We are all in different kinds of relationships and they shape us into who we are and what we may still become. The other night, I watched a bittersweet comedy at the Mind Museum called Love/Sick by John Cariani, staged by Upstart Productions. This the first main-stream theatrical offering to be featured at the establishment's auditorium.

the amazing cast of Love/Sick

The show features nine vignettes exploring romantic relationships at various stages. The loosely connected stories tackle moments that range from the first meeting to dating to disillusionment and divorce. As the New York Times described, the critically-acclaimed series of plays "delivers laugh and some cleverness" and would most likely appeal to fans of Almost, Maine, another work written by Cariani.

Love/Sick, defined by Theater Mania as an "unromantic comedy," will make you smile, laugh, feel sad, think, and go "Awwww!" Whether you're single, married, or in an undefined relationship, there's a character or instance in the show that you would probably identify with.

John Cariani

I think one of the most awaited entries in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) would have to be My Bebe Love. Aside from it starring two well-known personalities in the local movie industry, Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai Delas Alas, the movie also features the phenomenal love team of Alden Richards and Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza.

I was at the first half of the blogcon for My Bebe Love at Annabel's in Quezon City where Direk Joey and Alden gamely answered questions from bloggers. When asked what makes this movie different from his other past movies, Direk Joey readily replied, "One is that we are packaging a completely different Vic Sotto. This is not an Enteng Vic Sotto but a sophisticated, handsome, gentleman, rich, tasteful Vic Sotto who he really is."

"Secondly, this is the chance for Ai-Ai to reclaim the throne that people say was taken away from her as the Comedy Queen. Thirdly, [Aldub is] not just a love team, they’re a social phenomenon and that, prangkahan na tayo ha, wala akong inaasahang nominations sa Urian, wala akong inaasahang halikan ako ng mga critics, ang inaasam ko lang ay paligayahin ang napakaraming tao ng hindi iniinsulto ang kanilang katalinuhan." That last sentence earned him a lot of cheers.

Real courtship on the way?

Alden, on the other hand, said to expect a different set of jokes than the ones they use on air when they do the kalye-serye on TV. He also added, "Kami ni Maine, whatever we have now, we enjoy the most out of it. Kumbaga, there’s no pressure. Kaya we’re happy working with each other." 

At the moment, "We’re very close. Nakakatuwa. Since 'di ako nakarating sa Walk of Fame ceremony, kinuha n'ya yung award for me. Napakadaling kausap. A very raw, selfless, simple girl na madaling abutin." What's their current status? "Getting to know each other pa rin. It’s just been a month since Tamang Panahon and we only see each other through kalye-serye. And after that, we don’t have a chance to talk. Nagkikita lang kami sa shoots so there's a lot to know pa," he illustrated.

I don't know how to ride a bicycle. Ever since I fell and had my whole right leg scratched and bleeding when a friend tried to teach me when I was in fifth grade, I didn't attempt to learn anymore … until I was in college. 

More than 20 years ago, another friend attempted to teach me to bike. I guess my fear of falling and hurting myself again prevented me from pursuing the skill despite his encouragement.

Fast forward to when that particular friend and I have already been married for two decades and I still don't know how to ride a bike. I'm ok being his motorcycle passenger but I don't have any illusions of being able to drive one by myself.

According to my husband, one of his bucket lists is to ride a tandem bike with me so I can at least feel what it's like to ride a bike. I find it impractical to buy one so that wish was shelved for a long time. 

Last year, I got invited to a bloggers’ day tour in Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park in Kawit, Cavite. The resort has bicycles for rent. Hubby got excited when I showed him a photo of the tandem bike they have there and vowed that we would someday ride it together. 

Anybody who grew up reading (or in my kids' case, watching) Disney stories dream of someday being able to visit what many call "the happiest place on earth" -- in short, Disneyland! But while we wait for that day to come, I think the next best thing to fulfilling a Disney dream is to watch a Disney on Ice show.

Two years ago, my youngest son and I got to see Disney on Ice Presents Princesses and Heroes at the Araneta Coliseum and we loved it! Yesterday, thanks to Magnolia Chocolait and Yehey! Digital Group, we got to watch Disney on Ice Presents Dare to Dream. 

Many of us grew up reading the classic fairy tales although the younger generations are more familiar with the movie versions. This December, prepare to feast your eyes on the ballet version of Cinderella which is filled with delightful dancers, beautiful costumes, and a script that smoothly combines romance and laughter in one spectacular production.

Alice Reyes' Cinderella is the special pre-Christmas treat staged by Ballet Philippines at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines from November 28 to December 7, Fridays to Sundays.