Wednesday, October 31, 2007

New Nic Pics




These were taken in the last week... at West Point and at home. She's good with that broom!

Grandma's Little Helper




Awwww... she sure knows how to use that broom!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Les Miz is Closing.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/112295.html

http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=22514

http://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=555212

That's right... the show's run is coming to an end, and very soon.  Click the link above.

I guess it's time for this limited engagement to end.  What began as a 6 month run turned into what will be a 1 year and 3 month stint.  Not bad, given its initial intentions.  It's been a fun time, and I had a great time in it.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Another 20 Things

Hey... why not keep going?

1.  You're far better off without him.  If you stayed, he would have dragged you straight to hell.

2.  You reek of insincerity and ulterior motives.

3.  It would have been better off if you'd done it sooner... why delay the inevitable?

4.  It could have been you, you know...

5.  I wish I had your life.

6.  You need mouthwash!

7.  You weren't thinking, were you?

8.  Why you gotta be so mean?

9.  Thank goodness you never had children.

10.  Karma bit your ass.  Serves you right.

11.  You know what... I never really liked you.

12.  Just come out of the closet already... who are you trying to kid?  No one's buying your "straight guy" act.

13.  Shut up already... you're just way too loud.

14.  You need deodorant.  Right now.

15.  Stop being such an ass... no one here likes you and you're making it worse.

16.  I don't think you've completely forgiven me, so don't say you have.

17.  All that backbiting will get you nowhere.  You have any idea what other people are saying about you?  If you only knew...

18.  You could have destroyed perfectly good relationships with what you revealed... stop being so stupid and stop pretending to be clueless.

19.  I can't blame her for how she felt about you... if I was her, I'd have seriously maimed you by now.

20.  Be happy and satisfied with what you have... in case you haven't noticed, you are incredibly blessed.  You have no reason to search elsewhere or want more.  For once in your life, do the right thing.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Transition from Yahoo 360

I have way too many blog sites...

You might be noticing a sudden appearance of "oh God where did they come from" blog entries... well, those were my Yahoo 360 blog entries that I'm transfering to Multiply.

It's going to take a while to import my old blog entries from there to here.  After reading an official Yahoo 360 blog entry that they are themselves transitioning into something else, I felt it was time for a change.

Change is gonna come... and change is good.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Concert at Tarrytown Music Hall

Start:     Nov 2, '07 8:00p
Come join me for a night of music. I shall be performing some of my favorite songs to sing. Hope to see you then! For more details, visit http://www.tarrytownmusichall.org.

USMA at West Point Concert

Start:     Oct 26, '07 7:30p
I shall be performing a few selections with the Army Band up at West Point. Should be a fun night for everyone! Please come!

All done

After 7 months and 3 weeks of Fantine, I'm all done... and what a magical afternoon it was. 

I don't think the show ever felt as comfortable and as electrified as it did last night.  From start to finish all of us felt it was a special show, as it was the last one we would ever do with the line-up as it was.  Emotional... raw... energized... I had tears in my eyes for many moments of the show (even in places where I don't ever cry).  I was saying good-bye to a part of my life that was incredibly special, a part of my life that, chances are, I won't experience again.

Fantine was the role of a lifetime thus far in my existence and experience as an actor.  I was never given the opportunity to sink my teeth into anyone like her, to take a journey that was at times terrifying and exhilirating.  I was driven into near obsession... at first just to make sure I wouldn't make a fool of myself on stage, but as things went on, it was to make the audience (hopefully) feel something real.  I've read amateur as well as professional reviews of my performance, and I took each one as a benchmark for how I was doing at any given week, and how much else I could do.  Thank you for posting your opinions... you have no idea how much you shaped my performances.  It kept me humble, grounded and sane.

Now, to quote the good-bye card of another cast member that recently left Les Miz, onward and upward.  My own life's adventures continue, and who knows where my path will take me.  All I know is that it'll be an exciting ride, and one I hope you all take with me.

To everyone that came to see Les MIz during my run, many many thanks for supporting me and the rest of the company.  It means a lot to us -- both the old timers and those making their Broadway debuts -- that you came to see our show.  It's one that we love doing every night, and one we hope you love as well.

Till next time!  See you at the stage door!

