I always talk about you.

The fact that I know where you are and who's with you in three days make me feel at ease.

Someday, maybe you'll ask me to marry you. I'd say I do.

The Delightful Ten: They’re Playing Our Song

I am an excited, happy fan girl when I found out that Nikki Gil will star in the newest project of 9 Works Theatrical. I am truly delighted when they announced that They’re Playing Our Song, a hit musical comedy will be staging in RCBC on the love month of 2013. I’ve seen the success of Sweet Charity, and I knew TPOS (without biased) will be trending also.

I am very grateful to be invited in the press night of TPOS. This means I’m gonna be among the first ones who can watch the show which happens before their first opening night. I really wish I had this media related career, doing plays, concerts, and movie reviews, and the perks of watching those for free.

I have listed here my favorite moments on They’re Playing Our Song.

1.  Sonia’s Fashion. This adds to the comedic scenes in the story. All praises to wardrobe team for coming up with brilliant (but do not copy except in costume parties) Sonia dresses. I really adore the pink blazer and long skirt during the first scene and the red riding hood costume she wore.

2.  Sonia’s Personality. I was laughing the whole time because of Sonia’s witty, indecisive, adventurous, and overly-attach-to-Leon attitude. Her being fun-loving inspires us to become optimistic in life. Her indecisiveness reminds me of waking-up-in-the-morning-is-such-a-hard-thing-to-do. We all have this alarm clock snooze moment and say 5 more minutes, or 10, and so on. It’s funny how she changes schedule easily and not following it either. Sonia as adventurous woman and a dreamer is an inspiring one. This reminds me of the saying “Seize the day” and “Live while were young”. Lastly, her love-hate-love relationship with Leon are the scenes to laugh about also.

3.  Vernon’s Personality. A successful composer who criticized Sonia’s songwriting. One of the scenes I won’t forget must be the Sonia’s lyrics evaluation. That moment when she picked Fallin’ as the perfect song, and the song that he like because of few parts only. I adore his patience for Sonia, his journal recording that I found cute too, and the dancing gracefully scenes. Oh and his love for Sonia that made me say aaaaaaaw.

4.  The Props/Stage. I love love the wonderful stage. The few props didn’t look awkward. The circular, rotating stage is an excellent idea, as they get the back portion done for the next scene. The road trip scene must be my favorite props performance, wherein they insert road signs while the stage is rotating which make driving looks real. I like Vernon’s home, Sonia’s home, the mistaken cottage room, the disco, the hospital, and all. Just lovely.

5.  The Songs. This musical play is a feel good one, because of the songs perfect for the plot. The story of the composer and songwriter revolves around making music and making it big in the industry. Nonetheless, the most meaningful thing that happened is the love that blossoms as they work together as musicians.

6.  The Leon. The very popular Leon. I have love and hate him too. I love him because he made Sonia happy and Sonia made us happy too when she talks about him. I hate him though because he broke Sonia’s heart and he still enters to scene when Sonia and Vernon is happily together.  I guess it’s nice that they don’t include Leon in the cast. We’ve all had in our imagination of Leon’s face and physical look. And when the phone rings, it reminded us of Leon. Hihi

7.   The Voices. The soul voices of Vernon and Sonia are fascinating too. The boy and girl group has contributed fun, excitement, and lively ambiance. They sing and dance beautifully and stand out individually, too.

8.  The Cast. It’s my first time to watch a theater show with 8 roles only. Some might find it boring, but this one is perfect. To think that this one is a musical, a big production is expected. However, 9WT didn't make it wrong when they've decided to stage TPOS, revolving around Sonia’s solo, Vernon’s solo, and just background voices. This made me proud of Nikki and Lorenz too, because it is definitely no rest for their voice during the almost 3-hour play.

9.   Elle, Charity, Sonia. During the press night, Nikki was asked how she’d differentiate the roles of Elle, Charity, and Sonia because basically all roles portray a witty lady. Nikki says she create 3 column table and listed the personalities of 3 ladies. There she found out how she will not mingle the 3 characters. I’ve watch Legally Blonde and Sweet Charity, and I must say that Nikki has interprets Sonia’s personality in her own way, in her own style, uniquely.

