Ang Huling El Bimbo or Ang Huling El Bimbo Musical is a narrative masterpiece that draws a nostalgic plot, filled with deep twists and turns in a simple setting while using Eraserheads' best songs. One great night, this guy asked me if I am free by May 11. It was our 90th month together, plus he was making things up to me, so he prepared a plan for that day. Little do I know, it was Ang Huling El Bimbo Musical! He showed me the e-receipt, and aAaHhh, this girl went very crazy happy! Finally, after a long yet worth-it wait, we came to watch the play at Newport Performing Arts Theater. And not just that, we watched it on the very first day of its reopening this May! So freshhhhh~
WELCOME AREA The Newport Performing Arts Theater is located on the third floor. Slow-mo moment when we entered the lobby! Because the welcome lounge has a warm aura that gives off good, exciting vibes. There were three different backdrops that people could take selfies on. There was Tindahan ni Aling Nena, too! Obviously, it is a merchandise store that sells Ang Huling El Bimbo products like shirts, jackets, mugs, and of course, CDs. So witty, my gosh! That was where we got our one-hundred peso ticket for the photo-op with the cast, too. There were staff who roam around to sell these tix, also souvenir programs for PhP 300. Hyping the audience for the show, their versions of Eheads' song were playing in the lobby. Whyasdfghjklkjhgfdsasdfghjkl! THEATER It was our first time here at Resorts World Manila, but Dada and I did not roam around that much. We just really went to the Newport Performing Arts Theater floor. So... Inside the theater, there are two easily-noticed projectors placed beside the stage for a more up-close look to what is happening on the stage. There is a live band on the right side, as well. And in all fairness, I liked that Dada chose the center part because we saw everything from a balanced perspective. Good job, My Love! xoxo ~ MY STORY HIGHLIGHTS I personally had no expectations about Ang Huling El Bimbo Musical since I was not able to read the summary, very unlikely to my habit. All I know was that the show would use Eraserheads' hits as part of their story. That's all. But you know, Ang Huling El Bimbo is a very wonderful play. Partly, but not just solely because of Eheads. Talk about the characters, the plot, the revival of the music into something new? Genius! I love the Pare Ko version so much. Would never look at this song the same way anymore. At first glance, this fiction majorly revolves on the past, around the 90s era. It showed the fashion trends at that time, the normie university culture, and the like. The story focuses on the three young lads: Hector, Emman, and Anthony, also called as AJ who are college roommates turned best buds. Their friendship develops into something more when they were joined by Joy, the niece of the Toyang Canteen's owner. Each character showed their own highs and ups that I do not want to spoil. Ang Huling El Bimbo was just so fun to watch, we did not realize the time. My most favorite part was the road trip. Super loved the improvised Lance Box-Type car cos hashtag effort! And since I have such penchant to celestial bodies, aAahHhh, loved it when they were under the canopy of stars! In need of out-of-town slash stargazing trip with my squad ASAP 'cause of this! Hahahahaha! We thought the show was reaching the end already because everything seemed to run very nicely. However, we were just in the middle part pala! The most stirring scene happened! Just like any telenovela, pabitin muna, being an intense part was staged. Restroom time for 15 minutes. Then, time to continue... I felt the weight of the show in the second phase. Super! That is for you to figure out. TWO CENTS: THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS Insane how Ang Huling El Bimbo Musical is just a simple story, yet, it awakened issues for gender, poverty, family gaps, social classes that still need some addressing until today. They may be parts that seem too common for a few, but hey, that does not mean that is less of the truth. Some people were saying they romanticized the plot as it showed rape, drugs, crimes, fail justice system, deep political greed, but actually, if you would just analyze it, that is more of an eye and mind opener. These problematic affairs were and are still happening up to date! And Ang Huling El Bimbo Musical has the authenticity to influences the viewers. Following the flow of the song, the musical kept it real by producing a timeless piece of happiness, dreams, love, but at the same, regrets and heartaches. It is evident that I am rating Ang Huling El Bimbo five stars. I experienced a full spectrum of emotions as I laughed, cried, got mad, tensed, and loved all at the same time. More importantly, because this original story hit me. It got me so much because there were parts of me that I saw in Joy. Similar to this girl, I have been looking down on myself, thinking I will never be who I wanna be, but still, trying to keep sunshine in my pockets, reminding myself notes of encouragement to get by at life. Also like her, I have my three guys who are Iskolars ng Bayan as well, who made me feel again. These kinds of people exist for real: the ones who would show you that you are something more, because they believe in you even when you do not trust yourself that much; the ones who will teach you how to dream, and inspire you to do your best in order to achieve each of it; the ones who will love you, not with plain words per se, but would love in different ways, especially being at your side, whether on highs and lows of life. Really got struck when I saw my unexpected friendship story on stage. 