Probably, I'm one of the moms to be considered in between Gen X and the Millennials or Gen Y, but remembering my younger days, I think I'm more exposed to video games enjoyed by Gen X.

I remember those times that I would go to my cousin's house to play video games. It's because they have a Family Computer Video Game Console at that time.

One of my loved games was Mario Bros. Well, probably because that was the best video game that time. Though I know how to play PacMan, Mario Bros is a whole new level of playing. If you're a real pro with Mario Bros., there are cheat codes to get and, of course, the location of 1 UPs. That time, we didn't know the Bros stands for in Mario Bros. What we know is how the game goes and the color of the characters, if in single player you get to play the red one and if in two-player mode, the first one is red and the second one is green. We get to know it not until the cartoon animated TV show aired, where they show Mario and Luigi.

That fun lasted until we graduated elementary, then high school was different because there were arcade video games where you go and play. It's expensive, compared to renting a family computer, but the fun part is that you get to enjoy it with most of your friends.

When most of the jobs are going automation, developing companies created computers. Maybe this equipment presented to our generation was the best thing that happened in our lives. At first, there were dos commands, and later on, the complexity started to become more comfortable. 

College days when my boyfriend and I started enjoying computer games, and the one that I enjoyed playing was Counter-Strike. Not that it was the fad for PC Gamers at that time, but because it was fascinating to play and strategize. And there was also that one with the cars Need for Speed. That, too, was an exhilarating game, especially cops are chasing you.

Now, I may be a mom, but I love to play video games, and looking back at those games brings back memories. Now more and more options are presented not only to adults but most especially to the kids. We cannot just remove games from that entity of their lives but let us make sure that the kids are okay. If letting the kids play, be sure to reprimand them if things go a little bit wrong.

Since games are now mobile and accessible, everyone can play around anywhere and anytime unlike before that we need to set the game console for long hours of play. Today, my kids love to play mobile games and most of them are online. Some of the games they love for now are the Mobile Legend Bang Bang, Roblox, and Minecraft. I think I haven't introduced them to the old school games and the only similar genre games that has the vibe is the website that offers online games, Plays.Org. So, when I showed my kids the games in plays.org they do enjoy the games. It's something that they would enjoy other than their usual games. 

So, I believe we'll be having more game time together. This could also be your bonding moment.

One of the rising actor in the Kapuso Network, Derrick Monasterio, is not only blessed with good looks and physique that's worth envying but he is also given with so much talent.  A versatile artist who can act, sing, and paint.
Derrick, who was recently seen in the Kapuso series "Inday Will Always Love You" and "Dragon Lady" and the movie "Wild and Free" will have a new place to showcase his acting and singing skills - the stage of the iconic Filipino musical "Rak Of Aegis" at the PETA Theatre Center.

Derrick has actually been posting videos of himself singing covers on his instagram (@derrickmonasterio). A must see on a different perspective.

Starting this July, Derrick will take on the role of Tolits in the longest-running original Pinoy musical.

In an interview with GMA Netwrok during the "Rak Of Aegis" press launch last June 3 at the PETA Theatre Center, Derrick shared," Before I went into acting, I really loved singing. So when I saw an opportunity, I decided to audition. I was already a fan, as I've seen Rak of Aegis before, and now I'm happy to be actually part of the cast.

Derrick also shared that he made sure to clear his schedule so he has he chance to audition.

"Rak of Aegis" returns on July 5 and will run until September 29 at the PETA Theatre Center. For ticket inquiries, contact TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph

Derrick Monasterio with Mommy Angie

If you know the story of Pinocchio, well this Mom is just happy to share to you dear readers that there will be an upcoming musical play by the Repertory Philippines entitled, well what else but Pinocchio.  So here are some of the information that you might want to know about the cast and the play itself before watching it.

Our beloved wooden puppet wobbles to life this August as six talented young actors embody the lead role of the upcoming Repertory Philippines musical, Pinocchio.

