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When Micah and I got home after watching Legally Blonde, the gang was still wide awake. We shared a few stories before finally retiring to bed. I was really pooped. The following day, they were also up pretty early. We played with the cutest Arianna before lunch.

Micah, Shobe and I then decided to go to Trinoma. If time permitted, I would've loved to watch a movie with them just like how we used to every Sunday after church but schedule was a bit tight. We posed for some pictures before leaving:

After shopping around for a bit, we chanced upon Chewy Junior. I was glad someone decided to bring the delightful little treats to Manila. 

To rest a bit, we agreed on Conti's for desserts since the three of us were still a bit full from our meal at home, however, Shobe and Micah changed their minds so we ended up ordering meals as well. Our selections were hits and misses. 

Baked salmon would have been the most logical choice for me but since I just went salmon shopping with Clarice a few days ago, I decided to skip it. I had the beef salpicao which was just okay, Shobe's chicken pastel tasted like chicken pie which nobody liked. Micah's baked prawns was the runaway winner. For dessert, we skipped the Mango Bravo since we all feel that it's a bit overrated. We settled for the Mango Tart which was the best, the chocolate cake on the other hand was bleh. 

After the meal, we looked for the Forever 21 store since we saw a few people carrying F21 shopping bags. Nobody could point us in the right direction so we gave up. I rushed to Meralco to meet up with Jencarps. Surprisingly, I was an hour early since there was no traffic. I went to Galleria first before heading back to Meralco.

This is our only picture since the usher told us off. Oh well, better than nothing. I'm posting it here even if I look like a troll. 

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! 

Second Stop: Resort's World Manila

Oliver told me that Resorts World Manila is a must. I wanted to go to a casino and we originally planned to go to Casino Filipino but after having been to RW Manila, he says that there's just no comparison. A room was booked in Marriott in case we stay till the wee hours of the morning playing.

Only the casino, Marriott and a few restaurants were fully operational but I imagine that it would really be a nice place to spend time at once finally open. 

After having a late afternoon snack at McDonald's, Melvin and his friends drove us there. Oliver and Melvin headed to the casino while I tagged along with Analyn to check in at the hotel. 

I loved the vibe of the entire place. I also loved the front office decor. 

We then proceeded to check the room which was spacious and impressive. I love the room even more than RW Singapore's Hard Rock Hotel's. 

After freshening up a bit, we proceeded to the casino. Too bad cameras were not allowed in the gaming area. While the casino here is cramped, it was the opposite there. They also have free flow drinks and shakes unlike the dispensed coffee and tea here. Live entertainment from foreign acts were also provided. Best of all, minimum bets are cheap. 

First timers were also given breakfast vouchers which I enjoyed the morning after. Members then only have to accumulate 88points to partake of the buffet as well. Great deal. 

A few more pics below:

First Stop: Megamall

Late Wednesday night, I headed to the airport to meet up with Clarice. We were both flying back to Manila. I've booked my ticket last year since we planned to buy one show of Legally Blonde. That plan didn't push through but I didn't want to waste my ticket.

Clarice was very hungry and since we were at the Budget Terminal for Cebu Pacific, there really weren't a lot of choices so McDonald's it is. Here she is looking like a supervisor:

I also saw huge Ritter chocolates. I wasn't able to take a picture to emphasize how big they are because I was told that taking of pictures was not allowed in the store. It's not obvious but they're big. I wanted to get one but they're more expensive here than in Manila.

The flight was a bumpy one and we wanted to sleep throughout the flight but the passenger in front of us has some kind of a throat problem and made loud irritating mouth noises the entire time. I took a picture of the seat in front of me, parang bus lang.

We arrived early morning and went our separate ways. I met up with my brother and slept till lunch time. I then headed to Megamall to get a haircut. I then called up Oliver to see if he's already had lunch since he's working nearby. He quickly headed to the mall with Analyn and Badette.

They then went back to the office to finish their shift while I went back to get my luggage since we're heading to Resorts World later in the afternoon. I went back to the mall but wasn't able to get anything thinking that I would have enough time in the succeeding days to buy whatever it is that I needed. I was wrong. I wasn't able to go back to Megamall after that day.  

My trip would not be complete without a Razon's halo-halo so Oliver insisted that we eat. This is barely a couple of hours after our heavy lunch.

