Memorable Shows and Exhibitions of 2012

Last year, I was fortunate to have watched and seen more shows/exhibitions than I expected. Big thanks to friends who gave leads and invited us. There were so many wonderful shows and exhibitions last year but the Husband and I carefully chose what we'd like to really experience. Here's a list of memorable shows we watched in 2012.

Musicals

Annie. My childhood dream to see "Annie" came true when it showed in Sydney during the first quarter of 2012. The musical that made songs such as "Tomorrow", "It's a Hard-Knock Life" and "Fully Dressed" famous. I enjoyed every minute of this heart-warming story of an orphan named "Annie" as she dreams a home to call her own.


Love Never Dies (Sequel to "Phantom of the Opera"). The continuation of Phantom and Christine's tragic love story. If you have seen "Phantom of the Opera", this is a must see. It's as fabulous as the its predecessor but more dramatic and poignant.

Legally Blonde. A fun and entertaining show that will remind you how great it is to have girlfriends who will always be there to share the highs and lows of your life, get over the man who broke your heart, fall in love again (with the right man this time) and celebrate the uniqueness in you. Read about my story here.

Exhibitions

Harry Potter. An exhibition which made me appreciate and love the film series even more. It was a treat for movie enthusiasts to see each character’s wands and outfits worn in the movie, the flying car, the Horcruxes, the Twizard Cup, pieces from the Wizard’s Chess, the Invisibility Cloak and the full version of Buckbeak. Read my story and see more photos here.


Love Lace. Lace is one of my favourite fabrics (next to silk and satin) because of its intricate and meaningful designs, the details and hardwork that goes into creating them, and the romance and mystery it brings to those who wear them. The exhibition showcased the things one can do to lace, may it be in the form of dresses, boots, gloves, jewellery and artwork. It was a small exhibition but it was a beautiful showcase. See more photos here.

Picasso. The most significant exhibition of Picasso’s art ever held in Australia. More than 150 important paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings created by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) have come from the artist’s personal collection – works he was determined never to relinquish. It was amazing to see his work and admire his style in art. 

Madame Tussauds. Enjoyed this fun exhibition with our family. Each Madame Tussauds is unique in every city as 60% of the wax figures in Sydney are composed of famous Australian personalities such as Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Olivia Newton-John, Kylie Minogue, Rod Laver, Lleyton Hewitt, Julia Gillard, John Howard and Mary Mackillop. Read my article on Madame Tussauds here.

Narnia. A short but fun exhibition for kids. I enjoyed seeing this exhibition because it showed the costumes used for the film. Made me appreciate the huge effort and cost in filming this kind of production. 

Ballet

Sleeping Beauty by the Imperial Russian Ballet. One of the most watched ballets in history. The music was written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, the original scenario was conceived by Ivan Vsevolozhsky and the choreographer of the original production was Marius Petipa. My first time to watch ballet and it was good. Read my story here.

Sports Event

Australian Open 2012. Another dream of mine that came true! We got to watch the best tennis player in the world, Roger Federer. And this all happened on my birthday which made me so happy. To watch a legend like Roger Federer is a gift.  For someone like me who's far away from any Grand Slam or Masters venue, it is a once in a lifetime blessing.  The minute Federer walked inside the court, the crowd was in awe.  One will feel the air of royalty alluded to him by many but he didn't look intimidating at all.  He looked relaxed and down-to-earth.  He has this certain grace that only a Master exudes. For more of my Australian Open 2012  experience, please read here.

In my books, this was a great line-up of shows and exhibitions. I hope the shows we see in 2013 will be as entertaining. We also look forward to learning new things as we experience a different set of shows and exhibitions in the coming year.

Aussie Boxing Day Sales

Boxing Day (26th December) is the favourite day of shoppers in Australia where all retail shops offer great sales to buyers. The sales range from 20%-70% off on all or selected items. The Husband and I look forward to Boxing Day because we really wait out for the prices to go down before we buy anything. When shopping in Australia, the tip is not to buy full price--just wait for the item to go on sale because it will.  

