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Rant and Rave: ‘Nine’

Rating: 3.5 The tagline of this particular show says, “Be Italian”, and while some of the dialogue is indeed in Italian (and sometimes even French), one does not need to have an understanding of these foreign languages to appreciate Nine, produced by Atlantis Productions. The play is headlined by a powerhouse cast who prove to…

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Rant and Rave: ‘Phantom of the Opera’

Rating: 4.0 After being dazzled by plays and musicals like Cinderella, Cats, and Mamma Mia at the famed Cultural Center of the Philippines, another Broadway hit has made its way to Manila: the Phantom of the Opera. The long awaited show did not disappoint, as evidenced by the crowded room and sold out tickets; the crowd included both Filipinos…

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Catch the phrase?

Everybody breathes in change. Whether it is a simple puff in the wind or an avalanche sweeping off mighty civilizations, change is inevitable. It is a constant fixture in our life, a firm rock smack dab in the middle of the flowing years of the river.   Throughout the ages, not even the mighty institution…

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For the love of country: Livin’ La Vida Imelda

To the unfamiliar, Carlos Celdran is a controversial tour guide and artist, the guy who boldly stood out against the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) when it came to the passage of the equally controversial RH Bill. Celdran was so upfront that his act of shouting and displaying the word “Damaso” landed him…

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We are all mixed up

When Jessica Sanchez nabbed second place in American Idol Season 11, she stood as a living testament to social diversity. In such a world, racial discrimination ought to be a thing of the past. But for some, the land of the American Dream still is (or was) a predominantly white country, a land where only…

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Culture hopping: Europe

Europe has always been a dream destination for many people. While some like it for its culture and elegance, it may also be because Europe is a place where various treasure troves from the ancient times can be found and have been thoroughly preserved, up to date. Any artist, architect, historian, or even engineer would …

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Rant and Rave: Through the Looking Glass—Jose Rizal

3.5 out of 4 stars Art galleries are not common in Metro Manila; culture manifests in art; therefore, Metro Manila is not rich in culture. Oddly enough though, it is rich in culture and history especially when it comes to the famous national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. His legacy still lives and burns. And when…

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Rant and Rave: ‘Leading Ladies’

Money is the root of all evil, but it also serves as a driving force for many. Money is sometimes the sole motivation of some to resolve to live, despite being confined in a certain situation. Leading Ladies, Repertory Philippines’ latest theatrical offering, features two starving Shakespearean actors, Jack (James Stacey) and Leo (Topper Fabregas)…

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Two different worlds

Grumbling children and dissatisfied parents are commonplace nowadays. Just open an ear in malls, restaurants or at school, and you would probably hear about vegetables, technology and curfews between a well-dressed adult and a messy child – all of which can be collapsed under the family arguments section. While the root cause of these rifts…

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Rant and Rave: ‘Defending the Caveman’

Never judge a play by its flyer. Defending the Caveman, starring Joel Trinidad, and directed by Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy, staged a show about the battle of the sexes. Trinidad, in his fourth portrayal as the caveman/protagonist, entertained the audience in a monologue; he explained the cultural differences between men and women. Moreover, he…