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All in the Volante family

HIS six-inch red boots and perfect makeup are making a comeback on stage as singer Nyoy Volante reprises his role as the drag queen Lola for Kinky Boots’ limited encore run on March 2 to 18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City.

Mr. Volante will be joined on stage by his wife, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, who would do his makeup when Kinky Boots had its successful and sold-out run in July 2017.

“When I was doing his makeup, I would get a chance to watch the show a lot. So I think, whether I had intended to learn the role or not, it was already engraved [in me],” she said.

Ms. Bradshaw, a theater actress, will play as Lauren, the shoe factory employee who falls in love with Lola. Ms. Bradshaw replaces Yannah Laurel who had prior commitments with Resorts World Manila’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which is also returning to the Newport Performing Arts Theater stage from Feb. 22 to March 25 after a successful run last year. It just so happens that the Volantes’ daughter, Sofie, is part of the ensemble of the musical about a family and their magical car.

It’s not the first time that the off-stage partners are working together on stage — they previously played a couple who got divorced in Atlantis Productions’ Jersey Boys.

“It’s nice to have an extra pair of eyes for feedback. We’re always critical of each other, but it’s not to say that we’re directing each other,” said Ms. Bradshaw of their partnership.

The Fil-Am actress said she corrects her husband’s intonations on set. “It’s my job to nitpick, to fine tune things,” she said of her husband who is 13 years her senior.

Asked if Mr. Volante is open to doing straight plays — after all he has a wife for a coach — he said he’d rather not because he is too lazy to memorize scripts.

While it is easier to rehearse a rerun, Mr. Volante — whose amazing performance as the drag queen Lola wowed the critics — said that he will make little changes in this version of his role.

“Reruns usually evolve in a good way, because you are left with a certain number of months to study the role more. ‘Dapat pala ganito ginawa ko, dapat ganyan (I should have done this, or that).’ So you apply it,” he said, adding that he’ll be fine-tuning the comedic parts of the show.

Is there any pressure on him to maintain the success of Kinky Boots? “I’m just gonna do the thing that’s assigned for me to do — which is to dance, sing, and act. As far as it is being a hit, it is not just me working eh, but it’s a collaboration with the rest of the crew. I’m not going to put pressure on myself, but I am sure to up my game,” said Mr. Volante.

He said he was initially scared to do the role of Lola because he might offend the LGBTQ community. “I thought na baka mabastos ko sila (I thought they might find me discourteous), but fortunately they liked it. From there, nagkaron ako ng (I gained) new knowledge and opening of my mind about them. I may be not one of them, but I am with them,” he said.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price (played by Laurence Mossman) who inherits a shoe factory, which he does not like and know nothing about. But the business needs to stay afloat. He meets — fortuitously — Lola, a transvestite cabaret performer who not only inspires him to produce kinky footwear, but encourages him to follow his dream and become who he wants to be. — Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

Kinky Boots will run from March 2-18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Gil Puyat Aves., Makati City. Tickets and schedules are available on Ticketworld (www.ticketworld.com.ph).

Murakami in Manila?

IS Haruki Murakami finally coming to Manila?

Talk that Japan’s famed writer would be coming to the country started in 2016, right after acclaimed novelist and Nobel winner Mario Vargas Llosa — who has a Filipino-Spanish partner, Isabel Preysler — visited the Philippines. But the elusive Japanese writer has not yet set foot in the Philippines.

With the announcement of the Japan Foundation Manila’s six-day festival called “Haruki Murakami Festival,” the rumors flared again. Is the Tokyo-based writer known for books like Kafka on the Shore, Norwegian Woods, and Men Without Women be the special guest at his own festival?

Unfortunately, the foundation says no.

Instead, the festival promises to “enjoy the world of Murakami with your senses,” through a series of experiences in music, films, and talks, which are all open to the public for free.

TALKS
On Feb. 27, there will be a “Talk About” Murakami, a session of discussions among diehard fans called “Harukists” and first-time Murakami readers.

Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)’s English professor Alona Guevarra — who specializes in Murakami studies — will lead the talks. Among the topics are Murkami’s popularity and his global appeal.

The literary discussion will be held at Ateneo’s Leong Hall, followed by an overview and sneak preview of other elements of the festival, including a performance by award-winning pianist April Dawnena Merced-Misa, who will take part in the “Listen to” Murakami segment.

On March 17, some Palanca award-winning Filipino writers will talk about Murakami’s story, his writing style, and his social influence. On March 18, two Filipino writers and running enthusiasts will talk about Murakami’s work and his dedication to running, as inspired by his memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.

The March talks will be held at Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.

WATCH AND LISTEN
two award-winning film adaptations of Murakami’s printed works, Norwegian Wood and Tony Takitani, will be screened at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Film Institute on March 15 and 16.

Directed by Tran Anh Hung, Norwegian Wood, published in 1987, is one of Murakami’s best-known international novels. The film portrays the inner anguish of a young man torn between two completely different women.

Also a tale of the heart, Tony Takitani, directed by Jun Ichikawa, is based on an elegant Murakami short story. Starring Issey Ogata and Rie Miyazawa, the movie tells the story of a lonely man who finally finds love.

Murakami isn’t only a marathoner, but a music lover. The author ran a small jazz bar for several years, and his love for music always finds spaces in his writings.

In honor of this aspect of the author, a music festival with some spoken word performances by David Ezra will be held on March 23 and 24 at the BGC Arts Center in Taguig City.

All the events are free and open to the public. — Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

El Arabi double gives Qatar giant Al Duhail Champions League win

DOHA — Qatar giants Al Duhail stormed to the top of Group B in the AFC Champions League with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Al Wahda at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Moroccan striker Youssef El Arabi, the leading scorer in the Qatar Stars League with 21 goals, was the hero for Djamel Belmadi’s men with a double, while Karim Boudiaf added one as Al Wahda were handed their second straight defeat in the tournament after their 5-1 loss to Lokomotiv Tashkent last week.

Al Duhail, who defeated Iran’s Zobahan 3-1 in Doha last week and are yet to taste defeat this season in Qatar in 17 league matches, made a dreadful start on Monday when Sultan al-Brake fouled Mourad Batna in the third minute.

Argentine striker and captain Sebastian Tagliabue sent the ball into the top-right corner of the net from the resulting penalty to put the hosts ahead in front of their home crowd.

Al Duhail failed to make good of the several chances that came their way after that, but eventually found the equalizer in the 57th minute when El Arabi shot home from just six yards after a pass from Youssef Msakni.

Al Wahda struggled to contain Al Duhail after that and conceded the lead in the 75th minute when a deflected ball fell near Boudiaf who made no mistake for his third goal of the tournament in two matches.

El Arabi then made it 3-1 with an 80th-minute header after an assist from al-Brake to compound Al Wahda’s woes.

And although the hosts pulled one back in the 90th minute through Batna courtesy of another penalty, it couldn’t prevent them from slumping to the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al Gharafa also won, beating Tractorsazi Tabriz of Iran 3-0 in a Group A clash in Doha.

New signing Mehdi Taremi was on target twice for the hosts, scoring in the 11th minute and adding a late goal in second-half injury time.

Al Gharafa, who had lost 3-2 to the UAE’s Al Jazira in their opening game of the tournament, found their score boosted by an own goal by Tractorsazi’s Sime Gregov in the 21st minute.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Zobahan defeated Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv 2-0 with Morteza Tabrizi and Mohamedreza Hosseini scoring in the second half.

In a late night match, Saudi Arabia’s Ahli beat Al Jazira 2-1. Taisir al-Jassim and Mohanad Aseri scored for the winners, while Al Jazira’s only goal came from an own goal, scored by Yasser al-Mosailem. — AFP

ALI in list of world’s most sustainable companies

AYALA LAND, Inc. (ALI) is the only Philippine company included in The Sustainability Yearbook 2018 as one of the most sustainable companies in the world.

In a statement, ALI said the company was 16 points away from the global industry best, narrowing the previous year’s 24-point gap.

