--- couple paragraphs had to be taken out... for diplomatic purposes LOL ---
Bad shots
It was supposedly a relaxing night at work but when we got there, it was filled with foreigners, each of them standing in the bar with a Tsingtao Beer in their hand. But on one corner, there was also a function going on. When we started, the guys in the bar were so eager to watch us, but the ones having their function in one corner complained! Hello?!? You’re having a function in a bar where there’s a live band and you’d go complaining covering your ears because you think our music was too loud? And we were just starting then with some easy listening songs! Our music was lowered down to more than 50% that it would have been better for us to sing without microphones because the voices of the people around us were louder than ours. Nothing ruins a performance than having to change your sound in a middle of a song. So there my night has been ruined, first base.
Poke me!
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Although our off was quite relaxing and a bit boring, it was definitely a great one. We were able to see our old time friend Ate Tess (Centinales) who I haven't seen for 5 years since we've been away from Qingdao in 2002. We had late lunch in their house and we spent the whole afternoon playing with their hyper doggie named Tequila. Tequila is one of the first hyper yet lovable dogs I have come across with. She wore me out when I tried to play with her. At last, I found a match for my packed energy! We stayed in their house until half past 8 at night. We waited until her husband Ramon and daughter Roxanne have gone back from work and school.We then proceeded back home and while we were in the taxi, we thought of trying out the massage parlor next to the building where we stay in Silver Gardens. It's a place called Stunt Massage. The place is clean and looked sanitized. At first what we wanted was a good foot reflexology. But then halfway through the foot massage, my masseuse detected that I have got illnesses as the pain went on whenever he tried to press some acupoints on the soles of my feet. He then suggested that I try acupuncture! I hesitated at first because I know it's the practice of poking stainless steel needles in your body and I was concerned about the sanitary measures. When they showed me that the needles they will be using are actually new and in an unopen -776997.jpg)
blister pack, I was convinced. Jan couldn't look but Marl did, as they poked 4 needles on my both legs, my right thumb and my chin. He said it will help for the indigestion.
When the needles were poked on my legs (2 inches below the knees, on the outer side of both of legs), I felt a flow of current all the way to my toes. Yes, the poking part was like having an injection, but after a while, it felt nothing, almost a little numb. I just kept on laughing out loud as Marl and Jan reacted how long -776984.jpg)
the needle was with their twitched faces. Then he poked my chin which almost felt nothing except for the pin touching my chin bone. When he poked my right thumb, I remember the feeling of having a blood test. It was almost the same amount of pain. The needles on my chin & thumb lasted for only 10 minutes, but the ones on my legs lasted for 3o minutes.
After the session, I felt relieved from indigestion. The hardness on my upper stomach was gone and it felt like a miracle. What's best was I only had to pay RMB30 (US$4) for the acupuncture and another RMB20 (US$2.50) for the foot massage. Despite of the relief, I was quite concerned about it's safety. Although the needles that were used were straight from the unopened blister packs, I was quite worried whether I got it from a licensed practitioner because of the cheap price. At least, I have tried it in an inexpensive way. But I'm tempted to try it again.
Everyone's happy
Now that our wireless router at home has been properly configured, everyone's happy. Jan can go online forever in her Friendster. I can do my 101 things online (especially domain registration at the moment). Marl, while his backup laptop is only running Windows XP, he was able to connect wirelessly via a WLAN PC card he bought from J-Boy, our QBar DJ.
I have also reformatted my new Fujitsu. I've had this for not more than a month now, it was a precious gift from my friend in KL. But I guess there was a problem with its default setting. For the past 3 weeks that I've been using it, I've been having blue screens & Windows wouldn't start up, especially when you needed it most!
When my Fujitsu Lifebook P7120 was given to me on our last day in KL, it was already pre-installed with the programs that came with it in CD's. It was also pre-installed with Microsoft Office 2007 which I was having difficulty in using since I've grown accustomed to Office 2003. I already know the keyboard shortcuts of it & that confuses me when I used Office 2007. Besides the file format of the saved items are more complex & made exclusively for Office 2007, although it can open and work with the previous Office templates and files.
So now, I'm blogging in the comfort of our room while having my Ritz plain biscuits & dipping them in my already cold coffee. I'm not yet done with installing Windows updates and programs that I use quite a lot. And hey, didn't I say it's my off today?!?
I have also reformatted my new Fujitsu. I've had this for not more than a month now, it was a precious gift from my friend in KL. But I guess there was a problem with its default setting. For the past 3 weeks that I've been using it, I've been having blue screens & Windows wouldn't start up, especially when you needed it most!
