Recommended

IT IS a must see.

The extended showing of King and I at Resorts World Manila is highly recommended.

Not because of the grandiosity of the whole production with all the visual effects, props, elaborate and shiny costumes, comfy theater and all, but, because it showcases the best Filipino artistry and talents.

For one, the new lead actor Bo Cerrudo as King Mongkut and Shiela Valderrama as Anna were almost flawless with their portrayals, delivery of lines, and rendition of songs. Sheila played the role so well with her beauty and charm and sweet singing voice that is almost hypnotic.

Watching it with media colleagues from Pampanga including my former Journalism classmate and respectable Tonette Orejas of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, I almost fell in love with the character of Anna. Sheila played the role splendidly with her British accent.

Tonette relived the days when she was part of a high school production that staged the same play. I heard her sing along with the songs, including the not-so-popular ones while I could only remember the famous “Getting To Know You” and the unforgettable anthem-like “March of The Siamese Children” as played by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

How I love those kids too – about 20 of them -- who portrayed the role of Mongkut’s children. The word cute is an understatement.

The King and I debuted at Newport Performance Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila in September last year. It is now on extended run until May 2013. You can catch it every Fridays – 8 p.m., Saturdays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday – 2 p.m. With the cozy Newport Theater as its venue, tickets are priced reasonably for this 3-hour grand spectacle for the family.

The fifth masterpiece of the celebrated tandem of Rodgers and Hammerstein, it is the story of a widowed English school teacher who travels to Siam to serve as tutor to the many children of the King. Anna’s task of introducing the kingdom to the modern world brings about disputes with the King whom he learned to respect and love over time.

Considered as one of the most beloved classics in theater, The King and I has garnered world-wide acclaim, including five Tony Awards for its original 1951 Broadway run, and five Academy Awards for its 1966 film adaptation. It is a story as beautifully intricate and multi-faceted as the culture it portrays, brought to life with timeless songs and melodies.

With performances from the Philippine Ballet Theater, The King and I is directed by premier concert and theater director Freddie Santos. The lead roles have alternates in Noni Buencamino and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.

*****

TURISSIMO GARDEN HOTEL. Summer is here and if you are looking for a place to stay in Puerto Prinsesa City in Palawan, this is an almost perfect hotel.

Just a three-minute walk away from the Puerto Prinsesa Airport, the place is cozy, neat, inexpensive yet it offers the best amenities for those with limited budget for travel and tour. The staff are nice, friendly and trustworthy too. Not to forget that food is great with Kapampangan chef in Bong Pingul from Guagua, Pampanga.

Its owners Dennis and Bessie Cagulangan Rustia makes sure that their guests are comfortable and attended well not just when they are in the hotel but also when they are on tour.

Bessie is the same media darling who is also doing wonders in creating travel and tour opportunities for countless many who only has so much money to spare for vacations. She is the same nice lady who created the bus program for Resorts World (although our King and I trip was of different initiative) from pick up pints in Pampanga, Tarlac and Bataan.
For those interested, please contact Creative Travel and Tours Intl., Calsa Arcade 2, Unit 3, 2/F, Jose Abad Santos Ave. (former Olongapo-Gapan Rd.), City of San Fernando, Pampanga Phone (6345) 963-1348/961-6792/0240 Fax (63 45) 963-2286. Palawan numbers are 6348. 434.1257 and 6348.434.1258. Website: Turissimopalawan.com