alone, but the mere challenge I give on myself. I keep on telling myself, whenever I fail and make mistakes, "Come on, you know you can do better than that. Do it! Do what's right, and the rest will follow." Well, it's not that I'm crazy talking to myself or what, hehe. I just make it a point, that whenever I fall, I know how to get up --- as how I was taught the first time I got wounded :)

Have a blessed night, everyone! And enjoy your pay day :)

To My Fellow Theater Enthusiasts, THIS IS A MUST-READ

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:21:00 +0000

Received permission to repost this, from Mr. Joel Saracho

********************************************

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

by Jose Javier Reyes

On the occasion of the First General Assembly of the

Philippine Theater Actors’ Guild

10 October 2011

PETA Theater Center

This gathering is important.

It is not only an expression of camaraderie, a renewal of friendship or a sharing of common interests.

Tonight is a vital first step.

This gathering is a statement. We want change…and we all realize that there is a task at hand. This is a necessity not merely for the sake of survival but to certify the significance of what we have chosen to become.

We come from a culture that seems to celebrate disparity as much as it makes a big deal out of our sense of unity. And yet our history has proven that change and advancement can only come when we all decide to forget our differences and assert our common goals.

If one still asks if it indeed a necessity for theater performers to get together, I think the answer is quite apparent.

This has got nothing and everything to do with the consumption of SkyFlakes crackers for lunch and dinner. This meeting is important because it is a necessary step from a decision we all made some time agao: We decided that we wanted to be artists.

We decided that this human life lent to us can and will only have meaning if we pursue, persist and fight for what can give us fulfillment. And that is to be theater artists. That is to be performers.

Mind you, I am not talking about success. I am speaking about the more important fulfillment.

Believe me when I say that there are so many people I know who are so successful but are completely unfulfilled.

Well, yes… rarely can a theater artist be featured in Yes Magazine! to showcase his or her house: well, not unless you are Eugene Domingo.

Rarely can the theater artist be recognized in a tiangge in Greenhills… or spend his weekend shopping at the third floor of TriNoMa or the exclusive shops at Greenbelt.

You see that is the difference between being a celebrity and an artist.

A celebrity gets immeasurable recognition, gets paid exorbitant amounts and gets all the fringe benefits for being public property. A celebrity will earn literally multi-millions for endorsing everything from laundry detergents to feminine washes. And a celebrity does not even require talent. Just a lot of marketing and helluva lot more luck.

Ah, but if you choose to be a theater performer, chances are… you come from a very rich family or basically a masochist.

Theater has never developed to become a lucrative business in this country.

You join the theater because you love to perform… even if you know you cannot make a decent living out of it. Through all these years, the Filipino theater artist has subsisted for the love of the art and the craft--- whether he came from the walkways of the Rajah Sulaiman Theater in Intramuros or the backstage corridors of the Insular Life Theater in Ayala Avenue or the Tanghalang Batute or the Little Theater at the CCP.

The theater artist seeks more than success; he is in constant search for elusive fulfillment. Ironically, fulfillment is so hard to define is the reason why… we persist, insist and subsist.

That is why you are all gathered here tonight. I am joining you in your celebration of untied masochism.

More than that, you are here because you care for theater. No, you don’t only care for theater… you love being part of theater.

Because you share a comoon passion, you want our countrymen to understand what you are doing… and what you want not only for ourselves but for our country.

You want Filipinos to finally acknowledge and appreciate the passions that so few truly understand.

You are here not for selfish reasons --- because if you were here only after the trappings of success, then perhaps you would have given up this calling and ended up in a call center instead.

You are here to make a point… and to make others see that you matter. Yes, you do matter. You may not be treated as well you wish it to be… but you matter.

Whether recognized or not… even if the theater artist is not beholden to the kingdom of the giant networks or do not have direct lines to the gods and goddesses of the movie studios… you matter!

You, like all creative agents --- mavericks, rebels and iconoclasts --- are instrumental in the shaping of our national culture.

So what makes this event important? Let me give my tatlong puntos.

Firstly, as soldiers of theater, it is about time that this country learns and recognizes the importance of this form of art as part of their lives.

There are still those who believe that theater is an elitist form of entertainment. There are those who do not recognize that the history of our country has always been anchored on theater forms in order to bring a sense of community and express the sentiments or mindset at whatever point of our soci-political evolution. But let’s not even go there.

To make my point straightforward and simple --- theater is still considered either a luxury or something required by classess in Literature and Theater Arts in high school and colleges.

The tradition of an authentic theater-going public has yet to b developed because it was never given a chance to be even a habit.

And why? Because of very apparent reasons. Not only do we lack the accessible venues for our countrymen to see the showcase of our works. Theater has been relegated to a dispensable form of entertainment made accessible only to a few.

Because of that, theater artists have never been given the importance they most definitely deserve. Because people do not know you. People do not appreciate what you do and what you represent.

Yes, we have the Cultural Center of the Philippines and places such as this… but there has been no concerted effort to bring theater closer to the people rather than compelling the audience to come to the theater.

As long as theater remains as an option from watching a concert of Bruno Mars or the Black Eyed Peas… as long as theater is considered a necessary evil, a requirement to complete courses because of reaction papers and submitted reviews to teachers… then theater can never truly be a part of the life of our countrymen.

And after all these years… after all the sacrifices made by the likes of Tinio, Mabesa, Espejo, Anton Juan, Amador, Guidote-Alvarez and a whole generation who precedes those gathered here tonight, it is about time. Yes, it is about time that you make theater matter.

The country takes pride in saying we have talents in world-class caliber. Pointless to mention the names too familiar that they have become part of a mantra: Lea Salonga, Joanna Ampil, Leo Valdez, Junix Innocian, Monique Wilson et cetera et cetera. Pointless to relentlessly celebrate their names and yet admit the fact that you --- theater artists--- are still being treated like second class citizens in the entertainment business.

This leads me to my second point: It is about time that the theater artists are given the respect that he and she deserve.

Let me assess the situation we all know:

Even a respected veteran movie and television performer whose acting and popularity were honed by media experience said that times have indeed changed.

Nowadays, it is so easy to be called an artista even if you know nothing about acting.

Because of a highly competitive dog-eat-puppy world of mass media, actors are no longer treated as people. You guys have become commodities.

Whereas before, to be called an actor means to prove how good you are in what you do, nowadays anybody who has been thrown in front of a camera can make claims that he is already an actor.

We all know, for instance, that reality shows are the biggest on-camera auditions ever conceived by mainstream commercial television to find the next generation of stars to fill up the studio’s stable. We all know that there are endless talent searches to keep the stockroom filled with second and third-liners. Fresh from the catch, these young wannabes are thrown straight into the barbeque pit and made to mimic what is supposed to be acting in front of the cameras. Performers borne out of popularity and salability of the moment are made leads, considered as star while do their on-the-job training.

The veteran actress asked, “Ganun na lang ba yon? Kahit sino na ba artista na ngayon?” And the sad answer is both a yes and no.

Anyone can be a star --- for as short as three months--- or as long as his talent can hold. But not everyone --- not just anyone--- can be an actor.

Stars fade--- actors mature. Stars are dependent on the box office receipts of their latest movies --- or how their most recent adventure in television fairs in the ratings game.

Actors are as good as their most recent performance --- measured by their competence in the role that they are made to play and challenged by other roles that remain to be discovered.

That is why actors are diamonds that shine with greatest brilliance in time. Celebrities merely fade … or enter politics.

When television and film productions --- both commercial and independent – are in need of competent, reliable and guaranteed professional performers --- they tap the theater actors. I know that for a fact.

As a line producer for commercial films or as a TV director, there is a roster of theater performers who form a core group of supporting actors that can enhance any show or film.

You --- the theater actor--- provide credibility to the performance level of films. Sometimes the theater actor, as the supporting performers, surround the neophyte wannabe star so that the audience can be made to believe that the newcomer can impersonate acting. In other words, you guys give credit to the dancing bear. It is not how good the bear dances… but the fact that you can make the bear dance at all.

