The Joy of Improv

The family that improvises together, grows together. 

TWI logo

I just want to share my recent creative endeavor called Third World Improv (TWI) Workshop conducted by the country's premier improvisation group, SPIT (Silly People's Improv Workshop; naks!). 

I joined Level 1 (aka beginner's level) because admittedly, I don't have an experience in improvisational performance yet. I may be the class clown or the group's stand up comic but I do know that the art of improv is a different animal altogether.

I first learned about improv from watching SPIT in Commune, marathoning Saturday Night Live (SNL) videos on YouTube, and reading Tina Fey's hilarious memoir "Bossypants."

Watching SPIT for the first time, I thought that their brand of comedy is unique. Little did I know that it's not just a comedy show, it's a performance art. For comparison, it's like theater without the stage set-up, costumes, scripts, and rehearsed blocking, lights and sounds, and movements.

SNL is branded as a live sketch comedy show but I learned early on that most of its former and current cast members and writers have an improv background. I would name Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler, as some of my improv heroes. 

In Tina's case, she dedicated a chapter in her book for the love of improv. That was where I first learned its two greatest commandments:

Commandment no. 1: Always say, "Yes" 
By doing so, you will be able to continue your unrehearsed, unscripted story.

Commandment no. 2: Say, "Yes, and..."
You have to not only agree to what your co-performer said but also contribute to his/her idea.

Seasoned and amateur improvisers know that you only need to take to heart these two rules and you can get through most of your performances (unless your sh*tty nerves get in the way, then sorry bes!). Going through Level 1 under teacher Aryn Cristobal (yes, shout-out!) made me realize more guidelines to help me become a better improviser:

No. 3: Make your partner look good
It's simple. If you agree to what your partner said (even if you really don't), the audience will believe that the two of you are in sync with your make believe stories. 

No. 4: It's not about you
Perhaps the hardest thing for any aspiring improviser/performer is to think of himself as not the 'star of the show' but just a part of it. Successful improv shows are made by groups and not individuals. If you think you're not ready to say "we" instead of "I," then stand up comedy might be the best way for you (which is not a bad thing, honestly).  

No. 5: Be a child again (even if it means you'll look foolish and embarrassing) 
You'll be surprised to learn that a lot of aspiring and practicing improvisers have full time jobs. They enroll in improv classes because they (I included) believe that it will develop their creativity, playfulness, and fun-loving spirit that they unfortunately loss while working or being "alipin ng salapi." 

In my group's case, you could easily point out who are part of the labor force--not just by our outfits but also by our demeanors (more reserved, careful with words, and cautious of movements). Gladly, we had 8 sessions to break that attitude and be childlike again!

No. 6: Don't control what's going to happen. "Que Sera Sera." Prepare for pleasant surprises

"Improvisation," according to (Senator) Merriam-Webster is the act or art of speaking or performing without practicing or preparing ahead of time. If you don't get the point, you just wasted a good 5 minutes reading my blog.

Pardon the (always) haggard face. I went straight to the venue from Palawan

Our team is called "Where's Mariana?"

After days of workshops and hours of preparation, we finally had our TWI Showcase last September 11 at Circuit Makati.

We played five short games in an effort to sound and look spontaneous, young, and fun in front of supportive families, friends, and fellow improvisers. It wasn't a perfect showcase but it was nonetheless fun. 

I'll close this blog by echoing what TWI Director Gabe Mercado said during his introduction, "Improv is a process, not a product." 

Gabe Mercado. I wish I just Googled a photo of him

That's the beauty of improv. Regardless of age, background in performing arts, or comic timing, you have the excuse to be wrong. You never have to worry because no matter how silly your ideas seem, somebody will say yes to it. You will look good because you're part of a team.

Like any millennial-dominated group, we had to look cool, hence the group hand sign

Gratitude List

[Part 1]

It's no secret that it pays to be grateful for things, big or small, that make us smile and, in some cases, get us through the day with better disposition. 

Recently, here are some of the things I am thankful for:

• Taxi/cab drivers who don't choose passengers, especially during heavy rains. See, I live in Tondo, Manila. More often than not, these drivers would deny me service because they are afraid of the street and neighborhood conditions in Tondo. Honestly, I believe that anywhere is as dangerous or as safe as your mind conceive it to be.

