When Losing is Unexpected

Watch Faith Hill's reaction when Carrie Underwood was announced as the winner for "Female Vocalist of the Year" at the recently concluded Country Music Awards.


After the incident, Hill said that it was all a joke. Her manager, Gary Borman, added that: "I've worked with Faith for many years now and the idea that she would ever insult or undermine another artist, let alone another human being's success is absolutely preposterous. Those who know her know that she's incapable of such actions. She was being playful while the nominations were being read and playful after."

Anyway, if she is being "playful", these guys are being "playful" themselves. Great spoofs of the incident!


In another event, Kanye West also expressed his disappointment when he interrupted the winners at the MTV Europe Awards. He said that his video deserved to win.

In our country, remember when Cesar Montano bad-mouthed a certain award-giving body when Bagong Buwan did not win as Best Picture saying that trophies can be bought in Recto?

Oh well...

Cinemanila 2006: Numbalikdiwa

View the trailer
Numbalikdiwa (2006)
Maricel Soriano, Albert Martinez, Meryl Soriano, Ping Medina, Estrella Kuenzler
Bobby Bonifacio

Numabalikdiwa (n) - An ancient, macabre ritual where the dead assumes the body of a living person. Like cannibalism, it involves the ingestion of the deceased’s ground meat and bones as part of the ritual. With the help of the Sasigloho, an ancient tribal deity, the dead assumes the identity of the living and continues to live his/her life accordingly, granting near immortality to the one who practices it.

Numbalikdiwa follows the lives of adoptive siblings, Karissa (Meryl Soriano) and Anton (Ping Medina), and live-in partners, Carlos (Albert Martinez) and Portia (Maricel Soriano). The couple cross paths with the siblings because they are frequent buyers of the barbeque they sell.

One night, after an argument with Anton, Karissa runs away. Unaware of her surroundings, a car hits her. When she opens her eyes, she is in a different surroundings, in a different body. It is now up to her to continue the new life she has been given or live the life she once had.

Numbalikdiwa, as a horror film, is a breath of fresh air from the roster of horror films that have been coming out lately. For a new director, Bobby Bonifacio is very promising and someone to look forward to. The whole film has creepiness written all over it. Good acting from the whole cast. Lighting could be better, though.

Catch Numbalikdiwa this Cinemanila 2006! Check out Cinemanila's sked here.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Cinemanila 2006: Perhaps Love

Perhaps Love (HK, 2005)
Jackie Cheung. Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhou Xun, Ji Jin-Hee
Peter Chan Hoh-San

Perhaps Love is the title of a musical movie about to be made by the renowed director Nie Wen (Jacky Cheung). It brings together for the first time one of the famous actresses in HK, Sun Na (Zhou Xun) and one of the famous actors in Shanghai, Lin Jian Dong (Takeshi Kaneshiro). However, Sun Na seemed to be indifferent to Lin Jian Dong. The more he tries his best to get closer to her, the more she resist.

Enter Monty (Ji Jin-Hee), a muse. According to him, his job is to make people remember the deleted scenes in their lives. He brings back their inspiration to them. He gives them back the memories that deserve to be remembered as they go along with their lives.

As the camera rolls, they are able to relive their pasts in the movie that seemed to mirror their lives. It is the past that would help them bring out their acting best and would make them realize what they are missing out in their lives. The film would make them cross between what is for real and what is for reel.

I have wanted to see Perhaps Love when I first knew about it. Knowing that I couldn't see it on cinemas, I opted to buy it online on DVD. However, despite being a lover of musicals, I had my apprehensions. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to enjoy the film knowing that the songs were all in Chinese. How could I ever get the feel of it when most songs in a musical film tell a story? I decided not to buy it. But when I learned that it is part of the 8th Cinemanila Film Festival's line-up, I immediately took the chance of watching it.

Perhaps Love is Cinemanila's opening salvo for this 2006 (Nov. 3-15) festival. It is China's first musical film ala Moulin Rouge.

When the film opened its first musical number, all my apprehensions went down the drain. Music could be enjoyed no matter what language they're in. Mixed together with grand visuals and fantastic ambience, Perhaps Love is one cinematic feat!

Apart from the enthralling music and majestic visuals, it is the story that would leave one speechless and teary-eyed. The love triangle amongst the characters may not be something new anymore but it is the passion and heart-wrenching emotions that would capture the audience's attention and would make them grab a tissue or two.