When my Fujitsu Lifebook P7120 was given to me on our last day in KL, it was already pre-installed with the programs that came with it in CD's. It was also pre-installed with Microsoft Office 2007 which I was having difficulty in using since I've grown accustomed to Office 2003. I already know the keyboard shortcuts of it & that confuses me when I used Office 2007. Besides the file format of the saved items are more complex & made exclusively for Office 2007, although it can open and work with the previous Office templates and files.
So now, I'm blogging in the comfort of our room while having my Ritz plain biscuits & dipping them in my already cold coffee. I'm not yet done with installing Windows updates and programs that I use quite a lot. And hey, didn't I say it's my off today?!?
Wi-Fi setup
At last, the wireless internet connection at home is already up and running! Jan's laptop and mine have been configured already. Marl's laptop though, because it's running Windows98, has not yet been configured. But we are trying to find ways to configure it so he can enjoy the internet as well. This pic shows my small workstation in the living room. You can see the ADSL modem, wireless router, my iPAQ & my Fujitsu laptop. Oh there's also my printer!
A night to... err... remember?
It was a great night at the bar. People were easy to please. I let my set-curled hair down
and so I was in my 5th element! LOL. I saw my old-time friends Goran & Angela Andersson and they brought their lovely 7-year-old daughter Christine who I haven't seen for 5 years. I used to carry her in my arms when she used to come to BATS bar before. Now, just like my own little princessette who I have been missing terribly, she has grown bigger and smarter. I love talking to her. She also likes to dance and she's been dancing with me on the dancefloor all night.
People were really having a good time, and I was working my ass off to get them groovin'. But among the people enjoying, there was this Chinese guy who was disturbing me onstage, but knowing that I know how to deal with those kind of drunken guys, I was able to get my way out of it.
I was singing the song "Let's Get Loud" when suddenly...
A fight broke out between a white guy and that Chinese guy. There were lots of people
involved though there wasn't really any bloodshed or punching. Only shoving and pushing each other. As the quote goes, "The show must go on", and so it did. We continued performing and tried to distract other patron's attention from the petty fight. We were quite relieved when they left the bar. But wait!!! They went back inside and started fighting again during our break. DJ J-Boy even had to be stopped from playing songs as the police came in. The fight then became between the Chinese police and the white guys, actually only 2 foreigners. We still finished our last set to the delight of the guests who have spent and waited for our last set. We started with the song "A Night To Remember" that sent them cracking up.
It was definitely one of those enjoyable yet unsightly nights to remember...
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and so I was in my 5th element! LOL. I saw my old-time friends Goran & Angela Andersson and they brought their lovely 7-year-old daughter Christine who I haven't seen for 5 years. I used to carry her in my arms when she used to come to BATS bar before. Now, just like my own little princessette who I have been missing terribly, she has grown bigger and smarter. I love talking to her. She also likes to dance and she's been dancing with me on the dancefloor all night.People were really having a good time, and I was working my ass off to get them groovin'. But among the people enjoying, there was this Chinese guy who was disturbing me onstage, but knowing that I know how to deal with those kind of drunken guys, I was able to get my way out of it.
I was singing the song "Let's Get Loud" when suddenly...
A fight broke out between a white guy and that Chinese guy. There were lots of people
-759533.jpg)
involved though there wasn't really any bloodshed or punching. Only shoving and pushing each other. As the quote goes, "The show must go on", and so it did. We continued performing and tried to distract other patron's attention from the petty fight. We were quite relieved when they left the bar. But wait!!! They went back inside and started fighting again during our break. DJ J-Boy even had to be stopped from playing songs as the police came in. The fight then became between the Chinese police and the white guys, actually only 2 foreigners. We still finished our last set to the delight of the guests who have spent and waited for our last set. We started with the song "A Night To Remember" that sent them cracking up.It was definitely one of those enjoyable yet unsightly nights to remember...
Unsuccessful configuration
My domain saritac.com is still not working. It really upsets me. My mailme@saritac.com email add has stopped working as well. I must have missed few important emails since then.
On the same note, the wireless internet configuration with the wireless router & ADSL modem I bought is not working as well! I am the only one who has been using the internet at home because it can't be configured on both of their laptops.
By the way, Marl's IBM has failed him and died on him for more than a week now. He uses my laptop to access internet but other than that, he uses his small IBM with Pentium 3 processor, the one he uses for performance. I feel so sorry for him as we are both computer addicts. On the lighter side, he has enough time to finish his books. He's got loads of them.
Oops, we are starting in 5 minutes. It's Saturday & we're expecting a crazy crowd tonight. Tah-tah!
