It's been hell of a day. Thought we were going to be relaxed before the show tonight. But as early as 11:30AM, we've been receiving calls from the management. I guess they had a last minute meeting or maybe their last morning briefing for the year 2005. I think they agreed to sponsor our gowns from Zang Toi again.
At 1:30PM, Brice and I went to Zang Toi for the fitting. I got shocked and almost thought that the fashion consultant was joking when he handed me a gold leather jacket with matching gold leather mini skirt. I held myself from laughing but I was telling Brice that if I'm going to wear that gold leather jacket, our opening song might as well be "It's Raining Men" or "Rhythm of the Rain". Luckily, the fashion consultant saw something that we thought was a red gown. The guy said to me, "this is perfect for you, try this on", and handed the red "gown" to me with matching black thing that I thought was for the head!!! He then told me that the red thing is the skirt and the black thing is the tube top! My eyes grew big and thought he was just joking! I realized that he wasn't joking when Brice and I went into the fitting room. It looked okay when I fitted it though I'm not used to showing my midriff and I haven't worked out for almost 3 months now. I AM INDEED THE OFFICIAL ANNUAL MERMAID OF THE SHANGRI-LA! But I was kinda confident that I can pull it off. We waited for Brice's gown as it was being used for a photo shoot. So we went 2 levels down and bought matching shoes for my gown. We went back to Zang Toi boutique but her polka dot dress doesn't fit her nicely and she's not comfortable showing her midriff, so the fashion consultant took the denim gown from the mannequin and gave it to Brice. The denim gown seemed to be perfect for Brice.
At 3:15PM, we had to rush to Sungei Wang to look for accessories suggested by the fashion consultant of Zang Toi. He suggested that we should tie up our hair in a bun and put some fresh red rose buds around it. So Brice looked for it while I had to look for a black choker for tonight. We got back to the hotel at almost 4PM, just in time for our sound check. At around 4:30PM, we took some rest in the room before getting prepared for tonight. We also have a salon appointment sponsored by the hotel at 7PM so have to take a rest now. Wish me luck for tonight.
Happy New Year everyone!
All set for the big night!
Woke up very early for costume hunting today. I couldn't find something really suitable that's sexy and simple. But just as when I was giving up, I saw a simple short dress and I didn't think twice anymore, just bought it straight away.
We finally had a meeting with the management. So it will basically be the same as last year. I will be the emcee/host again which will be simpler this year because I already am anticipating things to happen.
I was hoping tonight to be a quieter weekend because people will be preparing for the big night tomorrow night. Instead, the lounge was fully packed leaving us exhausted for the night. Luckily, one of my friends suggested to take Selena to sleep over in their place tonight so we can at least have a relaxing evening. Besides, we'll be very busy from the tomorrow afternoon until night so this setup is better for her.
When we finished our last set, the workers started to prepare the lounge and the lobby itself for tomorrow's party. I saw the thousands gold and black balloons in net which will be suspended on the ceiling of the lobby until midnight.
Guess we're all set for the big night tomorrow, unless there are last minute changes that will make me grab my hair...
We finally had a meeting with the management. So it will basically be the same as last year. I will be the emcee/host again which will be simpler this year because I already am anticipating things to happen.
I was hoping tonight to be a quieter weekend because people will be preparing for the big night tomorrow night. Instead, the lounge was fully packed leaving us exhausted for the night. Luckily, one of my friends suggested to take Selena to sleep over in their place tonight so we can at least have a relaxing evening. Besides, we'll be very busy from the tomorrow afternoon until night so this setup is better for her.
When we finished our last set, the workers started to prepare the lounge and the lobby itself for tomorrow's party. I saw the thousands gold and black balloons in net which will be suspended on the ceiling of the lobby until midnight.
Guess we're all set for the big night tomorrow, unless there are last minute changes that will make me grab my hair...
New Year's rush
I went to KLCC today to do the last minute rush for costume hunting but no luck. I must wake up at lunch time and try to rummage through the shops in Bukit Bintang if they have a black number we could wear on New Year’s Eve. I have an idea about the gown we will be wearing if this year’s gown won’t be sponsored at all. Our suitcases will be all over the room by tomorrow night to search for a proper one.
Anyway, tonight’s crowd was good again. And I must consider this week one of my luckiest moments – don’t want to elaborate on that anymore. After work, we met up with JP in Concorde and had supper there.
I’m annoyed with the wifi signal being cut off from our room the past week. I’m tired of searching for available networks every minute! Grrrrrrrrr!
