Gary V. Live at 25 - The Repeat

Now, this is what a concert is all about! After 25 years, Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano still hasn't lost his performing skills. If you want to be entertained, his concerts are a definite must watch. I heard he's going on a hiatus after this repeat concert, he probably need that rest. I got tired just watching him dance and sing and perform with all his heart on stage!

I went to this concert after a concert in Seoul (just a few weeks back) of a very popular Korean boyband, Big Bang. And the fans there were all so loud and the show was good. But sadly, we were seated quite far back that I can hear the fans screaming together with the super loud audio from the stage. Needless to say, my ears were ringing after the concert. So I came to Gary's concert not expecting anything that would exceed that because I know Pinoy fans are not as loud.

And I'm not disappointed! I enjoyed the concert entirely because I was able to listen to the songs. The numbers were balanced from dance to mellow to spiritual (it's not a Gary V. concert without the spiritual songs). And I loved it!

There were guests one after another, from bands (Itchyworms, Sugar Free, Gary's son's rock band), female singers (Rachel Ann Go, Yeng Constantino, Karylle), Gary's kids (never absent from his concerts), and Martin Nievera! They hinted that they could be having a concert in September together! I wouldn't want to miss that one!!!

Hairspray - The Musical

I reserved a ticket at once when my friend called me up not knowing about the cast, where it will be or when it will be. I loved the movie and I would love to watch it live on stage.^^ Well, I was not disappointed, it's not the best but it's good. I liked it mainly because of some of the cast that are clearly talented and carried the show.

First is Michael de Mesa. I loved how he played Edna Turnblad, so lovely! I can't particularly pinpoint why because he's role is not extravagant or loud but he just have that something about him that lights up the stage.

Nyoy is a surprise! When I heard that he's part of the musical, I thought he probably got in because he's one good singer. But he's role here is a dancer! I'm glad that with the few dance steps that he obviously practiced so hard for, he did with flying colors. He's one of the reason I'm so glad they got a real singer in this musical.

Dulce is also one character that i liked. I'm not sure if she did other musicals before but I see her role here as a total 360 turn for her. I've known her to sing tagalog ballads that can leave you out of breath just watching her sing, but here, she's fun, loud, energetic and more!

Another character that I loved is Penny! (sorry I forgot the name of the actress =S) I love her! She's so funny and upfront. No holding back and all out acting is what I saw, and I just love her!

Other actors are okay, there are some that are less than impressive but I'd rather not talk about them. There's definitely one cast that is so out of the leads league that I had the urge to cover my ears everytime he sings. =X

The show is quite long, more than two hours I think so you can't help but have some scenes that are a bit boring. The costumes are cute. One thing I noticed though is that they didn't change much in the first half and started to change one after the other in the 2nd half. I remember asking my friend through the 1st half of the show why they're not changing their costumes.

Over all, it's a good musical worthy of the money I paid for. ^_^

~Cinderella~

Who's your favorite Disney princess? It had always been Cinderella for me ever since I was a little girl. The magic and enchantment, nothing compares! That's why when I heard that my favorite singer, Lea Salonga is playing my favorite princess, Cinderella, it's definitely a must watch for me!

But this time, it's not the Disney Cinderella that I fell in love with that will be appearing on stage. This one is adapted from the original musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein for television starring Julie Andrews.

I think the musical is more for mature audiences rather than small children. The humor is found in their dialogues that little kids might not appreciate much. There's no lively music that we enjoyed from the Disney version but instead we found ourselves listening to slow, melodramatic songs that's supposed to warm the heart.

As expected of Lea, the performance is beautiful and her voice is truly magical. I'm a big fan of her singing voice because it's crystal clear and always in perfect pitch! It's also nice that most of the cast were given their own time. Like the love story of the King and Queen, the evil step sisters and step mother, the fairy godmother as our story teller, even the mice and ofcourse the prince in his troubled time looking for his princess.

What I find really amazing are the costumes and production design! They're simply wonderful! The visual effects left me in awe, specially the costume change by Cinderella from her kitchen maid clothes to the princess gown in seconds! (Anybody can tell me what really happened there? ^^)

The show may not be as great as I expected it to be but the magical carriage, cute mouse puppets, colorful costumes, beautiful voices and performances are enough for me to enjoy the night! ^_^

Rating: 8/10