Thursday, November 13, 2014

YouTube Video Published at Mail Online Australia.

The video clip I took of MC singing 'Touch My Body' last Monday has been used in an article below. Feels cool to see my YouTube channel.. But still not enough views, I wonder what I have to do to boost 'em high?…

Although the headline is funny and sounded like a tabloid headline. But still


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2828967/Mariah-Carey-flashes-underwear-sheer-gown-Sydney.html

Mariah Carey's Sydney Concert Pics

Here are some photos taken before the concert. It was held in the city so we had met up first for dinner and some photoshoot in from of MC's Billboard. Below's the souvenir and tix.



Before start of the show we went to queue up to this fabulous red carpet and took photo with our MC signage. Many says that I look like Bruno Mars and Emie looks great here. She looks like Cruella de Vil of 101 Dalmatians.



Qantas Credit Union Arena was big enough but not as big as Allphones Arena I reckon. It was a full of lambily just like us.


Here are some pics of MC during her concert…




















Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Mariah Carey Live in Sydney performing "The Elusive Chanteuse Show"

10 November 2014, Mariah Carey returned to Sydney this time performing at Qantas Credit Union Arena, which was located in the heart of Sydney, Australia. In January 2013, she performed in Allphones Arena; Unfortunately I left my mobile phone at home and I wasn't able to capture any clips.

The show started half an hour later than expected but it was one helluva concert and in my opinion, it was her best performance I've seen from here in the total 3 concerts I've been at. The first one was back in Manila about November 2012 from recollection.

Setlist for her Sydney concert is below:
01. Fantasy
02. Touch My Body
03. Emotions
04. Cry.
05. Fly Like A Bird
06. My All
07. Heartbreaker
08. #Beautiful
09. Breakdown
10. I Know What You Want
11. It's Like That
12. Crybaby
13. The Roof
14. Obsessed
15. Don't Forget About Us
16. I'm That Chick
17. Honey
18. Thirsty
19. Hero
20. Supernatural
21. We Belong Together

Here are some clips I've uploaded in YouTube, be sure to watch and click like :)

Fantasy

Touch My Body

Emotions


Cry.

Fly Like A Bird

My All

#Beautiful

Breakdown; I Know What You Want;
It's Like That; Cry Baby

The Roof; Obsessed;
Don't Forget About Us

Honey

Hero

We Belong Together

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Welcome to the People's Republic of China

Beijing is my entry point to China and the start of the 23 hour countdown before I leave the country. Flying Suites extended when I was waiting for my luggage. It was the first one that came across and I was just on time to meet an acquaintance, Jessica (who was a close friend of my colleague). She was waiting for me holding a simple "Ronald" sign and I quickly recognised and waved.

Jess was waiting for an hour and I was really thankful for her kindness and going all the way to pick me up at Beijing Capital International Airport. She told me that selling tickets to Temple of Heaven finished at 3:30pm. There was no way for us to get hold of tickets so we quickly brainstormed what my alternatives were. She knows that two things I wanted to see were Birds Nest and Temple of Heaven, but seems like my quick layover to China would not be as fruitful if I just go to the Olympic Site. I agreed that we will go to a nearby Temple.

After about half an hour, we were at Yonghegong Station. We crossed the road and saw the temple. The temperature was not too bad as I expected. Good thing I brought scarf and pullover. I could not afford time to go inside the temple so Jess took pictures of me in front of it. Then she toured me around a nearby Hutong called Nanluoguxiang Hutong. A Hutong is like an alley with heaps of native stores that shows traditional chinese products. I literally felt like I was in a movie scene with Zhang Ziyi as my lead actress. Jess offered to carry my luggage while she take my photos. If that was not enough, she even treated me a Milk Custard. Who couldn't say no? Her hospitality was unparalleled. We even went to a well-known restaurant called Jin Ding Xuan. We were on waitlist so she decided to get a cab and visit a nearby branch. Again I felt I couldn't say no to her kindness. The traffic was really bad but still it was worth it cos we went pass the Olympic site and I saw Bird's Nest where they opened 2008 Beijing Olympics. It looks magnificent. Then when traffic couldn't get any better, we decided to head along the nearest subway so I can catch my 8:30 flight.


Top: Lama Temple; Left: Nanluoguxiang Hutong
Right: Milk Custard; Bottom: Jessica and I

I checked my luggage and got an hour to wait so I decided that I should continue my mission, which is to eat KFC. My colleagues were all telling me how KFC tasted much better in China compared to Sydney's so I got to try it. It was great or I was just that hungry.

I flew Air China. It was an hour flight to Shanghai Hongqiao, which is closer to the city than Pudong. I literally ran my way to catch the last train to Nanjing East Road.




Left: KFC Beijing Style; Right: Flight to SHA via CN

Even with GPS I found it hard to locate my hotel. Maybe I was disoriented because there were a lot of girls offering their services (massage and the like) and I you say no - they will chase you until they got tired and they are really persistent.

