In 2015, Mark Westlife had a Meet & Greet in Scotland, just across our hotel, and I COULD HAVE MET HIM, but we had a day tour. This devastated me. Another missed opportunity. So when I blogged and made another video about this, Mark tweeted my blog again, and included my video in his fan video. So close, yet so far. 

He said we will meet again. Now it’s 2023, and my fiancé made me cry, by making this big effort to get noticed by Westlife. Call it perfect timing but we were scheduled to come home to the Philippines from Australia, to visit our families, and plan for our Church wedding, this February 2023. Last year, Westlife made an announcement that they are coming to the Philippines in February (thanks Wilsbrolive!!!) and my friends started tagging me. Of course, I had to jump in and get our tickets. I also wanted to surprise my parents as thank you for all their support in taking me to Westlife concerts when I was a kid. It’s my turn this time!

Now, I did not know what he wrote on his banner, but he said to trust him in what he was gonna do. I tried to stop him from putting his banner up because I did not want him to block the view of those behind him, but Nicky of Westlife decided to read some fan signs, and Kian of Westlife pointed out to Nicky that he found one banner that was interesting, and then he started reading Jericho’s banner (my fiancé). As soon as I heard my name, I was SHOCKED. My mind went blank. I could not focus. All I hear was Westlife singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY with my name in it. What a surprise! My parents were also surprised. When I heard the crowd singing with Westlife, it touched me so much. 

Having a fiancé like Jericho is such a blessing. I think he is such a keeper, and as a Westlife fan, this is a winning move and I am blessed to have him! Thank you for the great efforts you have done through these years— but this one just tops it off, as a big Westlife fan who wants to live out her childhood dream!

ANYWAY!!!

Squid Game Player 306 actually survived, and she sat down with me, her number 1 Filo-Aussie fan (lol self-proclaimed), to discuss what she really felt during the stressful game of survival, especially with the Squid Game Doll in the Red Light, Green Light Game. 

Watch as we discuss what her favourite KBBQ side dish is, and everything about Mi-Seon Yang (Player 306) and her journey to landing the most iconic Squid Game scene ever! 

During the time I made this cover, I saw that Jason (Greenpinoy) also made a solo version of the song. To those who do not know, Greenpinoy was one of the first internet celebrities on Youtube and Blogger, who ended up having his own show on Project Ube back in 2008. Since then, we became friends, and it was such an honour to have been able to make a duet cover with this guy who is full of #GoodVibes.

Check out our duet of "City of Stars"! Special thanks to Ager for the instrumental!

I didn't consider watching La La Land, and I don't know why I didn't because I am into musicals. I didn't see the trailer. I didn't even check what it was about because I have been really busy. Then a friend told me to watch it because she felt like she was watching my story. And then another one texted me and told me it has me written all over it. And then I was talking to another friend and she told me out of nowhere to please, please, please watch the movie. And then my bff, Cristina, texted me and asked if we could watch it.

So... we did. Her plane just landed yesterday and we decided spontaneously to just meet up in the city and watch the movie.

1. MUSICAL

It's a film that has catchy and touching song numbers in a setting that played with nostalgic and modern feels. It started with a happy song and ended with a heartbreaking one. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have soothing vocals, and their personalities just translated into their songs. I love musicals. I live musicals. I have always dreamt of being a musical theatre actress--which leads to...

2. THE GIRL LOVES THEATRE AND WANTS TO BE AN ACTRESS

Mia (Emma Stone) mentioned to Seb (Ryan Gosling) that when she was a kid, all she thought of were theatre and acting. It was her dream. She kept auditioning, until one day, she decided to make her own theatre play, and then she gave up when she felt that it failed. She was just like me when I was a kid. I made my own musicals at home. I then went on to write and direct a play when I was in highschool. Sang here and there. I saw myself in her. And my friends picked this up as well. They knew I was like Mia.

In the film, when Mia finished her play, she did not see Seb anywhere in the audience, because he became busy with the success of his career. This made it worse for Mia. Then Seb decided to look for her in another state, picked her up, and forced her to do an audition, wherein she got her dream that became a factor to their "almost perfect" romance. Seb was behind the big break she was able to get.

3. THE GUY IS PASSIONATE ABOUT HIS JAZZ MUSIC

Music. Jazz. Hello??? For the record, I started liking jazz last year when someone made me listen to some jazz music, and I, too, had the same sentiments as Seb. Jazz was dying. 

