Adhering to age-old circus tradition, Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai is aptly staged in a huge air-conditioned circus tent in the Quirino Grandstand.

We arrived early and were surprised to see most of the seats were already occupied.  The atmosphere was abuzz with excitement, in anticipation of the most talked about show in town.

Varekai’s story is about the Fall of Icarus – a young man who plummets from the sky and is parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest.  In a kaleidoscopic world populated by fantastical creatures, this young man sets off on an extraordinary adventure. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of all possibilities, begins an inspired incantation to life rediscovered.

The word Varekai means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies, the universal wanderers. This production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and the infinite passion of those who journey along the path that leads to Varekai. 

The show area is fairly small, which makes it more intimate and envelops us into the mystery of the show.  With the beautiful costumes, dramatic set design and lighting, haunting music and the mystifying acts, I was swooning with awe and delight.

Of course, a circus act would not be complete without a clown.  In this show, they have a man and a woman who performed funny, absurd skits.  Not your typical circus clowns, they had everyone laughing and provided light moments in the show.

But of course, the highlights of Verakai are the acrobatic acts.  Let me share with you some of my favorite scenes from the show:

Flight of Icarus – I loved the drama and agility of Icarus as he elegantly flies, swings and dives in his net.  It showed the sensitivity and vulnerability of the character.

Water Meteors – These 3 young acrobats were just amazing.  They whirl, toss and catch these ropes with metal meteors attached to the ends, while performing daring acrobatic acts.  It was fascinating to watch them, which made me wonder how early these kids started their training.

Aerial Straps – Two remarkable men, suspended by wrist straps, glide gracefully, while doing exciting acrobatics with precision and power.  With a double strap, they meld in mid-air, united in a series of striking acrobatic silhouettes.

The Finale (Russian Swings) – This impressive act was so heart thumping and breathtaking!  Two Russian swings hurl the acrobats high into the air, and they are caught by their partners or land into billowing fabrics.  The audacity and sheer daring of this act had everybody shouting.  The jumps got higher and bigger, with men soaring mid-air to land from one moving swing to the other!  It was surely an unforgettable scene.

Overall the show is a feast for the senses.  With its sensual fusion of drama, contrasting colors, astonishing stunts and stunning acrobatics, this spectacular show is a definite must see!

PERFORMANCES FROM JUNE 22 TO JULY 24, 2011

Tuesday thru Friday Matinee

Friday Eve thru Sunday Evening

• Arrive early.  The show starts on time and latecomers are admitted only during a suitable break in the performance.
• Mobile phones must be turned off during the show.
• Videotaping &  photography are prohibited

Dress Code – Smart Casual

Food & Beverages - Refreshments and snacks are available in the entrance tent

Merchandise - available at the Cirque du Soleil store in the entrance tent.

Cirque de Soleil’s Varekai

Quirino Grandstand,RizalPark,Manila

http://www.hoopla.ph/

This post is long overdue.  I’ve been meaning to write about this, but being the overworked, frazzled mom that I am, time quickly slipped out of my hands, again…

I am an avid fan of  FORTyFIED, a weekly column in The Philippine Star headlined by Cecile Lopez Lilles.  So I was really excited to hear that she has compiled some of her articles in a book, which was launched last April at the Filipinas Heritage Library in Makati City.  The book launch opened with welcoming remarks by UST Publishing House Director Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, followed by a charming speech from Lilles’ daughter, Isabel.  The successful event was attended by many of the author’s family, relatives, friends, colleagues, and enthusiastic column readers.

Cecile Lilles is a columnist for The Philippine Star.  She is a mother, a homemaker and a writer.  Born in Manila, raised in Davao, and schooled in the U.S., Cecile currently lives in Manila where she cooks, runs, and writes about gender differences and the joys and tribulations in everyday human relationships.

The Author

Her book is a collection of essays and follows the author as she attempts to understand the male psyche – from adventures at the hardware store, potential suitors who ran away after a midnight screening of The Amityville Horror, meeting her future son-in-law, observing man dates, and cheering for tennis players.  Equally witty and humorous, Lilles’ essays reflect her belief that men, despite being “the most complex (supposedly) rational beings – impossible to classify, qualify, quantify, or second-guess,” are as interesting and riveting as women are to the male order.

I’ve read the whole book and here are some of my favorites: Speed is Their Music, Deconstructing Male Admiration, Traveling with a Man, The Pocanhontas Phenomenon, Real Man Don’t Dance; or Do They?, Why Men Think Women are Senseless, God is in the Details, The Girl-Boy Conundrum, Who Ordered the Ambiance and He Doesn’t Know it Yet.  These stories stem from her own experiences as a mother, wife, daughter and friend.  As a fellow mom and contemporary woman, I quickly resonated with many of Cecile’s perplexing, critical, yet often-times amusing encounters and observations on the male species.  I definitely subscribe to many of her viewpoints and I’m sure you will too.

Here are some reviews and comments from various personalities:

Writer Chi Chi Lizot says “Its takes “balls” to write about men. Cecile’s Fortyfied is a funny and witty attempt at exploring their world. She has succeeded in more ways than one in this compilation of little stories of little and big boys. An easy and entertaining read for men and women alike that I thoroughly enjoyed.”

Poet, fictionist, essayist, and Ateneo Professor Rayvi Sunico says, “At a time when gender politics and–horrors–gender wars have attained the dubious status of cliché and sound byte the sane, deft touch of these essays by Ms. Lilles reminds us that the opposite sex is best understood with honesty, candour and above all, wit.”