I stayed in Grand Central Hotel Shanghai, which has 9.5/10 rating in Booking.com. The reviews were true to its words and I was at a loss for words when I saw how luxurious the hotel is. From the lobby to the hallway and of course the bedroom. Astonishing, really.


Top: Hotel Lobby; Bottom: Twin Double Bed

Even though I was tired, I cannot stop. I kept reminding myself how much I spent for this trip and how limited my time was. So I went out walked through Nanjing East Road. Not entertaining the girls who still chase me like paparazzi to a star. I just didn't mind them at all and I kept a pace beyond their reach. Before 15 minutes I was in front of the Bund. I was so frustrated when the city skyline looks dull. It does not have lights. The Pearl Tower looks like a shadow of fading picture and I suddenly decided to go home and just rest.

 Left: Feeling Excited; Right: Frustrated with Dark Shanghai at midnight


Morning after was really hectic. Opening my window there were noise coming from both the pouring rain and the people jogging to a race event that later I found out to be Shanghai Run. I went to People Square where I had a quick bite from the first stall I saw which sells crepe with egg, lettuce and chinese sausage. I also bought hot soya bean drink.
First Stop is People Square. Felt refreshed after my Soya Bean drink :P

Next stop was the Yuyuan Garden and Markets. I went around and saw one of the oldest chinese garden, it was conceived back in 1559 from Ming Dynasty. I stayed for half an hour before making my way to the Markets where I bought some souvenirs.


Left: Yuyuan Garden; Right: City God Temple

Finally, I decided to walk from end to end of The Bund. If I was frustrated the night before, this was the highlight of my day. The city's vibrant array of skyscraper and well known landmarks were here. The Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower. All too familiar and I had like 10 different selfies taken from various angles.

Left: The Bund; Right: Shanghai Skyscrapper (Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower ) 


I walked back to my hotel through Nanjing East Road where the shops became really busy with heaps of people. Apparently this is one of the best shopping places in the world. Given the scarcity of time, I decided to get my luggage back in the Hotel and made my way to the airport via Maglev (ultra speed trains - 400km/h). I was at Pudong International Airport within 7 minutes from Longyang Road.

 Left: Nanjing East Road; Right: Maglev Trains to PVG

Travel beyond First Class and Chasing Gold

Introduction and Pre-flight Logistics

The main reasons for this trip (in order of importance):
1. Mileage run for A3 *G
2. SQ A380 Suite Experience
3. China Visit - I always wanted to put a tick on Mainland China

Being a frequent traveller, it is a necessity to travel in comfort. Hence, the main objective is to finally get the highly-coveted Star Alliance Gold membership. I have been planning for months on how I can get Aegean Gold Membership. All of a sudden sometime in September they announced that A3 is changing its rules on its Tier membership.

I had to make an action if I want to attain this Tier before the planned change on 24 November 2014, which for us A3 members we call it doomsday. It is when we finally can say that Lifetime Gold cease to exist. New rules to align to other airline partners are on its way.

Having said that, I did look at all options from Hong Kong, Shanghai and finally I decided to fly to Beijing. Not knowing that even if you stay less than 24 hours - you would still need a visa.

Cutting the long story short, I booked an open-jaw SIA ticket as follows:
  • SYD-SIN (B777-200) 31/10/14 1910H - 1/11/14 0020H
  • PVG-SIN (B777-300ER) 2/11/14 1350H - 2/11/14 1930H
  • SIN-SYD (A380-800) 2/11/14 2030H - 3/11/14 0735H

I redeemed Award Saver Suites for the following:
  • SIN-PEK (A380-800) 1/11/14 0845H - 1/11/14 1450H

Finally, I booked a domestic flight via Air China:
  • PEK-SHA (B747-400) 1/11/14 2030H - 1/11/14 2240H

I booked accommodation with Grand Central Hotel Shanghai via Booking.com.

Once all these are done, I checked again whether I would meet desired mileage accumulation and reach Gold. Check. Then its time to get visa, which was fairly easy because there is a Chinese Visa Processing Centre in Sydney. They are efficient and I did get my L1 visa after four working days for less than $100.

Hectic Flight Day

31 Oct came and it was one helluva marathon to reach my final destination, which is Shanghai.. Coming straight from work. I have to make sure I finish early and grab my luggage and quickly run to the airport to catch my evening flight.  I checked in using my "Suite Pass" on my second leg of the trip. I managed to checkin my luggage directly to Beijing. Also I had Express Pass. It was quick as fox and I was finished with all the clearances. I just had to get my tax refund on TRS - if only I have the express pass here… this on took a heaps of my time so I had to settle for a quick maccas for a light meal.

B777-200 is not ideal for me cos I got used to A380 when I travel from SYD-SIN. However I was dead tired from work. And I slept all through out… I needed the energy for an all-nighter.

