Theatre Experience: WICKED

I'm neither addicted nor obsessed. I'm just an enthusiast. Yes, an enthusiast who finds joy in watching amazing and world-class talents. Maybe you might ask: Is this the only thing I do in my spare time? Hmmmm....To tell you honestly, NO. There are other things that keeps me busy like --- laundry, housekeeping, cooking and etc..(haha...hang-korny!) Kidding aside, I thoroughly plan my DAYS OFF. Prawmis!! It just so happened that the wonderful world of theatre have irresistible offerings this month. The shows are something I shouldn't miss because of its "once in a lifetime chance". (grabeh!) The outstanding reviews of the audience made me vulnerable and weak. I don't tend to squander my muh-nhey but I can't help it. I just can't....haha!

This WICKED experience took two months of planning. Yes, two months -- because of the expensive ticket (price is equivalent to a fortnight grocery spree) and most especially our busssyyyyy schedule (naman!).

Finally, last September 11, I together with my super and overly fabulous buddy evvaaah -- Paowee went to Burswood Theatre to be wicked-fy (is there such word? hehe!!). We were thinking to dress up for the occasion but decided not to push through because we don't want to be highly publicized. (the audience might ask for autograph and pektyur...gosh!!) So, we wore our ordinary pambahay...haha!! Seriously, it was smart casual that feels so comfortable for the whole duration of the play. Scroll down, bebe....tindididing......ayun o!!!

Feels like in a "red carpet" premier ... yikes!!

background story -- a gorgeous and kind stranger took this photo for us...awww!!!

WICKED is a musical, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz based on the novel written by Gregory Maguire - Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The story revolves between Elphaba (Idina Menzel) and Galinda, later became Glinda (Kristin Chenoweth). Elphaba is the emerald-green skin girl while Glinda is the most-loved, popular blonde. Their unique features was not a hindrance to their blossoming friendship. Elphaba and Glinda have grown to be the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch from the North, respectively.

I won't really go into the details of the whole play, however, I will share to you what makes it "a must-see-play-at-all-times".

1. The production design was great. The top of the stage had a dragon's head with fierce red eyes that emits smoke from its nose. (That was totally a WOW!!) The stage layout and stage design were beautifully crafted to make it realistic. Ooopsss! I won't forget the lightings that was properly executed to add life to the play....purhfeeecttt!!!

2. The music was soulful. The lyrics can be funny and the so-called "tagos sa puso" effect..haha! I deeply fell in love with the songs -- I'm Not That Girl, As Long As You're Mine, For Good, Defying Gravity and Dancing Through Life. Because of my hangover with the songs, I decided to purchase a WICKED CD. ***please try to listen to their songs...give it a try!!!

3. The main characters Elphaba and Glinda were played by the original stars of the Broadway Musical....isn't it great? Yes...like I said...once in a lifetime chance to watch the original lead stars of the play. The way they exchange their lines and sing their songs were exceptional. Most of the time, they get applauded in between their interactions. But, my personal favourite is Glinda because I could picture her out like the Legally Blonde character..haha! Her lines and characterisation was hysterically funny and rib-tickling.

Idina Menzel as Elphaba

Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda (previously Galinda)

The show ran for almost 4 hours with 20 minutes interval for Act 1 and Act 2. Which lead me to my next point ---- I'm trying to say that prolong sitting will activate the useless leaseholder in my tummy....so, it's CHOW TIME!

Me and Paowee while waiting for our order.

Indeed, WICKED was fantastic, magical, marvellous and superb play. Young and old will definitely enjoy it. This is one of my experiences that I will forever keep in my heart...aawww!!!

~*~manelle~*~

Theatre Experience: TENDER NAPALM

The first time I saw the poster of Tender Napalm, I got intrigued of the naked couple embracing each other. Several questions crossed my mind, such as: What's the plot of the story? How can two characters run the show? and my ultimate 1 million dollar question is --- Are they going naked on stage? That's why, without hesitation, I immediately searched for forums about the review of the play. Huwaaawww!!! The public gave them good reviews, like: Indeed, controversial yet exciting. The word "controversial" had triggered the inactive neurons in my hypothalamus. Hmmm...the more it heightened the curiosity within me. So, I decided to purchase my ticket online as the only option left because it was like two days before the actual play date.

On the day of the play, I still have to do 7-3 shift. I looked like a "dragged queen" rushing to the venue because it will start around 4pm. My hair was like hit by a tsunami and my nostrils were blown by the strongest wind. Gracious! That 1 hour gap time feels like I was in marathon.