• Writers who are grateful/not intimidated by fans. I attended Virgin Labfest 12, the festival of untried, untested, and unstaged plays in CCP where you can basically bump into some of the who's who in Philippine theater and literary scene. So I bumped into these writers and told them how I admire their work: Nicolas Pichay, Eric Cabahug, Dingdong Novenario, and Herlyn Gail Alegre. They warmly and humbly accepted my compliments and offered their gratitude in return.

• Being able to help an elderly cross the street/open the door. The best thing is when they smile at you, say "thank you," and even wish you God's blessings. Awww...

• Strangers offering their humble food and starting a conversation. Once I was having dinner at a convenience store and the man beside me offered his food (which is as plain as mine). He then complimented my watch and asked where I got it from. That experience reminded me that everyone has something to share regardless if they look interesting or not. 

• Unexpected team dinner. To remind everyone that we still have a life outside work and things inside the office are not personal.

Here's hoping to more frequent and longer gratitude lists soon!

"The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari"

I stumbled upon this self-help book by writer and leadership guru Robin Sharma while browsing through the Personality Development section of Fully Booked.

I didn't pick it up the first time. I knew I would when the right time comes. And it did...three weeks ago when I was thinking of moving out of my comfort zone. 

The message could not have been more apt: be a monk, sell your ferrari. In essence, focus on the essential and rid yourself of life's excesses. Sharma didn't attempt to conceal it either, putting a tagline that it's "a fable about fulfilling your dreams and reaching your destiny."

In the book (also in Wikipedia), the story revolves around two characters, former law colleagues Julian Mantle and John, immersed in a 12-hour long conversation. Julian narrates his spiritual experiences during a Himalayan journey which he takes after selling his holiday home and red Ferrari. A successful trial lawyer, Julian collapses from a heart attack while arguing a case in court, and his lengthy recovery leads him to seek a spiritual path in the Himalayan mountains, under the Sages of Sivana, from whom he receive wise and practical lessons which bring drastic changes in his life. 

Julian shares valuable life lessons to John through a short story hiding The 7 Timeless Virtues of Enlightened Living. 

Here's the summary: "There was a [3] sumo wrestler who walked out of a [2] lighthouse in the middle of a [1] beautiful garden with nothing more than a [4] pink wire cable covering his private parts. While walking, he slipped on a [5] shiny gold stopwatch and fell to the ground. After what seemed like an eternity, he regained consciousness when the fragrance of the [6] yellow roses reached his nose. He then jumped to his feet in delight and was astonished to see a long, winding [7] path studded with millions of tiny diamonds. Of course the sumo wrestler took the path and, in doing so, lived happily ever after."

To spare you some time, here are the meaning of these virtues, according to Sharma:

Go pick up the book if you're into self-help. It probably won't bore you because the lessons are hidden in the form of a short story. It is unlike most self-help books these days which promise guaranteed change! in life after few bullet points and examples.

It's also helpful for meditation and Buddhism enthusiasts :)

Pens and Faces

Late last year I discovered a new hobby: drawing. It turned out that my father's artistic influence is still alive despite my denial that I can draw (and that I have the patience to turn sketches into someone recognizable). 

I chose to draw portraits as a way of paying tribute to the people who have inspired me in one way or another. In few cases though, I drew people for mockery (as in the case of Manny Pacquiao and Taylor Swift). 

Here are some of my portraits using colored pens (Note: I am an amateur. I don't have any professional training).

From Hollywood:

From first row, L-R: Versatile actor Johnny Depp, Award-winning daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, Talented actress and TV star Viola Davis, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Mayer, Bankable British actor Jude Law, Bankable German-Irish actor Michael Fassbender, Two-time Academy Award-winning Australian actress Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actor and legendary comic Robin Williams, and another Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse

I also have some local personalities:

(From left, counterclockwise) Model and versatile actress Angel Aquino, International boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

Recently, I dabbled into a new technique: the classic black and white.