Every year, the Husband and I make a list of things we need, both personal and for the home. From Boxing Day onwards, we have a look at the shops for the prices. If we get good deals, we buy them.

It is always better to have a list. During sales, it's tempting to buy one thing after another because it's on sale. Having a list serves as a guide and reminder that we only buy the things we need. In case we find some thing on sale which was not on the list, we think about it first before buying.

This recent Boxing Day sales our goal was to find a new suitcase for me (my old one is slowly dying with every travel), a set of Corelle plates, Nespresso coffee pod dispenser, work clothes for the Husband, gift wrappers for the next Christmas season and cosmetics for me. 

Since the biggest item on our list was the the suitcase, we went to the Travel Section of Myer first thing in the morning. Before Christmas, we already looked at options and prices so we knew what we were looking for when we got there. I chose a red Antler 72cm suitcase, on sale at 40% off, which cut me back $111.00 (big discount!).

We got what we needed and more! The Nespresso coffee pods dispenser and Corelle dining set at 20% off; Christmas gift wrappers at 50% off.   Maxwell Williams Flower Power Collection, set of 4 mugs, at 50% off (will give to my Parents).

Boxing Day sales extend til the first few weeks of January. We don't buy everything in one go. During one of our lunch dates with friends last week, we had a chance to check out Westfield Parramatta. That's where the Husband found a few shirts at 40%-50% discount.

As for me, I was able to buy a few cosmetics and nail polishes. I usually buy my supply of beauty products at the end of the year and use them for the next 6-12 months (depending on expiry). I do this because it's easier for me to track their validity. Plus, I don't want to bother myself buying them from time to time. The only exception would be when we travel because I shop for cosmetics when overseas. 

I got Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara for $10 and Sally Hansen nail polishes, 3 pieces all for only $10 (A Sally Hansen nail polish cost about $7 each).

We were at Strathfield last weekend and we found a store that has Missha products on sale. I had no plans of buying BB Cream at this time but it was such a great deal. Also, I've one BB Cream tube that's nearly empty so I took this chance to buy a new tube. It was also an opportunity to try a different Missha BB Cream. 

I visited kikki.K, a stationery and gift shop. Their products has this sweet and dainty designs that women love. I found a book called "Happy" which compiles inspiring quotes and beautiful artworks on happiness. They were on sale at 30% off. The minute I saw them, I instantly thought of my dear friends in Manila so I got them a copy each and bought one for myself too.

Boxing day sales shopping, sorted! The Husband and I are very happy with our discounted purchases. 

Christmas Celebrations with Family

Our Christmas week holiday was as balanced as I hoped it would be as we had time for ourselves, family and friends. We are so grateful the Husband's office shutdown coincided with mine. Our last day of work was on the 21st December so we welcomed the holiday by partying with friends the following day and watching "Les Miserables" on Sunday.

Dates with the Hubby. If we're not hanging out with people, the Husband and I spent time at home, catching up on sleep, movies and episodes of American TV series. This is the most relaxed of all our Christmas holidays as we didn't do any major de-clutterings at home (just a few mini de-cluttering of this and that). We went to the nearby mall and had gelatos as we window shopped and do grocery. 

We were able to watch "Les Miserables", a movie I've been waiting to watch. I love it! I have got to say that this I was in awe of the direction of this movie. I admire director Tom Hooper for turning a musical into a wonderful film. Hugh Jackman, Ann Hathaway and Sacha Baron gave stellar performances.

Christmas Party with Relatives. Our family get-together on Christmas Eve was doubly special because we celebrated the 50th birthday of my Auntie Bess. It was a busy but fun day surrounded by family. We left the party feeling very blessed from all the love of our relatives.

Christmas Day was rainy and gloomy. To us who were partied out, it was the perfect weather to stay at home and catch up on sleep. With less than three hours of sleep, we woke up early on Christmas morning to attend mass. 

Our Christmas morning breakfast which consisted of Baked Ham, Egg and Rice, Puto Bumbong, Kutsinta and Ripe Mangoes. So delicious! 

