Zsazsa Zaturnnah

Zsazsa Zaturnnah officially opened it's 8th (?) run last night at the Little Theater of CCP and since ZZZ has been repeatedly restaged proving it's box office draw, I don't think I still need to go over it's merits just to tell you how worth your time this is. Apart from that, this musical is special to me for a whole lot of reasons.

1. This is our very first project and being that we're new to this business, it was a leap of faith for us to go through with it. Thankfully, Ms. Yvette, Tanghalang Pilipino's company manager then helped us every step of the way.

2. Our first sold out show eventually led us to do this another time taking yet another leap with a bigger venue this time,with two Zsazsas and three shows to sell.

3. Through this, I also met Hogi and Zshali who eventually became two of my closest friends. When ZZZ was restaged at the RCBC, our continuous network grew and I met new friends who became my BFFs.

I also got to see Hilary in action which was really fun since I've always imagined that being a DJ is fun work.

4. I also became close to both Minette and Paolo of TP and was constantly invited me to watch their other productions.

5. TP also afforded us to be privy to their rehearsals to give us fresh material to promote the said musical during their RCBC restaging.


6. I was also able to meet a couple of other showbuyers who were a delight to talk to.


7. I was also able to meet the cast and staff of ZZZ and was able to see the dedication and the passion that they have for their craft. I admired them for being able to do what they love to do.


8. Most important of all is that this experience have made my friendship with the people who decided to take the leap with me stronger.


To everyone who will be watching ZZZ this run, enjoy! 

Birthday Gift?

I know a lot of people, me included, who will be celebrating their birthdays in the next few weeks. It's the season of birthdays! Top of my head, I count at least 16 of us. I bet that the same is true for you. And if thinking of what to give them is already giving you a headache, think no more!

give the

GIFT OF ZATURNNAH!
(Audio CD, Video CD, DVD, Comic book, and of course TICKETS!)

(photo taken from www.zaturnnah.com)

Happy Birthday to Glenn, Penny, Jel Gueco, Zee, My Mom, Sis Cleo, Liza, Fritz, Clarice, Oliver, Dmac, King, Nicole, Obie, Jeremy, and Myles!

A little bit of nostalgia, coffee, and other random things

We were at Salcedo Park last night. I was pleasantly surprised when my friend took me there because I didn't know that such a sanctuary existed in the middle of Makati. Makati is all too confusing for me. Glorietta, Greenbelt and the Sykes sites are the only places that I get to explore in the financial capital of the Metro.

Because of the lenten season, there were not a lot of vehicles passing through and it added to the serenity of the place. The weather also participated as our stay was accentuated by a cool night breeze. As one chinese passerby commented "it's like being in Singapore" while pointing to his surroundings. I also took a look around and apart from being surrounded by high rise residential condominums and tall trees, the crowd in the park was a mix of different races. Apart from us, only a handful were Filipino.

By the way, I also saw two celebrities walking their cute little puppy. My friend was trying to recall who they were when I gladly volunteered their names, "Si Calvin Millado yan at si Dale Villar". As it turns out, I was wrong. Parehas na mali. It was Jeffrey Hidalgo and William Thio. I was confused. For the longest time, I thought Calvin and Jeffrey were one and the same. Hahaha. Don't ask me to explain why I didn't factor in the fact that they have different names.

Afterwards, we headed over to Petron Belair to have coffee at Gloria Jeans. Because of their quirky menu, it remains to be one of my favorite coffee places. Nevermind if I always feel that there's always an ingredient missing in any of their coffee concoctions. One time, I ordered their chocolate strawberry drink. When I got my order, the strawberry flavor was very weak, it feels as if it has been washed down with water. Last night, I ordered their Very Vanilla drink and not a hint of vanilla did I taste. Oh well.

On the way back, we passed by Somerset Salcedo, owned by Ascott Group. The very same company where I had my panel interview in Singapore. The logo invoked a lot of memories that made me want to go back. Nostalgia. My friends have been telling me to go to Hong Kong if I intend to have a vacation but I'm not looking to be all touristy. Apart from Park Lane and Tsim Sa Tsui, I'm completely at a loss if I go to Hong Kong. I want the feel of something familiar. I guess I'll decide after the 5th run of Zsazsa. Hoping for it's success so I can decide on the affirmative. Glenn and Em-J! Lets!

Big Hello

Last week, I got to catch up on what's happening with some of my old friends. Colleagues from previous companies that I used to work for. Some news nice, some downright horrible.

Last week I said hello to Rahyan Carlos, my previous teammate. We both used to work for ABS-CBN as creative researchers. He is now a successful film director. I found out that he has a couple of films up his sleeve.

Last week I said hello to Mylene Quintana. She used to be my EP for Gimik before becoming our Operations Manager. I asked her for a favor if we can have posters of Zsazsa Zaturnnah displayed at the TV Production area over at ABS and she gladly agreed. Yay!

Last week I said hello to Tin Banzon. My first teammate at Etel. Wave 9, Team Hotel. She is still working for the same ad agency. She was also surprised to find out that I'm still with Sykes. She gave me the number of my favorite funny friend, Russel Gatbunton. Hello chief!

Last week I said hello to Rhea Acena. A friend from RMH. I'm glad to find out that she's already a quality associate for a new call center. I miss her infectious laugh and of course her sandwiches.

Last week I said hello to my Aunt. I haven't had a chance to talk to her for the longest time. Good luck on the show that you're producing. Too bad it coincides with the Zsazsa run but will be sure to support it.

Last week I said hello to Abby Umali, another friend from ABS. I asked her for Ricky Lee's number. The nicest yet scariest boss ever. Unfortunately, she no longer has contact as well.

Last week I said hello to Jencarps, I never really lost contact with her being that she's my constant IM mate. She told me a shocking news. A colleague who worked at HSBC Alabang passed away because of a horrible accident. He got hit by a drunk driver while he was crossing the street. Something that you never really expect to happen to someone you know. A weird way to end this post but this news still leaves me in shock.