Category: Arts
Review: “The Notebook, The Musical” Breathes New Life Into Nicholas Sparks’ Novel
Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook debuted on bookshelves around the world in 1996. Since then, the American novelist and screenwriter has released many other internationally bestselling books such as A Walk to Remember and Message in a Bottle—all of which were adapted into hit Hollywood movies. The film version of The Notebook came out in 2004. […]
“On Your Feet!” Review: The Rhythm Did Get Me
For ’80s kids and ’90s teens like myself, Gloria Estefan was one of the popstars whose cassette tape made its rotation in our household. I remember my parents took me to the concert of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine in 1991 at the Folk Arts Theater, where we watched them perform hits such […]
Yemaya Feels Like a Great Novel You Can’t Put Down
9 Works Theatrical took a bold risk for its first production of 2026. After 17 years since their debut production, the company adapted their first straight (non-musical) play, Yemaya. This unfamiliar but Pulitzer Prize-winning play was written by Quiara Alegría Hudes, best known for her Tony Award-winning In The Heights. In the US, she’s widely […]
Spring Awakening in Manila is as Radical as The First Time
In 2007, I bought student rush tickets to Spring Awakening, one year after it officially debuted on Broadway in New York City, and one week after it won eight awards at the Tonys, including Best Musical. It was the first real Broadway musical I ever watched, which is why it has a special place in […]
Things To See and Do in Pier 2 Art Center, Kaohsiung
Taiwan’s largest port city, Kaohsiung, is gradually gaining popularity among tourists. But time seems to move more slowly here, especially if it’s your second stop after coming from the busy capital of Taipei. I picked a hotel in Pier 2, where the neighborhood felt eerily quiet. It was only on day 2 of my solo […]
ChangChui: Bangkok’s Creative Market Set Around a Retired Airplane
If Chatuchak and Pratunam are royalties when it comes to Bangkok’s traditional markets, there’s a growing cohort of younger, more rebellious options. Leading the pack is ChangChui Creative Park, also known as Plane Market for one obvious reason—a decommissioned L-1011 TriStar Lockheed airplane sitting in the center. View this post on Instagram A post shared […]
Talat Noi: Bangkok’s Friendly Street Art
One of Bangkok’s oldest neighborhoods is steeped in history, as seen with its old buildings and street art. Talat Noi or Talad Noi, which means “small market”, is next to Sampheng Market and Chinatown and ends on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. If you’re looking to explore Bangkok’s street art, this is a […]
Bangkok’s Hidden Graffiti Park
If you walk by this spot in the Ratchathewi neighborhood by chance, you may not think much of it other than an urban park that’s seen better days. Chaloemla Park, also known as Chaloemla Gardens, isn’t a touristy area. On weekdays, it’s busiest in the mid-afternoon, with locals lounging on the benches and school kids […]
“Liwanag Sa Dilim: The Musical” Is One Heck of a Ride
There was a conundrum among the writers in my section at the March 6 press preview of Liwanag sa Dilim: “How do we keep our reviews spoiler-free and how long can we go without telling anyone the plot of the musical?” As the official first audience of this new original Filipino musical, we were on […]