Opera on a Saturday

Was not able to do most of the things I listed on Friday, except for the derma visit and the baywalk event. I don't know what possessed me to get a facial on a Saturday morning knowing full well I will be mixing with people (not usually bumped into in your local sarisari).

There were two things though, which I didn't list which I got to do.

1. Opera. Although I know my soap from classical, I am no expert when it comes to opera. The tunes are familiar from afternoons listening to 98.7dzfe, testament of my geeky adolescence, but I do not know my Puccini from Wagner.

I had no plans to attend the audition for the Philippine Opera Company's Operanow: Evening of Puccini, but did at the last minute because I kinda like opera and was curious how they conduct these auditions. Good thing I went as I got treated to good renditions (they all sounded good --- well, except for 1, sorry to say) and even met my voice teacher -- who I wasn't able to see anymore as I was busy and the lessons were eating into my budget already.

People like the opera for the spectacle --- rarely does one equate simplicity with a night of opera. But seeing the performances-- audition pieces, bare as it is, without costumes, lights, sets and full orchestra --- was enough for me. I hope I get to watch the show on July. It is kind of expensive but I'm hoping the POC gives our office some complimentary seats. We are sponsors supposedly.

2. 10 minutes at the Terno Au-go-go. I've always liked going to Fort Bonifacio because it is spacious and a bit laid back than the cruising joints in Makati. You'd think I'm a hardened partyphile, but the truth is I am just a middle class stiff wanting some decent social action that does not require a lot of posing.

Three and a half hours at the Baywalk event (2 hours of which were spent waiting for it to start), Ces and I decided to go fetch a copy of Juan Pablo Dream's CD at the Terno Au-go-go concert at the Adidas Camp.

When we got to the venue, we thought there was no concert going on. It was eerily quiet from the parking lot. We had to confirm from the parking attendant if indeed there was something happening (yes, there was, he said and handed us flyers).

It was my first time to walk inside the Adidas Camp, as I had no business to go there on regular days. Adidas stuff are cute but costly. Plus I have had no strenuous physical activity for the past year. Note to self: get physical.

Youth today are really different from my batch. At such events, I remember seeing my generation still being self-conscious, eager to be labeled cool. As a geek, I couldn't ever be cool...but that is a different story. Now the kids seem so blase about things and couldn't care less.

The Terno Au Go Go event was like a high school fair. Wait, it was more laid back than a high school fair, more like a soiree but no games. There were performances but somehow the people were not so centered on the show. Some hundred were seated on the grounds (no monoblocs --- good thing it didnt rain) and the rest were scattered along the premises. Am I glad I am not performing for this crowd. This crowd is too at-home with commercials, distractions and multi-tasking.

Anyway, I got to listen to a song of the Blazing Bulalakaws and that's all. The Juan Pablo Dream CD was still not available and we haven't eaten dinner yet. Off we went. In and out for 10 minutes.

Indie music is kinda exciting but they sound the same to me already. Back at the Baywalk, I caught the performance of the Purple Pumpkins or something and they sounded like the Blazing Bulalakaws.