A look back on Sandaang Panaginip

I was drinking with my ENTABLADO friends last Saturday and we started to look back on our previous plays together. Kung saan kami nagsimula, kung saan kami "na-discover" na parang mga artista at kung bakit hindi namin binibitawan ang teatro.

Today, I look back on my first acting stint in college, Sandaang Panaginip.

Sandaang Panaginip was written by the late Rene O. Villanueva. It was my first time to do a Rene Villanueva play. It was also the first time that I actually auditioned for a musical. I never had the guts to do it. Buti na lang may kapal ako ng mukha para pumasa sa nag-iisang... Dona Noel dela Rosa...

Dona Noel dela Rosa in his "hacienda"

Hahahaha!:)

It was also the first time that I got to work with Dr. Jerry Respeto as a director. I met all my wonderful friends now through that play. 

I also met Yani through Leinard.:) Ang entra ni Lei samin before ay: Yani, ito si Virlynn. Magkapatid kayo sa play. Magkakasundo kayo. And true enough...2 days after we met...we were already making weird videos and posting it on youtube!!!

Yes. Weird kami. Hahaha!:)

What's so special about that play is that it was performed in the middle of Cervini Field! As in they built a big stage, 2 floors! It was a first in Ateneo history. That's a picture of us on the stage.:)

Here are other scene shots for Sandaang Panaginip:

Onstage with my ENTAmommy, Regina Lim. She's in New York now. Yes, she's still doing plays there.:)

Ang payat ko during that time! They had to kick my alternate out one week before opening week. Bwahahaha! Naging best friend ko that time ang Pei Pa Koa. I had tons of Pei Pa Koa wrappers inside my bag! Hahaha!

Onstage with THE K Calubaquib. Nakakapagod itong dance sequence na ito! Nahuhulog pa yung skirt ko! Hahaha!

This is the first time I got on stage with Mr. Jethro Tenorio. He's the moderator of ENTABLADO and he taught me everything I know now in theater. Ika nga niya, I owe my "stardom" to him. Hahaha!:) Anubuzz!

We had over 40 cast members during that time! Kaloka for the Stage Managers! Mika Ostonal is our head stage manager.:) Naloka siguro siya! Hahaha!

Kahit di kami kasama sa fight scenes ay nagpractice rin kami with Arnis. This is a shot with Kalil during the fight scenes. I think that the fight scene is the most angas scene in the play. Duh! Malamang! 

This is K's solo!:) Ala- Imelda Marcos. Can you see me and Reg at the sides? Hahaha!

And the last scene...ala-cake ang dating! Hahaha!:)

Woohoo! The cast of Sandaang Panaginip! Good times, good times!:)

Can I say that I won't forget the production party of Sandaang Panaginip as well? Kaloka. Hahaha!:) I was able to meet Mr. Rene Villanueva during the gala night of Sandaang Panaginip. One of the coolest things that happened! Naloka rin siguro si Pat Pena nung Sandaang Panaginip. She was the Production Manager of the play. Sobrang laki nung production. Hahaha! I learned to offer eggs to Sta. Clara as well during this play. Kinailangan ni Sir Jet mag-alay ng itlog palagi para hindi ulanin yung play namin! Hahaha!:)

I love reminiscing old theater days.:)

PS:

When I watch this on video, lagi akong natutuwa. Ang saya-saya lang talagang experience. Although walang beats and units ang pagsasalita ko. Hahaha! Kebs!:)

PSS:

Special thanks to Henson and Hub for the photos!:)