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Three Things to Love About MEASURE IN LOVE

Last week, I was lucky enough to have won two ticket’s to UPM Dramatista’s Measure In Love, an adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s beloved musical masterpiece, Rent. 

With Rent being one of my favorite musicals, I was more than excited to go see the show! Here are three things to love about UP Manila Dramatista’s Measure in Love:

1. The incredibly serendipitous set design

It’s not a secret that UP doesn’t exactly have the best facilities. However, UP Manila Dramatista was able to turn the SSWC’s Multipurpose Hall into something that fits in with the ideal nit and grit of New York showcased in the musical. The set (and the venue itself) allows the viewers to be part of the show, rather than just be spectators.

2. The songs!

This is based on Rent after all, and the songs, as most fans know, are amazing. 

3. The CAST

Above all, hats off to the fantastic cast. That. Was not. An easy show. To pull off. 

The lead cast in the show I watched were Aaron Balana as Mark, Tom Catli as Roger, King Metrillo as Collins, Kiko de Guzman as Angel, Lalaine Quinan as Mimi, Mimi Dumalaog as Joanne, Darcy de Asis as Benny, and Nieves Reyes as Maureen.

All of them delivered justice to their respective roles. Their chemistry together was amazing. I have to say though that I have a special spot in my heart for Angel and Maureen. Nevertheless, I love (AND SHIP) Angel and Collins. (I cried over her death, by the way as I always do.) The ensemble did fantastic jobs as well. 

Though the musical is set around 25 years ago, it offers the timeless story of the values of tenacity, courage, and equality. Measure in Love will make you cry, laugh, scream, and moo, but above all, it will make you believe in all kinds of love.

Catch UP Manila Dramatista’s LAST TWO SHOWS later today, 4pm and 8pm at the UP Manila SSWC Multipurpose Hall. For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/UPManilaDramatista

#upm dramatista #Measure In Love #theatre

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10 Nu Who Episodes That Could Destroy You

Hello, new Doctor Who fan! Congratulations on your choice of fandom! Please beware for the internet is dark and full of spoilers.

Such as this here post!

This year, we’re celebrating ten years of New Who! As part of the fun, here’s a list of ten New Who episodes that could probably destroy you. This is in chronological order, so feel free to stop once you read an unfamiliar title.

The Girl in the Fireplace

Nothing destroys more than false hope.

Reinette, or Madame de Pompadour, has been receiving visits by the mysterious Doctor since she was a child, and his face never ages. This is because the Doctor is on a spaceship which opens to various times in her life.

All through her life, Reinette is threatened by Clockwork Droids, who are waiting to claim her brain to power their ship. In order to save her, the Doctor shuts off all gateways, and is forced on the slow path with Reinette. Ever intelligent, she shows him her childhood bedroom, where they met, and he manages to return to the ship, much to her dismay. He promises to be back in two minutes, and to take her to the stars.

Unfortunately, when he passes through the gateway, years have passed, and so has Reinette.

Doomsday

From the beginning, Rose has already told us that she’s about to die, but she could have never prepared us enough for it.

The Daleks and Cybermen have managed to open gateways to the parallel universe. The only way to defeat both of them was to lure them into the void between the two worlds and shut the parallel universe away forever. The Doctor of course, wanted Rose to be in the parallel universe to be safe, but of course, Rose was having none of that. Headstrong as always, she leaves her parents behind to help the Doctor, and is nearly sucked into the void herself. Pete came just in the nick of time and brought her to the parallel universe.

The Doctor and Rose share a bittersweet goodbye on a beach in Norway, where he leaves with the last words, “Rose Tyler, I—”

Human Nature/The Family of Blood

Here we see a glimpse of the doctor as a human. While Martha is often considered everyone's least favorite companion, here we also empathize with her. Worse, we also see the Doctor— er, John Smith, have his heart ripped out.

"Falling in love? That didn't even occur to him?"

"No."

"Then what sort of a man is that?!"

Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead

In this two-part, we are introduced to River Song. She’s sassy, clever, and knows way too much about the Doctor. River is very cryptic about her past, mainly because it’s the Doctor’s future.

By the end, however, we start feeling something profound and deep about this person we don’t know a lot about, just like the Doctor.

Journey's End

In Doomsday, we say goodbye to Rose—the first time

Apparently, one goodbye with Rose was not enough. Even though she had her own Doctor in the parallel universe, both of them knew it wasn’t the same. But then again, both of them can’t do anything about it.

Worse than that, we say goodbye to one of the best companions, Donna. And we don't just say goodbye to her— she forgets everything.

The End of Time Part 2

Definitely one of the most emotional Tenth Doctor episodes, here he faces his longtime nemesis, the Master, without the help of any of his usual companions. He’s decided he’s had enough, after leaving Rose, disappointing Martha, and making Donna forget.

This time, his companion comes in the form of Wilf, Donna’s grandfather. The Doctor is amazed at his human-ness, and hopes he could just leave the humans alone, but he can’t. So instead, he sentences himself to death. He says goodbye to each person whose life has affected his, and vice versa, the final person being Rose, months before they first met.

Too late however, he regenerates, his last words ironically being, “I don’t want to go.”

The Angels Take Manhattan

The problem with this episode is that it lulls you into a false sense of security. We discover that any episode that starts off with a fun picnic may just end in a gut-wrenching goodbye.

