High Notes and Heartfelt Memories: A Night with Asia’s Songbird

ABBEY: When Regine Velasquez announces a concert, there’s only one thing to do: buy those tickets! We recently attended her “The Best of Times” performance, and it was nothing short of spectacular. While I’m not big on meet-and-greets, sitting just a few rows from the stage was perfect for enjoying the show up close.

Some might say Regine is past her prime, but this performance proved otherwise. She showcased incredible versatility, seamlessly moving between her beloved classics and powerful new renditions. Regine knows exactly how to keep her audience engaged, belting out hit after hit with those legendary high notes. Favorites like Dadalhin, Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka, Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka, and Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw filled the venue, reminding everyone of her iconic range and emotion.

One special highlight was her heartfelt Elvis Presley medley, including Love Me Tender and Can’t Help Falling in Love. It was a beautiful way for her to share pieces of her journey through the songs that defined her career. And as a fitting finale, she brought the house down with renditions of Huling El Bimbo and Huwag Mo Nang Itanong.

Regine Velasquez truly is in a masterclass of her own.

High Notes and Heartfelt Memories A Night with Asia’s Songbird

WILL: Lately, I’ve been more of a "please, let me stay home and rekindle my love affair with sleep" kind of person. So when I first saw the Facebook ad for Regine Velasquez’s concert, I didn’t feel the usual excitement. It just didn’t fit into my cozy weekend plans. But Abbey, who’s been wanting to see a Filipino artist live, bought us tickets anyway—even though my answer to “Nood tayo?” was just a casual “Ok lang.”

Then, the night of the concert arrived, and from the moment Regine stepped on stage, old memories started to come alive. I was taken back to my high school days when she was my fashion inspiration. I remembered copying her hairstyles, wearing clogs, layering chokers, and even putting a little sparkle on my forehead just like she did. Regine wasn’t just a singer to me back then—she was a style icon.

And then she sang. Regine’s voice was powerful, clear, and rich, and she hit those high notes with such ease—it was like no time had passed at all. I was amazed! She reminded everyone why she’s known as Asia’s Songbird, her voice soaring over the crowd, touching each heart. Song after song, I felt like I was on a journey through my own past. Her music brought back memories and moments that had been part of my life. 

Thank you, Abbey, for this special experience. And thank you, Regine, for coming to Singapore. Your songs are forever part of my story.

23rd Singapore International Piano Festival 2016 Kalaidoscope: Cédric Tiberghien

ABBEY: As a friend of SSO, we have this perk to have a free pair of concert tickets. We chose to attend a piano concert as part of 23rd Singapore International Piano Festival : Kaleidoscope. The artist is Cedric Tiberghien. He had the following repertoire:

MOZART - Piano Sonata No. 14 in C minor, K.457
BEETHOVEN- Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major “Waldstein”, Op. 53
CHOPIN - 24 Preludes, Op. 28

He explained how universal key of C is and it reflected in his performance. Thank you SSO. Your friend, Abbey.

Grand Piano Use By Cédric Tiberghien

WILL: This is our third free concert ticket and we are super happy to stumble upon Singapore Symphony Orchestra and its awesome benefits when you registered to be their SSO friend.  

Husband is the one who chose this concert, obviously. Well, he is more of a piano guy while I am fond of violins. We watched Cedric Tiberghien to represent the last show held for Piano Festival. 

What I can say?! Superb talent! I am awed of the fact that he can do that magnificent music on a piano..alone! Haha! I appreciated it but not as enjoyed when I am hearing violins (clearly). 

On the next day, I felt more relax. Maybe because once again, I heard Mozart's piece that always keeps me calm. Haha! 

Till next time kind, sincere and ever systematic people behind SSO! We had a wonderful experience with you!

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Singapore Symphony Orchestra

For a minimum donation of $75, 

All Friends enjoy all the Privileges above

Get your form here and fax to 6602 4222 or 
email at friends@sso.org.
RECOMMENDED BY: WILMA LAPUZ 

Celebrating our 5th Wedding Anniversary with Barber's Violin Concerto at Victoria Concert Hall

ABBEY: I am a Friend of SSO, we got a pair of complimentary tickets for one of their concerts: Barber's Violin Concerto; was held at Victoria Concert Hall. 

The harmony of the instruments and the joyful beats really feels like they are celebrating with Our 5th wedding anniversary. The two-hour program includes the following:

Stravinsky' Danses Concertantes 
Barber's Violin Concerto, Op. 14
Symphony No. 38 in D major
K.504, Prague.

WILL: This year, we are really into music. We are astounded of the music created by many instruments. Being a friend of Singapore Symphony Orchestra is a real win-win thing.

We always want to try new things for us to not bore each other so this year we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary with a blast! 

We watched Barber's Violin Concerto . Gosh! I can live forever listening to those instruments. Music is very powerful that you can feel what the musicians wants you to feel. Yep! They are one of the best in manipulating our emotions. Haha!