Gettin' the hang of it
I'm starting to really enjoy myself onstage. I mean, it's evident that I have the passion for performing but due to the stress we had to face each night to let the people dance, I kinda get a little bit uptight. But since I got the hang of it, I'm enjoying it now. In fact, I really don't feel like working at all because most of the time, I'm on the dancefloor dancing with friends & guests. I feel free dancing and I feel real good!
Recently we've been rehearsing some club music, more on R&B and top40's. Can you believe that I'm rappin' like Eminem with a slurred tongue? I even rap in Korean! And it just gets better because of the tongue twisting songs we have to practise during the next weeks. It's pretty tone-deafening when you're used to rapping.
I just wish I can wear pants so I can do my funky moves. I look better dancing in my PJ's! Really!
Recently we've been rehearsing some club music, more on R&B and top40's. Can you believe that I'm rappin' like Eminem with a slurred tongue? I even rap in Korean! And it just gets better because of the tongue twisting songs we have to practise during the next weeks. It's pretty tone-deafening when you're used to rapping.
I just wish I can wear pants so I can do my funky moves. I look better dancing in my PJ's! Really!
A prank and seafood on our off
Since it's our off, it was quite relaxing to wake up without thinking whether I'm ready for our rehearsal in the afternoon. Today, Jan & I went to the hotel to submit our clothes for drycleaning. I also sent a fax to Network Solutions to request for change of email address. My (then) primary address mailme@saritac.com is not working properly anymore. I'm not receiving my daily news subscriptions anymore although I still receive spam in it. I don't know why.
We then went to Western Union to send money to a friend in KL who will be arranging some songs for us. It was quite easy to send money now than before, but the only irritating thing is they don't want to accept old notes or with minor tear on it. Sending US$100 costed US$15 charge.
As we were taking a 5-minute walk to Jusco for a McDonald's late lunch, I pulled a prank to Jan. My hands were freezing coz of the cold weather and we were just walking silently. Nobody wanted to say anything as it takes double effort for us to do. With the shout-singing we have done last night, our voices got hoarse. For no reason at all, I then shouted and put my freezing palm on her cheeks. Her reaction was priceless! Hahaha! It was the best prank I've ever done to Jan in a few months! Her eyes grew big of fear and she shouted the same way I did - same style, same key also! I still couldn't get over it. I'm still laughing as of this writing.
By the way, did I tell you that I'm already a non-vegetarian human being for 3 weeks now? Not that I couldn't take it anymore. Or surrendered on it. It's more like before leaving KL, I had to taste all my favorite Malay dishes & local food. And when we arrived here, the buffet looked so inviting that the beef, chicken and pork seemed to be whispering in my ears, "it's okay, you can eat me, no problem". But I know I will go back to it sooner or later. So today, Jan and I went to McD's and I had my spicy chicken fillet burger. Yummy. And spicy. After that we went to the supermarket to do our groceries.
We went back home at 4PM. I felt lethargic and so I hit the bed and took a nap. I was only intending to sleep for an hour. I ended up sleeping for 3 hours. I got up and brushed my hair, put on my casual uniform (I call it uniform because it's wash&wear, don't
want to buy anymore clothes for winter!), brushed my teeth and we then head to our dinner appointment at Kilin Hotel. Our
former assistant manager at BATS bar before, Raymond Wang, treated us to a sumptuous seafood dinner in their revolving restaurant on the 35th floor. Unfortunately for me, I had to eat most of it because Marl is still a vegan and Jan is allergic to some seafood. I ended up eating things I don't usually eat! Look at the photo at the right and don't tell me what is on your mind, because already I know it, hahaha! They also gave us a slim bottle of 375ml local red wine. It's the slimmest red wine bottle I've ever seen!
URB at the Revolving Restaurant on the 35th Floor of Kilin Hotel Qingdao
We then went to Western Union to send money to a friend in KL who will be arranging some songs for us. It was quite easy to send money now than before, but the only irritating thing is they don't want to accept old notes or with minor tear on it. Sending US$100 costed US$15 charge.
As we were taking a 5-minute walk to Jusco for a McDonald's late lunch, I pulled a prank to Jan. My hands were freezing coz of the cold weather and we were just walking silently. Nobody wanted to say anything as it takes double effort for us to do. With the shout-singing we have done last night, our voices got hoarse. For no reason at all, I then shouted and put my freezing palm on her cheeks. Her reaction was priceless! Hahaha! It was the best prank I've ever done to Jan in a few months! Her eyes grew big of fear and she shouted the same way I did - same style, same key also! I still couldn't get over it. I'm still laughing as of this writing.By the way, did I tell you that I'm already a non-vegetarian human being for 3 weeks now? Not that I couldn't take it anymore. Or surrendered on it. It's more like before leaving KL, I had to taste all my favorite Malay dishes & local food. And when we arrived here, the buffet looked so inviting that the beef, chicken and pork seemed to be whispering in my ears, "it's okay, you can eat me, no problem". But I know I will go back to it sooner or later. So today, Jan and I went to McD's and I had my spicy chicken fillet burger. Yummy. And spicy. After that we went to the supermarket to do our groceries.