Anyway, he was lost. Bills weren't getting paid. He lost his only job. He was getting gigs he did not like. And then he met Mia, who made him happier and more inspired to work on his dream. He found himself again. He pursued her wherever she was.

He made her love jazz, even though she hated it at first. And then he finally got an offer that made him big and successful. The offer, however, was something that offended Seb and his passion for jazz. It was not real jazz for him. This also caused a conflict between him and Mia. This was symbolised when Mia was in the crowd, watching Seb, and she was getting pushed back, away from the stage, away from Seb. 

Mia knew what his real dream was, and that was to open up his JAZZ CAFE and play real jazz. She even made a logo for his future cafe.

4. LOVE VERSUS DREAMS

Again, I did not read nor browse anything about La La Land. I had no idea what it was about. All I knew was that it was a love story. 

Almost 90% of the film was built around getting Mia and Seb together, while they both worked on their dreams. 

It started with so many accidental meetings. 

It's as if they were meant to be. They thought they were. They were really happy. 

And then the conflicts started to happen as they both tried to reach their dreams. They both had to let each other go. It was a hazy breakup because they loved each other, but their dreams were getting in the way. Despite this, they reassured each other that no matter what, they both loved and will love each other.

And as we reached the ending, the real beauty of the film got unveiled. This was a struggle between continuing what they thought was a destined love or pursuing the real dream. There was only one option. Something had to be sacrificed.

I agree with the majority's thought that it was sad seeing how their romance had to suffer and end, but it was good to see they finally turned their dreams into reality despite not being with each other. 

That last bit... 

5 years later...

Mia looked very successful as she walked into her huge house, greeting a man... a man who was not Seb. And to break your heart more, she walked in to a room to greet her child with this man.

Later on, as if fate decided to play with her again, she ended up at a bar/cafe with her husband. 

And there he was, the love of her life, about to play the piano. And then he saw her. He then welcomed everyone, specifically her, to his cafe called, "Seb's Cafe". And he was using the logo which Mia designed. 

Did I just hear an AWWW?

Then we see a "what could have been" sequence. It was a quick replay of the whole movie with different choices made. What if Seb kissed Mia when they first met? What if Seb was in the audience while Mia did her one-woman play? What if Seb gave up his dream of having a jazz cafe and ended up following Mia in Paris, while still playing jazz? It would have been him whom Mia was greeting at the end, alongside their child, and it would have been him sitting there in the audience with Mia, while watching someone else play the piano...

It was heartbreaking to see, especially when Mia was about to leave, and she took one last look at Seb, who looked back, and then they smiled, just like the time when they first saw each other.

My friend tried to save the ending by saying that that smile meant there was another chance for them-- that there's a sequel!

To be honest, for a film like this, I was like "Okay. THE END. Don't even try to save this! It's a question mark and it's up to the audience to think of what is going to happen next."  

I was happy it ended that way, especially seeing how the film tried their best to give us the impression that they were ending up together, or else it would have been one of those cliche love stories that would get resolved by still getting them back together.

It was as if Shakespeare wrote this scene. I like endings like this. I find it tragic, but beautiful.

Because for me, I think that smile meant a lot. It was a smile of success. Even though they did not end up being together, it was a smile of genuine love, gratefulness and happiness towards each other, that at least they were part of each other's journey in getting to that point of success. It was bittersweet.

Again, this was an ending I would have chosen to write anyway--if I did write a story like this. Not being tragic or anything, but it's all about sacrifices.

My feelings got jumbled because there were too many emotions involved in that last scene. This film really played with our emotions well. I can hear so many Awwws and Nos while watching this amazing work. You can hear some sniffing, and you can see some eyes watering.

Beautifully written... It has the Whiplash feels at times. Must be the jazz. Must be because it was the same director. But the imagination involved in making this film is worth admiring. I hope they win more awards! I think most of the time, both my hands were on my heart, saying my awwws. I can't wait to do it again when they win!

And by the way, did you notice how Mia would wear blue at times? For me, that has a deep meaning... I wonder if you were able to pick that up too?

Lastly, it's as if the universe is nudging me... I got invited to do a class at a theatre school just after watching this movie. Mia is my soulmate. Thanks Mia!

EDIT: 



PHOTO CREDITS: Summit Entertainment

Last week, I was able to watch one of the most magical and romantic musicals ever created--GHOST. To those who know me, it has been my dream to be part of a musical. Right now, I've been busy with activities related to this, so watching this musical ignited my love for it more. The show was THAT inspiring.