Glad to hear some Mozarts LIVE. I only used to listen in cds of my niece. :) 

Thanks again SSO for a free ticket for this event.

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Singapore Symphony Orchestra

For a minimum donation of $75, 

All Friends enjoy all the Privileges above

Get your form here and fax to 6602 4222 or 
email at friends@sso.org.
RECOMMENDED BY: WILMA LAPUZ 

Leningrad Symphony - Singapore Symphony Orchestra

ABBEY: I always love the sound of strings; violins, cello, double bass, and piano (some classified it as a stringed instrument). We became Friends of SSO (Singapore Symphony Orchestra). She received 2 complimentary tickets as a gift. We planned to attend The Leningrad Symphony of the husband-and-wife tandem of Gennady Rozhdestvensky (conductor) and Viktoria Postnikova (piano). It is a two-hour concert which comprise of Piano Concerto No. 1 in C minor and Symphony No. 7 in C major.

Honestly, I just enjoyed the sound of all the instruments playing together with all the dynamcs and drama.

Even when they are preparing, the sound is great. I really appreciate the performance as this is our first time. I used to see the orchestra in books and videos. Thanks SSO.

WILL: ast year, 2015, we decided to be a friend of Singapore Symphony Orchestra. And what you will get if you enrolled to this program? That amount is tax deductible, you will get a free pair of ticket to any SSO concert (worth $120.00), a card that is entitled you discounts for participating merchant and exclusive meet the artists sessions. 

That is where we got our free February date. Scroll down for the link if you ate interested in being a SSO friend. 

Now, let's get back to Leningrad. My eyes lit and go round and all I can say is OMG!!! How this people can touched my feelings and my soul in just playing those instruments? I felt sadness, excitement (sometimes I giggled too) and I felt being a champ on the ending of this more than 2-hour event.

This is my first time to watch this kind concert and I know this will not be the last! Thanks SSO. :)

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Singapore Symphony Orchestra

For a minimum donation of $75, 

All Friends enjoy all the Privileges above

Get your form here and fax to 6602 4222 or 
email at friends@sso.org.
RECOMMENDED BY: WILMA LAPUZ 

Singapore GP 2012 Concert : Katy Perry

ABBEY: She's the one who closed the 2012 Singtel Formula 1 Grand Prix. After the final race and Vettel got the trophy we headed to the race track and have our way to Padang stage. A huge number of people flocked on the ground waiting for Katy. She was wearing what look like a sexy racing outfit with K and P marks at the back. She sang her top hit songs like Extraterrestrial, The one that got away, California Girls, Peacock, I kissed a girl, waking up in Vegas and Fireworks. A guy is lucky on that night when received a long smack from Katy. Her performance is great. No wonder why she was chosen for that Sunday concert.

WILL: I am Katy Perry fan and obviously this 2012 Singapore GP is a real deal, $178 for two concert of my fave artists and to see the burning skills of racing cars. 

      As Vettel popped the champagne, we immediately conquered the tracks to walk our way to the Padang Stage. We are in hurry since we only have 30mins before Katy starts to heat up the stage. Well, I am not wrong, we are late of a few minutes because Ms Perry almost finish the "Hot and Cold" song when we entered the FanZone. 

      As we got the spot, I loose myself and started to  sway, jumped and raise my hands along with her music. Sweat is all over me but I don't care. Abbey? He lingers every moment while he is taking snaps of this lazy eyed girl. 

      Again, thanks Singapore GP for the fanzone wristband. :) 

Maroon 5 in Singapore GP 2012 Concert

ABBEY: Ring....ring....ring.... And the lights went out. People screamed as they wait for Maroon 5 to come out. It became louder when Adam sang the first few lines of Payphone. The crowd went crazy as the band played along. Payphone is a hit song and hearing it live will make you ecstatic. They also sang Lucky Strike, Won't go home without you, She will be loved, and Moves like Jagger. The audience sang with the band and danced too. Others even made posters for them. Their performance is worth the wait; good thing we got fanzone wristband :)

WILL:  Before leaving the scene on our Singapore F1 week, we examined the route that we must track for the next day, we don't want to miss a single word from Maroon 5. Haha. 

       8pm, we went to Padang Stage to watch Bananarama. Almost all in the fanzone knew them even the teenagers sings and sways along with their songs. While sitting on the grass, we stared on the big screen on the stage to see the race and patiently wait for the Maroon 5. 

        After the cars were done running, a loud phone rings from the speakers and the people screamed, including me. When I saw Adam, oh, Adam! Hehe. I intoxicated myself with his voice. Sing-a-long with every lyrics and danced off to the beat. 

        I love Maroon 5 since they start their business in music scene. Their songs were my companion every time I am all alone in a business trip, when I am sad, when my heart shattered into pieces. They made me stronger by their hit songs. 