In this episode, we say goodbye to both Amy and Rory (not much Rory because who would have thought, right?) who get stuck in 1950’s New York forever.

So, why can’t the Doctor just go back in the TARDIS? Weeping Angels have made time unstable, and in order to undo the damage done by the Angels, Amy and Rory killed themselves before having been taken by the Angels, a paradox enough to remove the Angels and the damage. One makes it through the rubble and take Rory and Amy.

The Name of the Doctor

By now, we’re finally familiar with River’s relationship with the Doctor. She’s already been to the Library, and is gone. What’s going to grip your feels is the final exchange between her and the Eleventh Doctor, who claims, “You are always here to me. And I always listen. And I can always see you.”

The Time of the Doctor

By now we’ve been through two regenerations. Apparently the trend is the more emotional, the better.

We get a glimpse of the Doctor’s life in Trenzalore. In hopes to save as many people as possible, he brings the TARDIS and Clara back in her proper time, while he stays behind to fend off all the enemies he’s made over the years. Clara, however, finds a way to go back to him. She’s a bit too late however: the Doctor is now old and nearing death.

In the end, we say a proper goodbye to fish fingers and custard, to Amelia, and to Eleven, while Clara pleads, “No, please don’t change!”

Death In Heaven

In this episode we see the simultaneous return of the Master (now Missy) and the Cybermen. Now the Cybermen are taking the bodies of dead people, including Clara’s boyfriend, Danny Pink. Fortunately, Danny is still Danny deep inside and he still loves Clara. Except he’s not really alive anymore.

Oh, and another thing. We pay one more salute to The Brig.

 Also, yes, I am aware that there are more gut-wrenching episodes (such as Father’s Day and The Parting of the Ways). Unfortunately, I had to list only ten. Why? Because! 

Anywho, if you would like, I could create a second list! So there’s that. Thanks for reading! :)

#doctor who #dw #dw post #new who #nu who #lists

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Ten Questions Rick Riordan Should Answer

So, last week, I finally decided on something—it was about time to read Blood of Olympus. Of course I’d bought it as soon as it hit the shelves, but I’d kept it on my shelf for the longest time. Obviously I’d given in to the urge, and am currently still in a very fragile emotional state (*shakes fist* RIIIIIIICCKKK!!!!!).

Anyhoo, the ending left me with more questions rather than answers. So here’s a list of ten questions about Percy Jackson and the Olympians and The Heroes of Olympus I would love Rick Riordan to answer.

WARNING: The internet is dark and full of spoilers. This is one such place. Unless you want your heart ripped apart by hard spoilers, leave this post and run. Run far away. Far, far away.

1. Whatever happened to Hestia?

One of the least remembered Olympians, and title bearer of the last Percy Jackson book, Hestia, to all who are familiar, is the Goddess of Home and the Hearth. Therefore, she barely leaves Olympus otherwise, what’s there for the Olympians to go home to? However, after that really short appearance, we never hear from her again. What gives?

2. Does Jason make good on his promise?

And how long did it take for him to make tributes, shrines, and cabins for all the gods and goddesses?

3. How’s Apollo doing?

Throughout the novel, we could see that he wasn’t himself because the Oracle wasn’t working. At the end of the giant battle, Zeus was pretty pissed with Apollo and promised a punishment. So, how’s he doing? How’s the Oracle?

4. Do Leo and Calypso make it out of Ogygia in one piece (okay, two)?

We know the curse that Calypso can’t leave the island forever. Is there something waiting outside the island that might keep that curse intact?

5. How did everyone else react when Leo came back?

How does he come back anyway? And does everyone make good on their promise of strangling Leo to death? (Maybe they should get a second physician's cure just in case?)

6. Does Nico ever come out of the closet to Hades?

It would be interesting to know his reaction wouldn’t it?

7. Are Leo and Calypso endgame?

This is important. Calypso’s been through so much. She deserves it, don’t you think?

8. What does Zeus say about Calypso managing to leave Ogygia?

If they manage to break the curse does he allow it?

9. Are Percy and Annabeth endgame?

This is the second (and not the last) endgame question, but come on, they just have to be canon! Do they finish college? Do they stay in New Rome? (That would be kinda heartbreaking)

10. And the most important question of all: Are Will Solace and Nico di Angelo endgame?

Yes. Please say yes.

*Photos from the Camp Half Blood website, Tumblr, Pinterest, and DeviantArt

#percy jackson #pjato #blood of olympus #boo #Heroes of Olympus #hoo #rick riordan

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The Ten Best Things About CosMania

From October 4-5, 2014, Cosplay Mania (or CosMania) was held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. It was a culmination of insane talent, rare merchandise, and weird friendships. It was also my second cosplay experience. This time, I was Agent Jemma Simmons from Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD. (An inaccurate but close enough representation, it was a “teaser” for a more accurate version to come in NexCon. I managed to drag my best friend along to play Agent Leo Fitz. It was his first cosplay/convention experience and he went mad.)

Here are the ten best things from my day in CosMania

10. How it was so meant to be.

I’d been planning to go to CosMania since August (as either River Song or Hermione Granger). However, due to family matters, I decided not to go. I was planning to go to MoA just to give my friend a jacket I was asking her to alter. A week before CosMania, I thought, “What the hell, I’ll go as (trial)Simmons.” And so I decided to drag my best friend along, and he agreed.