Before I continue my review, can I just give a shoutout to Ms. Jemma Rix?! I am so happy I got to meet her. She plays Molly in "Ghost", and is famously known for her role as Elphaba in "Wicked". By the way, if you are reading this, thank you for being so kind in giving us the time to have a photo with you (above photo--even though the headlight behind me was so bright). You have been wonderful! I hope to see you in future Sydney workshops! You brought your magic with you to the Ghost show.

What can I say about this? Well, this is a new experience for me, because it is based on a movie. I have seen the movie by Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, and I was curious as to how they will do all the effects on stage.

I mean, come on guys, it's about a GHOST. How do you do all those effects, right!? I was also curious about the songs. We all know what GHOST's main song is. Yep, "Unchained Melody". So, what will the new songs be!?

I watched the musical with my lovely Gradeschool/Highschool friend, Jo Anne. With me and her together, there were so many inside jokes and comments that were made. I had so much fun. Thanks for our awesome musical date. Haha! And thanks for putting up with me and my random comments.

I don't know if I should spoil you guys, but the plot is already obvious with how the show's been promoted through posters or trailers, and of course, you may have seen the movie. But basically, Sam (Rob Mills) dies. Sam is Molly's boyfriend. And Sam is on a mission. 

Maybe I should stop there. My main review is how the show was done. 

The songs are catchy and memorable. They basically have a good mix of ballads and upbeat songs. 

The choreography was flawless. It was nonstop and it keeps you entertained. Whether the song was slow or fast, I didn't get bored at how they presented their songs. There were always some things happening in the background, or just everywhere! It wasn't dull and flat.

The lights and the effects??? It was like watching a magic show and a musical in one. So many effects were done through their lights, multiple layers of screens, sounds, and the actors themselves.

The cast was amazing!!! You know how sometimes the ensemble gets taken for granted (and believe me, I love looking at ensembles!) and people just focus on the lead actors? Their ensemble is a great mix of very talented people, that I started recognising them all. They all got to step into different characters, and they were able to make their talent shine brighter and more distinct. I felt that they were given the spotlight that they deserve, alongside the lead actors.

The lead actors definitely gave their characters justice. There was a good chemistry between Sam and Molly, so their love story and emotions felt realistic. Carl (David Roberts), their bestfriend, looks so innocent, and you wouldn't know what's going on inside his head, until the stress comes in. Willie Lopez (Ross Chisari), you made me hate your character, so good on you mate. Oda Mae  and her girls (Evette White and Lydia Warr) were funny. They were a great comic relief in the middle of the heartbroken and tragic moments. And Subway Ghost (David Denis), dude, nice rhymes! You scared me with your magic.

My heart was truly touched by how this was presented. All my emotions were coming out. I felt the love that Sam and Molly shared, the sadness that Molly was going through, the helplessness and anger Sam felt because his life was taken away unfairly and he had unfinished business that he still wanted to fix, the joy and laughter that Oda Mae (Wendy Brown) brought to the stage with her witty and funny personality, and the happiness and fulfilment that the ending provided.

Seeing this show is worth it. I enjoyed it so much, and it definitely did not disgrace the movie, "Ghost". 

Again, great job to everyone involved in the GHOST's production! The whole crew deserves this wonderful success. Their director, Matthew Warchus, definitely continued his Matilda magic in this musical. Wonderful! And to Rob Mills, I heard your interview on the radio last month. Your story was inspiring that I got more curious to watch Ghost too. Lastly, to my friends, Jana, Dae, Clare, Micko, and Nards, thanks for building up the excitement! :)

Shoutout to the awesome Ensemble as well:

Blake Appelqvist

Nicholas Eaton

Xander Ellis

Simon Fairweather

Samm Hagen

Chidi Mbakwe

Joshua Mulheran

Justine Puy

Elenoa Rokobaro

Monique Salle

Kirsty Sturgess

Drew Weston

#ghostmusicalau

#ghostmusicalau2016

=)

New Mark Feehily fan "childhood wish" accomplishment alongside his debut album, "FIRE"!

If you grew up with me, you may have known how much I was a Westlife fan back then. Typical teenybopper during my teenage years, which somehow I have outgrown, this trait is dormant, yet still lingering and waiting for that perfect moment when it would come out again.

My embarrassing parody video finally got noticed.

I took this photo while we were on the tour bus.

I am definitely into suspense/thriller/mystery books, and this was one book that I could just not stop reading.