Released annually by RobecoSAM, the Sustainability Yearbook is considered the world’s most comprehensive publication on corporate sustainability. To be included, a company must be within the top 15% of its industry and must get a score within 30% of its industry’s top performing company.

The property giant is committed to undertake an aggressive carbon-neutral program that will offset the projected 490,000 tons of carbon emissions from its commercial properties by 2022.

Among its initiatives include “natural light and cooling design, energy efficiency, renewable energy sourcing, and carbon offset mechanisms such as forest regeneration and protection,” ALI said.

To meet its goal, ALI is taking a three-pronged approach by dedicating 450 hectares of its land bank to carbon forests along with efforts to implement passive cooling design in its developments, and shift to renewable energy.

By the end of the program, the real estate company expects the usage of renewable energy in its malls, offices and hotels to increase to 80% from the current 10%.

Ayala Land is setting aside 4.5% or 450 hectares (has.) of its land bank to forests with the capacity to hold 68,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent across five sites located in different parts of the Philippines. These “carbon forests” are located in Lio, Palawan (50 has.); Sicogon, Iloilo (148 has.); Alaminos, Laguna (133 has.); Kan-Irag, Cebu (63 has.) and Talomo, Davao City (54 has.)

“As we continue to track our various environmental, social, governance (ESG) metrics in pursuit of carbon neutrality, our inclusion in this year’s Sustainability Yearbook is a reflection of the company’s holistic commitment to environmental conservation,” ALI Sustainability Manager Anna Maria M. Gonzales was quoted as saying in a statement.

RobecoSAM conducts its Corporate Sustainability Assessment every year with a survey of over 3,900 listed companies around the world that are eligible for inclusion in one of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.

Batasan exhibit raising funds for UP Fine Arts scholarships

SIXTY artworks by UP College of Fine Arts alumni have been on view at the northwing lobby of the House of Representatives in Batasan Pambansa from Feb. 19 to 21.

The Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI), in partnership with the UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Foundation, Inc. launched Art for Heart’s Sake, a fund-raising art exhibit for the benefit of the UP College of Fine Arts scholarship program.

“[I believe] we should generously support our artists so they can dedicate their lives to creativity. Through creative art, they are able to enrich our culture, shape our national identity, help us gain insights into reality, as well as get our country known in distant lands,” said Carmen Pascual, UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Foundation, Inc. (UPCFAAFI) vice-president, during the exhibit’s opening. “We buy art for the joy and pleasure of appreciating it and decorating our homes, but art is also an alternative investment. So, invest in the arts, and in the process, give support to the creators — the artists,” she said in her speech.

The exhibit showcases works by Jingjing Romero, Jonahmar Salvosa, Maan Nueva, Junyee, June Dalisay, Ruben de Jesus, Virginia P. Garcia, Yasmin Almonte, and Boysie Villavicencio, to name a few. The works — both paintings and sculptures, range from Philippine landscapes to portraits to nudes.

Painter, fashion designer, and UPCFAAFI member Boysie Villavicencio told BusinessWorld at the sidelines of the exhibit launch that the artworks’ prices range from P20,000 to P600,000.

The exhibit is open for viewing and selling to the public. Twenty percent of the proceeds will go to the scholarship program. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Diether Ocampo, Andrea del Rosario among celebrities compete in Cockatoo Polo Cup

DIETHER OCAMPO and Andrea del Rosario, two celebrities who are hooked into sports.

Mr. Ocampo, a heartthrob during the 1990s, was into extreme sports while Ms. Del Rosario, a former member of the Viva Hot Babes, and has now assumed higher office as Vice-Mayor of Calatagan, was very much involved in dragon boat racing.

But they’ve found a new passion in a different field of sports — polo.

“I’ve been into extreme sports,” Mr. Ocampo told BusinessWorld in an interview. “I did motocross, I did slalom before then rally cross. I did sky diving and scuba. I briefly started with ice hockey but didn’t progress. I’m always curious on almost everything. But this one, polo, caught my attention because it takes so much patience and determination and enough passion because horses are intelligent, very smart animal. They know that as soon as you mount them, that you’re scared or sense how you feel. They can feel it. When you’re scared, they’re playful, all the more they try to scare you.”