But the saddest part is that you still get the SkyFlakes reference as a joke. I am quite sure that young man did not mean it that way… but is perceived that way not only by the larger public. Worse, that is how media productions think and perceive you.

Life for the dedicated professional actor was never fair. Even in the US, the likes of Jane Alexander, Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin and others never reached that much coveted star status not unless you are Meryll Streep. In our contry, the same thing can be said. Theater actors play the competent and inevitable supporting roles and never manage to have their names above the title--- well, not unless you are Eugene Domingo.

But what sounds like a dismal situation is good news. You should give premium to what you are worth not only for your theater work but for popular media as well.

An actors in an actor is an actor… regardless of where he appears: onstage, onscreen or in the tube. You should realize that even if you are given supporting roles that this is not a reson to be treated like second class citizens on the movie or television set.

As I said---an actor is an actor is an actor. The only way you can dignify the wealth of your experience and training is when people realize that tour work in theater is far superior than the three day workshops given to wannabes who will be force-fed to the television or movie audiences.

This leads me to the final point: no one can help you except yourselves.

If I can be so blatantly honest with you, I have learned one thing about this country. You cannot depend on anyone to protect your turf and interests except yourself.

Government support to help boost the cultural development in this country? Government support to aid the development and propagation of theater?

Fat chance, people. Right at this very moment, there are more pressing problems in Hagonoy and Calumpit. Not that the cultural development should not be a priority… but it never was and by the looks of it, shall never be.

Besides, anything that has got to do with government tends to be tainted by politics, politicking and partisanship. I guess you wouldn’t want to go into that either.

So the most important lessons, Ladies and Gentlemen, is that no one can help you except youselves. And that is why tonight is very important. Tonight, by being here, you make a stand… no longer as an individual who has dedicated his life to theater… but as part of community seeking for a definite identity and a potent voice.

Tonight is important because if there is any need, any change that will take place… the crucial first step has already been taken. The journey has already started because you have empowered yourselves… because you realize that if there is anybody who should protect your interests… then it has to be your own moves, your own intentions, and your own volition.

It is perhaps too simplistic to enumerate three points and claim that these summarize the problems you must confront. There are definitely more. This adventure is bound to be a bumpy but interesting ride. But what is important is that you have made the crucial first step. And this, my friends, is the significance of this night… which hopefully is the birth of a new theater in the country.

###

THEATER ARTS WORKSHOP

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 07:29:00 +0000

ENROLL NOW!

Have a wonderful THEATER TRAINING with our GUEST TEACHERS:

Cinemalaya BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS 2011,Miss Shamaine Centenera Buencamino for ACTING CLASS.

CCP Virgin Labfest Dramaturg, Mr. Rodolfo Vera for SCRIPT ANALYSIS Class

and PHILSTAGE GAWADBUHAY Awardee, Mr. Carlon Matobato for DANCE AND MOVEMENT CLASS.

MAIN TEACHER/Facilitator: Aliw Award Best Actor 2008, Joey Paras.

Pls call/text Ms. Jha Briones (Production Manager) at 09153234521 for inquiries.

*****************************************************************************

TEATRO EXPEDICION DE FILIPINAS

invites you to JOIN its

“THEATER ARTS WORKSHOP”

from August until November 2011.

This special workshop offers variety of programs for aspiring actors aged 18-45 years old to explore, learn, imagine, dream and most importantly enjoy the following courses: STAGE ACTING (Musical and Straight Plays), SCRIPT ANALYSIS, VOICE, MOVEMENT and PRODUCTION DESIGN (Costume Making, Make-Up, Set Design).

Teatro Expedicion Artistic Director, JOEY PARAS facilitates this workshop which will be held EVERY SATURDAY and or SUNDAY of the MONTH starting August 6, 2011 from 5PM until 10PM at United Church of Christ of the Philippines Chapel West Triangle Quezon City.

Workshop FEE:

Ph 3,500.00 ONLY for a MONTH (4 sessions)

For FIVE HOURS of RIGID TRAINING Each session

Schedule of Workshop:

(5PM until 10PM every Saturday of the month, but may be rescheduled Sundays to make way for Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas' upcoming shows. Participants will be notified of said changes)

August 6, 13, 20, 28

September 3, 10, 17, 24

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

November 5, 12, 19

VENUE:

United Church of Christ of the Philippines Chapel

West Triangle Quezon City (Landmarks: just below ONESIMUS billboard, near Merced Bakeshop, fronting Quezon Avenue flyover)

KAPI STUDIO

U209 2/F, Cityland Pasong Tamo Condominium, 6264 Estacion St., Bgy. Pio Del Pilar, Makati City.

Landmarks:

1. This is the one facing South Super Highway, Skyway and PNR Pasay Rd Station (dinadaanan ng biyaheng Mantrade na jeep na nanggagaling sa PRC, Pasong Tamo-J.P. Rizal).

2. This is beside/between Avida Towers & Wilcon Builders, and walking distance from Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati and Walter Mart Makati

GRAND RECITAL: November 26, 2011 at CAP AUDITORIUM, 126 Amorsolo St., corner Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

For inquiries on fees and enrollment procedures, please text Miss Jha Briones (Production Manager) at 0915-3234521 / 0939-2600309 and/or Ben Hernandez (Stage Manager) at 0915-2918144.

ENROLL NOW and be a part of this wonderful theatrical experience!

************************

ENROLLMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

We can wait til the 3rd week of August (Aug 20, 2011) for all participants to enroll and pay the fee, which could be paid in full (P3,500) or in 2 installments as follows:

P2,000 - August 6 and

P1,500 - August 20

This same rule goes by every month (P2,000 on the first Saturday of the month, then P1,500 on the third session), or pay the fee in full before the next month begins.

WITHOUT P2,000 PAYMENT AS FIRST INSTALLMENT, ON THE FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, ASPIRING PARTICIPANT WILL NOT BE ENROLLED.

After August 20, we will no longer accept enrollees. And if ever a participant decides to quit after a month (4 sessions), we won't be accepting them anymore on the next set of sessions (months).

STRICTLY NO SKIPPING OF MONTHS, AND LATE ENROLLEES AFTER AUGUST 20.

The fee of P3,500 is a PACKAGED enrollment fee for the 4 sessions each month, for ALL COURSES indicated on this event invitation.

COURSES MAY VARY ON EACH DATE.

Whether participants decide to complete the classes or not, THE FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

Please see attached link (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=234755173218907) for more information, and please do let me know if you still have further questions/clarifications.

We are finalizing the list of enrollees, so please confirm your attendance and payment ASAP so we can reserve a slot for you.

Thank you and see you on AUGUST 6! :)

“ L O V E F E S T ” - Tried, Tested, Staged Plays ANG PAGBABALIK!

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:44:00 +0000

TEATRO EXPEDICION DE FILIPINAS

Presents

“ L O V E F E S T ”

Tried, Tested, Staged Plays

ANG PAGBABALIK!

A Twin-bill Production.

A combination of TWO of the Most Remarkable Comedy ONE-ACT PLAYS from the Cultural Center of The Philippines` VIRGIN LABFEST, an annual celebration of Untried, Untested, Unstaged Plays originally contrived by PALANCA AWARD WINNER and CCP Virgin Labfest Dramaturg, Rody Vera which aims to tap NEW BREED of PLAYWRIGHTS to mount their ORIGINAL PLAYS and witness the grandeur of their works under the limelight of CCP`s Experimental Theater Venue.

Now, Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas brings you the RESTAGING of Rogelio Braga`s “ANG BAYOT,ANG MERANAO AT ANG HABAL-HABAL SA ISANG NAKABABAGOT NA PAGHIHINTAY SA KANTO NG LANAO DEL NORTE” and JOEY PARAS` “BAWAL TUMAWID, NAKAMAMATAY”.

