Thursday, 15 December 2011

Wicked the Musical


I was invited by a friend to watch a musical play two months back. Since I have a heart for theater and musical shows I gladly said yes to the invitation. In fact the last musical show that I watched was The Lion King together with my mother last March 2011. And so my friend bought the ticket on behalf of me as early as that. And so last December 10, 2011 at 1:30PM show time I was able to watch the Wicked together with two of my pretty-wicked friends.  We are seated in reserved A area at Marina Bay Sands Grand Theater. It’s a pretty good location as it’s nearer to the stage.

my ticket
This musical show is a first of its kind here in South-East Asia. As it is shown in countries such as New York, London, Germany,  Japan and Australia.  Since they are performing here in Singapore why not take advantage of this opportunity. The musical as stated in the ticket, the untold story of the Witches of Oz was very intriguing, wittingly done and the story line was nice. Wicked is the 14th longest-running Broadway musical in the history so far. 

The Wicked is music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book written by Winnie Holzman. The story is about the two girls named Elphaba who was born with green skin and Galinda an ambitious young girl. They both went to Shiz University and became roommates. Elphaba turned-out to be the Wicked Witch of the West while Galinda, the Good Witch of the North.

my souvenir mug
This a great show for kids aged from 10 onwards as they will greatly appreciate the story, effects, custom and the drama it has. If you haven’t bought ticket yet I encourage you to watch this. They are running the show at Marina Bay Sands Grand Theater here in Singapore from now until February 26, 2012. Book you’re tickets here. Enjoy!

Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Starbucks planner 2012

Last November 2011 I went to Manila for a short trip to ran some errands and meet family and friends. I travelled alone as husband can't go with me due to work demands and kids were still schooling at that time. That trip was a a good time-off for me as well as it's been 2 years since I last visited my hometown. My activity each day was carefully planned as I wanted to finished off as early as possible all my personal stuff and after to have some time to meet-up with my friends - college friends, high school friends and friends from ex-company. 
my 2012 planner
Well indeed it turned-out to be a pleasant gathering. Having dinners and conversation over a cup of my favorite coffee. And for sure my day won't be complete without a Starbucks coffee. My trip was a great timing as Starbucks Philippines has launched their yearly planner.  Well as I mentioned in my previous post this planner entails an effort for you to have it. You need to accumulate stamps before you can actually have it. My 2011 planner was a gift from my cousin that's why I don't need to make such a huge effort. So since my stay in Manila is very short I asked my friends if they can help me out in getting those required points so I can have the planner before I leave. And so thankfully to them they helped me out. 

photo courtesy of Starbucks Philippines
I got my Starbucks planner 2012 one day before I left Manila.That was awesome! For 2012 planner they have five unique covers that you can choose from, poplar, bamboo, cherry, spruce and oak. For mine, I choose the oak cover. What's nice about this planner is that is small and light that it fits perfectly in my handbag. It has a lot of spaces that you can write on and it has a tote where you can keep the planner and pens. So far this is the planner that I like most among their designs. Happy planning!!!

Another First Time, Blood Donation

a sticker and stress ball souvenir
Last December 1 the world celebrates AIDS Day. A yearly reminder for people to unify and fight against this deadly disease. Though I'm not attending any gathering related to this but I my way of participating in this event. Today, our company together with HSA Singapore holds a one day Blood Donation in our office and I participated on that. It's my first time actually. My first attempt was last 2007 in my previous company but since I just recently gave birth at that time they didn't allow me. They say I need to rest and recuperate for at least one year since I lost a lot of blood when I gave birth.

And so, I make it a point that I participated in this worthy endeavor. When I enter the room, organizer's asked me to fill up the form and answer some questions. I thought it's just like that. I didn't know that they still need to check my iron level if I'm fit to give blood. The two ladies ahead of me was rejected since their iron level was low. One should at least reached at least 12.5 to be able to give blood. While waiting for the result I was praying and hoping that my iron level will be enough to reached that minimum level. And when the attending person in-charge of that told me "Ms. Amelia you can proceed on the next counter". I was elated when I heard that. Was really happy that finally I can donate my blood. Good thing two of the staff assisting the donors are Filipino at least the anxiety level is low. They asked me to lay down the bed and just relax. After 10-15mins I'm done. And yes am done.
a simple remembrance from the activity
Thank God that I have this opportunity to share my blood to the person who will be needing it.   So glad to be of service ;)

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Christmas exchange Gift Partner

I asked Kayni if we can be Christmas Exchange Gift Partners and she said yes to my invitation. It’s my first time that I'll be doing this. By the way I haven’t meet Kayni and we are not located in the same place and thus this makes exciting.  I'll play “Santa” to Kayni and she will be “Santa” to me. To my gift partner, do let me know of your Christmas wish list by December 3rd, so that I can start shopping for all of you. I'll send the “surprise box” by December 10th.

Christmas Wish List Guide (...a copy from Kayni)
  • Something you can use everyday:
  • Something cute:
  • Something light or small:
  • Something fancy:
  • Something sweet:
  • Favorite colors:
  • Something you really need:
  • Something you collect:
  • If you have one wish, what would it be:

This will help me know what you want. Whatever it is, it’s the thought that counts. It’s Christmas after all, a season of giving. Cheers!!!

And for others who want to be a Christmas Exchange Gift Partners do drop me a note and will be glad to be your partner.

Thursday, 17 November 2011

The Christmas Season is Coming


The Christmas season is coming and people from all walks of life are eagerly waiting and decorating their places. Just few days ago I went back to Manila, Philippines for a short trip. And you can see that some streets were decorated already. Shopping malls are gearing for the big occasion. As we all know Manila is one of the many Catholic countries who have a very long Christmas celebration in fact they started just right after Halloween. The ambience is very festive and jolly. I missed Manila so much during this time of the year.

What catches my attention is that some of my acquaintances whom I know are non-Catholics or Christian puts up Christmas decoration. There is nothing wrong in that but I greatly believe that we have to be careful on this. Christmas is not just a celebration or festivity. This is not just putting up a fancy decorations or what-have-you. The reason why we Catholics celebrated Christmas is because we believe that during this day Jesus Christ was born. Who will save us from all our sins. Who will redeem us from our evil ways. I just find it funny and ridiculous when people put up Christmas decorations but don't know the meaning of Christmas. Jesus Christ is the reason & meaning of Christmas. Let's not allure ourselves with fancy decor, etc. And don't spell it as X'mas. It should be Christmas or rather Merry Christmas = * Mary * Christ *Mass *

Just my thoughts!