Laos and Found: A Reunion of Laughter and Reflection

Photo from https://www.instagram.com/manilaimprovfest/

In the world of show business, fame can be as fleeting as a shooting star. Many aspiring artists embark on their journeys with dreams of stardom, but only a select few make it to the upper echelons of the entertainment industry. What happens when those stars start to dim, and the spotlight fades away? Is there life beyond the glitz and glamour? In "Laos and Found," an upcoming improv show at the Manila Improv Festival, the dynamic duo of Janette McBride and Gabe Mercado takes center stage to explore these questions and more.

A Flashback to Stardom

Before we dive into the world of "Laos and Found," let's take a moment to revisit the beginnings of Janette and Gabe's showbiz careers. Janette McBride, known for her striking beauty and acting prowess, started her journey in showbiz by doing commercials. Her big break came when she auditioned for ABS-CBN's Star Circle, a prestigious artist training program. Janette was selected to be part of Star Circle Batch 8 in 1999, and from there, she ventured into acting, hosting, and more.

On the other hand, Gabe Mercado, an accomplished theater actor and singer in his band Dapulis, found his way into showbiz in an unconventional manner. At a cast party for a play he wasn't even involved in, he caught the eye of Dave from Talent Center, who saw the potential for humor in Gabe. This chance encounter led to a screen test for ABS-CBN, and Gabe was signed as one of their contract artists in the same year as Janette.

Memories That Shine Bright

Both Janette and Gabe cherish the memories they created during their time in show business. Janette had the privilege of working alongside great directors and actors, learning valuable lessons from experienced mentors. Her first movie, "Tanging Yaman," took her to San Francisco, and she even won awards for her acting in the film.

Gabe, on the other hand, treasures the friendships he made while in the industry. One friendship that stands out is with the late Redford White, who became a mentor and guided Gabe in his early days. Redford White instilled in him the importance of studying his craft and encouraged him to pursue improv.

Unfulfilled Dreams and Wishes

Like many artists, Janette and Gabe have unfulfilled showbiz wishes and dreams. Janette wished to explore darker and more complex roles in psychological thrillers and dramas. Additionally, she aspired to study filmmaking to have creative control over her projects.

Gabe, known for his versatility as a character actor and comedian, expressed a desire to play a romantic lead, a role he never had the chance to tackle during his showbiz career. He also mentioned the fun he has with people recognizing him from his showbiz days, even though he humorously gives them the name of another retired celebrity.

Embracing "Laos" Status

Being labeled as "laos" (a term used in the Philippines to describe former celebrities whose popularity has waned) hasn't dampened Janette and Gabe's spirits. They fully embrace their status and even have fun with it. Gabe enjoys the moments when people recognize him but can't quite place his name, often playing along with their confusion.

The Birth of "Laos and Found"

The idea for "Laos and Found" was born when Happy Feraren, an improv enthusiast and director, met Janette and Gabe separately. She noticed the comedic potential in both former celebrities and pitched the show idea to them. Happy felt that Janette and Gabe's on-stage personas would complement each other perfectly – Janette as the "sexy flirtatious Tita" and Gabe as the "awkward blabbering Tito." Thus, "Laos and Found" was conceived, exploring the humorous side of showbiz culture and the experiences of ex-celebrities.

The Chemistry of "Laos and Found"

Janette and Gabe's paths had crossed in ABS-CBN, both trained under the same management, Talent Center. Although they didn't work together at the time, Janette admired Gabe's humor and intelligence. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable, making them an ideal duo for "Laos and Found."

Happy Feraren, with her extensive improv background and experience, joined the project as the director. Happy, who had worked with both Janette and Gabe in the past, brought her creative ideas to the table, inspiring and guiding the duo in their improv journey.

What Awaits the Audience

"Laos and Found" promises to be a one-of-a-kind show that delves into the world of showbiz with humor and irreverence. It offers a unique perspective on fame-obsessed celebrity culture, showbiz politics, and the pressure faced by artists to excel in multiple fields, from singing and dancing to acting.

Audiences can expect an uncensored and unhinged parody of showbiz culture, where scenes are based on truths that may or may not be revealed. The show will be a rollercoaster of laughter, reflection, and surprises. And yes, there's a celebrity guest appearance to look forward to – definitely not a "laos" one!

The Future of "Laos and Found"

"Laos and Found" may be just the beginning of Janette and Gabe's improv journey. The trio envisions taking the show internationally, entertaining and educating audiences worldwide. They also have plans to explore different media platforms, potentially turning their act into a podcast or a YouTube show.

In the world of improv, spontaneity rules, and the journey is often as exciting as the destination. With the chemistry, talent, and humor of Janette, Gabe, and Happy, "Laos and Found" is set to shine a comedic light on the world of ex-celebrities, leaving audiences laughing and reflecting on the ever-entertaining landscape of show business. Don't miss your chance to catch "Laos and Found" at the Manila Improv Festival on September 10th at 7:30 PM at Circuit Makati. Grab your tickets now at https://manilaimprovfestival.com/ and be part of this hilarious reunion of laughter and reflection.