[Review] Stomp

Yesterday, my mum, dad and I went to see the show Stomp in Marina Bay Sands Theater. I got us VIP tickets as if I know it right, it will be my dad's first time to go see a show like it (as far as i know and remember). My mum has experience watching such shows as I remember when I was younger she watched "The King and I" with me in a Trumpet production (I think) in Meralco theater. When I was working already,  we went to see a Cirque like show in Resorts World Manila. Also, I remember getting us (mum, sister and I) front row tickets to watch the Repertory Philippine's take on "Sweeney Todd." So...I've said too much. The point being was that it was my dad's first time, and my mum's (almost seemingly first time) first time as well. So I told myself to just get the most expensive ticket as I don't get to pamper the both of them as often.

Stomp was amazing! As I was watching it, I tried to match it up with other "stage productions" that I have seen - and I came to the conclusion that it's definitely one of the top 5. In no particular order, I would say that the other productions would be: Wicked, Lion King, Mamma Mia, Sweeney Todd (and Stomp). I won't go into the details to compare all the 5 in detail. But just to share the other productions I have seen to give you an idea that not all would be in the same category if classified:

1. Spider-Man: Turn off the dark

2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe - this was when I was still in gradeschool/highschool (I dont quite remember) by Trumpets Inc at Meralco Theater

3. Joseph the Dreamer - I think I had to write a paper about this for school as it was required (also by Trumpets Inc at Meralco Theater)

4. The King and I - My sister's ex-boyfriend used to work for Meralco so he got free tickets for us

5. Avenue Q

6. Dirty Dancing

7. Viva Forever - Yes, CP and I watched this West End show in London with my insistence. The other option was the Bodyguard and I am not really aware of Whitney's songs except the really popular ones - whose titles I can't even remember at the moment.

8. Cirque-ish shows - I remember ID in Marina Bay Sands, but I don't quite remember the one I saw before in RW Manila

Of note, what I loved about Stomp (I'm not a theater expert or what) - was the lack of "active" musical direction - to which I mean, there's no conductor or what. Researching it online, references say they are a percussion group - so a band then in a way. But, I appreciate the fact that for the whole show and production to meld and make itself concrete, there would have been numerous rehearsals to get all the timing right.

The wide array of instruments (non traditional - as in to say a trash can, a matchbox, lighters (to light fags: the british term for cigarettes :-)), broomsticks, etc etc) they used to create the music they created is beyond awe. There is no story, no singing, no words, no drama, just the music they were making with different sort of pseudo-percussions they had and bits of comedy to stimulate the audience (with very young kids when we went).

Stomp was uncomplicated to experience. I think that's why my mum and dad enjoyed it as well. It was simple, easy to watch and understand. I meant uncomplicated as in to compare it to Wicked (admittedly still the best production I've ever seen) where there is no story to comprehend, no characters to dissect, no vocal  spectacle, no high notes anticipating to be reached, nothing. 

I'm really glad we got to watch the last performance they had scheduled in Singapore. I would say that it was worth every penny!

[Review] Fifty Shades of Semi-rotic

I started again with my hobby of reading books. I eased myself back into the hobby with Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, which I thought was meant to be horror fiction. Well, it turns out to be true although not the Stephen King horror I sized it up to be.

Well, truth be told, I was only looking for the 50 shades trilogy. I only ended up buying Miss Peregrine to alleviate the growing need to read a book. An appropriate analogy given the post's title is finding the carnality to masturbate and release given a building 'tension'.

[Review] Rihanna: Talk that Talk

Super hot video from Rihanna. I can't believe I used to listen to the album and just put it aside because I started listening to LMFAO, Avicii, etc.

Listening to the album, it's still distinctly Rihanna. Comparing generations, I think, she could be like Shakira from the last generation - except with more star and staying power.

What I like about Rihanna is she doesn't seem to care if she's the "bad girl." Contrary to the last generation of female artist like Britney, Christina, etc, who either put up a face as the "good girl" but then transitioned to being the bad girl persona which put a spike in their popularity but then eventually faded out. Rihanna...hmmm I should be discussing the album not the artist. For more information on why Rihanna rocks: CLICK HERE.


Now for the album.

