December 2013
28 December 2013 I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas season! I am waiting at Heathrow to board my PAL flight back to Manila for more PHIL IT UP madness!! So much to do, but I so loved spending my time in London, and Pentyrch, Wales. But hi ho... Off to work I go! 16 hour straight flight back to Paradise. Not a bad way to commute!
On a foggy joggy morning on top of The Garth in Pentyrch, Wales
21 December 2013 As I am here in London, the theatre community here is still reeling over the incident at the Apollo Theatre, where the roof caved in, bringing down the balcony. My thoughts go out to the injured, wishing them a complete and speedy recovery. In the meantime, I have posted more behind-the-scenes pics in the PHIL IT UP gallery, so you can see what I’ve been up to recently. I am scheduled to return to the Philippines for more filming after Christmas. It’s getting pretty close to the big day, and I hope you are all getting into the spirit. I am sorry to those in the UK that would have liked to have caught up with me, but as I am editing PHIL IT UP at every opportunity, I am so totally fighting the clock with a deadline. I hope you can understand and that I can catch up with you next time! I just hope you do not forget those less fortunate than yourselves, and remember that the Philippine Red Cross still need urgent funds to continue to take care of the devastated families affected by Typhoon Yolanda. All those who need your help, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers… xxx
10 December 2013 We shot the opening sequence for PHIL IT UP at RSVP studios in Parañaque, Manila, and I was really quite excited to see this show becoming more and more a reality! It truly feels like we are getting things together for the show. Everything we do gets more and more exciting. But we are taking a break from the shooting schedule for a few weeks, from now until after Christmas. So I boarded a Philippine Airlines 16 hour direct flight to London, and l landed just in time to get myself into town to watch Lucie Jones in the new musical, AMERICAN PSYCHO. What an amazing show! A brilliant production of a genius new work, with an awesome cast. I would be very surprised if this show does not get a full and successful run on the West End, and should even transfer to Broadway. I loved it. SO proud of my Lucie Jones!! I will miss all my new friends in the Philippines, but I am thrilled to be here in London for Christmas. So much more to do for PHIL IT UP, but for now I'm going to take a much needed break...
MiG shooting for PHIL IT UP
A PAL Big Bird
7 December 2013 Last night we celebrated my cousin Billy's birthday at my ancestral home in Manila, which is now known as the very popular restaurant/museum called LA COCINA DE TITA MONING. The theme was the 30's, and all came to the party LITERALLY! Awesome food, awesome venue, awesome crowd, awesome party!! Al Capone would have fit right in, beside Bonnie & Clyde and all the other gangsters...
5 December 2013 Today we pay respects to a true legend, an international hero, a symbol of triumph of the human spirit and an ambassador of peace and freedom. We say goodbye to Nelson Mandela. He will never be forgotten and always revered. May he rest in peace.
MiG and friend @ San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Old Manila
3 December 2013 I'm here at the rehearsals for a charity event at Resorts World, Manila called 'KAMI NAMAN ANG TAYA' (translates to "it's our turn"), to raise money for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. I'll be singing with some top class Filipino talent, including the newest Filipino star, the winner of THE VOICE of the Philippines MITOY. It promises to be a very emotional yet beautiful night. I hope we can raise a lot of money. But the real stars of the show will be the 100 survivors who will be on stage with us throughout the concert. Most of them have lost everything. It's time to rebuild. It's our turn.
