Rak is Back for Another Run This June

For ticket availability on the June 18 show, please contact the number above.

MANILA, Philippines – It’s been a fruitful 47th theater season for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA); and while the theater is ablaze with the ongoing Summer Program, the company shows no signs of stopping for a breather.

PETA’s 48th season sees the comeback of crowd favorite and hit comedy musical Rak of Aegis. Fans and first-timers are expected to flood the theater for this record-breaking hit that is set to open this June, due to insistent public demand.

Breakout Kapuso star Aicelle Santos, and 2009 WCOPA Champion Kim Molina come back as Aileen; the promodizer with big dreams to raise her family from the knee-deep floods that have plagued their town for months. This all-Filipino, all-original musical features songs from the iconic band Aegis, with a star-studded ensemble on an award winning, must-see set.

This comedy musical has hit a record-breaking 135 shows in the first year of its showing alone, a milestone for the theater company and indeed, for Philippine theater. In 2014 alone it has garnered over 16 citations for performance and technical categories including Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Stage Direction for a Musical (Maribel Legarda), Original Libretto (Liza Magtoto), Musical Direction (Myke Salomon), Choreography (Gio Gahol), Costume Design (Carlo Pagunaling), Sound Design (Salomon and Happy Constantino), Set Design (Mio Infante), Female Lead Performance in a Musical (Aicelle Santos and Joan Bugcat), Female Featured Performance in a Musical (Kalila Aguilos) and Male Featured Performance in a Musical (Myke Salomon, Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles and Juliene Mendoza)

The cast of Rak has also enjoyed several new projects in between runs: Poppert Bernadas who plays Aileen’s suitor Kenny was recently seen in The Voice Philippines, while Pepe Herrera (Tolits) enjoys a stint in the romcom TV series, Forevermore. Singer Kim Molina also breaks into the theater scene with production after production, most recently in the upcoming Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady by Dalanghita Productions.

This run also welcomes many new neighbors to Barangay Venizia. Actor and singer Lorenz Martinez plays Aileen’s father Kiel, opposite Lani Ligot (Priscilla Queen of the Dessert; Broad Way, Narrow Way) who plays Mercy, Aileen’s mother; The Company’s Sweet Plantado also joins the cast as Mary Jane.

The ensemble is joined by PETA artist-teacher Roi Calilong (D’ Wonder Twins of Boac, PAMANA), and Teetin Villanueva (MANHID, Maxie the Musical).

The cast also sees the return of talented ensemble members made up of Stella Mendoza (Mary Jane), Kakai Bautista and Neomi Gonzales (Mercy), Jerald Napoles (Tolits), Myke Salomon (Kenny), Nor Domingo, Julienne Mendoza, and Gie Onida (Fernan), Phi Palmos, Ron Alfonso, and Jimmy Marquez (Jewel), Gimbey dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Gab Pangilinan, Jet Barrun, Gio Gahol, Carlon Matobato, John Moran, Paeng Sudayan, and Kakki Teodoro (Ensemble).
The play runs from June 17 to August 16 from Tuesdays to Fridays (8PM) and Saturdays to Sundays (3:00pm and 8:00pm) at the PETA Theater Center located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, QC. Tickets are available via www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999. For more information contact PETA at 725-6244 or 0917-5765400, petatheater@gmail.com or visit www.petatheater.com. 

Pedro N Coi, A Taste of Nostalgia and Fun

I first heard about Pedro N Coi through Kris TV's feature one morning.  It's the show that prompts me to rush because I'm already late for work.

All that I was able to catch is that it was owned by Ms. Universe 3rd Runner Up Shamcey Supsup and husband Lloyd Lee.  It was one appointment at Fisher Mall that gave the opportunity for my first visit.

Unlike the usual Mall restaurants, Pedro N Coi stands out with the Street Like interiors, giving the feel of outdoor without the inconvenience of extreme heat and pollution.

Much care were put in the details with the Jeepney Dining area and Streetscapes from familiar television shows.  It was both nostalgic and fun.  The Batibot Chairs and tables with hand painted Filipinized board games was a perfect activity while waiting for your food.  This bamboo and ladder board (popularly played as Snake and Ladder) table also teaches good values, rewarding the player ladder steeps for a good deed, and slides down the bamboo by being bad.

