VAREKAI !!! Cirque du Soleil's First in Manila!

A last minute decision! I'm getting used to that already wherein I have to decide if I'll watch a performance or not but this one is something I would never regret. July 15 in the afternoon after work, I wanted to catch a nap after a night's work but I can't seem to get the right timing for a good sleep. I logged into the online ticketing system of Cirque du Soleil which I have visited countless times before looking at the price and the available seats. There are still good seats available that night,so I took out my credit card and one minute after, I'm printing e-tickets for me, Vei and Jethro. By the way, my wife agreed to see it only if we will have a lodging after the show, so we had to check-in at Lotus Garden in Malate for an overnight accommodation given that Jethro would be very tired after that night.

A dream come true, I should say, as we crossed over Roxas Blvd going to Quirino Grandstand looking at the lights over the Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) of Cirque du Soleil's Varekai. It was a very different Luneta grandstand that night with no bystanders, well maintained fence around the tent and guards at every 15 or 20 meters or so, I think. Excitement builds up when we get to the main gate with people trying to pose for pictures with the Big top at our backs.

The Circus has come to town!!! It was my first time to see a circus from a big tent set up and I should say it was a very different and exciting experience. I have always wondered how it feels like watching a circus under those big tents when you see those old movies ('Dumbo', 'Greatest Show on Earth') and now getting to see one live finally, is an experience I won't forget.

We took some time looking at the perimeter of the Grand Chapiteau. Standing at 66 feet high and a diameter of 167 feet, it's a marvel to behold to have this yellow and blue painted tent over the grassland and empty lot of Luneta. Of course, we had to take some pictures as well. I used to joke around before that if ever I won't be able to watch the show, that I'll go there and just have my picture taken with the big top at the back ground. Well this is not just me posing for picture, I did get inside and I did see the show.

We arrived around 7PM with still a good 30 minutes before the show. We haven't eaten yet because we want to be there early, so as soon as we enter the tent and saw the concessionaire stand selling hotdogs and softdrink, we grabbed some sandwiches and ate at the make shift lobby of the tent. There are small tables wherein you can eat your snacks and at the center was the souvenir shops.

10 minutes before 7:30PM, we went inside the tent and looked for our seats. It was indeed a good seat with a good view of the left side of the stage. The back of the circular stage were metal bars that looked like bamboo sticks coming out from the ground. Above was a scaffolding of metal bars crisscrossing each other with what looks like no form at all but I'm sure it has it's purpose. We were surprised that one of the usher approached the group at our back and offered a soft red cushion to put on the chair for kids so they can better see the show. Of course we had to ask one for Jethro. With around 5 feet in thickness of cushion on their chairs, kids had a better view and can see more. Looking on the set-up alone of the stage, the place, the comfortable seats and the grandiosity of the big top, you would think that the price you've paid is already well worth it. And the show haven't started yet.

While waiting for the show to start, a man and a woman dressed in red usher suits came out from the side and started assisting those that are coming in. The girl had a feather duster and  kept on dusting the empty chairs, wait.... something just crawled on the stage with what looked like a giant lizard. Another just climbed up on one of the metal bars, performers dressed in colorful creatures sprawling and crawling around. Is the show starting? I think it is...... and a magical night had begun!!!!


"Varekai" means 'wherever' in the Romani language where it tells the story of a man who fall from the sky (the myth of Icarus) and met these forest creatures. With every act one after another, you won't be able to contain your excitement and feel the rush as you see acrobats flying and hanging at more than 20 feet above the ground. I don't think there are words to describe each death defying stunts, superb costumes that transports you to a different place, amazing choreography and even the funny acts of the more than two hours show. All I know is that after the circus, my hands were sore from clapping almost every minute of the show and enjoying every moment.

I don't know when the Cirque du Soleil will have  another show here in Manila, but if that will happen a year, two years or even 5 years from now, I'm certain that we'll be there cheering, clapping and being amazed by the performance and let Cirque du Soleil take us to 'varekai', that is 'wherever'.

AIDA The Musical

I had the chance to watch Atlantis Productions Inc. second offering this year, AIDA, last weekend. It was a last minute decision for me if I should watch it or not, so I had to get my ticket on the same day. It was worth it!

AIDA is a musical with music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice and book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang. The local production stars Ima Castro, Rachel Alejandro and Myke Salomon and directed by Chari Arespacochaga. This is the first time I saw Ima perform and she was great. Her voice was just amazing. Rachel is equally amazing, I saw her before in Xanadu and Avenue Q and Aida once again shows how great a performer she is.The set was so simple that it doesn't distract you from the actors but enough to show changes in each scene and support the narrative.

I love the song "Written in the Stars" where Radames and Aida sang about the complications of the circumstances of their love together before finally parting. Although both in love, they know each has their own responsibility that they have to fulfill.


"You are all I'll ever want, but this I am denied
Sometimes in my darkest thoughts, I wish I'd never learned
  What it is to be in love and have that love returned"
                                                         Radames

It's me, Noriel

Hi, here's my first stab at blogging. I've been playing with this idea for such a long time but haven't really tried doing it.Well now let's see if I can keep this going and will not just be stuck on this first post. I've planned a lot of topics that I can share and discuss, mostly about Manila theater scene, photography and travel.

Theater - I just loved the theater, live theater that is. I follow and watch most of the local theater productions of Broadway musicals, plays and original Filipino works.

Photography - I'm not that good in photography but this is one thing I have a passion with. To capture moments and keep them is one of the most fulfilling thing you can do. Especially if you've captured a good one.

Travel - I don't know any person who doesn't love going out of town for a little R and R. Hopefully, I can write about the places I've seen and places where I want to go.

That's it for now.