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.

Cheap and Tasty: Enjoy Date Night at Yappari Steak VivoCity

ABBEY: If you’re a steak lover, Yappari Steak should be on your must-visit list. Although you might encounter a long queue, trust me—it’s well worth the wait! Each order of their perfectly cooked steaks comes with unlimited servings of fresh salad, fluffy Japanese rice, and hot soup, making it an unbeatable deal.

On my first visit, I ordered the signature Yappari Steak, and on my second, I tried the Mix Cut. Both were incredibly tender, rich, and full of flavor with a smooth, milky texture. A word of caution: the hot stone they serve the steak on stays sizzling, so handle it carefully!
While the steak is delicious on its own, I highly recommend pairing it with their garlic sauce—it’s a game-changer. I enjoyed it so much that I went through four servings of rice and multiple bowls of soup!

WILL: I’ve been stopping by VivoCity a lot lately. It’s my go-to spot when I want to avoid a long walk to the MRT. But now, there’s an even better reason to make the trip. Dinner! 

Yappari Steak is always buzzing with activity, and you can expect to wait at least 15 minutes during peak hours. But trust me, it’s worth it! The beef here is amazing, perfectly balanced between tender meat and just the right amount of fat. The cooks really know their stuff—they make sure the steaks don’t overcook, even if you leave them sizzling on the hot plate a bit too long.

My favorite has to be the hamburg steak; it’s so juicy and comforting. And don’t even get me started on the mixed-cut steaks—they’re incredibly tender. One of the best parts? Yappari Steak offers all-you-can-eat rice, soup, and salad, so you can really fill up and enjoy your meal!

I can’t recommend this place enough—let’s stop gatekeeping such a gem! The prices are fantastic, with sets starting at just SGD 16.80. See you at Yappari Steak! 

***Yappari Steak

(W) https://yapparigroup.jp/shop/overseas/singapore.html

(H) 11AM to 10PM 

(A) 01 HarbourFront Walk, VivoCity 02-110, Singapore 098585

Laughing Out Loud with Alex Calleja in Singapore

ABBEY: If you’re a fan of Alex Calleja’s hilarious content on YouTube, then you’ll understand why we couldn’t pass up the chance to see him live in Singapore. His relatable humor always hits the mark, so we were eager to catch his show, hoping for fresh material.

Alex didn’t disappoint! He brought along the Comedy Crew, who did a fantastic job warming up the audience. Their sets covered everything from reggae vibes to the ups and downs of married life, and even sibling dynamics – all delivered with perfect comedic timing. By the time Alex took the stage for the finale, the crowd was already in high spirits, and the laughter just kept coming.

While he did sprinkle in a few classic jokes, most of the material was brand new, and the energy in the room was infectious. Alex has a knack for making everyone feel included, even taking the time to explain his jokes if they didn’t land right away – which, trust me, only made the punchlines funnier!

Laughing Out Loud with Alex Calleja in Singapore

WILL: My husband is a huge fan of stand-up comedy, spending countless hours watching his favorite comedians on YouTube. Often, I’ll catch him sitting on the couch, laughing uncontrollably, with tears in his eyes. So, when we found out Alex was coming to Singapore for a one-night-only show, Abbey immediately bought us tickets without a second thought. I’ll admit, though, I was a bit skeptical – would it be worth it, or would he just be rehashing jokes we’ve already heard?

The night of the show arrived, and the energy in the venue was amazing. A couple of opening acts took the stage first, warming up the audience with their own humor, which helped everyone loosen up and set the tone for the night. Laughter filled the air, and by the time Alex Calleja finally came on stage, the crowd was ready for him.

And let me tell you, Alex did not disappoint. Even if I’d heard some of his jokes before, his delivery and timing had me laughing just as hard as the first time. Seeing him live was a completely different experience than watching him on a screen. The energy he brought, combined with the laughter and reactions from the crowd, made every joke hit differently. It wasn’t just funny – it was an experience. I could feel the positive vibes spreading through the room, and it was impossible not to laugh along. It was exactly the kind of break we needed – a chance to laugh freely and recharge.

By the end of the night, Abbey and I left with big smiles, grateful we had gone. If you’re a fan of Alex Calleja, his YouTube channel is definitely worth watching, but seeing him live is an absolute must! The experience, the laughter, and the energy are on another level – one we’ll remember and laugh about for a long time.

*** 

Alex Calleja

(Y) https://www.youtube.com/@alexcalleja/videos