Finally, I arrived at State Theatre 20 minutes before the play commences. I was joyous that it will be in Studio Underground. It was my first time to be in that area so it was an added excitement on my part.

Because of my "pleasantly disaster look", I made sure to fix myself first. Thanks God for powder room! This time I look a bit presentable compare to the first ever theatre experience I had. Eto na! (pagbigyan nyo na!!! minsan lang eh..hehehe)

The 1 km dash I ran was very exhausting. I looked for something to quench my thirst and Bravo! I had a cold glass of Lemon & Lime Bitter before the show started.

When I entered the Studio Underground, I was surprised on the layout. It was a small venue about 70-80 seating capacity. The stage was located in the centre of the audience. The lead stars namely Joshua Brennan and Anna Houston were standing on opposite sides while a heart pounding sound kept on playing. The only thing found in the stage was a bath tub with a faucet. The characters were clad in white tank top, blue trousers and snickers.

Tender Napalm is play written by Phillip Ridley. It is a story of a man and woman who are in love and they hurdle together shortcomings and violence to prove that love truly conquers all. It is not a typical story that is predictable. It has series of turns, twists and flashbacks that keep your mind 100% alert. It will lead you back to the first time they met; the first time they said "I love you"; the problems they went through and the resolution in each problem they dealt. The way the characters exchange their words was very creative and poetic. The opening line was delivered by Brennan, he said,"Your mouth ... it's such a wet thing. I could squeeze a bullet between those lips." I was sincerely impressed on how these two actors portrayed the character. I was a bit apprehensive with the warning that their will be profane language coupled with nudity and sensuality. However, the story itself and the delivery of the actors will not make you think of "BED" but you dwell more on the content of the story. I enjoyed watching their hurling of funny words with some touch of whimsical stories about their own trials. In addition, the couple tried to cope with pain, loss and grief, and the coping mechanisms they utilised to combat it. The acrobatic stunts they did was second of the best things in the play. And lastly, the highlight of the play is the stripping of their clothes on stage and their love scene in the shower. Here are some photos I found online:

The play ended with their opening line, however, it was Houston (the woman) who delivered it. When the lead stars made their final bow in front of the audience, for unknown reason, I was teary-eyed while applauding them. I admire their professionalism in performing their characters. It was extremely a courageous act to flaunt their entire body to the public. They received a standing ovation from us.

I was alone watching the play yet I do love the experience. This will be one of the plays I will never ever forget. This is something extraordinary, something I'm proud to watch it. More to come!!!

~*~manelle~*~

Day Trip to Mandurah

It took me almost a year in Perth before I visited the scenic place of Mandurah. Fortunately, Paowee and I had a day-off. So we decided to have a joy ride discovering the south of Western Australia (WA). Let me share to you our wonderful day trip.

Mandurah is one of the most visited regional cities in WA. It is situated in the beautiful coastline of WA which makes it ideal for fishing. You can reach Mandurah in two ways: (Option 1) Take a train from Perth Underground (Platform 2) to Mandurah Train Station then take Bus 588, 589 or 590 going to Mandurah Terrace. (Option 2) You can use your own car and travel 72 kilometres south of Perth for 50 mins to 1 hour.

For first time travellers, it is best to go to Mandurah Visitors Center and get a map of the city. Don't worry the map is user-friendly. Besides that, the city have road signs to help you. If you are really in trouble and you are totally lost, simple -- use your gift of speech -- ask the locals.

This is the Mandurah Terrace. It is walking distant to park, cafes, shopping centre and others. You can go here for picnic and HHWW.

Paowee in his first MMK -- Piso sa Ilog

The biggest candy I have seen in my whole life.

Inside Mandurah Performing Arts Centre

Paowee in his most dramatic role in Kahit Barya, Papatolan Kita

My shoot for Pinoy Lifestyle -- haha!!

This art gallery is for free. It features creation of the students in Mandurah. Every month there will be different exhibitions. During our visit, we saw paintings, sculptors and mosaic. What makes it more interesting is the use of recycled materials in some artworks.

This mannequin's gown is made of plastics. I guess they used acrylic paints to colour it.

I told the mannequin, "Teh, ang damot-damot mo. Inangkin mo na ang lahat ng kagandahan. Kainis ka di mo mn lang ako tinirhan." (whimpering in tears)

Another gown made of different kinds of metals.

