The Library celebrates 17th anniversary

(Article written by Edmund L. Sicam in June 2002, in "Philippine Daily Enquirer")

The Library, one of the more popular entertainment joints in Malate, is celebrating its 17th anniversary from June 17 to 23. The venue isn't just one of those sing-along bars with female impersonators as hosts and singers, it's a place for comedy shows and stand-up comics. Library "alumni" include the likes of Ai Ai de las Alas, Allan K, Arnell Ignacio and Phillip Lazaro. The creative force behind this place is writer-director Andrew de Real.

Noranians vs Wilmanians

One of his favourites is "Si Nura at si Velma," a comedy about Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos. The idea sprang from the fact that, at The Library, there are two factions - the Noranians and the Vilmanians (Andrew's a Noranian), and one night the two groups were arguing about who was the better performer. Andrew thought it would be a good idea for a show. Allan K and Leonard Obal, Library "graduates," starred in the show, which has been staged more than 50 times.

Interestingly enough, "Si Nura as si Velma" will not be one of the shows featured in the week-long celebration of the Library's anniversary. Instead, Andrew decided to open the celebration on June 17 with a semi-serious straight play titled "Room 69." The next day, Philip Lazaro satirises Ben Stiller's "Zoolander" with his own version, "Philliplander." On June 19, Rey Kilay, Poca, and Martin Mijares star in "Power of Three."

June 20 is alumni homecoming day with Allan K featured in "Nose Attack," where he will reprise some of his more popular acts. The junior entertainers perform on June 21 and 22. The week-long celebration end on June 23 with the handing out of the Golden Book Award to the "Entertainer of the Year"

"Room 69" is a semi-autobiographical play written by Andrew who also directs the play and stars in it. the play is basically about gay relationships, growing up gay, and dealing with being gay. Andrew wrote it in 1994, and decided that now was a good time to stage it - "Tanggap na ang gay relationships sgayon, e."

So what's the central problem of gay relationships? "Stability. Kahit naman sa straight relationships, ganun, e. Mas malakas lang yung temptation sa gay relationships. Huwang kang umasa na walang mag-aabot sa 'yo ng calling card sa bar. But I have friends who have gone 15, 20 years..."

What's the secret? "Kailangan open kayo sa isa't-isa, walwng sikreto, walang taguan para mag-work talaga yung relasyon. Compared to America, mas okay pa yung mga gay to gay relationships dito. Mas stable."

When Andrew started out in the business, Philippine society was not yet open to gay relationships. "Hindi pa kami makapag-out. Yung time kasi namin, ang tingin nila pag gay performer, parang parlor humor lang. They looked down on it pa."

Andrew's Dream

"Ang dream ko talaga, makagawa ng comedy show na andun lahat ng best stand-up comedians sa Philippines. The best comedians, like Joey de Leon, Tessie Thomas, Nanette Inventor, Mitch Valdes..."

Andrew also has his own talent agency, with more than 60 talents - mostly stand-up comics - and he supplies different sing-along and videoke bars with talented hosts. He gives them workshops on how to act on stage, how to host, how to deliver a punchline, and how to write a script.

Call 522-2284.