(From left, counterclockwise) Legendary British stage and screen actor Patrick Stewart (some say Steve Jobs), Pop royalty Taylor Swift, 'Hamilton' creator and Broadway star Lin Manuel-Miranda, and 'Cookie' of hit TV series 'Empire,' Taraji P. Henson

I still have a lot of room to grow but so far, I think I'm on the right path because drawing makes me cope up with boredom, enhances my creativity, and espouses focus and discipline.

You can see more of my attempts at @rossmanicad in Instagram.

Looking (HBO Comedy-Drama Series)

I have rare moments in life when I don't know what I'm feeling at a particular moment.

Looking poster for Season 2

Last July 4, I finished watching "Looking," a two-season comedy-drama series in HBO (2014-2015) that tells the stories of three grown-up gay men living in modern San Francisco. That day I just wanted to hug a lot of people and I didn't think any emoji can capture my emotions.

"Looking" stars Broadway heartthrob Jonathan Groff as Patrick, a 29 y.o. game developer who is your gay buddy longing for a serious relationship and, at the same time, willing to experiment.

As easy as in the pilot episode, Patrick tries his luck in meeting a few men and making his mostly uncalculated moves. He is unable to shut his honest mouth as he opens up to new acquaintances which then lead to failed attempts.

Groff's Patrick is adorable. He's like the younger brother that you wish you can play with, hug when you're happy or sad, punch when you just want to, and talk to when you're feeling bored or overly excited. Patrick is a really nice guy and his vulnerability as a gay guy, as a nerdy gay guy, as a single nerdy gay guy who just wants to love and be loved, would surely keep you wanting more. Episode after episode. Smile after smile.

Agustin, Patrick, and Dom

His softness is balanced with the stronger personalities of his friends Dom (Murray Bartlett), the proud and impulsive aspiring entrepreneur and Agustin (Frankie J. Alvarez), a thriving artist who, like Dom, has a high tendency to jump the gun.

Being best friends, these three are enough compelling reasons to religiously follow the show. Their lives intertwine but the show runners did a good job in highlighting their separate storylines so we can see through their dreams and aspirations.

They are not just gay guys who like to flirt. Sure, they have a lot of steamy sex scenes with different guys, but you can see how they treat their relationships beyond the flesh. They long for something that touches on the emotions--finding what it is that makes them truly happy.

***

#TeamRichie

#TeamKevin

For the main love triangle in the story, Patrick is such a sweet guy that you can't blame him if he can't make his mind up between Richie (Raul Castillo), the loyal and emotional Mexican barber and Kevin (Russel Tovey), his sexy British tech boss who enters his life while still in a relationship.

Is it #TeamKevin or #TeamRichie? Dammit. Just stick to #TeamPatrick

No matter who he ends up with, someone will get hurt and he is bound to lose a great person. Like Patrick, show followers are divided between #TeamRichie and #TeamKevin only to end up miserable in the season 2 finale because they don't know who he finally chooses. If you consider yourself a fan of the show though, know that you should always belong to #TeamPatrick.

The funny and lovable Doris

While the show can come across as a 'gay drama' to some, there are several comic surprises--most of them courtesy of Doris (Lauren Weedman), Dom's best friend and the only female friend in the circle. She's the brutally honest straight friend who is ever caring to her queer folks. Doris speaks the truth without delay but ensures that you're not offended with her satire and sarcasm.

***

With all the commendations I give to Looking, I still summarize it as one big heartbreak. It's so good that 1) it hurts to know that it only ran for two short seasons, 2) most episodes have open endings that compels you to click on the next episode ASAP, and 3) with all the complications of their loves and lives, you can't help but to let the characters stay in your mind for long.

You let them live inside you as if they were your best friends. You want to make sure that they are okay, and that even if they leave your mind, they will be okay out there. Such is the magic of simplistic, realistic storytelling of its creator (writer-director) Andrew Haigh.

"There's more OUT there" says the show's tagline. Pictured here are the adorable cast members of Looking

Every now and then a story is born and it's unlike any other.  For its part, Looking is about LGBT but it present the truths of people who others may easily dismiss as sex-starved individuals. There is heart and art to the ways they tell the stories of the Gs in LGBT. It's comedy is subtle yet effective and it's drama doesn't solicit a boring sobfest.

