Manila and Kuala Lumpur

[Leonis]

Hello!

I'm in Kuala Lumpur now, in the most amazing resort hotel. Computer with free broadband in my room...

Manila was facinating, disturbing and over way too quickly. We were only there for 10 days - 1 week of shows plus bump in and out and the first week of a show is always the busiest and hardest. So we didn't see a lot apart from the hotel (another amazing one) and the venue which was a big old beautiful theatre.

Did have some interesting and confronting moments though; our promoters took us out one night and were all driving huge gangster 4x4s, I got in the back seat of one and as one promoter was getting in the front she moved a sub-machine gun off the seat to sit down... for a bunch of Aussies this is highly unusal... Made perfect sense, they're very rich in a reasonably dangerous city, but was still a shock to see.

Then at other times I would be in a cab and tiny little dirty street kids would come and knock on the window begging for money. Heartbreaking. One of our cast had to go to hospital one day and a local woman tried to give her her baby, telling her to take it back to our country so it could have a good life...

But there were very positive times. We got on very well with the local crew and made some strong friendships. It's what I'm most enjoying about all this. I know have friends in Singapore and Manila that I am staying in touch with and hope to visit again. Actually, one of my Singaporean friends is coming up to KL next week for a couple of days. Can't wait.

Again being a first week I haven't seen much here yet, but we're playing in a stadium to 5000 people a show, up to 3 shows a day. The roar when Barney first jumps out, in each country, is something I will never get sick of. The company I'm working for now has a very short mission statement which pretty much just says 'putting smiles on childrens faces'. I didn't realise how rewarding that could be...

More soon. Take care everyone.

[Paladin2000]

I hope you enjoy your stay in KL. Tip: Try not to take too much local food if you have queasy stomach, some of them are generously laced with spices, chili and curry powder.

I have never been to Manila but I have heard stories about foreign business persons hiring heavily armed bodyguards to avoid getting robbed and kidnapped.

[ 08-02-2004, 12:02 AM: Message edited by: Paladin2000 ]

[Harkoliar]

a very exaggerated thing to say paladin about manila (which is in the philippines, in case you people dont know . only for high profile people will you think of hiring body guards. but if your an average bloke, just stay in your hotel and go to malls. dont ever tour around manila by yourself without someone you fully trust to guide you.

aside from that, manila is a nice place to go around in. just take care..

and oh leonis

Then at other times I would be in a cab and tiny little dirty street kids would come and knock on the window begging for money. Heartbreaking. One of our cast had to go to hospital one day and a local woman tried to give her her baby, telling her to take it back to our country so it could have a good life...

sad but true, people who live in the first world countries cant even imagine living in a 3rd world country. be thankful.

Mario (aka: memnoch), bahamut and I come from Manila. We know more or less what its like.

[Leonis]

Harks it really opened my eyes; particularly seeing both sides of the fence. And it was a beautiful place, I never once felt in any danger because we were taking the advice of our local crew.

It was a strange experience going to a few of the malls that westerners rarely go to... being openly stared at etc... but the Philippinos are some of the nicest and friendliest people I've met. So warm and welcoming. I'd go back at the first opportunity, and would love to get out and see the provinces.

On the food: Bloody hell! In Singapore, Manila and KL I've found the local food outstanding. Paladin, I'm mad for spicey stuff, but thanks for the warning! I actually struggle with western food a lot but have found the local food centres overflowing with cheap, delicious things that I can eat without any problems. Am seriously thinking I could live in Asia, I've not enjoyed myself so much for years...

How's the study going Harks?

[ 08-02-2004, 11:09 AM: Message edited by: Leonis ]

[Cloudbringer]

The smiles are always worth it, arne't they? [img]smile.gif[/img] Can't stand Barney, but I've watched it with kids a few times, just for those smiles. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Leonis you're having a fantastic experience! I'm just amazed at all that's happened with you lately! God Bless and may it keep on getting better and better!

[Harkoliar]

Originally posted by Leonis: Harks it really opened my eyes; particularly seeing both sides of the fence. And it was a beautiful place, I never once felt in any danger because we were taking the advice of our local crew. It was a strange experience going to a few of the malls that westerners rarely go to... being openly stared at etc... but the Philippinos are some of the nicest and friendliest people I've met. So warm and welcoming. I'd go back at the first opportunity, and would love to get out and see the provinces. On the food: Bloody hell! In Singapore, Manila and KL I've found the local food outstanding. Paladin, I'm mad for spicey stuff, but thanks for the warning! I actually struggle with western food a lot but have found the local food centres overflowing with cheap, delicious things that I can eat without any problems. Am seriously thinking I could live in Asia, I've not enjoyed myself so much for years... How's the study going Harks?

its Filipino's Leonis, not philippinos. . Also, im doing ok although I do need alot of improvement in my final scores. 2 years to go before Im out of university. [img]smile.gif[/img] Glad you really liked your stay in Philippines. Filipino's are really known for thier friendliness and stuff. .

As for seriously living in Asia, do remember that the reason why the food is cheap in Asia for you is because of your high wages here in Australia [img]tongue.gif[/img] . Vacation is fine, living in Asia is another matter. Just my 2c!

[Bahamut]

Aww come on Hark shame on you. Filipinos. That's it. Why the "'"? [img]smile.gif[/img] Hahahaha

Well am glad you enjoyed it here Leonis and KL too! You doing the Barney thing? *Shudders*

I don't mind the friendliness, but it is mainly because of something bad actually. Anyway cultural background is all I can say. For me though I am really a friendly person, no matter who they are.

Simplicity is the best policy here. That's it.

I wish I could visit KL also. Man you are a lucky guy Leonis. take care!

[Leonis]

Thanks Cloudy! They are worth all that and more... I'm stunned. I find myself giving more than I ever thought I could because I just want those kids to have the best time. Weird yet satisfying...

Harks, of course, Filipinos... (Casino Filipino, I love that! Are you guys laughing at yourself there?) I am all too aware of what makes it comfortable for me... I have a mate though, who does what I do for the same company, but then when he's not touring, he lives in China. I found that really odd at first, but now I'm begining to see why. It's not because of the money, it's beacuse of the people and the life. I'm a long way from deciding to that though - love Australia so much; but it's an interesting line of thought...

Bahamut, wish I'd had time to look you up... I take my work seriously and I am only in these countries to work. Anything else is a bonus, which has lead to some great things but unfortunately not much time to plan and organise etc... Philippines is now definately on the cards for a return visit with some sort of show though, so who knows?
Thanks for your words, KL so for is kind of half way between Singapore and Manila if you know what I mean. Worth a look one day, but it's also a big world city; I'm begining to learn how similar they can be while being very different...

[Bahamut]

Taking your work seriously is a good thing and fortunately your work brings pleasure right on your doorstep. [img]smile.gif[/img] I am glad you are takin in all you experienced and learned because some people usually take it for granted. Keep it up Leonis, and if ever you have some spare time and are in another country with an Ironworker on it... hehehe

Cheers [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[Harkoliar]

Originally posted by Bahamut: Aww come on Hark shame on you. Filipinos. That's it. Why the "'"? [img]smile.gif[/img] Hahahaha Well am glad you enjoyed it here Leonis and KL too! You doing the Barney thing? *Shudders* I don't mind the friendliness, but it is mainly because of something bad actually. Anyway cultural background is all I can say. For me though I am really a friendly person, no matter who they are. Simplicity is the best policy here. That's it. I wish I could visit KL also. Man you are a lucky guy Leonis. take care!

well i did suck on spelling you know. [img]tongue.gif[/img] . Grammar and punctuations is not my best point indeed.