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!

Frontrow's LUXXE WH!TE Does Crazy Launch for ULTIMATE LINE

When LUXXE WH!TE announced that they'd be discontinuing the existence of their products, folks have been airing their grievances online and in person at their headquarters in Quezon Avenue. For starters, it's their flagship product, people swear by it, celebrities endorsed it... so why in the world are they stopping production of it? We literally attended it's last day at the venue, present were the founders RS Francisco, Sam Verzosa and their COO Richmond Yu who initially was as sad as the rest of Frontrow's members. 

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After all the drama and crazy song and dance numbers by the RAMPA drag queens, this genius marketing execution suddenly took to stage as they announced their new LUXXE WH!TE ULTIMATE LINE. They also unveiled their endorsers Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee with the new LUXXE WH!TE ULTIMA and LUXE WH!TE SLIM respectively, check out these new bottles!

Frontrow's LUXXE WH!TE ULTIMATE LINE

 

 The new packaging isn't just for lip service, because RS Francisco told us that they've made the actual capsules bigger, stronger and more effective. They're mantra, is to make sure they not just improve, but be THE STANDARD when it comes to supplements like these. These are also FDA approved and has gone through tons of tests before releasing in the market. This could also prevent competitors who have tried so hard to copy what they are doing. They even take it as a complement and have no plans to sue those who try (or will they?).

The extraordinary and bold marketing move proved to be effective, and now that they've got the new look and formulation SV says "This is the Frontrow way. We want to thank your team, RS who really thought about how to execute this. Richmond Yu told us that they've consulted different agencies but only got worried that it is still missing something. All along, they had the genius they need already in the company which is why THESE ALL HAPPENED!

 

Here's the press conference after the launch: 

 

Congratulations to RS Francisco, Sam Verzosa, and Richmond Yu, plus the countless men and women who did this launch. To say this is over the top would be a disservice to the whole Frontrow group. Congratulations also to Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee for supporting the brand. 

KD ESTRADA and JAMESON BLAKE Flexes Acting Range in Puregold Cinepanalo Film CO-LOVE

Another fast review!

Second movie of the day, and consequently a well loved movie called CO-LOVE stars KD ESTRADA, ALEXA ILACAD, JAMESON BLAKE and KIRA BALINGER. 

They are content creators, much of it spins on how they try to make plans for the next viral moment, whether real or reel, plans to prank, and the ethics involved in it. It's also about love and relationships, They also have very dysfunctional families, unsettling priorities and making dreams come true.

KD (who plays Jarred) and ALEXA (who plays Peach) has always been a sweet pair. So is Jameson and Kira (who plays Clyde and Melody). Their characters wanted to become top vloggers, but they always get second beat as their ideas get used by others first. Suggesting topics, they butt heads, create conflict, and had their once sweet pairing gone to shambles in front of fans.

Then by a stroke of luck, they got what they needed... A break from all the mess. The story then takes an unexpected turn with KD and Jameson, which you'll have to watch in the movie.

The movie teaches you about trying different things, relationships, moving on, the toxicity of relationships, the good and the bad. You'll also see biceps, music, the unadulterated voice of KD, some sweet things in the mix.

But really, the movie is so cute. Co-Love is about filial and boundless love, acceptance, the importance of truth, family and one's idea of happiness. The entertainment value is high. It's a very touching piece, so cheers to love and friendships! This is a must watch for KD's fans, as his range as an actor is certainly growing. Thing is it will only be shown for a few days during the Puregold Cinepanalo Festival. It's still happening at the Gateway Mall 2 Cineplex 18, so if I were you, watch it. The entertainment value is ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

KHALIL RAMOS Does Exceptionally Well at Puregold Cinepanalo Entry OLSEN'S DAY

Fast review!

This is my first day of watching the Puregold Cinepanalo Festival and saw a couple of films. One is an PG flick by Director JP Habac called "Olsen's Day" starring the good looking Khalil Ramos. 

It's a family film, much of which was just him and an elderly Mom suffering from dementia. There are problems in the world, but much of them were with him (it felt like that). The film shows the complexities of work, his life, and fate. The cast includes Romnick Sarmienta, who meets Khalil's character Olsen and had them along for a ride to Manila.

This trip would change his life, his outlook on so many things, including his situation as a son, as a person, and realize how love, for family can be sufficient no matter what the odds are. It also talks a whole lot about forgiveness.

Khalil's exceptional performance in this film might well cause him getting a nomination for Best Actor. It's very intricate, subtle, you could hear him sigh, flood you in his eyes that speak. 

He knows his craft, and he is so good at it. Go watch Olsen's Day at the Gateway 2 Mall Cineplex as part of the Puregold Cinepanalo Festival.