The food comes in big portions ideal for families.    We were able to sample a few of their dishes. On my first I was able to try their Moymoy Palabok.  I brought my partner with me this time and we tried their May Asim Pa (Sinigang na Lechon Kawali, 365php) and Chukchak Chicken (Spring Chicken 395php).  Our meal was complimented with their refreshing Pipino shake.

I personally want my Sinigang Piping Hot, but the overall portion and taste is good.  I love the crunch of the chicken, but would appreciate a bit more flavour especially on the meaty parts.  The sauces provided a tangy-sweet and spicy twist to the dish.

On top of the Design, Concept and Food, Pedro N Coi, can boast about their service.  The staff are very helpful and attentive to guests concerns.  The movement from their stations to tables adds to the busy street atmosphere staying true to the concept.

Once in a while, you will get a surprise shout out based on a specific order.

We really enjoyed our impromptu visit to this restaurants and would recommend it to friends. 

Rating: 4.2 (Very Good)

• Taste: 3 Spoons
• Price: 3 Spoons
• Interiors: 5 Spoons
• Concept: 5 Spoons
• Service: 5 Spoons 

1 Spoon = Poor, 2 Spoons = Fair, 3 Spoons = Satisfactory, 4 Spoons = Very Good, 5 Spoons = Excellent

La Calaguas, The New Laboracay? Part 1

This years Labor Day weekend is a perfect opportunity to hit the beach.  With soaring temperatures, who could resist the lure of the fine white sand and cool clear waters of an Island somewhere. 

For the last 2 years, people have been flocking Boracay, hence the term Laboracay was coined.  Knowing that it would be more crowded than usual, we opted for a quieter, rustic and remote option.  We were going to Calaguas.

I originally planned the activity for the Architect Chapter organization that I lead.  I have created the invite as early as 2 months prior to attract attendees.  There were a few that responded, but as Labor Day nears, I am only left with 2 companions.  Luckily, my friends, who also adores the beach tagged along.  

I booked our 3D/2N Calaguas adventure with Roadtrip Travels.  I have joined them twice for Baler and with them, I am guaranteed of a hassle free itinerary from transportation, accommodation and island activities. 

On my first Baler trip, I joined the tour group alone, but went home with a Van full of friends. 

Apart from the destination, what make a trip memorable are the experiences and the many encounters along the way.  These are the things that not even the most advanced cameras can capture.

Part of my excitement is getting to know who else is joining our Van.  That was until; they broke the news that we are travelling by bus the night before.  I initially thought we were commuting.  I have no problems with that, but it might turn-off my companions.  I only told them of the changes the last minute. 

We were meeting at Superlines Terminal in Cubao at 9:00 PM with the bus leaving at 10:00PM.  The traffic wasn’t cooperating that evening that the drive from Makati to Cubao took more than an hour.  Nevertheless, all six of us were at the terminal by 9:30PM ahead of a few more people.  I was greeted and directed to the bus by Ms. “A” (Ate Ana) our tour coordinator who would later be known as Ms. Krissy.  It took us a few more minutes before we rolled en-route to Camarines Norte.

To be continued:

Be Enchanted in Maginhawa St. at Gayuma ni Maria

My vist to this place came as an accident.  I was invited to design the soon to be opened establishment next door, and the name Gayuma ni Maria caught my attention.  Initially, I have no clue on what the place offers.  I thought, they were selling the same items you would normally find beside Quiapo Church.  I checked online and found out that it was actually a restaurant.

After my errands next door, I made sure to try the place out.

The interiors were eclectic with mis matched curtains, vintage accents and furniture.  The dining area reminds me of a Diner with a bohemian vibe.  An Al Fresco Area is located at the Veranda.

According to reviews, its their desserts that draws the crowd, but I'm not really craving for something sweet that afternoon.  Instead, we tried out their pasta.  The menu items were creatively named after phrases that reminds you of love or the lack of it.  I tried the "No Boyfriend Since Birth" Pasta.  It's actually spaghetti in pesto and cheese sauce and mussels.

My friend had the "Hotsie" which is a spicy spaghetti pasta, in a tomato based sauce with shrimps. 

 While waiting for our meals to arrive, I have taken the opportunity to inspect the small corner of the restaurants were naughty/sexy items are being sold including love potions.

 The food was good, although it failed to enchant me.  Maybe we should have had their dessert, but I'm reserving that for another cafe in the same vicinity.

Overall, I would recommend the place especially to those recovering from a lost relationship or those that are looking for that special someone.  The comforting ambiance and the humour it offers is enough to uplift the spirit.  