Anyway, tonight’s crowd was good again. And I must consider this week one of my luckiest moments – don’t want to elaborate on that anymore. After work, we met up with JP in Concorde and had supper there.
I’m annoyed with the wifi signal being cut off from our room the past week. I’m tired of searching for available networks every minute! Grrrrrrrrr!
New Year's Eve preparation
Tonight was another great evening at the lounge. For some reason, the lounge was fully packed, regular guests like JP couldn’t even get a table. Anyway, the New Year is coming so fast, it’s just a few days from now. They’re starting to build our stage, covering the fountain at the hotel’s lobby.
We haven’t even had a meeting with the management, all we know is we’re performing on New Year’s Eve buffet dinner. I don’t have any idea whether they will still get me as the emcee/host on that evening. Either way is okay with me. At least, I won’t feel too pressured if I don’t have to host the event.
Last year, they sponsored our evening gowns for the first 2 sets. We wore Zang Toi gowns. This year, we don’t know what the plan is yet. But we can wear our Shanghai-used gowns if there’s no other choice. So I don’t think that’s a problem. The hotel’s beauty salon did our hairdos the past 3 New Year’s Eves so I guess we also don’t need to worry about that, too. Maybe we can call the management tomorrow to clear things out.
I forgot to take dinner before work, but also I didn’t have appetite to eat. Coffee was enough for me to last through the evening. But I was starving when we finished our show. As luck would have it, my singer friend cooked something for me and left it in the concierge. So I pigged out when I got back to the room. Now I’m full and good, hehehe!
We haven’t even had a meeting with the management, all we know is we’re performing on New Year’s Eve buffet dinner. I don’t have any idea whether they will still get me as the emcee/host on that evening. Either way is okay with me. At least, I won’t feel too pressured if I don’t have to host the event.
Last year, they sponsored our evening gowns for the first 2 sets. We wore Zang Toi gowns. This year, we don’t know what the plan is yet. But we can wear our Shanghai-used gowns if there’s no other choice. So I don’t think that’s a problem. The hotel’s beauty salon did our hairdos the past 3 New Year’s Eves so I guess we also don’t need to worry about that, too. Maybe we can call the management tomorrow to clear things out.
I forgot to take dinner before work, but also I didn’t have appetite to eat. Coffee was enough for me to last through the evening. But I was starving when we finished our show. As luck would have it, my singer friend cooked something for me and left it in the concierge. So I pigged out when I got back to the room. Now I’m full and good, hehehe!
Still drunk I guess
Tonight was a great night because even though it’s the first day of office from the weekend holiday, there were still lots of guests around. Not only normal guests, but the lounge was full of regular guests that are quite close to me. There were lots of Filipinos in the crowd, including the big family of Tita Nini Valdez. But during the last set, most of them went back home.
After work, JP, Marlou, Selena and I had our supper in Concorde. I still didn’t have an appetite for a hearty meal. Although I love mee mamak so much, I didn’t enjoy eating it. I still felt a bit drunk from the other night’s boozing. Went back to the hotel at almost 4AM...
After work, JP, Marlou, Selena and I had our supper in Concorde. I still didn’t have an appetite for a hearty meal. Although I love mee mamak so much, I didn’t enjoy eating it. I still felt a bit drunk from the other night’s boozing. Went back to the hotel at almost 4AM...
Boxing Day, not an off
Marlou has not been feeling too well lately. He’s been coughing and having severe headaches. So he asked me to help him perform last night. I was more than glad to help him. Anyway, I didn’t need to dance because we only played easy listening songs for 3 sets.
After work, we went to Concorde Hotel with JP and friends to watch the Peach Apple Tree. I ordered a bottle of champagne, anyway that was the only moment I can celebrate Christmas and New Year all at once. After a bottle, JP ordered for another bottle of champagne. I got really pissed that I did funny things that I couldn’t remember when I woke up just today. I think I’ve had too much. Luckily, I got a kick out of the many champagne glasses that I had during the last 3o minutes of the 3 hours binging.
When I woke up just now, Marlou have just arrived from his check-up. I was so happy for him because the doctor said there’s nothing wrong with his heart but only problem with his esophagus. JP was also happy for him that he bought me the portable DVD player I’ve been eyeing a week ago which he asked Marlou to buy for him – to me.
