Back in Boracay

I was back in the lovely and lively island of Boracay, for the fourth time, in two years, all for work. Now don't kill me. ;)

I am one lucky lass. Thanks to my lifestyle editor here at The Manila Times. She is the kindest editor you can ever ask for. 

So I packed my things; I traveled air, sea and land; I slinged a borrowed DSLR; and I once again conquered Boracay. 

For this trip, there was less swimming, partying and drinking, and more working. But, it was still very special since it was my first time to carry a bulky camera and shoot. And it was the best part of the trip.

Through that learning experience, I think I saw a "clear picture" of the the island's people, sand, shore, waves, sun, and everything in between. The beauty that made it Boracay.

I am no professional photographer, but I will be someday.

My only hope is for you to enjoy my simple and learning photo series entitled "Back in Boracay." Because I was back, and they, had their backs on me.

Between the lines.

Left and right.

Young onlookers

Buddies

Left alone

Onwards

Painter

'Potted Potter’: The joke is on Harry

For a Potterhead like me, seeing anything that has something do with the epic tale of Harry Potter will always be personal. After all, most of my growing up revolved around this "boy who lived." (And if you knew that it was from the evil plot of He-Who-Must-Be-Named that Harry lived, then we are probably on the same boat. Good!)

So to sit inside the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of the RCBC Tower in Makati City for the opening night of Potted Potter, The Unauthorized Harry Experience—A Parody by Dan and Jeff, is a must. 

Also, we Potter fans could be quite obsessed, even long after the book and film series ended. I admit I still follow the lives of J.K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. Do you think so too, Yana Dotarot (my little sister who was my date for the night)? 

Sisters. Say "Hi!" to my pretty little date. ;)

But I was surprised to realize that Potted Potter left no room for bittersweet nostalgia, even after successfully condensing and reviewing all seven books into only 70-minute+ show. I found myself literally laughing from beginning 'til ending of the parody. 

A little backgrounder first. Potted Potter was created by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner in 2005 only as a five-minute parody for fans waiting the release of the sixth Harry Potter book at a London bookshop. Maybe it was magic thereafter because the show then grew into a full-length stage production. It was first seen at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2006.

From that humble beginning, Potted Potter has now toured internationally--and continues to do so--with sold-out seasons at Adelaide, Melbourne, London, Toronto, New York, New Zealand, and finally Manila!

Delighting Filipino Potter fans, Potted Potter toured here for a very limited season of 10 shows from August 28 to September 2. 

If you are a Potterhead and you did not catch it, awwww, I'm so sorry for you. But if you are not a fan and you were able to watch it, you did the right thing! You now have all the reasons to start reading the books, and watching movie marathons.

Now off the show. Being one of the first audience to the parody, I immediately realized why Potted Potter is winning the hearts of many. It is witty, candid and very hilarious—thanks to the only two comedians slash actors. Never underestimate the power of two, namely British Jesse Briton and Irish Gary Trainor.

Gary and Jesse. These two have pretty hilarious tricks up their sleeves! Never a boring moment.

Waiting for the show to start, Jesse roamed around the auditorium and talked to plenty of kids—kids at heart included. Meanwhile, Gary sat silently on the stage while deeply immersed in a Harry Potter book. This immediately hinted the comedians’ characters.

Jesse was the livelier of the two, at many moments almost crazy since he was even laughing at himself. He was everyone’s source of LOLs especially with his habit of making fun of Gary. But I wouldn't underrate the significance of the serious Potter geek Gary, for without him, I’m sure Jesse would totally lose it.

Without giving away too much—especially for the benefit of those who will watch Potted Potter upon return to Manila—I would only tell that the show hilariously journeyed everyone back to Harry’s adventures, better yet misadventures. I will not divulge details.

Basta, from book one to book seven, major characters, memorable duels, sad deaths, kissing scenes, fire-breathing dragons, and many more magical events were rehashed, and nothing was ever serious, believe me. However, the interesting part of it all, was that many parts did felt true, despite the jokes weaved into it. Which made writers Clarkson and Turners really adept about Harry Potter.

Also, when you think Boracay, Eraserheads and Ateneo have completely nothing to do with the boy wizard, well think again. Apparently, they all had in Potted Potter, earning loud cheers from the audience.

The highlight of the show was the Quidditch match. Yes, we played Quidditch sans the broomsticks. How it happened? You’ll just have to wait for Potted Potter and see for yourself. 

Enter the "ber" in Baguio

Yes. As if a good sign, I officially welcomed the beginning of the most-awaited Filipino "ber" months in Baguio! 

Well, nothing significant really, but it's just nice to begin September out-of-town right? Hahaha! Ang babaw, pero masaya lang e!

Plus, it was only an overnight stay (Sept. first and second) for an assignment as a lifestyle reporter. But hey, I must say that I really enjoyed it. We went partying and drinking, and it felt such a long time since I last did thus. So it was FUN!

Oh, P.S., with due professionalism, I followed the infamous rule "Work hard, party harder." *beams*

Anyways, I'm still building the feature story for our newspaper The Manila Times, but here is a feel of what transpired in Baguio (stayed in Baguio). *winks*

1. The look. For the love of layering! I always loved Baguio coz it's never wrong to wear leggings here! :D With proper lighting, my leggings that day was green! Love it!

2. The fog. Immediately greeting us a cold night and day. Perfect. We are definitely at the right place. 

3. The hotel. I was there for the opening of Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay. I say it was neat, and seriously affordable! Go stay there if you're off to Baguio. I promise, quality meets value for money. 

(Clockwise from left) The double room; the view from the balcony is full of pine trees, so Baguio; the vintage ceiling; and one of the sculpture displays worth P65,000

4. The food. These food we had for lunch courtesy of The Manor's Chef Billy King. Good food from the good-looking chef. Fitting!

5. The company. Last but not the least, my media buddies for the trip. Thanks guys,  you were awesome!