Very Merry Month

The merry month of May was made merrier by the visit of two special people to our home. It is very rare that I get a visit from anyone in the Philippines so to get two in a month is such a treat!

First, my friend Sheila Francisco dropped by after her NY visit en route to San Francisco. It was a short three-day visit, but like a typhoon touchdown - very memorable. Those of you who know Sheila know much of a riot she is to have around. Even our pup, Katy could not leave her alone. She even kept Sheila company in the guest room for a couple of nights. Thanks for taking the time, my friend. We'll see you in London!!!

Our second visitor was my dear niece, Trixie. She spent almost a week with us, which was good because we got the chance to get to know each other better and have some bonding time. I was too busy balancing two careers when she was growing up, so I really didn't see her much except for the infrequent clan get-togethers. I had such a nice time just getting to know this well-adjusted young lady whom I last saw only as a teen five years ago during my last visit to Manila. We had a true meeting of minds, from one adult to another. I got to know her joys, angsts and I must say I really like the woman she has become. I am very proud to be able to call her my niece.

It's always a treat for me to see family and friends from back home. It gives me a sense of connection to the things that are happening there. They bring a piece of home to me.

Blonde and Purple

This month has been a flurry of activities and I haven't found the time to really unwind and just blog ever since that weekend my friends and I had in New York.

Lito Villareal, Sheila Francisco and I spent the time just eating, catching up, discussing their upcoming auditions and watching shows. We caught the matinee of Legally Blonde the Musical on their opening week and all I can say is "Omigod, you guys!" We did nothing but laugh during the show, and those of you who know this trio know how we can laugh. Starting from that funny opening number in the sorority house, I sat there in disbelief that someone actually penned an entire song called Omigod, You Guys - we were carried through the surreal story of Elle Woods ending up as a Harvard Valedictorian with flawless choreography, witty writing, incredible singing voices, solid ensemble, and two heart-melting dog actors.

Our next stop was the evening performance of The Color Purple, headlined by Fantasia. We were able to get first row seats and were treated to one of the greatest displays of vocal prowess upclose. Fantasia is a natural. Some train all their lives to be on Broadway stage. This is her Broadway debut and she just nails it. She headlined the show with the same passion that won her American Idol, and the support cast rose up to the ocassion and matched her emotion per emotion, note per note. There was not a dry eye in the audience from beginning to end as the show felt more like a religious experience than anything.

I left New York the next day wishing Lito and Sheila well on both their auditions and hoping that one day, I'll be back to watch their opening nights.

Can't Wait

Tomorrow, I'm taking the early train to New York city to meet up with two close friends. It's been a very long while since the three of us were all in one place. I can't count how many shows and other kinds of gigs Sheila Francisco, Lito Villareal and I did together through the years, but there's nothing like doing something you love with people that you really enjoy being with. It forms a bond that remains unbroken by time and distance. So tomorrow, amidst New York city's background noise will be heard the same guffaws and laughter that regaled our Trumpets theatre family in Manila many years ago.

I just can't wait!!!

Girls Will Be Girls

One of our big bosses dropped by our offices yesterday for some meetings. This man, in his 50s, is the epitome of a Southern gentleman - tall, fit, handsome, confident, intelligent and just emanating charm. He made sure he greeted everyone in each work area he passed. One young grandmother, who's been with the company forever, greeted him and he gave her a fond kiss on the cheek. She blushed and positively glowed. She then asks me shyly if he was going to hang around our floor as she didn't want to risk him walking by her desk as she ate her lunch. I thought it was adorable how a nice, elderly lady still felt like a little schoolgirl beside an irresistible man. I teased her and asked her if she swooned, she said, "Did I ever!"

In the townhall meeting, I observed how he had the same effect on most of the women that he would talk to. Try as they may to hide it, one could not ignore the little girl smiles that they wore after. I even heard a giggle escape a few times. It's fascinating how a worldly, sophisticated man can turn even polished women to mush with the proper attention. It was very amusing to watch!