What was supposed to be me staying until my best friend had to leave turned into me staying until a couple hours after he left. It took me more than two hours to go home because of the rain, but I regret nothing.

9. All the merch. I cannot.

It was heaven! There were rare toys in one corner, and then cosplay cosmetics in another, and then merchandise from every fandom in various places. Sad thing was, I wasn’t able to buy anything because my money had been meant for something else.

8. A hundred nerds in one place!

  Well, my best friend was better versed at this, since he was a big fan of manga and anime. However, there was no shortage of cosplayers from the American/British fandoms, which was a treat!

7. Harry Freaking Potter

So I was walking inside the function hall, looking for merch and possibly people I’d want to take photos with when lo and behold, no less than Harry Potter was coming towards me. I threw away my inhibitions and asked for a photo, thinking to myself, “Damn I nearly went as Hermione!” (For the record, I totally have a crush on him now even if it’s highly unlikely we’ll ever meet again.)

6. Seeing my best friend fanboy over all the familiar things he saw being cosplayed.

It was seriously the funniest thing in the world. Every step we took he goes, “Ooh, is that *insert character name from anime*?!”, “I wanna take a picture with *insert name of a character we actually both know* but I’m too shy!” and so on. Granted, it was his first con, but it was still adorbs.

5. This FABULOUS Anna cosplayer!

  Frozen being such a huge hit earlier this year, there was bound to be a number of cosplayers portraying characters from the movie. Nothing, however, beat this Anna cosplayer, who was totally perfect for the part. (Hi, if you’re reading this, fantastic job and I have a crush on you.)

4. Playing FitzSimmons (and being recognized doing it!)

I have this propensity of liking female characters who thrive in the world of men (Padme Amidala, Princess Leia, Hermione Granger, Skye, Simmons, you get it, yeah?), and I have the intense desire of cosplaying them. But of course, I couldn’t cosplay Simmons without Fitz. So I was really grateful that my best friend was not just willing, but actually excited to do Fitz! There’s also this thing where FitzSimmons and us have similar relationships and actually dress alike (when we’re dressing up, that is). The cherry on top was wearing the SHIELD IDs and the looks on people’s faces when they realize who we were.

SPOILER ALERT: I was hated on a couple times because of what Simmons did in Agents of Shield Season 2, but it’s fine, really.

3. Doctor Who Day, apparently

Imagine my surprise when I saw the list of events at the bottom floor of the convention center and saw “Whovian Philippines and Doctor Who Day Celebration”. Just so legit!

2. A SHIELD Agent in the TARDIS

I am eternally grateful to the Pinoy Whovians for taking me and my Fitz in, since we were the only AoS cosplayers at the venue. I’d last seen these people at NexCon last May (some I’ve met only for the first time even!) and yet they treated us like old friends.

(Photo by Grace Marcellana)

1. All Twelve? All Thirteen? No, sir! All TWENTY-SIX!

The highlight of the day was seeing all thirteen Doctors and all thirteen Fem!Doctors do their thing! Basically, history has been made by Whovian Philippines, and I feel so privileged to have been there to see it!

(Photos by Cali Ynoviel and Bex Pascual)

Coming soon: So, I got my best friend hooked on con-going and cosplaying. Hopefully we get to go to ToyCon December!

Plus, go check out my other blog, caffeinatedcommunication.tumblr.com for unique takes on nerdy things. Talk to you soon! x

#dw #cosplay #doctor who #my face #apparently i cosplay

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Genie - Mrs. Doubtfire - Mr. Keating

Three characters played by Robin Williams that are very close to my heart. He was a great man. He was a legend. He will be missed.

#robin williams #film #disney #aladdin #mrs doubtfire #dead poets society #rip robin williams

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So very recently, I posted here a list of movies which featured the great (and now late) Robin Williams. I will most likely be rewatching everything on this list, and more that aren't on it (basically the ones I haven't seen yet) plus The Crazy Ones to honor his memory. I hope you guys do too.He is seriously one of the greatest actors of our time and I feel so privileged to be able to enjoy his work.

#robin williams #film #blog #personal #i wonder how many 90s kids are grieving today

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New Blood: Welcoming the Iskolars ng Bayan

August 6 has finally arrived and a new school year is finally upon us after four months. As with every year, we are now welcoming the new blood that will grace the halls of the University of the Philippines.

Welcome, Iskolars ng Bayan, to the four (or so) best/worst years of your lives.

Now that you have all spent four months emptying your brains, teasing classmates who have already started college, and possibly worrying about what the future holds, it is time to prepare for fresh torture.

No, I am not scaring you. If you think high school was bad, think again. If you think back then, you were quite smart, think again. However, here is a friendlier list to surviving your first year in the University of the Philippines (note: this guide may be a bit specific for the Manila campus, as that's where I'm from, but other tips will be more general).

1. Know your way around

It's not fun getting lost. Sure, at least UPM has a smaller campus, not to mention FBCs that will give you the tour. More than the campus, get to know the area. Especially since Ermita is pretty dodgy.

More than getting lost, it also helps to know the shortcut, passageways, and of course, the best places to eat.

2. Don't be afraid to try new things

Join an org or two. Try doing something you've never done. Eat something you thought you didn't like (just to make you sure you don't really like it). This is a new chapter of your life; a fresh slate. Do something new to celebrate it.

