One Short Day in the Emerald City

It’s been a month and three days since I watched Wicked the Musical. It was a dream come true! I have and will always love the story of the Wizard of Oz, so I fell in love with Wicked.  

To those who are not familiar with the storyline of Wicked, (ALERT! ALERT! SPOILER AHEAD!) it is a story behind the happenings in Oz. It explains why there are different witches, why Elphaba (the wicked witch of the west) is green, why the Lion is Cowardly, how the Tin Man came to be, how Dorothy came to Oz, and so much more. I love the story so much because it not only is a background and a revisit to the real Oz, but it also tackles issues that are commonly seen today; such as the influence of power and fame, truth versus relativity, being unique and different to a square world, and others. It deals with so many issues and different kinds of relationships. And this makes Wicked appealing and relatable.

My other reasons for loving Wicked are the songs and scores. Who has not heard “Defying Gravity” or “For Good” and have not felt goose bumps or have not melted. The actors were flawless when they sang the different songs. Partnering their great singing was the equally great choreography.  It had more modern influences and was beautifully executed.  The cast and crew certainly placed their best foot forward. The cast were so endearing (I even got a picture with one of them J ).  

I would definitely watch Wicked again and again if they come back. Gahhhhhh… I’m still gushing over my experience. I just feel so ecstatic whenever I relive that two and a half hour of tragically beautiful artistry. Kudos to the Australian Wicked company!

Below are pictures of my Wicked experience. Enjoy!

Ticket to a Magical Afternoon

“Happy is what happens when all your dreams come true.”

"Changed for the better"

We signed (lower right)

“It's just life, so keep dancing through.” 

With the Wickedly Talented Ali Calder (plays Elphaba)

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by my Wicked buddies Jamey and TJ (thanks!), if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

Book Worm

So it’s June already! This means that it’s back to school! I am pleased to inform everyone (this sounds so formal) that I graduated last April from my undergraduate degree and I am now working as a teacher. I haven’t gone for vacation since I was busy applying for work, therefore were no new blog entries the past weeks. BUT now I have one that would surely be exciting to all you sale followers and book lovers out there.

I am a book lover, be it children’s books, chapter books, cook books, and many more! I enjoy reading because it takes you places and it also informs and entertains you. Reading books allow you to travel while spending. The book worm within me definitely came alive when I heard about the book bulk deals that OMF Literature is having. In OMF’s IncediBULk Sale, 10 children’s books (published by Hiyas) = only Php 300, 5 OMF books = Php 450, 10 OMF books = Php 700, 20 OMF books= Php 1200, and 50 OMF books = Php 2900. Bibles and other regular priced item (books not published by OMF) are also discounted. This sale is till June 22 at any OMF branch nationwide.

When I heard about this I immediately went to the Tomas Morato Branch, at Il Terrazo. I bought 10 children’s books and also 10 OMF books with varying titles. This bulk sale is definitely a great venue in expanding your library or maybe starting your library. This sale can also help you find awesome gifts for Father’s day, Birthdays, or even Christmas presents. I believe that books are an investment not just because you have acquired them, but because I believe that books can change you.

Below are some of the books I bought:

 

children's books 10 for 300 pesos

Some OMF books i bought

                Run to the nearest OMF Branch now! Happy Reading! J

-DOT-

Photos are personally owned by writer, if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J

For more information check out their website: http://omflit.com/

March March March

Hello everyone!

So, you might have noticed that I haven't written a recent entry. This is because I am focusing on finishing my thesis requirements, so that I will graduate this April. So till the end of March, I will be on a writing break. :) for the mean time, enjoy back reading, commenting, and others. If you would like for me to visit or try new dishes, places, or events just leave a comment of email me (email add. if found on the About page). 

Some updates:
-New cupcake shop opens around Metro Manila. The name of the cupcake/bakeshop is Vanilla. Their cupcakes are a must-try. I will be blogging about them soon.
-Solaire (a new resort) just opened! You might want to check it out! :)

Till the end of March! Blog you soon guys!
-DOT

Music of the Night: Phantom of the Opera

Music of the Night: Phantom of the Opera

 

                        Hooray! I’m blogging again! I apologize for not posting for several months nowJ…. BUT I’m back!

 

            So brief background on why I wasn’t able to blog for a really long time… I’m currently on my last year in college, which means I’m now deep in my majors. Some of my majors and classes this semester require me to teach preschool, create a seminar, write papers, and more. J All is well and I am on the last week of the first semester.
 

            NOW back to the topic, Last Night I was able to watch The Phantom of the Opera at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). And let me tell you it was AMAZING!! Everything was spot on, from the lighting, to the props, to the backdrops, to the costumes, to the orchestra, and to the performers. I sat at the center of third row, balcony one. It was far but it was alright because I was able to see the entire stage. I did bring binoculars which really helped. (Oh, if you don’t have one, you may buy at CCP they are selling it at 75php a piece.)

 

Splendid Indeed!

 

Had fun watching with friends :)

  

some of the costumes

 

            I loved every single bit of the show. It’s really different from the movie because some parts in the movie were cut in the show and because hearing and watching live will give you chills, the good kind. J Here were some of my favorite bits during the show:

·         Prologue: LOT 666 (the Chandelier) - it was spectacular how the chandelier unfolded and rose from the stage to the ceiling. Plus the dramatic overture by the orchestra will definitely give you goose bumps.

Le Chandelier

·         Act 1:

o   Angel of Music- Phantom coming out of the Mirror! (needs no further description J)

o   The Phantom of the Opera- The stage slowly unfolds into Phantom’s lair. The candles, the fog, and the moving boat! The exchange of voices from the actors was superb.

o   All I Ask of You- Need I say more. J This song makes The Phantom of the Opera THE Phantom of the Opera. The sweet serenade from the orchestra together with Christine and Raoul’s singing makes you melt inside J.

·         Act 2:

o   Masquerade- The costume was epic! Each performer had a different type of costume complete with small details.

o   Point of no Return- When Christine removes the Phantom’s mask and shows his deformed face. The make-up was so good and gory.

o   The final scenes in the Phantom’s Lair. Oh the drama! You’d really feel the pain and agony through the actors’ voices.

o   Phantom disappears- still boggled by how he did it!

 

Overall, I had a wonderful time! Watching The Phantom of the Opera was a sweet way to end the semester. Bravo!

 

-DOT-

Credits to:

TJ (thank you for your photos) and Phantom of the Opera Manila facebook page for photos

if you would like to use it kindly inform or at least cite the source thank you! J