Varekai in Manila

It was an invite that was very hard to turn down. Nevermind that there was a typhoon, nevermind that it would make me late for work, I will not pass up the chance to watch Varekai. Of course, getting to watch it for free, bring along two friends and get to take pictures of the performers (a big no-no in any Cirque du Soleil show), sealed the deal.

Varekai is just one of 19 Cirque du Soleil shows in 2011. Premiered in 2002, it has since toured around the world to more than 15 different countries and 60 cities to an audience of over 6 million. The show is currently touring Asia, with Manila as one of its stop.

With Varekai comes the Cirque du Soleil’s mobile village comprising of the Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) where performances are held, the ticket tent where the refreshments and souvenir shops are, the Tapis Rouge where VIP ticket holders can enjoy cocktails and lounge before and in between performances and the artistic tent where the dressing rooms, wardrobe, training area and physiotherapy rooms are. Seeing the yellow and blue tent rising up in the field across the Quirino Grandstand is enough to make one giddy with excitement for the spectacular show.

The show focuses on the story of Icarus, who falls from the sky into the mysterious forest of Varekai. It takes us through 13 different acts, with the creatures of the forest teaching Icarus to live, love, walk and fly again. I’m not going to tell you what happens in the show, because it’s best to experience it for yourself. If you haven’t seen a Cirque du Soleil show yet, get ready to pick your jaw up from the floor. If you have, then you know you won’t be disappointed.

Let’s just say it was a night filled with awe (at the entire production – costumes, set, original music, performances), wonder (at how the artists are able to do all those things with their bodies) and laughter (at the not-so-typical clowns).

View more photos of Varekai in Manila in the Just Wandering Facebook Page.

Manila performances will have a limited run until July 24. For tickets, visit the on-site box office at the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau across the Quirino Grandstand or check out www.hoopla.ph. For more information, contact 775-0939, 881-0947, 0919-4508125 and 0917-4436463.