FROM CCP VIRGIN LABFEST SEASON 4:

Rogelio Braga`s
ANG BAYOT, ANG MERANAO, AT ANG HABAL-HABAL SA ISANG NAKABABAGOT NA PAGHIHINTAY SA KANTO NG LANAO DEL NORTE

AWARD:

ALIW AWARDS 2008

JOEY PARAS

Best Actor in a Non-Musical Play WINNER

NOMINATIONS:

ALIW AWARDS 2008

Best Actor in a Non-Musical Play

Joey Paras and Arnold Reyes

PHILSTAGE GAWAD BUHAY: PHILSTAGE AWARDS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2008

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
Ang Bayot, ang Meranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte, Tanghalang Pilipino/Virgin Labfest 4

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE

And

OUTSTANDING MALE LEAD PERFORMANCE

Joey Paras, Ang Bayot, angMeranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa IsangNakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte
Arnold Reyes, Ang Bayot, ang Meranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa IsangNakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte

SYNOPSIS

An unusual rendezvous of two beautiful and sharp-tongue outspoken creatures living at the margins of our society. Take a peak on their engagement as they courageously travel - devoid of any inhibitions, political corectness, and social graces - that rough and "older than history" roads of discrimination, hypocrisy, bigotry, social divides, corruption, and unspoken violence to arrive in a decent friendship. Ang Bayot, Ang Meranao, at ang Habal-Habal sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte is a bitter yet funky peppered with a Radio Active Sago Project kick-ass take on the cruelties of our society that condones discrimination which is definitely not so cool.

Starring:

Joey Paras as Bambi

And

Arnold Reyes as Hamid

Written by Rogelio Braga

Directed by ARNOLD REYES for the RESTAGING

And

Nick Olanka

FROM CCP VIRGIN LABFEST
SEASON 7

BAWAL TUMAWID, NAKAMAMATAY

Isang Dulang May Isang Yugto

JOEY PARAS

STARRING:

Miss KIKI BAENTO as Eva

Mr. LEO RIALP as Mang Caloy

Gimay Galvan as Crew

Bham Sumooc as Yosi Vendor

Eva Madera as Estudyante

Mark Jones Simbit as Bulag na Flutista

Vera Capiral as Bulag na Gitarista

CJ Mangahis as Babaeng Nakapula

Ramil Pauig as Security Guard

Bunny Cadag as Batang Pulubi

Floid Zulueta as Matrona

And

BIBOY RAMIREZ as Kargador/Talent

Written and Directed by JOEY PARAS

Stage Management by BENEDICK HERNANDEZ

SYNOPSIS

It is February 14, Valentine`s Day. A pretty young maiden named Eva is trapped in a bus stop along EDSA. Desperately thinking of how to get a cab to make it to her father`s burial in La Loma, she tries to ask passersby on how to easily make it to her destination. As she encounters different bystanders, she sees an easy access to make it to the other lane of the avenue---an opening in the middle of the highway which has a sign: BAWAL TUMAWID, NAKAMAMATAY. This signage prolongs her decision making. In the process of finding the easiest way to cross to the other side, Eva meets a stranger, an old carpenter named Mang Caloy. The old man gives her options on how to make it to La Loma but she remains indecisive.

The heavy traffic caused by the occasion and the unpredictable pouring of heavy rains engage them into a more peculiar conversation. A coffee shop near the bus stop becomes their initial refuge and this is where they begin to share sentiments and funny stories about their past. Eva talks about her father`s death and her simple dreams as a hopia vendor. Mang Caloy breaks the serene conversation by telling the story behind the signage. An unpredictable revelation of the old man`s past marks the climax of the play. As the busy avenue becomes expansive again, an unexpected accident happens. This sudden death catches the ill-fated Eva in deep shock.

____________

August 12, 2011

8 PM

CAP Auditorium, 126 Amorsolo St., corner Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

Ticket Price P300 ONLY

For ticket reservations, please call/text Jha Briones at 0915.323.4521 / 0939.260.0309

RE-STAGING of CCP Virgin Labfest's "ANG BAYOT, ANG MERANAO AT ANG HABAL-HABAL" and our very own "BAWAL TUMAWID,NAKAMAMATAY"

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 08:05:00 +0000

Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas

presents

"LOVEFEST"

TRIED,TESTED, STAGED PLAYS

Ang Pagbabalik!

Featuring: Ogie Braga`s "ANG BAYOT, ANG MERANAO at ANG HABAL-HABAL sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte" and Joey Paras`"BAWAL TUMAWID,NAKAMAMATAY".

We are RESTAGING CCP VIRGIN LABFEST`s MOST SOUGHT AFTER Plays: Rogelio Braga`s

"ANG BAYOT, ANG MERANAO at ANG HABAL-HABAL sa Isang Nakababagot na Paghihintay sa Kanto ng Lanao del Norte" and our very own "BAWAL TUMAWID,NAKAMAMATAY" in a TWINBILL PRODUCTION for ONE NIGHT ONLY!

AUGUST 12, 2011 (8PM) CAP AUDITORIUM, 126 Amorsolo St., corner Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Ticket Price: P300 ONLY.

This is your chance to see once again, ARNOLD REYES and JOEY PARAS on stage, together with the Cast of recently concluded Virgin Labfest 7 entry "BAWAL TUMAWID NAKAMAMATAY", featuring MR. LEO RIALP, MS. KIKI BAENTO and Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas Ensemble.

DON'T MISS IT!!!

For Ticket reservations and inquiries, pls text/call Jha Briones at 0915-3234521 / 0939-2600309 or email: teatroexpedicion@yahoo.com / janellynrica_briones@yahoo.com

SCENE FROM "ANG BAYOT, ANG MERANAO AT ANG HABAL-HABAL"

Featuring

MR. ARNOLD REYES

and

MR. JOEY PARAS

SCENE FROM "BAWAL TUMAWID, NAKAMAMATAY"

featuring

MR. LEO RIALP

and

MS. KIKI BAENTO

with TEATRO EXPEDICION DE FILIPINAS ENSEMBLE

Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas: THEATER ARTS WORKSHOP

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:40:00 +0000

TEATRO EXPEDICION DE FILIPINAS
invites you to JOIN its

“THEATER ARTS WORKSHOP”

from August until November 2011.

This special workshop offers variety of programs for aspiring actors aged 18-45 years old to explore, learn, imagine, dream and most importantly enjoy the following courses: STAGE ACTING (Musical and Straight Plays), SCRIPT ANALYSIS, VOICE, MOVEMENT and PRODUCTION DESIGN (Costume Making, Make-Up, Set Design).

Teatro Expedicion Artistic Director, JOEY PARAS facilitates this workshop which will be held EVERY SATURDAY of the MONTH starting August 6, 2011 from 5PM until 10PM at United Church of Christ of the Philippines Chapel West Triangle Quezon City.

Workshop FEE:
Ph 3,500.00 ONLY for a MONTH (4 sessions)

For FIVE HOURS of RIGID TRAINING Each session

Schedule of Workshop: (5PM until 10PM)
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19

VENUE: United Church of Christ of the Philippines Chapel,

West Triangle Quezon City
(Landmarks: just below ONESIMUS billboard, near Merced Bakeshop, fronting Quezon Avenue flyover)

RECITAL: November 26, 2011 at CAP AUDITORIUM, Amorsolo Makati City

For inquiries on fees and enrollment procedures, please text Miss Jha Briones (Production Manager) at 0915-3234521 / 0939-2600309 and/or Ben Hernandez (Stage Manager) at 0915-2918144.

ENROLL NOW and be a part of this wonderful theatrical experience!

OF PAINTS, COLORS AND SATISFACTION

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 03:31:00 +0000

How many movies have you watched, where single/coupled actors paint their houses or walls? Plenty isn’t it? What scene usually comes after? You see the actor/s look fulfilled, satisfied and happy of the outcome, right? Well, not unless the painting depicts destruction, anger or revenge, of course you would see otherwise. But let’s focus on the lighter side, shall we? Before we move any further, let’s get some facts.

According to Wikipedia, a Paint is any liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition which after application to a substrate in a thin layer is converted to an opaque solid film. One may also consider the digital mimicry thereof. It is most commonly used to protect, color or provide texture to objects.

