Q & A ON PATRICK ADRIAN LIBAO: THE NEW BOARD MEMBER OF PHILIPPINE STAGERS FOUNDATION

PATRICK: BOYISHLY SEXY!

PATRICK DISPLAYS HIS BACK SKIN TATTOO

ONE POIGNANT SCENE IN  A PSF PLAY AS PATRICK EMBRACES VINCE TANADA

Mr Patrick Adrian Libao, one of our favorite Stagers was quite on a "Beast Mode" that afternoon at the last day PSF Summer Fest 2019, as he spoke about one playwright/critic for being harsh in reviewing PSF plays. We seldom saw Patrick being like that. That's why for us, he really meant was he said and he's really mad on that "ungrateful" playwright.

This blogger felt Patrick was right. Because as we watched the five plays presented and performed that very day at the PSF Studio, it was all beautiful and mind-blowing. We wondered, how could someone be wrong in judging these PSF plays?

Anyway, we're moving on. Patrick's rantings on that person somehow helped us more to believe that original PSF plays were worthy of good reviews and raves.

During dinner time, Patrick sat in front of us and as we ate together the very good dinner served after watching the five plays that concluded the PSF Summer Festival that very day, we felt Patrick's warmth and great affections. Patrick remained to be so true to us and eternally sincere.

And while eating the perfect dinner served, we managed to ask Patrick some questions in the special Q & A below. Read on:

ROBERT: Patrick, how does it feel to win at the Aliw Awards this year?

PATRICK: Yeah, it feels so good. I won as Best Featured Actor in a Musical this year at the Aliw Awards. It was also my fifth nomination there, having nominated before in Bonifacio: Isang Sarsuwela, Joe, The Musical, Popular and Filipinas 1941. Winning the award this time, I can say, is a good opportunity for me. Finally, na-recognize na ako. And my love and passion for the Arts really was worth it all. This time around, I will inspire more, show my craft and transform lives. That's my mission as an actor.
One thing more, I really got flattered winning the award side by side with Ms. Lea Salonga- she won naman the Best Featured Actress in a Musical. It gave me a tremendous feeling.

ROBERT: How passionate are you as an actor, Patrick?

PATRICK: In a scale from 1 to 10, I rate myself 11, in terms of being so passionate about my craft. You see, Robert, it's my life. I gave-up a lot of things because of this. pero happy ako sa ginagawa ko, and that what matters most.

ROBERT: I have watched numerous plays at the PSF Summer fest in the previous years and until now. And I loved those horror and dark plays that you wrote. Would you say that being a writer and a playwright is also one of your hidden talents?

PATRICK: When I started performing at the Theater, I sing also. Halos sabay lang pumasok ang pag-arte at pagkanta ko. Then, writing came just as spontaneous. Hindi ko alam na may talent din pala ako sa pagsusulat. For the past five years, I always write plays at the PSF Summer Fest, and my latest is Gemetzel, isang morbid story with German Nazi setting.
Now, I'm also learning how direct plays. Through the help of my mentor, Vince Tanada, I will soon direct a play also at PSF.
I also market plays at PSF. That's why I'm earning a lot, not just as an actor but also because of marketting the plays.

ROBERT: Now that you are being elevated as one of PSF's Board Members, what would be your greater functions and missions for this artistic theater group?

PATRICK: I will be helping in decision-makings for the company. It will be giving me more responsibilities and a lot more action for the group. Also, it's a big opportunity for me. I am so thankful and grateful to the other Board Members for giving me a chance. It's a great honor on my part.

ROBERT: Last question, Patrick. May dream role ka pa ba na nais gawin sa mundo ng teatro?

PATRICK: Kuya Robert, lahat na yatang klase ng papel ay nagmapanan ko na sa PSF. Nagubad na ako't nagpakita ng hidden weapon ko, naging rebelde, naging sundalo, naging makata, naging bayani, naging Jose Rizal, at kung anu-ano pa. Ang hindi ko na lang yata nagagampanan, 'yung papel ng isang hayop o animal. Hahaha.
I would still try performing a variety of roles. And it's up to Vince Tanada, who saw my potentials right from the start to discover more roles for me. being an actor is limitless. And I am up for more challenges this time around.

ROBERT: Thank you, Patrick.

patrick: Thanks, too. Kuya Robert.



