Commuting to CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines)

A lot of people seem to think that CCP is only accessible via car or cab, and while I can't deny that those are convenient options, it is possible to commute to the area.

To commute to CCP, first try to get to Ocampo Street. This is usually a short walk from the LRT or a jeep to Vito Cruz Station along Taft Avenue. If you're not going through Taft Avenue, you can also choose a jeep that goes to Harrison's.

From Ocampo Street, you can take the orange jeep which will pass through CCP. It will also pass by the Folk Arts Theater, PICC and the Coconut Palace. You can also walk the 16 minutes google maps estimates. I prefer walking myself, but I allot around 25 minutes walking time since the crossing at Roxas Boulevard can take a while.

Google Maps: Vito Cruz to CCP

If walking along Ocampo Street, choose the the side closer to BSP, Harrison's and Rizal Memorial. While Manila streets aren't that pedestrian friendly, that side is a lot better than the other.

Going back after is, admittedly, a bit more difficult for a gala performance: the jeep going back comes by rarely and is often full. It's also not a good idea to walk the Ocampo-Taft area at night time unless you are in a group.

Human Heart Nature

With Human Heart Nature being so accessible, either online or through several stores in malls nationwide, I'd never thought I'd want to visit its flagship store. Located at 463 Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, it's not the easiest places to go to, but I went because Human Heart Nature has their Switch to Goodness campaign which gives you a 30% discount of their products when you trade in clean containers of the same product type.

That was a really good incentive.

I got there and inside was something completely unexpected.

Tosca 2015

Last Sunday, I was lucky enough to watch Puccini's Tosca at CCP. This was the first time I was able to watch a staged opera in real life, and it was amazing: While the stage wasn't as lush as expected (as seen on television) both the music and the singers were something to hear, especially the titular Tosca.

My only complaint was that I wish the 3rd act was a bit longer.

Unfortunately, Tosca is no longer running. The last time it was seen before this was during the Marcos era. Still, it gives me hope that more of the like will be shown in the future.

Romeo and Juliet 2015

Tonight was Ballet Manila's first Romeo and Juliet for October 2015. At first I wasn't quite sure about it as the dancers, especially the danseurs, were very badly synced: some too fast, others too slow.

Fortunately, as the show progressed, I found all leads to be strong with some interesting choreography going on. My only qualm by that point was the balcony scene: while well done, I felt that the levels between Romeo and Juliet could have been played with more. But that's just me.

Special mention to how expressive Juliet's face was.

All in all, I enjoyed the performance. The only true sour point was seeing bits of the audience leave early. It was a good performance and to leave like that is disrespectful.

Ballet Manila will be performing Romeo and Juliet until this Sunday.



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