[Review] Gotye: Making Mirrors Album

I find myself listening more and more to Gotye's album Making Mirrors - alongside with Madonna's MDNA album.

My initial reaction during my first run through of the album was how it didn't seem to be one single body of work. Or maybe to explain it better was how it didn't seem to jell. It wasn't intact or it's hard to understand the storyline of the whole album -

After contemplating for the day and thinking of the right C word to describe what I wanted to say, I finally realize I was trying to say that the album doesn't feel "COHESIVE."

The songs individually are good...I would say that some are the kind that's poetic - the kind of music that gets you thinking and reading between the lines. It's the kind of "indie" music I expected. Although, as I mentioned, it doesn't feel cohesive. Or maybe it's just me and my expectations created from their popular track "Somebody that I used to know." Then again, I can be pragmatic.

[Review] Kitkat GreenTea

 

Yesterday, when I was strolling through Marina Bay Link to walk a bit of what I ate off, I happened upon this Japanese grocery store. I went through the aisles looking for something sweet to buy to get rid of the greasy feel/taste I had in my mouth. I saw a Japanese Green Tea Ice Cream and wanted to try so I bought one.

But at the cashier, I saw the display of the KitKat Green Tea. Having just gotten the Green Tea Ice Cream - I assume the Cashier associated the two and told me that the Kitkat Green Tea is seasonal and quickly runs out of stock so I should try it.

I decided to buy one as a gift for my highschool friend visiting SG. I figured since I haven't seen any of my highschool friends for a long while now, I should give a token of appreciation. LOL. No, just kidding, I was just being the hospitable guide.

 

I didn't expect though the outpour of reaction on the first photo I posted on Facebook. A lot and mostly all of which were affirmation on just how good the dessert is. So I resolved myself to get a pack today before they run out.

At the store earlier, I already had 1 pack with me. Then a woman came by (I assume she's a senior executive of some sort by how she was dressed) commented on how good Kitkat Green Tea is. She told me as well to get more pack otherwise, she's going to get all the stocks displayed on the shelf. Reluctantly, I took another pack - and she was honest enough and did empty the shelf of the stock.

I took a bite earlier and my first reaction was ANG SARRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPP! My eyes got a bit watery and all I could think of for a few seconds was "This is so delicious this is so delicious this is so delicious this is so delicious." It is. In all honesty, it really is. It captures the flavor layers of Japanese Green tea (Matcha) realistically. It doesn't taste formulated.

SS4: Bangkok Experience

The intersection between Silom and Rajanagarindra, Bangkok Thailand

Expectedly, I could not help but compare the Philippines to Thailand. I did mention before that the tourism industry of Thailand is way ahead of the Philippines. It's very systematic and the infrastructure which serves as the tourism backbone is strong.

Myself at the SkyBar @ Lebua State Tower where a scene from the Hangover 2 was shot

I went to Bangkok just recently, and city wise, I am quite amazed how progressive it is. And you have to only wonder how much longer will Bangkok become a step higher into the world classifications that are 1st, 2nd, etc etc.

One of the things I observed was how convenient the transport system is. They have the MRT lines similar to the Philippines, but they are not as crowded. And the interchanges between the lines are also convenient. Queuing for tickets and getting into the trains are, i must note, very organized. I did not experience any pushing or whatnot. It's very much comparable to Singapore save for some differences like they are mostly above ground. Maybe because they don't have the same constraints as Singapore's land area.

[Review] A Separation

Weird. The entry I saved as a draft on my IPhone blogger app is gone.

Anyway, to cut that long entry short, A Separation is a must see film. I highly recommend it. It's not artsy-fartsy in the sense that it thrives in vagueness, ambiguity and thought provocation as you go along the film. It's drama. It's real and possible. Not like the drama I grew accustomed to seeing in the Philippines both in the TV and theaters. It's not far fetched drama. Although the story is 'just' okay (in the sense that it's simple), but how the story was told and the decisions taken to capture the story through the camera are amazingly executed.

I was gripped by curiosity and drama that was unfolding before my eyes. It was a film whereby after it ended, only then did I review scenes in my head and went oohh and ahhh. The details in the plot were nicely woven together. I have to admit though, I wasn't expecting the ending. Only at the ending did the film turn the artsy-fartsy route. Yes. It's open ended.