3. Meet new people

You might know someone from high school and sure it'll be cool to hang out for a while. But the point of college is not to continue high school, rather it's the time to expand your network, build more relationships and find new friends. Hang out with your old buds every once in a while, but don't take all your classes with them.

4. Toughen up

College is a time to be independent. It's a time to stand on your own two feet. Don't be intimidated by your professors or by other people's seemingly "superior" status. You are now after all, amazing enough to walk among them.

5. Embrace it

UP is chock full of stereotypes, and each course has more. You can do either of two things--reject it and risk being the uncooperative outcast, or accept it and go with the flow. UP is more than it's "Tibak" stereotype. UP is the food, the atmosphere, and more importantly, the people. Besides, you don't have to be the embodiment of the UP stereotype and culture. You are now a part of the UP culture as much as it is a part of you.

Bonus for UPM freshies: Bring food.

I am going to tell you about the legend of the GabCaf. Once upon a time (more like earlier this year), we had GabCaf. Sure the choices were very limited, but the food was fantastic, not to mention accessible. There used to be Rodic's, Makel's pasta, Binalot, breakfast food, graham balls and more. 

But now, the admin has decided that it is time for some "innovation", taking down the GabCaf and all in-campus food stalls, leaving us with no choice but to bring our own food, spend money on fastfood, or starve to death in the middle of class. Luckily, we are better than the latter. It is always wise to bring a pack of crackers or biscuits (and some water) with you for discreet munching in between lectures. 

#UP #UPM 101 #Pinoy Culture #University culture #university of the philippines #blog

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Robin Williams Binge List

It is no secret that Robin Williams is one of the greatest actors, maybe ever. Now that The Crazy Ones is cancelled and he's not in anything big yet, it's about time for a Robin Williams movie binge. 

1. August Rush (2007)

The Character: A music "manager", who assembles musical streetchildren together in an abandoned theatre and earn off of their talents.

Not a starring role for Williams (in fact he's sort of the villain), but the movie is fantastic. It's filled with music, and good vibes.

2. Flubber (1997)

The Character: A scientist who invents a thing called Flubber.

I loved this movie as a child. A good comedy, plus the Flubber's adorable and hilarious.

3. Dead Poets Society (1989)

The Character: A Literature professor who changes the lives of otherwise stick-straight prep students by teaching them to appreciate and love art.

Carpe diem indeed. This movie runs for more than two hours, and is not for everyone, as I've discovered. It's mostly a lecture that expounds on the saying, "you gotta stop and smell the flowers."

4. License to Wed (2007)

The Character: An eccentric minister who insists on having couples go through a prenuptial course in order to ensure that they are past puppy love.

Hilarious and romantic at the same time.

5. What Dreams May Come (1998)

The Character: A grieving husband who saves his wife, who doesn't recognize him, from limbo.

This was such a feast for the eyes. It's a fantastic imagining of what lies beyond the veil, not to mention a very wonderful and touching story.

6. Popeye

The Character: Everyone's favorite spinach-gobbling sailor man.

This is my favorite version of the classic cartoon (although this wasn't animated). It has a very good plot, for both kids and kids at heart.

7. Aladdin

The Character: The genie. Enough said.

Aladdin is one of Disney's best movies, and Williams definitely had a hand in that with his spectacular vocal performance as the Genie.

8. Jumanji

The Character: A boy who gets trapped in a board game and manages to leave many years later.

As a kid, this was a bit scary for me, but it was fantastic. I've always wanted an actual Jumanji board game.

9. Bicentennial Man (1999)

The Character: A domestic robot, turned free android, turned actual human being.

More of a drama than a comedy, but still hilarious and still fun to watch. 

10. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

The Character: Euphagenia Doubtfire, a separated dad disguised as a nanny in order to spend more time with his kids.

This movie is without a doubt my favorite Williams movie. It's funny, it's dramatic, it's heartwarming and straightforward. Even though this movie was released before I was born, I was lucky enough to watch it. And I still. Love it.

More to watch: Happy Feet 1 and 2, Hook, Back to Neverland, Good Will Hunting (which I didn't include in the list because I haven't watched but I've heard it is fantastic), Night at the Museum, The Crazy Ones (A TV Series starring him, Sarah Michelle Gellar and several other fantastic people)

#movies #film #robin williams #mrs. doubtfire #bicentennial man #what dreams may come #aladdin #popeye #jumanji #license to wed #dead poets society #august rush #flubber #blog

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When StarKids do Broadway

Team StarKid has been bringing us great musicals for about five years now. Sooner or later, they might start going their separate ways in order to headline some of Broadway's greatest musicals.

Darren Criss played the role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the 2012 revival of How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (following the successful runs of Daniel Radcliffe and Nick Jonas), and A.J. Holmes joined the Chicago cast of The Book of Mormon as Elder Cunningham. The question is, who's next?

Here's a list of roles I'd like to see some of the StarKids in.

1. Rachael Soglin - Grizabella (Cats)

. 

To be fair, she's only been in one StarKid production, Twisted, in which she plays the Princess. However, I feel like her voice would suit Memory.

2. Meredith Stepien - Joanne Jefferson (Rent)

I just feel like she could totally pull off the attitude. Especially after seeing her as Mega Girl in Starship. 

3. Dylan Saunders - The Wizard (Wicked)

Well, definitely not in the near future, but one day Dylan will make a good wizard. His charm definitely fits the role, not to mention his powerful voice.