Perhaps Love brings together some of Asia's best performers: HK's Jacky Cheung (best known here as Regine Velasquez's duet in "In Love with You") and Zhou Xun (The Banquet), Korea's Ji Jin-Hee (best known here as Kapitan in Jewel in the Palace), and Taiwan/Japan's Takeshi Kaneshiro (The House of Flying Daggers, Chung King Express). It is an ensemble of cast acting together in one spectacular film!

Not to be missed!

My Rating: 5 out of 5


Check out Cinemanila's sked here

6 Guys. 1 Plan. A Movie Review.

6 guys. 3 groups. 1 plan. And a huge screw-up to mess it all up.

Pinoy Blonde (2005). Cousins Andrew (Epy Quizon) and Conrad (Boy2 Quizon) Cunanan were sent on a no-questions-asked-mission: to deliver the package, retrieve the payment, and leave the vicinity. Delivering the package was easy. However, it was leaving the vicinity that became the problem. First, they witnessed several murders that were linked to the mission. Second, a bag full of money was in their possession. Third, Conrad met the collector (Jaime Fabregas) who had a foot fetish, Andrew had a long discussion with the assistant (Ricky Davao) about the Brocka-Bernal rivalry, and they'd seen the senator (Joey Marquez) who was one of the mission's protectors. How could they ever get out alive with all the knowledge they have learned?

Nasaan si Francis? (2006) Childhood friends Boy (Paolo Contis) and Sonny (Rico Blanco) wanted a better life. In order to achieve it, they needed some money to start over. 40k to be exact: 30k for Boy and his gf, Sophia (Tanya Garcia) and 10k for Sonny's tuition fee. Their solution was to borrow money from their drug-junkie friend, Francis (Epy Quizon). Francis offered them a better deal. Sell his 50 tabs of ectasy with his price of 1k each. They can double the amount and get whatever amount is left after he receives the other end of the bargain. However, before they could execute it, Francis died. How could the plan be pursued if people surrounding Francis learn that he's dead? So they hid Francis until they were caught in a web at the end with the drug dealer (Christopher de Leon) who wanted the money that Francis owed him, the mama san (Rio Locsin) who believed that she owns Sophia, Francis' gf (Angel Locsin) who wished to rekindle her relationship with him, a paranoid drug-junkie friend (Karl Roy) who thought that everyone is out to get him, and Francis' siblings (Ricky Davao & Rita Avila) who felt that he needs to clean up his act. How could they ever get out of the web with Francis dead and no E to sell for money?

Big Time (2005). Like Boy and Sonny, childhood friends Jonas (Nor Domingo) and Danny (Winston Elizalde) dreamed of a better life. But they wanted the big change in a snap. They couldn't wait any longer for success. They'd get it in any way they can.

No more petty crimes for them. Kidnap and ransom was their choice of crime this time. Only that when they were about to kidnap Melody (Joanne Miller), they met her bf, Wilson (Jamie Wilson). Wilson, who thought of turning the situation for him, decided to go along with them. He wanted to squeezed some money from his mob-boss dad (Michael de Mesa) so that he could start his own drug-dealing business. What seemed to be a perfect plan turned out their biggest nightmares because they had underestimated the power of his dad and his "alipores". How could Jonas and Danny ever hit the big time when they got themselves tangled with the mob?

Pinoy films seldom come up with movies with type of genre. i.e. dark comedies or simply, in my book, "kakulitan" films. The last good "makulit" film that I have seen was Kakabakaba Ka Ba? These three films seemed to go between the unconventional and the experimental way of Pinoy film-making. First, the story theme is not typically Pinoy. Topics about drugs and mobs are usually seen in action films. Second, the first two incorporated animation and comic-style of story-telling into the films.

Amongst the three, Big Time is a stand out when it comes to the story. It has a goal and it knows how to get there. It is hysterically funny with some witty dialogues to boot. Despite how bad the manner of achieving their desires, its lead characters were amiable with their simple and unapologetic ways. You'd get to love them that, in the end, you'd get to smile with them as they concoct another plan.