My "No Boyfriend Since Birth" Pasta

 Pasted on the wall are the ingredients to a love potion that supposed to let you obtain love from a specific person.  Who knows, this might just work!

Gayuma Ni Maria
Rating:      3 spoons (Satisfactory)

• Taste:        3 spoons
• Price:        2 spoons
• Interiors:   3 spoons
• Concept:   4 spoons
• Service:    3 spoons

1 Spoon = Poor, 2 Spoons = Fair, 3 Spoons = Satisfactory, 4 Spoons = Very Good, 5 Spoons = Excellent

Vatel, A Taste of Something French Above Manila's Skyline

Located at the roof deck of CSB Hotel otherwise known as the Angelo King International Center, is the schools French Inspired restaurant named Vatel.

The Manila Skyline provides a romantic backdrop to a fine dining experience complimented with the impeccable service of student trainees.

It may appear to be intimidating, but a set meal of soup, main entree, and dessert only costs 500pesos.  Just ask the service staff for your options.

On my few visits, these were the items we've tried.

Chicken Breast with Blue Cheese Sauce and Grapes served with White Rice

Beef Bourguignon Stewed with Red Wine and Demi Glace

Cerveza Negra Ice Cream (This makes we want go come back!)

 Here's the The Restaurant Photos as grabbed from their FB Page.

https://www.facebook.com/VRMOfficial

https://www.facebook.com/VRMOfficial

 Vatel would be the perfect restaurant to bring that special someone!

ANTITEASIS, The Perfect Way to End A Meal at Maginhawa

From my previous Maginhawa St. food trip blog entry, I mentioned that Jeepney Boodle Fight has 2 establishment between them. One of them is Antiteasis.  

It's the perfect place to end a meal or prepare you to the next.  You just hop next door for dessert and their freshly brewed teas and coffee.  I tried the apple and basil smoothie (100 pesos), and my friends had the french pressed coffee (65 pesos).  They also have mini doughnuts and bagels.  Check on the chalkboard for their daily offering.

With their diverse collection of books, you can't help but extend your stay as you immerse yourself in a novel or just lounge with your friends.

My Apple Basil Smoothie!

Red Velvet Cupcake (40pesos)  This so good!
 Watch out for the surprise at the centre!

The owners love for reading is exemplified in their collection!

Lounge at your perfect corner.

Found Mine!

Visit Antiteasis at Unit 154C Maginhawa St. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.

and the Facebook page here.

Cheat Day at Jeepney Boodle Fight, Maginhawa Street

Maginhawa St. in Quezon City has started the revolution of deviating the mall culture of dining by providing good and diverse choices from the many hole-in-the-wall restaurants that lined the street.

My 1st visit to the area took me to Pino and Pipino along Malingap, but recently, I was surprised at the growing numbers of concept restaurants that emerged a few blocks away.

Since it's impossible to have a meal in all them with just one visit.  We chose the first establishment that caught our Attention.

We chose Jeepney Boodle Fight mainly because of the crowd gathering at their entrance.  If its full, it must be good.  They happened to have an annex just 2 doors away and was accommodated promptly.  The walls were painted white decorated with colourful accents and funny slogans found on Jeepneys.  The wooden tables doubled as game boards while waiting for the food order.  Don't be fooled by the size, since their boodle tray fits perfectly.

The boodle packages were named after popular Jeepney destinations.  On this visit, we tried the Ayala that can feed up to 4 persons for only 750 pesos.   The feast consisted of Grilled Bangus, Liempo, Crispy Shrimps, Salted Egg Salad and a dipping sauce from fermented fish.  You can choose your rice preparation from plain to the different varieties of fried rice.  The set come with 4 glasses of Iced Tea.

I added Pork Sinigang to the set.  I'm one of those who feels a meal is incomplete without soup.  I'm on a strict diet, and my cheat day originally scheduled  for the next day came early.  Who could resist a spread like this.  I lost count on the number of extra rice that followed.

The meal was so good, filling and worth the travel from Makati.  We decided to follow it up with coffee and dessert.  This gives us a reason to try the establishment next door which will be my next blog entry.

Check out Gerry's Jeepney on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/GerrysJeepney?fref=ts

Found an actual jeep at the back where guests can also eat!

Rattan Back Pad Used by Jeepney Drivers on The Cahirs

One of the Funny Slogans that decorates the establishment.

If its Full, it must be GOOD!