When I read this line, “It is most commonly used to protect, color or provide texture to objects” I remembered that day when all I daydreamed about was how I wanted my walls and my own house to be painted and of which colors. When I stumbled upon this site, I finally came up with these preferences:

Their Color of the Year, for my living room:

These colors are what I prefer in my room. One of their Warm Trend Colors:

And these, for my future baby boy’s room. One of their Cool Trend Colors:

Very beautiful, isn’t it? And, there are plenty of colors you may choose from, their Color Factory.

All these colors and more products are made available from one of the country’s leader in the manufacture of paints and coatings – Charter Chemical & Coating Corporation, under its brand names: DAVIES Premium Decorative Paints, Coat Saver Paints and EZ Coat Paints.

And did you know, that they have a DAVIES Color Factory, which targets the growing number of color conscious customers (like me) in key cities of the country like Cebu, Davao and in various parts of Luzon?

In fact, DAVIES Color Factory is the first and only fully computerized color mixing service in the

Philippines

! Its stations offer its customers a choice of over 7,000 ready to mix colors. These colors come from various European color standards or references such as British Standard (BS) of UK, Natural Color System (NCS) of Europe. Plus INTERNATIONAL COLOR STANDARDS like RAL Colors of Germany, Nova Colors of Scandinavia, among others. With the state-of-the-art fully computerized color mixing system, it will bring color to life instantly. Aside from the standard color selection, customers can also opt to have their own colors matched. For a minimum of 1 liter, customers can have their color done in minutes in the color mixing station. All stations feature fully automated tinting machines attached to a computer that dispenses colorants automatically in seconds, as well as a gyro mixer or shaker that mixes paints thoroughly in minutes!

Now, isn’t that amazing? Oh well, I will let you read more of what they can offer by visiting their site.

To round it all up, the feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction usually comes after the painting process; when you already see the result right in front of you. Seeing the color of your house on how you have always wanted it to look like makes you feel more alive and happy. You wouldn’t want your visitors feel uncomfortable once they enter your residence, right? You want to leave them in awe. Like the moment they step out of your house, they would want to go back and stay longer. Well, that’s a bit of exaggeration, but I, for one would like to feel that way. And it’s in the matter of how your place physically attracts your visitors. So, Paints do really pay a vital role. It could make or break the view of one’s treasured possession.

Hmmm…I wonder when I could start consulting with DAVIES – for my own dream house along the beach. J

EMPOWERMEANT: 12 PLAYS IN A ROW (Synopsis and Cast)

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:53:00 +0000

Just one of the much-awaited performances in Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas' E-Workshop Batch 2, Grand Recital "EM-POWER-MEANT". JUNE 12, 6PM, CAP AUDITORIUM,126

AMORSOLO ST.,corner RUFINO ST., LEGASPI VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY. WATCH OUT FOR MORE!! FREE ADMISSION!!! SEE YOU THERE!!! :)

1. "5,6,7,8" starring Bham Sumooc and Jha Briones: Story of a teenage boy who will do everything to achieve his dreams and who wont allow anything or anyone to stop him, despite his background and upbringing.

2. "Hansel at Gretel" starring Renan Regencia, Janine Tolentino, JM Grafia and Diane Sy: A Filipino retelling of the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

3. "Borderline" starring Benedick Hernandez and Nickeizo Paz is a story about how one's language barrier can lead to mistaken identities and misconceptions

4. ''I Can't Think of It Right Now'' a story of a couple trying to remember an award winning movie of Mel Gibson and somewhere along the way discovers a disease has striken them both preventing them to even remember their own son's name. The play stars Khristen Veramarie Balagtas Capiral and Ramil Ramos Pauig.

5. "Kapirasing Bulbol ni Johnny Depp" starring VJ Mendoza, Gimay Galvan, and Trixie Dauz is a satire about how one would go to lengths in obtaining a fervent desire in the midst of a culture pervaded by idolatry.

6. "Suor Clara" starring Eva Madera and Mark Jones Simbit is a reimagining of the ephemeral relationship between Maria Clara and Padre Salvi

7. "Borrowed Parts" starring Anaya Gonida and Gerald Santos. In this short one-act play, Martha takes refuge from her abusive husband at the home of a male neighbor. But when she becomes sexually involved with this stranger, she discovers too late that he, too, may have dark tendencies.

8. "Beijing Big Mac" starring Chris Baes and Josh Soria tells of an encounter between two strangers inside Mcdonalds in Beijing.

9. "Talents" starring Lanie Layag, Maricar Basco, Khrysta Diola, Lester Viterbo, and Ecel Gonzales is about the aspirations of extras.

10. "Dalawang Ama" starring Cesar Batistis, Japo Parcero, Love Briola, and Gerome Palparan is a tale of paternal love entangled in a web of betrayal, sacrifice, and deception.

11. "Donut" starring Archie Gonzales and Ecel Gonzales tells of a misunderstanding about food choices between two people.

12. "Ang Kalungkutan ng Mga Reyna" starring CJ Mangahis, Floid Zulueta, and Lester Viterbo in a play about a female leader in the Philippines who believes that monarchy is what the country needs in order to flourish. The play uses the hair as a visual metaphor for status, as well as a curious presentation of the theory that a leader, by projecting a drastically different image of herself, can camouflage her dark intentions and change society’s perceptions on self-serving corrupt officials.

EM-POWER-MEANT: Borrowed Parts

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 22:18:00 +0000

Just one of the much-awaited performances in Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas' E-Workshop Batch 2, Grand Recital

"EM-POWER-MEANT".

JUNE 12, 6PM, CAP Auditorium, 126 Amorsolo St., Cor. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

WATCH OUT FOR MORE!! FREE ADMISSION!!! SEE YOU THERE!!!

For Inquiries, contact Jha Briones 09153234521

EM-POWER-MEANT

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sun, 29 May 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Teatro Expedicion De Filipinas

Presents

"EM-POWER-MEANT"

A montage of experimental performances

Featuring the New Teatro Expedicion Ensemble

Under the Direction of Joey Paras

Production Manager: Jha Briones

Assistant Production Manager: Japo Porcero

Overall Stage Manager: Ben Hernandez

Assistant Stage Managers: Ramil Pauig, Gerard Palparan and Renan Regencia

Musical Director: Mark Simbit

Choreographer: Bham Sumooc

Dance Captains: Lester Viterbo and Khrysta Diola

Set Designers: Floid Zulueta and Josh Soria

Costume Designers: CJ Mangahis and Janine Tolentino

Property Masters: Eva Madera and VJ Mendoza

Assistant Property Master: Nick Paz

Overall Spinner: Gerald Santos

Assistant Spinners: Maricar Basco and Diane Sy

Lights Designers: Love Briola, Cesar Batistis and Gimay Galvan

Make-up Artists: Vera Capiral and Jem Gonida

PR & Publicity: Christoper Baes, Trixie Dauz, Ecel Gonzales, JM Grafia and Jojie Israel

_________________________________________

Featuring 12 selected stories/skits in one night:

“SUOR CLARA” - Eva Madera and Mark Jones Simbit

“BORDERLINE” - Benedick Hernandez and Nickeizo Paz

“I CAN`T THINK OF IT RIGHT NOW” - Ramil Ramos Pauig and Khristen Veramarie Balagtas Capiral

“BORROWED PARTS” - Anaya Gonida and Gerald Santos

“BEIJING BIG MAC” - Chris Baes and Josh Soria

“DONUT” - Archie Gonzales and Ecel Gonzales

“A PUBIC HAIR BY JOHNNY DEPP” - Gimay Galvan, VJ Mendoza and Trixie Dauz

"5...6..7...8" - Bham Sumooc and Jha Briones

“TALENTS” - Lanie Layag, Maricar Basco, Jojie Israel, Khrysta Diola and Lester Viterbo

“HANSEL AT GRETEL” - Renan Regencia, Janine Tolentino, Diane Sy and JM Grafia

“DALAWANG AMA” - Cesar Batistis, Japo Porcero, Love Briola and Gerome Palparan

“ANG KALUNGKUTAN NG MGA REYNA” - Christine Joy Mangahis, Floid Zulueta and Lester Viterbo

_________________________

June 12, 2011, Sunday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ONLY
CAP Auditorium, Amorsolo, Makati City

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
STRICTLY FOR 18 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE
(Dialogues/scenes may have offensive/explicit materials)

*** This is an Advocacy Project of the veteran Film/Theater/TV Actor and Playwright, Mr. Joey Paras, so the event is free of charge. However, a donation box will be found on the auditorium's entrance and ANY monetary amount that you could share is greatly appreciated. ***

For inquiries, contact Jha Briones at 09153234521 or 09392600309

I am also inviting FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHERS who want to feature our show and take pictures during these performances (for free) and add on their portfolio. Interested parties may PM or contact me on the above numbers. Participating photographers/companies will be acknowledged at the end of the show.