After work, we went to Concorde Hotel with JP and friends to watch the Peach Apple Tree. I ordered a bottle of champagne, anyway that was the only moment I can celebrate Christmas and New Year all at once. After a bottle, JP ordered for another bottle of champagne. I got really pissed that I did funny things that I couldn’t remember when I woke up just today. I think I’ve had too much. Luckily, I got a kick out of the many champagne glasses that I had during the last 3o minutes of the 3 hours binging.
When I woke up just now, Marlou have just arrived from his check-up. I was so happy for him because the doctor said there’s nothing wrong with his heart but only problem with his esophagus. JP was also happy for him that he bought me the portable DVD player I’ve been eyeing a week ago which he asked Marlou to buy for him – to me.
Christmas 2005
Christmas rush is through now. Christmas Eve at the lounge was fantastic, though last year was more of a party crowd than this year. This year, people tend to catch up with their loved-ones, family and friends. Everyone was busy but at least they're still listening. We did a Christmas countdown which brought up excitement and joy to everyone when the clock stroke 12. We finished at 12:45AM and just spent the rest of the time before 2AM to chat with friends. At 2AM, JP invited us all for a Christmas supper at the Concorde Hotel for an hour.
At 3AM, Marlou, Selena and I went up to the rooms of the Filipino band in Concorde Hotel for our small Christmas party. We brought our Xmas gifts for everyone and also some food. Marlou made macaroni salad the night before, we were given a father turkey by one of our good friends who’s also a staff of lobby lounge, and we also brought in 4 bottles of red wine. And guess where we had our party? Not in the rooms, not in the lounge, not in the coffeehouse. It’s in the corridor of the 3rd floor! We were so noisy especially when we started our exchange gifts. The table of food was in the corridor as well. Some kind of a party huh!
Selena got lots of presents from everyone. I also got great presents and so did Marlou. Everyone was so happy and jolly when a creepy Malay man appeared at 5:30AM. He stood before us all while we were seated on the floor. He was carrying a Quran and opening it, showing pages to us with his fierce look. We thought we had disturbed his sleep so we apologized. He ordered us to go to sleep and turned his back away from us and walked away. We looked on while he was walking and surprisingly, he didn’t go into any of the rooms and we noticed that he was wearing shoes, jeans and a sling bag. He used the stairs to go down but the door on the 2nd floor was locked. Must be a cuckoo guy, very creepy! We still continued with our fun but the party ended at 6:30AM, we went back to the hotel and slept right away.
At 3AM, Marlou, Selena and I went up to the rooms of the Filipino band in Concorde Hotel for our small Christmas party. We brought our Xmas gifts for everyone and also some food. Marlou made macaroni salad the night before, we were given a father turkey by one of our good friends who’s also a staff of lobby lounge, and we also brought in 4 bottles of red wine. And guess where we had our party? Not in the rooms, not in the lounge, not in the coffeehouse. It’s in the corridor of the 3rd floor! We were so noisy especially when we started our exchange gifts. The table of food was in the corridor as well. Some kind of a party huh!
Selena got lots of presents from everyone. I also got great presents and so did Marlou. Everyone was so happy and jolly when a creepy Malay man appeared at 5:30AM. He stood before us all while we were seated on the floor. He was carrying a Quran and opening it, showing pages to us with his fierce look. We thought we had disturbed his sleep so we apologized. He ordered us to go to sleep and turned his back away from us and walked away. We looked on while he was walking and surprisingly, he didn’t go into any of the rooms and we noticed that he was wearing shoes, jeans and a sling bag. He used the stairs to go down but the door on the 2nd floor was locked. Must be a cuckoo guy, very creepy! We still continued with our fun but the party ended at 6:30AM, we went back to the hotel and slept right away.
Christmas Eve
I woke up with a call today. I've actually missed several calls, some of them from overseas. I opened up the curtains and looked outside. I suddenly felt sad. I saw an empty street with only few cars passing by. I remember how busy the people are on Christmas Eve in the Philippines. I remember me and my cousins going from one house to another. I remember being very busy with calls and invitations. I remember Christmas in the Philippines - the biggest celebration of the year.
But all those feelings suddenly disappeared when Marlou asked me if I wanted to have my Christmas gift now or later. I told him I wanted him to give it to me onstage later. He refused and told me that he's shy that other people might see it. I got so intrigued
by it so I told him to give it to me now instead. He asked me to close my eyes and he got his present from the safe. When I opened my eyes, a beautiful 6-diamond white gold ring stunned my eyes. He jokingly proposed to me then I jokingly scrutinized the diamonds before I said "yes", typically me, hahaha! The ring is beautiful and simple yet it’s very ritzy. I don’t like big stones or big accessories, except for my Folli Follie ringwatch.