“But there’s something in horses that I truly love. Why I was so passionate about horses? I think everyone could relate to it. Back in the day, when you were a kid, I would remember I used to ride horses in Tagaytay or Baguio, a typical thing you do on a tour. But then, I really never expected myself to have like this connection. It’s a wild animal to be considered, but the thing is, very gentle and very intelligent animal. They’re like human. They exhibit behavior almost like human. They’re very emotional, but they’re very powerful. Once you can control that, I became more obsessed about learning the psychology of horses and learning how to connect to the horse.”

His passion for horses led to the creation of the Cockatoo Polo Cup, which is now on its third year.

Mr. Ocampo, Ms. Del Rosario and GlobalPort top executive and Congressman Mikee Romero were among the prominent figures who took part in the event presented by Cathy Valencia Advance Skin Clinic recently at the North Polo Club in Pulilan, Bulacan.

The event also attracted some of the top players in the country, including Anthony Garcia, Jun Juban, Santi Lujan, Miguel Dure and international campaigners like Kathryn Fischer, Marina Rose Best, and Alexander Vogi among others.

With his new found passion in the sport, Mr. Ocampo committed to do this event annually to help uplift the level of play among Filipinos.

Like Mr. Ocampo, Ms. Del Rosario got hooked on the sport, but it was her boyfriend, Anthony Garcia, who inspired her to pursue it.

To continue her training, she was able to hook up with friends, one of them is Mr. Romero, who lent him horses to sustain his regular workout.

“I was fortunate enough to be lent horses by Congressman Mikee Romero, so I was able to continue my training,” added Ms. Del Rosario. “In any sport, if you are eager to learn, you will learn it. I just took of the fact that my boyfriend is one of the best Asian players and I had that beautiful field in America to train. It’s really addicting. I wish I could afford the sport. My boyfriend has plans for me, allowing me to participate in international tournaments. I like our partnership because he would push me to do it.”

Although the sport is regarded as a game for the elites, Mr. Ocampo is trying to uplift awareness of polo in the Philippines and he became a first-hand witness on the strong potential of Filipinos excelling in the sport when they defeated a visiting squad in a friendly event.

“Our Filipino riders beat the Malaysians. They’re the top when they played here, but they were beaten so bad by the Filipino riders — all female. We were surprised. I guess they have a strong potential to compete. We want to develop the roster for that. I know it’s just a matter of time, people like me, who is not connected with the equestrian industry, had learned to appreciate it. What more other people who are closely related to this kind of sport,” added Mr. Ocampo.

For Mr. Romero, creating more awareness in the sport thru the Cockatoo Polo Cup,

“I’m the captain of the Philippine (polo) team now, so I have to help create more awareness. It’s unfortunate we were not able to join the SEA (Southeast Asian) Games last time, but this coming SEA Games, we’ll try to put up a team. We tried to elevate the game for the grassroots just like what Diether is doing. It’s an elite sport, game of the kings as they say, but it’s not getting bigger in the Philippines, particularly here in Bulacan. I think here in Bulacan, there’s about 50 players competing,” added Mr. Romero. — Rey Joble

Harbor Star poised to enter Myanmar

HARBOR STAR Shipping Services, Inc. (TUGS) is set to enter Myanmar, as it received approval for the creation of a subsidiary in the Southeast Asian country.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Monday, the company said Myanmar’s Ministry of Planning and Finance approved the incorporation of subsidiary Harbor Star East Asia (Myanmar) Ltd.

“TUGS, through the said Myanmar subsidiary, intends to explore the territory by marketing its expertise in integrated maritime services… The entry of TUGS in Myanmar is in line with the Company’s international expansion plans,” the company said.

Harbor Star emphasized Myanmar’s strong economy, citing the International Monetary Fund’s 7.6% gross domestic product projection for 2018.

