18 for ‘18
2018 isn’t my favorite year. It felt like I was walking a tight rope — just when you think you have your balance, suddenly you’re about to fall. I actually have another wrap-up in the works, but it’s kinda… painful? Though in the future, if I were to look back on this odd year, I’d like to remember some of the good stuff too. So here’s a few of them (if 18 is a few)…
Reminders for Arsenic and Old Lace. Every night, Dingdong and I would get onstage to remind everybody to turn off their cellphones under threat of death. Too much? We never did it the same way every night — part comedy, part improv, part forgetfulness. So what would’ve been your usual mundane reminder became something all too funny. (And then we’d reatreat to our introverted selves in the dressing room. I loved that dressing room.)
La Union. One small bathroom. Three close friends just got closer. TMI, but our friendship definitely leveled up when one of us took a shower while the other took a shit — and this happened in a chain. Mara, Toby, you need to know I love you guys… in case you didn’t already know that. And that whole trip, fun and crazy, was just one stamp on what’s proven to be something for keeps.
Hearing the applause for “Out There.” No secret every performer wants to hear it. Somehow, this one sounded and felt different. For our recital at the Music School this year, I performed Hunchback’s big song. I let myself be vulnerable to it… and it came back in waves I can’t explain. Granted it wasn’t perfect, but still, it was magical. Also, a father approached me after the show and said he cried when Miah and I sang “If I Never Knew You.” That was heartwarming.
Cinco de Mayo in Poblacion. If I remembered this better, I’d give you more details. All I know is that it was a great night out, and we were literally dancing in the streets.
I went on this great first date this year. Not that I’ve ever had horrible ones, but this was something else. I think it’s sort of guaranteed if Armi Millare is serenading you. She’s kind of my lucky charm. Granted nothing came out of it. But damn, if I were ever my most charming self, that would have been it.
Raiding during the Chikorita community day. I didn’t think the Pokemon Go community was so alive until I saw the streets of Eastwood filled to the gutters with people! Truthfully, this game has been keeping me sane the whole year. And I guess I got more obsessed what with Markki asking for a trade almost every day during rehearsals. Ha!
Side Show curtain call. Specifically, premiere night when Gab Pangilinan took her bow… it put tears in my eyes. I was just so proud of her. Having seen her first in blueREP, then watching her work her way up to this role — which she clearly owned — I just felt a sense of pride. Not to say that I’m one of her closest or dearest friends, but iba eh. Knowing she was finally getting the spotlight she deserved made me feel so happy. And doing this together with Kayla Rivera, one of the nicest humans on earth, it was just such a beautiful sight to behold.
Preview night of Side Show, when we finally finished “Ready to Play.” That choreo, oh Lord. I know it wasn’t perfect, but I was just so proud of myself and every one of us in the male ensemble. We aren’t exactly the strongest dancers, but damn, we made that work. And I have to thank Tita Cecille and Teetin for being so patient (with me) while we were learning. I was scared as hell we wouldn’t make it, but we did. One review called us “a superb five-man, jazz-dance ensemble.” I’m too embarrassed to accept such a superlative but grateful all the same.
Managing two 4.0s in one term of grad school. Please don’t ask me how or why, but it happened. And during Side Show, nonetheless. Maybe difficult choreography helps distract from the tediousness of studying?
“New Year’s Eve” of Side Show. As the closeted jealous lover, I had a bit of something to do (even without lines). That some people were actually following me in the background was a treat.
On top of all the things I’ve been busy with, I also sold tickets to four shows this year: Himala, Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!, A Doll’s House, part 2, and Waitress. And… three of them were sold out! Hooray! (While you’re here… I’m selling tickets to Ang Huling El Bimbo for Mar 8, 8pm. Hit me up!)
My ninety-year-old grandmother has been in and out of the hospital this year. One evening, I came to visit her, but she was asleep. So after keeping her company for a bit, I held her hand to say goodbye. She woke up for a second and went back to sleep. I didn’t think much of it, but days later, she told my titas that she fondly remembers and appreciates it. I love you, Mama. Keep strong!
Stage business during Waitress. You never really hear any of what we’re saying, but there’s just so much going on that we’ve all formed our own inside jokes. Take for example this short moment with my lovely Momma Bito… I used to come into the scene asking for coffee for my hangover— give it a bit of flavor, you know? But when that got tired, I started pointing out the whipped cream on her cheek. It was salty, not sweet. ;)
Every night during Waitress, I’d sit myself down on the floor in the left wing of the stage. All alone and vulnerable, I’d listen to the Joanna Ampil belt out “She Used to Be Mine.” You don’t know what that does for the soul. I have the best seat in the house, seeing it all happen up close… it’s like the words cut deeper. And when she struggles through “When she’s bruised and gets used,” I hold a breath. That’s golden.
There was a certain moment during Waitress when Jill, Luigi and I got closer. I can’t pin it down to one specific event, but through it, our Pie Trinity was born. Sugar, butter, flour, indeed.
When we finally finished choreographing “Awit ng Kabataan.” So I came back to direct/choreograph/vocal coach (and not to mention, write for) Xavier’s theater club — if only for December. This was one of the tougher numbers to do, so watching the kids barrel through it was a blast… everyone was panting right after. I’m mighty proud of these kids!
I spontaneously drove myself to Cloud 9, Antipolo. There’s something so relieving about being somewhere cold and with a view. And after yet another breakup and breakdown, I needed it. And wow, did it do wonders.
Board games with my niblings. I’ve settled into the belief that my holidays will never be as magical as they used to be… so I’ve come to take joy in the little moments. Me, a glass of whisky in hand, my almost-teenaged(?!) nephew and niece, and board games. I’ll take it. :)
So here’s to more memories in 2019. Let’s hope they’ll be greater!