It’s Christmas Eve and we’ll surely have a very busy evening at the lounge later. Have to make some calls to my family in the Philippines too. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU & YOUR FAMILIES!!!
But all those feelings suddenly disappeared when Marlou asked me if I wanted to have my Christmas gift now or later. I told him I wanted him to give it to me onstage later. He refused and told me that he's shy that other people might see it. I got so intrigued
by it so I told him to give it to me now instead. He asked me to close my eyes and he got his present from the safe. When I opened my eyes, a beautiful 6-diamond white gold ring stunned my eyes. He jokingly proposed to me then I jokingly scrutinized the diamonds before I said "yes", typically me, hahaha! The ring is beautiful and simple yet it’s very ritzy. I don’t like big stones or big accessories, except for my Folli Follie ringwatch.It’s Christmas Eve and we’ll surely have a very busy evening at the lounge later. Have to make some calls to my family in the Philippines too. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU & YOUR FAMILIES!!!
Merry Christmas to all!!!
I know most of you are on holiday now and probably very busy like me. But anyhoo, let me greet all of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS. May joy, love and peace reign forevermore!
Ta-dahhhh!!!
All wrapped up!!! Yeah, I know they look like rice sacks compared to our miniature Christmas tree, but what the heck! It's the thought that counts anyway. We got invited for a small party after work on Christmas morning at the Concorde Hotel by the Filipino bands there (they finish at 3AM, whew!). We'll be exchanging gifts, "monito monita" as what we call it in the Philippines. We drew some names more than a week ago. Whoever got your name will give you a gift on Christmas day. To make it more interesting and simple, we also gave out clues as to what we want to get on Christmas. At least, we can save up time looking for gifts.
Wrapping up
It's my favorite task during this season: wrapping up the gifts. I don't like shopping so much because I'm a very indecisive person so sometimes I'd just take whatever it is that comes my way and just buy it straight. I like giving gifts especially to children. Christmas is for children anyway. I remember when I was young, I'd always write lots of things to Santa before Christmas and I'd just get the best one from the list.
Lots of wrapping to do... it's therapeutic actually. And I must say, I'm a bit artistic when it comes to that - when there's enough time. I just have to wait for Selena to sleep before wrapping up our presents for her.
Updated at last!
Photos updated on my Pbase gallery for the month of November. Check them out including the A1 Grand Prix pics!
http://www.pbase.com/saritajc/back2kl
http://www.pbase.com/saritajc/back2kl
Year-end stress
My feng shui for this month was right. It's really stressful and seems like the whole year of working has taken its toll on me now. I've been sick since the start of the month. It's getting worse with the weather getting colder outside.
Maybe it’s just one of those days… I feel so tired and stressed with work lately. It’s one of those days when I’d rather stay in the room and just relax. Open a bottle of wine and maybe just turn on my MP3 player, hook it up to my OnTour speakers and think of all the great things I've done this year.
I'm starting to feel the urge of stopping from my career for a while - again. I mean, I love performing but my body needs to rest. I've been working for the past 9 years (with some holidays) and I really need a break from it. I want to wake up each day not thinking of work and what to wear. Whether my voice is in top shape or worry about the dance steps and new songs we'll have to practise for the day. But I guess, I'll just keep on dreamin' as of now...
It's 7:30AM now and I'm a bit thankful that I'm off. Unfortunately, not for Marlou. Hmmm, a bit sleepy now, haftagooooo!!!
Maybe it’s just one of those days… I feel so tired and stressed with work lately. It’s one of those days when I’d rather stay in the room and just relax. Open a bottle of wine and maybe just turn on my MP3 player, hook it up to my OnTour speakers and think of all the great things I've done this year.
I'm starting to feel the urge of stopping from my career for a while - again. I mean, I love performing but my body needs to rest. I've been working for the past 9 years (with some holidays) and I really need a break from it. I want to wake up each day not thinking of work and what to wear. Whether my voice is in top shape or worry about the dance steps and new songs we'll have to practise for the day. But I guess, I'll just keep on dreamin' as of now...
It's 7:30AM now and I'm a bit thankful that I'm off. Unfortunately, not for Marlou. Hmmm, a bit sleepy now, haftagooooo!!!
Apologies
My apologies to you guys who have been waiting impatiently for photo updates. I'm very busy right now but I will of course do that once I am done resizing and cropping those pics. Promise!