------ end of interview----

PATRICK PLAYS HIS GUITAR FOR A SPECIAL BLOGGER BESIDE HIM

PATRICK WITH HIS MENTOR VINCE TANADA

PATRICK: A VICTORY! (with a female "friend")

PATRICK HOLDS HIS VERY FIRST ALIW AWARD

PATRICK: A VERY PASSIONATE SOUL

PATRICK IN A FASHIONABLE OUTFIT

PATRICK RANTS

Q & A WITH VINCE TANADA: "I WAS SIMPLY LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT TIME & PLACE"

vince: half-naked, and the door "half-closed"

A FRIEND WAS SIMPLY LOOKING FROM FAR-AWAY, NOT WANTING TO DISTURB HIS INNATE PASSION FOR THE ARTS AND THE COMFORT HE FEELS FROM HIS FRIENDS AND ALLIES...

BUT A FRIEND WOULD ALWAYS CHOOSE TO BE THERE, NO MATTER WHAT. IF HE APPROVES OR NOT, THE FINAL SAY WOULD ALWAYS BE ON THAT PERSON WHO OPENS HIS DOOR, SHARES HIS LIFE, TEACHES YOU THE RIGHT SIDE OF THINGS.

AND IF THE TIME COMES THAT A FRIEND HAS TO GO-AWAY AGAIN, HE WOULD NOT CARRY A HEAVY HEART. HE WOULD ALWAYS BE GLAD TO KNOW, HE HAD BEEN THERE WITH 'HIM' FOR SOME TIME.

THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE QUESTIONS TO A FRIEND'S SINCERITY,- TO THAT FRIEND WHO LOOKS-UPON FROM FAR-AWAY. THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE EYEBROWS GOING-UP, AND SNEAKING STARES THAT LOOKS NAUGHTY, OR, LITTLE WHISPERS OF UNKNOWN DELIGHT.

BUT A FRIEND WON'T CARE ANYMORE. NOT JUST NOW, PERHAPS.

*************      ***************    **************

IN ONE OF THOSE RUSHING BREAKS FROM A PERFORMANCE OF VINCE TANADA'S "RAIN" TRILOGY AT SM FAIRVIEW, HE MANAGED TO GRANT ONE BLOGGER AN AMBUSH INTERVIEW. AND HERE IT WENT:

the play OBRA NI JUAN in Dumaguete City last March 8, 2018

ROBERT: Obra Ni Juan will have its final performance on march 25, how would you describe the experience and the journey of your latest theatrical masterpiece Obra Ni Juan?

VINCE: Obra Ni Juan is the most successful play of Philippine Stagers Foundation. Naka-500 shows kami, marami kaming napuntahang mga lugar. Nakarating kami sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon, and many parts in the Visayas region. Nakabalik din kami ng Dumaguete City this year, and I feel good because for me, I termed Dumaguete City as our catch basin. Doon ko gine-gauge kung gaano ka-succesful ang play ko. The last time we were there at Dumaguete was in 2012 pa. And this year, nakabalik kami doon..... So, both Box-Office and critically, successful ang Obra Ni Juan.  It was acclaimed by many theater critics. nakuha namin pareho ang box-office potential ng play and at the same time, the Critics' rave.

vince with bernardo bernardo (r.i.p.)

ROBERT: I saw you at the last night of wake of theater icon Bernardo Bernardo, And I knew, BB was among those people you deeply respected. What can you say about his sudden passing?

VINCE: We were in Naga City when I heard of his passing. I was really sad. We're supposed to work together in the play Popular pero hindi natuloy kasi nagkaroon ng conflict sa movie niyang Imbisibol. But since then, we're always interacting on Facebook. If you'd just see our hundreds of Private Messages at Messenger, ang dami. We have so many plans na hindi natuloy. Ang dami dapat naming gagawin pa... But you see, he's in a better place now. he is now an angel for all of us.

vince with his stagers

ROBERT: Every year, the PSF Summer Fest is one of the most-awaited events in Summer. What can we expect this time?

VINCE: We will have Inter-Collegiate play competition this time from various Colleges & Universities. The Summer fest is open to various Colleges & Universities. That's why, this year, there will be 3 rounds of competitions. One round for the Stagers, another round for the Acting Workshop participants this year and the third round for Inter-Collegiate participants. That's why, we'll be having more playdates of shows this Summer of 2018. More exciting but more fulfilling for me. And yes, I will direct all the plays for the Stagers and the workshop participants.

ROBERT: It's very seldom that you open-up in a performance. And what can you say about this: I was among those who cried when you revealed onstage the story of your tragic love affair.

VINCE: I guess, I was simply looking for the right time and place. For me to be able to do it, it took me time. I had to do it, so people will stop asking questions. And I guess, my story inspired a lot of young individuals, most of them students, about the real meaning of LOVE, and the fact that exists na walang FOREVER.