That final scene of the film was what blew me away.

Note: If you haven't seen the film - [SPOILER TO COME]

[Review] MDNA: Album Verdict

For contextual reference, I would put Madonna's latest album a notch below Katy Perry's last album Teenage Dream but a little bit above or almost at par with Lady Gaga's Born This Way album.

Above Lady Gaga's album partially because Lady G's album was not pop pop per se, but she transitioned to a darker theme with heavier rock and electronic incorporation. I got tired of the album in less than 2 months. Her first album and second pseudo album - 8 singles (Monster) lasted more than 2 months. And my forecast for Madonna's new album is lengthier.

My favorites from her album are Girl Gone Wild, Gang Bang, Beautiful Killer and Give Me All Your Luvin'.
They are my favorites because I liked how they sounded right off the bat. The other songs are good, but it's either a bit preppy for me or too pop like Katy's song California Girls - which for a lack of better word - can get "nakakaumay" quickly.

I read some reviews by critics on Madonna's album, and they were right to say that it's not a revolutionary album that could steer pop music into a different direction. In fact, when I listened to it, I can't help but compare it to a blend between Gaga's first album and Katy's last one. I can't compare to Britney Spears though because the last album I liked from her was Circus. I haven't been following her after that.

In my opinion, Madonna is just cashing in right now. Replenishing her coffers - thus the need to release the album. Or perhaps maybe she just genuinely wants to work? But, as I agreed with the critics opinion, she doesn't make a huge impact or mark for me in pop music culture.. The target market is the long time followers - and perhaps the club goers.

In my opinion, the current power figures in pop music culture are Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Katy Perry. They have a distinct formula for me. Although, it is widely believed that all solo female performers that came after Madonna are following her path, Madonna in her current incarnation is lagging. She could have made more tracks like Gang Bang and Girl Gone Wild (obvious favorites?) to make the album stronger. But sadly, IMO, the other songs although okay - feels too formulaic. But, overall, the album is good enough to "unhook" me from listening to a 60+ Avicii playlist.

Final word: I just realized that if she released her album with remixes of some of the songs that were just blah okay, then it would have been better.

[Review] Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

My tweet went:

Tinker tailor soldier spy was satisfying; although the pacing was slow. It was like watching a broken sheet of glass get pieced back together.

If you're not a fan of movies that tell a story as if you're grandfather is telling it, then this movie is not for you. The plot moves on forward at a glacial pace. But, for me, it wasn't all that boring. It was intriguing in fact trying to piece together for myself who the spy was in the cast.

The casting was good. The lead, Gary Oldman - who was relatively unknown in my spectrum of recognizable stars, did the job well portraying his character - a retired british intelligence, rehired to continue the investigation started by "Control" to uncover the spy within the agency.

The introduction of the main plot was slow to begin with. A spy/informant was sent to Hungary (Budapest) to try to get the name of the spy within the agency - but turns out bad after he was shot and his cover was blown.

Blah blah blah.
I'd like to tell more but that will be spoiling anyone who plans to go out to see the movie.

But, just to say this - there was an unexpected twist to the events that served as the final stitching to the entire plot. Let's just say, a picture should have told it all - but you wouldn't have guessed.

[Review] The Descendants

I'm quite sure you've already heard about The Descendants being nominated in the upcoming (Oscars) Academy Awards [edit] and its wins in the Golden Globes. If that wasn't reason enough for you to go see it, well, I don't know how else to convince you.

I wouldn't have known about this movie had it not been nominated for several Oscars. (I'm not sure if there are any advertisements on TV here to promote the movie - as I am still undecided on whether to buy a TV for my room.) But, after having seen the movie, I'm quite pleased that it got the nominations and won some awards.

This movie deserves to be bought on Blu-ray and kept in the archives for late-night family movies.

I tweeted after watching the movie that it's a very lighthearted drama - which seems kind of like an oxymoron for me, but that's the best way I could describe it. There were a lot of scenes that made me teary-eyed only several moments later some witty and funny remark is given and suddenly, it's not all too bad/sad.