We went back home at 4PM. I felt lethargic and so I hit the bed and took a nap. I was only intending to sleep for an hour. I ended up sleeping for 3 hours. I got up and brushed my hair, put on my casual uniform (I call it uniform because it's wash&wear, don't
want to buy anymore clothes for winter!), brushed my teeth and we then head to our dinner appointment at Kilin Hotel. Our
former assistant manager at BATS bar before, Raymond Wang, treated us to a sumptuous seafood dinner in their revolving restaurant on the 35th floor. Unfortunately for me, I had to eat most of it because Marl is still a vegan and Jan is allergic to some seafood. I ended up eating things I don't usually eat! Look at the photo at the right and don't tell me what is on your mind, because already I know it, hahaha! They also gave us a slim bottle of 375ml local red wine. It's the slimmest red wine bottle I've ever seen!We then headed here in Shangri-La to access internet. Therefore I'm so blogging now to tell you what we've been up to today. You see, you're all very special to me! :-)
URB at the Revolving Restaurant on the 35th Floor of Kilin Hotel QingdaoWhat a party!
It's the 1st year anniversary party of QBar at the Shangri-La Qingdao. It was
well-attended by the hotel's loyal and regular guests, as well as the management and staff of the hotel. Even the GM, RM, F&B, Marketing & Sales stayed until our last set.
It was a really different and special night. There were intermission numbers in between our sets, like the bartending exhibition, belly dancing and staff dancing. I myself got carried and had mysel
f dancing on top of the ledge/platform/red table most of the time, to the delight of the party people. During breaks, I was also busy roaming around as I sipped my glass of wine slowly. In fact, that glass of wine that I've been holding lasted the whole night!
Bet you that everyone had lots of fun. I think there were free flow of drinks until 9PM that got most of the guests drunk by 10PM.
But as usual, my feet is aching now! Huhu! Need some good foot rub. Maybe I'll just step on some pebbles and marbles instead as it's really impossible for me to tolerate foot massage. Because of the pain & because I'm ticklish! LOL
well-attended by the hotel's loyal and regular guests, as well as the management and staff of the hotel. Even the GM, RM, F&B, Marketing & Sales stayed until our last set.It was a really different and special night. There were intermission numbers in between our sets, like the bartending exhibition, belly dancing and staff dancing. I myself got carried and had mysel
f dancing on top of the ledge/platform/red table most of the time, to the delight of the party people. During breaks, I was also busy roaming around as I sipped my glass of wine slowly. In fact, that glass of wine that I've been holding lasted the whole night! Bet you that everyone had lots of fun. I think there were free flow of drinks until 9PM that got most of the guests drunk by 10PM.
But as usual, my feet is aching now! Huhu! Need some good foot rub. Maybe I'll just step on some pebbles and marbles instead as it's really impossible for me to tolerate foot massage. Because of the pain & because I'm ticklish! LOL
Alas, it's off again... I'm so not talking too much tomorrow. I have been enduring a hoarse voice since we got here. I have to at least regain it back.
saritacious@gmail.com
This is my new alternative address now that my primary email address (mailme@saritac.com) is not working because of the domain expiration. Please do drop me a line or two. Will update y'all soon, k? Take care everyone!
Expiration, registration, confusion
URB at QBar in Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao
SETTLED DOWN
We have already settled down somehow. Getting used to gettin' on taxis to & from work. Gettin' used to the still-freezing-cold weather (for me, at least). Gettin' used to not having internet all the time. Gettin' used to being tired every night after work because of the pressure to get the people dancing. So far, that's all. LOL.
DOMAIN
As you all know, my domain www.saritac.com is pending for deletion/renewal with my current domain service provider Network Solutions. I don't want to continue my domain with them, therefore I asked a good friend to register me with a webhosting service in Malaysia, something I have researched about. I have got 3 domains now: saritac.com , urbband.com and princessette.com (new one). I'm trying to work on revising each of the first 2 websites when I have the spare time.
My email address mailme@saritac.com is not working properly right now, so I am requesting you all to send me mail to my saritacious@gmail.com addy for the meantime.