4. Jeff Blim - Fiyero (Wicked) 

I feel like Jeff would be perfect for the role. He looks the part and he sounds the part. Plus, he could totally do sarcastic.

5. Joe Walker - Edna Turnblad (Hairspray)

Edna was the first character that popped into my mind while I was thinking about this post. Joe is amazing at changing both his speaking and singing voice. His experience with a drag role is a definite bonus.

6. Brian Holden - Tony (West Side Story)

I think Brian's voice really fits the role, plus he has mad dancing skills perfect for this musical.

7. Lauren Lopez - Glinda (Wicked) 

Lauren has done "bitchy" quite well with her portrayal of Tanya Freemont in Little White Lie. Other than that, she's really charming and can take on the "cute klutz" role, and she has the voice for the role.

8. Jaime Lyn Beatty - Elphaba (Wicked)

Out of all the StarKids, I think Jaime is the strongest, vocally. I also think she really looks the part. 

#starkid #theatre #blog

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Seven years after the Seventh Novel

July 21, 2014-- We celebrate the 7th year after the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the 7th and final book of JK Rowling's Harry Potter series--a worldwide phenomenon.

Seven years ago, I was a high school freshman. Now I am a year away from getting my college degree. 

It really has been quite a while, and I admire how much of the fandom has stayed intact. Here's a list of the Seven Best Things that have happened since the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

7. Pottermore and MyHogwarts

It was a given that we were not about to give Harry Potter up. In 2010, Sony and JK Rowling announced Pottermore, an interactive website that allowed us to experience Harry Potter in a different way. It stirred excitement, and caused most of us insanity with trying to open that damn door. (P.S. I managed to)

MyHogwarts was a different thing altogether. It's a fanmade website, which allowed us to take online Hogwarts classes. Students are given homework and modules to study, giving us a more academic Hogwarts experience.

6. The Tales of Beedle the Bard

After The Tale of the Three Brothers was told in Deathly Hallows, JKR followed it up with an entire book filled with wizarding fairytales such as The Wizard and The Hopping Pot, The Fountain of Fair Fortune and of course, The Tale of the Three Brothers.

5. Fandoms

While the Potterhead community is still pretty much intact and alive, most of us now have subfandoms. Potterheads remain the "overlord of the fandoms" but we're all pretty much fans of either Supernatural, Sherlock or Doctor Who, or in some cases, all three. (Plus several others like Homestuck, Hannibal, Merlin, etc) 

4. JK Rowling's Twitter Account

JKR's Twitter account has been up for quite a while. It wasn't until recently that she started actually using it.

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2

Hollywood, movie fans and book fans saw a first when Warner Bros. announced that the last book will be divided into two movies, shown almost a year apart. This allowed more of the book to be retold on the big screen. This also set a new trend as other books began to splitting their movies into two. (Yes, I'm looking at you, Twilight and Hunger Games)

2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This is probably the greatest triumph of the Harry Potter fandom--its own theme park. 

1. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Well. Nothing beats a comeback. Pretty much like Fawkes, the Harry Potter fandom rose from the ashes upon last year's announcement that a spinoff movie series will soon hit the screens. Penned by no less than the queen herself.

Honorable mentions: StarKid and the A Very Potter Trilogy, LeakyCon and all the other Harry Potter cons, The Harry Potter Play on West End, JKR's new novels.

#Harry Potter #7 years of Deathly Hallows #hp #jk rowling

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#THRILLIFIED: WICKED in Manila

February 16, 2014. The day I've been waiting for since I purchased that ticket last October. Alas, it finally came.

Tonight, dear friends (or followers), I finally get to share the reason why I’ve named my blog as such. I finally got to sit at Box D, to see WICKED.

WICKED is one of Broadway’s newer musicals, dating back only in 2005. It tells the story of the witches of Oz, Galinda the Good Witch, and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West. This musical is based off Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and Frank L. Baum’s classic, The Wizard of Oz. The roles of Elphaba and Galinda were originated on the Broadway stage by Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth. This year, the Australian cast, led by Jemma Rix and Suzie Mathers, flew over the Manila to share the magic of Oz, and, thanks to careful planning, patience and sheer willpower, I was able to save up for a ticket in Box D.

As you can see from the picture, the entire stage was fabulous. The curtain was a map of Oz, with the Emerald City glowing in the middle. The dragon’s eyes were also lit up prior to the show, so as soon as you take your seat, you are immediately immersed in the magic of Wicked.

I couldn’t control myself from the moment I took my seat. The view was fantastic, I took pictures, and even asked my sisters to try and take one of me with the whole stage in the background (you can see that she succeeded). I flipped through my programme (which I’d bought outside for a whopping 500 bucks—totally worth it) hoping we were going to see the original cast. There were binoculars outside, but I didn’t bother to get a pair since I was convinced that the view was already good, that having the binoculars won’t help me focus, and that I don’t need another reason to spend any more money. In 30 minutes the usual announcements played, the lights dimmed and the orchestra begun.

From the overture, I was hooked. I sat on the edge of my seat, looking intently on the stage as I lip-synched the songs which I’ve known for a couple of years. Everything about Wicked was fabulous. The costumes, the stage, the songs, the technical elements, the lights, the lines, and the cast. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Suzie Mathers, who played Galinda (or Glinda, as she preferred) was just fantastic. Her Glinda was pretty in pink, fabulous, and stubborn, but determined to prove to everyone that she was not a dumb blonde. I likened Glinda to High School Musical’s Sharpay Evans, who though was a bit too self-absorbed, knew what she wanted and knew that she was more than just a beautiful face. Other than that, she gave Glinda a certain savoir-faire and elegance, as well as a beautifully-timed comic side.