I felt as if the movie does not aim for anything e.g. make you sad or happy. It doesn't feel like it's pushing for anything to the audience to swallow accept. For me, the movie just aims to tell a story. And, it's a wonderful and touching story at that. I won't go into details on the story as it might spoil you, but here's a quote from IMDB on the synopsis:

"A land baron tries to re-connect with his two daughters after his wife suffers a boating accident."


And from rottentomatoes.com
From Alexander Payne, the creator of the Oscar-winning Sideways, set in Hawaii, The Descendants is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family's land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries. -- (C) Fox Searchlight

George Clooney shines through with his acting. In a lot scenes that did not involve dialogue, you can feel the emotion (the situation calls for) from him. It reminded me of my admiration for Ryan Gosling in Drive - where it was the same - just acting - no dialogue and only facial and body expressions to work with in delivery. He doesn't go overboard or over-act. He shows the caliber of being one of the veteran actors in Hollywood.

As for George Clooney's elder daughter - Shailene Woodley (I had to research who she was haha), she was also very effective as a supporting character to George. Her outburst scene underwater after hearing that her mother will die and that the life-support will be removed in a matter of days was one of the scenes that moved me the most. I can only imagine how many scenes it took for her, but, well - like I said, her scene struck me the most. It's how I imagine my reaction will be (minus the pool and being underwater) if and when that time comes for me - the despair, the confusion and the feeling of loss given that much has been left unsaid.

Overall, it's a touching story of how a family that grew apart (primarily because of George being too busy with work) ended up picking the pieces and uniting together - because of a familial loss. The story unfolded itself at the right pace and allowed the actors to shine through.

Hahaha, well I'm no critic so take my word with a grain of salt; see it for yourself and decide. :)

[Review] Amy Winehouse

Like before, I posted on Adele. I think it is only appropriate that I post something for Amy Winehouse.

This one is from her posthumous album. I've been listening to it since getting it from Itunes new zealand (used GCs I got). The more I listen to it, the more I feel affected with the lost in talent. Her death may have put an end to any Amy Winehouse jazz-soul sound, but it did establish her as an institution (well, for me it did).

The reason I started listening to Amy Winehouse, before she even won her grammies was a review I heard/read somewhere that there wasnt any auto tuning or whatever technology that was applied to her record. What you hear on her album is unedited and raw. I'm not 100% sure that the information I heard was accurate, but, it did get me listening to her.

I highly recommend getting her posthumous album. If you're already over Adele's album, this is a great replacement. Although Adele's album is still I go back to from time to time.

[Review] Adele

So, lately, Adele has been the artist played the most in my Iphone as well as ipod nano when I work out.
I really like her voice. Listening to her reminds me of the time, when I first listened to Amy Winehouse. I hope that Adele doesnt turn out like the latter wreck haha. Such a waste of talent. I only got to listen to Amy Winehouse when I heard about the ravings and the grammys etc. The hook to it was when I read or heard somewhere that Amy's album was recorded as is - no auto tuning or whatever enhancement. And I actually believed it.

Same with Adele, I watched some of her you tube videos already and I can say that, well, she really sounds better live.

The drawback though to listening to her is how it has been affecting my mood. Hahaha, such mellow songs in a foreign country, all alone - well you get my drift. Adele, well, I don't know, there's something about her voice or the way she sings that transcends. It's like, well, I can't say that I have been through all the moments she sings about, but, well, I get affected somehow.

And call it S&M or whatnot, but I'll keep listening until I get tired of it. Hahaha, sometimes when I want to switch up the mood, I listen to Rihanna's album instead. Fancy tunes. S&M.

[Review] Jack's Place

So, while staying late in the office, my friends: Trixie, Benjo and Simoun, decided to eat out. Trixie picked out a place at Century Square Mall. The place is mid-end by Singapore standards the way I see it.

**prices quoted below are before service charge (10%) as well as GST - SG's version of VAT (7%).

The price range is from $16-40(SGD). Steaks are its main offer. Upon the recommendation of the waiter, I tried the Jack's Special Steak 25SGD. Sadly, I forgot to take a picture of before eating it. Hahaha, so sadly enough, below is a picture of what's been half devoured.