'Cause it really feels good! To be who you are, not trying to fit in. And yet, have folks who accept you for whatever or whoever you are. Aww, right? Got reminded that I am blessed to be surrounded by a group of friends who help me strive and thrive, be better and even the best. I want that we-inspire-you-and-you-inspire-us kind of squads. And so... I want us to be successful in our chosen professions like Hector, Emman, and Anthony. But, I pray that we would not end up like them -- unhappy and separated. Resonating stories of true friendships, reaching dreams, and life satisfaction, indeed, Ang Huling El Bimbo took me big deals of sentiments leading to my home -- myself, my family, my friends, my country, my God. 💖 There are lots of things the audience can say in Ang Huling El Bimbo. From the plot itself, main characters, supporting roles, local music, set design, overall production, and all. Ang Huling El Bimbo Musical is a must-see because it showcased world-class talents and Pinoy pride. By this, I want to congratulate the producers: Resorts World and Full House Theater Company for staging a very nakakaindak, nakakaaliw, nakakatindig balahibo masterpiece! One of the best plays ever made! Hands down 💖
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For fifteen years already, my father's clan has been hosting a grand reunion. The family reunion is shared by three surnames: Mones, Duatin, and Mundo. My grandfather, Lolo Terio has a full brother and we call him Lolo White. Their parents were both widowed from their spouses, so ending up together, the siblings also acquired three more brothers from another mother and father. Can you get the roots? This family history had its own twists and turns, so, let us just leave that there. What is important, the fam bams of these five brothers celebrate an annual meeting together. The reunion has rotation on who will host. This year, it was initiated at Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija because it was Lolo Muniong's turn to lead the event. Usually, our reunions are done every first Saturday of May. And, at Villasis. This is one out of the five years where we can get together outside our hometown, so, we can never miss the party this year! Members from here have always been present in all Pangasinan reunions. This then would be the perfect time to give back and support them! 💖 Since my family has work until Friday nights, we decided to fix ourselves by three in the morning and left Manila by 4:30, so we would not be late in the program. Since I did not sleep, zzz time the moment I got in the car! And after less than five hours, we were already in the location: Stone 8 Resort! ✨
Aside from the water activities, you can also stay here for a night or two. It is recommended, especially if you want to hike the Mt. Sawi the next day. Yes, it allows mountain hiking, too! Stone 8 Resort served as the family's events venue and accommodation for the weekend. It was fun because I feel like a haciendera of all the amazingly green sceneries around me. The big hectares of land brought out my love to farms and mountains -- the simple provincial life I wish I still have had. Loved that I breathed fresh air after some time. And once again, visited some parts of Mother Nature. Yayyy. If you are wondering how we survived, where we ate... 7/11! Of course. I am not kidding. Also, we have some relatives in Gabaldon, so we were invited to have snacks and dinner in their houses. As for our breakfast the next day, the reunion hosts brought us food first thing in the morning. Grabe the hospitality of our family, huh? Awwww! While the lunch, we had it at Dingalan. Yes, at Dingalan, Aurora since it was only a 15-minute ride going there. We also visited relatives there, so, free food, woohoo! We were supposed to go to the beach, but, we needed to head back to Manila already. Dropped by one tourist attraction though: some rock formations that are almost similar to the ones we saw in Baler. And I, my heart was so happy! At least, we were able to stop at one spot because I would really be sad and mad if we did not. I prepared, eh? We had some plans. Then, this... Luh? Haha?!? Having family weekends like this makes me very, very, very happy. Super enjoyed the games in the reunion. Also the bonding moments at the pool and the night with drinks and chips. Super love that I reconnected, not just with my fam-by-blood members, but also to the Inang Kalikasan. I appreciated the literal road trip. Just seeing roads moving satiated my eyes. Still grateful even when a little disappointed. Good thing I did not set my expectations high. But yeah, yeah, yeah -- thank you, G! 💖 |
THE BLOG-GIRLE L A M A N I L A Ela Mones, a Filipina girl,
is a passionate lifestyle blogger who loves to express her unforgettable life experiences and best moments through words, photos, and videos 💖
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