It's not yet too late to catch Looking. It's TV movie airs this July 23 on HBO. In it, we get to revisit the characters' lives years from when we last saw them in Season 2. 

Lakbay Lokal: Traipsing Tagaytay

My best friend and I had one whole day for free (June 24). After talking about our getaway options for almost an hour, we decided to go to Tagaytay (*surprise!*).

Like most of our out-of-town trips, we knew where we would go but not what we wanted to do. We were just sure of one thing: we wanted to see art (and kaartehan) everywhere we go.

So here is our 16-hour budget itinerary for local tourists who want to escape the city and reignite their creativity as they rediscover Tagaytay:

*All prices good for 1 person only

0845AM

-Ride a DLTB Co. bus going to Tagaytay from Buendia (below LRT station) for only P83.

1045AM

-Arrive at Tagaytay Rotonda where, interestingly, a statue of Ninoy Aquino with a red sculpted steel tree now stands.

-Ride a tricycle to Museo Orlina for only P30. Entrance to the museum is P100.

-Museo Orlina houses the glass sculptures of renowned sculpture architect Ramon Orlina, as well as works of other local and foreign artists. It's a four-storey museum with huge open windows that let the fresh and cool Tagaytay air in, and white walls accented by colorful glass sculptures and recurring red-yellow-blue color patterns inspired by the works of one of Orlina's idols. It's four floors are named after his children (in order): Naesa, Ningning, Anna, and Michael.

 0100PM

-Ride a tricycle going to Dreamland Arts & Crafts Cafe near Cityland Condominium for only P20.

-Go grab your lunch! I tried Chick-A-Dream (Grilled Zesty Chicken with Herbs and Spices, Egg, Summer Salad, Fried Green-e-Rice, Tubasuk Vinegar, and Soup) for P180 and Lychee Smoothie with Yakult for P150. My F&B tasted better than expected :)

-The place is dreamy and artsy but they play loud remixes of OPMs that you would normally hear at pedicabs in the Metro; that is a major turnoff. Luckily they have a more appropriate playlist upon our request.

-For social media whores, sadly Dreamland doesn't have WiFi because it encourages customers to "talk to each other." They have group games (i.e. UNO Stacks, Sungka, Domino) to encourage bonding and books to help you pass the time alone, in another world. They also sell various items from dream catchers, dresses and bags, hand painted portraits, keychains, even hand sewn socks and wallets.

0330PM

-Take a short walk or ride a tricyle (for only P10) back to the Rotonda then ride a jeepney going to Nasugbu for only P10. Ask the driver to drop you off at Puzzle Mansion in Brgy. Asisa. 

Caution: A tricycle driver tried to trick us for P400 for 2 straight to the Puzzle Mansion from Dreamland. That's P380 more than what you really have to spend for!

0345PM

-Ride another tricycle for only P30 going to the Mansion. You have to walk five minutes from the drop off point because it's located in a low land. Entrance to the mansion is P100.

-Puzzle Mansion holds the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Collection of Jigsaw Puzzles of Any Size, Shape or Form."

-The over a 1,028 collection of jigsaw, crystal, and wooden puzzles on the ground floor is overwhelming. They have 2D and 3D puzzles and even puzzle balls. Better to create your route going around it (i.e. left to right, clockwise, zigzag).

-Watch the playback of the owner's TV interviews to learn more about her humble beginnings, success story, and aspirations to contribute to our tourism, one puzzle piece at a time. Or simply search for Georgina Gil-Lacuna.

-The 2nd floor features the world's largest and second largest jigsaw puzzles! You can also buy souvenir and rare puzzles at the shop, and have a snack break at the cafe.

0500PM

-Travel back to Brgy. Asisa tricycle terminal. Ride a jeepney going to Olivarez Terminal for P12.

0555PM

-Ride another tryk going to Java Jazz Cafe for only P25. It's near Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish.

0610PM

-Have your dinner in this quiet and indie-artsy cafe. I tried Pan Fried Fish Fillet in Creamy White Sauce (P119) and Pandan Green Tea with Chips and Fries (P99). Both weren't great and they were served small considering the price :(

0830PM

-Cap off the night with a nice, light massage. We tried the whole body massage at Touchpoint Spa in front of Olivarez Terminal for P450. It was okay, not good nor bad. I still prefer Nuat Thai massage which is P100 cheaper.