Clarice followed soon after and they ordered heaps of sisig. I was so full but it just feels wrong to say no so I had no choice but to give in. :p

Good Deal

I wanted to get a camera from Sony a couple of weeks back so after my shift I headed to the Sony Style shop over at Orchard Central. I ended up not getting the camera because when I asked what the camera came with, the sales assistant said that it didn't come with anything, not a bag, not even a memory card. To think I went all the way there cause we initially bought our first dslr there and the sales associate then threw in a lot of extras.

The following day, Geno told me about Courts preview opening right across Orchard Central. A friend who already bought the camera that I wanted told me to get the camera not from Sony but from other electronic shops for best value for money. I went back to Somerset where the Courts store is and was I glad I did. The exact same camera came with:

2 memory cards,

a Courts gift bag and an umbrella,

- this is what's inside the bag: a shirt, cellphone pouch, water bottle and a magazine.

a tripod and a carrying case, 

and lastly speakers!

Good thing I waited. At least I got more for the same price at Courts.

What's for Dinner?

Clarice and I went shopping late afternoon yesterday. By 7pm, I told her that I was a bit hungry and that we should have dinner. While I was thinking of what I wanted to eat, she told me that we can just have dinner at home because she bought some delicious noodles that I have to try. We got home at around 9:30pm since we still went to another mall to do our grocery shopping and the wet market to get some plantains.

This is the noodles that she was bragging about...

I left her in the kitchen preparing our meal and I was surprised that she prepared just one cup saying that it's already good for two. Lol!

We also had fruit, however, since it was a bit pricey we had to share this many between us. Really sad. 

Good thing I bought some salmon sashimi earlier which she refuses to eat. Oh well, at least I have the entire tray all to myself. 

Mid-Year Check

Last January, I wrote about how exciting 2010 is, I decided to revisit the list I made and see how things panned out since it's already the second half of the year.

1. Clarice will be visiting us third week of January! Yey! - Clarice is already working here. Good for her and also good for us since we now have a resident cook.

2. The Chinese New Year equals a long weekend. Here, where holidays are few and far between, this is surely one that I anticipate the most. - Anticipating 2 more long weekends this September and November but that's about it. Holiday this December falls on a Saturday. :(

3. Flying back to Manila this April! - Done and flying back to Manila again next week! Yey!

4. A trip to the beach. Boracay, Phuket or even Galera. I'm okay so long as it's the beach. - Done. Enjoyed Phuket but might not be able to visit Boracay. 

5. Legally Blonde this September. Reserve your tickets, now na! Haha! - I was wrong, it's this July. I already have my tickets!

6. A trip to Macau and Hong Kong.- No plans have been made yet. Hopefully we can all fix our schedules and budget our finances. 

7. Chicago The Musical this April! - Done. Enjoyed "The Full Monty" more.

8. The Lion King this September. - I think it's been moved to October but still excited about it.

9. Lastly, me, back to blogging! - Still blogging! 

A Better Philippines

So we have a new president. One that really got me believing and hoping for the better again. Based on what I've been reading from Twitter updates, his speech seemed to have moved many people to rally and stand behind his presidency. I'll have to look it up in YouTube later. I'm feeling optimistic.

Image Source

The Full Monty

I watched Pangdemonium's The Full Monty, their first ever production yesterday at the Drama Centre Theatre. Pangdemonium is a theatre company put up by husband and wife, Adrian and Tracie Pang. I only had the realization that the theatre company is Adrian's mid-way through the musical when I thought about the company's name. This is because I haven't had the chance to look at the program yet at this time. (By the way, they don't sell the programs, you just donate how much you can and take the program and it doesn't look cheap either.)

I first saw Adrian Pang perform when SRT brought "They're Playing Our Song" to Manila, I think about 10 years ago. He played opposite Lea Salonga and was really delightful there. I was a tad disappointed when I watched the musical again and he was replaced by Michael Lee. He's a very big star here appearing in various productions and I must say that it's well-deserved.

The musical is one enjoyable experience. Clocking in at almost three hours including intermission, the performers' energy never waned. I watched the matinee performance and it's almost hard to imagine that they still have another performance that night with barely two hours of rest in between. The entire cast was wonderful including Pang's own son who played Nathan. He was very adorable and I must say disciplined.

I have to admit that though I have seen the movie it was based on, I am totally not familiar with the musical and the songs. I did leave the theatre totally loving the songs and raring to get a copy of the soundtrack.

This musical is truly worth your time and money. They have another weekend left. Go catch it! It feels to me that no expense was spared in mounting this production. Their set alone has been set up with every little detail in mind. Imagine that kind of dedication translating to their performance and you're sure to get your money's worth.