Alas, we've finally reached the end, my friends! 

Just like last year there was a lot of worry about how little time we had to prepare. I truly admire and appreciate how my classmates carried this stress. We joked that it would turn out to be a surprising success just as last year and, without much surprise and with a bit less humility, it did. Although I astonished myself by how much I was able to memorize within a short period, I knew it wouldn't be that difficult but, I suppose now I can confess to my classmates that, I read all of my lines only the day before. Somehow, I don't think that will surprise them much either. Shakespeare's Julius Caesar proved entertaining even to perform. I wouldn't mind doing it all over again especially if it meant seeing the natural hilarity, my classmates never seem to run short of, for the last time.

I didn't think that I would ever like the play, Julius Caesar. First of all, I was never really interested in Caesar or the First Triumvirate (not even when Mrs. Zuniga discussed this in History III). But, like all Shakespeare plays we've taken up, I gave it a chance. What I enjoyed most about this year's novel was that we actually got to hear it this time. The audio track was not only very helpful in understanding the Shakespearean language but also provided a much needed entertainment boost. I loved how all the actors' voices were filled with emotion and that there were background noises for it made the events seem so real. This really encouraged me to finish the entire play in Shakespearean language (well, I haven't yet...). Finally, it made me want to read more of Shakespeare's works, which I've grown very fond of. I am happy to inform you all that BBC has produced audio tracks for  every single one of the Bard's plays (at least it seems that way).

I was very worried about this year's production because of the amount of time we were given. What I was most worried about was the props since it usually takes a long time with only a handful of people working on them. Therefore, Jessica, Jaymie, and I decided to make it a little simpler this year. Just newspaper and paint for the backdrop and a thin layer of garbage bag for the windows (it was still very humid inside, though). The two hardest parts of our task were opening that "can" of black paint and convincing the class to actually bring paint. (Haha.) Even though it took longer that we originally planned, we were able to accomplish everything on time and produce one of our best backdrops to date. Now, if only we could find it...

I think that we should all take a moment to acknowledge Ysa, MO, and Enjorlas (a.k.a. Camille). I cannot believe that the three of you were able to memorize paragraphs in less than a week. To the scriptwriters for creating out final performance. To the props for the greatest backdrop ever. And to everyone in class for all the hard work and dedication we put into our two rehearsals and to the final production. What a great way to end our legacy.

Is anyone still up of a Lord of the Rings play?

Waah!! You guys were amazing!!! XD Even though we were only given two days (?) to practice, you guys were able to pull it off! XD Amazing, amazing! It seems like it’s only yesterday that we began our first plays together, and now it’s one of our last! Throughout these years that we spent together, I saw the growth of our batch. Our batch really is amazing. ^^ You guys, are like, naturally good at acting, ever since from the beginning! XD It’s so awesome how everyone did their best to memorize their lines and their cues in such a short time! Everyone in our batch is a natural at acting, especially with all the ad-libs and stuff, to the point that your awesomeness at acting made the small slip-ups seem scripted! XD

Nooow, what have I learned about myself? Well. I learned that, even though we were kinda pressured by the time limit, we were still able to finish the props for the play. It totally paid off since the props were TOTALLY AWESOME! XD Thank you, Ysa, for making such an epic design!!! XDDDD Well, obviously, it wouldn’t have worked without the props people! Yay to us! =))) Besides that I learned that pounding the bottom of a paint bucket, turning the cover of the paint bucket, pulling, cutting, and wrestling with it (even if we had FIVE people with us) would definitely NOT work. (Nuuu! We were defeated by a paint bucket!) Gah! We spent a DAY doing just that. =))))))) Cheers to me, Bells, Maxine and MO for our persistence in the battle against the paint bucket! =)))))

Seriously. If there is one thing that really stuck to my head when reading Julius Caesar, it’s the bromance. Epic bromance. It’s like what Jaymie said, “It should have been called "Brutus and Cassius."” Yep. True that. And especially the part when Cassius said, “Take my hand.” And when Brutus said, “And my HEART.”??!??! Wow. Bromance. Out in the open. Gah. The moment I read that part, I started laughing so hard. Epic bromance. No wonder people say Shakespeare is gay. =)))) Kidding.

Anyway, our play was AWESOME! XD Even though I know that this won’t be our last play together (we still have El FIli!), it already feels like it! Omg, guys! I’ll miss you soo much when we all go to college. Imagine, we won’t be coming to the same school, see the same people, sit on the same seats in college.. Waah! I love you guys so muuuuuch!!! Let’s make the last months the best! XD 

After doing the last literature play with this class, I realized that nothing, not even quiz bees, film showing or an amazing race could stop us from making our production a great one. We've been through a lot of plays and I can admittedly say that this play, Julius Caesar, was the only play we completely "yolo-ed". From the props, the acting, the set and the music... No one should underestimate our skills!

Ok so I have been talking about how great our class is and I'm proud of that. No doubt. Now, to talk about what I learned while doing this production. Well, I noticed that I got comfortable while I was on stage. It felt like I was free to do anything I want with no one retraining me with every move. However, I don't mean to say this because I want to pursue an acting career but if ever I would be asked to act on stage, I would be game.

While doing this production, I barely noticed all the Shakespeare thinking and the deeper meaning/ symbolism of Julius Caesar. Although, after having that discussion a while ago about destiny and the symbolism of the "tide", I knew why this play/ tragedy is being used by philosophy students. It may seem shallow but then if it's being read thoroughly people will then appreciate and value the story more. And as of now, I am convinced that I should read more Shakespeare plays because I want to feel what Shakespeare wanted his audience to feel.

But then again... Good job guys! I never really thought we could do it. That one and ONLY proper practice before the play itself, I'm still very amazed.

The only thing that was running through my mind when we were practicing for our play (which was not a long time as you all know) was that this was our last High school play in Literature. can you imagine? we've been doing plays all together for like 10 years now and that was our last. it's so sad. everyone's saying that they're so excited to graduate already and end school but i can't enjoy it as much knowing that we're not gonna be all going back to the same classroom on June.