________________________________________________________
EMPOWERMENT is the process of increasing the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes. Central to this process are actions which both build individual and collective assets, and improve the efficiency and fairness of the organizational and institutional context which govern the use of these assets.

What Do You Miss During Holy Week?

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:40:00 +0000

I miss the times our family gather around the living room and watch movies in VHS tapes.

I miss the times we all go and hear mass even if it was so early in the morning or late in the afternoon/evening.

I miss the times we're reprimanded to take a bath before 3pm every Good Friday or Black Saturday.

I miss the times we watch 7th Heaven Marathon.

I miss the times whenever there's no electricity, we ALWAYS have the same food for dinner (I'm still not sure if Ate(maid) or Mommy or Daddy makes it intentional or not) - Monggo and Tinapa/Tilapia.

I miss the times when we play "killer-killer" or Scrabble or Uno or Monopoly in the middle of the dark to get ourselves to sleep.

And above all else, I miss the times we were complete - even doing nothing.

What about you? What do you miss during Holy Week with your family, now that you live alone or away from them?

Let's reminisce =' )

OF FIRST TIMES AND BEYOND - PART II

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 05:21:00 +0000

(For the Curious among you)

Written: April 2 2011

It was one hell of a month. Right now, I honestly feel like I'm writing a Last Will and Testament. I feel there's really something bad that's going to happen to me. I don’t know what for the time being, but let’s not focus on that, shall we? I’m sure some of our instincts may be wrong.

Okay. I will start this by saying that this is the first time:

1) I’m writing a blog/journal on a notebook ( Yup, with a pen and paper. But for now as you’re reading this, I had already typed them in, so it’s no longer written on paper) since my laptop gave up on the 2nd week of March. I haven’t gotten the time to have it fixed after having it reformatted for the first time. You’ll know why as we move along.

So going back to writing on a paper, the last time I did this was when I still own a diary which I only fill up whenever I have a heartbreak or some sort of a secret that only me and those colorful pages knew. I haven’t filled it much, though.

2) Out of all the medical procedures done on/in me, (believe it, it’s a lot), it was only last March 29 when this nurse conducted my 2D Echo Test, and actually prayed for me before she started. I felt goose bumps all over my body, and I know she felt and saw it ‘coz I was just wearing a very thin lab gown where the front part was open. Now, before you think of anything malicious about that, or imagine what the nurse could’ve seen, I tell you that I was fine with it, because the front needs to be open and my chest needs to be exposed because that’s where she’ll run the test. Alright? So stop those imaginations running. :)

As I was saying, she prayed, so I felt blessed and actually thought she was one of the angels, God sent me. Because when I got back to that same clinic today for another test, I asked for her and she was gone. Too bad I wasn’t able to catch her name then. I could’ve included her in my prayers too. Okay, maybe it was not her shift today that’s why I didn’t see her. But I still feel she was God-sent. :) I just hope all nurses/doctors do that (pray with their patient before beginning any medical procedures – except of course in emergency cases. Well, praying in the mind will do too. I know most people do this). It feels good and it lessens the nervousness in a patient.

3) Now that I mentioned about medical procedures done on/in me, I would like to let you know that it was the first time I got sick like this in a span of one month. I was sent home by our clinic doctor for days (despite my persistence to go back and work). Fever, cough and colds just kept coming back, added by severe chest pains that I only felt occasional since college. It was last March that those chest pains reoccurred for more than once in a day. I felt so terrified; I might die having short breaths. So I finally decided to let doctors check on it. I really didn’t mind those pains before ‘coz it was just seconds, then it goes off. This time, when that pain attacks, it takes 3 to 5 minutes to subside. It was alarming.

I thought my fear will subside after hearing my cardiologist say I have nothing to worry about ‘coz these instances don’t happen on my age bracket, but it made me think worse. What if I’ll be the very first case she’ll handle with this kind of situation? Now that she moved the test result from Wednesday to Friday of next week, does that mean, it takes that much longer time to study what that 2D Echo machine presented? More than a week’s time? It gets me more nervous. Of course I wanted to know what’s wrong with me. If it won’t be ASAP, at least get my hopes up that I’m fine. But until now, I’m not (I even had another attack earlier this day as I type this - dated April 3 2011). I won’t be fine ‘til I hear from her. And I’m always terrified because every time I go to sleep, I’m always awakened by the pain in the middle of the night.

Even if I don’t think about it, even if I get myself relaxed by emptying my mind, even if I get myself to sleep with the required hours we should get, even if I eat the right meals at the right time, nothing helps me ‘til I figure it out. Those doctors I consulted only said one thing: “You don’t have to worry. This doesn’t normally happen to people your age.” Yeah, I wish not to worry. But I don’t want to find out that it’s too late, and that I would be considered in a True Story Movie just like, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” – only with my name on it.

Yeah, my imagination is running wild now. You may say I’m over thinking. But you can’t blame me. After taking in all sorts of medicines in my body, it helped me imagine that much. Or maybe, I just tend to create “happy thoughts” in a difficult or hurting situation like this (being not able to work for more than a week now). I know everything happens for a reason. So while I’m waiting for that reason, I just tend to let my mind wander. :)

4) It was the first time that some of my left body parts felt tortured. Twice of getting blood and injected on the same spot on my left arm, left breast hurt so bad while that nurse who prayed for me ran the little machine on it. For those of you who don’t know how the 2D Echo Test is done, its jut like getting an ultrasound for pregnant women. So that thing they use where they put gel on , and run on those mothers’ tummies was like the same thing used on me. Only that she ran it on my left breast to inspect my heart and the muscles on it.

5) On a lighter side, though, I finally finished my third dose of medicine for HPV (Human papillomavirus). And it was always injected in my left arm – again. I’m happy after having it, ‘coz I really felt safe this time, after knowing all different diseases a woman can get, I feel protected. But of course, nothing is safer than having ‘safe sex’, or just abstain on it, if you’re still not ready to have a baby.

6) I enrolled for the first time in an Acting Workshop for Film, under Lunar Saints Production. I never expected, that little enrollment fee would go a long way, had given more opportunities and have given much priority to each and every one of us - their students, as much as it may have cost a mainstream production group to conduct their own. I never expected that a 3,000 pesos is worth that much time and effort each member of the group has to share whenever the class starts. For me, with all honesty, I would have started with around P5,000.00 or up, considering the intensity of teaching and hands-on activities that they provide. Indeed, no cents were ever wasted. I'm glad to know that there are still people who cared this much to those, who all wanted was to either gain more experience, just enhance what they have initially learned back stage, or just merely add-on their first time experiences list. :)

7) It was a first, feeling hopeless without someone beside you get through a tough situation. I’m not saying I wish I have a man to take care of me, but, yeah, maybe I’m wishing for it. I won’t pretend that I don’t need anyone, and that I am that independent. But admit it or not, at one time or another, an independent woman will wish for a companion. An independent woman can never be too strong, ‘til she finds out that there’s someone out there waiting for her to come home and wishes her well (I think this goes with Men too). Of course there are called Friends who stay for you. But nothing compares to having a man stand by you through thick and thin. For me, I find it so fulfilling when I get to share my hopes, dreams, goals – even my darkest secrets and happiest moments with the opposite sex. Hearing them do the same for me, is even more heart-warming.

