Suitcases & Must Go's: The Phantom of the Opera, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Image source: Sistic Website

I was in Singapore last month for my cousin's wedding so I grabbed the chance to cross one thing off my bucket list. That is, to watch The Phantom of the Opera Musical by the one and only Andrew Lloyd Webber! It's been a dream of mine to watch this since studying the book in high school and watching the movie version that came out in 2004. And it was such a spectacular experience indeed.

I sat in the VIP section just a few rows from the stage so I got a really great view! Yay me! Hey, if it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, shouldn't you go for the very best? I think so anyway. Life is short, so savour it right!

I was enthralled by the splendid decor. Everything looked so magnificent and realistic. The curtain changes were fast and went by so smoothly it didn't affect the flow of the performance at all.

Even the curtains are pretty

A look at the opening number, can you spot the Chandelier in the piccie?

OH MY FREAKING GOSH! The chandelier was beyond words. I don't have a picture of it to show you sadly but it was breathtaking. And the most amazing part is if you sit in the VIP area, you become part of the performance, almost! The orchestra did such a great job hyping up the moment I even got goosebumps. It took a lot out of me just to keep myself in my seat, I was so excited.

Isn't the decor gorgeous?

And the costumes, oh dear, were so colourful and creative. Especially after Intermission, they continued with Masquerade and it was SO much better than in the movie. Every colour under the sky was utilized, it was such a sight to behold. No drabby black and white outfits here. There was so much to see it was like watching a tennis match. Left right, left right. Just trying to take in everything and burn it into my memory to relive on my own.

Look at that beauty! The details!

And I haven't even talked about the singing yet! With Brad Little at the helm, it really was quite stunning. He did a good job playing the famous, or should I say infamous, Phantom, although I felt he missed a few beats. But I think that is expected of a live performance and made everything more realistic. Claire Lyon was brilliant as Christine Daaé, capturing the essence of the character while instilling her own voice in the role. I loved her rich, deep voice as opposed to Sarah Brightman's high-pitched one. Anthony Downing was also great as Raoul, but of course, his part was significantly smaller. John O'May was absolutely HILARIOUS as Monsieur Firmin, making him one of my favourites from the performance. Andrea Creighton too was a master in her version of La Carlotta. I can't get over the part where she croaked.

There really is nothing like watching a performance live in front of your very eyes. The colours are so vibrant and the actors are bursting with life. And take my word for it when I say that the decorations alone are worth the ticket price, they were just so essential to the performance they blew my breath away.

I loved every minute of The Phantom of the Opera so much I wouldn't mind watching it again. And I even bought the Original Cast Musical CD to take home as a souvenir of this exhilarating experience I'll never forget. It's something for musical lovers as well as newbies alike. Even my father who knew nothing of the story enjoyed it so thoroughly he still hums the songs every day.

I'm so glad I got to live out a dream. And here's hoping they will return soon. Or at least perform in another country nearby. Count me in!

The Phantom of the Opera closes September 1, 2013 and is showing at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Grab your tickets before they're gone at the Sistic website. Prices start at S$55. 

Suitcases: Macro Polo Gateway, Hong Kong

I recently took a short trip to Hong Kong for some shopping and foodie eating. Of course, the weather there was a big clincher! It was winter season which allowed me to whip out my winter clothing. What a wonderful difference from the ever hot little country we reside in. That was the good part.

The bad part? I fell sick! The night before I was to leave for my morning flight! The flu it seems. How unfortunate as I was so looking forward to this trip, it being my first time back in Hong Kong in 7 years!

I have a few posts lined up regarding said trip. This is the first, about the lovely hotel I stayed at. This place is called the Marco Polo Gateway Hotel at Tsim Sha Tsui. One of the great things about this particular hotel is its location! Located along Canton Road, it is one of the main roads in Hong Kong. Think Orchard Road in Singapore. And, it is connected to a major shopping site which has several sections and names, but mostly called The Gateway. Now think Cititel Hotel/Mid Valley Megamall/Boulevard Hotel/The Gardens/The Gardens Hotel in Kuala Lumpur! Same concept, just bigger!

Here’s a look at the hotel. You can watch a 360 degree video on the official website! Very cool stuff!

 

What’s that? Why show Prada instead of the hotel? Well, the main entrance is actually right across from Prada! Really unhealthy for those without their belts fastened tight! Imagine, I see this very sight every time I go in and out of the hotel! It sure makes my tongue wag and my fingers itchy.

A shot of the room. That’s pretty much it! Besides the bathroom which I never take pictures off. Oh, please excuse the bags! I think this is a really adequate room for 2 people, especially in a busy and happening country like Hong Kong where you are mostly going to find yourself anywhere but the hotel room, besides resting time.

First thing I did after checking in and unloading the bags? Eat of course! I went to my favourite restaurant! That one deserves a post on its own for sure! It’s going to be a really yummy one! Promise!

Just a little note, I’ve stayed in this very hotel 4 times in the last 10 years. And it is getting better and better! Mostly due to the great location. The hotel hasn’t changed, it is the surrounding stores outside that have changed so much that I got lost so many times looking for my favourite spots. I did go home with a better sense of the new Hong Kong!

The ferry terminal behind the hotel/The Gateway shopping complex.

On a good, clear night

On foggy nights

A mural on the other side of the harbour walkway

A lovely and yummy art display

Loves: Convenient location, lots of shopping, good hotel service, adequate sized rooms
Gripes: NONE so far!

All in all, a really nice hotel. If you want a more upper class version, there are 2 more hotels under the same parent company which are also located around the shopping complex. They are the Marco Polo Prince and Marco Polo Hong Kong.

But if I were you, I'd prefer to spend that extra dough on some major shopping and eating! Heck, you only spend a few hours in the hotel room once you get to Hong Kong. So don't waste it!

Until the next post! Ciao!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.