“Each Pinocchio we’ve chosen from a pool of 18 auditionees brings an endearingly unique touch of their own personality to the title character,” said director Joy Virata. “Children are often challenging to work with, but these kids are delightfully brilliant and professional.”

Ranging from ages eight to eleven, the young thespians come from a variety of backgrounds:

Eight-year-old Albert Silos is the youngest of the bunch. According to him, it was his dream to play the part of Pinocchio. His previous roles include one of the royal children in the King and I at Resorts World Manila and as young prince in Ang Prinsipe at Ang Pulubi in Gantimpala Theater.
One of the two girls playing our little puppet boy is Andee Achacoso who is 10 years old and enjoys getting into character. This will be her debut in the world of professional theater, but she is no newbie to singing. She has been a part of Project Thank You World produced by Jim Paredes.
Aspiring actor and future architect is 10-year-old Daniel Drilon. Daniel played the title role in Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat in last year’s Repertory Summer Workshop and this is his first foray into professional theater.

Guido Gatmaytan played the role of Benji in Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Resorts World Manila and Tyltyl in Trumpets’ The Bluebird of Happiness. What he loves most about acting is making people happy. In the future, Guido dreams of playing Marius in Les Misérables.

With a list of theater credits, short films, TV guestings, events hosting and commercials and online and print ads, Noel Comia, Jr. is no novice to the limelight. He’s played roles like Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin and the Magic Lamp at Star Theater and Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk at SM Southmall.

Last, but not least, this talented 11-year-old Sofia Wong whose dream role is Eponine from Les Misérables. She has been part of musicals by Chancel every year for the last four years where she was recognized for each of her performances.

Repertory Philippines’ Pinocchio is based on the classic story by Carlo Collodi, and adapted and lyricized by Jim Eiler. With a talented bunch like this directed by theater veteran Joy Virata, our beloved puppet is sure to win the hearts of theater lovers young and old alike. For more information, please visit www.repertoryphilippines.com/shows/pinocchio.

About Pinocchio Based on the classic novel for children by Carlo Collodi, the musical Pinocchio will debut on August 13 at Onstage Theater, 2nd Floor of Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi Street, Makati City. Presented by Repertory Philippines, Pinocchio is adapted and lyricized by Jim Eiler, with music from Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy, and is directed by Joy Virata.

 For tickets or inquiries, visit www.repertoryphilippines.com or call Ticketworld at 891-9999.

What happens when a young gay man falls in love with a woman? That’s the central conceit behind Red Turnip Theater’s second offering, COCK by Mike Bartlett. A sold-out hit when it first premiered in London in 2009 and subsequently during its off-Broadway run a year later, COCK revolves around a gay couple whose rocky relationship derails when one of them sleeps (and falls in love) with a woman. Debates over one’s sexual identity explode when all three decide to sit down and “duke it out” over dinner. Hilarity ensues when another unexpected guest turns up and loyalties are put to the test. As one character puts it, “It’s the ultimate bitch fight”.

The New York Times calls COCK “a terrific, tense little comedy” while The Huffington Post hails it as “a terrific contemporary play that puts much of other theatre to shame”. This critical darling is the perfect bookend to Red Turnip’s maiden season.

Fresh off the success of their critically-acclaimed CLOSER last October at Whitespace, Red Turnip promises another unique, in your face theatrical experience with COCK. The vision of five estab-lished actors (Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora), Red Turnip aims to engage theatergoers with the sort of material that seems to be in short supply in the country—the straight play.

Rem Zamora makes his directorial debut with COCK.“We’re excited to be back in Whitespace. A lot of people who came to CLOSER said they enjoyed the intimacy of the experience and the space. That was in Hall B. We’re going even more intimate this time in the smaller Hall A. COCK also plays in the round so it feels like you’re watching a fight in an arena—no frills: just words and pure conflict in the ring, and an intense involvement in the audience.”

