Orpheus Descending

The ASEAN stint is finally over. And thanks to the organizer’s lack of concern towards the local orchestra members, we were spared from the rumoured ‘food poisoning’. Although the meal was in its usual delay, it was quite a relief that it didn’t give us gastroenteritis (or did it bet? Haha) Kudos to Coras efforts in manning a 30+ piece orchestra (who despite performs for 2 hours, has enough energy to whine), truly a miracle worker! But it is sad to note that the show was almost ruined because most people were suffering from acute upset stomach. Can you just imagine their condition? going in and out of the john with wearied faces forced into a grin as if saying ‘ I’m ok, it’s that darn food or that contaminated water I took’. Whether it’s the food or the water it is still speculated, but the show must go on. And so it did.

Instructions were clear. The orchestra is to be ready by 7:30, all in proper attire. The dignitaries arrived sometime pass 8:00, which for me was like an eternity of waiting. It’s a long and tiring wait. It’s a drudgery watching them schmoozing with a fellow elite. I felt like holding out a megaphone, like a Nazi on the loose instructing the camp  ‘PLACES PEOPLE! IF WE DON’T START THIS INSTANT THERE WILL SURELY BE AN EXPLOSION!’ that should shut them up and keep them to their seats.

Down beat, 9-something. Jubilate. 

Freddie Aguilar’s Anak suite with 3 Cebuana Divas.  I know it’s one of those songs you’ve sworn to outgrow like ‘suspenders’ and ‘knee-socks’ but I swear to God it’s heart- rending. Listening to him play was like tuning in to one of those records you’ve sworn to have shelved out and won’t be listening to till your next school play or your parent’s desperate attempt for some guilt-trip.

A hackneyed portrayal of “The Prodigal Son”.

Catchphrase: “Anak, bakit ka nagkaganyan?”   

Mandaue Children’s Choir. Nonot Kamo Kanako.

Sit back, relax. Bayanihan Dance troupe. Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.   

Fashion show. Oh, Melanie Marquez is still smiling. What a relief.

Fast Forward.

Drum roll. . . . .

Out, Lea Salonga.

slap me. and i mean slap me good. I just wanna make sure im not in some astral world or a world there and beyond.

Are you one of those who dreamt to be on a scene with BIG BIG Stars like, Keira Knightly or in a fisty-cuffs with Brad Pitt? It’s supposed to drive you nuts. And I mean all goofy and bonkers and idiotic, right? Well it’s something like one of those frequent fantasies instead that you don’t wake from a slight pinch. Oh no.Lea Salonga in the flesh, all sweet and witty is too much for a faint at heart to handle. I was living a childhood fantasy. God, I’d pay anything to be a pebble on her shoe or a fly on her table. PPP. Picture (picture) Philharmonic Philippines. 

That was basically it. It went well, save for the food poisoning (daw?) and all. I’m glad there wasn’t an explosion. Everyone was literally and figuratively sick and tired though. But I went home feeling cool and all.   

Note to readers: there was an explosion. At least it happened behind closed doors. Gatorade and Immodium lang ang katapat.