INTERNET
The ADSL internet has been installed in our apartment since Friday. I'm still working on activating/installing the wireless router that I bought. Looks like it will be working soon.
FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF QBAR
It's the first year anniversary of Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao's QBar tonight. I'm a bit tired from the weekend's bumpin' grindin' and a relaxing Sunday at work is just what I need. But it won't happen I guess because it will be partayyyyy tonite I'm sure. WIll try to take some pix.
http://surf.to/sarita
To the few lucky ones who can still access my website without going through my main domain which has already expired for the past few days now, maybe they have bookmarked the freewebs address. But to others who I have spoken to recently, they can access my website by using my old URL http://surf.to/sarita. It has an advertisement which is doesn't really harm my website or anyone else. So for the meantime, please use this other URL.
Off, alas!
We have already completed our 1st week of performance here in Qingdao. So far, I can say that it was not relaxing at all. Although I still got my groove on every night, it was pretty hard for us to get them on the dancefloor. The pressure is on Marl because he's the one deciding on which song to play. So I always advise him not to stress himself out. For couple of days now, we're all enjoying ourselves on the stage.
Except tonight. I'm not comfortable with my voice. Because of the weather & the loud sound system, my voice is giving up. An off is just what I need and that's what I'm gonna get tomorrow! Wooohooo! Shopping time!!!
Except tonight. I'm not comfortable with my voice. Because of the weather & the loud sound system, my voice is giving up. An off is just what I need and that's what I'm gonna get tomorrow! Wooohooo! Shopping time!!!
1st week in Qingdao
This time a week ago, we were thousand of feet up in the air, aboard a Malaysia Airlines aircraft and experiencing some slight turbulence all through out the flight. The only thing on my mind then was to reach Qingdao as soon as possible. But as soon as we reached Qingdao, I wanted to board the next plane out.
Why?
The freakin' weather, man!!! It's freakin' cold out here and we weren't prepared for this kind of weather. Thought it would be like a great weather with a bit of a chill. But my bones are really chillin' right to its core!!! Even my teeth gets cold, too! Hahaha!
It has been a week and we're still not used to this weather. Our voices are affected. It was not a relaxing week for us. We had to rehearse new songs for the QBar. The crowd is young and crazy dancefloor boogies, therefore we need some party songs for them.
Anyway, we still have to work tonight. Guess tonight's a pretty much laid back crowd. We can relax a bit I guess. Hope so.
Why?
The freakin' weather, man!!! It's freakin' cold out here and we weren't prepared for this kind of weather. Thought it would be like a great weather with a bit of a chill. But my bones are really chillin' right to its core!!! Even my teeth gets cold, too! Hahaha!
It has been a week and we're still not used to this weather. Our voices are affected. It was not a relaxing week for us. We had to rehearse new songs for the QBar. The crowd is young and crazy dancefloor boogies, therefore we need some party songs for them.
Anyway, we still have to work tonight. Guess tonight's a pretty much laid back crowd. We can relax a bit I guess. Hope so.
Cover Girls' Night & Jan's Birthday
Wednesdays at the QBar are packed. It's because they have the Cover Girls' Night, which is simply ladies' night. But aside from the ladies getting free drinks the whole night long until they drown, QBar is also giving away free makeover (makeup and hair) and free manicure to all ladies, that is if you have the patience to queue up.
Tonight was exceptionally overwhelming. Aside from seeing familiar faces, the bar is packed. We performed to our very best, eventhough they still liked the music of the DJ. LOL. The crowd is young, mostly in their 20's until mid-30's. It feels like a crime dancing on the dancefloor if you're over that age. It's okay. We have to practise more new songs. Not just new songs, but topcharters.
At midnight, we greeted Jan by seeing the traditional birthday song. I know she feels lonely since it's her first birthday away from her family. But she is a strong girl and I know she will get the birthday blues like I do every year.
Happy Birthday to my little sissy, Jan! Wishing you all the best. God has given you a great talent but always keep your feet on the ground. We love you and thank you for everything you are! You know that we will always be there, hope you won't change. May God bless you and give you all you wish for. Love you sissy!!!
Tonight was exceptionally overwhelming. Aside from seeing familiar faces, the bar is packed. We performed to our very best, eventhough they still liked the music of the DJ. LOL. The crowd is young, mostly in their 20's until mid-30's. It feels like a crime dancing on the dancefloor if you're over that age. It's okay. We have to practise more new songs. Not just new songs, but topcharters.
At midnight, we greeted Jan by seeing the traditional birthday song. I know she feels lonely since it's her first birthday away from her family. But she is a strong girl and I know she will get the birthday blues like I do every year.
