Jesus Christ Superstar (Singapore Debut)

Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to watch Jesus Christ Superstar live.

And so it really annoyed me to see so many people checking in on their phones, browsing totally unrelated stuff on the net. Somebody even received a phone call. Quite a number of people were also late, they made quite a procession during the second song (“Jesus’” first piece). People were also getting out of their seats for toilet breaks in the middle of the play. Horrible horrible viewers. The person sitting one row in front of Yui (who was sitting beside me) had a really bright screen I had to tap her shoulder and showed her a big X with my hands crossed and showed her a really stern face. Somebody even snored, and he had to have that loud snore just when a song ended and there was some brief silence.

Very different from the theatre goers in Japan in which it’s almost a sin even to cough (you can’t control your cough!).

It was a terrible, horrible crowd this evening. I assure you, it’s multinational, Asian and Western alike. Yui said at the end of the show “I got culture shocked, Mommy”. And that’s from a 13-yr old who watched a play only three times so far (it’s her first time outside Japan though).

Thankfully, I could still enjoy, for the most part. Though different from expected, I love Tabitha Nauser’s rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”. So much so that I had tears streaming down my face the whole time that song was sung. Mixed in with “finally I watched it live” feeling. And I generally love the timber of her voice in that “Everything’s Alright” and ““Could We Start Again, Please” are now my new favorites.

Thankful that despite the terrible viewers, I still enjoyed my “dream come true”. Because, there’s no stopping great talent from shining!! Javon King’s (Judas) voice was so beautiful and perfect and wow on Luke Street’s (Jesus) vocal range.

Very thankful that they had this debut show right smack during our Singapore trip. SALAMAT!!!!

HK Day 1: Michelin Hunt

This trip has officially become a Michelin resto food trip, affordable/cheap version.

Breakfast was Ho Hung Kee (though airport branch).

Lunch was a sandwich stand that’s been an Inspector favorite for two consecutive years; but it disappointed us.

Then came dinner. Imagine a restaurant that’s a favourite hang out by students because it’s affordable. That’s Yat Lok’s Carinderia vibes. Yat Luk’s crispy pork is the best! At only 79HKD for a plate of crispy pork and goose rice, it’s really affordable. The crispy pork. And its sauce. OMG. So so so good!!

No photo for the pork though….as we were already famished….😅

Home is where the heart is

We’re now on Narita Express heading back home. Back from a great vacation in the Philippines; where I met great friends who I treasure dearly, and had a memorable road trip with family who made me feel loved and cherished. My heart is with them. And I/we are looking forward to our next vacation.

But as the train sped on and I gaze out on Japanese houses in Chiba, rice paddies, golf courses, I felt happy to be home. My heart is also here, my love is here. I am home.

Takayama/Shirakawago/Kurobe Nov 2024

The week flew by so fast!
Takayama (sarobobo), we meet again. The last time I went to Takayama, 2010, it was a solo trip on my last weekend as a sort of “goodbye Japan” for me. The Monday after the trip, I was offered an extension for another project and there met my husband. The rest is history.


Shirakawago, I am sorry I could not have a photo of you that would do you justice. You’re so beautiful! I hope you will keep your beauty for generations to come.


Kurobe Dam hello again. We missed your peak autumn foliage but it’s nice to see you again.
Mikurigaike Pond and Murodo Plateau, you’ll be memorable to me in many ways.

And my favorite!! Prefectural Road 158. I’ll drive your whole length one of these autumns!!
Drive a total of 900km in three days! Of course, I’ll do it again and more.

I Graduated! 🔰🔰🔰

Beginner

The examiner told me I almost failed because of parking (in my own rating, I think I failed the parking part).

But she highly commended me with my safety checks and safe driving. As she said this, two scenes during the practical exam flashed in my mind: one where I had to overtake a parked car while a truck was on the opposite lane of a very narrow road; and another was when I was rounding a curve and a bus was also rounding the curve and I felt like my car’s hood would hit the bus’ headlight. To hear her commendation and pride on her face truly uplifted my spirits from my terrible parking performance; because of all my teachers, she was the most strict with safety.

Back in Manila, I actually didn’t feel any fear while driving. Now though, even after refreshing my driving skills and learning a ton more of new skills and knowledge, I feel more apprehensive going out alone, without my teacher.

Practice, practice.

sandcastles

Dear Kid who made this sandcastle,

You and your friends have been in my thoughts the whole day. From now, you will always be in my prayers. I pray you and your friends get the education you need, the passion to achieve more, the heart to do good, the wisdom to choose good over evil, angels to guide and help you in your way for a better and more fulfilling life. I claim to God that my prayers will be answered in His perfect time and that you and your friends are in Good Hands. Indeed, it’ll be a Happy New Year for you and your friends! 🙂