Spent Christmas Day and Boxing Day at home but on the 27th December, we went out to do some shopping. After dinner, we went to see "The Hobbit" with our relatives. We all loved the film! It was three-hour long but we didn't notice and all of us are now looking forward to the next one.

Koreatown with Family. Shared our love for Korean food with relatives over the weekend. We met up at Strathfield, had BBQ lunch at Won Jo, coffee at My Sweet Memory, shopped at Morning Glory and even had our photos taken via their funky photobooth and had yogurt dessert at Yogurberry. We had so much fun!!! Can't wait to do something like this again.

Now this ends my Christmas 2012 series. It's been a love-filled Christmas. The Husband and I are grateful for everyone who's been a part of it.

Christmas Celebrations with Friends

We've been blessed to spend time with all of our friends during Christmas. During the month of November, my friends and I try to finalize the dates of our Christmas get-together(s) so that by the time December comes in, we'd all be ready to just party. Our parties are usually just spent at home with everyone pitching in for the food. Most common of all the three parties this year: BBQ! Who doesn't love an Aussie BBQ Party?

with WaWies

with Kolokoys

with Tweethearts

A great bonus was that most of our friends spent Christmas here in Sydney so during our Christmas week holiday, we were able to have lunch with them at Cabramatta. We had coffee at Cafe 86 and then lunch at Pho Viet.

We also had lunch with of my former workmate and friend Mari. It was our chance to catch up and for her to meet Chris for the first time. We enjoyed a Yum Cha lunch at Parramatta Phoenix. 

Discovered this Mango Crepe Roll that tasted so good. It was sweet and refreshing. 

Oh what fun and joy to be surrounded by friends during Christmas season. I look at our parties as a way to honour our friendship with them and also a way of thanksgiving.

Happy Christmas!

May all our hopes and wishes be granted

May this season fill our hearts with love and cheer

May we remember the true meaning of Christmas

Not just today but everyday.

From our home to yours...

Thank you to everyone who thought of us during this special season. Please know that we are thinking good thoughts of you too and wishing you a blessed Christmas. Sending you lots of warmth and love from down under. - Chris and Ibyang

Follow @ibyang

NaruOne Korean Restaurant (Pitt St, Sydney)

We can only last a while of not eating Korean cuisine so last night, after shopping at Chinatown, we head down to Sydney CBD's Koreatown at Liverpool Street to have some good 'ol Korean stew and Bibimbap.

NaruOne reminds me of homely Korean restaurants in Seoul. Simple and always busy. The place easily gets filled up from 6pm onwards but we're fortunate to get a table at around 7ish. They are quite known for their Korean Fried Chicken but we weren't in the mood for deep-fried chicken last night.

I got myself a big bowl of Spicy Beef Stew which came with a lot of vegetables. I think there was about four small beef cubes so it was a bit disappointing. The spiciness was average, not really as hot as it looked in the photo. The soup was light and not as tasty as I hope. I think the soup would have been more tasty had they added more meat. I enjoyed it nonetheless as it was a cool night last night and it did gave comfort to my hungry tummy.

The Husband had the Beef Bibimbap in sizzling stone pot which was really very hot it burned the rice a bit (the ones at the bottom). They served a small bowl of soup with it so the Husband spilled some soup on the bowl to keep the rice from going dry or burning. Again this dish seemed bland, almost tasteless. Better to add lots of chili sauce for some flavour.

We're not impressed with the dishes we ate last night but we'd come back one day should we have the craving for some Korean Fried Chicken. The table beside us ordered some Spicy Chicken and it looked mouth-watering indeed. 

NaruOne Korean Restaurant
375 Pitt Street, Sydney
Phone: 02 9261 2680

Fogo Brazilia Churrasco (Westfield Parramatta)

One thing I love about Australia when it comes to food is that even in food courts, you will also find freshly-made meals other than fast food junk. And that's what we discovered at Westfield Parramatta's food court last Thursday. Fogo Brazilia Churrasco may have been there for a while but we just never noticed because whenever we are at Parramatta (which isn't really all the time) we always eat Asian cuisine. Oh well, I'm glad we did finally noticed because we enjoyed our dining experience with them.

