Saturday, March 9, 2013

Hi.

I'm back after a long hiatus.

I've been busy with school lately, and thank God most of my subjects are already over. Yay for taking subjects with the graduating batch!

And there you have it, folks. And update from moi.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Happy 2013!

Okay, this will be my first OFFICIAL post for this year. 2012 has been a year of roller coaster emotions, but hey, it was a good bucket list year for me. From being involved in flash mob dances twice to walking around Makati to being part of a photo shoot! It has been an amazing year.

2013 started a week ago, and forgive me for posting a new year post this late. So with that, I've been coming up with some resolutions for this year and I'm quite sure that this list will go on and on and on.

No smoking. I've been smoking since 2008 and it has never made any better on my skin and my voice. As you all know, I'm part of a morning choir in church every Sunday. Plus, Sin Tax Law is now on going, so bye bye smoking. Most people suggested that I try "vaping" or using an e-cigarette, but I chose not to because it's the same banana as cigarette smoking. Don't worry, my mouth is distracted with either lollipops, gum or candy.

No panlalait and ranting. ...out loud, meaning on social networking sites. I believe that ranting and panlalait is better through SMS, Facebook Chat, Twitter direct messaging, BBM or personal communication. I don't see the point why do you have to rant. It might be healthy for some to vent out, but it'll always look like you're fishing for sympathy and attention. Better lay off the rants, and embrace positivity!

No bitterness and drama related to it. I DON'T WANT A DÉJÀ VU OF NOVEMBER 2012. PLEASE. But sometimes you have no choice because you always see that person almost every single school day. But whatever, I know better.

New year, new me... I'll own it! Taking this year's mantra from the VSX (Victoria's Secret) workout. Since the start of the year, I've been starting to work out, especially on the "bum" area. Yeah, thank you Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 for inspiring me. In fairness, the workouts are quite helpful and effective!

Positivity and productivity! Just what I need for 2013! Think positive, and you'll be productive.

BEACH! I seriously want to go to the beach, since I wasn't able to get my beach fix last year. I know, it's so sad.

For me, here are some of my resolutions so far for 2013. If ever you don't believe I'll achieve these resolutions, here are a few words from yours truly.

Doubt it, and I'll prove it.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

The past two months

Hey guys! Well, whoever is still visiting this blog. (CAUTION: LONG POST)

I'm sorry for the two-month hiatus. I've been busy with school work and other things. Yes, I wanted to blog about some things, but I can't seem to have my thoughts organized. So anyway, to get you guys up to speed, here's what really happened the past two months. Much has happened after my Phantom of the Opera experience.

SCHOOL. Well, I'm in my second semester of my third year in San Beda Alabang, and I'm beginning to feel the pressure of most of my fourth year subjects. Although, I've been a slacker. I don't know, but I always have this mid-college crisis. Like, when you feel like your course is not for you. You stop and ask yourself, "why did I even choose this course?" But sometimes, when I feel like it, I work. I need to stop procrastinating. Speaking of, I better start with my thesis! Productivity, it is!

MISS UNIVERSE. In case you don't know, I LOVE international beauty pageants. As in. J'adore. Janine Tugonon won first runner-up in Miss Universe 2012 in Las Vegas. The pageant was won by hometown girl Olivia Culpo. In my opinion, I think Janine should have won because she gave the best answer from the other Top 5 finalists. Good thing Miss Venezuela screwed up during the final question. I appreciated her effort in speaking English, but I guess she should have answered in Spanish since the interpreter is already there near the hosts.

Back to Janine, I felt that the other 3 remaining finalists got nervous after her good answer. Misses Australia and Brazil gave good answers. Miss USA's answer was very contradicting. Regretting fighting with your siblings but not regretting them? Really? I'm sorry, I'm just being nationalistic and bitter. It was this close!

But look on the bright side, Janine did a Miriam Quiambao (except she didn't choke in the final question), we have another Top 5 placement for the Philippines (Three-peat, baby!) and I'm really smelling a crown for the Philippines in the coming years! Plus, a hosting bid!

ROLLER COASTER OF EMOTIONS. November was my lowest point in 2012. And it just so happened that my lowest points of my life usually happen in -ber months. Well, for you guys, this is just a petty problem. You know, when there's this guy who happened to be your friend and classmate. You have this unexplained anger towards him but you can't really express it. Then one time, you threw a bitch fit at him.  Then he texted you, and felt this palpitation to the point where you couldn't sleep. Then after, you go cold to him... Well, you talk to him when he talks to you. Okay, civil.