10.   The Piano. The significance of piano in the play is the one I noticed also. A very important instrument for Vernon, the musician. It was his bestfriend while waiting patiently for Sonia, and when Sonia finally came, it’s their pal at work. And the little piano Sonia gave to Vernon while he is in the hospital. The piano keys in the stage background is amusing too.

Press Q & A

Sonia and the Nixters

Sonia and Jessa

What I'm Feeling Now

I've been spending the last 8 months

Thinking all love ever does

Is break and burn and end

But on a Wednesday in a cafe

I watched it begin again.

When I feel the same

(c) Photo from Web

The allegedly Haylor break up song. In fairness to Jersey Green, she really sings like TSwift. Listen here. :)

(c) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wi_v6XQHT4

i'm alright

jersey green

Those green eyes

and that contagious smile
and those lips… and the way they verbalize
And New York city, what a beauty to our eyes
Then you held my hand for the first time
You looked at me and smiled

Everything was perfect
Everything was great
I was on a fairytale
It’s a dream when I’m awake
But days passed and we weren’t there
And it felt like we didn’t care anymore. Anymore…

But why’d we say goodbye?
We said we didn’t have enough time for both of us
We said we try, to work things out
But all a’ sudden we’re all tired
And said goodbye

Its sad not to hear you calling me up at three am
No ones ever gonna sing to me Stevie Wonder songs again
I'll miss your kiss and your curly hair
But now that we said goodbye
I'll pretend that I’m alright
I’m alright, yeah I'm alright
You said you didn’t wanna see me cry
but I'll pretend that I’m alright
I’m alright, I'm alright

I’ll miss you holding hotel keys
And watch you sing to girls with happy tears
When your on stage, your pointing at me, you sing to me, as I chant your name
And as the spotlights disappear
It’s a different person that I'm with
So much simpler, so much better, and just so beautiful..
The way we laugh with four more guys
You walk around naked and cover my eyes
Your just so funny
I can’t believe that were letting this go…

But why’d we say goodbye?
We said we didn’t have enough time for both of us
We said we try, to work things out
But all a’ sudden we’re all tired
And said goodbye

Its sad not to hear you calling me up at three am
No ones ever gonna sing to me Stevie Wonder songs again
I'll miss your kiss and your curly hair
But now that we said goodbye
I'll pretend that I’m alright
yeah I’m alright, I'm alright
You said you didn’t wanna see me cry
I'll pretend that I’m alright
I’m alright, I'm alright

But maybe its time to let it go
Maybe its better off alone
Maybe today’s the wrong time
Someday we’ll learn to be strong
Maybe your right about this,
We’re busy people with busy lives.
We can’t keep up on this,
So goodbye

Call me up at three am
Sing me Stevie wonder songs again
Your kiss and your curly hair,
I never wanna say goodbye
Cause we’re alright.

They're Playing Our Song

Lookie who's a happy fan girl.

Meeeeeee! :-)

(c) Photos from sydneysharmaine

And the Nixters, too.

(c) Photo from https://www.facebook.com/9workstheatrical

I am really proud and glad because Nikki was given the opportunity to perform on theater stage again. Looks like she's following the path of her idol, Ms. Lea Salonga. Yey. On her own way, Nikki will showcase her acting, singing, and dancing prowess as she portrays the role of Sonia Walsk in They're Playing Our Song. After Legally Blonde and Sweet Charity, I'm too excited to see how They're Playing Our Song will be different. I remember the tears of joy I cried when I watched Nikki as Elle and Charity. I'm sure TPOS is bigger, brighter, and better. Nikki, certainly have learned a lot during her journey to being at her best as theater actress. It's really fulfilling when you work hard and when you love your job. :-) Break a leg, Ate Niks!

(c) Photo from https://www.facebook.com/9workstheatrical

They're Playing Our Song is a musical with a book by Neil Simon, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, and music by Marvin Hamlisch.

In a story based on the real-life relationship of Hamlisch and Sager, a wisecracking composer finds a new, offbeat lyricist, but initially the match is not one made in heaven. The two undergo a series of trials and overcome a number of hurdles before finding true love by the final curtain.

They're Playing Our Song is essentially a two-character show. Vernon and Sonia are the sole characters on stage; each character has a three-person Greek chorus acting as their inner voices, and there are no big production numbers.