        Thanks Abbey for letting me see them. Love u a lot :) 

Parokya ni Edgar 2012 @ Singapore

ABBEY: One of the greatest Pinoy band was announced to hold a concert here at Singapore last September 8 and 9. Originally it was a one-day concert only but became two due to overwhelming response of their fans. The concert was held at The Arena. We got there an hour before and the queue is already long. A couple of front act bands like Stella's Art built the crowd's excitement for the main artists. At last we heard there sound check. 

The crowd went wild as Chito and Vinci came up front. They sang Buloy, Picha Pie, and Maniwala ka Sana. Chito even made a request on his own band to sing his favorite, Halaga. And Vinci sang Elisi when he "applied as a vocalist of Rivermaya". The night was full of fun, thrills and shouts. It ended on a high note with Yes Yes Show.

WILL: Parokya in Edgar is a famous band since my high school days, but I am a Rivermaya fan.. Haha.. As I read the announcement under the Facebook group of Filipinos in Singapore, I immediately check the veracity of the event. Verified and screenshot, I emailed immediately to my husband, PNE is his favorite band, right there and then agreed to watch it. This is our first time to watch a Filipino performers to do live.

      As the long wait came to an end, we queue on a long line of people circling The Arena at the Clarke Quay. Gosh, it took us 1 1/2 hours before we reached the doors. Front acts, better not to comment. Haha.

      When Parokya enters, people starts to scream on the top of their lungs and then they hit the place first with Buloy. I am shocked that after a decade of knowing their songs, I still knew the lyrics of their pieces. Haha.. This band is so cool. I hope they will never part ways unlike other bands. More power Parokya in Edgar, thank you for visiting us here in Singapore.

90.7 Radio (TLC) True Love Conversation

ABBEY:

Its fun listening to Papa Jack's program. Sometimes people will call just to confirm if Papa Jack will approve of their decision, others will make him angry because of what they did. One time a guy pose to be a new caller when in fact he was on-air months ago. This made Jack not pleased and drop the call. Call and voice out your love story and let Papa Jack advise you.

WILL: When me an ate rhiz was talking about our partners, she quoted some advices came from Papa Jack, then to her surprise when i asked "sino yun?" honestly, i don't know Papa Jack and I hate the Love Radio station because of the DJs that are so loud and all to do is laugh all their lungs out. 

Abbey suggested to listen to TLC, all i can say is "ok". Then that was the start to hooked-up on this Papa Jack for almost every night.
      In every caller, me and Abbey shared our views and of course most of them, we are different.
I wish someone that we know will call this TLC. Haha! 

Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars

ABBEY:
I really like to hear love songs. I was hooked up by this song the first time I heard it. The melody is easy to remember and has an up-beat tempo. The lyrics tells about the true love of the man to his woman. Nothing must be changed because I love Wilma just the way she is.

WILL: After the Love Story LSS ni Abbey for almost 9 months, ito na ang sumunod. Before we go to bed, he plays the mp3 and sing-along with Bruno Mars, with matching actions pa.
      Love Abbey when he sings. :)

TINCHY STRYDER FEAT. TAIO CRUZ - SECOND CHANCE // OFFICIAL VIDEO

ABBEY:
I can't believe I had a second chance in love.... Love is sweeter the second time around. Wow, reminiscing what we had in high school and continuing it today :) Bagay na bagay ang kanta. I hope and pray that it will last until we face our Maker. Iba talaga ang dating ng love songs. Love you baby.






WILL: Abbey asked me for my iPhone and told me that he have a surprise for me. Ayun, this song is on my playlist. Nice to hear a music like this, very uplifting unlike other musics that was all about bitterness. 

Monster Radio RX 93.1

Abbey:Iba talaga ang online streaming lalo na kapag sa ibang bansa ka. Less ang homesickness specially if you heard your name greeted on air. Nakakagising ng diwa sa night shift. :)
As usual, online streaming sometimes buffers, but still its good to hear pinoy radio channels over the net.
This channel also plays the latest songs even my favorite,"Amazing" (...when I see your face..there's not a thing that I would change...) Just the way you are pala.




Will: Morning Rush with Chico and Delamar. Yan, yan, yan, ang may sala bat ako pinagtitinginan s shuttle every morning, can't help myself to laugh. 
      Lalo na yang si Chico pag bumanat na di ko na alam paano itatago yung tawa ko..well meron nmang pang-tabla dun si Del, pag nilalabas n nya ang hinanaing at bitterness nya sa lovelife.. hehe.. 
      That's for my morning, paano ang gabi? DJ Tom is always ready to read on air my greetings for Abbey and his colleagues, may kasama pa yun na song request. 
      Kaso lng medyo madalas magbuffer sila dito s Singapore, as in madalas. I hope magawan nila ng paraan yun.
      Love u RX :)