Year: 2017

Journeying in Winter

I often travel in spring. At first I did it out of necessity, because the break between March and June was the longest we had as students. Then, as I fell deeper in wanderlust, I learned that those months were the best time to travel around Europe. The air still carried with it a certain chill, yet the sun burned bright into the night, allowing me to walk around even after closing hours. By then, nature would have shaken off the last of the winter frost and would bloom with color and life. I got the longer days without the mega crowds and price hikes of summer. Perfect. The closest to winter I’ve experienced was when I was sent to Germany for training in November. I remember borrowing coats, thermals, and gloves—anything that could keep me warm in temperatures that we didn’t get in Manila with air conditioning. My colleague and I walked around all bundled up, ducking into cafes when it got too cold. I got sick after that first day. I woke up …

Musical Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Globe Live x 9 Works Theatrical

Published by Marian Bartolome

With the Christmas rush in full swing, I avoid going to Makati and BGC, especially on a Friday night. Yet last week, we braved the TGIF traffic to watch Globe Live and 9 Works Theatrical’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL. I missed it last year—I couldn’t miss it again. Luckily, the roads cleared enough that we arrived at Bonifacio High Street with enough time for a quick dinner. In the Globe Iconic Store amphitheater, we stared at the lopsided brick buildings onstage and the oversized clock crowning them. People filed in, many of them families with kids buzzing with anticipation. I was excited—excited to see how they would top their production of Disney’s Newsies and to experience some snow. Soon, the stage lit up and music swelled. Time for some holiday magic. A Christmas Carol opens with an English town caught in the flurries of the holidays. Everyone’s merry and giving, except rich old Ebenezer Scrooge (Miguel Faustmann). He scolds kids, turns away pleas for donations, and rejects his nephew’s invitation to their Christmas dinner. As he …

6 Reasons You Shouldn’t Miss Globe Live x 9 Works Theatrical’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Published by Marian Bartolome

When I think of Christmas, I think simbanggabi, noche buena, and bibingka, hamon, and ensaymada with family and friends. We’ve got plenty of traditions for this merriest of seasons, but who says we can’t use more?

Three days in Istanbul, Turkey

Published by Marian Bartolome

In my previous post, I wrote an overview of my experience in Istanbul, a city that’s so much more than what the headlines say. Here, I share our DIY tour of Turkey’s historical, religious, and cultural center.

A taste of Turkish delight

Published by Marian Bartolome

If there’s a city that taught me not to believe other people’s stories, it’s Istanbul. From the famed Hagia Sofia to the bustling Grand Bazaar to the unexpectedly stunning Dolmabahce Palace, and the charming streets in between, Istanbul made me thankful I’d dared to follow that dream.

Musical Review: Disney NEWSIES by Globe Live x 9 Works Theatrical

Published by Marian Bartolome

The first Philippine production of Disney NEWSIES is a hit made for the entire family. Catch it all weekends of July 2017 at the Globe Iconic Store Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater in BGC!