Happy Birthday to my little sissy, Jan! Wishing you all the best. God has given you a great talent but always keep your feet on the ground. We love you and thank you for everything you are! You know that we will always be there, hope you won't change. May God bless you and give you all you wish for. Love you sissy!!!
Custom hassles
I don't know why this blog from my iPaq didn't come out right...
We woke up at 9AM today to go to the Qingdao Customs. Remember when we sent our excess baggage unaccompanied? That was why we were at the Customs. Because they didn't want to release our bags. We spent the whole day, going through the legal (yet shortcut) process through the help of our assistant bar manager, Rebecca, who had to go through worse ordeal than us. All we did was sit around, burn our butts on the seats, catch a nap by turns and complain about the time we had to spend doing all these things. Whereas Rebecca had to go up and down the stairs to hand us the papers to sign, to wait for the officials, to negotiate properly, and to see to it that we were alright.
In the end, we still had to pay US$130 tax for our personal clothes, shoes, books, toiletries and personal effects. But at least, it's with us. Complete, with all my lingeries. After 8 hours of dreadful waiting. Thank God.
We woke up at 9AM today to go to the Qingdao Customs. Remember when we sent our excess baggage unaccompanied? That was why we were at the Customs. Because they didn't want to release our bags. We spent the whole day, going through the legal (yet shortcut) process through the help of our assistant bar manager, Rebecca, who had to go through worse ordeal than us. All we did was sit around, burn our butts on the seats, catch a nap by turns and complain about the time we had to spend doing all these things. Whereas Rebecca had to go up and down the stairs to hand us the papers to sign, to wait for the officials, to negotiate properly, and to see to it that we were alright.
In the end, we still had to pay US$130 tax for our personal clothes, shoes, books, toiletries and personal effects. But at least, it's with us. Complete, with all my lingeries. After 8 hours of dreadful waiting. Thank God.
First night's over
Thank God, our first night's over! I cannot overstress how different it was before when we used to play at the BATS of Shangri-La Qingdao. This bar is definitely different. I like BATS better. I mean, the feeling of being in the BATS is overwhelming and wholesome.
Tonight, I was bothered by my dancing space on stage. I feel it's too small and a lot of cables running down the carpeted floor, therefore making it uneasy for me to flawlessly move about. And there was even one time when the tip of my heel went through the floor outlet!
The music is different, too. They like R&B and dance music here. There's a red table/ledge where I danced when I sang a Shakira song which was considered cool. I like to dance on the ledge but it's too slippery, too.
Anyway, the DJ in our bar is also from the Philippines, his name is Jiboy. He's the one helping us out with the sounds.
We will be going back to the apartment shortly... home sweet home...
Tonight, I was bothered by my dancing space on stage. I feel it's too small and a lot of cables running down the carpeted floor, therefore making it uneasy for me to flawlessly move about. And there was even one time when the tip of my heel went through the floor outlet!
The music is different, too. They like R&B and dance music here. There's a red table/ledge where I danced when I sang a Shakira song which was considered cool. I like to dance on the ledge but it's too slippery, too.
Anyway, the DJ in our bar is also from the Philippines, his name is Jiboy. He's the one helping us out with the sounds.
We will be going back to the apartment shortly... home sweet home...
Performance schedule in Qingdao
U.R.B. at the QBar
8:30PM - 12:15AM Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays
8:30PM - 1:15AM Fridays and Saturdays
See you there!!!
8:30PM - 12:15AM Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays
8:30PM - 1:15AM Fridays and Saturdays
See you there!!!
Our first night at QBar
The last time we've performed in Qingdao was almost 5 years ago. Then, we used to perform at the B.A.T.S. which stands for Bar At The Shangri-La. It's a very wholesome place although the main objective is to get everyone as drunk as possible. Business first, of course.
Unfortunately, a year ago, Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao have closed B.A.T.S. to give way to the birth of the new happening place in town - The QBar. That is where we are performing. Q stands for Qingdao, for sure. But when you go inside the up-class QBar, it does not reflect in any way to Qingdao. Its style is contemporary. Very club-y.
Tonight is our first night of performance. I'm not as thrilled as I would be. Maybe it's the weather. Right now, I'm at the Coffee Garden, its restaurant, accessing WiFi. I guess, for a tech freak like me, the free WiFi everywhere in the hotel pays a lot for the long exhausting journey from KL.
Wish us luck as we commence our 3rd contract here at the Shangri-La Qingdao!!!
Unfortunately, a year ago, Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao have closed B.A.T.S. to give way to the birth of the new happening place in town - The QBar. That is where we are performing. Q stands for Qingdao, for sure. But when you go inside the up-class QBar, it does not reflect in any way to Qingdao. Its style is contemporary. Very club-y.