Act I

Top pop music composer Vernon Gersch, hoping to find a new collaborator, meets offbeat Sonia Walsk, who has already had some success writing lyrics and is in awe of his accomplishments, at his luxury Manhattan apartment. She is surprised that his Oscar is so light, and Vernon quips, "They're chocolate inside." He is aloof and focused, while she is disorganized and distracted, but Vernon has already written music to one of Sonia's lyrics, and they decide to forge ahead. Sonia, frazzled by her break up with lover Leon, arrives a day late for their first work session. When they begin, she tells Vernon they should get to know each other on a personal level in order for their work to gel, and they decide to have dinner at "Le Club."

Sonia, who has been trying to ease Leon's anguish, is late yet again, and the evening begins badly. She and Vernon argue, then dance in an effort to calm down. The two settle down to enjoy the evening, and they hear their own songs being played over the sound system. Another work session, in which the two really don't listen to each other, follows, but Vernon convinces Sonia to join him for a romantic weekend at a Long Island beach house. The trip to the island in Vernon's small sports car is fraught with engine trouble, calls to Leon, and arguments. They finally arrive at the house, but a phone call from Leon threatens the romantic mood. Determined to concentrate on Vernon, Sonia tells Leon that she can't help him and hangs up.

Act II

It's a week later and Vernon is suffering from insomnia. Sonia manipulates her way into his apartment by telling him she has no place to stay since Leon is back living at her place. Sonia and Vernon's romance and collaboration seems successful for a while, but the relationship begins to crumble because of her inability to send her ex-boyfriend away. Also, away from his piano, Vernon is a bundle of neuroses and unable to express his deepest feelings. After some psychologizing about the difficulties of living and working together, the pair split up at a recording session.

A few months later, while Vernon is in a Los Angeles hospital, Sonia arrives unexpectedly with a tiny red child's piano as a get-well gift. Months later, both have separately come to the realization that, despite their differences, they are better together. Vernon arrives at Sonia's apartment in New York to tell her that he wants to try again. She agrees, and they reconcile with a kiss.

(c) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/They're_Playing_Our_Song

Stay in love, fall in love, celebrate love. Catch They're Playing Our Song from February 9 to March 3 (every weekends) at RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Click these links for more information: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Poem 116: Seconds

When destiny meets us again;

(c) Photo from Web

been thinking about you four Weeks now
trying to convInce myself that the girL isn't the one
trying my Luck to see you In the souTh
haven't really get any chance.

wEnt to the mall to do errands
along with a friend, i walk by
crossed the street and went back
pass the door looking around.

saw a familiar face
in the cafe he is sitting
looking at him carefully
currently on a meeting.

eyes are too focus
in the place where he is
long straight seconds i look
and he catches me.

that was almost 3 pm
when our eyes met for seconds
didn't know how to react
eyes immediately look the other way.

trapped in the situation
wrong, fail decision
i should'Ve smilE
wink these beautiful eyes

don't you feel we'Re meant to bE
you sport a new haircut hoNey
uh oh also me
maybe we really are Destiny.

Poem 115: Better Not Often

It was a nice catch up;

(c) Photo from Web

i walk by outside

bid gOodbye to a client

then i saw you walk by

smile and say hi.

tease you to a snack treat

and you said yes let's eat

order noodles and seat

may be shallow but For me it's sweet.

we talk and tell stories

personal liFe and about office

realIzed we're two years now

since the day we met.

i Certainly remember that day

that was march twEnty eight

when we shake hands and exChange names

i will never foRget.

my hair on my right shoUlder

your eyeS on my face

i feel beautiful today

you just completed my day.

i guess it's even better

wHen not often we see each other

i treasured every minute

'coz everyday it doesn't happen.

'til we're done

'til we say goodbye

and you tell me to text you

if i plan to drop by.

i'll miss you

but not everyday i wanted to see you

if together we walk and talk

it's better not often.

Poem 114: Same Lives

Or not;

 (c) Photos from Web

we are siblings of three
saMe as your family
i Am the elDest
just likE you.

i have a brother and a sister
and you have too
our naMes start with j
your namEs start with j too.

you're an engineer
just like me
we work in the Same cOmpany
housEs around you and Me.

we live in sOuth
similar To you
don't you thInk we're destined to each other
because i dO, i waNt to.

i love you
you don't feel the way i do
you don't know me even
i guess so.

we got sAme lives
but our surname won't be the same
you are impossibLe dream
i end up daydreaming.