MiG with Mitoy, THE VOICE of the PhilippinesMiG with Mitoy, THE VOICE of the Philippines
2 December 2013 Just came back from a weekend on Mindoro Island. Oriental Mindoro, to be precise. It was an adventure which I will never forget, and almost didn’t survive. As we sailed into Puerto Galera, I marveled at he beauty of this majestic island of such diversity. From the pristine beaches to the rugged mountain ranges, the beauty and simplicity of life here is overwhelming. I witnessed a cock-fight which is something I do not wish to witness again, in the same way seeing a bull-fight in Spain would have me going once, but only once. It’s an age-old Filipino tradition, and not for me to judge, but to accept. Yet immersing myself in the culture of the place, I felt compelled to try everything on offer. Which brought us to the Arigoy River to try white water kayaking. Now, I have been white water rafting in Taupo, New Zealand before, and canoed over a 10 metre waterfall, so looking at this river, I thought it would be a snap. Yet when it comes to the forces of nature, one must never underestimate our mortal limitations. In a group of 5 kayaks, 4 of us hit a point where we were thrown out of our boats. However, for some reason, I was carried away further than most, hit some big rocks on the way and dragged under and further than anybody else. I found myself, missing the safety ropes thrown at me, and continued to be carried away and under by the torrent. There was actually a point where I thought to myself, that this could be it. This could be my last moment, and this is how I end my journey, after being thrashed against rock after rock and dragged under again and again. It was not until the river calmed down, that I could actually swim to shore. Exhausted, bruised, cut and slightly in a bit of shock, I suddenly found myself surrounded by my minders and rescuers, who had frantically run over jagged rocks and cliffs to come to my aid. I was unlucky yet very lucky to tell the tale, and a little embarrassed about how much of a commotion I made. When we got to home base, there were ambulances, rescue trucks, police and even the Mayor Marvic Feraren had come to make sure that I was OK. I even received a call from a distressed Governor Alfonso Umali. It was an adventure, and a triumph and a reminder of how fragile we all are. As we remember Paul Walker today, (one of my favourite actors, may he rest...) we must never take our life for granted. I am lucky to be here to tell the story. Live each day as though it was the last. My time is definitely not up yet!!
MiG with the Mayor of San Teodoro, Marvic Feraren and the Oriental Mindoro Police, Ambulance and Rescue Squad
November 2013
28 November 2013 So as Thanksgiving comes and goes, there is so much to be thankful for. Even here in the Philippines, after all the heartache with Typhoon Yolanda, people here are still counting their blessings. It reminds me never to stop appreciating what we have. I have been very blessed in so many ways and I thank you all for your support and love. You PHIL me up with love...x
25 November 2013 So we're back on location in Tagaytay, after an exhaustive post-production process. Just rode my first Jeepney ride to oblivion, and jammed with some of the local kids at the Mahogany Markets. Needing a strong Kapeng Barako coffee right now... #philitup #itsmorefuninthephilippines
21 November 2013 We are having some time off shooting while we put together the pilot for the show. I have spent days now in front of the computer, rendering the massive video and audio files and turning them into a cohesive narrative. There is so much footage to sift through, I feel like I am never going to get out of this room alive! But I am loving the whole post-production process and am like a pig-in-poo in the studio. After having a close-encounter with a python, and staring down the eye of a tiger, anything just seems a little strange after my incredible Filipino adventures. The cool thing is, we have still so much to do! This beast is growing day by day…it has become bigger than anyone of us expected.
MiG off the coast of Anilao, Batangas, about to do some Filipino Scuba Diving
18 November 2013 I had to perform a HARANA today in exchange for some souvenirs. I can't get enough of Vigan City. One of my favourite stops on the PHIL IT UP journey so far. Kind of fun using my new keytar too... A perfect mobile no fuss solution for a piano man. We have a long drive ahead now back to Manila. Life is a journey, not a destination. Every road trip, every kalesa ride, every boat cruise... an adventure! #philitup #locoinilocos
17 November 2013 The city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur is so charming...like an old Spanish town that time forgot and has preserved its awesomeness. Just about to cruise the Mestizo River. A real Jungle Cruise. Disneyland got nothing on this!! #philitup #itsmorefuninthephilippines
MiG on the Mestizo River
Calle Crisologo in Vigan City
MiG selfie at the Church of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
15 November 2013 After an amazing day in Anilau, we took an EARLY flight to Laoag, gateway to Ilocos Norte, in northern Luzon Island, Philippines. It's a perfect day, with so much on the agenda today to cover. Getting a chance to visit parts of the country I never even knew existed. This gig gets better and better!!!! #philitup
15 November 2013 Diving in Anilau, Batangas was sublime today! Probably the best dive in my life!! The visibility was endless in the warm, clear blue waters, with such an intense bio-diversity of sea wildlife and coral. My dive master John Dizon and dive buddies Miles Roces and Penny Punla made sure I made the most of my experience, all the way down to 80 feet deep. I have sunburnt knees, but apart from that am leaving Batangas full of beautiful memories. I am still swimming in the after-glow...