Another thing that I find appealing about the film is its injection of Pinoy pop culture. You'd easily discern that director Mario Cornejo is indeed a Pinoy film lover. Not some Pinoy film-snob and wannabe-director who wants to make Pinoy films for the sake of showing the world that it could be better when, in fact, he has no idea what is truly in the heart of a Pinoy film. Love your own first, dude! :-)

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pinoy Blonde also infused the Pinoy pop culture in it with its who's-the-better-director-Brocka-or-Bernal issue in it. Andrew is pro-Brocka while Conrad is pro-Bernal. Mostly, though, it is, beyond doubt, a Peque Gallaga movie with all the bits and pieces of Gallaga movies jabbed into it. All the actors who played a part in this film are reminiscent of his other films: Liza Lorena in Oro, Plata, Mata, Manilyn Reynes in Shake, Rattle, & Roll episodes, Richard Gomez in Once Upon a Time, Cherry Pie Picache in Baby Love, Ian Veneracion in Unfaithful Wife 2, amongst others. In that aspect, it is really what it says it is: an all-star cast! You'd never know who would suddenly popped out in a scene.

The storyline, which sometimes becomes absurd, is simple. It isn't a laugh-out-loud comedy but still very entertaining. Peque makes up for it with his cinematic way of dealing with the script: the traditional way mixed with a couple of animation, dream sequences, and colorful background. It seemed like that the film is done fantastically with all the demented but interesting characters in it. In two words, I could say that Pinoy Blonde is an eye candy! It gives you a pleasing treat with an after taste.

Check out the Eddie Garcia with his hilarious song number!

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Out of the three, Nasaan si Francis? by Gabby Fernandez tried to be funny but failed miserably. It is reminiscent of the Hollywood film Weekend at Bernie's. Yet like that film, it is very much forgettable. The somewhat commedable acting of the cast (except for Rico Blanco who seemed to border on being retarded and stupid when it comes to his acting and characterization) couldn't make up for the inanity of its plot and its technical ineptitude (bad sound, poor editing, faulty lighting).

Christopher de Leon could've broke out of his acting shell in this film yet you couldn't miss out the fact that his character as the drug dealer is dim-witted. How could a drug dealer collect the payment by himself? Doesn't he have collectors for it?

This is a non-sensical film that would truly give you nothing in the end.

Check out Tanya and Julia Clarete's dance number. Though short, quite engaging! :-)

My Rating: 2 out of 5

The PLDT Incident Exclusive Video!

First it was heard. Now it can be seen!



You Tube video by Lithium478

Kayako's Curse

The Grudge 2 (2006)
Amber Tamblyn, Sarah Michelle Gellar
Takashi Shimizu

I could say that all characters that were created after Sadako Yamamura's likeness seemed to be just mere copycats and don't create much impact on movie goers. Kayako Saeki, being one of Sadako's descendants with her long hair, her "magic kamison", and her bone-breaking moves, is no different. However, Kayako has her own distinction. For one thing, she brings her son (Toshio, and his cat) along whenever they go curse-victim hunting. Plus, the cackling sound she makes adds to her katakot points.

In The Grudge 2, Kayako is back to terrorize people with her curse. She started by hunting Karen (Sarah Michelle Gellar) in a hospital. She'd never stop until she gets her. Hell forbids that someone will get away from her. That could never happen as long as she's in charge. Then came Aubrey (Amber Tamblyn) who goes to Japan to tend to her sick sister, Karen. After her death, she wishes to learn more about the curse that afflicted her sister. She did not know that Kayako has bigger plans for herself and her son. She wants to go grand. But like most egotistic and selfish ghost, she didn't want to leave her nest. Aubrey did not realize the she'd bear the curse herself in a rather most unexpected way. Most victims would be thankful that Kayako just took their lives away. Poor Aubrey.

Director Takashi Shimizu must have been feeling so lucky! I mean, how many directors could get to redo their work in a bigger scale, huge budget, and audience worldwide? With his reworking of the first two The Grudge trilogy, he gets to add details to his previous works. He is able to incorporate new ideas or additional storylines in his new outings. In that sense, the story becomes concise and clearer. Because he is redoing his original work, the intention and essence of the story are never lost.

Like its Japanese counterpart, The Grudge 2 was done in a non-linear fashion. It goes from one setting to the next to reveal the grand twist. Shimizu has high hopes for Kayako and Toshio. If he could realize his dreams in Hollywood, so should Kayako!