SG on a Halloween, there's no thinking about it!! I definitely need to see what is in the scene. But I wouldn't let the time pass by not visiting the legendary TPR. Yes, it is real. The Private Room exists. It is hidden at the very end of the Silver Kris Lounge (SKL) after passing through Business Class and First Class. I was told that they close in the next 15 minutes (2am) so I did get a quick rest with a glass of champagne. Then stayed for another half hour at First Class Lounge. I got some TWG tea while I plan out how to spend the next few hours while waiting for 5am. Why? Because I want to experience the exclusive First Class Check-in and SIA First Class Departure Immigration Check.

Did some crazy wild ass party in SG - somewhere in the midst of busy Chinatown I was reminded that I have to optimise my time and be sure to get the cab to Changi. And there I was bidding for the next cab to stop and beat other needy-cabbie-drunks but you just have to say the secret word and they will come lining up to you… Just say "Changi". Apparently it is win-win for them.





First Class Departure and The Private Room

Shortly after 20 minutes, I was at SIA First Class Departures and two of the attendants were waiting for me to get off the cab. They were looking for my luggage but there was none. I have to tell them I'm just in transit. The check-in counter is exquisite like a hotel lobby with leather couch to seat on while they are printing the boarding pass. I had to reprint mine 'cos the SYD SIA check-in counter lady gave me First Class and I wanted Suites. Plus I was waiting for the formal invitation to The Private Room written in Gold invitation letter. They then escort me to an exclusive immigration officer, who in less than a minute wished me a good journey. An alley way, short of fifty steps, connected the First Class Departure to SKL where I was three hours ago. This time the attendant recognised me 'even asked me if I did enjoy my quick SG experience.

After passing through the all-to-familiar hallway, I was at The Private Room once again. I sat in a restaurant within TPR and ordered an omelette with bacon. I also ordered apple cinnamon waffles. Too bad it was brekkie time, otherwise I would have tried the scrumptious 'book the cook' meals that I often see in TRs. Then shortly after I relaxed and showered. Read my book and headed to the boarding gate. In a matter of minutes I was ready to board.




Top-Bottom (L-R) First Class Check-in; Suite BP with TPR invitation;
The Private Room entrance; Omelette with Bacon; Apple Cinnamon Waffles.


Watch my short video of The Private Room:  




The Suite Experience

I walked my way to 'The Suites' sign where the Chief Steward greeted me warmly and escorted me to my seat which is in 3F. As expected, they addressed me as Mr Mercado, obviously they are aware of my presence, like a royalty - HRHRM (His Royal Highness RM). They gave me choice of newspaper, warm towel and most of all - a glass of Dom Perignon. I told them that I had not slept much and I needed to take a quick nap shortly after the take off. Before we the take off the Lead Stewardess (LSS) chatted for a bit. We started to get to know each other and I learnt that she's been flying for more than 20 years yet she still looks young. I did show the book I was reading which is all about flight attendants and their adventures and then she started to tell her own flight adventures and some pet peeves too.




Right after take-off, I went to lavatory to freshen up. Most of the products used at the Suites were Ferragamo or L'Occitane. When I returned to my seat, the suite in front of me has already been made to a single bed. I went in and the LSS quickly shown how to operate the lights and then I was tucked to sleep. Far above the clouds I was having the most convenient sleep I ever had.



Two hours before landing, LSS woke me up and gave me hot towel and told me that they will start preparing for my lunch. When I looked at my original suite, it was already ready with Givenchy table napkins and cutleries. For entrée they served Antipasto Platter, which was excellent. I also had salad with dash of pecans dressed with sauvignon vinegar. They offered me to taste Krüg champagne, which was a bit stronger but perfect for my mains which was served shortly after the Roasted Butternut Squash soup. For mains I pre-booked the cook with famous Lobster Thermidor, which was pleasantly presented to its finest. Then I was wowed with the Finalé - Chocolate Macadamia cake with the dry ice lava effect. Fruits, cheese and chocolate truffles followed which complemented an endless top-up of champagne.





Top to Bottom (L-R) Suites Menu; Krüg Champagne; Antipasto Platter;
Salad with Pecan Nuts in Sauvignon Vinergar; Butternut Squash Soup;
Lobster Thermidor; Smoky Chocolate Macadamia Cake.

I enjoyed every moment of the Suites experience. LSS has given me some souvenirs from Singapore Airlines (notepad, pens, extra amenities and toys for my nephew and niece). I was even spoiled when they started preparing the double bed in the middle since I missed when they were preparing my bed. I laid my SQ bears on the bed and she started taking pictures so I capture this moment. Again, I felt like a star. A model if you may.




Top to Bottom (L-R) Double Bed Suite with my SQ Teddies;
Modelling for SQ Suites; Better view of Suites;
Relaxing in Double Bed Suites.


Suites is indeed a class beyond First. They treat you like royalty and the personal touch always makes a big difference. It is an airline like no other. I have tried more than 10 other full serviced airline and I keep on coming back to SIA because they deliver beyond expectations. I did gave them great compliments on the survey that the Chief Steward gave me 20 minutes before descent.

I would never forget this experience. And definitely it wouldn't be the last.