The Platters in town
Steve, from the nth generation of the classic group of The Platters, has been jamming with us for almost a week now. He would instantly lit up the stage and excite the crowd with his stage presence and great voice. But tonight, we have met the other member, Donley, who is the lead singer of The Platters. They both jammed with us during our 4th set.
Meeting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Today was a hell of a day. Woke up at 2PM to rush Selena and prepare her because she’d be going to Times Square with her friend, Noor. Of course, not only the 2 of them (stupid thinking!) but also with Noor’s mom and the nanny. I also prepared myself for the Philippine Embassy affair to meet the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Marlou was invited to sing the opening prayer, guess what the song was? The Prayer from Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. He’d be singing the song with the Philippine Embassy staff, Jennifer, who can also give justice to the song.
We reached Saloma Restaurant behind Concorde Hotel before 4PM. Some members of the 2 Filipino bands in Concorde were also with us. There were only 9 of us representing the Filipino musicians in the whole of Malaysia in the crowd. We were outnumbered by the domestic helpers who were dressed better than us. Most of us, the musicians, were in jeans! Hahaha! Most people out there were in their Filipiniana dresses and Barong Tagalog’s. We were seated on the 4th row and I was seated first from the center aisle, so I could get better pictures (which ended in all disaster snaps! Hahaha!).
We had a long wait for the president’s arrival… say 2 hours!!! The affair is actually 4-7PM but what we didn’t know is that the first 2 hours were for the guests’ arrival. They just showed ads of the biggest reality TV show in the Philippines, Pinoy Big Brother, on the big white screens. It got more and more boring as I stopped talking with my friends so that I can reserve my voice for the night. But when most of the guests were already bored, the projector operator suddenly clicks the Vanbasco Player on his desktop, played some Christmas songs in karaoke. We started singing softly, until we got the hang of it and in the end, we were shouting our lungs out and laughing at ourselves together with the rest of the waiting crowd. The VIPs sitting infront of us were kinda annoyed of our voices but we didn’t care. They were too poised in their Filipiniana costumes to join the fun.
At last, the long wait was over. The VIP’s started to arrive like the governors and mayors from different parts of the Philippines and cabinet members like Trade Secretary Peter Favila and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo who directly seated on the vacant seats on the stage. And then, the wait was over when we heard sirens outside the Saloma Restaurant. We waved our little Philippine flags, oh, let’s rephrase that. They waved their little Philippine flags while I struggled to take photos with my camera. Darn, she’s really tiny! It was my first time to see Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in person, especially in less than a meter distance.
The affair finally started with the Philippine National Anthem as we all raised our right hands to our left chests. It was then followed by the opening prayer of Marlou and Jennifer. It was so solemn but I didn’t care because I couldn’t take great photos. The professional photographers were doing the same anyway so I just continued snapping away. After the song, I wasn’t sure if we’re not allowed to clap because it was supposed to be the “prayer”, but I couldn’t help myself from being proud of Marlou so I started clapping and the rest followed. Then the opening speech was done by the Charges d’Affairs of the Philippine Embassy followed by the presentation of awards for outstanding persons who have remarkably helped Filipinos in Malaysia in their own little ways. Our lady boss, Mrs. Cherina Chacko, were one of them for helping musicians in Malaysia. I know few of the other recipients and I was really proud of them. The president then gave her speech and talked about how proud she is for the Overseas Filipino Workers. The affair then ended shortly after that and when the President started walking back the aisle, I gained full confidence to come near her and I was introduced as one of the singers. I told her that I’m singing in the Shangri-La Hotel and hopefully she could come and visit us, even though I know that her schedule is hectic. But what I really wanted to say was we should meet up some other time and have a drink together! Hahahaha! Kidding!
We all rushed back to the hotel when we passed by a mamak stall. So we just packed some white rice and fired chicken and went back to the hotel. I got kinda worried about Selena, maybe they got back from Time Square already. I was right, she was sent back to Brice’s room. Nanay Susana was also there, too, because we weren’t around. Selena wanted to sleep over in Nanay’s house so I got her things ready.
It was a good night at work, good for a Sunday night. Did mostly requests and the Platters member Steve jammed one song with us again. He jammed couple of song the night before and he really worked the crowd. My friend Mir came with a Romanian model, Laura, who suddenly became our apple of the eye. JP was also there even though my Aunty Susan has already gone back to Manila for a vacation.
It was indeed a wonderful Sunday for me. I wasn’t really that thrilled to have met our President, of course it was big bonus to have met her, but it was more of the experience itself. With friends around you and having fun while others were too poised in their attires. Sometimes it’s the company of friends that matters more than the food and the affair itself.