Tonight is our first night of performance. I'm not as thrilled as I would be. Maybe it's the weather. Right now, I'm at the Coffee Garden, its restaurant, accessing WiFi. I guess, for a tech freak like me, the free WiFi everywhere in the hotel pays a lot for the long exhausting journey from KL.
Wish us luck as we commence our 3rd contract here at the Shangri-La Qingdao!!!
Backpost: The long journey to Qingdao
(Backpost for April 1, 2006, Sunday)
After a hearty breakfast at the McDonald's at the KLIA Airport with our close friends at 8AM, we decided to go through the Immigration to the boarding gates. Selena and Nanay Susana bid us goodbye as we went into the Immigration. It certainly broke my heart but I chose to stay positive.
Having had no sleep at all since Saturday noon, exhausted from days of packing and last minute shopping, and very tiring last night performance, we seemed floating on air as we dragged along our colorful trolleys. As we boarded the plane and fastened my seatbelt, it only took less than 20 minutes for me to fall asleep. I didn't even notice that the flight was actually delayed for almost an hour! The plane actually left KL around 10AM.
Aboard the Malaysia Airlines aircraft, the flight to Beijing wasn't smooth at all. It was gloomy with dark skies when we left KL. It was a very turbulent flight. There were lots of kids with us on the flight and we could hear them gasping - maybe because they thought they were riding a rollercoaster. I would wake up in between naps, changing my head and butt position. Took lunch, then took a nap again. It was a very long flight. We thought it would just be less than 5 hours. But it was 6 hours of not so comfortable flight.
We arrived Beijing at around 4:30PM. We were ushered by a staff who was carrying a paper with our names with a header that read "Transit to Qingdao". Our flight to Qingdao was not until 7PM so we had the chance to stretch our bodies before boarding on to another flight. It was only merely 2 hours so we arrived Qingdao before 9PM.
When we got out of the airport, it was freezing cold. We weren't really prepared for this type of weather because we were told that we could just wear any long sleeves because it's getting warmer. But the heck!!! It was freezing cold! We were greeted by Rebecca, the assistant Qbar manager. We were brought to our apartment. Not as posh as our apartments in Shanghai, it's just an above normal apartment of 3 bedrooms and 2 toilets & bathrooms. We also have a small kitchen, dining and living rooms. At least we have a homey feeling now. And it's something permanent. The only hassle is the trip we had to make to go to and from the hotel. In this type of weather. Wish it was already mid-spring!!!
After a hearty breakfast at the McDonald's at the KLIA Airport with our close friends at 8AM, we decided to go through the Immigration to the boarding gates. Selena and Nanay Susana bid us goodbye as we went into the Immigration. It certainly broke my heart but I chose to stay positive.
Having had no sleep at all since Saturday noon, exhausted from days of packing and last minute shopping, and very tiring last night performance, we seemed floating on air as we dragged along our colorful trolleys. As we boarded the plane and fastened my seatbelt, it only took less than 20 minutes for me to fall asleep. I didn't even notice that the flight was actually delayed for almost an hour! The plane actually left KL around 10AM.
Aboard the Malaysia Airlines aircraft, the flight to Beijing wasn't smooth at all. It was gloomy with dark skies when we left KL. It was a very turbulent flight. There were lots of kids with us on the flight and we could hear them gasping - maybe because they thought they were riding a rollercoaster. I would wake up in between naps, changing my head and butt position. Took lunch, then took a nap again. It was a very long flight. We thought it would just be less than 5 hours. But it was 6 hours of not so comfortable flight.
We arrived Beijing at around 4:30PM. We were ushered by a staff who was carrying a paper with our names with a header that read "Transit to Qingdao". Our flight to Qingdao was not until 7PM so we had the chance to stretch our bodies before boarding on to another flight. It was only merely 2 hours so we arrived Qingdao before 9PM.
When we got out of the airport, it was freezing cold. We weren't really prepared for this type of weather because we were told that we could just wear any long sleeves because it's getting warmer. But the heck!!! It was freezing cold! We were greeted by Rebecca, the assistant Qbar manager. We were brought to our apartment. Not as posh as our apartments in Shanghai, it's just an above normal apartment of 3 bedrooms and 2 toilets & bathrooms. We also have a small kitchen, dining and living rooms. At least we have a homey feeling now. And it's something permanent. The only hassle is the trip we had to make to go to and from the hotel. In this type of weather. Wish it was already mid-spring!!!