Prepare to be scared. But don't expect something that will last with you till the end of the film. Just remember, like in Pulse, this is what happens when ghosts and their trippings go hi-tech. Let's see what Kayako has up in her sleeves next in part 3!

My rating: 3 out of 5

Go Dark!

Filmus addictus, try this!

There are 50 hidden "dark" movies in this picture. Find them! It's fun. Some pictures are cleverly drawn. (Dark movies are either suspense, thriller, horror, or science fiction.)

I'm on my 27th in 30+ minutes, in three days (on and off). I'm not sure if I'd want to give up. For the life in me, I couldn't figure out the rest of the pictures. Maybe I just haven't seen them yet.

Go to M&M's site to guess the titles of the films. Let me know how you did. If you can't guess any further, go here to check all titles. In a few days, I might visit the said Flickr site, too. For the meantime, will continue figuring out the rest...

Eyeball / Gimmick

On Oct. 16, 2006, the stage was set for my Philippine Literature class. My students were to present their play as part of their finals. They had only about a month of practice because it took me a while before I found a piece that they could relate to. Aside from that, I made sure that it'd be light on memorization and easy to understand.

I chose a play entitled Sa Sabado Sa Sam's by Chris Martinez (of Sukob and ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Musikal). When I first read it, I immediately knew that it was the right piece for my students. Because its theme was quite adult in nature, I had to make a few adjustments and adapt it to the nature of my students. I also managed to infused some musical numbers in it. Then, after a while, I saw the 10-minute play written by Alfonso Dacanay called Eyeball (included in the book compilation called 10x10x10). I felt that it had to be included in our play so I made it our first act. Unlike Sam's, I only tweaked a few dialogues in it. Some of my actors had a hard time pronouncing some dialogues - English kasi. Not to belittle them but they are not exactly used to speaking the language. "Masang-masa" kasi.

In Eyeball, the characters are Patrick (Alfred Edji Lorenzo - on the pic sitting down) and Eileen (Rosalie Dave - girl in stripes on pic) who are about to meet for an eyeball. They have been chatting online and talking on the phone for quite some time and decided to take a step further. Only that when Patrick saw Eileen, he realized that she wasn't the girl for him judging from how she looked. With them are Eileen's gay best friend, Wilson (Edwin Reinier Reyes - in black shirt on pic), and Patrick's cousin, Rosemary (April Labicane). Among the four, Rosalie and Edwin stood out in their perfomances. They were very relaxed and natural.

My version of Sam's was entitled Sa Manang's in the beginning. I changed it to Gimmick to coincide with the first act. Gimmick is about a group of five friends who vented out each other's problems all throughout the week before Saturday came - their group gimmick day. The characters were all in their teens - college level. In Chris's work, their ages ranged from 24-25 - working individuals.

Second act opened with Ryan (Darwin Sto. Domingo -left) and Quely (Shirley Taculog -right). Ryan is a gay guy whose main concern was not having a boyfriend. (Originally, he is Lloyd who just broke up with his boyfriend.) The moment Darwin spoke, the audience cheered. Most of them were shocked on how good his portrayal of a gay guy. He is straight and nobody knew that he could pull of such act.

Napabilib niya rin ako several times with how he delivered his lines. Kahit may mga nakalimutang linya, go pa rin! Adlib to death! He has gotten most of the laughs by the audience.

The last part of his Tumatakbo musical dream sequence (with Gilbert Umali)
Quely and Ella's (Jenipher Casabuena) scene followed next. Quely was in between accepting or not accepting her parent's separation. She feels that the separation would be mostly hard for her younger siblings. (Originally, she is Pating who recently lived on her own and learned that her parents are separating).

I had difficulty adapting her character. Mahirap kasing lagyan ng patawa ang isang seryosong topic tulad ng paghihiwalay. Her scene was the shortest among the five characters because I couldn't stretch it any longer.

The picture shows Quely singing Mama by Smokey Mountain. Her mom was working as a domestic help in HK when she came to back and finally decided on the separation. The song was played in full volume and it almost made me cry including some of the audience. It somehow reminded me of my mom. Shirley mostly just stood in front and sang the song. Despite the lack of movements, it was very touching! One of the best parts that day!