We reached Saloma Restaurant behind Concorde Hotel before 4PM. Some members of the 2 Filipino bands in Concorde were also with us. There were only 9 of us representing the Filipino musicians in the whole of Malaysia in the crowd. We were outnumbered by the domestic helpers who were dressed better than us. Most of us, the musicians, were in jeans! Hahaha! Most people out there were in their Filipiniana dresses and Barong Tagalog’s. We were seated on the 4th row and I was seated first from the center aisle, so I could get better pictures (which ended in all disaster snaps! Hahaha!).
We had a long wait for the president’s arrival… say 2 hours!!! The affair is actually 4-7PM but what we didn’t know is that the first 2 hours were for the guests’ arrival. They just showed ads of the biggest reality TV show in the Philippines, Pinoy Big Brother, on the big white screens. It got more and more boring as I stopped talking with my friends so that I can reserve my voice for the night. But when most of the guests were already bored, the projector operator suddenly clicks the Vanbasco Player on his desktop, played some Christmas songs in karaoke. We started singing softly, until we got the hang of it and in the end, we were shouting our lungs out and laughing at ourselves together with the rest of the waiting crowd. The VIPs sitting infront of us were kinda annoyed of our voices but we didn’t care. They were too poised in their Filipiniana costumes to join the fun.
At last, the long wait was over. The VIP’s started to arrive like the governors and mayors from different parts of the Philippines and cabinet members like Trade Secretary Peter Favila and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo who directly seated on the vacant seats on the stage. And then, the wait was over when we heard sirens outside the Saloma Restaurant. We waved our little Philippine flags, oh, let’s rephrase that. They waved their little Philippine flags while I struggled to take photos with my camera. Darn, she’s really tiny! It was my first time to see Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in person, especially in less than a meter distance.
The affair finally started with the Philippine National Anthem as we all raised our right hands to our left chests. It was then followed by the opening prayer of Marlou and Jennifer. It was so solemn but I didn’t care because I couldn’t take great photos. The professional photographers were doing the same anyway so I just continued snapping away. After the song, I wasn’t sure if we’re not allowed to clap because it was supposed to be the “prayer”, but I couldn’t help myself from being proud of Marlou so I started clapping and the rest followed. Then the opening speech was done by the Charges d’Affairs of the Philippine Embassy followed by the presentation of awards for outstanding persons who have remarkably helped Filipinos in Malaysia in their own little ways. Our lady boss, Mrs. Cherina Chacko, were one of them for helping musicians in Malaysia. I know few of the other recipients and I was really proud of them. The president then gave her speech and talked about how proud she is for the Overseas Filipino Workers. The affair then ended shortly after that and when the President started walking back the aisle, I gained full confidence to come near her and I was introduced as one of the singers. I told her that I’m singing in the Shangri-La Hotel and hopefully she could come and visit us, even though I know that her schedule is hectic. But what I really wanted to say was we should meet up some other time and have a drink together! Hahahaha! Kidding!
We all rushed back to the hotel when we passed by a mamak stall. So we just packed some white rice and fired chicken and went back to the hotel. I got kinda worried about Selena, maybe they got back from Time Square already. I was right, she was sent back to Brice’s room. Nanay Susana was also there, too, because we weren’t around. Selena wanted to sleep over in Nanay’s house so I got her things ready.
It was a good night at work, good for a Sunday night. Did mostly requests and the Platters member Steve jammed one song with us again. He jammed couple of song the night before and he really worked the crowd. My friend Mir came with a Romanian model, Laura, who suddenly became our apple of the eye. JP was also there even though my Aunty Susan has already gone back to Manila for a vacation.
It was indeed a wonderful Sunday for me. I wasn’t really that thrilled to have met our President, of course it was big bonus to have met her, but it was more of the experience itself. With friends around you and having fun while others were too poised in their attires. Sometimes it’s the company of friends that matters more than the food and the affair itself.
Selena and Noor
Selena and Noor are getting along so well that I think they’re inseparable from the time Selena wakes up in the early afternoon. Noor would always come in our room to play with Selena or they’d go to Noor’s room to play there. But since they have a baby and the baby needs to sleep most of the time, they’d move into our room. They both love watching movies. Noor is 4 years old, but is such an adorable girl. She’s the eldest daughter of our hotel’s Italian resident manager.
It’s fun when you overhear kid’s conversation. They’d explain things to each other in their innocent ways. Sometimes they’d ask silly questions and sometimes questions that I don’t even know how to answer. And that’s when you realize how cute they really are. And sometimes, you’d wish that they’ll just stay that way. Oh, you wish!