12 November 2013 Today I am starting the editing process for PHIL IT UP. Starting to put together all the shots from all the locations is going to be challenging but what we have filmed so far has me SO excited about this project. Yesterday we shot in BATANGAS and I immersed myself totally in the coffee culture of that province...LITERALLY! You'll see what I mean when you see the show. All is going well and we are progressing well. We may have to extend the shoot as there is just so much to see and do here in the Philippines. The people here are so full of love and warmth. I am so proud to be a Filipino...x
MiG at THE FARM, in San Benito, Batangas, Philippines
10 November 2013 As the clean up begins after Typhoon Yolanda, the true tragedy is beginning to unfold. They estimate over 10,000 casualties, with the entire island of Leyte in ruins. Not one building survived the 300km+ winds, with hundreds of thousands of people becoming homeless, losing everything, let alone loved ones. This is a disaster of biblical proportions, and the Philippines has been hit hard. Really hard. But it won't break them. They survived centuries of occupation and persecution, and savage storms and earthquakes. The Filipino spirit will triumph I'm sure, and they will move on, but for now, they bleed. Charities have been set up and may I please point out these in particular:
Show you care about the Philippines’ Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) victims by donating to the Calamity Assistance and Relief Endeavors program (CARE) of Feed The Hungry Philippines http://feedthehungryphil.org/appeal-for-super-typhoon-yolanda-victims
You can also donate to UNICEF at http://unicef.org
Thank you for the love and concern and all the well-wishes. We are totally untouched by the storm here in Manila. It's business as usual here as we head off to the province of RIZAL to continue filming for PHIL IT UP.
As it's Remembrance Day all over the world, let's not forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. But also please do not forget the Philippines...
8 November 2013 As Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan ravages the Philippines, we can only hope and pray that it passes quickly and that no more casualties will arise. Only when the storm passes will we know the full extent of the damage, but it is a big storm on every level. I fear there will be many casualties and those who had little to begin with, would have lost everything. There will be much to repair and rebuild and I hope when we are called, that we will rise to the challenge of helping the victims heal from the carnage. My thoughts and prayers go to all those in the thick of the storm. In Manila, we are safe and can only hang on until rescue efforts can begin. Please keep the Philippines in your thoughts. The resilience of the Filipino is being stretched to breaking point, but they will overcome. But they need our help…
MiG with students from the TESDA Women’s Center
7 November 2013 They are expecting the strongest storm of the year to make landfall in the south of the Philippines in the next day or so. We are taking this all very seriously. Our plans to travel to Mindoro Island this weekend have been moved to a later date. We are just staying put in Manila, which should be relatively safe. Just don’t want to be either in the air or on the sea when Typhoon Haiyan hits. Mother Nature can be brutal and unjust and I just pray that the storm will pass without any casualties or serious damage. All care is being taken, as you can never assume that the predictions are exaggerated. Better safe than sorry is always the way to be when dealing with tropical typhoons. So to all our Filipino friends, please be safe!! The first day of filming yesterday for PHIL IT UP was a great success and we caused a stir wherever we went. Sophie does stand out a little among the Filipino crowd and the buzz she created at the Divisoria yesterday was amazing! Everyone we bump into for this project is so excited about what we are doing here and I am so proud that we are showcasing the great and often overlooked awesomeness of this beautiful country. Let’s hope Mother Nature feels the same way we do about the Philippines and just will calm down…May I also take this opportunity to direct you to Dennis Sy and my appeal to help the 'WeServe Medical and Evangelistic Team’ to help the victims of the Bohol earthquake. Looks like they will need all the help they can get as Typhoon Haiyan makes it a double whammy: http://dsymusic.com/DSYMusic/Bohol_Campaign.html
Sophie Sumner and MiG ride a ‘Calesa’ through the streets of Luneta, Manila
6 November 2013 Start spreadin' the news...we start filming today! All is set, the pieces are in place, we're up early and we're ready to roll!! It's time to PHIL IT UP!!!!!
David Weinholdt, Sophie Sumner & MiG #hamitup #philitup !!!