All done

After 7 months and 3 weeks of Fantine, I'm all done... and what a magical afternoon it was. 

I don't think the show ever felt as comfortable and as electrified as it did last night.  From start to finish all of us felt it was a special show, as it was the last one we would ever do with the line-up as it was.  Emotional... raw... energized... I had tears in my eyes for many moments of the show (even in places where I don't ever cry).  I was saying good-bye to a part of my life that was incredibly special, a part of my life that, chances are, I won't experience again.

Fantine was the role of a lifetime thus far in my existence and experience as an actor.  I was never given the opportunity to sink my teeth into anyone like her, to take a journey that was at times terrifying and exhilirating.  I was driven into near obsession... at first just to make sure I wouldn't make a fool of myself on stage, but as things went on, it was to make the audience (hopefully) feel something real.  I've read amateur as well as professional reviews of my performance, and I took each one as a benchmark for how I was doing at any given week, and how much else I could do.  Thank you for posting your opinions... you have no idea how much you shaped my performances.  It kept me humble, grounded and sane.

Now, to quote the good-bye card of another cast member that recently left Les Miz, onward and upward.  My own life's adventures continue, and who knows where my path will take me.  All I know is that it'll be an exciting ride, and one I hope you all take with me.

To everyone that came to see Les MIz during my run, many many thanks for supporting me and the rest of the company.  It means a lot to us -- both the old timers and those making their Broadway debuts -- that you came to see our show.  It's one that we love doing every night, and one we hope you love as well.

Till next time!  See you at the stage door!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

20 Things

Thank you, Gabe, for your list... now it's time for me to make my own.

The rules are simple: List (20) things you want to say to 20 people but know you never will. Don't say who they are.

1.  Mark my words, one day you'll be found out, and people will see who and what you really are.

2.  What's happening to you isn't karma... God isn't punishing you for your past.

3.  Get over it and quickly... so what if he said that about you?  I know you to be better than that, and better than him.

4.  Your life now is just reward for standing up to everyone who wanted to keep you down.  You are truly blessed, and I am too for having you in my life.

5.  The world does not revolve around you.  I love you, but for the love of God, grow up.

6.  Yes, what happened was indeed your fault.  Stop pointing fingers, it won't land you your next job.

7.  I don't care what anyone else says about you... if it has nothing to do with you and me, then it's all irrelevant.

8.  You are a brave one... truly, truly a brave one.

9.  Is there sadness behind that gregarious exterior?  I've never seen you upset, ever.

10.  I'll smile around you, but I'll never ever trust you.  After what you've done to me, can you blame me?

11.  What you did was unforgivable, but I love you anyway.

12.  I wish I got to know you better, beyond what I found annoying.

13.  God was wise for placing you in my path, at a time when I needed someone like you the most.

14.  You're the biggest asshole that ever walked the earth.

15.  Your strength amazes me... and will inspire me forever.

16.  It might be time to step down... they are ready.

17.  Don't worry... the right one will come, and you will know when it does.

18.  Put yourself out there... you're better than you think.

19.  For what I did to you, I shall always be sorry.  I know you've forgiven me, but I don't know that I've completely forgiven me.

20.  I'm really happy for you.  I hope you're happy too.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Tag!!!

-Each blogger must post these rules first.
-Each blogger starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
-At the end of your blog, you need to list the names of 8 other people you chose to tag.
-Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them to read your blog and that they're tagged.

1.  I'm a first class slob, not really caring if my room is clean and the bed made.  However, my dressing room is another story.  Make-up needs to be arranged in the order I put it on, brushes lined up to the right, costumes hung in the order they are worn in a show, and everything else I need in neat clumps within my reach.

2.  I like the taste of liver, not including foie gras.

3.  I was a piano scholar at the UP Conservatory of Music, but stopped because I got bored and unmotivated.  I regret not pushing on, as it actually was fun for a while to play classical music.

4.  I play video games until the sun rises.  Right now, it's Bioshock for Xbox 360.

5.  I have the patience of a saint with teaching someone, but am impatient when I'm learning something.

6.  When focusing on work, the world disappears... I don't hear anyone or anything around me.

7.  I've danced with Ballet Philippines at the CCP.  I was only 8 years old.

8.  My power color is red, which is why I normally end my shows wearing this.

This blog entry has been made visible only to you 8.  Tag!  Have fun!