Zamora has assembled a tight cast of theatrical heavyweights for COCK’s Manila premier: Topper Fabregas (Boeing Boeing, The Producers), Niccolo Manahan (Next Fall, Doubt), Jenny Jamora (Mind’s Eye, A Little Night Music), Audie Gemora (Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables) Fabregas is John, a young man caught between his gay lover and his growing attraction to an-other woman- W, played by Jamora. Niccolo Manahan makes a theatrical comeback as M, John’s lover who isn’t about to let him go without a fight. “I feel ‘Cock’ will be a great experiment for me; an experiment in balancing my life with the things I enjoy doing, and an experiment in pushing my range. I don’t know where this ex-periment will lead but its an incredible opportunity that I’m thankful for.”

Rounding off this impressive cast is theatre stalwart Audie Gemora as F, M’s well-meaning father whose sudden appearance at dinner throws everyone for a loop. “The birth of a theater group is always exciting and eventful with fresh artistic vision and passion. I am thrilled to be part of Red Turnips 2nd offering, ‘Cock’. This is Rem Zamora's directorial debut and my first time to be acting opposite brilliant young actors Niccolo Manahan and Jenny Jamora, while Topper Fabregas takes on his most complex character yet. Together we jump into a crackling cock fight of personalities, emotions and words.”

COCK is a comedy… with bite. No props, scenery or furniture. Just actors, sharp dialogue and some clever staging. All essential. Absolutely Red Turnip.

COCK is supported by FILA through the kindness of its President and owner Cris Albert. Supporting the arts has become one of her numerous advocacies, a true testament to her gener-ous spirit and her commitment to giving back to the community.

Direction by Rem Zamora, technical direction and lighting design by John Batalla, set design by Denis Lagdameo and sound design by Jethro Joaquin.

Cock will be staged at Whitespace — 2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati — on March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4 (Friday, 9 p.m.); March 8, 15, 29 and April 5 (Saturday, 8 p.m.); April 5, Saturday at 4 p.m.; March 9, 16, 23 and April 6 (Sunday, 4 p.m.) and special closing gala on April 6, Sunday, 8 p.m. Tickets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) Or Red Turnip Theater (redturniptheater@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater)

It was Easter Sunday!  We woke up early, as in early, because we attended a mass in our church to celebrate Easter Sunday. After the service, the kids hurriedly looked and found some easter eggs,
unfortunately, Maki didn't want to join with the other kids, there was a little tantrum on his part, because it was not his usual to wake up early.

We went home to take some rest, because we need to have a strength for our next event.

THE JOHNSONS' PLAY DAYS.


As we reached the place, Maki still on the sort of “little tantrums”. We ate first, then Maki didn't want to eat a lot. Oops, Gelo, my youngest son was with us also plus my mother.


The sort of “little tantrums” of my eldest son, Maki, changed just like a lightning, why? Well, his mood changed from “little tantrums” to being just a kid. He was amazed when he found out whose at the back of our table, eating also, none other than....e-boy...bugoy...the kid featured in the teleserye e-boy. He is always watching that every night, so he was happy to see bugoy, then in a just a little time, cha cha arrived, the little girl featured in going bulilit. The excitement was on maki's face.


From that moment, Maki started to play, jump while we did some walk to reached the play bus, instead of walking Maki did jumped. When he saw the play bus, Maki's eye stared at it and he did not mind mr. sun's extreme heat. After a few long stare at the bus, he just asked me, mommy I want to ride on that play bus, I told him, the next time we see the play bus we will try it.



Then we went back on the main venue ground and continued with the program proper.   Lot of kids played all day, I just wondered, what will happen if Maki plays the whole day.  I am thankful that I have Johnsons with me to give a freshness feeling to lighten or ease the amoy araw and the bungang araw, so Maki can play buong araw.

Aside Maki, Gelo my youngest son, also look at the kids playing under the heat of the sun, thankful that I put Johnsons' sunblock with spf 15 that could protect him.



We ended our Easter Sunday with a smile on our face.  From now on, Maki can play the whole day, while Gelo can go out even on a sunny day because they are both protected with the Johnsons' products.

'Till next post on our bonding moment...