Understand the Complex Heart of a Writer in Ricky Lee's "PARA KAY B"

The Ricky Lee masterpiece "PARA KAY B" is doing a run at the Doreen Blackbox Theater in Ateneo (ARETE). We watched their gala performance a couple days ago, done by LA Prod House, Fire and Ice Live! and their partner Tunog at Liwanag Sa Teatro Inc.

 

It's pretty loyal to the literature of our National Artist Ricky Lee (who was there and celebrating his birthday btw!), and I like what they did in modernizing some of the scenes. This made it relatable, current and a heck of a lot entertaining. The story revolved around the life of Bessie, and her love personas that lived in Ester, Sandra, Irene and Erica. Lucas was the writer, making sure he dedicated his time to make Bessie's characters come to life.

I'd say the actors who portrayed them did over and beyond what is expected. If you watch the show, you'll get yourself involved because chances are, you'll see yourself in one or more of these characters. This was crafted in a way that even if you didn't get to read the book, you'll still root for them and their story.

Set design was simple, efficient and used well to tell the story. There wasn't much music (as this isn't a musical), but effects were apt and utilized projectors most of the time. I'd say you would spend a few hours after the show to talk about your favorites, and who you would connect to. You would feel small about your burdens, because some of them here are crazy to think about... but it does happen.

Let's not spoil it for you, because if you are hungry to see a great show... they've got show dates on the 21st at 7PM, 22nd and 23rd at 2:30PM and 7PM, 28th at 7PM and on the 29th and 30th at 2:30PM and 7PM.

See the many ways of how the heart of a writer works. Make sure you get tickets online via Ticket2Me.net and see the show where Ricky Lee's best selling book gets interpreted on stage. 

Congratulations Direk Yong Tapang, and to the cast, you deserve the applause you got from that show!

CALISTA, ADIE, SUNKISSED LOLA Headline ADMU "HORIZON" Fundraising Concert

What were you doing when you were in your last year in high school? Do you still remember that? Well, meet Ateneo de Manila University Junior High School Class 10 Rodrigues, they're preparing to hold a full blown concert inside ADMU's covered court this coming April 5. This is for the benefit of the Katipunan Fund Drive aimed to service those who have been struck by calamities, and help Jesuit brethren with their missions.

They call it HORIZON - A Fundraising Concert for Hope. Their CEO Ryan Nicolas Jr. told us "This usually is organized by 2-3 classes as part of the Katipunan Fund Drive, but this year it's going to be done by us at 10-Rodrigues. KFD is an annual fund raising program to fund missions that deal with natural calamities. This is a collective effort for our beneficiaries. We aim to create an atmosphere where the music, beat and the lights would symbolize our bright and vibrant future that we are working on. Everything we earn from tickets sold, every donation made, will contribute in moving us beyond that horizon. We are stalwarts of access to education and opportunity. We should always help people who need it. Last year, there were lots of thunderstorms that ravaged communities in Rizal and nearby provinces and KFD's efforts benefited them." 

Here's the press conference on video, please listen in!

What's exciting is that they've gotten 2 student bands to perform before the main act. Then some of the country's hottest artists as part of the concert particularly popular girl group CALISTA (with Anne, Dain, Denise and Elle) set to feature their recently released EP called FOUR. They also have Filipino singer-songwriter Adie who sang iconic songs Paraluman, Tahanan, Mahika and hails from OC Records. There's also popular band Sunkissed Lola who sang OPM songs Paraluman, Paki Sabi, Atin Ang Walang Hanggan among others. They will also have a DJ to run some music later on as part of the rave party they want to do so students could enjoy the Horizon concert. 

 

Tickets will be sold at 700 and 1000 denominations, and the VIP ticket would give you an opportunity to have a meet and greet with the artists that evening. If you want to purchase tickets, just get in touch with them via +63 917 5874347. Bulk orders encouraged and will be discounted, and for updates, they designated their IG account @horizonkfd2025 if you want to see details.

CALISTA will be there!

Also in attendance during the press conference were Manuel Agpalasin Jr. (Operations Head), Nicolo Madlambayan (Finance), Enzo Lopez (who heads Marketing) Ezekiel Reyes (HR), Clark Bayani (Main Artist Contact Person), JM Delos Santos (Event Secretary), Mason Hernandez (for Sponsorships). This also wouldn't be possible without the very supportive parants Ms. Christy Agpalasin, Ms. Monina Bayani, Ms. Yeye Nicolas, Ms. Gling Madlambayan, Ms. Ayes Sanchez and Ms. Mitch Delos Santos who's all helping them organize the show.