Getting burned

As much as I love my job, there are things about the industry that make me want to quit.  Over the last many months, the things I'd hear or see or experience through the eyes of people I care about infuriate me to the point of tears.  It makes me question human nature and reel in shock over what the powers-that-be are capable of. 

To paraphrase a Filipino adage, the fly atop a carabao's head thinks he's bigger than the carabao on which he rides.

I thought that after 30 years, things like that wouldn't shock me, that I'd be able to just shrug my shoulders and say, "That's showbiz!  Get used to it!"  However, there are still things that get to me.  Especially when they happen to people that don't deserve it.

Eh, I shouldn't be surprised.  I've seen understudies stripped of their duty... principals fired after 2 months of performing their parts... understudies' performances taken from them after they were promised a particular show... an offer made, then taken back 24 hours later... leaves of absence granted to some cast members and not to others... an actor told that because of his particular look, type or stature, he won't go on often for the part he covers.

I've heard racist comments from company managers... backbiting among company members...

I've felt that gnawing feeling on the back of my neck when I hear that someone from my own team demoralizes me to others in the same show.

Bullshit.  All of it.  Bull-f***ing-shit.

And in spite of all of those things I've seen, felt and heard, I'm still around, 30 years and going.  Because I love the work I do and many of the people I've met and worked with, I keep on.

Chances are, I'll see more bullshit as I go on... and chances are, they won't stop me from doing what I love most.

A really cool survey

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
Globe Telecom, because I'm currently roaming.  Ouch!

2. Where's the best place to eat a romantic dinner?

Old Manila (Manila Peninsula).  Rob and I went there for our most recent wedding anniversary, and the food was incredibly delicious.  We shall most definitely return!

3. Last time you puked from drinking?
TND Party at the Leonor Compound... may demonyong nag-alok sa akin ng Jaegermeister.  Nampucha talaga.

4. Have you ever gotten drunk and danced on a bar?
Oh dear, no.

5. Name of your first grade teacher?
Miss Mary Tabaquero and Mrs. Lillian Rivera.  They were great!

6. What are you doing right now?
You mean besides answering these questions?  Winding down from a night at work.

7. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a psychiatrist from when I was 9.  I like being an actor and singer much better.

8. How many colleges did you attend?
Ateneo de Manila (didn't finish) and Fordham University (for a few classes).  Yes, I like Jesuit schools.

9. Why did you get the shirt that you have on right now?
Because it's comfortable and reminds me of my husband.  I sleep in his large t-shirts... on me they look like nightshirts.

10. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you where would you go?
Oh I don't know!  Anywhere quiet and peaceful, and I'd take my daughter and husband with me (of course!!!).

11. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
It didn't go off this morning; I let myself sleep in when I have only 1 show to do.

12. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
It'll all be better tomorrow... it always is...

13. Favorite style of underwear?
Low waist bikini

14. Favorite style of underwear for the opposite sex?
Boxer briefs.

--------------------------------------------------

1. What is your opinion on sex without emotional commitment?
It's fine as long as neither party is already in a committed relationship.  But I have to say, sex with someone you really love, respect and think the world of is better than any other type of sex known to man.  Better than anything those pornstars can dish out.  Seriously.


2. Do you bite your nails?
Nope.

3. Are you a jealous person?
I'm jealous and wrathful of any woman that dares get too close to my man.  That's all I'm gonna say.  But generally, no.  I'm not covetous of possessions, physical attributes, or friends.

4. Are you allergic to anything?
Only certain foods, and to certain cosmetics when I'm pregnant.  Oh, and to Flanax, aspirin and any other pain reliever that isn't Tylenol/Biogesic.

5. What books, if any, have made you cry?
The Notebook.  I bawled like a baby.  That, and Tuesdays with Morrie.

6. Does it get annoying when somebody says they'll call you, but doesn't?
No, not really.  I don't care either way.

7. What is your favorite simple ice-cream flavor?
Haagen Dasz's strawberry... anything Ben & Jerry's (Oreo Cookie is yummy).