4 November 2013 As I am getting ready to shoot PHIL IT UP around the Philippines, I just wanted to share with you another live video from my record launch at the HIGHLINE Ballroom. Here is BLOWN AWAY...x
30,000 ft above the Philippines this morning at dawn
1 November 2013 HERE I GO AGAIN… I seem to sing that song a lot, and just when I think I’m settled and staying put for a while…HERE I GO AGAIN! Today I fly to the Philippines again to start work on the upcoming TV show PHIL IT UP. I cannot wait to see the incredible wonders the country has to offer, and I cannot wait to showcase the beauty of the Philippine Islands to the world! I will miss New York for all it’s awesomeness, but I have to say, today’s cloudy windy weather has me only dreaming of the white sandy beaches of the Boracay. Stay tuned…xxx
October 2013
28 October 2013 Sorry for the glitch in the Matrix that sent you mailing-listers a quadrillion emails! We’ve fixed the problem. But in the same breath, can I say a big congrats to all those involved with the NIGHTMARES gig at the Cutting Room on Saturday night. We had an awesome turnout and we put on a show that literally came out of nowhere. Many thanks to those who came and supported us and for all the well-wishes. It was a blast and a great way to see the Halloween season in…but I had 2 costumes in a row…don’t know what I have left in the bag to pull out for the actual Halloween…Might come as scary rock/broadway guy. Can I also direct your attention to a collaboration with Dennis Sy to raise money for the victims of the Bohol earthquake in the Philippines. If you purchase my song UNITED AS ONE or Dennis’ song SAMA SAMA HARAPIN NATING ANG BUKAS, the proceeds will go directly to those in need. Thank you for your love and generosity (and understanding about that glitch!) x
26 October 2013 We gave them SHELL(!) last night at Googie’s Lounge. Mike Clifford, Kevin Haden and I joined THE DISTRICT to become rockers in a half-shell. A lot of effort, but hey, it’s not easy being green. All focus now to tonight at The Cutting Room for ROCK’N’ROLL DEBAUCHERY: NIGHTMARES! Hope you can join us for fright night…it’s close to midnight…well, 10pm anyway.
24 October 2013 Halloween is in full swing. I am desperately trying to make my costume with the minimum of cost and fuss. Not working. It’s always expensive. It’s always a fuss. But nonetheless, I shall arise triumphant in my pursuit, and noble in my cause. And when I emerge on that stage tomorrow night at Googie’s Lounge with Mike Clifford and friends, a cry will ring out throughout the land…’COWABUNGA!!!!’
23 October 2013 While searching through old files, I stumbled upon all this footage from my record launch of MORE THAN EVER. I will present them bit by bit, and I hope you enjoy them! It was an awesome night way back in December 2011. Looking forward to launch a new record sometime, but for now… xxxx
22 October 2013 I went to bed so early last night, that I woke up and it was still dark…I'm not used to these hours and although I should have enough sleep, behind my eyes hate me for being up so early. Maybe it's because of the images of the fires in New South Wales that are burning out of control, destroying homes and lives in it's path, and that I have family who are out there fighting the fires and risking their lives for others. STAY SAFE PAULA & JACK!!!! My thoughts go out to all affected. We may have to brace ourselves for a terrible fire season. It's only October. Please keep them all in your thoughts. xxx
20 October 2013 Halloween fever I thought would be in full swing by now, so thought it would be totally fine to travel to a 70's disco party last night in full costume and outrageous wig via the subway. WRONG!! I boarded the train and I felt the burn of a hundred eyes look at me like I was an alien...but I was there, on my way, so committed to being in character the whole way. At least I gave people something to talk about... xxx
MiG, Fiona & Ramon Legarda: blame it on the boogie!
18 October 2013 Halloween fever is reaching fever pitched, and it seems I am making up for several lost years of revelry, as I will be playing 2 gigs next weekend, and both times costumes are paramount and expected! On Oct 25 at Googie's Lounge (on top of the Living Room), I'll be guesting at the Mike Clifford gig...don't mean to give our costumes away, but it's going to be a totally bodacious cowabunga experience...and the next night with ROCK'N'ROLL DEBAUCHERY: NIGHTMARES at the Cutting Room. A great way to welcome in the spooky season!! Also, the polls have opened world-wide for the Broadway World Awards, and since I've traveled a LOT of the world this year, if you liked what I did as 'Galileo' in WE WILL ROCK YOU...the 10th Anniversary World Arena Tour, or as 'Stacee Jaxx' in ROCK OF AGES in Manila, then tell the world by voting! Cheeky MiG...very cheeky. But hey! Just letting you know. Have a fab weekend. TGIF. x
17 October 2013 So rehearsals for ROCK'N'ROLL DEBAUCHERY: NIGHTMARES are into full swing today. This is just going to be a blast! The best Halloween party...Hope you can all come, and hopefully you might want to invest in the show, and get some really cool stuff for doing so! Be a Broadway Producer and rock your socks off...Pretty awesome!! Ok off for jog in Central Park now...x
16 October 2013 I am still singing the songs of ATLANTIS, after yesterday's amazing script read in NYC. I am so inspired after working with Matthew Robinson and all the amazing people in the cast. Totally inspired!! Now to focus on ROCK'N'ROLL DEBAUCHERY: NIGHTMARES! on Oct 26 at the beautifully overhauled Cutting Room, NYC, not to mention playing with the wonderful Mike Clifford on Oct 25 at Googie's Lounge. New York is so BUSY suddenly!!
