Since seeing their viral Instagram reels from last year, it has been one of my bucket lists to see a live performance of this improv group called SPIT MANILA. My interest in their group got reignited recently when I caught their guesting at Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast. I never thought this goal of mine would be checked sooner than later! 😁It was a random day when a fellow Toastmaster (one of our legendary mentors) messaged me on Facebook if I would be interested in seeing their upcoming show at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub at Estancia Mall in Ortigas. Well, looking back, there were a lot of reasons for me to not go: the date and time (it was a weekday night 😅), the location (I have to travel midway to the north of Metro Manila 🚃), and the current weather situation at that time (those unpredictable habagat rain showers ⛈️). It could have been so easy for me to say that nah, I'll pass. But I don't know, I didn't see any of those as hurdles. Maybe if I really wanted something, the road that leads to it becomes a clear and smooth path inside my mind. 🧠
Commute to the Venue
I believe the Universe was in sync with me. On show day, I was able to finish my work tasks on time, which allowed me to do an early out of my shift. Also, it wasn't raining. So the only unknown factor for me was the state of the traffic. Coincidentally, I was in my "early bird" era because recently, I have been discovering the benefits of being early in any appointment. Following this new paradigm shift, I left our house with several hours buffer before the start of the show. I took the MRT (it's been a while since I did this) and I was pleasantly surprised that the fee was actually being subsidized. I only paid around PHP6.00 for my fare from Ayala to Shaw Boulevard station (my wallet was so happy ✨). I realized then that the afternoon rush hour was beginning to pour down. But surprisingly, my commute was smooth and convenient. I was able to sit down and I didn't need to push through a crowd. I even got to ride the lift down the station where I got off, or else I would have had to climb down those infamous stairs... and my knees won't be happy with that. 😅
The venue of the show was walking distance (< 2 kilometers) from the train station, and so I decided to just walk my way there. It was the right decision, because traffic was becoming heavier in that area (I would have arrived later if I took a Grab). Because it was still early, I had the luxury to stroll and leisurely do my walk towards the mall. When I finally got there, I still had a few hours to spare. I originally planned to grab a snack somewhere and just chill (and read a book on the Kindle) when I spotted my Toastmaster mentor already strolling around the mall. 😁
Deep Talks With a DTM
It was actually from this mentor that I learned the benefits of being early (and also from another good friend 😊). When I called him, we walked around the mall together to find a place to eat while waiting for the gates to open in the venue.
When we got to sit down at our chosen restaurant, I grabbed this chance to ask some deep life questions from him. I have known him for years in our Toastmasters club and I was always at awe on how he works consistently to mentor new members. I wanted to ask his secret, behind this drive, that he still has for life. In alignment with this, I actually got inspired by another "seasoned" Toastmaster who was still so full of life. I got to meet her in one of our officers' training sessions. At first, I felt overwhelmed with her energy. But on second thought, I felt admiration towards her. Then I thought... When I get to her age, I want to have that same lively energy and gusto in life like hers.
And so, this was the root of the questions that I asked my mentor that night. Well, my mentor did not answer them in ways that I would have expected, like launching into an inspirational TED talk. He gave lighthearted examples, that when you hear it, you see and understand that deeper message hidden within them. One notable answer that he gave me was "always update your music playlist." He then told me stories when he and his colleagues went to videoke and they were surprised by his music choices like Teenage Dream by Katy Perry. He said that I should avoid being stuck in listening to the songs of my teenage years. On the surface, it sounds like pretty nice advice about music choices but when you read into it deeper, that advice is all about being adaptable with the times, and indeed it's a very essential skill when you want to survive long in this world. 😁
Here's The Part About The Improv Show 🤣
Time flew by and before we knew it, the gates of the venue had opened, and the audience had started arriving at the venue. I was the one who booked our tickets and I intentionally chose a table near the stage (ours was second from the stage) so we would have the best view of the performance. It was also a sold out night! The energy of the crowd was contagious. I didn't see a single face who was scowling. Everyone was just smiling and grinning. Obviously, we were all just enjoying the show.
 |
| We were this close from the stage. I didn't need to zoom in the camera. |
Because I was near the stage, I really was able to feel their stage presence when they did their performances. I also got to give my participation as I shouted words in response to their prompt questions.
 |
| They asked the crowd about their favorite mobile app. I instantly shouted that purple app's name because lately I always anticipate notifications from that app. Hihihi. 🤣💖 |
My favorite sections of their show were:
- that part when they were rapping and incorporating the random words that they got from the crowd
- a story telling portion wherein a member acts like a maestro pointing to members randomly and they have to continue the story telling in a seamless manner
And I also had my bias member (haha KPOP yan?! 🤣). My happy pill that night was SPIT Member Ariel Diccion. 😁
I noticed that most members are really multi-talented and do lots of roles throughout the show. If not performing improv on stage, some members are seen playing the electric keyboard to give the performance its added comedic element. I got to try this once during an org apps night during college, and it was challenging! I had to always have an active listening ear to check the current "mood" of the skit so I can play the melody that complements it. 🎹
There were also some celebrity sightings there. I believe Kathryn Bernando was there that night as well, because the camera panned to her when focusing on an audience member who was asking a question for a skit.
 |
| Filipino girl group KAIA also guested during the show. Speaking of updating one's music playlist, go stream their latest single. 😁🎧 |
 |
| Happy kid that night. 😁 |
It was such a delightful night. It was raining lightly outside when we got out, but thankfully I was able to get a ride right away. I’m just so happy I got to experience watching them. You know what I want to do next? I want to learn improv, or maybe even theater workshops. Hehe, let's see, that's a future side quest to come. 🍄✨
.png)
.png)
.png)
Posts
