Thursday, December 17, 2009

Sweeney Todd

I meant to write about this last Sunday but like these past few days, I couldn't bring myself to. There have been some stuff going on that kept me off posting and luckily, my memory of the play had finally broken the spell.

Three hours. That's how long it took for Repertory Philippines to sing the story of Sweeney Todd at Greenbelt 1 last Sunday. Not that I'm complaining.

I admit that as one who was not familiar with the story or the repertoire, I had a hard time warming up to the play because I couldn't understand the songs. Eventually though, I got the drift and ultimately found the play a show of outstanding theatrical talents. Also thought that whoever created the play had a touch of genius. I loved the twists.


One particular actress stood out - the villainess Mrs. Lovett. Her voice, whether she sings or talks was able to convey distinct emotions. Her singing was of course impeccable and her acting nothing but effective. There was only one other theater antagonist who really impressed me, and this was years back when she played the Witch in a Narnia production. It was only after a google search that I learned that Mrs. Lovett and the Witch were portrayed by the same actress: Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Ah, consistent.

It was a jampacked performance, made more special by live music from the Philharmonic Orchestra commanded by the revered Gerard Salonga.

I had another fun night with my friends and this was what made the experience most special.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Yes, We Ran!

I once said that I would have nothing to do with marathons, runs, fun runs or however they call it these days. I'm not fond of jogging and see no point in running (why not just dance, or walk?).

But today, I ate my words. They tasted good.


After a series of refusals (and excuses), I finally gave in to a friend's persistent invites, and found myself in a 5k run today. I did not really know what I was thinking accepting it, especially in the middle of the run when I felt like I had to drag my legs to keep going and protect my self-esteem. But think, I did, all through the run.

Was I going to finish it? Would I be condemned if I quit halfway through? How far away was I from the last runner? (I kept looking back, hehe; never thought of acing it but didn't want to be last). Which other runner should be my benchmark?

Fortunately, I saw the final mark and crossed the finish line in a performance that my friends call "not bad" for a first-timer. ;)

Beyond saving face, though, there was more to the run than just finishing it. There was fun, laughter, talk, ideas, learning, and above all, friendship.