So yeah, that's what happened with my life. Dramatic, isn't it?

Monday, October 15, 2012

The Phantom of the Opera experience

I'm officially a "PHAN".

Yesterday was the last day of The Phantom of the Opera. I was able to watch the performance, and it was BEYOND AWESOME! From the set design, the costumes to the songs! Although there were jarring parts, I still enjoyed the musical! I wanted to cry on the last scene, but can't.

It was also my first time at the "Stage Door", where artists come in and out after every performance. I went there twice, after the matinee performance and after watching the evening performance. I actually went there early to see Claire Lyon, since it was her last performance. Jonathan Roxmouth even peeked from above for the second time, since he was not allowed to go out for make up. So we were like, "He's there, the Phantom of the Opera!"

After the evening performance, I hurriedly went down the stage door. To my surprise, a lot of people have been waiting for the actors to come out. Luckily, due to some "tactics" *wink*, I was able to have pictures with the principal actors! Plus, I met new found friends - and a schoolmate!

And I had my souvenir program autographed - I sent my program to one of the people working there to have it signed by the cast members. Not all gave their autographs, but at least I got from the four main roles.

Here are my photo-ops after the matinee performance:

With Emilie Lynn, who played Christine in the last evening performance. She's such a doll, very positive and perky!

With Jordan Pollard, who played a marksman and an understudy of Raoul. I heard his Prada bag got stolen by "salisi gang" members, but I admire his positivity. Not to mention, he's cute. You agree?

CLAIRE LYON! I love her. Sad that I wasn't able to see her sing, but I've heard her. Well, at least I have a picture with her.

With Thabiso Masemene, who played Piangi. He was so funny as Piangi. Ubaldo, andiamo!

With Andrea Creighton, who played Carlotta. She was sick, but she did a good job hitting the notes, as if she wasn't sick!


As I've said, I hurriedly went down to the stage door for my second round of photo-ops:

With Anthony Downing, who played Raoul. He's so hot. Sad that I didn't get to talk to him that much. Oh well.

OH MY GOSH, JONATHAN ROXMOUTH. Before I had a picture with him, he called me by my name BEFORE I introduced myself.

Jonathan: Alrenz! Nice to meet you!
Me: Nice to meet you too! (shakes hands) How did you even remember my name?!
Jonathan: You've been tweeting me lately. Thank you so much!
Me: Really? Nice! Can I have a photo with you?
Jonathan: Sure!
after photo-op
Jonathan: How did you even manage to have cold hands?!
Me: (laughs)

So there you have it, my first Broadway musical play viewing and Stage Door experience.

For me, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IS AWESOME and the Stage Door experience has been fun. Totally worth the wait on lines and the pushes.

Monday, October 8, 2012

The "PHAN"-tom in me.

I recently fell in love with The Phantom of the Opera, since the run is ongoing here in Manila. It will end on the 14th, on which I'll watch the final show.

It's still running at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), so go buy your tickets now! Either at the CCP Box Office or TicketWorld.

I've watched the 2004 movie version as well. Emmy Rossum and pre-Leonidas Gerard Butler were awesome. I also loved the 25th anniversary performance of the play in the Royal Albert Hall. Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo's performances were very brilliant. I wanted to have Ramin Karimloo's singing voice.

My favorite songs are the title song, "Angel of Music" and "Think of Me". Makes me want to sing opera. I kid.

Anyway, on to the meat of the post. Although I haven't watched my scheduled performance, I "interacted" with the main cast of the Manila run of the play - Jonathan Roxmouth and Claire Lyon.

Jonathan Roxmouth as The Phantom

Claire Lyon as Christine Daaé


Little did I know that they reply to people's posts on Facebook. They really do.

You want proof? Here:



I love how they personally reply to their fans.

And one way to meet them:



I recently discovered that you can meet them at the Stage Door, which is a little walk away from the audience entrance. I previously thought that you can't interact with them... perhaps they're tired or something. But yay to that! I also heard they make it a point to interact with their fans. I get envious actually when I see people having photo-ops with them.

Speaking of, I joined a Phantom-related promo - 2 orchestra tickets and a meet and greet with the principal cast of the play. Today would be the deadline. Fingers crossed!

For me, I'm looking forward to watching this musical play. Time to check my bucket list after watching this, since this is my first time to watch a Broadway musical.




I can't wait to see you, Angel of Music!