CATS THE MUSICAL in Manila!!

I knew I shouldn't miss Cats, the second longest-running musical in Broadway history, next to Phantom of the Opera at that. Prior, I wanted to see it because it sounded that big and critiques are making a fuss about it. And so I beat the odds and went to see it on its last day. 

 outside CCP

I bought a ticket a day before, that was Saturday of last week. I knew that was my last chance and wouldn't want to let it slip me by. On a frustrating note, Orchestra tickets were sold half the price three days before I got mine. It is always, always a must to monitor ticket price for good seats of steal deal!

I got in Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on time. The musical went, I was watching and was enjoying the first few minutes and just like most people who came, I wanted to see Lea Salonga.

My enthusiasm to see her perform on stage when I heard that Cats will be shown here was rather banal. I would still want to see it even if it wasn't Lea Salonga. But then again, it became a totally different story as days numbered --I found myself fancying to see the Lea Salonga.

Towards the end of the first act, she came out and sang a part of Memory which was really short. Then came the second half which I enjoyed the more. The second half was far way colorful than the first. And again, new cats were introduced from time to time and it was entertaining to know about each cat through worthy of LSS songs which played on my mind even after the show!

Lea Salonga played Grizabella, a Glamour Cat who lost her clout and shine and now a shabby grey cat yearning acceptance from the rest of Jellicle Cats. 

The song Memory tells her story, relieving her glamour days in mind. Let me quote the known lines:

....Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again....  

Macavity the Mystery Cat left a mark in my mind. I couldn't remember how he looks, thus, his name stuck to my head. I wonder why, was it the song used to introduced him?

 My favorite cat of them all is Magical Mr. Mistoffelees!!!!!  

WHICH MADE ME REMEMBER: Too bad, I didn't see Les Miserables and Cinderella from years ago! Anyhoo, I wonder what's next! :)

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"We are handed lemons, turn those lemons into millions!"

I've been stressing, time long past, that I would rather see a movie than read a book which still holds true for the most part. Not until I read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad". I brought it to work and finished it for three days, that is, during idle hours to keep me sane. Waiting for the clock to strike six is real tough! 

A year and a half ago, my Chinese co-intern kept bugging me to read the book. He also kept on advising to take basic accounting and finance classes for he is in full conviction sure that those short courses shall equip me. Pride is in work, I heard him but I did not listen. In my mind was the thought that I suck in numbers and there is no reason to learn accounting, finance, and other more that has something to do with numerical studies. That is why I took up behavioral studies, I argued within.

Just recently though, I don't know what the wind blew in and the cats dragged in. I suddenly wanted to read the book. The first few pages are already loaded with motivational points, more like, simple yet well-stated arguments so I didn't stop 'til I finished.

I don't want to spill everything off but as I read the book, the disparity between how lower class and middle class men as opposed to how rich people think struck me most. I was reminded of what dad kept on telling us: to work not for money but for experience. And as I write the succeeding of this entry, I will quote and rephrase points I learned from the book.

I dreamt of working in a magazine company. I got in an OJT post for advertising but I wanted to be in editorial and so when I was about to start, I quit. I even waited for the opportunity for months. I was amazed at the office the moment I stepped in. I saw lots of Olay freebies and magazines for read in the reception area. I don't know if those things make you giddy but as for me, they do. But then again, I didn't welcome the advertising opportunity because I was too blinded or focused (as to sound positive, hee) on my editorial aspiration.  Don't get me wrong, it was nothing big or worth bragging about as much as it sounds. Again, it was for an on-the-job training --no monetarial gain but of good training and experience, I suppose. I consider it neither a wrong decision nor a good one. It was merely a decision. A decision which left what ifs. To think, I wasn't productive for months; I plainly slacked off at home. 