1000PM

-Walk shortly to the Rotonda then ride a bus going back to either Buendia or Pasay for about P80 only. 

And voila, welcome home!

In all, you have to allot about P1,500 to enjoy a day trip in Tagaytay. If you want to spend the night, you can find a Bed & Breakfast accommodation for P500. Most of the cafe and restaurants have them, you just have to ask the locals to find the affordable ones :)

Let's Talk About Melodrama

Last week, I attended the talk "Iyakan at Sampalan: Melodrama in Philippine Cinema" by film historian and professor Nick Deocampo.

It was a 2-hour entertaining and informative talk made more engaging by the generous sharing and animated movements of Prof. Nick. 

Here are some of the most salient points from the lecture:

DEFINITION

Melodrama comes from the Greek Melos (song) and it denoted a stage play accompanied by music. It evolved to "drama with music (melos)," although in modern melodramas, music ceased to be an integral part.

Melodramas have stock characters (heroes, villains). Characters that are simply drawn, 1-dimensional or stereotyped.

Melodrama came to signify "a form of drama characterized by sensationalism, emotional intensity, hyperbole, strong action, violence, rhetorical excesses, moral polarities, brutal villainy, and its ultimate elimination, and the triumph of good." (Dissanayake)

POPULAR CHARACTERISTICS
-Woman's film
-Iyakan, Pang-aapi, Sampalan, Sabunutan, Tarayan, Higanti, Patayan, Ubusan ng lahi, Patawaran
-Pejoratively called tear-jerker
-Low form of entertainment drama

THREE ASPECTS TO FILM AND MELODRAMA

1. Melodrama gives prominence to the experiences, emotions, and activities of women. It provides a platform for women's voice.

2. Melodrama gives attention to fundamental issues of representation, role of ideology, and cultural construction.

3. Melodrama provides ways to illuminate the deeper structures of diverse cultures.

POPULAR EXAMPLES OF MELODRAMATIC FILMS
-Himala
-Bituing Walang Ningning
-Atsay
-Anak
-Brutal
-Hellow Soldier (Political Melodrama)
-Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon
-Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa
-The Flor Contemplacion Story
-Burlesque Queen
and a lot more (esp.from the 80s and 90s)

Visit this LINK to learn more about the upcoming talk of Prof. Nick in Ayala Museum. Trust me, listening to him is worth your while! :)

#TheBookStopProject

In case you don't know yet, there's a pop-up library currently located in front of Manila Cathedral in Plaza de Roma, Intramuros.

It is the brainchild of architectural firm WTA. They aspire to maximize the use of public spaces to promote reading books.

It's stylish as it can get. Truly an inviting centerpiece in Plaza de Roma, Intramuros

The rule in this open-space library is simple: give a book and get one of your liking in return. The 'policy' rests on public trust as it doesn't have a personnel monitoring the supposed barter. A WTA architect informed me that they are assigned to man the library for at least 1 hour a day. Some people give and don't get, while some get and don't give any.

I visited the library earlier today to watch a storytelling session in the park by Adarna Books volunteers. Storytelling is one of many pocket activities that WTA and #TheBookStopProject prepared for the public. 

In the photo below you can see a volunteer lively narrates "Ang Kwento ni Ampalaya" to random children. Seated at far right is Lyn Ching-Pascual, host of GMA's "Unang Hirit" and a reading advocate.

A WTA staff told me that next Saturday afternoon, Words Anonymous will perform live poetry for free!

From a communications and advocacy standpoint, I admire the creativity and passion of WTA in experimenting with the library's concept. It's no secret that reading books is becoming a challenge (and buying them, a luxury) and public spaces are getting hostile to and unprepared for creative ideas and executions. Not to mention that using them for free is likely impossible these days.

A WTA architect, however, expressed their company's confidence in the project. He said, (non-verbatim) "Nung first days may mga kumukuha lang. Pero at the end of the (installation period), mas marami pa rin ang new books. We have about 100 new books and about 500 visitors daily."