There's security, ample parking, food and these great artists to see and listen to. Make sure you get yourself and your friends some tickets to the show because it will run out fast! Students and young ones are encouraged to attend. It's going to be a fun day!

Ricky Lee's "PARA KAY B" Gets Stage Run This March

Super good news for those who adore Ricky Lee's works, as LA ProdHouse and Fire and Ice Live! takes the best selling novel "PARA KAY B" to theaters this coming March 14 to 30 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, ARETE Wing of the Ateneo De Manila University. This is a stage adaptation of the well loved story (stories that is) that talks about love, romance and some hurt in between. Surely this will be a very interesting take on something a lot of people were able to relate to even after years of its inception.

We got to talk to the stars of "PARA KAY B" plus producers Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño-Seguerra this morning about the show and they're equally excited to see it, here's our video coverage! 

This is created for the stage by Ejay Castro Deldoc (a Palanca awardee) and directed by Yong Tapang (who's done remarkable production in the past). They also are partnering with Tunog at Liwanag sa Teatro. But there's certainly more interesting things to see in the show.

5 women named Bessie, Ester, Sandra, Irene and Erica divulge their life stories with a front row seat to their different kinds of love, relationships and realities. They had us see a glimpse of it, and it was crazy... crazy good.

Ice says "Different people, different ways of looking at love. Some are fools, some believe in forever, some remain cynical. Do you believe only 1 out of 5 people get a happily ever after?"

National Artist Ricky Lee pronounced "To tell you the truth, out of the multitude of novels I had, this is the best selling one up to this date. I made this in 2008, I suppose people like to read something that would give them pain. I think if they're too happy, it wouldn't be as adventurous. I think if its more painful, they could remember and carry it more. I've seen and heard people read it multiple times, pick it up when there's a typhoon, to read it all over again."

It's interesting, feisty, and fun to see it on stage. If you would want to see more of it, go see "PARA KAY B" at the ARETE in Ateneo De Manila University. People loved the novel, and surely, you would love the things they plan to execute at the theater. See if you'll get to be one of Lucas' characters, relate in it in so many ways.

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.net or the app with the same name if you wish to watch the show.

Gretchen Ho Joins "Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo" (BMPM) Efforts

Gretchen Ho made headlines when she started off as a Lady Eagle in UAAP a few years back. She's also made waves as a host, VJ and the better half of lover boy Robi Domingo, but during this small gathering at ELJ Building, she's putting the fame, influence and popularity to good use as she joins the "Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo" family. The organization is part of ABSCBN's vast network that delves on citizen journalism, voter education and responsible reportage. Gretchen is already making herself useful by joining in on recent symposiums, workshops and telling the generation today how becoming a part of BMPM can actually make this election season a better one. She's been in different parts of the country already and taking much of her time to educate the youth, voters and non voters how to put to good use their voice on social media. Blogging per se like what we're doing is also part of that since we also are disseminating information to different sets of audiences and letting them know different ways how to help the country and voting public.

The forums and workshops will be done extensively before the actual election day and they'll be needing help from the likes of ordinary people like you and me. Citizen journalists in whatever way, shape or form, may actually send their reports to BMPM here and may get featured with ABSCBN's news channels, TV Patrol, Bandila and others. Ms. Jing Castañeda was also there to give her views, whilst still covering Mar and Leni in the Presidential elections. It'll be a great venue to tell what things are happening in your side of the world. With a "learned" disposition, you can make this a place to tell a larger audience what needs to be done so that politicians won't be abusing any of your rights, the rights of the community and the general public. The symposiums and workshops are important so that students, citizens can go ahead and ask questions so a definitive answer can be given and make your efforts a good one to educate others. We can also harness social media, handle the information here online or offline and use it to decide for the greater good of the country. ABSCBN also made apps for the COMELEC so it could help the government and you.

Here are snippets of our talk yesterday afternoon.

I also asked about the challenges that they're having while doing BMPM as they somehow mentioned some parts of the country are quite difficult to go to, they have confirmed security is a concern and is of utmost importance. They usually go to these destinations prepared so even if they may have some "not so much fans" of the network, they do what they have to do in order to achieve their goal of educating the Filipino voter no matter where they are. I felt that was a little assuring, hopefully people would be more receptive, participate and make a clear, sound judgment when the day to choose our leaders would come. Thank you to the people from BMPM for having us! It was a pleasure to hear from you and what you plan to do with Gretchen now that she's part of the organization.

Gretchen by the way also introduced her new blog called Woman In Action which you can find in www.gretchenho.com. She'll be posting demographics, and her causes to help with women empowerment. She feels it's her duty to use her influence and voice and act on women's issues, something we felt was a thing she's very passionate about. You may visit her blog soon for stories about that.