ROBERT: The quality of your theatrical performances are already at par with international standards. And your voice plus your your talent, Vince, can definitely land you in a Broadway Musical like Miss Saigon. Any plans of going international this time around, Vince? This is my last question.

VINCE: My schedules are sobrang tight. Noon pa dapat, pero hindi talaga kinaya ng schedules ko, being the Artistic Director of PSF. There had been many offers, but 'yun nga, my schedules didn't permit. Anyway, on March 25, a production outfit from the United States are gonna' be there to watch us perform. Yeah, there are plans of a U.S. tour this time... Then on April 21 to 22, I will be hosting the Asean Theater Festival, this is in cooperation with NCCA (National Comission for Culture & the Arts), and the PSF will be joining the festival, too. You guys will hear more about this soon.

ROBERT: Thank you very much, Vince.

VINCE: Thank you, too, Robert.



------------end of interview--------------

vince and his triumphant smile

vince tanada talks about his future plans and the graciousness of his laoag city tour producers...

It's been more than five years of friendship, truthfulness and love. Full of colors, vibrant living colors. Nagkakatampuhan, nagkakaselosan, nagkakaaawayan pa mandin LIVE on the internet world. But that only made the friendship real and solid. It even stood the TEST of time.

That kind of friendship one blogger cherished so much is the friendship he had with Vince Tanada and the Philippine Stagers Foundation.

Many people have already attempted to destroy the friendship. But sad to say, they all did not win. Perfection and "knowing it all" is not the key to step upon other people's toes. And Vince certainly knows the pure love that this blogger had offered unto them. A pure love that could linger on, amidst the ridicules, bad impressions and disgusts. Love could still find a way in every step of the way.

This time around, GOD will be on our side as we all continue to BOND along. God will protect what's left of the sincerity of the heart. And when they'd seen each other all over again last week only, no other person had been able to stop it this time. Because it's the LOVE that counted in. No other person COULD simply enjoy the fruits of something that he did not do any hard work, or planted any seeds of goodness and concern- yes, no one. You can not just simply sneak-in at other people's territory just by simply eating three plates of meals in one serving or make the head master drunk with brandy almost everyday. With that, you are not a GOOD INFLUENCE for the group, but rather, you would only simply RUIN the Master.

It was a great trip to Laoag City last January 21. And in one dinner event at the hotel that all Stagers of Philippine Stagers Foundation stayed on for two days, a blogger approached Vince Tanada to interview him.

And this time around, he talked about the graciousness of his Laoag City tour event producers, in persons of Mr. & Mrs. Fernando Pascual:

"This is our fourth time here in Laoag City", Vince told a blogger. "And Mrs. Abigail Pascual and his husband Fernando Pascual had been our consistent producer here for four long years. Even though PSF had set new rules in our last meeting - and one of the rules was not to entertain producers anymore because we can manage to produce our own tours, Mrs. Pascual became an exemption to the rule. WE made it a point to still make her our producer for our tour here in Laoag City.

"The generosity and graciousness of Mrs. Pascual made it all happen", Vince continued on saying. "That's why she became an exemption to PSF's new set of rules, alongside with the parents of Kenneth Sadsad who produces naman our La Union and Olongapo tours. If producers like Abby and Kenneth's parents are perfectly great and good, PSF will continue allowing them to become our producers."

Starting by the month of February 1 to February 20, Vince Tanada's Mindanao tour would be starting to happen. This time, it's PSF's own production venture. Almost all key cities in almost all the provinces in Mindanao will be toured-in and conquered by the Stagers. What a great Marketing strategy.


While on tour to Mindanao, Vince will be starting to write the NEW PLAY that the Philippine Stagers Foundation would soon be preparing for, yes, for their next Theater Season this coming month of April and March. And Vince would soon have a major press conference or event to announce this great, new play as their next theater season production venture.

"I can not yet reveal it because baka ma-pre-empt",Vince told a blogger. "Basta, I am so proud and ecstatic about this one. I am sure, everybody would like it. It's a great new masterpiece that I'm about to finish now."

Another surprise coming-out. So better be prepared.

With Vince Tanada, anything can happen. Need we say more?



(written by robert manuguid silverio)

vince with ex-classmates allan (with wife carol) and blarneystine

vince with monrey, blarneystine and Stager John Rey

vince with his trainer monrey avendano and ex-classmate blarneystine

.

THE GREAT LAOAG CITY TOUR OF PHILIPPINE STAGERS FOUNDATION (A TRAVELOGUE)....

