THE BEAUTIES AND THE BEASTS

Sister Buddamed decided at the last minute to tag me along last night to this comedy show forward slash concert forward slash gab-fest forward slash karaoke forward slash impersonation entertainment held at this prestigious Edmonton artzy venue, The Francis Winspear Center for Music.

I said last minute because mumsy, the Queen, vehemently refused to watch this kind of show, reasoning that it wasn't a Sharon Cuneta. So there, I was lucky enough to come along and never stopped laughing to the jokes and antics of these Philippines' celebrities and showbiz personnalities that I hardly ever knew except one. Thanks goodness, that cousin Robert, the contract worker, told me who are these famous bimbettes with strong vocal chords.

The show started an hour away from scheduled performance (talk about Pinoy time) with a ho-hum renditions of some promising Filipino rock band from Calgary, rapsters wannabees from Winnipeg, Beyonce copycat and a duet from two divas from Hollywood, and a Josh Groban local singer, with of course gay dancers as the first act.

Intermission. Then to my horror err surprise came out a sex-siren, Giselle Sanchez, a fine and a gem of Philippine television that has a skin so bleached-white, and was intoduced as a graduate of University of the Philippines. She's witty and funny and walloped a power house at the expense of some unsuspecting compatriots who became part of the act. She wasted no time cajoling seven men for an impromtu materials like Top Gun, reffering to one of the men evidently losing his hair. This starlet is really entertaining, with the oldies tunes. Chah...chah...chah!

Next act is another beauty in the person of Pooh aka Reginald. This Ayasiv (Ilongo) had an endearing qualities about him impersonating the famous Philippine boxer, Manny Pacquiao. I laughed out loud that I fell from the edge of my seat (J-104) where I notice that a namesake is etched on the armrest. (Coincidence?) He's humour was delivered in subtle fashion that you'll laugh till you cry or was it the other way around? This sweet man also sings very well. Unbelievable!

Thirdly was Allan K; the sex bomb, that according to my cousin Robert is of Eat Bulaga fame. This flamboyant gay guy stole the evening with his comedic routine highlighting an experience from world-wide travels, the first class versus economy airline passengers, Mabuhay and other irreverent stuff. Plus a bombastic rendition of Ako'y Pilipino. Somehow I never felt so proud after his number, it brought tears to my eyes, beaming.

The performance of this emaciated Ruffa Mae Quinto clad in skimpy suit baring her soul is the fourth act with her Ocean Deep version. Her act was somewhat anti-climatic. Wasn't she just intoxicated? Don't get me wrong, she too could sing, imitating other divas, but her performance was much less to be desired that reminds me of a burlesque show in third rate cinema-houses back home.

Now I know why they titled this show as The Beauties and the Beasts. Because at first I thought I was going to watch a Dysneyland series. This show was exclusively presented by DB Entertainment & Production Ltd. and had a summer run here in Canada which started from Vancouver all the way to Winnipeg.

After the show is the photo opportunity. We got to mingle with these small but terrible performers. Cousin Robert started groping Allan K. while Buddamed bought a CD from Ruffa-Mae and asked for a signed calendar from Reginald. While Rose, my half sister became our shutterbug.

I on the other hand, opted a picture with the producer of the show, Lala Aunor. I never imagined that this former teeny booper sensation is now producing. Sis, Robert, and Rose were wondering who the hell is she? Am I the only one who knew her? She's of course the cousin of superstar Nora Aunor. Then I remembered Winnie Santos, Dondon Nakar, Arnold Gamboa, and the long forgotten years.