Third Stop: Shangri-La

One of our favorite hangouts when we were all still in Sykes is Shangri-La because of its proximity to our workplace. The day after our casino escapade, we decided to leave all my stuff at CGS, we then proceeded to the mall to while away the time. I had about four hours to waste before the need to meet up with my sister. 

We decided to watch a movie since there really wasn't anything that I needed to do at the mall. 

The long queue wasn't for the movie we were about to see. We waited for a short time before realizing that it was for Eclipse. The theater for Predators wasn't so packed. It was an okay movie, the three of us fell asleep halfway through it probably because we stayed up till late and we were up quite early.

After the movie, we ate at Max's. I wanted to try the Chicken All You Can but it wasn't until 6pm and we were an hour early. We ordered our all time favorites so it was still okay.

Tokwa't Baboy

Sinigang na Hipon

Max's Fried Chicken

Buko Pandan

After our meal, I saw Oliver and Analyn off and I headed to the taxi bay. I ended up waiting for 45 minutes to get a cab. I called Micah and she was still at Megamall waiting in line to get a cab. After 15 minutes with the queue not moving, she decided to just walk all the way to the theater since she won't make it. I met up with her at Emerald and we both ran to Meralco. We got there at 5 minutes to 8. The show started 15 minutes past 8 so we had time to freshen up a bit. 

After the show, we caught up with Hogi and we chatted a bit. We really couldn't stay long since it was already late and we had to pass by the condo first before finally heading to Malabon. 

Legally Blonde Manila

One of the main reasons why I travelled back to Manila is Legally Blonde. My friends and I block bought a show. We were all set but due to unforeseen circumstances, we were forced to back out the last minute. Since I already have tickets to Manila for said dates, I might as well watch the show.

This is what greets the audience upon entering the theater. I think as with most people, I also had apprehensions about the show. Also, after seeing their ASAP prod number, I didn't expect much anymore but I immediately knew after seeing the company in "Omigod You Guys" that I was in for a one enjoyable ride. Watching them, you can just feel their passion. 

Nikki Gil is a revelation. We all know that she sings well but it's an altogether different experience hearing her live. Her voice is clear and melodious. "Whipped Into Shape" which had Geneva Cruz as Brooke Wyndham skipping rope while singing is one of my favorite numbers. (Micah and I just couldn't picture Gretchen Barretto doing that). She looked the part and made everything look so easy. Felix River as Nikos Argitakos also stole the show, the "Gay and European" number was just too funny. Nyoy Volante, I have to agree with some of the reviews I've read just had no chemistry with Nikki Gil but he sings well. I hear Jencarps cringing whenever Nyoy enters the stage. I don't know what it is with her. She did gush quite loudly when Guji Lorenzana appeared and sang "Serious". Jinky Llamanzares as Paulette is my favorite though. I wish her "Ireland" number was a bit longer. 

The set was also quite crafty but seriously lacking in color. Everything looked pale, it is as if they used colored chalks instead of paint. I don't know if that's the way it was supposed to be but it looked a bit shabby. Also, the sound system in Meralco is bad. There were instances where you can't hear what the actors were saying.

Legally Blonde is running till Sunday so you can still get your tickets! 

Return to Oz

One of my all time favorite movies when I was a kid was "Return to Oz". I must've watched it more than a dozen times. I also bought the illustrated book of the movie as well as several coloring books. Thinking about it now, I am surprised as to how vividly I still recall most of the scenes in the movie particularly the one where the princess that Dorothy meets takes her to a hall where different heads are displayed and I remember everytime I'd watch it, I'd wish for the princess to pick a less menacing head.

My introduction to it's predecessor came much much later. In fact, I didn't know that The Wizard of Oz even existed. We were staying at my aunt's house when my parents decided to watch it. I fell asleep halfway through the film. I didn't like it because I was disappointed that the Tin Man was a person in make-up as are the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow. The yellow brick road was not made of real bricks and Oz did not look as spectacular as I remember it.

The book's pages tattered and torn, the betamax no longer in fashion, I soon outgrew Oz. Then came Wicked.

I downloaded the entire soundtrack after falling in love with Defying Gravity which I chanced upon in Tuxq's playlist. This sudden interest was brought about by Hogi saying that she has a video of the musical and upon finding out online that rights to mount the show is not yet available.

I have been searching for a copy of Wicked (novel) for two weeks now to no avail. I saw one at Bibliarch last Saturday, unfortunately, it has already been reserved. I also wanted to revisit "The Wizard of Oz" so when I saw the remastered 2-disc DVD at AstroPlus, I immediately grabbed it. (side-note: after the longest time, I finally saw Romy and Michelle on video so I also bought it along with a remastered version of Cats). Return to Oz was not available, however, so I'm patiently downloading it in my PC. Too bad that there's not a lot of seeders so it's taking a lot longer than usual.