Jemma Rix, who was Elphaba was an enigma as well. Her Elphaba was glamorously green, intelligent, and high-strung, but she knew that she was a person who deserved respect. Elphie had an air of confidence, but deep inside she wished to be just like everyone else. Her physical appearance became a hindrance for her to be accepted by people, but she believed that there was more to beauty than having perfect hair and skin. Her Elphie was confident and awkward at the same time, which made her a good complement to Mathers’s Glinda.

Other notable cast members are Steve Danielsen, who played the handsome Fiyero and who, though lacked some skills in the dancing department, was able to give a memorable performance; Jay Laga’aia, who was the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, also amazing; Maggie Kirkpatrick, who played Madame Morrible; Edward Grey, as Glinda’s munchkin admirer Boq; Emily Cascarino as the beautifully tragic Nessarose; and Nathan Carter, as Doctor Dillamond. As a whole, the cast worked very well together, and were able to give us a performance that we’ll remember for a long, long time.

One of the parts of the musical which I’ve always wanted to see was Defying Gravity, a performance which did not disappoint. While Idina Menzel’s Elphaba was determined at this point, Jemma Rix was terrifying, and in an absolutely fantastic way. Rix and Mathers’s chemistry was amazing. A performance which, while I was only listening to the cast recording, seemed just okay for me, was Popular. It, however, has made such a mark on me. It was one of the best scenes in the entire show, not just musically. Mather and Rix were so great at their timing and had the audience laughing all throughout. Another notable scene was their version of For Good. Menzel and Chenoweth’s version was absolutely powerful, both emotionally and vocally. Rix and Mathers’s was very serene, which made it all the more depressing (I cried twice).

Basically, I was lucky enough to be one of the Manilans to see WICKED’s run in the Philippines. It was a one of a kind experience, something which I want to be repeated when I finally get to London or New York. I was even luckier to have met Jay Laga’aia, Justine Puy and even Suzie Mathers herself! WICKED was more amazing than I ever imagined. And I hope they’ll be able to share the magic with even more people.

WICKED is still showing at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and will close on March 9. So hurry up and go watch!

Photos (c) Paula Apolonio, April Apolonio 2014

#wicked #wicked in manila #concertus manila #lunchbox philippines #wicked australasia #suzie mathers #jemma rix #personal

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Here are the follow-up photos! (as promised)

Photos from WICKED IN MANILA!

-The map of the EMERALD CITY, placed on the walls at the second floor of the CCP, with other thrillifying trivia.

-That’s actually the view from Box C.

-The view from Box D, zoomed in a bit to show you the AWESOME dragon. (TA-DA!)

-Me and Mr. Jay Laga’aia, who played the Wonderful Wizard of Oz

-Me and Ms. Justine Puy, Glinda understudy, and who was part of the ensemble. (We mistook her for Emily Cascarino, who plays Nessa)

-My sister, me and Ms. Suzie Mathers (YES AND I GOT A HUG FROM HER TOO!)

-My sister and I outside the CCP

(c) Paula Apolonio, April Apolonio, 2014

#wicked #wicked in manila #personal #february 2014 #jay laga'aia #justine puy #suzie mathers

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Review: Disney's Frozen

So I finally got to see Frozen! Yes! Here is my humble little review. But first, synopsis.

Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, Frozen tells the story of a girl cursed with the powers of ice. In the movie, this girl is Princess Elsa. In this movie however, we have not one, but two princesses. Princess Anna is Elsa’s sister, but she does not have Elsa’s powers.

Due to an unfortunate incident, Elsa had to hide her powers from Anna, Anna’s memories had to be replaced, Elsa had to be hidden from the public’s eye, and the two had to have separate bedrooms and grow up apart. Years after, the kingdom finds out about Elsa’s secret and Elsa bans herself from the kingdom, leaving it to an eternal winter. Anna goes after her sister to try to bring her (and summer) back to Arendelle.

First of all, I loved Frozen simply because it’s been two years since we got a musical movie (Tangled being the previous one) and man, this one was amazing. Frozen starred the voices of Idina Menzel as Elsa, Kristen Bell as Anna, Santino Fontana as Hans, Jonathan Groff as Kristoff, and Josh Gad as Olaf. I was also able to listen to the deluxe version of the album, which featured several songs that had been cut from the movie, and alternate versions of For the First Time in Forever and Love is an Open Door, sung by the movie’s songwriters (hint: all the songs were quite amazing).

With Broadway voices leading your cast, where could you go wrong? Idina’s version of Let It Go (the movie’s featured song, which is also sung by Demi Lovato) sounded straight off an OBC. And while Mandy Moore and Zach Levi’s tandem in Tangled was music to my ears (wink, wink), Bell and Fontana proved to be quite the team with their only duet, Love is an Open Door. Groff, sadly, was not given a big solo, but his humorous Reindeers are Better Than People added just the right amount of comedy, as did Gad’s In Summer. Two more voices that should be recognized are Katie Lopez and Agatha Lee Monn, who lent their voices to two young Annas for Do You Wanna Build a Snowman, the cutest track in the album. (Also my favorite song.)