They offer a number of main meals that consists of meat and salads plus a few burger meals. The Husband and I decided to order the Fogo Beef Burger with Chips and a bottle of water and a main meal of Gaucho Beef Chorizo with Focacia Bread, Potato Salad and Caesar Salad. Our meal only amounted to AUD$21.50. Great value for good food.

The Fogo Beef Burger was huge. It was a bit bland and dry. The salad, onion rings and chips made the whole meal bearable though so thank goodness for that.

The Gaucho Beef Chorizo was juicy and tasty. We really enjoyed this one as it was a bit spicy, perfect partner to the salad we chose.

Finding Fogo Brazilian Churrasco gave us that sigh of relief that finally we found a Brazilian restaurant  accessible to us that serves great-tasting Churrasco. We'll definitely come back to try their other meats.

Fogo Brazilian Churrasco

Level 5, Westfield Parramatta

159-175 Church Street Parramatta

Fresh Rice POP (Westfield Parramatta)

I saw this stall in Megamall (Ortigas, Pasig City, Philippines) last year because it caught my attention when I heard popping sounds from where it was. My Mom told me it was rice pops, the ones we saw in Korean dramas. The store gave me a piece so I can try them and it's liked to fish crackers only it's made out of rice.

Last Friday, I heard the familiar popping sounds again at Westfield Parramatta and when I looked, a new store called Fresh Rice POP is now open selling different kinds and flavours of rice pops.

Some flavours where salty and sweet. Some rice pops were made from wholemeal rice. There were so many kinds to choose from, it was overwhelming.

The more bags you buy, the more discount you'll get.

We bought four bags: Multi-grain Rice Pops, Rice Pops in Chicken Salt, Rice Pops in Chocolate and Honey.  

The Honey-flavoured rice pops is the same as the Philippines' Ampao which reminded us of our childhood.

The Multi-grain Rice Pops is a good alternative to fish crackers or pork crackling. I dip them into spicy vinegar and voila, instant healthy snack.

Fresh Rice POP

Level 1, Westfield Parramatta

159-175 Church Street

Parramatta NSW

Christmas Tea Time at Ladurée

I promised my friend Tintin that we will have our first Ladurée Cafe experience the moment she arrives here in Sydney. That was in September. Tintin noted that I have a very high emotional quotient when it comes to delaying gratification and I couldn't agree more. Tintin arrived in Sydney in November and it was only last week that we finally (yes, finally!) got around to sit down at Ladurée's cafe and have tea. The wait took me 3 months but it was worth it. 

While I've bought macarons at Ladurée a few times now, sitting down to have tea and savour the goodness of their macarons with a friend is a more sweet experience altogether.

Ladurée Cafe doesn't have an extensive menu, mostly just macarons, tea, coffee, chocolate and bubblies are offered. However, it is a good place to have a quiet moment, have a cup of beverage alone or with loved ones, as you have one or two macarons.

Instead of having tea, Tintin had a cup of Latte which came with a small block of chocolate. While I chose to have Ladurée's Hot Chocolate. 

We each chose four macarons: Pistachio, Salted Caramel, Raspberry, Strawberry Marshmallow, Vanilla and Chocolate.

I enjoyed my Ladurée Hot Chocolate. It's luxuriously rich and thick but brilliantly smooth. It was a bit bitter but there was no need to add sugar. For someone like me who has some kind of a limit when it comes to chocolate (I'm not really a chocoholic), the serving of Hot Chocolate was more than enough so I shared it with Tintin's son, Tom.

Tintin liked the macarons and has commented that it's better than other macarons she's  tasted. I'm so glad she enjoyed it as much as I did. And other than the yummy food, it was great to spend time with her and Tom this Christmas.

Ladurée

Level 3, Westfield Sydney

Corner Pitt Street and Market Street, Sydney