Next scene was that of Ella and Eric's (Rinky Soriano). Ella's dilemma is that she feels conscious about her looks. She feels that she is ugly. Eric tries to comfort her by saying that she isn't. But calrifies that she isn't pretty either. (Originally, she is Peaches who has the same problem as Ella. I didn't change much of her dialogues. Iniklian ko lang.)

Jenipher was really good during rehearhals. However, nervousness got the better of her on stage. She wasn't able to give her best but her Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko production number is still a blast!

Eric (with Hannah - Rochelle Tupaz) recently got basted by a girl. Ang himutok niya ay pinaasa siya nung nililigawan niya, si Daisy. He feels that Daisy should have told him from the start that he has no chance with her. However, because he loves her, a part of him still wishes that she would come to her senses and agress to become his girlfriend. (Originally, he is Mario, a marijuana user. You see why I needed to change his characterization?)

A scene from the Beer musical sequence

In the last scene before the finale, Hannah is contemplating on breaking up with her boyfriend. She thinks that he is having an affair with someone because he hasn't communicated with her the night before when he promised that he would. "Ni isang text wala," she said. (Originally, she is Harlene who just broke up with her boyfriend).

In her Paalam Na production number, Rochelle cried bucket of tears. It wasn't in the script that she should cry or even during rehearsals. But she did on stage! It lasted for 2 minutes or so. 'Yun pala, during one of the scenes, she was accidentally hit by another actor. Sa sobrang sakit, napaiyak siya. The good thing was that it perfectly fit the finale of the song.

The last scene is when they all meet for their Saturday gimmick. They meet in their favorite tambayan, Manang's, only to discover that it is close for some unknown reason. So instead of hanging out there, they quickly decide where to go. The decide to go to Ryan's place to watch a pirated copy of Sukob.

Overall, the play was a success! There were a few glitches but the important thing was that the audience enjoyed the event. It was evident in their laughters!

If plans would push through, we'll stage it again this coming semester. Only that it'd be bigger and better than the first production. Audience wouldn't be limited to those who could fit a certain room. It'd be done on a proper stage for the whole school to see! I'm crossing my fingers...

P.S. Paumanhin kina Ginoong Alfonso Dacanay at Chris Martinez sa pagbabago ng inyong script na lingid sa inyong kaalaman...

Go Multiply the pictures
Listen to some of the songs used in the play through My Playlist

Brief Movie Reviews

I know that I haven't been reviewing movies lately. I have been quite busy with school or I guess, it is just plain laziness on my part. Anyway, since it's sorta our sem-break already, I'd just do some quick reviews on the movies (on film and on video) that I have seen the past couple of months.

World Trade Center (2006)
Nicolas Cage, Maria Bello, Michael Peña, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Oliver Stone

Seeing the trailer of this film would almost get you to tears. I am a sucker for films about disasters and struggles so I was excited when it finally arrived in theaters. The problem with the whole film, though, was, like the trailer, it would also almost get you to tears. Halfway through your emotion-filled heart and the movie would end. It will leave you wanting for release.

When I saw the end credits, I realized that it was an Oliver Stone movie. Like any other Stone film, WTC is a movie epic. A film about the struggles of human being against the forces of nature and the evil that surrounds it. It is a film about good winning against the bad. Of course, like in any other epic stories, real human emotions are overlooked. The focus is more on the struggles rather than the emotions involved in it. With that, it'd be difficult to relate to.

Case in point is Maria Bello's character. Maria was very good in History of Violence. You could almost feel the pain and emphatize with her in it. But in this one, she seemed distant and controlled. For chrissakes, your good husband is missing and could be dead! Why act as if you're torn between wanting him alive and wishing him dead? Also, when it comes to disaster films, it is best if there would be background story of the characters. In that way, it'd be easy to relate to them and root for their safety. Without it, audiences would simply don't care whether they live or die.

My rating: 3 out of 5

Pulse (2006)
Kristen Bell, Ian Somerhalder
Jim Sonzero

Pulse is a Hollywood adaptation of Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Kairo. I have a copy of the said Japanese film for quite some time now yet I haven't seen it. According to Biboy, the film is creepy just by its theme and content. Imagine, bad spirits invading today's technologies and acting out as virus on the net and on cell phones. They used the said technologies to get what they want: souls of living people.

I couldn't compare this remake with the original version. However, Pulse is creepy enough to sustain one's interest in the film. The ghosts freaked me out! I guess it pays that I saw this first. Not that good but not that bad either.

