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I know some, if not, most of you may be tired of me talking about my Fringe Manila experience. But I just can't help sharing what I've been (and still going) through because of it. I'm hoping you get to share it with me next time. ^_^
It's true that the festival opened a LOT of opportunities for artists, and most especially interns and/or volunteers like me. And it's not everyday that doors were just opened like that. It's not also everyday that I get to extend my arms and grab every bit of opportunity that passes along my way. I'm so glad I did. Why? Let me loop you in on some "happenings" during, and even a month after the festival has ended.
1. I was able to meet some artists I thought I will only see and befriend on Facebook. They've never been so genuine and kind as they appear on shows hidden by the characters they portray, or behind the masterpieces they make. You will see them interact with their lovely audience and fans, smiling, shaking hands, hugging, laughing along, adding a good sound with the crowd's cheers.
2. Capturing special moments or actions in-between performances, even after the show ended, has been one of the favorite things I keep coming back to as I check and upload the photos and/or videos I managed to make. And it always fills my heart with joy whenever I remember the actual moment when I was standing, or seating there.
3. My photos have been shared and/or used in online magazine portals or blog sites, even if I didn't ask for it. A big THANK YOU to the awesome writers I met along the way, who always get my consent before using the materials and are so gracious to put me on credits. You know who you all are. Thank you.
4. One of the great international visual artists featured in the festival, gave me two of his art pieces on exhibit, as a gift for being nice and supportive of the arts. And to be honest, I have never received an actual gift for my birthday this year, and most especially have not received any gift for just being nice. YOU were the first person to do that for me. THANK YOU. I truly appreciate the gesture.
5. Walking to and from La Salle CSB-SDA to Sev's Cafe did not tire me at all. Because I knew that when I get to my destination, I will be surrounded by happy people. Spending my late nights watching comedy shows, magic, poetry, and spoken words (despite worrying if my boss is looking for me already to get back to my actual work online), has never been rewarding. I'm just glad my boss supports the arts too and the other things I love doing. I've never gotten back to work with a smile on my face each night as I remember a joke or two that was thrown on air, and/or a line or two from the poetry that was just said. Spending those nights watching those shows, were all worth it.
6. I have never seen so many colorful and awesome production/set pieces from different production/school companies. Kudos to all designers and technical staff!
7. Of course, I will not leave the music behind. Hearing new songs, with great lyrics, tied up with fantastic performances of the actors --- just left me in awe. That until now, I have an LSS (last song syndrome) for some of them. Keep composing! Keep doing musicals! Keep bringing new music to this generation!
8. And finally, as I was working at Burger King, Marcos Highway last night (getting away from my terrible net connection at home), another wonderful featured artist sent me a message. She wanted to bring her show to another festival in AUSTRALIA, and she would like to have a copy of my documentation for submission. I literally almost jumped out of my seat! Whoah!!!! :-D
I never expected anything when I joined Fringe. All I wanted was to witness the process, and watch the shows, at the same time participate in the little ways I know how. For sure there are still a lot of things that happened which I haven't mentioned here. But as soon as I remember them, I will try to update this list. For now, I just wanted to say that I am forever grateful for meeting such wonderful souls and creative geniuses who made this festival possible.
Here's to hoping I get to see and meet you all in Fringe Manila, February 2016! Come share it with us. I assure you, it would be fun! Until we meet again. See you there! ^_^
#FringeMNL #FringeManila2015 #pa #SupportTheArts #JBandAssociatesPH