8. Whose car were you in last...?
The car service that drops me home every night.

9. What would you rather be doing right now?
Spooning.

10. What song lyrics, if any, are stuck in your head at the moment?
None.  Fortunately.  I hate "last song syndrome".

11. What will you dress up as for Halloween?
I won't be... I've been in costume everyday for the last 8 months.  But my daughter will be a black cat.

12. What is your favorite TV show?
Heroes, Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters.

13. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex?
Opposite sex.  I don't feel that sense of competition with men.  Having said that I have some really fantastic women best friends.

14. Can others make you cry easily?
It depends on the time of month.

15. Who was the last person to piss you off?
Let's not go there, lest you want me to get homicidal.

16. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
Very.

17. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages?
I used to, but when I stopped that's when I started losing weight.

18. If you could be any type of fruit, what would you be?
Durian.  Only the brave would venture anywhere near it to enjoy it.  Heck, not even I would!

19. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
3 to 4... just to function.

20. When was the last time you slept on the floor?
Does a mattress on the floor count?  If so, on my last holiday in Manila in August.

21. Have you ever been attracted to someone, but not physically?
No.  Attraction involves the physical as well as the mental and emotional.

22. What are some things that are needed in a relationship?
Tons of respect.  Without that, the relationship will cease to work.

23. Do you like traveling?
I like it enough to do it.  I don't love it necessarily as I do it so much for work.

24. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos?
Nope.  Sorry.

25. Do you believe the guy should pay on the first date?
Yes.

26. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos?
I want to re-pierce my left earlobe.  It closed up just when I got pregnant.

27. Which do you make: dreams or plans
Both.

28. Can you speak any languages other than English?
Filipino.  But my English is far better.

29. What is your favorite salad dressing?
Ranch, sesame vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette

30. What movies do you know every line to?
None.  That may change once I start watching Disney movies with my daughter.

31. Has anyone told you a secret this week?
Nope.

32. Have you told someone else that secret?
N/A.  But I'm generally a great secret-keeper.

33. Would you rather take the picture or be in it?
I'd rather take them, as I'm in photos a lot for work.

34. Do you wear flip-flops?
When the weather's warm, I live in them.

35. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Any one of these things: pepperoni pizza, mildly spicy squid with string beans, tuyo, fried eggs and garlic rice, foie gras, rib-eye steak with creamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes, pasta of any kind with pesto.

36. What's the sweetest thing someone has done for you?
My daughter giving me a hug, anytime she does.  She pats my back too, which makes me giggle.  She's a sweet little girl.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

October 17, 2007 - I...Am...Fucking...Upset

I am not having a good afternoon. (Yes, the show is still ongoing, I'm already in my dressing room blogging via my Treo.)

Not too long ago I found out that the Valjean that was scheduled to perform tonight has been told that he won't be going on. Our Javert is sick and our Marius has a personal day, which means the men's ensemble would have to cover for all the missing spots as understudies would have to perform. There would be only one extra hole to fill, which the boys have done before.

I'm upset because Jeff (our Valjean cover) invited industry people as well as friends to watch his portrayal. I'm upset because said invitees won't be able to watch him on any other day and can't get their tickets refunded. I'm upset because everyone here was under the impression that those performances were promised to him, and confirmed. I'm upset most of all because we look forward to his being on as Valjean because it happens so few times in a run.

This is one of those times that I hate the industry I'm in, when it steps on and chews up really good people.

I am upset... I am so fucking upset.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

October 17, 2007 - Breathing Room

It's now my last week over at Les Miserables, which means that I can now expect the number of Filipino audience members to rise at every performance. It's great, to be sure, but I have this sense of dread when it comes to the post-show stage door situation.

Last night, after the performance, I have a Sharpie in my hand prepared to sign autographs behind the police barricades set up by the Broadhurst to keep the actors safe and the fans at a safe enough distance. The barrier was successful in keeping a wide enough berth for us to sign happily enough, but once I got to the far end, I found myself surrounded, flash bulbs in my eyes and screaming and screeching in my ears. My personal space was invaded... people were way too close to me... I felt claustrophobic. I voiced my feelings, and thankfully, people gave me enough space to continue until the last autograph was signed, and the last picture taken.

But for a few moments on the sidewalk near the stage door of the Broadhurst, I found it hard to breathe.