Last year, Harbor Star said it plans to spend about $8 million for domestic and international expansion.

It was previously talks with a port authority in Myanmar, as well as also looking at opportunities in Malaysia and Indonesia.

The company also planned a P1-billion follow-on offering last year but nothing has been finalized.

Harbor Star specializes in ocean towage and commerce, and navigation carriage of goods and passengers.

For the first nine months of 2017, Harbor Star reported a net income attributable to parent of P65.72 million, 27% lower than the same period last year.

As of end-September, the company’s total service income fell 6% to P915.6 million, on lower revenues from harbor assistance, lighterage services and towing services. However, this was partially offset by the recognition of P33.2 million in salvage income from the wreck removal works for a vessel that ran aground off the Saranggani Province.

Canada’s Virtue and Moir win ice dance gold

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA — Canada’s Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir conjured up a magical record breaking performance to win Olympic ice dance gold on Tuesday.

The Vancouver 2010 champions looked destined for silver after French rivals Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron appeared to have stolen the show, breaking their own free dance and combined score mark.

But skating last, Virtue and Moir pulled out the dance of their lives under incredible pressure to earn 122.40 for a combined total of 206.07 points, narrowly bettering the French duo’s 205.28.

“Amazing. It was a special moment to come out last,” said Virtue.

“It was a strong last group, there was a lot of pressure, but I’m so happy with how we performed.”

In bronze, almost 13 points behind, came American brother and sister Maia and Alex Shibutani.

For Virtue, 28 and Moir, 30 this was a fifth medal to go with their Vancouver gold and silvers they won in the team and ice dance at Sochi, and gold in last week’s team event in PyeongChang.

That made the popular Canadians the most decorated figure skaters of all time.

They had led after Monday’s short program, in which Papadakis suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

Wearing a backless all in one number this time with no annoying clips to become unfastened she and her partner could not have done any more in their bid to become only France’s second ever champions in this discipline likened to ballroom dancing on ice.

They have been superb all season, becoming the first ice dancers to break the 200 point mark last year.

Their elegant and seamless routine to Beethoven’s Piano and Moonlight sonatas earned a row of level fours from the judges.

Papadakis fell into Cizeron’s arms crying, before the couple exited to the wings of the Gangneung Arena to see if their training companions in Montreal could deny them the title.

The Canadian couple began their routine to Roxanne from Moulin Rouge with many at the venue believing they were tilting at windmills.

But their energetic and sensual tango stole the rink jury’s hearts, and broke those of their two French friends’ watching their dream of Olympic glory disappear. — AFP

Pink Shorts Manila festival brings LGBT stories to light

THE WIDE shot onscreen shows a young boy being scolded by his mother for putting on makeup. The child confesses that he is gay, his mother grows furious, the light goes out, and only thunder and raindrops are heard.

“I’m gay. The moment I told my mom, she didn’t take it well. This (the film) is a hyperbolic representation of what really happened that day. Nawalan ako ng ilaw ng tahanan (I lost the light of the home [mother]),” said Ralph Lauren Quincena, the director of the Pink Shorts Manila film entry Ma?, about the film at the festival’s press launch on Feb. 8.

“We know homophobia as being afraid of homosexuals, but most people don’t know [that] homophobia also arouses hostile aggression towards homosexuals.”

Part of the ongoing Manila Biennale at Intramuros, Manila, the Pink Shorts Manila will showcase stories, told on film and plays, centering on the struggles and experiences of the LGBT community.

Founded in 2002 by Mark Cleary in Sydney, Australia, Short + Sweet International is a multi-arts platform organization aiming to spread knowledge and awareness on a variety of topics. Short + Sweet Pink Shorts is the LGBT component of Short + Sweet which aims to raise awareness about the lives of the LBGT community.

“For the selection of the play[s] and film[s], we really wanted it to have an LGBT story that really gives voice and highlights the lives, struggles, and aspirations of the LGBT, not just having LGBT characters,” said Pink Shorts Manila festival director Rhadem Camlian Morados about the entry selection process.