It’s fun when you overhear kid’s conversation. They’d explain things to each other in their innocent ways. Sometimes they’d ask silly questions and sometimes questions that I don’t even know how to answer. And that’s when you realize how cute they really are. And sometimes, you’d wish that they’ll just stay that way. Oh, you wish!
All in blog
I haven’t blogged for quite some time now. I’ve been very very busy being a supermom – and enjoying every bit of it. Though sometimes, I must admit that I get stressed coz December is usually the time of the year when we’d be very busy. I need to relax more I guess.
It’s the 11th Asean Summit in KL next week and the delegates have started to come couple of days ago. In the hotel’s main entrance, they even have installed a metal detector and an x-ray scan for the luggages or stuff, just like in the airports. The city has been busy to with lots of road blocks and police roaming around.
At work, it’s a bit boring because people tend to come in groups, due to the upcoming conference, and would just talk. Though we still received warm applauses from them once in a while. We already have the Charity Christmas tree in the lobby lounge which has “Christmas lamps” all over instead of the traditional twinkling lights and balls. Theme is “you light up my life” which pertains to the beneficiaries who will be helped with the donations from our patrons.
During the eve of Brice’s birthday, we’ve got lots of close friends who came to wish her well. It was also the last night of my Aunty Susan before she went back to Manila. She’ll be coming back here again in January next year to work for my friend. We also have gone to the Immigration Department in Putrajaya to extend Selena’s visa for another month. She’ll be going back to Manila to study in January.
Well, guess I’m not good in summarizing because I just spill out the teeny bit of the whole thing. Missing a day in the blog is not really good. So I must try harder to blog daily – even if it’s non-sense I guess…
It’s the 11th Asean Summit in KL next week and the delegates have started to come couple of days ago. In the hotel’s main entrance, they even have installed a metal detector and an x-ray scan for the luggages or stuff, just like in the airports. The city has been busy to with lots of road blocks and police roaming around.
At work, it’s a bit boring because people tend to come in groups, due to the upcoming conference, and would just talk. Though we still received warm applauses from them once in a while. We already have the Charity Christmas tree in the lobby lounge which has “Christmas lamps” all over instead of the traditional twinkling lights and balls. Theme is “you light up my life” which pertains to the beneficiaries who will be helped with the donations from our patrons.
During the eve of Brice’s birthday, we’ve got lots of close friends who came to wish her well. It was also the last night of my Aunty Susan before she went back to Manila. She’ll be coming back here again in January next year to work for my friend. We also have gone to the Immigration Department in Putrajaya to extend Selena’s visa for another month. She’ll be going back to Manila to study in January.
Well, guess I’m not good in summarizing because I just spill out the teeny bit of the whole thing. Missing a day in the blog is not really good. So I must try harder to blog daily – even if it’s non-sense I guess…
Paparazzo
Whenever someone asks me what’s on my website, I always would say “all about me” – which is obviously true. Bio, band info, blog, blog, blog, photos, photos and photos. Someone once asked me if I was into photography, whether amateur or professional. I said I am not into photography but I am more into “capturing moments” – because I do believe that you can never bring those precious memories back.
I’ve been the party paparazzo for the past 5 years now. I’ve had thousands pictures taken with my first Ixus digital camera in 2001 up until now. Marlou is the one into professional photography. He takes great photos. I’m actually in the process of pestering him to collect all the pictures he wants to post online. So watch out for that on my Pbase gallery.
I’ve been the party paparazzo for the past 5 years now. I’ve had thousands pictures taken with my first Ixus digital camera in 2001 up until now. Marlou is the one into professional photography. He takes great photos. I’m actually in the process of pestering him to collect all the pictures he wants to post online. So watch out for that on my Pbase gallery.
Christmas blues
I’m an inch close to admitting that I’m all stressed out – but only close to that. It’s because it’s almost the end of the year and with Christmas around the corner, I’m starting to feel the Christmas blues. I don’t know what it is in Christmas but for me, it’s a season for me to recall and reminisce all the good and bad things I have done – not that I’m still impatiently waiting for Santa’s pressies – but because it’s a heartfelt season back home. During this time, in the Philippines, you would really feel the atmosphere filled with Christmas spirit. Christmas songs being played and sung everywhere, decorations and flashing lights inside and outside the houses and malls, Christmas carolers singing infront of our door.