Backpost: Send-off
It was also the last evening with Selena and I guess I don't have to reiterate how a mother feels to be away from her child. And more so, how my daughter actually feels. I could feel how she was feeling then. She didn't want to close her eyes as she's scared that she might wake up with us not there anymore. But still, I managed to tuck her for a nap at 3AM as I did my very last minute packing, errr, squeezing of stuff inside the already-full luggage. Woke her up at 5:30AM as we were leaving the hotel. Poor little child, she was so tired from a very long day and yet she was still enthusiastic to send us off to the airport.
Nanay Susana and Selena sent us off to the airport. I tried to make Selena laugh as much as possible to alleviate her feeling of sadness. Both of us sat on the trolley carts as we were pushed by Jan & Marl. Our friends Sarah (Peach Apple Tree), locals Yza, Azman & Hamidah were kind enough to send us off. It's so nice to have friends like them who really cared about us.
Thanks a lot, guys!!!
Nanay Susana and Selena sent us off to the airport. I tried to make Selena laugh as much as possible to alleviate her feeling of sadness. Both of us sat on the trolley carts as we were pushed by Jan & Marl. Our friends Sarah (Peach Apple Tree), locals Yza, Azman & Hamidah were kind enough to send us off. It's so nice to have friends like them who really cared about us.
Thanks a lot, guys!!!
Backpost: The last blow at Shangri-La KL
Backpost for March 31 2007, Saturday...
Got a call at 7:30PM. My friends Melanie and her family were already in the lounge that early so they can get some seats. Apparently, they were told that the lounge was fully booked and every table is reserved. It was our last night performance.
I wasn’t in my element. First my hair didn’t come out right after setting it up as I would usually curl it. It really affects me when I don’t feel like myself when I perform. Therefore during the 3rd set, I just tied it up in a low ponytail. There were lots of people but only few of our really regular guests were there. I mean, there were not too many of our regular guests who I was expecting to come. But at least, our closest friends were there to support us on our last night.
I hate goodbyes, who doesn't? During our last set, I was so positive that it will be an emotional moment for me. I was jolly the whole night except during our last songs. As usual, the songs "Leaving On A Jetplane" and "Time To Say Goodbye" were the sure top-charters in racing down the tears from my eyes.
We stayed in the lounge, chatting with friends until 2AM. It was a very good night indeed. I'm gonna miss everyone. The staff, the regular guests, our very supportive friends, the repetitive requests. Most of all, I'm gonna miss the stage - the "performance" stage - because I think it will always be removed when maybe, one day, we come back to KL again. Who knows when?
Greetings from Qingdao, China!
Hey everyone!
After a very exhausting trip and a fairly good rest yesterday, we are finally back in Qingdao! Wooohoooo! We are not staying in the hotel, they put us in an apartment at the Silver Garden. No, we don't sleep in the garden, they are giving us proper accomodation! LOL. Not as posh as living in hotels but it's a permanent place for us to stay in throughout our contract.
The weather is... brrr.... cold, although they said it's getting warmer. But when you're from a tropical country, it feels like walking inside a giant freezer in Qingdao - minus the ice. The trees are still bare. The city has changed a lot since we've been here 5 years ago. The new wing of Shangri-La Qingdao is still under construction. It will be open early next year for the forthcoming Beijing Olympics 2008.
We are currently having our briefing with the managers of Q Bar, our new venue at the Shangri-La Qingdao. We didn't perform last night and will not be performing tonight. Our off will be on Mondays. We'll start performing tomorrow, Tuesday. Will get back later and do backpost from our last night performance in Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. For the meantime, I will be doing some writing for my backposts...
I definitely miss KL!!!
After a very exhausting trip and a fairly good rest yesterday, we are finally back in Qingdao! Wooohoooo! We are not staying in the hotel, they put us in an apartment at the Silver Garden. No, we don't sleep in the garden, they are giving us proper accomodation! LOL. Not as posh as living in hotels but it's a permanent place for us to stay in throughout our contract.
The weather is... brrr.... cold, although they said it's getting warmer. But when you're from a tropical country, it feels like walking inside a giant freezer in Qingdao - minus the ice. The trees are still bare. The city has changed a lot since we've been here 5 years ago. The new wing of Shangri-La Qingdao is still under construction. It will be open early next year for the forthcoming Beijing Olympics 2008.
We are currently having our briefing with the managers of Q Bar, our new venue at the Shangri-La Qingdao. We didn't perform last night and will not be performing tonight. Our off will be on Mondays. We'll start performing tomorrow, Tuesday. Will get back later and do backpost from our last night performance in Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. For the meantime, I will be doing some writing for my backposts...
I definitely miss KL!!!
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