Election fever Rising Up
As I am writing this column, there is a non-stop passing through of the “recorridas” (motorcades or cars with blaring speakers playing political jingles) of candidates around the streets of Manila, or, most probably streets all over the country.
Since this is the last leg of the campaign period, candidates are in frenzy mode doing all the tricks to woo and win the electorate.
The presidential debates organized by the COMELEC (Commission on Election) and aired via the giant television networks proved to be useful for the public to assess the character and political platforms of the presidential wannabes.
I personally think that CNN Philippines has the most intelligent and clear-headed approach in handling the debates.
Other networks thrived on sensationalism and crass broadcast journalism. They even stimulate and incite the candidates to throw invectives at each other.
Our culture is not prepared for this fact. We are sensitive and onion skinned. On the other hand, this also allowed the public to see who among them can carry the pressure with élan and poise.
As the election nears, we can only hope and pray that the winner is the best option and that the result would truly reflect the people’s choice. And to those who were not elected, may they find in their hearts to accept their defeat with humility and kindness.
We only have one country. Let us all work toward unity and progress.
Les Miz in Manila nice but there is a remiss
I have seen “Les Miserables”, one of the longest running musical theaters, several years ago in Los Angeles during its tour.
The musical is timeless. Its core message of love of God, country and fellowman is enduring that generation after generation of audiences can still relate with.
I was lucky to have seen it again here in Manila (Solaire Hotel) with our very own local talent, Rachel Anne Go, performed the role of Fantine.
As I peeked through my binoculars, I saw the pale-faced chink-eyed Fantine blurting out “I Dreamed a Dreamed” with her crystal clear voice.
I blamed the binoculars for allowing me to see Fantine at a close range. It distracted my idea of a Caucasian Fantine. I reminded myself never to bring binoculars again lest I become a racist.
The cast was very impressive and almost impeccable in their performance. As I watched the show from the balcony, I felt I was watching it in a recording studio where the audio was so perfect that not a bit of sound interference could be heard.
I would say that the performance was antiseptic. Not that I am complaining. It was the old school in me, which I still look for the human factor: the sweat, the tears and the breathing. I was looking for a live performance where you feel the performers connecting to the audience.
Cannes for Two for the Philippines
Despite the hullaballoo amidst the elections, the country has something to look forward to and be proud of.
Brillante Mendoza once again made it at the main competition in this year’s Cannes film festival. Mendoza’s “Ma Rosa”, is a film that depicts drug dealing and corruption among the law enforcers.
“Ma Rosa” stars mother and daughter, Jaclyn Jose and Andi Eigenman, Julio Diaz, Alan Paule, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Baron Geisler, Kristofer King and most of indie film talented actors.
Another reason for a double celebration is the inclusion of “Imago” in Canne’s short film competition directed by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez, a product of Brillante Mendoza film workshop.
Gutierrez is a protégé of Mendoza who won the Best Director during the said workshop.
It was almost over a decade that a Filipino made it to the short film competition in Cannes. This year, Gutierrez hopes his “Imago” wins in the short film competition, likewise, Mendoza’s “Ma Rosa” in the main competition.
Should lady luck gives her nod to the mentor-mentee tandem, the country will have a double victory to celebrate alongside with whoever wins in the election.
Speaking of Mendoza’s workshop, congratulations to this year’s winners in the film-directing workshop: Best Film “Guro”, directed by Vanju Alvaira tied with “Idolo” directed by Daniel Palacio.
Other films in competition also include: “BALITOK” – Dexter Macaraeg ; “SARA” – Gab Oblefias ; “REPLEKSYON” – Nimrod Sarmiento; “CHANNEL 8” – Amen Clavio; “STRAWBERRY GIRL” – Conan Altatis .
What’s happening in the “Dressing Room”?
“The Dressing Room” is one of the most popular plays staged in Japan and various theater groups in the United States, according to Alex Cortes, the play’s director.
The play’s black humor and illusory plainness with levels of sub-meanings effectively enacted by the actors make the play not only interesting but also cerebrally challenging.
The play depicts human issues such as ageing, acceptance and mortality. It also addresses the longevity of a performer and how to prepare one’s self to this eventuality.
Cortes brilliantly staged the play with the astounding movements of the dancers, choreographed by Dexter Santos against the minimalist but amazing sets by Ohm David.
Nicolas Pichay’s insights in translating the play made him cautious “to balance the language the language use in order to capture the play’s implied era in the past without losing the crispy sound that enables comedy to exist before a contemporary audience.
Pichay added, “to simply put it, comedy is not in the words, but in how the words are used and inflected.”
It is also interesting to note Pichay’s thoughts as he translated the play. He mentioned that, “language nudge must not be obvious. Otherwise, the trick is revealed, the theatrical magic is broken and the scene is revealed.”
Actors Roeder Camanag, Andoy Ranay, Gwyn Guanzon, and Ian Ignacio superbly delineated their female roles with ease and confidence. They were able to dramatize their characters that incessantly deal on their past.
Cortes’ aim in combining Shakespeare and Chekov along with Japanese classics allowed him to veer away from the rules of the traditional theater. This proves that even the most conventional tradition must hunger after the most constant thing to happen – change. And change, to effectively happen must first honor and give due respect to the memory of the past.
Cheers to the entire team for this truly wonderful play!