Pink Shorts Manila will run on Feb. 24 to 25, 7:30 p.m., at the Teatrillo in Casa Manila, Intramuros, and will showcase six 10-minute films and plays.

The films include Ralph Lauren Quincena’s Ma?, Adeline Clemente’s TRANSParent, Cha Roque’s What I Would Have Told My Daughter If I Knew What to Say Back Then, Gilb Baldoza’s Nandito Naman Tayo Para sa Isa’t Isa, ’di Ba?, Chloe Veloso’s Ang Gugmang Ti-unay ni Daniella, and Carl Adrian Chavez’s Sorry for the Inconvenience. The plays are Friends Lang Po, written and directed by Steve Banua Sanchez; It Doesn’t, written and directed by John Jerome Mangoya; That Night with Rose and Tracy, written by Mark Bacolod; Valedictorian, written by Maynard Manansala and directed by Ron Binas; Oh Yes Gameshow, written by Bunny Cadag and directed by BJ Ocampo; and, Ledge of Reality, written by Mark Cleary and directed by Howard Yambao.

“As an advocate of LGBT rights from Mindanao, this is a monumental effort in benefit to our long cause, and that is to provide a platform for the untold stories of LGBT struggles and aspirations,” Mr. Morados was quoted as saying in a press release.

The program includes performances and an art exhibition by local LGBT artists and will conclude with an afterparty hosted by Jungle Circuit Party. Tickets are P600 (regular price) and P500 (for students and senior citizens).

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/PinkShortsMNL/. For tickets, visit www.tickettailor.com/all-tickets/30763/7d84/. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Bosch opens 1st one-stop shop in Philippines

BOSCH PHILIPPINES recently opened its first one-stop shop for power tools in the country, as it anticipates robust demand for construction technology solutions amid the government’s massive infrastructure program.

“The government’s aggressive infrastructure efforts coupled with the rise of opportunities in the construction segment has led Bosch to step up in providing the most efficient solutions to serve the thriving market. The One Stop Shop is Bosch’s answer to the rising interest of construction tools and accessories from do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) and professional contractors,” Bosch Philippines Power Tool Country Sales Director William Go was quoted as saying in a statement.

The one-stop shop, located beside Bosch Philippines’ first authorized dealer Panda Construction Supply, Inc. in Quezon City, is intended to serve end-users in need of specialized heavy duty tools and related accessories in the National Capital Region.

Bosch is planning a second shop in Davao by the second quarter of the year.

“This new venture enables us to take active participation in this exciting time in the infrastructure industry,” Mr. Go said.

Bosch Philippines maintained its bullish outlook since last year, banking on the big-ticket infrastructure projects lined up until 2022.

For its fiscal year in 2016, Bosch reportedly saw a 13% growth, reaching $56 million in total sales. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

What happens when Juan Tamad, Banahaw, and Mariang Makiling all fall in love?

TANGHALANG PILIPINO’s Nang Dalawin ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad shows all the faces and phases of love — infatuation, frustration, jealousy, and heartache — through a mashup of classic Filipino folktale characters described by its director as “the Avengers of the Philippines.”

“It’s a modern translation where all our folk heroes converge in one stage, wearing a costume that is New-Age-meets-indigenous like Lapu-Lapu-meets-Iron Man. The goal is to bring them closer to today’s generation who barely even know them,” said the play’s director, Jonathan Tadioan.

Nang Dalawin ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad, which is on view until March 11 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, tells of the imagined love triangle between Maria Makiling, Juan Tamad, and Banahaw.

The play is based on National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s short story “How Love Came to Juan Tamad,” which is included in his book Pop Stories for Groovy Kids (1979). The play is a tamer version of Mr. Joaquin’s story, which makes sensual allusions (e.g.: “pagpasok sa ‘kuweba’ ni Mariang Makiling” — upon entering the “cave” of Marian Makiling).