Secondly, Dad was too positive to see that when I worked for my day old job it made me wake up really early; I began to muster a good habit. But then, I didn't see that and was too focused to be on a career I want and so I quit again. I am not regretful on this one, though. ;-)

Again, my point is to work not for money but for experience. If you're reading this and you're still a student, invest on trainings, part-times I consider as such. It is good that we know what we want but isn't it also exciting to do tasks which would challenge you on most part. We are, beyond doubt, heroes at something but cowards at something else. Always welcome challenges. The world is changing but the lessons are still the same, that is, specialize in something and work for money, pay the bills and tax and spend on what is left for you. As to that, resulting to a world filled with talented poor people. The book will more like encourage you to make money work for you and to invest even at a very young age. On a note, don't let failure and doubt cripple you. I'm sure those negativism will attack along the way, worst part, even at the beginning. Always be reminded, as pointed out, that unchecked doubt and fear only creates a cynic. Another thing, don't be lazy by staying busy; I'm sure you know what this means. Make sure to analyze before you get into a big thing, nevertheless.   

They say compassion without action is much like abortion. So, I will put into action what I've learned. I shall soon update the store. I haven't updated it since I sold my clothes to friends first since it was the most practical thing to do --I didn't have to take photos, edit them if needed, and upload them. I earned a month worth of wage, by the way. But, I still have some stuff here for a bigger market.

SNEAK PREVIEW of some stuff to sell:

 MNG lace blazer, LAUNDRY tweed, sheer

  florals

 hip prints, stripes, plain, knitted tasseled

All will be available, hopefully, some time soon at reasonable prices at Schmug.

Schmug currently has authentic designer bags for sale --LV (brand new Galleira GM, Monogram Mini Lin Speedy 30) Gucci and Burberry.

LINK TO SCHMUG

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MANILA ART 2010

We went to Manilart10 held at SMX Convention Center last Sunday. We were surrounded by ample works. I, as a result, wasn't able to look into every detail, not even take note whose work one is and so I asked for brochures. 

Amidst the great number of participating galleries, there were a few I got drawn in:

(1) We spent an hour in "Galerie Zimmermann Kratochwill". As much as I find its art dark and gross, I was curious to know the story behind the works and watch the GORE video. I was not able to ask the gallery attendant about it, but he was too nice to hand me a biographical and narrative catalog. 

  Please excuse! WHYYYYY!?!!!

(2) Mixed media paintings of charade by Leo Velasco attracted viewers. It was far way different from others since he tried to spell out what he wanted to say literally. 

Everybody's trying to solve them. The first one's quite easy. The longer one's a challenge. I, therefore, leave the puzzle to you. ;p

TRY to solve this.

(3) Most salable cartoon in paintings: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. ADORBS.

 1 Mickey, 1 Baby Mickey, 2 Minnie women

There are THREE HIDDEN MICKEYS! Lol. Too much Disney Channel when I was young. Sorry. ;p 

(4) Those painted/crafted wooden cross in discarded wine boxes by Valeria Cavestany of Manila Contemporary. Just because I'm drawn to cross and bows these days.

 

(5) Modern art catches my attention --digital art as part of it. My interest stops there, though. I uttered WOW a couple of times, but that's just it, plainly an initial reaction to a glance. I am still a fan of established artists. I would still invest on a Malang, I really like Betsy Westendorp, Joel Mahilum, Michael Cacnio, Dante Hipolito's Hyper-Realism, and most artists carried by Galerie Joaquin, Village Art Gallery, and Art Circle Gallery and be hanged on my home's wall. I value aesthetically pleasing pieces, I guess. I think when it comes to Contemporary Art the idea counts a lot more than anything else.

Malang

Michael Cacnio's brass

Dominic Rubio's (contemporary artist too? I like his paintings!!)

Arturo Luz and hmmm, I have yet to research

(6) I liked MM Yu of Manila Contemporary concept of capturing Pinoy cultural signifiers we see almost anywhere. The concept of photographic seeing in the shots is in work, indeed. 

 YES, BAWAL

MASK THAT FACE

(7) FAVORITE from all the new ones (from all the artist I ain't aware of) I saw!

I appreciate events of whatever kind for I bring home knowledge and inferences I contemplate on and impart to other people. 

At the end of it all, learning is made entrancing when entered into discourse no matter how clashing the taste and outputs may be.  

Collage summary.
That's all, folks.

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