But as I said, it was just a first time feeling of hopelessness. Maybe it occurred after seeing all married couples, mother-son, father-daughter, young couples; inside that medical clinic, up to my way outside, up to the jeepney where I rode back home. But that’s alright. I’m still up for God’s perfect time of course. For now, I’ll just keep on singing this song in my mind after hearing it over and over again on the radio this day:

“…How does he laugh, how does he cry? What’s the color of his eye?
Does he even realize I’m here?
Where is he, where is he, where is this beautiful guy?
Who is he, who is he, who’s gonna take me so high?
Where is he, where is he, where is this beautiful guy?
Who is he, who is he, who’s gonna take me so high?
Nanana-nananana
Nanana-nanaaa…
Nanana-nananana …”

Well, alright. I’ll end the list with that song. Just so you know, I’m not writing this stuff to get pity from anyone. I don’t need it. It just so happen that, that’s what blogging / writing a journal is all about – expressing yourself. It’s like I’ve allowed people to get into my life-book. And I feel honored to know that people take time to read my musings. This has always been a part of me – sharing my thoughts to people, and life experiences. ‘Coz I know, in one planet or another, there is someone out there, who could’ve been experiencing / have experienced the same things I did.

When a Director asked me during one of our ‘Revelations session’, “What makes me happy?” I said, “Whenever I’m in front of an audience performing, I feel happy. When I am with people who appreciates my craft and have the same passion I have with Arts, I am happy. When I am surrounded by people who will do everything to achieve what they really want in life, it makes me happy. And whenever I get to share my experiences to people, see the outcome on them, or just hear from them that they learned from me, it makes me happy." Somehow, I wanted people to remember me that way.

And writing this by the way is another of those happiest moments in my life. I’m glad to have shared this with you. :)

Be safe now everyone. ‘Til my next post.

Ciao! :)

OF FIRST TIMES AND BEYOND

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 03:32:00 +0000

(In memory of my 27^th birthday)

Photo taken by Justine Balanag

February 13 2011

After so many failed planned vacation leaves, it was only this year that I was able to maximize the days I intended for my celebration. It all started last Sunday before Valentine’s Day when I got my free cake and boxes of assorted polvoron (my favorite) from Goldilocks and was able to gather my family and some relatives in Marikina. It was just a simple, yet meaningful celebration, because there’s nothing compared to the sound of children’s laughter whenever they see a candle blown on a birthday cake. As I described my birthday album on my facebook account, I found it funny because it took 3rounds before I was able to blow my own birthday candle. The first was done by my brother’s son – Nash Gabrielle, followed by my half sister – Althea Faye. And since that was the very first candle I have to blow after so many years of not having one, I forgot to make a wish. I don’t even remember when I should make a wish – before or after I blow the candle? Haha.

February 22-25 2011

Four days, three nights stay in Coron, Palawan

When I found out that there’s a promo fare to Coron and was scheduled for February, I immediately agreed to come along. I told myself to give it a shot and see what fate presents to me on that day. I realized that it was my very first out of town trip (by plane) with some of my high school friends – Justine and Denisse, together with Alfie (Denisse’s boyfriend) and two of our new found friends, Tia and Candy. I’ll tell more specific adventures we had on my later post. So just stand by.

Anyway, another first for me was eating on the boat while traveling from one island to another. Oh, when I say we “ate”, it’s not the normal chips and crackers thing you have whenever you’re in the middle of the ocean. They were actual meals cooked by the boatmen, fresh from the sea (huge Crabs, Fish, Pusit – just to name a few). They cook really well and the food is so yummy!

Another first was when my sunglasses broke on our 2nd day, when we were on our way to Calauit Island: Safari. Just imagine how many hours we were walking on that huge acres of land to see each animal (following the tour guide like we were on an elementary fieldtrip or something), under the freaking heat of the sun without sunglasses on. To be honest, though, I kept on asking myself that time (in the back of my mind), “Can I just sit and watch the National Geographic Channel instead of walking with you guys?” Had they reserved an alternative truck for tourists, if what they originally have gets malfunctioned, we would have all been fine gazing through the field not minding the heat. Tsk, tsk, booooo! I love the giraffes, horses and zebras, though. :)

Anyway, lesson learned: I won’t buy a ninety-nine pesos worth of sunglasses any longer so it won’t break after a day of use. Crap!

It was my first time to wear a real 2-piece bikini (despite my big figure). And it was not a two-piece outfit like shorts and a top, which I always wear before, when I have a nice figure to flaunt. How ironic.

It was a first when I get to eat on my own pace without having someone rush me to finish my food; and live somewhat like a real survivor in an isolated island when we stayed overnight in Castaway – wherein your only companion is the sound of the waves, and the cool breeze on your face. Electricity’s off during the day, and only a generator helps you get through the night. The only difference is, they served our food. We didn’t need to hunt to get something to eat. It’s like living in a paradise – without a special someone beside you *sigh* hehe.

Visiting 8 islands in one day (on exactly my birth day, the 24th) was another first. Snorkeling, swimming, trekking – name it, we did it. You can just imagine how exhausted we were at the end of the day. But we didn’t mind. We still managed to get a tricycle to drive us to Maquinit Hot Springs and give our tired bodies, a much needed break.

Our 4th morning was just a preparation to our flight back to Manila, so there’s nothing much that happened. Denisse just pointed a cute tree, though, while we’re inside the van going to the airport. It was alone in the middle of the field and it was a very pretty tree like what I see on children’s books when I was a kid, or a movie-like scene in need of a great nature’s background. It was amazing. Do you remember this phrase: “Living in a greener pasture?” The feeling was like that, only in the literal sense, because you are surrounded by green trees :)

Finally, it was a first having to trek 6 times, on different locations, when all we wanted was just to swim and snorkel. Mind you, we even trekked inside NAIA when all their escalators didn’t work when we arrived. Crazy, but super fun! :D

Thank you, Lord, for keeping us all safe on this blessed trip; thank you for introducing us to thoughtful and hospitable people of Coron; thank you for creating such wonderful and amazing islands; and thank you for allowing these people (Justine, Denisse, Alfie, Tia and Candy) to share their time and part of their lives with me as I celebrate another year of blissful existence. Thank you too, for all of you who extended warm greetings and wishes.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me, next year :)

For now, I’ll continue living each day and each passing hour in God’s grace. :)

Confession of a Dreamer

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 23:33:00 +0000

For the past years, all I wanted was just to be able to perform in front of an audience. I don't know what got into me, because I had a sudden change of mind. This time, I wanted not just to be able to perform, but learn more about my passion and be able to teach or share them to people.

This realization came when I got tired of searching for possible career advancements in my chosen field and saw numerous people who have potential to improve on their God-given talents. I'm not trying to be a talent manager or something. This time, I want to go back studying. I wanted to take my Masters in Performing Arts/Theater --- in a different country.

I don't know why I wanted to leave, all I know is that I want to know how it feels like studying in a different setting and how to live life outside of my birthland.

I know that for some, they'll say it's too late. Ask, "why just now? why start now?". I already hear people tell me that it's not worth the shot, because living in another country, considering their cost of living and such, is much worse than staying here. I wouldn't give them a second to think of more questions 'coz I will just say, "Why Not?" For me, nothing is too late - until I give up. And giving up, will never be in my vocabulary.

I admit, though, that I don't know where to start. This will be my very first time to do something on my own that I have never done in the past. I mean, I travel. Yes. But not internationally. This will be my first time to go out of my comfort zone. Of course I know I needed to fix my papers, get a passport and apply for a Visa and such, but I know I needed more help.

Living in another country, alone, and no one to talk to or be with, is one hell of a fun ride for me. Fun in the sense that I get to challenge myself to deal with different types of people, befriend any good or bad person that come my way. Fun in the sense that I will no longer have the same routine of just relying on one or two person's idea on something. Fun in the sense that I will not be committed to just a single person's routine itself.

But it's difficult, most especially if I have no idea of where to go.

I've been doing my research for like 3 months now. Searching for schools who can grant financial assistance for an International Student like me. Submitted resumes to possible goups/organizations who might hopefully read it and consider my portfolio. And since then, I haven't gotten any response.

It's indeed true, as I read through some international student's blogsites that the only pain you'll get out of this, is waiting.

