And so it is done.

I just finished directing what will probably be my last show in Manila for quite some time. And what a wonderfully exciting experience it was.

Not only did I get to work with a cast I am simply crazy about on a beautifully romantic musical, but I also got to spend time with some of my dearest friends doing what we love to do.

There is nothing more rewarding than working in theatre. And I know many people who will agree with me on this. Theatre is a safe environment to do unsafe things. And, thus, the bonds you form sometimes will last you your whole life.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I have had the privelege to work with some of the most freakishly talented people through my work in the theatre. And nothing inspires me more than talent and hard work.

For BATB we have two terrific Belles. KC and Karel are so different from each other onstage and off, that it is almost pointless to try and compare them. And my dear Reginald is a STAR in every sense of the word.

I also consider myself extremely lucky to have some really good friends. Lea and Menchu (and I love them both to death!) helped take some of the weight off my shoulders for this mammoth production by taking charge of the Belle's and making sure they were ready to face an audience by opening night. These two Diva's of the stage became surrogate mothers to our Belle's and the work they have done is visible at the Meralco Theatre each night as the light comes up on Belle standing in front of the fountain in her blue dress. Thank you, my dear Lea and Menchu, for helping me create magic on stage. You guys are permanent fixtures in my life. I miss you TERRIBLY!

And then there's Chari. Is there anything this woman can't do? She's about to direct FOOTLOOSE soon and there is no doubt in my mind that it will be one of the most exciting shows Manila will see(and DOUBT and AIDA next year will be even better! Hee Hee). Chari has been there with and for me since -- oh, FOREVER. And Forever is how long our friendship will last.

BATB and BABY were two of the best times I have had working on shows in Manila -- for different reasons. Doing BABY I got to work with some of my closest friends and we got to play everyday (What could be better?) and with BATB I began the process to sharing the little things I have mastered over the years with a new generation of performers. Run wild with it guys and I jope you will continue to dazzle audiences for years to come.

And to my friends, always remember --- I have a spare bedroom here in Hong Kong!