If these numbers are any indications to the future of literature, public participation, and more recreational and artistic public spaces, then I think we're heading in the right direction. Thanks to WTA for initiating such feat (I swear I don't know any of them.)

Before the library is in Intramuros, it spent two weeks at the heart of Ayala Triangle in Makati.

Book lovers can visit #TheBookStopProject everyday from 9AM to 10 PM until July 10, 2016. After in Intramuros, it will be transferred to Quezon City.

You can find out more details about it by searching for The Book Stop Project (@TheBookStopPH) on social media.

You can volunteer your time and talent, and donate old and unused books, and even money, to the cause.

Hurry and make a difference before the rainy season threatens the library (regarding this, another staff told me that they're working on it).

Ali

Last Wednesay, my churchmates and I went to Tahanan ng Pagmamahal (Home of Love) to serve as art instructors to almost 30 kids.

I observed and helped some kids while they were drawing 'the thing that makes them happy' but one kid stood out for me. His name is John Ali. 

Ali had a rough time starting his drawing. He couldn't identify a tangible thing that makes him happy so he just made a lettering of his name. This was his first work:

I told him to use the oslo paper and crayons we provided to enhance the quality of his work but he didn't follow. Later, I made a Sans Serif lettering of his name so he could somehow copy the pattern but he wasn't eager either. 

Ali was having a hard time between doing the task and wanting to do it beautifully at first try.

He stopped. I pushed him to try again.

Then he grabbed an oslo paper and made another lettering, this time with just his second name.

This was his second attempt:

He wrote A-L-I and made a free style border intuitively. I was impressed so I asked him to darken the outlines of A-L-I and the border for bolder impact, and he did.

Next thing I knew he was coloring the letters with red, orange, and yellow for a fiery look. He didn't want to finish the letter "I" but I insisted and this was the result:

It was way better than his first attempt. I was so glad for his humble accomplishment!

Ali helped me affirm what "try again" really means. Seeing his progress within only two hours was really worth that volunteer time we rendered. 

"Of God and Men"

Memoir
Raymond Alikpala
2012, Maverick House Publishing

If you're a homophobic person, this book is not for you (or maybe in time, it will be). If you're a transitioning homophobic or you don't give a big deal out of homosexuality, then by all means, read this book.

Of God and Men is a memoir that can be read beginning with the Epilogue. It might seem to be a long read since it began with the author's childhood (he finished recounting his story when he was 40 years old) but Raymond Alikpala tried his best to walk you through a childhood that was strangely unique than what most of us experienced--a childhood that was relatable only to a minority of the population.

Alikpala grew up feeling and thinking that he was gay but acting like the opposite. Not everyone will be able to relate to him but I'm sure each of us has had a childhood that was confusing as well--forcing us to act what we thought was appropriate and accepted by the society we were growing up in--only to realize years later that we didn't exactly make all the right choices anyway.

Raymond, being gay, is no stranger to this tale. His story was, however, told with so much honesty that one would think he knows the author all his life.

Various chapters in Alikpala's memoir revealed his long desire to have a true best friend and lover, and his several failed attempts at that. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the book is long, transparent, and detailed--so one can relate to him, understand him, and offer a friendship and care that this good son, ex-devout Catholic, overachiever student so deserves.

Alikpala's bravery in sharing his coming out story (read: to "come out" is a big deal and to "share" it is another) is admirable. While he remains a barely recognizable author (like most LGBT writers), the local literary scene needs more fearless souls like him so it could offer a broader range of stories for modern readers.

Of God and Men is the first book I read that highlighted the unlikely connection between faith and homosexuality. It was written in a controlled prose (meaning, the writer chose his words carefully) that it would pass for conservative readers but it also offered a bit of nasty storytelling that it would surely attract liberated ones.

Whether you're a member of the LGBT community or you just want to know more about it and about them, go ahead and grab this book.

It's just like talking to a friend over coffee: expect a conversation that is light, easy to follow, and can get serious and funny all throughout. Unfortunately, it doesn't end after you finish a cup because it's 447-page long.

My rating: 3.5/5 rainbow-colored stars