Abstract Paintings Series 1: Different Shades of Grey

This hotel resort has many abstract paintings on its walls and I've noticed that each part of the resort has the collection of paintings from a particular abstract artist.

This first series features a painter (I wasn't able to get his - or her signature) whose work features different shades of grey done with varying geometrical figures.

The Magic of Hugot in the Plays Staged at the Virgin Labfest 12

It's understandable that hugot lines are a-plenty in the present crop of plays in the Virgin Labfest. They are quite popular with the youth today and it brings an instant reaction from the audience.

Dalawang Gabi by Juan Miguel Severo was from last year's batch but returns this year for a restaging. I'm sure everyone can relate to this play - unless you've never been rejected by a person you loved in your life! Lucky you! That's why it's easy to get a reaction from the audience when the subject is like this. Candy Pangilinan and Alex Yasuda make a pretty pair in this one!

I didn't quite get the story of Daddy's Girl as it tried to mix the idea of incest with all the great loves of history! It's an intriguing play by Ricardo Novenario. The theme is bizarre but the audience reacted well since it took snippets of popular love scenes in popular culture - Romeo and Juliet, Titanic - were the ones I recognized easily.

Ang Mga Bisita ni Jean by Ma. Cecilia dela Rosa tells of failed opportunities at love and once again, uses the hugot theme to draw the audience in. It is set though in the world of the youth revolutionaries which I think the largely burgis audience won't be able to relate to. I don't think these latte-drunk Instagram-addicted youth of today will go to the hills and become revolutionaries! So much has changed since the days of Marcos!

Catch these three interesting plays at the Virgin Labfest 12 at the CCP on its last week this coming week.

Carlo Vergara Returns with Mula Sa Kulimliman

The playwright Carlo Vergara has brought us Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah and Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady - two hilarious plays that combines the supernatural with the real world. I love both plays and will watch it again if ever the Tanghalang Pilipino decides to restage both of them. They're just gems of Filipino theater!

He comes back to Virgin Labfest this year with Mula Sa Kulimliman - a play of a similar vein - but this time - it's the men's turn to become superheroes - .

However, like his other plays - it's a woman or in Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah's case - a "woman' - who brings the house down!

I chanced upon Mayen Estanero as she left the theater and asked for a photo. She plays the clueless maybahay of her husband and son. She plays the role with such earnestness that you can't help but love her!

Again, I will not tell much of the story. I prefer that you guys haul your ass over to the CCP and watch this one. I guarantee you it will brighten your day as both the script and the actors keep everything interesting - and guessing!

Book Reviews: Patricia Cornwell's Isle of Dogs

Like many others, I'm a big fan of Patricia Cornwell's books on criminal investigation but I stopped reading crime books for a few years now since I didn't want blood and gore in my reading fare.

However, I decided to pick up this book after reading too many war love stories and it was quite a refreshing change. Also, I have to warn you, this is not the usual Patricia Cornwell book as it has some pretty humorous and ridiculous characters - and it paints the state of Virginia and its law enforcement and government as some kind of lameduck establishment.

There are also many caricatures in the characters - from Hooters who has all the stereotypical qualities of an African-American woman - to Barbie Fogg - who has all the stereotypical qualities of an American blonde airhead.

And to make it even more bizarre, Patricia puts a supernatural spin to things - like making dogs and crabs talk - and making one of the killers Unique - assume a supernatural state - making her able to change her "molecular composition" - whatever that means.

It was a fun read although there were some pretty violent slasher scenes. The ending was a bit of a letdown, it was like Ms. Cornwell just wanted things to end Hollywood-style - predictable and without much suspense.

Better to stick to her Kay Scarpetta series if you're a hardcore fan.

Virgin Labfest 12: The Touching Story of Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala

One of the plays from Virgin Labfest 11 that were restaged this year is Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng Mga Tala by Eljay Casto Deldoc.

If you missed it last year, it's part of Set E this year and I understand fully why they decided to restage it this year.

It's probably one of the best children's plays I've ever seen that was written for an adult audience. I shed a tear or two in the end as the story is about unrequited love and how as human beings, we look for love in all the wrong places when our true love is just in front of us.

The script is like poetry and there are many Filipino words here that I'm sure you'll be hearing for the first time - it's like a Botany lesson done in Filipino. To put that in context -all those terms are needed to build the kite that Maria Isabella needs.

I won't give too much of the story since I'd rather you take your time and watch it for yourself. It's a must-see and probably one of the most memorable theater memories of my life.

There was even a bit of a props malfunction in the end but the lead actress cleverly ad-libbed making the audience laugh even more!

There is really nothing like live theater - actors have to be on their toes all the time!