So we’re done with the songs. Off to the story then. As we all know, Disney never fails to create such compelling stories enjoyed not only by children, but adults as well. More than just being funny and compelling, Disney crafts these stories to be inspiring. After ten (eleven counting Merida, I think) princesses whose stories end with a happily ever after, several of which with a true love’s (first) kiss, Disney misleads us, and in the best way possible. The curse which froze Anna’s heart can only be undone by an act of true love. As Snow White has taught us, this is usually in the form of a kiss from the handsome prince. In the story, this is played by Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. Well, plot twist! Just when we thought he would save the day, we find out Hans is the villain and leaves Anna alone to die in the cold. Luckily, Olaf comes to the rescue to save her and make her realize that Kristoff loves her. Buuut, in a second plot twist, it’s not Kristoff kiss that saves her, but the act of saving Elsa from being killed by Hans. That’s when Elsa also realized that love trumps fear and brings back summer. In the end, family matters, following the same theme as last year's Brave. Yes. Fantastic story. (I told you, spoilers.)

Okay. Now that we’ve got that covered, some additional opinions.

We’ve seen quite a number of Disney movies be recreated on Broadway such as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and The Lion King. Personally, I wouldn’t wonder if Frozen was next in line.

It was sad that Groff didn't get a big solo, but it was great seeing (rather, hearing) a different side of him. 

Anna has to be one of my absolute favorite princesses. She's so candid, childish and true to herself. She's more like a modern girl don't you think? Not that I'm saying Elsa's not a great character, she is. She's more like the traditional prim and proper princesses. And she loves Anna so much that she's willing to sacrifice their relationship so she wouldn't get hurt.

All in all, Frozen is a great movie for kids and adults, musical lovers and movie lovers alike. If you haven't seen it, make sure you do when it comes out on DVD.

So there we go! A Frozen review by little ol’ me. 

#Disney #Frozen #Spoilers #frozen spoilers #review

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Favorite Musical #1: Phantom of the Opera

"You alone can make my song take flight Help me make the music of the night."

Always has been my favorite and always will be. Romantic, tragic, and with some of the best music ever written. 

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"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime."

#POTO 25 #phantom of the opera #ramin karimloo #sierra boggess #screencaps #theatre

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Les Miserables: Highlights From the Motion Picture Soundtrack

So, it's been a year, and this is on my other blog. Nevertheless, I would like to share with you my thoughts regarding one of the best musicals of all time.

Disclaimer: I am not a music major. So, sorry if I slip up. Please put in mind that this is just my opinion. I truly love Les Miserables, but even the things we love are flawed.

1. Look Down (Work Song)

Well, obviously this is the first track. I’d be crushed if they didn’t have this.

Let me just say how SHORT this track is, at only 2:22. They missed some of the really great lines, and they edited some lyrics. BTW, the editing is something that turns up frequently throughout the whole album. I also do not appreciate the frequent sound effects. I mean, it sounds a little amateur-ish.

Russel Crowe’s singing is not really the best, but his emotion is good. I think Hugh Jackman is a good Valjean in this track, however, there really is a lack in emotion for me.

Rating: 2.5/5

2. The Bishop

Colm Wilkinson, dammit. THANK YOU. You’re officially one of my favorite Bishops of Digne now. GREAT JOB.

Again, I do not appreciate the sound effects.

I think the weakness worked in this track, however, what’s good about Colm is that he doesn’t lack in emotion, no matter how breathy he may sound.

Rating: 3.5/5

3. Valjean’s Soliloquy (What Have I Done)

I appreciate the emotion, but the way he sang it, it just sounded wrong. I’m so sorry. You can be emotional and be able to belt the song well. Ask Colm and Alfie how they did it.

Rating: 2/5

4. At the End of the Day

ORCHESTRA. I am so friggin in love with the Orchestra of this album. You can just HEAR EVERY SINGLE ONE. I think they made up for whatever the actors lacked.

The ensemble was okay, similar to At the End of the Day from the OLC. However, no guy has a solo except for the Foreman. The factory workers had good emotions as a whole, but when they did their solos, they became sort of weak.

I love the emotion of the Factory Girl who takes Fantine’s letter.

I have started to appreciate how timid Anne's voice is.

I did not expect the switching lines.

Rating: 3/5

5. I Dreamed a Dream

I love the emotion. I love how Anne just sounds so tired and sad.

Again, she doesn’t have the best voice, but really great job on this track.

And when she begins crying. It’s just. Ugh.

Rating: 4/5

6. The Confrontation

For some reason, I appreciate Crowe sounding a bit malicious in the beginning. And I appreciate his voice here completely.

However, the polyphony (it’s what the part where they sing at the same time is called right?) didn’t sound good. It didn’t sound angry. It didn’t sound like one was trying to dominate the other. It just sounded confusing.

Rating: 2.5/5

7. Castle on the Cloud

Let me tell you that Isabelle Allen is amazing. This is the only song that made me cry. Especially when she whispered the line “Cosette, I love you very much”.

It was too short for a really good song.

Rating: 4/5

8. Master of the House

I love the musical arrangement. It sounds so perfectly French.

However, I had high expectations for Sacha Baron-Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter. Sacha sounds like Pirelli (his character in the Sweeney Todd movie musical). He sounds the wrong kind of drunk. I think it was supposed to sound like “happy drunk” and he just sounded “sleepy drunk”.

I think this is where the most annoying sound effects are.