I promise not to spoil in this blog post, but if you have read this, and would like to discuss it, feel free to discuss it in the comments section, but put a **SPOILER** alert. Haha.

Before I started driving around here in Sydney, I used to ride the train frequently to go to my university (or what we call "uni"). It's easier (not necessarily faster compared to driving), and practical, because my uni is really far from the suburb where I lived. So yes, it was part of my daily life back then. 

So when I saw this book by Paula Hawkins, I got attracted to the title itself. "The Girl on the Train". Wow. Are you talking about me? Jokes. The description says, "You don't know her. But she knows you."

Sounds creepy and stalkerish, so that's not me. But really, if you hop on the train almost daily and all you do is watch people (and not glance on your phone--heh), you tend to start to know the people around you. Of course, observations lead to assumptions. Or do they not? Not spoiling anything. I promise. I want to bring the curiosity out of you.

Anyway, this book is a page-turner. For someone who is used to reading thrillers, guessing who the troublemaker is, is basically what makes thriller books fun to read. Usually, you tend to predict correctly. But with this book, you end up making numerous guesses. I ended up guessing it right, but some parts of the book made me think, "Or did I really guess it right?"

There is a reason why this book is becoming a number one bestseller. And recently, I just learned that this book is being turned into a movie!

Just a quick overview regarding what this book is all about (and I will try not to give any spoilers!):

Rachel Watson is the "girl on the train". She rides the train almost everyday to London, and has become part of the life story of everything around her. One day, she noticed something off in one of her train travels. And this led to secrets being unravelled.

That's all I can say. The thing is, I'm not a fan of saying even minor details, because I feel like they are all key components in making people more curious about what makes this novel exciting. But the next exciting part is having EMILY BLUNT play the main character! Now you guys can totally imagine her while you're reading this.

Also, if you're in Sydney, try heading to Erskineville, under the tunnel (you'll get this when you read the book) where the train runs. It slows down, then slowly passes by some houses. It will remind you of the book.

I definitely recommend this book! Paula Hawkins did well in creating an interaction with the readers through this thriller. She made us think, and she wrote this flawlessly, with no dull moments. The scenes are all relevant and fast-paced, and it makes you look forward to reading more of her works. 

Can't wait for the movie!

CREDITS:  Photo & Video from The Graham Norton Show

P.S. Don't worry. The girl just did it for fun. They still went out after the show.

I went out with my work friends (Queenie & Suzy), as well as Suzy's friends (Mariz, MJ, & Anj). At the carpark, we bumped into Sheereeza and her friends, Aimee, Nate, and Reg.

I am not complaining about the simplicity of this concert. I am amazed and grateful it was minimal, because we got to focus on the talent on the stage. 

No unnecessary distractions. Just talent.

Sam Smith performed very well. He has a clean, strong, and powerful voice that I told my friends that I cannot believe he planned to do two nights straight in Sydney, especially at the amount of his vocal effort.

Sadly, his second night on Sydney, as well as the rest of his tour dates in Australia, got cancelled due to a small haemorrhage on his vocal chords. This was a sad moment for Sam Smith and his Aussie fans. 

But all I can say is, he used his talent well. He was true, pure, and perfect in performing live. 

Who among you watched the Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather fight last weekend?

I'm pretty sure you noticed Jimmy Kimmel as part of Pacquiao's entourage. Well, here is the video of Jimmy Kimmel explaining what happened behind the scenes!

Last night, I was able to watch Sam Smith's 1st concert day in Sydney. It was an amazing show, and his vocals were truly powerful and clean. I even told my friends about how amazed I was that he was doing 2 nights in a row here in Sydney, especially with the vocal exertion he was doing last night.  He is truly a talented artist whom I can call perfect in singing live. 

Thus, I was saddened to know that the rest of his gigs got cancelled due to a small haemorrhage on his vocal chords last night.

Here is his official statement:

"I am deeply, deeply saddened to tell my Australian fans, I have to cancel my Australian tour. I have been vocally exhausted for a while now however last night in Sydney I had a small haemorrhage on my vocal chords. The doctors have told me I need to fully rest until my vocal chords have healed, otherwise this could become a huge long-term issue. I am so sorry to all who have bought tickets, I truly am. We will be announcing re-arranged dates very shortly.

This kills me."

Get well, Sam! You did really well. I am sad that this happened, but we all hope you get well soon. Everyone can't wait to hear your amazing voice again!