Theatre Journeys with Mary Justine, Ingrid & Corina Lorei

With new to the Kumu platform, I experimented on a talk-show type stream with 3 amazing women as we talked about their theatre journeys. The whole episode was over 3 hours including their songs, so I had to cut and edit it before sharing it in my YouTube Channel so I won't be tagged for copyright issues.

Sharing the episode here with the hope that the younger generation will be able to learn from them. This episode is for those who are into theatre, for those who love theatre, even those who don't like theatre.

More episodes hopefully soon. 

KUMU, The Life-Changing Platform

I have been missing a lot since the pandemic started. One of those I miss most is performing. That's why when my CTC family invited me to join them in KUMU, I immediately observed, then ordered my own sound equipment. Kumu has been a tremendous help for us to keep in touch and keep our sanity intact. We as a family have 3 regular streams every week, and I tried a few times doing a solo stream without video (so it sounded like listening to an FM station with me as DJ & singer), but I still don't have enough confidence to keep doing it.

I hope to grow with CTC in this new platform, and hopefully grow more confident to do solo streams from time to time.

Kumu has also allowed us to meet theatre people from Manila in our streams like the great Mica Fajardo.

Not sponsored (LOL), but THANK YOU, KUMU, for everything.

Lift Up Your Hands

Sharing this beautiful song from Cecille Azarcon. 

May we all have a blessed Holy Week, friends! 

The DC Trinity

With the success of Zack Snyder's Justice League, I look back at the photos I took of the DC Trinity a long time ago in one of our rare Toy Conventions here in Cebu City.

Production is Postponed For Now

We just got the news that Annie is postponed indefinitely, depending on the improvement of the current situation we're in. I am sad because I so miss live theatre, I am relieved because it's so difficult to focus on theatre during these times, and I am also sad (again) because they said that workshops will continue online. That has been a very big problem for me, but I have to do what I have to do. I can't continue the online workshops for now. Again, I will accept whatever decision they will have for me.

Hoping for the best for everything and everyone.

I Got Promoted, But First...

Last September, I wrote about applying for a promotion for the third and last time, and I got it. It's a welcome blessing, but even before I start my new position, the requirements alone are ridiculous.

Please bear with me as I share the requirements that I need to submit before I can start, and a few rants here and there about it. Let this be a guide also to those who are in government service, and plans to apply for a promotion soon.

Take note, I am entering my 5th year in this government agency, and my 10th year overall in government service. 

The red folder will be submitted to the Civil Service Commission, while the yellow one will be submitted to our regional office.

Now, let's go through some of the.. er.. weirder requirements.

1. Original NSO and Local Birth & Marriage Certificates.

Uhm, the NSO certificates are scanned copies of the Local ones, then printed in special NSO papers with all the security features. Now we have to get 2 copies from NSO and 2 copies from the Local Civil Registrar. 

Fun fact: When I got accepted originally 5 years ago, I submitted these. Now that I am promoted, I am asked to submit the same again. And with the pandemic, it's not easy and cheap to request and claim copies of these docs.

2. Handwritten Application Letter.

C'mon, who would still be writing down a freaking application letter the past decade? 

3. Certification of Eligibility from the Civil Service Commission.

Okay. As mentioned earlier, this will be my 10th year in government service, and my 2nd government agency. I wouldn't be hired in the service if I wasn't civil service eligible in the first place. And I still have my original civil service eligibility from 2001. Now I'm asked to go to the CSC office and request (and pay) for a certification that I an Civil Service eligible. Of course I will comply (I don't have a choice), but I still think this is kinda unnecessary.

Again, I am very much thankful, but I am also human. I'm sorry for the rant, there are just some requirements that are redundant, and seemingly unnecessary, but hey, I can rant all I want but at the end of the day, I must and I will comply.

Missing Face to Face Theatre

I have not been really active with theatre the past couple of years (before the lockdowns) as much as I would've wanted. I was offered a role in Panagtipon 2020 (Panagtipon 2019 was one of my most enjoyable theatre experience) and I loved it, but unlike the previous years, the rehearsals were to be twice/thrice a week for 2 weeks or so, and then everyday for a month. Because of my responsibilities at home and work, I am not able to do those rehearsal days so I had to quit.

Fast forward to last year, I was ecstatic when I was asked if I would like to join the callbacks for a supporting character in Annie. I prepared for the callbacks, and luckily got it. 

Then the lockdowns happened. 

The production shifted online for our weekend workshops.

The first few Sundays, we had the vocal workshops. It was challenging, but I managed to survive it.

The next Sundays were extremely difficult. Movement and acting workshops. 

For those workshops, we needed to have space to move and such.

We don't have space at home. I tried going to public places just to have space, but still it didn't work out. I was very frustrated with this pandemic. We would've done the rehearsals at GMI, and space and internet connection wouldn't be a problem. This is just not working for me.

I wanted to quit, but I couldn't because I signed a contract. I know they would understand, but I really tried my best to make it work.

Then just recently, I sent a message to the production team that I wouldn't be able to attend online workshops anymore since I really am struggling with space. The Stage Manager said he'll forward my message. I hope they'll understand. I am thankful to have been included in the production, and more thankful that I was not included in the callbacks for major roles. I don't think I am capable anymore to memorize long lines, and rehearse longer hours. If they'll drop me, I'll be fine with it. I miss theatre. I love theatre. With everything that's going on right now, I can give up theatre for my family and for work.

First-Hand Experience of a COVID-19 Survivor

My father has a weekend radio program, but since the year started, he has been working from home as his way of following the safety protocols. That means 3 or more hours of work for me at home to edit and clean his recordings before sending it to the station for broadcast. Emphasis on cleaning.

Recently, he interviewed his friend who we can call a COVID-19 survivor. I just had to share this interview for everyone to be informed, and to be aware of how serious this dreaded virus is.

Keep safe and keep sane, everyone!

Portrait of My Love

Since today is the last day of the Love Month, I'd like to share my one take cover of one of my most fave love songs of all time.

May the month of March be better for all of us.

Drip Coffee by Dannah

For the longest time, I've always been a coffee addict.

No. More like a coffee monster. 

Almost everyday, coffee is my water at home. I'd consume a LOT of 3-in-1 coffee in a single day. No, it has no effect on me. I just really love the taste. 

When I started to feel certain things in my body, I immediately thought that it's from too much 3-in-1's, so I slowly shifted to plain black coffee. No sugar, creamer, milk or anything. Just black coffee and water.

Then I shifted to Nescafe Gold. It's a little expensive, but to me it was way better health wise.

Recently, I saw an ad in Facebook, and I became curious and interested. 

I contacted them and had a pack delivered.

It's Drip Coffee. More like instant brewed coffee so it's healthier, and now it has an effect on me, like keeping me up or giving me extra energy to finish some tasks.

This is not sponsored in anyway, just wanted to share that it's really good.

Just waiting for money to come in, so I can order more.

Also planning to try other Drip Coffees so I can hopefully compare them.