For more information about their cause:

BMPM

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://bmpm.abs-cbnnews.com/

The Red Tribe Prepares for Tomorrow

The Red Tribe which is composed of Alumni, Students, Faculty and supporters of the University of the East Red Warriors is preparing heavily for tomorrow's game. A lot of surprises will be brought upon the antagonist Ateneo crowd. They will be answering each bit of that ticket hoarder crowd even if they are going to be only a quarter of the Araneta Coliseum. I am a witness to their strength so if they plan to have more in store tomorrow then I will have to look forward on what they will show the crowd. The last time they made PLAY FAIR boosters that had a peso sign indicated on it signifying paid referees maybe culprits of non calls. There were obvious lapses on the first game. I wonder what statement they'll have this Thursday... but I'm sure they will be responsible enough to jeer at the right time LOL

I would not be able to go to this do or die match between Ateneo and UE but I'm sure they know I will support them no matter what is the outcome of this last game. If we lose then I am already proud of their achievement. If they win, then by golly we will definitely have a BIG celebration than the other school LOL!

Go Fight Red and White! Go UE! Beat that Blue Eagle Crowd... =)

SOLD OUT! : UE Red Warriors vs Ateneo Blue Eagles

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen... the game between UE and Ateneo tomorrow is already sold out according to ticketnet people. There were a couple of students and alumni from UE who lined up in Araneta this morning only to find out they ran out of tickets. It is sad because there were lots of scalpers and Yaya's and Drivers who probably purchased tickets for Atenistas... a not so fair way of getting tickets IMHO.

Imagine last Game # 2 they even got some of the seats from UE side. I really wonder where and when these guys would stop being unfair in hoarding tickets... this was also the case in the Ateneo DLSU games a couple of years back. There should be an outright equal distribution of tickets so we can blow them away with Warrior battlecry's come Game number 3 tomorrow. I would bet they would never out cheer UE... I saw them trying that and the only time they were successful was on their OBF cheer... not impressive... they will hear boos from me hahahaha!

Look, even the mythical 5 says it all... UE got spots for Elmer Espiritu and Paul Lee!

UE Red Warriors wins versus ATENEO Blue Eagles by 20 Points!

It was all heart. That was the weapon that obliterated the hopes of a back to back sweep of the finals game of UE vs Ateneo. Norman Black had a huge problem of maintaining composure with the offensive assault of the UE Red Warriors. I was so proud of the guys a while ago because of that 20 point lead that they had on this game. Imagine, 3 of them had double digits after the game which really spelled the doom for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Not to mention the salty hands of Jai Reyes from the perimeter area and the childish complaints of the middle eastern guy made when he got nudged a couple of times under the basket. It was good to see people were really challenging him even on that height advantage. The Warriors were pretty much playing a smart game. That is why on Game # 2, they won this one!

Elmer Espiritu and Pari Llagas definitely will not retire their shirts without a fight for the red and white. They showed form and composure and they all got their shots sunk that gave them this huge lead. A winner take all game will transpire on Thursday and I am sure the University of the East Red Warriors will win this one! With the whole UE crowd and the UE Red Tribe nothing is impossible! Go Fight Red and White!

The Scores:

UE 88 – Espiritu 22, Llagas 19, Lee 13, Acuna 12, Lingganay 7, Reyes 6, Zamar 5, Duran 4, Tagarda 0, Bandaying 0.

ADMU 68 – Al-Hussaini 18, Monfort 12, Reyes 11, Baclao 10, Austria 6, Salamat 4, Long 3, Chua 2, Buenafe 2, Sumalinog 0, Salva 0.

Quarters: 18-15, 38-40, 63-53, 88-68.


More pics here!

UE Red Warriors loses Game 1 vs Ateneo 71-78

It's okay. I am not in the mood to talk about it but here goes. The University of the East Red Warriors just lost game 1 versus Ateneo Blue Eggless este Eagles in the 71st Season of UAAP. I personally witnessed a couple of things... the officiating was indeed wrong a couple of times, there were traveling violations everywhere by Ateneo that was not called, there was one incident of a backing foul too that was not called with Kirk Long. I don't know what to say but since we already lost this one, there will still be game number 2 ahead. I will still support my team no matter what.

I would like to also apologize to Psychopau of the Red Tribe and his girlfriend for spraying red water on her because I didn't know the thing I was spinning around was wet. My pants apparently got stained too, I am really sorry for that.