Louie Ysmael, hailed asManila’s undisputed Nightlife King observed “Cecile sure has the insight on men.  Nothing beats living through it and being able to nail it accurately.”

As for me, FORTyFIED is certainly an enjoyable read.  The author’s perspectives and witty musings are tastefully written.  Moreover, the essays are funny, insightful and very entertaining.  I highly recommend this book to all smart, passionate, and open-minded women out there!

Fortyfied is the first book in the Personal Chronicles series of books to be published this year by the UST Publishing House. It is available at the UST Publishing House, or through online orders at avalon.ph, and in major bookstores nationwide.

You can also find new FORTyFIED articles every Wednesday in the Lifestyle section (For Men) of The Philippine Star.

Tucked in the corner of  Quirino Ave. and Leon Guinto St. in Malate is an ancestral home that is now Lolo Dad’s – an award winning resto and a food lover’s paradise.

Lolo Dad’s  is a great date place too.  It’s cozy and romatic (perfect for long conversations and whispering intimate endearments), serves exquisite food and is also a historical place.  The house has been there since 1941.  The wooden walls still have bullet holes; the floor at the restaurant’s entrance is hollow because beneath it is the family’s air raid shelter – remnants of Manila’s scars from World War II.

One of the things I like about Lolo Dad’s is the open kitchen.  You can see the chefs at work.  You may even opt to reserve the table in front of the glass window so you can see everything up close.

That night, we decided to try their “Tasting Menu” or degustación, which was prepared by multi-awarded Chef Ariel Manuel.

We were given a basket of bread.  But we didn’t try it, as we were saving our appetite.  We instead sipped our wines and excitedly waited for our gastronomical feast.

Arrow Squid & Octopus carpaccio with Sauteed Angulas, Wasabi Aioli, Micro Arugula

We started out with  Arrow Squid & Octopus carpaccio with Sauteed Angulas, Wasabi Aioli, Micro Arugula, paired with White wine.

The sweetness of the (lightly grilled) watermelon and the light spiciness of the wasabi aioli was perfect with the octopus carpaccio.  And the arrow squid was perfectly cooked…   This appetizer was great and whet our appetite for the next dish.

Unsalted Butter poached Langoustine, Foie Gras and Sweet Corn Rice paper Ravioli with Oyster foam

2nd course:  Unsalted Butter poached Langoustine, Foie Gras and Sweet Corn Rice paper Ravioli with Oyster foam

My two favorites on a single plate… I was in foodie heaven.

The succulent langoustine poached in butter was perfect.  The delicate cloud of oyster foam greatly enhanced the velvety foie gras.  It’s  a sensual party of flavors in my mouth.

Mmmmm…..  writing this, I can almost taste it again.:)

This is my fave course, and I wouldn’t mind braving the traffic and driving all the way to Malate, just to be able to partake of this dish again.

Sorbet

Then we were served Sorbet to cleanse our palate.  I loved the presentation with smoke coming out of the little clay teacup

Wagyu Beef Chuck Flap and Lamb cutlet with Pastry Crust Cepes Mushroom & Hoisin jus and Sous vide of Carrots

Then we were ready for the next course: Wagyu Beef Chuck Flap and Lamb cutlet with Pastry Crust, Cepes Mushroom & Hoisin jus’ and Sous vide of Carrots, which we had with red wine.

The plating was genius.    I was so excited to cut into the pear shaped pastry crust.  It’s like opening a christmas present, and a good surprise it was!  It’s like Lamb Wellington (instead of beef).   The lamb was beautifully cooked, moist and juicy with an herbed goat cheese filling inside.  The wagyu beef was good too, but actually the lamb itself  was already perfect for me.  I’ve never tried lamb cooked in that way and it was really great, satisfying and not to mention filling!  Also, I was expecting the Hoisin jus’ to be too sweet yet it works really well with the meat.   Chef Ariel’s excellent skills and unique creativity are very apparent in this dish.  And for meat lovers, this dish is a blockbuster!

Dessert: Dark Chocolate flan with Fresh Berries & White Chocolate Hot Praline, Almond Nut Tartlet with Mustard and Kaffir Lime Ice cream

Dark Chocolate flan with Fresh Berries & White Chocolate Hot Praline, Almond Nut Tartlet with Mustard and Kaffir Lime Ice cream

Again, beautiful presentation.  The sweetness of the dark chocolate flan was perfectly complimented by the tartness of the berries.  I really like this with red wine as the chocolate taste is greatly enhanced.  The almond nut tartlet is perfect when dipped into the lava of white chocolate (from the praline) and some of the cherry syrup (at the bottom).  As for the kaffir lime ice cream,  I think it will take some getting used to on my part, as I am not a big fan of  Kaffir,  but hubby loved it.

It was a great birthday dinner.  The “Tasting Menu” is a culinary masterpiece that tickles the palate and enchants the senses.

And guys, if u want to impress your dates, this is THE place.  With the great ambiance, impeccable service and unforgettable food, u won’t go wrong with Lolo Dad’s Cafe.

So daddies, bring mommy here for her birthday or your anniversary  and  I swear whatever shortcomings you have will be forgiven (maybe, at least for the night)

Tasting Menu

Lolo Dad’s Cafe
899 Pres. Qurino Ave. cor. Leon Guinto St., Malate Manila

Phone Number : (63 2) 522-2941, 524-2295, 526-7151
Cellphone Number : +639228125971

Operating Hours :

Monday : Open from 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Tuesday to Saturday : Open from 11:00am to 2:00pm for lunch
and 6:30pm to 10:30pm for dinner

map