looking back in THE LAST 5 YEARS

what do you see in the last 5 years? i have so many things to look back around that time. i am thappy to say that i had so much fun. i earned friends, solved problems, changed careers and now i am looking forward to a new chapter in the next five years.

one special thing about the last five years is there's a new theater company in town. i am also very glad to say that i've been a part of their 5 years. 9 Works Theatrical has given the Philippine audience with quality musicals that i loved and kept in my heart. these are Songs For A New World, three runs of RENT, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, They're Playing Our Song, The Wedding Singer, Gawad-Buhay award-winner Grease and more.

as their newest offering, they bring another Jason Robert Brown hit, The Last 5 Years which tells the story of two lovers, Jamie Wellerstein and Cathy Hyatt. their story of falling in love, getting married and the sad divorce in a tear-jerking musical.

played by artists Joaquin Valdes as Jamie and Nikki Gil as Cathy, they will deliver a story that many people would relate to. the musical also gave Jason Robert Brown nominations and awards and also dubbed as Time Magazine's "one of the best musicals of 2001." it was funny that director Robbie Guevarra was just joking to do this musical in celebration of 9WT's 5-year existence but Santi Santamaria and company took it seriously and it was made possible. something fresh for the company and for us all.

on August 9-31, i am coming back to Carlos P. Romulo auditorium to witness their incredible love journey. but for now, i have to listen and sob at the music on my Spotify playlist. directed by 9WT artistic director, Robbie Guevarra.

for more information and tickets, you may visit www.facebook.com/9WorksTheatricals and follow 9wtonline on Instagram and Twitter. #L5YManila

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THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG review

just fit for the season if you're going to see 9 Works Theatrical's They're Playing Our Song. in a relationship or not, Nikki Gil and Lorenz Martinez will make you believe in love in this romantic comedy musical. but there are still more reasons why you shouldn't miss this.
getting involved in the song: this was the first time that i listened to Fallin' in its context. before, it was just singing the phrases with your whole heart out and when Loi sang it and seeing Nikki react to it. your softer side will flow. there whole ensemble of songs will live you up, tear you down, but still hope in love again. not to mention their back-up voices added to the fun of the whole story.

when rom-coms are usually for chick flicks, this story is addressed to men. this is Vernon's point of view of the relationship. my sympathy is to Vernon. i mean, who wants a third party in a relationship? no one does. it appears that Sonia is the antagonist in the story more of her ex.

the stage is amazing. transporting to not earlier than 1970's gives us a reminder from the revolving stage. with such creativity, the set transforms into another that fast and as entertaining.

They're Playing Our Song, a must-see Valentine treat for everyone is playing until March 3 by 9 Works Theatrical. see it in Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

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NIKKI GIL and LORENZ MARTINEZ star in 9WT new rom-com

how do you fall in love? a few days before Valentine's Day, remember how you fall in love in 9 Works Theatrical's presentation, They're Playing Our Song. yes, and they're back with Nikki Gil and Lorenz Martinez playing the leads.

this musical is a musical with a book by Neil Simon, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, and music by Marvin Hamlisch. it's about Hamlisch and Sager's love story with Vernon and Sonia playing their parts. each had their own three-character chorus as their inner voices. 9PO accompanies their singing with their high-class playing as Robbie Guevara directs.

at first, i was not really aware that the song "Fallin'" came in this musical. and i've gotta watch out for Lorenz Martinez pairing up with Nikki Gil. if Lorenz got your funny bones tingling at Forbidden Broadway and Nikki Gil on Sweet Charity, it would definitely be a riot with them two on stage. plus, this would be extra special if you're watching it with your loved one. more fun with their inner voices: Anna Santamaria, Peachy Atilano, Jill Pena, James Stacey, Reb Atadero (9WT first-timer) and Noel Rayos.

for those who like to take the Valentine's in a fancy hotel, the Peninsula Manila will also give you a VIP treatment bringing you to see They're Playing Our Song musical also with the amenities they have. see the poster below for details.

so grab your dates and close the schedule starting February 8 to March at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. for ticket inquiries, call 586-7105 / 09175445560 or TicketNet office at 8919999.

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Ateneo Law Batch 88 holds benefit concert

the alumni of Ateneo Law School Batch '88 will be holding a benefit concert tonight, March 29 2012, 8PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.

musical acts by Kuh Ledesma, Basil Valdez, Pops Fernandez, Billy Crawford, Nikki Gil, Kris Lawrence, Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Isabella Gonzales and much more. the show is hosted by Grace Lee.

TICKET PRICES:

Free Seating:
General Admission - P 530
Upper Box B - Php 1,060

Reserved Seatings:
Upper Box A - Php 1,590
Lower Box B - Php 3,710
Patron C (Sides) - Php 5,300
Patron B / VIP - Php 7,950
Patron A / VIP - Php 10,600

this is for the benefit of WaterHope and for the scholarship of students enrolled at the Ateneo Law School. you may call Ticketnet at 911-5555.

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LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL review

you'll never look at Harvard Law School the same thing again. as Elle Woods has painted the campus pink and bubbly with her touch in the musical presentation of LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL which stages starting today at Meralco Theater by Atlantis Productions. the musical is based on the first installment of the movie of the same title whereas the novel was written by Amanda Brown with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin.

watching it last night is fun although a lot of flaws have been observed. honestly, it should really be fun because the movie is. and i expected a lot of wit to how it turned to be a musical. lyrics and production should have been really good if the sound system in Meralco Theater is cooperating. i hope the next shows won't have the same problem.

if you don't expect much from Nikki Gil as Elle, you're wrong. she carried her role really well. however, having Nyoy Volante as Emmett misses some romantic charisma. they are not compatible. alright, Nyoy Volante can sing - and he sings well too. Jet Pangan as Prof. Callahan is great, he played his character just right. you can appreciate Guji Lorenzana as Warner because he really had this Broadway background. not being biased and these are honest comments. the secondary cast played their roles even better!

but still, LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL is a must-see to all fans of the movie out there. the soundtrack is cool and the production design is great. catch it starting today until July 18th with these ticket prices:

Php 1200 - Orchestra Center seats
Php 1000 - Orchestra side seats
Php 800 - Loge seats

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Elle Woods paints Harvard PINK!

Atlantis Productions got the rights to the Metro Goldwyn Mayer's 90s law-comedy, LEGALLY BLONDE which stages in Meralco Theater starting June 25 - July 18.

the movie was turned into a musical in Broadway and now gets into the Philippines starring Nikki Gil as Elle Woods. Elle Woods went to Harvard to follow her ex-boyfriend to win him back and turns out that she has more wit than him. follow her adventures in Law School and see how future attorneys take their play in the stressful law school life.

other actors in LEGALLY BLONDE include Guji Lorenzana as Warner Huntington III and Nyoy Volante as Emmett Forest.

Legally Blonde won Best New Touring Musical, Best Design and Best Music. and this production is based on the music and lyrics by LAURENCE O'KEEFE & NELL BENJAMIN, book by HEATHER HACH, based upon the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Motion Picture.

tickets are available in the following prices:

Php 1200 - Orchestra Center seats
Php 1000 - Orchestra side seats
Php 800 - Loge seats

or check http://www.atlantisproductionsinc.com/tickets.htm to inquire about ticket availabilities.

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