I won't deny that I said I needed more help. I won't pretend that I know everything and that I can just do everything on my own. That's the reason why I've been asking my friends and all the people I know who's already living out of the country, for any information they could give me on where to go and what to do. That's the reason why I bury myself online, hoping to get a response from any of them. That's the reason why I'm not giving up. Because I know, someday, somewhere, there will be someone who can lead me to the right path without worrying of anything else, but me and my chosen life.

As we grow older and wiser, we realize that there are some things that just wouldn't satisfy our needs. We realize that there are people who were able to reach their goals and achieve their dreams without even going through all the hoops of trials. We realize that there are people who were just blessed with opportunities that they never see it coming.

Unfair as life can be, here I am, finally realizing what I wanted to do in life to serve my purpose --- yet I don't know where to begin.

Crazy, but true. :)

I LIVE BY THESE WORDS

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 22:46:00 +0000

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

-William Ernest Henley

OLD POEM COLLECTION I

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 05:10:00 +0000

A Perfect Ending

At the close of our day,

I linger in your eyes,

Lost in the moment,

Cherishing your touch.

Kissing, your tongue with mine,

Teasing me, exciting me, making me ache,

Wanting you to take me right then.

I lay back, pleading without words,

Breathless with anticipation,

As you stand over me, taunting,

Making me wait, admiring what you've done.

Anxious, I raise my hips to greet your stare,

Beckoning you to enter me,

As if the lips hidden there

Could speak for me, to some other part of you.

Finally, you grant me relief,

Embedding my being,

My feet upon your chest to brace us both,

As you thrust deep inside, again and again.

You reach places within me,

I thought were untouchable,

The pain hurting so good,

That I can’t help but cry out.

You wonder, if possibly you are hurting me,

Easing momentarily, but then I say, “don’t stop”,

And you know my whimpers are from ecstasy,

As I call you back into our entrancing dance.

My eyes are open to catch you,

As you’re stealing satisfaction with your own,

Taking pride in knowing it is you,

That has caused these looks to come across my face,

Demonstrating to you, your power over me.

And then you say, “Oh Lady”,

As you gaze at me dreamily,

Shaking your head, as in disbelief,

Shyly grinning, revealing to me my own power

To make you feel alive.

I know you are close to leaving me,

Traveling to that place I can not follow,

And I ask you not to go,

Trying with all my might to make you stay,

Requesting, “easy, wait”, as I push you to your back,

Climbing atop you.

Then ever so carefully, I navigate you once again,

To the edge of your own heaven,

As I find that perfect rhythm of my own,

Barely breathing.

And as I start to throb, I become the one

Who can not be stopped from taking flight,

As I ride you wildly, beyond the realms of night,

Into my own promised land.

And returning to earth,

I find to my delight,

You, also coming back to ground,

From a visit to a paradise,

That we both, together, found.

Rundown of My O’Ten

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

As I count the hours near the end of 2010, I’ve decided to run through my blessings and activities this past year. Since all I can do right now (alone and sick on New Year’s Eve) is to stay home and get well, I thought of writing down the memorable things that happened to me including the significant people who inspired me in O’ten, and here they are:

JANUARY

I pretty much enjoy the company of different friends. This month, I got a chance to meet with friends whom I’ve known online for years; was able to go to Ecopark for the first time with my Buritos Family to celebrate two of our loving college friends’ 26^th birthday; had my godson visit me in my apartment; and was able to attend my earlier Pod Gathering in Torio’s Grill – where I was chosen as the Best CSAT Awardee for 2009.

FEBRUARY

This love month didn’t go well as I thought it would have, since this is also my birthday month. My presence wasn’t there when I was supposed to be a Godmother to one of our college friend’s daughter; my boyfriend back then didn’t spend the Valentine’s Day with me for some lame reason; I was broke on my birthday week when I filed for a VL (vacation leave); and I broke someone’s heart without me knowing he has feelings for me. If I remember it right, the only good thing that happened to me was when instead of having a date on Valentine’s Day, I ended up celebrating the day with my favorite godson, his mom and his mom’s mom. They’re a family to me, so I was glad to go back to Ecopark with them, just relaxed and watch the kid enjoy himself.

MARCH

Another of those so-so months. This was when I found out that my ex was lying to me all along (he even lied about his birth date ‘til I saw the prompt on facebook and that he’s about to leave the country sooner than I expected). He didn’t even have the guts to say goodbye, so I broke up with him. He tried to talk me out of it and visit me in my place, but it’s too late. I don’t have feelings for him anymore. Liars don’t stay long in my memory. So there. I can’t remember anything really good that happened to me this month.

APRIL

If not for a special friend’s wedding, I wouldn’t be able to travel and see the beautiful place of Marinduque, her sweet husband and the beautiful friends of the bride. This was by far, I can say the best vacation I had this 2010. We stayed there for 5days. After which, was a Part 2 getaway to Anawangin, Zambales. Awww…beaches, beaches, beaches. J I love this month!

MAY

This was the month I guess when I started searching for acting workshops or open auditions so I can go back and hone my craft and pursue what I’ve always wanted to do – Act. This was when I attended a workshop guide to beginners in film making, and finally met one of the significant persons who inspired me to pursue my dream – Mr. JP Carpio. I also promised to make myself “busy” from this month on, to let go of the bad vibes. J

JUNE

This month was one of the unforgettable. Aside from relatives and friends who celebrated their birthdays and so with Father’s Day, this was the beginning of my journey towards reaching my goal. I began attending UFO Pintigan Acting Workshop, I was able to audition for CCP’s Tanghalang Pilipino Actor’s Company and auditioned for UP Diliman’s Information for Foreigners.

JULY

I was still busy attending the workshop (under Soliman Cruz and Michael Ian Lomongo) then office work right after. I graduated from the acting workshop at the end of the month, performed in our recital and still on the same day, met another significant person (a great artist - director/actor/singer/dancer/choreographer/writer/composer, all rolled into one – Mr. Njel de Mesa), I even sang with him! J

This was also the month when I found out I passed the audition in UP and will be part of yet again another amazing production under an internationally renowned director Anton Juan. Another unforgettable and happiest month I had this year. J

AUGUST

We had pictorials this month for the show Information for Foreigners; I learned more routes in and out of UP campus than I knew back in college; I learned that no matter how tired and long the hours are for rehearsals, as long as you love what you’re doing, you’ll just be happy and fine.

SEPTEMBER

Oh, dear September. I love you because: of the 7-days show of Information for Foreigners, with very good feedback from the press, guests and audience; because you introduced me to a bunch of talented, amazing and loving people in my IFF family; because we were complete (brothers, sisters and nephews) in celebrating Dad’s birthday; because we (college friends) got together again for Tei’s birthday at Liza’s house; and I still managed to perform and make good scores at work. J

OCTOBER

I was referred for another audition. Though I didn’t make it on the scheduled date, I was glad to be given a second chance for another day. I thought of it as another opportunity given by God, because he knows what my heart longs for. Though I didn’t get the part, I’m still happy for another experience. I even met a pretty girl on that same day, who told me it was her very first time to audition in her entire life and doesn’t have any idea how she’ll make it through. Since it has always been a pleasure for me to share what I learned, I gave her some tips and a few push for her not to back-out and just move on. In the end, I know she made it because the sponsor/judge liked her very much. J So happy for her!

This was also one of my favorite months because opportunities just kept on coming. After the above audition, I received an email in the office that there will be an opening for the Miss Saigon musical play as a Yearend performance and it will be a competition. At first, I told myself that this time, I want to know what it feels like to help backstage and just accompany my team mate who so wanted to be part of the production. Besides, I’m not a good singer or dancer. But friends and some officemates convinced me to join and try out. So there, I made it to the cut and was excited to know the rest of the cast. J

Before the end of this awesome month, I was interviewed for research and became friends with Tia and Didi (both from Indonesia); I met with a high school friend and her Dad, and then wrapped up the month by meeting my co-acting workshoppers from UFO Pintigan Acting Workshop to celebrate a beloved Australian friend (Emma)’s despedida in Centerstage. We had a lot of fun and sang our hearts out in the videoke that night! J I miss these girls.