My rating: 3 out of 5

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway
David Frankel

I fell deeply in love with this film that I had to ask my students to see it and make a report out of it. Call me silly but I believe that students could learn something from the experiences of Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway). Some of my students are about to embark on the world of business and some are even working part-time. They have to realize that patience and faith in oneself are the keys to become successful in one's career. It is inevitable that one would meet setbacks such as having the devil as boss. However, instead of getting downhearted by it, one has to look at it as challenge in order to succeed. I have encountered the beast once and I should say that the battle wasn't pretty. The important thing is that I came out of hell alive and dignified.

Anyway, I have digressed. What I mostly loved about the film was Meryl Streep! I am a huge fan and her perfomance as the mean and coldhearted boss who talks monotously was remarkable! The sight of her would really send chills in an employee's spine.

Beyond the glamour and fashion in the film, it talks about work ethic and how one should face the challenges ahead of him.

Outstanding acting from a great ensemble and a great soundtrack to boot!

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Snakes on a Plane (2006)
Samuel L. Jackson, Julianna Marguiles
David R. Ellis

I wanted to distance myself to this film but I couldn't help it. Something in me just dragged me inside the theater with Acy and Don.

This is a film that you'd love to hate yet would love to see! Forget about the story. Just get in and enjoy the ride! You'd never believe how much fun you'd be in afterwards.

What was good about this film was that it wasn't pretentious. No one had said that it was a great film. You get what you see. It is what is - a brainless carnival ride.

Good editing and effects. Writing is commendable, too, for the suspense and fantastic thrills with the snakes. I never realized that getting scared is this much fun!

Once in a while, take the risk with these types of films. Don't judge it by it's title. This one would definitely be part of my DVD collection once it comes out!

This one's a classic now!

My rating: 4 out of 5

I Not Stupid, Too (Singapore)
Shawn Lee, Joshua Ang
Jack Neo

I Not Stupid, Too is a sequel to the previous movie of the same title. It is about the lives of students (particularly the three main characters) and their relationships with their families and teachers these days in modern Singapore. Both films mostly tackled the same issues but the sequel focused more on the lack of communication between parents and their children because of work. This non-communication leads to misunderstandings and a not-so-good performance in school. Further, it tells that using traditional ways in teaching somehow retards the growth of student's learning. Teachers have to adapt themselves in this ever changing and evolving world.

INST was a hit amongst my students. I knew that they would enjoy and appreciate the film but there was hesitation on my part - it being in Singaporean language with English subtitles only. I was really glad when I heard them laughing and seeing them crying in the end. Some even stayed after the first screening had ended to see the second one.

It isn't difficult to relate to this film. Even Filipinos are experiencing such non-communication between parents and children whether it'd be because of work or other matters. Teacher-student relationships could also be problematic. Traditional teachers somehow distance themselves to the students with their attitudes towards teaching while the non-conventional ones could be accused of crossing the boundaries with them. Either way, INST has a lot going on in it. It is very insightful at the same time entertaining.

This one shouldn't be missed! Same goes for I Not Stupid. In my book, they're two of the greatest films in history!

My rating: 5 out of 5

Twenty On TV

Regine: Twenty
TV Premiere
Oct. 22, 2006

We saw the concert on the 13th of October, Friday. What was shown on TV was the Saturday performance. I am not sure how much was edited on the TV telecast but there were definitely lots of changes from what we have seen. For one thing, the sequence of the songs were different:



1) The 70s number came right after the opening when, on the Friday event, it was part of the semi-finale. The Wyett Gifted Kids who seemed out of place in the said number were excluded the next night. That was a good decision.



2) The choir for "On the Wings of Love" was placed on the staircase rather than beside Regine. The men in cloth was now doing their stunt beside her. Because on the staircase, they were not noticed much.
3) One of my favorite numbers, "The Music of Goodbye", which seemed unbalanced on stage before was given a new treatment with the inclusion of a saxophone player (one of the kid musicians) on the right. The Hotlegs performers on the left, Regine on the middle, and the kid on the right. Great change!



4) Duets Medley. I wished that Marc Tupaz (of Shamrock) had worn a suit this time but he still wasn't. But at least, his performance was better. Memoryado na ang lyrics! He seemed nervous still, though.