It was still dark when I started walking the slippery streets of the subdivision where i reside. But somehow, the clouds disappeared from the night sky and I saw the many stars glittering above in such a very unified manner. The moon was almost half, but happy. I got a feeling, everything's gonna be alright.

When I reached the PSF Studio in G. Tuason St., Balic-Balic, I at once saw Mr. Bobong dela Cruz and his female assistant Sheryl Sabequil. They were standing in front of PSBank near the PSF studio, perhaps, waiting for the tourist bus to arrive- I thought. And I was not wrong. In minutes, I saw a big air-conditioned tourist bus coming by and Bobong immediately shouted at it, pinpointing the landmarks. I was on the right time of arrival.

Upon introducing myself to Bobong and Sheryl, the Stagers of Philippine Stagers Foundation started arriving. The very first one to arrive at the parked tourist bus was Vince Tanada's nephew-actor in person of Jomar Tanada Bautista. I at once stood-up to greet 'Good Morning' to the courteous boy and he smiled back. Then, Chris Lim and wife Adelle came, followed by Chin Ortega, Rospel Ann Gonzales and Abner Navia. Also coming-in early was Marjorie Militar.

The tourist bus soon left, upon knowing that the head count of all the Stagers involved in the theatrical production Troy Avenue was complete. And a journey had just begun.

******************

It was upon the invitation of Vince Tanada, and later on, by Chris Lim that made it all happen. The Philippine Stagers Foundation would be performing at Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on January 21 and Vince wanted me to be there (also upon my insistence. Hihihi.*Robert)- on their performances there, we meant. It's a great honor on our part, and bonding anew with The Stagers whom we loved so dearly, would make everything alright.

But there was more. A hidden agenda on our part. January 21 was a calendar date we wouldn't forget for the rest of my life. A very special, personal memory beyond the hidden dimensions of Time... and space.


*****************

And so the tourist bus made it through the early morning voyage. It was a little past 4 a.m. when it left the PSF Studio, and with a few naps here and there and staring at the half-grey sky, we finally were at the Ilocos region as the sun went-up and the skies became clearer. The first stop-over was at Bauang, La Union. And we passed-by other towns in La Union before reaching Vigan City in Ilocos Sur wherein we would be meeting in Crisologo St. there the Head Master in person of Vince Tanada, to have lunch.

Earlier that day, seated beside me inside the tourist bus was Mr. Robert Encila Celdran, the handsome father of Stager Maya Encila. Breakfast of hotdogs, fried rice and eggs was sufficient and nice.

Upon reaching the famous and world renowned Calle Crisologo- in one of the restaurants there- Vince was already waiting. He at once saw me as I entered the restaurant. I held his arm up tight, to show the sincerity of my friendship to him. Vince smiled, and he understood at once my truthful gesture of holding his arm.

BLARNEY, NIKKI, ALLAN AND HIS WIFE CAROL (VINCE'S CLASSMATES) WITH VINCE, MAYA, MARJORIE AND ROBERT

Vince introduced me to his classmate-friends whom he tagged-along in this Great Laoag trip. I met Blarney (a very nice lady), Allan with his wife Carol, and Nikki. They were all smiling to me and I felt at once that they very good people and company of Vince.

Vigan City was so captivating to the eye. But we didn't stay there for long because the journey was still mid-way. Travelling to Laoag City (our final destination) would still take more than five hours from there. 

Inside the bus, continuing back on the journey, all the Stagers were fully-awake by that time. They joked around each other, laughed a lot and had fun. Chris Lim was a perfect bus leader of the group. He saw to it that everything's okay with all the people inside the tourist bus.

And the journey lingered on.


*******************


The afternoon was gold-like, tranquil and very soothing to the soul as the bus sped-on. It could be viewed upon the clear bus windows of multi-dimensional perspectives. From the glass window where I was seated at- I could view deeper in, like transcendental in form and magical in changes of time and drawings. Maybe, I could only be the one to see it, though.

The countryside were so good to look at. The cows, the carabaos, the birds, even the cats walking by the fields. What a set of beautiful creations of God amidst the frame-like stills of rice fields and farms. How wonderful. Like a food to the spirit craving its way down to your stomach.

Finally, we reached the town of Candon in the Ilocos region. This town was so nostalgic and smooth. The church in Candon was decorated by statues of the twelve apostles of Christ right atop the ceiling, as our "tourist guide" in person of Bobong dela Cruz told so. From the bus, the church looked so beautiful. 

