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.