Helena was weak. Especially when she suddenly had a shrill voice during “God knows how I’ve lost it/Living with this bastard in the house” However, her part in the chorus was great.

Rating: 3/5

9. Suddenly

This was the original song, especially written for the movie.

I still don’t like Hugh Jackman’s voice. The song however, is good. It’s about how he slowly grows fond of Cosette and how he thinks Fantine left him a great responsibility that he’s not sure he can handle.

I dislike how his voice is so breathy all the time.

Rating: 3/5

10. Stars

Russel Crowe did a good job, I think. It wasn’t powerful, but his rendition was meant to be mellow and ballad-ish, because even the arrangement is. It’s like a Stars that can be a lullaby.

But the end…I guess I’m expecting something better from him. The beginning was good, the ending was just okay.

Rating: 3/5

11. The ABC Cafe-Red and Black

Aaron Tveit saved this. I still think he can do better than this. This is not his voice.

And again, omission and editing of lyrics, I do not appreciate it.

Eddie Redmayne is not a good Marius for me. I hope he does better.

Best. Orchestra. Ever.

Rating: 2.5/5

12. In My Life-A Heart Full of Love

Nope, still not Redmayne’s best. And what are they doing to Samantha Barks?! This is not her voice. No. She can belt. She doesn’t just falcetto like everyone else.

I ultimately dislike Amanda Seyfried’s shaky soprano and how she cuts everything off abruptly. It sounds like she’s just forcing herself to reach the notes.

Barks’s polyphony here was okay. She sounded so much better in the 25th. What are they doing to the actual Broadway singers?

Rating: 2/5

13. On My Own

I can’t imagine Taylor Swift singing this song. I don’t know if it’s the arrangement or the editing, but this is not Samantha’s best voice. Her belt is so high.

Aha. Her “pretending” riff disappeared.

My opinion for this version has improved. I completely appreciate Sam's emotion. Especially that first "I love him" where she had her head in between her knees and she was shaking her head. Brilliant.

Rating: 3/5

14. One Day More

The violin is giving me chills.

But then Jackman starts singing.  Eddie Redmayne has definitely improved in this track.

Barks. She can do so much better. *listens to 25ac* But I love how she carried her emotions over from On My Own.

AGAIN ORCHESTRA I LOVE YOU.

This is not Tveit. He can do so much better.

Okay, Jackman saved himself with his “One Day More!” And Helena saved herself with her “Free for all”. Sacha does nothing.

And they sound so amazing as a group.

The polyphony did not give me any emotion at all. This is live singing. Why am I not enjoying this? I should be enjoying this.

Rating: 3/5

15. Drink With Me

Again, nothing. Tveit and Redmayne were just okay.

Rating: 2/5

16. Bring Him Home

I think for once Jackman finally did something right. Of course there were flaws, but I think he finally had a substantial track.

Other people wouldn’t like his version of Bring Him Home, but it was completely okay for me. He was good. The emotions were good. The voice, still wasn’t up to par, but at least he did well.

Rating: 3.5/5

17. The Final Battle (Final Attack)

All you’ll have to love here is the Orchestra. And I seriously love the Orchestra. The score is amazing. All the amis' emotions were spot on, especially Fra Fee. I would have wanted them to have sung “Til the earth is free”.

They did not include the oboe solo.

Rating: 3.5/5

18. Javert’s Suicide

Again, Crowe made this song his own. He sounds so scared, but then again, there’s nothing like malicious Quast!Javert and confused Lewis!Javert. Toward the end he began sounding…gentle. He’s supposed to by psychotic I think. But he just isn’t. I like how he’s near tears though.

This was good, if not for the fact that the orchestra did not match his voice. It worked for Stars, since he had a gentle voice and a soft orchestra, but not here.

Rating: 3/5

19. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

This is Redmayne's shining moment. Not because this was his solo, but this was actually a good song for him. It fit his voice. He did a great rendition. He was crying, and his crying affected the song in a good way, like how Anne's did in I Dreamed a Dream.

Rating: 3.5/5

20. Epilogue

Seyfried did something right! Her shaky soprano finally works. And I can finally feel her emotion.

So did Jackman! His emotions were finally right, and I think he has the best “singing-while-dying” voice.

But just when Jackman and Seyfried do well and they sing with Hathaway and Barks, Redmayne effs up. And also I hated the edited lyrics here.

And again, they sound amazing as a group. And then the orchestra. Just amazing.

Rating:3.5/5

Actual Amazing Songs That Should Have Been in the Soundtrack

1. Who Am I

Come on, they cut the classic "two-four-six-oh-one!"

2. Come To Me

Acting-wise, this was Hathaway's best moment.

3. A Little Fall of Rain

Their chemistry was good. Also one of the tracks with the best blending.

4. Little People

Daniel Huttlestone was just amazing and brusque as Gavroche! Then again, they probably didn't include it since it could have been a bit of a spoiler.

5. Everyday

Seyfried was the best here, vocally.

Overall:

I would compare this soundtrack to scotch. You have to let it age first. It takes a bit of time (other than time to actually see the movie) to appreciate the vocals of this album.

The orchestra however, is already perfect. I think they should have unleashed the full power of their Broadway voices. I love the idea that it’s live, but I think that what was sacrificed was again, the power and amazing emotions that these songs could have had.

Overall Rating: 3/5

#les miserables #theatre #soundtrack