I haven’t celebrated Christmas, like really celebrating it with family and friends, for quite some time. In the past 9 years, I only celebrated it once in Manila in 1999, when Selena was just 3 months before I went back to work overseas again. The rest of the Christmases were spent working our asses off, most of the time with work extension for the crowd’s delight.
This will be Selena’s 2nd Christmas in KL with us. And I’m pretty glad that she came here to spend it with us, alleviates the stress we have to go through this holiday season. When I’m tired and all worked up, she’d hug me sweetly then I’d be fine. A very sweet girl, she always loves hugging and kissing. When I’m working on my PC, she’d squeeze herself in the same couch where I’m sitting and would ask me lots of questions, most of it I couldn’t answer or couldn’t find an answer to.
Hmmm… wish I can spend Christmas back home… maybe next year… maybe someday…
I haven’t celebrated Christmas, like really celebrating it with family and friends, for quite some time. In the past 9 years, I only celebrated it once in Manila in 1999, when Selena was just 3 months before I went back to work overseas again. The rest of the Christmases were spent working our asses off, most of the time with work extension for the crowd’s delight.
This will be Selena’s 2nd Christmas in KL with us. And I’m pretty glad that she came here to spend it with us, alleviates the stress we have to go through this holiday season. When I’m tired and all worked up, she’d hug me sweetly then I’d be fine. A very sweet girl, she always loves hugging and kissing. When I’m working on my PC, she’d squeeze herself in the same couch where I’m sitting and would ask me lots of questions, most of it I couldn’t answer or couldn’t find an answer to.
Hmmm… wish I can spend Christmas back home… maybe next year… maybe someday…
Band issue: Bloopers
We, as singers and entertainers, try hard to deliver our very best in every song we sing/perform onstage. We have to be very professional even in the midst of whatever occasion that might arise. Just look at that band in the movie Titanic who performed till before the ship sank.
But, there are moments when we have funny antics, inevitable mistakes, or just plainly bloopers. Sometimes we could use a smile or if things get out of control, we’d be chuckling, giggling and laughing onstage – to the confusion of the crowd. Most of the time, the people who’re watching us don’t have any clue what we’re laughing about, so let me share you a few of the things entertainers laugh about onstage:
These are the things that would easily crack me up and I tell you, I’m basing it on the experiences of mine and my friends (sabay nagturo eh, hahaha!). So the next time you see us laughing uncontrollably, check out the surroundings to match it with the stuff written above. Till next issue!
But, there are moments when we have funny antics, inevitable mistakes, or just plainly bloopers. Sometimes we could use a smile or if things get out of control, we’d be chuckling, giggling and laughing onstage – to the confusion of the crowd. Most of the time, the people who’re watching us don’t have any clue what we’re laughing about, so let me share you a few of the things entertainers laugh about onstage:
- Starting the song on the wrong cue
- Wrong cue of the song
- Confidently starting a song with the microphone off
- Forgetting lyrics: 1) making up some of our own which in the end doesn’t make sense; 2) just plainly humming it without lyrics; 3) panicking and opening our song books; 4) repeating the same lines
- Someone said a word in the song differently
- Having strong accents
- Unavoidably making faces when the song reaches high
- Repetitive mannerisms or hand gestures
- Forgetting the dance steps
- Seeing somebody in the crowd dancing to the song – out of beat or rhythm
- Seeing somebody dance in a funny way
- Grammar – especially on spiels (just to make sense out of something while waiting for the next song)
- Seeing a guest trying to sing along with the song, but we’d notice that he’s mouthing different lyrics while he closes his eyes and emotes to the song
- Smelling a foul odour or someone near farted so you’d turn around to look for the culprit, only to find out that your colleagues are also suspecting that it’s you who farted
- A song request with a wrong title or funny spelling
- Uncomfortable clothing or wardrobe malfunction (Tell me about it!!! Hahaha!)
- Seeing a guest who’s trying to get your attention
- The pointed heel of the shoes stuck in a hole of the stage
- Accessories falling and flying off
- Unintentionally spitting saliva while singing
- When ill or during colds, you can feel the mucus running down from your nose especially during fast song
- Tripping over something
- Hitting the teeth or mouth with the microphone
- Stepping on the cord of the microphone therefore pulling it off from the microphone itself
- … and lots more…
These are the things that would easily crack me up and I tell you, I’m basing it on the experiences of mine and my friends (sabay nagturo eh, hahaha!). So the next time you see us laughing uncontrollably, check out the surroundings to match it with the stuff written above. Till next issue!
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