Week-long celebration marks Library's 17th year

(Article written by Chit Ramos in June 2002, in "Tempo" magazine)

To celebrate the 17th year of The Library, Andrew de Real has lined up a series of events that will kick off on June 17th with the semi-autobiographical play "Room 69" which Andrew wrote and directed, and which co-stars him with aspiring actor Danny Ramos.

The celebration - aptly titled "at 17" - continues all the way to June 23 with a series of special shows featuring some of The Library's most popular stand-up comedy talents.

First up on Tuesday, June 18, will be Philip Lazaro, who stars in his own comedy show entitled "Philiiplander" (inspired by the recent comedy flick "Zoolander"). "Power of Three" follows featuring the triumvirate of Rey Kilay, Poca, and Martin Mijares on Wednesday, June 19.

On Thursday, June 20, it will be a special night because it's the homecoming of one of The Library's favorite "alumni," Allan K. Now a popular actor and TV host (he is a regular on "Eat Bulaga"), Allan will star in "Nose Attack" where he will be reprising some of his most requested sketches for The Library's audience.

On Friday (June 21) sand Saturday (June 22), Andrew trains the potlight on The Library's croop of junior entertainers. These are talents whom Andrew has trained and who, he is hoping, will follow in the footsteps of Allan K., Arnel Ignacio, Ai Ai de las Alas, Phillip Lazaro, and other famous Library alumni. "These two nights will be a showcase for the junior talents who attend the workshop," says Andrew.

On Sunday, June 23, the week-long celebration will be capped by the much-awaited Golden Book awards night. The Golden Book award (so-called bacause the venue is, after all, a "library") will be given to the one chosen as The Library's "Entertainer of the Year", voted on by The Library's staff, his or her co-entertainers, and regular customers. Among the past recipients of the Golden Book award are Arnell Ignacio, Ai Ai de las Alas, Allan K, and Phillip Lazaro.