Paowee is surrounded with puppets and marionettes.

Paowee in Sukob (the sequel)

Silly little me

Ayun o!

Outside the Performing Arts Centre and Events Cinema.

My face doesn't show any excitement (sarcastic tone)

This is the Ocean Marina. There is a ferry ride here that allows you to watch dolphins for an hour. Because we didn't try it, so I don't have any clue of the price.

Sitting on the dock

Simmo's is an Ice cream house + coffee. Me and Paowee had refreshments here.

While waiting for our order, click first!

Because this is just a quick trip, we visited only the Mandurah Terrace, Boardwalk, Mandurah Ocean Marina, Little Italy and Australian Maritime Museum. I'm upset that I could not find my photo for Little Italy. The place is a replica of Italy's apartments and bridge. I can imagine the gondola passing underneath the bridge while Moonriver is played on the background. haha!

The next time I visit Mandurah, I will make sure it is the Stretch Festival. This festival have circus, exhibitions, parades, concerts, fun games, markets and a lot more. I would say this is the best time to discover the history and the culture of Mandurah. Til' next time, Mandurah!

Happy 26th!!!

When I turned 26 last July, I realized few things that truly matters to me. My wishes when I was a kid doesn't holds true to this time. I've learned to eliminate those unnecessary wishes and turned it instead as my soulful dreams. For once, a TV personality said, "I stop wishing but I continue to dream. For in dreams, you become motivated and you persevere in order to make it come true. Nevertheless, I don't blow the cake to make a wish now but I simply close my eyes and utter my dreams.

So let me share to you some of the things I did on the week of my birthday.

July 26 -- This is my actual birthday. For 2 weeks, I was browsing the net to look for a beautiful place to have my birthday lunch with Paowee. Finally, I found a relaxing and scenic restaurant at Royal Street, East Perth WA. It is called Royal on the Waterfront. This restaurant is facing a man-made river that is connected to Swan River and on the other side of the river is a Europe inspired community.

If you take a closer look, on the further right, you will be able to see a steel bridge.

Behold! Meet my birthday date -- Paowee.

Of course, this is ME in my grandest moment.

I suggested to order a seafood chowder. I never thought that a chowder means a variety of seafoods and vegetables in a thickened soup. So I ended up eating this big bowl alone.

Salmon meal for Paowee

I'm an avid fan of steak -- Sirloin with veggies and chips.

After our luscious lunch, we decided to stroll around the place. We reached Hyde Park. The place was perfect for our photo shoot (haha!)

The Prince of Philippine Movies - Nathan Garcia in Kaya Abutin ang Pangarap.

Me in the remake of Gagay - Ang Prinsesa ng Brownout

This is our reunion movie -- Makuha Ka Sa Tingin: Kung Pwede Lang

Ideally, I was thinking of San Churro Chocolateria for my birthday. However, one night, I was deadly hungry and all I wanted is to eat immediately to suffice my hunger. I saw a Tong 88 Korean BBQ Restaurant. I bravely do my strut inside the restaurant (naman!) and ordered 2 serving of pork bbq. I didn't realize that I will be responsible for grilling my pork. All in the restaurant were groups of friends while I was alone -- similar to all by myself pig-out. Obviously, people were looking at me while I was trying to figure how it should be done. On the other hand, I was talking to Paowee on the phone, he was laughing ... and laughing...and laughing.

This is the craziest but most memorable gift I received so far in my whole life. It was a guessing game for me as to the gift of Paowee. The clues he gave me: childhood dream and the gifts are interconnected. I was thinking of electric mixer, billboard (haha!) and magazine cover (pagbigyan na!). Finally, early morning, I haven't washed my face and no gargle at all. Paowee blind-folded me and he said, "Ladies and Gentlemen: The 2011 Ms. Mag-Aso Universe" That's the time I burst into laughters. I saw the crown and the sash. hahaha! For a moment, I became a beauty queen.

This is not my birthday cake but I made one. I've been dreaming to create a double layer chocolate cake with icing. Not perfect though but in time I will learn it.

And this is the most important thing -- Date with God. At St. Mary's Cathedral, I poured out all things inside my heart. I am truly grateful for all the graces I received throughout the years. God remains faithful to me despite I am unfaithful to Him. I may not be a pleasant daughter but God never failed to embrace me whenever or wherever I needed it. Indeed, God is good all the time.

I'm so excited for next year -- 26th of July.

~*~manelle~*~