5) Bakit Ako Mahihiya? The first night performance was better because there were less "emotions" - meaning, less tears, just full on vocal perfomance. However, with the tears she shed, the second night performance was more heart-felt.
6) Till I Met You. The appearance of Robin Padilla. Ay sus! Care ko! Lagi naman siya sumusulpot sa kung anu-anong concerts including Sharon's My Mega Valentine. It's a good thing that he and Regine are promoting a movie. Kung hindi, sobra nang papansin 'yang ginagawa niya, ah.
7) The Greatest Love of All/I Believe. The Wyett Gifted Kids were perfectly placed in this number instead of just the choir. However, I was hoping that they would stood out in the number. Background pa rin ang dating nila. The choir, like in "On the Wings Love", was again placed on the staircase instead in the middle of the stage with Regine.




The "Dadalhin" and the "Theme Songs Medley" acts were not shown on TV. On the Friday event, it came before "Love Me Again" and "Till I Met You", respectively. Not included, too, are "Ikaw Lamang/Kailangan Kita Medley", "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing", and Mark Herras/Marky Cielo dance number.

The succession of songs were changed for the better. Hindi na siya sabog at kalat-kalat. (I guess I am used to seeing Madonna and Barbra Streisand concerts where songs are lined-up according to themes per part.) Her spiels are much better that night. Less of the sexual connotations which seemed to cheapen the event and more of the stories about her past experiences. Also, less thank-you's to her wardrobe designers. She thanked most of them more rather than her fans and the people who helped her in the business.

I wonder, though, why the major changes on the second night? Shouldn't the performances be exactly the same on every night as they have rehearsed it? Practice night ba ang first performance?! If that would be the case, ang malas naman naming nanood ng Friday concert!

Ryan reminded me never to see a Regine concert on the first night. They also had the same experience with her Reigning Still concert. The second night was better. Well, now I know better in case I'd want to see another Regine concert. :-)


Above pic taken here.
You Tube Clips are by mikoelo and anakin0730
See the You Tube clips here for Friday night performances.

Tomorrow's Beautiful Artwork

Artwork by Dopy Doplan

Lea Salonga: Tomorrow

Lea Salonga
Tomorrow: A Concert for the Future
Oct. 20-21, 2006, CCP Main Theater
Gerard Salonga / Chris Millado

Tomorrow: A Concert for the Future was somewhat the best of Ms. Lea's past performances plus more. They were put together and arranged differently to fit the theme of the event - a celebration of a world "where all children develop to the fullest and realize the dreams of a nurturing family, culture and society". The result was nothing short of magnificent especially that it was her first team-up with the Philippine Madrigal Singers! She performed with great ease and perfection. It is so amazing that her voice sounds exactly the same on recording and on stage - no tweaking and no added effects. It is as breezy and enchanting as a lullaby.

Ms. Lea opened the show with "True Colors" singing with the Philippine Madrigal Singers as back-up and on stage with the Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir and Kilyawan Boys’ Choir. The rest of her repertoire included "Everybody Says Don't", "If I Could", "Ugoy ng Duyan", "Anak", "You'll Never Get Away From me" (with Julia Abueva), and "Chiquitta" amongst others. She also sang "Galagaw/Waray-Waray" from Songs from Home. However, this time, she had the children's choir as back-up dancers and they were so adorable in their 60s outfit. Of course, Ms. Lea tried her best to dance her way to the tune along with kids.

One of the memorable performances that night was her jazzy rendition of "Sing". It was like a scene from a movie where the characters are in a jazz bar listening to the singer. Very impressive! Not to mention her version of "Stand Up For Love" which, I believe, is better than Beyonce's version! Her voice was in control all throughout the high and low notes - extremely pleasant to the ears.

The highlight of the event was "Tomorrow". Her heart-felt song execution almost made me cry especially with the sunrise effect on the background! T'was indeed marvelous. What truly helped was the fantastic lighting of Mr. Dennis Marasigan! The lights told a story along with the songs.

Her finale was "Pagdating ng Panahon". In hindsight, it seemed off to the whole repertoire. But it was a perfect ending to the whole show. A song about hope and unselfish love. Because in a world that seemed dark and sad, hope and selflessness are what we need for a better tomorrow.

Congratulations, Ms. Lea, for a job well done! Cheers to the children who would inherit the earth from us!