For the Red Tribe, I would like to thank you guys for the wonderful game a while ago. Even if we lost, there is still game 2 that we will look forward to. We will still be behind UE all the way! Let them bow down to the warriors on Sunday!

UE Red Warriors wins versus FEU Tamaraws

It was a great victory again for the University of the East Red Warriors 78-72 as they slaughtered Far Eastern University at the Araneta Coliseum this morning. I was supposed to go there if it were not for office work, but I guess nature has some sort of way reminding me of every bit of the action.

People were already watching the show live on TV when I arrived in the office. I was really so scared because in the first 3 quarters FEU was already a couple of points ahead. In the last quarter however, UE reigned supreme in shooting as they got the lead again and chose this battle ground to kill the hopes of the Tamaraws. Now the great chance of getting the championship is on their hands as the battle Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday.

I will be watching that live and I would not be scheduling anything on that day by hook or by crook! LOL

Here are some shots from last week when I got the chance to sneak in my camera in Araneta!







Make sure you visit the red tribe also at http://forum.ueredtribe.org!

ATENEO BLUE EAGLES : Champions of UAAP Season 71

Ateneo Blue Eagles won over La Salle Green Archers 62 to 51.

Ateneo Blue Eagles has taken the UAAP Season 71 Seniors Basketball Championship and won 11 points ahead of La Salle Green Archers. The key to the game was defense... La Salle tried to stop towers like Rabeh al-Hussaini in the Championship game held at the Araneta Coliseum but failed since this tank was really unstoppable inside the paint... even if he was not given that much playtime since he played only three minutes in the first half after being assessed two early fouls.

DLSU played a very physical game because they wanted to get this one. With the refs as tight as they were, they should have expected those calls... Pumaren did not accept the 1st Runner up trophy in the ceremonies and opted to say after the game this statement:

"“We were called for 29 fouls and Ateneo 13. Ganu’n ba talaga sila kagaling dumipensa?" Pumaren said.

Is this a classless act? Well from the standard of an onlooker like me it's a big YES.... I was even rooting for La Salle today... but this particular gesture was a little uncalled for. Maierhofer on the other hand was ejected after he incurred a second technical because of an unsportsmanlike gesture at the 1:31 stage of the third quarter. Both teams suffered from tight officiating. La Salle starters Bader Malabes and James Mangahas and Ateneo’s Chris Tiu were forced to ride the bench for most of the game because of early foul trouble.

In the end, Ateneo prevailed and wins this one as they were the stronger team. Now its time for their Championship Bonfire, I hope I get invited so I could bring out my own set of marshmallows and make some smores! ^_^

But next season, I'd still be rooting for my UE Red Warriors! Go Fight Red and White! Pamantasan ng Silangan Talunin ang Kalaban! ^_^

UE Red Warriors bows to Ateneo Blue Eagles 70-50

Chris Tiu and 2 warriors battle out for the ball

It all ends here UE! as Ateneo wins 70-50

I am disappointed but really who wouldn't be as the UE Red Warriors suffered a heart wrenching loss to favored Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Final 4 playoffs in the UAAP.

It was a whole game of turnovers, turnovers of turnovers, airballs and veterans not stepping up as the mighty Ateneo clawed the skins of the UE Warriors. Congrats Marcy and Llagas... and the others as well... Let's just try next season!

Well what can we do... we are only spectators.... we stayed with them till the end but still... we did not win... Ateneo just played better... that's just it... next year... and the next after that... we'll just hope something good's gonna happen.. till next season.... hey! it will happen! ^_^ you know the drought will end... GO FIGHT RED AND WHITE!

The journey of UE temporarily ends here. Some seniors will cease to exist next year and the start of something else. I hope its more than this though... I know we'll win the Championship even if its ON season! We are hungry for it! I believe! Go UE RED Warriors!

UE Red Warriors task : FINAL FOUR massacre!

My Team the UE Red Warriors!

Now the UE Red Warriors has the final four slot in the UAAP, they have to step up and beat expected favorite Ateneo Blue Eagles. No fourth-ranked team has pulled off an upset over a top seed since the Final Four format was implemented in 1994.

“Even if history says otherwise, I think we still have a good chance,” said Warriors coach Dindo Pumaren. “I’m very happy with the way we’re playing in the last few games and we hope to bring it in the Final Four.” Ateneo has been successful against La Salle and UE so far this year, beating both teams twice in the elims. Ateneo closed it out with a 13-1 record, its only loss being dealt by FEU. But the Final Four is a different story.

“UE is a good team. I mean they were the favorites going into this league (season). We have respect for them. We have to break their pressure and get the ball inside,” Black added.