We also passed-by many colonial houses along the way. Some looking like it's 400 years old already. And according to Bobong, we were right. Like the Sta. Lucia Church in Sta. Lucia town that looked so majestic and also that church atop a hill which was included in the UNESCO heritage list.


*******************


Where does one soul go when it travels all alone? One time I asked that question to myself. Could a soul be lingering by, simply wanting to be noticed and hugged? Could a soul come back to life, maybe in pursuit of better things to come? And could a soul be the reason of a certain journey you had to discover why? And later on know the answer how?

That, could be, the personal...purpose

of this JOURNEY.


*********************


Vince Tanada and the Stagers finally reached Laoag City, alongside with us. We got booked at the North View Hotel, and I was so surprised when OJ Bacor handed me the key to my room and said: "You are booked on a special room, Tito Robert. Only you there and no company at all, except maybe, that special someone you've been dreaming about. Haha", OJ said to me. And I smiled and replied: "It's all so SOZY."

After a quick shower and a quick glance on TV set inside my room, it was already past 8 p.m. and my stomach started crumbling by. I heard, a dinner was prepared for us at the garden of the hotel, through the courtesy of Mrs. Abigail Pascual, the producer of the event, together with her husband, Mr. Fernando Pascual. 

At the hotel garden, all the Stagers were already there. Eating a superb dinner of Ilocano Longanizas, Fried Chickens, Lumpias, Fish Fillets and Sweet & Sour Pork dishes, matched with yellow watermelons, ripe mangos and Buco Pandans for dessert.

With few rounds of San Mig Lights beer for drinks, we immediately fell sleepy,. We thought, tomorrow would be a more exciting day.


**********************


THE EVENT.

THE DATE: JANUARY 21, 2017.

As the cellphone "torches" lit up inside the CENTENNIAL COLISEUM in Laog City, Ilocos and shone like stars, we witnessed a full-packed and chaotic three succeeding shows of Philippine Stagers Foundation's TROY AVENUE. and yes, ALL THREE SHOWS WERE FULL-PACKED, with more than 5,000 plus capacity audience of students from different schools in Ilocos Norte region. Exuberantly magnificent and powerful, we felt.

The Stagers were mobbed by screaming fans at the Centennial Coliseum (where the event was held), and it's no longer the big rounds of applause that overflowed in their performances, but the outpouring of LOUD SCREAMS and shouts.

Yes, VINCE TANADA and THE STAGERS conquered LAOAG CITY once again (because the previous year, the same thing happened). BRAVO!


In the ending of the performance of the play Troy Avenue (at the first set of performance), one person cried when he saw Paris and Helen, portrayed by Stagers Poul Garcia and Maya Encila dressed-up in Groom oufit (for Poul) and bridal wear (for Maya). That climactic final scene made thousands of people watching almost dying in very loud screams of joy and happiness, of love and triumph, of fulfillment and forevermore. It was an ending one had been waiting all his life. Directed and executed by no less than Vince Tanada. 

Suddenly, "one" remembered the NUMBER. It was January "21". The number he was escaping all his life. A number he had seen in dreams and nightmares. In living moments of nervousness and fears. It was the date and the number. It was, also, the ending of the play. It was even those torches of little lights that flickered all-over the vast Coliseum. It were the STARS who witnessed that and now claiming a MEMORY left forgotten.


***************************


SAUD BEACH, PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE.

SAUD BEACH, PAGUDPUD

And we walked on. We looked at the beach which was The West Philippine Sea (also a part of The South China Sea). We stared at the vast ocean, the huge waves that surprised the shore lines every time it reached there. So amazing.

Where does one soul go when it travels all alone? It travels with you.

"We" have almost forgotten, and without Vince Tanada's event-play, we could have left a memory hidden in our minds forever.

Without Vince's kindness, this could have not happened.

Without the Stagers of Vince- yes, without their compassion, respect, sincerity and TRUTHFULNESS, we wouldn't be here on the beaches of Pagudpud.



THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL JOURNEY OF LOVE AND REUNION,
VINCE TANADA AND ALL THE STAGERS OF PHILIPPINE STAGERS FOUNDATION.

FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS, THANK YOU.


(Through the photos below of each of the Stagers who performed in "Troy Avenue", taken by Mr. Bobong dela Cruz and Sheryl Sabequil, "we" impart our love and gratitude)***

BONG DELA CRUZ

WRITTEN BY ROBERT MANUGUID SILVERIO, WITH PHOTOS BY MR. BOBONG DELA CRUZ

ROBERT SILVERIO