MiG, Ed Watts, Lynne Wintersteller goofing off at Pearl Studios for the reading of Matthew Robinson's ATLANTIS in NYC
14 October 2013 So we are doing the reading for ATLANTIS the musical tomorrow, and I wish we could be doing more than just one read through. This Matthew Robinson piece is a masterpiece and deserves to be shown all over the place. I love working with my new found cast mates, and am inspired by the talent in New York. These amazing artists basically giving their time and talents because they believe in the piece. I love working on new work at this level. I see the potential of what this may become, and I hope a producer runs with it. So much to be inspired about. Am also excited about playing with Mike Clifford on Oct 25, just the night before we perform ROCK'N'ROLL DEBAUCHERY at the Cutting Room on Oct 26. New York is a buzz with artistic creativity, and I am only now again tapping in to that energy...x
13 October 2013 In the midst of making a new home for myself in New York City, I suddenly find myself thick in rehearsals for several projects at the same time. The ROCK'N'ROLL DEBAUCHERY at the Cutting Room on October 26 is in full swing and promises to be a HELL of a lot of fun and the most awesome way to kick off Halloween. Be sure to check out the shows fundraiser, as it provides some AWESOME perks. I am also doing a reading of a new musical by a very talented young Australian writer, Matthew Robinson called ATLANTIS. Being asked to be a part of this is a great honour, as not only am I working with sensational performers, but to see Matthew in action, describing the piece and living and breathing each note and lyric has been inspirational to say the least. Unfortunately, the reading is not open to the public, but I'm sure it won't be too long before you will be able to buy a ticket to see a full-scale production of this amazing work. A-MAZ-ING!! Last but not least, thank you so much to everyone for helping MORE THAN EVER make its way up the OurStage charts. OurStage is such a great platform for musicians. x
7 October 2013 Chookas to the new London cast of WE WILL ROCK YOU who opened today at the Dominion Theatre, including many people returning from the old cast, brand new 'ROCKERS' and especially those World Arena Tour alumni. As we do our first read through of the ROCK 'N' ROLL DEBAUCHERY script here in New York, I realize how blessed I am that I get to do so many cool and different things all around the world. I am so looking forward to what lies ahead...xxx
September 2013
11 September 2013 We must never forget the significance of that fateful day, 12 years ago today. For all those who we lost then and along the way, in the face of terror and in the pursuit of justice, you will never be forgotten. Ever. x
9 September 2013 Loving the Fall weather in NYC. Sunny and cool. Busy apartment hunting and also spending time with my little girl Powder. Puppy love is amazing therapy...as is the New York sunshine.
7 September 2013 Nothing like an impromptu jam with old friends the Kayumanggi Band at Payag Restaurant in Queens. Filipino! Filipino!
MiG and the chartered WE WILL ROCK YOU jet, en route to Zagreb, Croatia, while on the tarmac in Sofia, Bulgaria
Then Zagreb itself, was another wonderful surprise. The audiences lapped up everything we did! They totally got all the humour and jokes and were quick to respond to everything that we were hoping for. Some of our most memorable shows were in Zagreb. The Croatians are amazing, beautiful people and I was so impressed with my whole Croatian experience. I am SO coming back for a proper holiday next time. It was way too short a time to spend in such a beautiful country.
MiG @the HK Areena, Turku, Finland
10 February 2013 Back in the studio with Simon Pinto!!
9 February 2013 Last day's rehearsal at 3 Mills Studios for WWRY, with Ben Elton upping the ante and putting lead in our pencils!!
3 February 2013 I am so blown away by the talent at West End Fest tonight!!
27 January 2013 Loving Australia House. Very noice...