Rody Vera adapted the story from page to stage. He said: “It’s something for the young people to take in as a tongue-in-cheek cautionary tale on love, that amorous passion that begins with hormonal changes in their growing, increasingly self-aware bodies. And as for adults, to take it further to stretch — with pursed lips, of course.”

‘HUGOT’ CULTURE
The play is also teeming with quotable quotes to connect with the hugot (emotional draw) culture of the youth. There’s an abundance of hugot lines that celebrate love and what it means to love and be loved, like:

“Hindi hinahanap ang pag-ibig. Hayaan mong sa akin kusang dumating (Love is not to be searched for. Let it just find you).”

“Lalo mong ikaila, lalong nahahalata (The more you conceal love, the more it shows).”

“Wala na yatang mas nakakapagod pa sa pag-ibig. Biruin mo, bawat sandali, iniisip mo siya, iniisip ka niya, hindi mapakali, hindi makatulog, hindi makakain, laging aligaga, laging tulala — parang sinisilaban ang puwit ng mangingibig There’s nothing more tiring than love. Imagine, you think of them every minute, they think of you, you are restless, sleepless, unable to eat, constantly starstruck — it is like there is a fire in the seat of a person in love).”

Besides the hugot lines, it is the imagined characters who find themselves in a messy situation which make the story interesting and fun to watch.

“Para sa akin, ito ay matagal ng kwento na kinakailangang balik-balikan upang hindi makalimutan, na minsan, lahat tayo ay naging bata at naniwala sa mga kuwentong pag-ibig (I think this is an old story that should be retold again and again so as not to forget that, occasionally, all of us become children and believe in love stories),” Mr. Tadioan said in his director’s note. — Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

Nang Dalawin ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad has performances until March 11 at the Little Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. For details and tickets, visit TicketWorld at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Struggling Lady Maroons

What a difference a year makes. I am saying this with a big sigh seeing how the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Fighting Maroons are having it rough and difficult in the ongoing University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament.

To date, after four games, the Diliman-based spikers are sporting a 1-3 record and good for seventh place.

The record pales in comparison to their 4-0 card at this stage of the competition in Season 79 where they were pace-setting and had the league noticing.

This season the UAAP-dom is still noticing albeit for a different reason as UP continues to rack up the losses.

More telling about it all is that the losses are coming in as bad as they can, all straight-set defeats at the hands of De La Salle, Adamson and Far Eastern University (FEU), in that order.

Heck, even the Lady Maroons’ lone victory so far — over still-winless University of the East in their opener — did not come easy as they were forced to a fifth and deciding set after taking a two sets to nothing lead.

To think that UP was on a high last year and narrowly missed the Final Four, one just could not be blamed for wondering hard over what is happening.

Not going to pretend and say I know the goings-on inside the team, but based on what I am seeing when the team plays there is just something wrong.

The bounce and spirit that marked their play last year, I have not seen from the Lady Maroons so far in Season 80.

They are playing “lost” at times and get easily disheartened when things do not go their way.

And when they do get breaks, they are seemingly too caught up with them to a fault in some instances and just lose focus.

Their last game against FEU was I believe representative of how it has been for the UP women’s volleyball team.

In solid position to claim the opening set after leading, 22-18, the Lady Maroons just melted down in the face of the FEU charge back and lost the set, 25-23.

In the second set, I expected UP to play with more sense of urgency after what had happened to it previously but instead saw it further fizzle out, losing, 25-12.

By the third set it was obvious that the Lady Maroons just did not have anything left to present a tough challenge to FEU, this, notwithstanding, scoring better with 19 points.

I am saying this not because I am losing hope on the team. It is the contrary actually.

With 10 games left in the elimination round I believe there is still time for coach Godfrey Okumu and his team to get their act together and turn things around.

It is time to shape up and play with renewed purpose and drive for things could only get difficult for them moving forward considering the improved tournament parity this season.

As to us UP fans, let us continue supporting our team more so now that it is struggling. Nowhere to go up. Come on, team!

 

Michael Angelo S. Murillo has been a columnist since 2003. He is a BusinessWorld reporter covering the Sports beat.

msmurillo@www.bworldonline.com

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