Yes, I do realize that it's part of my job... yes, I do know that there are other performers that get it much worse... yes I do have to exercise patience and much understanding. My mother constantly reminds me of this... it is these people that enable me to do the work I love to do.

In this life, there will be moments when the world seems to just come at you from all sides... when you don't know which way to look... when things get so overwhelming you just want to drop to the floor and cry. Asking for some space to breathe when that happens is never a bad thing, and perhaps you get exactly what you ask for: a little room to get things done.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

*** UPDATE: THE SHOWS WILL GO ON THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 15 ***

Thank God.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/111897.html

I'm relieved that I'm going to have my last 8 shows intact and without a threat of a lockout.  However, that's no guarantee that a lockout or a strike won't happen at all, and yes, I'm still worried even though I won't be in the show anymore.

I'm hoping that reasonable heads will rule the day, and a fair contract agreed upon very soon.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

*** UPDATE ***

No strike today... I'm in my dressing room getting ready for the long day ahead. Supposedly, if anything is to happen, it'll happen tomorrow.

Stay tuned.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Will Broadway go dark today?

Before I continue, here are some links... they are a read of considerable concern for all those working on Broadway, and the audiences on their way in to see shows:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/10/nyregion/10bway.html?ref=arts

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/111755.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0tX1Dl__4mA

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117973753.html?categoryid=15&cs=1

Needless to say, I'm worried.

Last night, I arrived at the theatre not knowing if we were going to perform or not, and the last bit of news I heard was that it was very possible that a lockout could take place, effectively shutting out everyone that's reponsible for putting on a show every night: cast, musicians, wardrobe people, and the stagehands.  The stagehands are members of IATSE Local 1, and are currently in contract negotiations with the League of American Theaters and Producers.

At the moment we're going day to day... we don't know if we're going to have a performance today... we don't know if we're going to be allowed in the theatre or not.  We don't know what the rest of the week will hold if a lockout takes place.  I had to take home my more important personal items from my dressing room, just in case.

Keep your fingers crossed that the curtains rise on all the Broadway shows that fall under the League.  No one wants to see Broadway go dark.

Monday, October 8, 2007

More Comings and Goings...

There's a lot going on as far as people coming into the show and leaving, so here goes:

- Ivan Rutherford will be taking over the role of Valjean in the two weeks of performances between Drew Sarich's departure and John Owen-Jones' arrival.  Welcome back!

- On October 21, Ali Ewoldt will be leaving the show with me.  Leah Horowitz will be replacing her.  Ann Harada leaves the show October 30.  Jenny Galloway will be returning to the Broadway as Madame T beginning November 1.

- Judy Kuhn is coming in to replace me, and begins performances on October 23.  She rocks.

- Blake Ginther leaves the show October 3, Carlos Encinias will be taking over.

- Marya Grandy departs on October 14.  Christy Faber will be starting that track on October 16.

That's about it for right now.

Saturday, October 6, 2007

October 06, 2007 - Familiarity

As the old adage goes, familiarity breeds contempt. Someone must have gotten pissed off enough by a best friend, family member or lover to have come up with that zinger.

I've always been one to keep just about everyone at arm's length, certain filial relations included. Enough shit has happened in my life that my DNA now includes a "proceed with caution" warning that flashes periodically when I meet new people. Proceed with caution... this person may just f*** you up later. Happened to people I love, I've witnessed; could also happen to me.

Yes I've been described as transparent by people closest to me as I don't hide my emotions of the moment. Whatever pops in my head will come out of my mouth... sometimes my brain will be bypassed completely. However, there will always be parts of me that will remain inaccessible to the world because I don't want to get hurt. In case you didn't know, getting hurt sucks ass.

Familiarity runs both ways, however, and I don't like getting too, too familiar either. My knowing too much... the dirty little secrets I wasn't supposed to hear... the dark truths that should never be seen by my daylight... that screws me up too. I don't know why that is, it just is I guess.

So everyone I know, knows me only so much... only to a certain point... hanggang diyan ka lang. And everyone I know, I know only so much.

No exceptions... no special considerations. It's not about wanting to keep an air of mystery, it's all about staying safe.

And happy.

Friday, October 5, 2007

October 04, 2007 - Again

Nic said "again" yesterday for the first time. I am constantly amazed by my little girl.

And yeah, she loves... loves... loves to dance.