Rivalry: Ateneo - La Salle The Musical

Last Wednesday, I got a call from a friend saying that she was able to get me and my kids tickets to see Rivalry: Ateneo - La Salle The Musical.  I was ecstatic because I've been wanting to see that since I heard about it over the holidays.  I've been doing some research ever since, but I couldn't quite get what the story was about...but since I graduated from Ateneo (notice that I didn't put "the" before the name), it still sparked my interest.

I thought it was going to be about 2 basketball players coming from the rival schools battling, not only for the trophy, but for the heart of the girl as well (Oh, by the way, the girls' school in the story is Maryknoll College, now known as Miriam College, where I finished high school).  So One Tree Hill right? Boy was I wrong! All I'm going to say is that the story is about two basketball stars from Ateneo and La Salle vying for the NCAA championship, two young men vying for the affection of a young lady from a neighboring school, and different generations of men fighting over who went to the better school.

The play,  written and directed  by Jaime del Mundo, is produced by Ed Gatchalian with The 4th Wall Theater Company.  Gatchalian composed and arranged the music, while Joel Trinidad, son of Noel Trinidad, wrote the lyrics for the musical.  Together they formed the first OPM enjoyed by my kids! :)

I've read in an article by Walter Ang for the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the original idea suggested by Noel Trinidad (which came about some 30 years ago), was to write a musical about Crispa and Toyota (the leading teams in the Philippine Basketball Association back in the days).  It was only last year though that the idea was pursued, and they decided to make it about the two rival schools, Ateneo and La Salle (good call!)

The quality of the music and the lyrics is undeniably good :)  The story wasn't hard to follow, it was entertaining even for a young boy of 4 (my son and godson were relatively well-behaved during the show, and trust me, that rarely happens when they're together), in fact now, my son thinks that all stage plays have basketball plots (we watched The Sound of Music earlier and my son asked me where the basketball court was..)  I do think we need to hear more Ateneo - La Salle jokes in the play (I need to hear more La Salle jokes actually...LOL).  It definitely took the Ateneo - La Salle rivalry to a whole new level :) And yes, if you're from a different school, of course you'll still enjoy the show!

Support OPM! :) BLUE EAGLE, THE KING! (Wala na kayong magagawa, Atenista ako)

Venue: Meralco Theater
Date: Play runs until March 11, 2012
Time: Wednesday-Saturday ; 8 p.m.
          Saturday and Sunday ; 3 p.m.
Tickets: Ticketworld  (63 2) 8919999

Guess which school breaks the Knoller's heart :)

The Best of Chico & Delamar's The Morning Rush Top 10

I've been listening to Chico and Delamar since I was in college, and The Morning Rush Top 10 has been my favorite segment since then.  It's been a venue to show the wit of C & D's listeners, and has helped ease my hatred for mornings. 

I first saw their book during the holidays, but I didn't buy it because "I listen to their program everyday anyway..."  I kept seeing it around though, and I've heard people buying multiple copies to give away as Christmas presents, and so 2 weeks ago, I gave in.  In the words of Chico, I did what was rational, and I went to National! I walked around National Bookstore in Galleria before going to the gym, got a copy of the book after picking up other stuff, and lined up at the cashier.  While waiting, I asked my friend, "Do you think this is really worth it?" (It costs Php 175...Okay, kill me now, but I really think 20 times before making a purchase...ANY purchase)

I've been telling my friends to read the book, and so far, a lot of them said that it made them laugh out loud, specially when they imagine Chico reading the entries :) 

These are my favorite entries:

Top 10 Date Quotes:

9. When I asked a super hot date if she wanted coffee, she answered,"Sige, preferably kape ng Tarvax, pero pwede na rin 'yung kape ng Mini-Staff." - Greg

Top 10 Misheard Lyrics

1. "Chuvalens, chuvalens, everything you own in the box chuvalens..." (Beyonce's "Irreplaceable") - Jose De Vengenge

5. "And I'm here to remind you of the cross-eyed bear that you gave to me..." (Alanis Morisette's "You Ought to Know") -Lavander Girl

They had a book launch at Galleria last week, Jan 28, and yesterday, Feb 4, at Trinoma.  Check out Chico's blog here to find out what happened during the first day of their book launch.  Mind you, I was there, but I was already late for Zumba, and there were soooo many people!  I checked again after gym, and there were still soooo many people!!  Their next stop, I believe, is going to be National Bookstore Megamall, on Saturday, Feb 11, registration starts at 1pm.

As they have a new segment, the epic rap-off which was started by Chico and Gino during Del's maternity leave, there must be an epic rap off about their book!  Here it is...Jay-Z, Ashanti, and Salbakuta...I mean, Gino, Chico and Delamar's epic "book rap" :

So do what is rational!  Punta na ng National!!

Warning:  Thou shall not read the book when you are alone and having your car washed or whenever you are not with someone who understands why you are literally laughing out loud while reading it.  Mahirap ng mapagkamalang baliw.