Cheesy on a Thursday

Two things.

We've been having chilly mornings in Sydney and the weather has turned me more sentimental than I already am. *Cheesy na nga ako, naging cheesy pa lalo!* 

The song "Buko" has been my LSS for days. Songs like these are what I call the modern type of harana. Eto yung tipo ng kanta na simple pero may lambing at madaling awitin. Maaring corny sa iba pero para sa akin, na-appreciate ko na OPM siya.

Naalala ko pa nung nililigawan pa lamang kita

Dadalaw tuwing gabi masilayan lamang ang ‘yong mga ngiti

At Ika’y sasabihan bukas ng alas siyete sa dating tagpuan

Buo ang araw ko marinig ko lang ang mga himig mo

Hindi ko man alam kung nasan ka wala man tayong komunikasyon

Maghihintay sa’yo buong magdamag dahil ikaw ang buhay ko

 Kung inaakala mo na ang pag-ibig ko’y magbabago

Itaga mo sa bato dumaan man ang maraming Pasko

Kahit na di mo na abot ang sahig

Kahit na di mo na ‘ko marinig

Ikaw pa rin ang buhay ko

Naalala ko pa nung pinapangarap pa lamang kita

Hahatid, susunduin, kahit mga bituin aking susungkitin

Kung inaakala mo ang pag-ibig ko’y magbabago

Itaga mo sa bato dumaan man ang maraming Pasko

Kahit na di mo na abot ang sahig

Kahit na di mo na ‘ko marinig

Ikaw pa rin ang buhay ko

Araw-araw kitang liligawan, haharanahin ka lagi

Kitang liligawan, haharanahin ka lagi

Kung inaakala mo ang pag-ibig ko’y magbabago

Itaga mo sa bato pumuti man ang mga buhok ko

Kung inaakala mo ang pag-ibig ko’y magbabago

Itaga mo sa bato, dumaan man ang maraming pasko

Kung inaakala mo na ang pag-ibig ko’y magbabago

Itaga mo sa bato, dumaan man ang maraming pasko

Kahit na kumulubot ang balat

Kahit na hirap ka nang dumilat

Kahit na di mo na abot ang sahig

Kahit na di mo na ako marinig 

Ikaw pa rin (ikaw pa rin) ang buhay ko

A Penchant For The Old Manila

One of the few realizations we had when we vacationed in Manila was this: that we come back because we want to have a feel of what our life used to be. Going back to our mother country means we get to reminisce of our childhood and relive a life we once used to be a part of. Seeing Manila grow and change with the times is a milestone but a part of me wishes that some things and places are still maintained to how it's supposed to be. That's why I love reading books and watching old films where I get to see how things were when Manila (and the Philippines) was young.

A penchant for the old. My love for what Manila used to be.
Curly Tops from my childhood. The romance of using a telephone.

I was fortunate to come across the book "The Manila We Knew" in April. It was a collection of stories and essays of life in Manila. Stories that capture one's love for a city and its soul, life and history. In its pages you'll find romance and tragedy, hope and struggle. 

I started reading a few pages on Sunday morning and it brought me back to a time when I wasn't even born yet, when life in Manila was simpler. I'm glad that thru this book, I get to have a peek of what it's like to be part of the old Manila.

Nespresso Limited Edition 2013: Trieste and Napoli

While we were away on vacation, Nespresso came out with their Limited Edition 2013 Grand Crus. It was fortunate that I was still able to get a box of each flavour (they came out with two) on the last week that it was available in Sydney. 

This year's Limited Edition Grand Crus were inspired by Italy's coffee culture with focus on its two coffee-centric cities, Trieste and Napoli. Having a cup of these limited editions is like being transported to the streets of Italy.

In general, I enjoy Italian coffee because of its strength, that's why I'm glad that Nespresso came out with Italian-inspired grand crus.

Trieste. Has an intensity level of 9. A blend of Arabica beans from South America and East Africa. It's rich aroma comprises of a fragrant chocolate and hazelnut notes. Has a silky body and refreshingly fruity touch.

Napoli. Strong and intense flavours from a blend of Arabica from South America, Africa and Asia and Robusta that gives a hint of smoky notes. It has a woody aroma and nuances of dry black tea leaf. This is slightly bitter as the beans were roasted longer. 

Between the two, I enjoyed Napoli better than Trieste due to its strong flavour. It may have tasted a bit more bitter than Trieste but I didn't mind it. I only have a few Napoli Grand Crus so I'm savouring it best as I can. 

Jesus Christ Superstar (The Musical)

It was a musical like no other. Jesus Christ Superstar has been shown in cities all over the world, told in different interpretations. We are privileged to have experienced this spectacular musical produced in a big stage like Sydney Entertainment Centre. Well, the production wouldn't be called "the arena tour" for nothing. They showed in Sydney for only three days and each show, all tickets were sold out. 

Playbill, tickets and a fridge magnet to add to our collection

The Husband took the lead in getting us tickets as he was more enthusiastic in seeing JCS. While I've seen JCS way back in college, a production by Repertory Philippines, the promise of a rock musical in an arena piqued my interest too.

The crowd before the show. Full house!

Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot. He brought the house down with his commanding presence and powerful voice. He's the star of this show.

Ben Forster as Jesus Christ. Amazing and talented. He lit up the stage with his astounding voice. 

Melanie C as Mary Magdalene. It was a dream come true to finally watch a Spice Girl live and I'm so grateful it had to be Melanie C. She was a revelation! Her voice was fantastic, substantially powerful and yet soothing when needed. 

Andrew O'Keefe as King Herod. I've only known him as an Australian TV Host so it was my first time to see him sing and dance. He was extremely good! As in, wow! He brought King Herod's character into a different dimension. His part was only one song but he did it so remarkably well. 

This production showed a modern day JCS. They adapted the concept of Occupy London; social media came into play such as status updates in facebook and twitter; coverages from CCTV cameras; uploading videos on youtube; even one of the pharisees used a Macbook in one scene! I appreciated how they made JCS as current as possible.  

In a nutshell: If you ever come across this production and it promises a musical and rock concert in one, go and see it!  It's worth your money and time.