After watching Red Turnip’s Cock on its premiere show last March, I was once again invited by its director, Rem Zamora, to catch the final show and its official blastoff. Since its first day, it received universal praise from writers, critics, theater lovers, and everyone who came to support the show. I was one of them, having interviewed Rem for a feature in The Philippine Star and When In Manila.
I’ve said that 2014 is the year of theater, what with Rak of Aegis, Noises Off, August: Osage County, Full Gallop, and Wicked. Cock could very well be one of the best theater shows this year.
Red Turnip’s Cock aims to answer this question: What happens when a young gay man falls in love with a woman?
The cast of Red Turnip Theater’s Cock
Cock stars Topper Fabregas as John, Niccolo Manahan as M, Jenny Jamora as W, and Audie Gemora as a surprise guest. Cock is Red Turnip Theater’s second offering after Closer. I spoke with Rem after the show and he said that the theater company will be back this August.
The cast of Cock: Topper Fabregas, Niccolo Manahan, Jenny Jamora, and Audie Gemora, with Red Turnip members: Rem Zamora, Ana Abad Santos, and Cris Villonco (Jenny is also a member)
Having seen the show already, I was able to understand and appreciate the deeper nuances of the play. The bare set but the sound effects during the subway scene, the welling up of the eyes of the actors during poignant moments, and the emotions they invoked in me, from pity to anger and sadness.
A terrible-quality picture of Don Papa rum from the Cock blastoff
Of course, I enjoyed watching Cock because of the brilliant acting and compelling plot, but the play was more enjoyable because of my new discovery: Don Papa Rum.
I actually tried Don Papa at the When In Manila Christmas Party last year, but I don’t usually drink rum straight so I couldn’t appreciate the flavors. I much prefer tequila and wine, but on a whim, I got the Don Papa rum mixed with Coke at the Cock blastoff.
Boy, was it good. I’ve tried rum Coke (Cuba Libre) at clubs and bars, but I never enjoy it because I could only taste the soda. It’s the standard free drink in parties so I guess bartenders only put a dollop of rum and drown the flavors in Coke. I don’t drink soda, too, so Cuba Libre is a drink I tend to avoid.
But rum Coke with Don Papa tasted smooth, and the soda blended well with the vanilla, honey, and candied fruits that make up the Don Papa recipe. It was so delicious that I ended up having four glasses and a slight buzz by the end of the night.
I remember walking up to Topper Fabregas and Niccolo Manahan (who I have never met before) and congratulating them on the play and telling them I could see myself in John. And it’s not exactly a good thing. I did the same to Rem and Jenny, but at least I know them personally. I also ended up saying cock dozens of times in front of a publicist’s camera as he asked people what they thought of the show. I concluded with “I love Cock!”
Don Papa is a premium-aged small-batch rum made in the foothills of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental. Negros is known for its sugar because of its climate, geography, and rich volcanic soil. Don Papa’s rum is aged for seven years in oak barrels, and was made available in 2012.
Don Papa is named after Dionisio Magbuelas, known as Papa Isio. He is one of the unsung heroes of the Philippine Revolution, helping free Negros from the 300-year Spanish rule.
Don Papa Rum is available in the following locations:
