Memories of London: Food, Music and Love

Up to this day, I consider London as my most favorite city in the whole world. It is a dream of mine to visit Great Britain’s capital mainly because of the Spice Girls. I remember being giddy when I first saw the Tower Bridge (which I thought was the London Bridge) because of the scene in Spice World The Movie where Posh Spice drove the Spice Bus crazily because of the time bomb.

It is understandable that my first London trip consisted of touristy side trips. First timers in United Kingdom can’t help but be mesmerized with its history and its famous landmarks.

This time, my London trips were more personal and at the entertainment side. One thing I love about London is the endless possibilities. Everything happens here.

Viva Forever! The Musical at Piccadilly Theatre
Viva Forever! The Musical at Piccadilly Theatre

VIVA FOREVER! The Musical

I am a frustrated pop star wannabe. When I was younger, I dreamt of having my own girl band and even Γ’β‚¬Λœhiring’ my elementary best friends as band mates. When Geri Halliwell left the Spice Girls, our friend had no choice but to leave as well. Thinking about it now, I wonder if that fateful event affected our friendship.

Pre-showtime stage photo
Pre-showtime stage photo

VIVA FOREVER! The Musical is based on the songs of the Spice Girls. It premiered in Piccadilly Theatre last December 2012 and fans from every part of the globe wanted to watch it. Weeks before my UK trip, Geri Halliwell confirmed on Twitter that the show will officially close on June 29. Apparently, the musical didn’t do well in terms of ticket sales. Some were blaming the critics because majority spawned it. I was able to but 2 for 1 tickets online so I brought my mom with me as my date.

Date with my Mama :)
Date with my Mama πŸ™‚
Yes, I was there! :D
Yes, I was there! πŸ˜€

It was heartwarming watching the play and sharing the venue with co-Spice Girls lovers. Some were singing along and dancing too! I enjoyed the play, but they could’ve done something better. The songs of the Spice Girls are full of positivity and inspiration. Well, that’s life. I guess I’m one lucky fan for being able to catch the show before it closed permanently.

FULL BLOG POST: Viva Forever! The Musical: Reliving Spice Memories

MATT GOSS: ‘Life You Imagine’ Album Showcase

 

Matt Goss seranading loyal fans at Cafe de Paris
Matt Goss seranading loyal fans at Cafe de Paris


Matt Goss
is not famous in the Philippines and I think he never was (I’m not sureÒ€¦ can someone confirm?). He was the lead singer of the 80’s Γ’β‚¬Λœboy band’ called Bros together with his twin brother Luke Goss (yes, the hot Hollywood actor who played the role of Prince Nuada in HellBoy 2) and Craig Logan (who is now doing great on the business side of music). It’s weird how I got fascinated with his life story and music months before my trip. When I found out that he is having an album showcase in London, I bought a ticket right away!

It was my first time to attend an album showcase Γ’β‚¬β€œ and in an intimate venue! Café de Paris is known for its sophisticated shows and no wonder Matt Goss performed there. He is currently one of the Vegas headliners via Caesar’s Palace. Watching him perform live was surreal. Oh my, this good-looking British gentleman can really sing!

FULL BLOG POST: An Evening with Matt Goss – ‘Life You Imagine’ album showcase

The iTunes Festival 2013 ft. Jessie J and Lawson

The Sweet but Fierce Jessie J!
The Sweet but Fierce Jessie J!

The iTunes Festival 2013 runs throughout September at the Roundhouse in Camden. I won two tickets for the Jessie J gig so I brought my friend Catherine with me. I love Jessie J because of her powerful songs and personality.

iTunes Festival - Jessie J

Watching her perform live made me love her more because she is really good and energetic! She knows how to work the crowd and her loyal Heartbeats were there to cheer for her.

In a blink of an eye, there were shredded papers falling from the sky...
In a blink of an eye, there were shredded papers falling from the sky…
Excuse my Rude, but I really like this photo :P
Excuse my Rude, but I really like this photo πŸ˜›
The Boys of LAWSON are rockin' it loud!
The Boys of LAWSON are rockin’ it loud!

The group Lawson was the assigned opening act that night. I honestly don’t know them before watching the band, which is a good thing. I’ve heard some of their songs and it is a delight to know that they are the cuties behind the music.

Tired but happy Pinay fangirls in Roundhouse after the show
Tired but happy Pinay fangirls in Roundhouse after the show

Some of the A-list artists in last year’s line-up include Lady Gaga, Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake and Katy Perry. I’m glad that my name got picked for the Jessie J/Lawson gig. Seems like Jessie J is a lucky charm for me πŸ˜›

FULL BLOG POST: My iTunes Festival 2013 Experience: Jessie J and Lawson

 

EATING LONDON: East London Food Tour

With our Eating London tour mates at Pizza East
With our Eating London tour mates at Pizza East

Now let’s proceed to the food part! I dined in some food establishments, but the best part for me is participating in Eating London’s East London Food Tour. Read my blog entry here but be prepared because the photos will make you hungry!

THE SPECIAL PART

 

Took this photo while talking to him. Lame :))
Took this photo while talking to him. Lame :))

There’s a number of good street performs scattered throughout London. One night in Leicester Square, I was there walking with a new friend. I told him that we could earn lots of money by singing on the sidewalks. I wasn’t drunk, but I kept on insisting that people would go near  and watch me perform once I start singing. He was just stunned with what I was saying. He even encouraged me to sing some lines from a reggae song. I begged off and laughed out loud. Little did I know that it will be the birth of a new composition Γ’β‚¬β€œ a love song that never ends.

Blurry Image, but every detail remains clear in my memory!
Blurry Image, but every detail remains clear in my memory!

I could’ve seen more stage plays and music festivals, but I’m not complaining! I really enjoyed my London Trips (I went there at least five times). Looking forward to the next one! πŸ˜€

Have you been to London? What can you say about this expensive but inspiring city?

16 Comments

  1. nadia said:

    Yes, I’ve recently been to London but it didn’t impress me as much as I had hoped it would. I loved the Tower Bridge (specially at night) but was very disappointed that it wasn’t the famous London Bridge, haha. There’s a Starbucks just below the bridge, where I had hot chocolate with my family on a cold autumn evening.

    I’m not sure what exactly put me off, but it’s not a place I’d spend money to visit again.

    Oh, but I was impressed by Cambridge.

    February 9, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      It’s sad to hear that London didn’t impress you much. How many days did you stay there? I wasn’t able to visit Cambridge, but was planning to go with a friend. I ended up visiting Oxford instead.

      Just like you, I thought the Tower Bridge is the London Bridge! We’ve been fooled! πŸ˜€

      Hope that you get to enjoy London the next time you visit.. Give it another chance! πŸ˜›

      February 10, 2014
      Reply
      • nadia said:

        Oh yes, I loved Oxford too! I was there for 10 days. Yes, you are right; I should give the city another chance πŸ™‚

        February 12, 2014
        Reply
        • Senyorita said:

          Have you blogged about your Cambridge and Oxford trips? Would love to read them πŸ™‚

          February 15, 2014
          Reply
  2. Wachiwi said:

    Matt Goss! Mum was a Brosette x He looks better than ever!

    February 10, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Matt Goss is a perfect example of a man who aged well! Although twin brother Luke looks rougher πŸ˜‰

      February 10, 2014
      Reply
  3. Ada said:

    HAHAH never heard of Matt Goss, but he’s HOT HA. And I think I know that base player?! HMMMMM. This blog post actually reminds me of Eat, Pray, and Love movie, only that you did it in one city, excluding the Pray though.

    February 10, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Haha di bale may dumating naman na ‘answered prayer’… alam mo ‘yan πŸ˜›

      February 10, 2014
      Reply
  4. Mai Flores said:

    I’m a Spice Girls Fan too, so you’re very lucky to catch the VIVA Forever! Musical #inggit ako! Lol.. tapos na won tickets pa sa iTunes Festival, which I only got to watch on some online platform.. Ansaya naman ng London trip mo, Mica! πŸ™‚

    February 10, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Swerte ko nga hehe πŸ˜€ surreal ang mga kaganapan haha thanks Mai πŸ˜€ Glad to know another Spice Girls fanatic! Sino pinaka-favorite mo sa kanila?

      February 10, 2014
      Reply
  5. Michelle said:

    I love London too! Definitely one of my favourite cities in Europe and there’s so much to do! I’m considering moving there in a year or so actually! Very excited πŸ˜€

    February 17, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      That’s good news, Michelle! I envy you! I want to move to London too!

      February 20, 2014
      Reply
  6. Milly Day said:

    I lived in London for a year and a half and my favourite thing about the city are the markets – Camden, Portobello, Borough Market, Spitalfields – did you make it to any of them?

    February 18, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      I went to all you mentioned except Portobello πŸ™‚ The markets are lovely! So many nice items to buy and good for meet-ups too.

      February 20, 2014
      Reply
  7. Namebernie said:

    Messagewow!! was that really your mum!?? She sure looks young!! As well as beautiful

    April 9, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Yes, that’s her! Thanks for the compliment! x

      April 9, 2014
      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.