NOVEMBER

I met up with two new online friends this month; attended another college friend’s bridal shower and enjoyed their company as we dress up for a Masquerade theme and did some pictorials; went out with Mommy, Tito & Katkat and bought or invested on some appliances for myself. Guess my 13^th month salary didn’t go to waste this year. Talk about wise spending. Oh, and this was when I had my taste of first time, when I auditioned for an Indie-film J

DECEMBER

I love you December, because: I met a bunch of crazy people in my Saigon Family and learned to love and be inspired by them. You gave me an opportunity to share and teach what I learned on previous workshops I’ve attended. I was able to perform on stage again after so many years. You made me perform in front of my superiors and officemates. You made me enjoy the company’s Yearend Party so bad, that despite some of my stuff were stolen backstage by God-knows-who, I still felt accomplished and fulfilled. And you made our family and relatives closer than ever.

oOo

Despite of my health condition this past year, I was still blessed with great people and great experiences that I’ll surely treasure for the rest of my life. THANK YOU 2010, and THANK YOU for everyone who became a part of my life and made me part of yours. You made my year worthwhile :)

Have a great 2011! Carpé Diem! ^_^

RFS MISS SAIGON.(10-15mins version) complete copy from Yuri

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 00:16:00 +0000

‎"ONSTAGE" featuring RFS' version of MISS SAIGON

BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Champion of the 1st Inter-LOB Contest of JPMC

Location: SMX Convention Center - Dec 12, 2010

A Foreign Stranger

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:14:00 +0000

Hi guys! It's been quite a while since I wrote something about dates/guys/relationships. And I got excited to post this after reading the article 10 Quickest Ways To Turn A Guy Off.

Not that what you're going to read below has anything to do with the article, it's just that after reading it, it made me remember the recent activity I had over the last week.

Well, let's just say I finally went back to dating or shall I say, meet-ups after a couple of months with a new guy. And it's something that I consider "first-of-a-kind". Why? Because I've never met with a foreigner... until that day came. To be honest, I never thought I'd be interested in one. But then, we can't stop fate. It'll sooner or later introduce you to something or someone new. Events that may trigger happiness or such excitement in your life; or people who may 'somewhat' bring fulfillment to your wishes and daydreams.

The plan was simple. Breakfast and some chitchats. It was fun. It was different from the other dates of course, because I just have to follow EOP (English Only Policy - like if I am speaking with a customer on the phone) for those hours we were together. But the only difference was, I talk, and he's there in front me, and you can see his facial expressions, reactions and you can hear him laugh to the things I say and of the movements I make. It was only then that I realized, he made me feel comfortable around him and of myself. Some people may think I could've had my nose bleeding because of that EOP thing, but much to my surprise, I felt good, I was happy - and - hyper (like I haven't had enough sleep the night before, but my energy is just so high I can't help it). Also, I love the fact that we strolled around a beautiful area and we both love nature and simple things that life has to offer; rather than stay in a four-cornered-dim-lighted room for three hours.

It was also different, and it saddened me because we just have to cut it short. He haven't had enough sleep like I did, since he just got to Manila that evening before we met the next day. I just saw it in his eyes - tired and needs some more rest. Still being a perfect gentleman, he walked me through my way out - as I'm not familiar with the place, then he finally offered a hug before we parted ways. It was indeed a sweet, simple and brief meet up with once a "foreign stranger", and who I can now call, a sweet friend.

Looking forward to see you again - wishing a plane drops you off here one more time :)

Jamie.

11410

Blessed and Happy Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 03:09:00 +0000

When I knew I'd have to take a Saturday shift, I immediately thought of what to do right after so I could maximize the remaining hours of the day. Obviously, I won't be having the full weekend, so I might as well think of better things to do aside from eat, sleep and log online. So I told myself that right after my shift, why don't I go and visit the person I always talk to, everyday, and everywhere I am; and finally listen to what He wants to tell me all this time?

So, since last night was my first Saturday, today was my first fully blessed Sunday, and I'm happy. Why? Read on:

1. I went to Church and heard the early Mass. It's been months since I did.

2. I got inspired with old and young couples hearing Mass together while holding hands

3. I was glad to know that people still make effort to dress properly inside the Church

4. I learned more from today's Gospel - Giving and saying THANK YOU to all God's blessings ("Pasasalamat"). We tend to just ask and demand from Him. We hardly say thank you and praise, once we get what we want

and

5. I learned that the reason why we are not happy with our lives is because we keep searching on things/people, that/whom we don't have or will never have, instead of just be contented with those of which and who are already there.

At the end of the day, I realized that there's no such thing as "too late", when it comes to talking and listening to Him. What's important is for us not to forget that there's only One person we can trust. And yup, that's the Man who gave his life for us and died on the cross.

Enjoy your Family Day, guys! =)

**Oh, didn't I say I'm happy? I am. Nadagdagan pa when I found out that one of my dear friends, just got promoted! Woohoo! Congrats, Denisse!!! Muwah, muwah! God is good!!!**

And look, what day is it today?

10.10.10

^_^

IFF on GMAnews.tv

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 06:05:00 +0000

We thank you, CARMELA G. LAPEÑA for this article.

Don't miss the chance to see this show. Still running from tonight, September 23 until September 26 '10 at UP Diliman CAL New Bldg, promptly opens by 630pm. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes!

News Release: UP DECL celebrates centenary with a play directed by Anton Juan

noreply@blogger.com (Janellyn) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:56:00 +0000

17 September 2010, Quezon City – The Department of English and Comparative Literature, College of Arts and Letters of the University of the Philippines-Diliman marks its centenary with a play adapted from Griselda Gambaro’s Information for Foreigners as part of its ongoing celebration. The cast members created collaborative devices in mounting a carnivalesque portrayal of social injustice.

The foreigners in the play are the audience members who will be guided to scenes that show the parallel histories of Argentina (Gambaro’s country) and the Philippines. Under the direction of Anton Juan Jr., the two-hour play will be staged within the CAL (new) Building from September 20 to 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

The DECL, founded in 1910 two years after the university was established, is the second largest department at the UP. The Commission on Higher Education declared it a Center of Excellence in Literature and in the English Language for demonstrating the highest degree or level of standards in the areas of instruction, research, and extension.

Renowned and multi-awarded Juan was a professor in the Department of Speech Communication and Theater Arts and associate professor for Drama at the Creative Writing Center at the CAL. He is currently a full professor and theatre director at the University of Notre Dame du Lac in Indiana, USA.

The production is borne from a one-and-a-half month workshop led by Juan and his artistic team comprised of Patrick Valera, assistant director; Jethro Joaquin, sound designer; Ohm David, technical director; Meliton Roxas, lights designer; Winter David, video designer; Lhenvil Paneda, costume designer; John Paul Gaerlan, props designer; Karen Gaerlan, production manager; Jojo Landrito, assistant technical director; Donna Dacuno, stage manager; Karla Vizcarra, assistant stage manager; Marcus Guasque, Lehner Mendoza, Krystel Dionisio as Boardmen and; Diana Mon Directo, Jennelyn Cabauatan and Jodee M. Reyes, staff members.

Workshop participants and cast members are Adrian Kevin C. Agonoy, Maryjane Alejo, Ron Aries A. Billete, Ara Carmela Bonilla, Janellyn Briones, Jennelyn Cabauatan, Christian M. Dagsil, Rico del Rosario, Renz Danielle Dugenia, Emma Fisher, Chona Fernando, Carlo P. Garcia, Karen Gaerlan, Ekis Gimenez, Benedick Hernandez, Nestor Benny P. Leyson, Michael Ian Lomongo, Michael Magallona, Jeena Rani Marquez, Olive Nieto, Paul Jake A. Paule, Carlo P. Pulido, Jodee M. Reyes, Opaline Rae B. Santos, Betty Uy-Regala, and Jaime J. Yambao with the special participation of guest actor, Peter Serrano.

Ticket is at P250. For ticket inquiries, kindly contact Karen Gaerlan at (0927) 554-1854.

—ooOoo—

For more information or to arrange for interviews, please contact Betty Uy-Regala at (0906) 260-4175.