31 December 2014   HAPPY NEW YEAR: 2015 is here!! We had a great Opening Night and then NYE party at the Adelaide Festival Centre last night. So proud of my company. They gave their all with so much heart. And the audience responded so warmly and enthusiastically. MJ’s spirit is well and alive here and I am excited to what the new year will bring. I hope you had a blast too!! Be safe, be well, 2015 is OURS!

Seconds before curtain at opening night in Adelaide, New Year’s Eve
(Back) MiG, J Rome, Samantha Johnson, Alex Buchanan, Jessica Powell Antonini, Rose Wild, Austyn Farrell, Prinnie Stevens & Melinda Tzambazakis (Front) Leah Hill, Cassie Rogers & Koco Zavaleta

30 December 2014   OPENING NIGHT - NEW YEAR’S EVE: So today, we officially open THRILLER LIVE in Adelaide. Going from the response we had last night at our first preview, I think we’ll do very nicely in Adelaide, thank you very much!! The Festival Theatre is a magical space to perform in and we are all pumped up for a bumper season here, starting with tonight, 2 shows to celebrate NEW YEAR’S EVE!! Goodbye 2014, hello 2015. I wanna rock with you all night, and won’t stop ’til I get enough!!!!

MiG on the Adelaide Festival Theatre stage

29 December 2014   RADELAIDE: Just arrived in Adelaide, and already gearing up for our first show tonight at the Festival Centre. I had such a lovely time off for Christmas with my brother, nephews, and parents in Perth, it’s kinda hard to get back into show mode. But I’m sure it will all kick into place once we get into the theatre. The Festival Theatre is a brilliant space to perform and I am so excited it’s there. Have not been there since FAME in 2000. Yet I cannot stop thinking about the passengers on Air Asia flight QZ8501. With the amount of flying I do, I always think how safe air travel is, yet, for the 3rd time this year, Malaysia has been hit with yet another air disaster. We were originally booked to fly with Air Asia to Kuala Lumpur for our run there in March, but that seems to be up for negotiation now. They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but with Malaysian Airways…!!! My heart goes out to all the victims and their families, as it hits me hard how something like this can happen. The fact that it has happened so many times this year, to the same country, is unbelievable.

MiG & Sean Christopher outside the Adelaide Festival Centre

24 December 2014   MERRY CHRISTMAS 2014: As I spend my first Christmas with my brother and father in 25 years in Perth, Australia, may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and may you all be surrounded with love and happiness this Festive Season. Just don’t overdo the silly hat thing… xxxx

A ‘sELFie’ on Cottesloe Beach

MiG, his Tita Cathy, Dad and brother Andrew do a very Aussie Christmas Eve on Cottesloe Beach, Perth, Western Australia

20 December 2014   LAST SHOWS IN PERTH: So we’ve come to the final day of our season in Perth! It’s gone so quickly. We’ve had an amazing time here. Thank you to all the wonderful Perthanians for coming in with such a high-spirited enthusiasm for everything MJ. If this is anything to go by, we are going to have a wonderful time in Australia! Thank you to all the staff at the Crown complex, especially those at the Promenade for making us feel so welcome. I doubt we will ever have breakfast of that quality ever again!! To our Perth crew who we say goodbye to, we wish we could take you with us. It has been very special here. Let’s take this BAD boy all the way home today. My Family is coming to the final show tonight, so let’s finish Perth with a HIGH! WA WA WA….xxx

A shot from the Crown Theatre set of THRILLER LIVE

19 December 2014   ROTTENEST ISLAND: Day Trip!! Off to the majestic island off the coast of Perth called Rottnest Island. ‘Rottnest’ is Dutch for ‘Rat’s Nest’ as the Dutch called it so due to the Quokkas which inhabit the island, which they mistook for giant rats! In fact they are marsupials, like kangaroos and wallabies. They thrive on this island, but are endangered on the mainland. Swimming in turquoise blue waters and riding bikes around the pristine coastline made this a day to remember forever! If only we didn’t have to work that night, but hey! What a day!! Gotta come back and do this again..FOR SURE!!! #ilovemyjob

J Rome, MiG, Sean Christopher and Jessica Powell Antonini on Rottnest Island, WA

A Quokka says hi!

18 December 2014   THROW BACK THRILLER THURSDAY: Let’s do the Time Warp again to 2007: When we did the bus and truck workshop tour of THRILLER LIVE around the UK. That show has evolved leaps and bounds since its humble beginnings. I’m sure Michael would be relieved we have come a long way! Very cool to be associated with this show for this long!

Some shots from THRILLER LIVE, circa 2007

15 December 2014   SYDNEY: As an Australian, and as a Sydney-sider, words are not enough to express the anguish, anger and sadness I feel about the events that unfolded live on our TV screens the past 24 hours. Although this man was acting alone, and without the blessing of any Islamic community, it scares me to think how this thing can happen so easily and affect so many. I pray for the victims and their families, who through their courage and fortitude, others survived this ordeal. Their bravery will be honoured and exulted forever. We always feared something like this would happen, but we are never prepared for when it does. In a country where strict gun laws are in place, this has sent shock waves not only here but across the world. My heart is so heavy to know that Sydney’s haven of safety has been violated. Why must we use religion as an excuse to perpetrate senseless violence? Although this man was acting alone, he was no doubt inspired by the brutal terrorism in activity today, and his history has been one of extreme radicalism. All this in the name of religion. I would never dream of telling people what to believe in, or how to think, and to use religion as a cloak under which to commit heinous crimes is such a horrible betrayal of everything sacred and holy. My words fail me, as all I can do is just send out my thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathies to the victims and their loved ones. Please let’s not use this as an excuse to create more violence. Please remember, we are all Australians, despite our religion. In fact, can we please leave religion out of this? Please. Enough is enough!

14 December 2014   THERE’S A LOT OF GLOVE IN THE ROOM: One week of shows done, and we all get to have a well-earned day off finally! It’s a little overcast today, but that won’t stop us THRILLER LIVE cast exploring some of the beautiful beaches Perth has to offer. Our Monday is our weekend. So, tell me why I don’t like Mondays???!!!x

MiG's brother Andrew and his sons Cameron and Brendan bring ‘it!’ to the Crown Theatre Stage

12 December 2014   AND AWAY WE GO: Opening night? TICK! We’re in our run now, and so glad to have had such a successful opening night. The response was amazing, and we are all in great spirits. Thank you for all your support and well wishes. 2 shows today. The sun is out. Breakfast is calling…life is good. xx

11 December 2014   COZ THIS IS THRILLER, OPENING NIGHT!: Tonight’s the night! Our official opening night of THRILLER LIVE in Australia is tonight at the Crown Theatre, in Perth!! From the response of the audiences for our first 2 previews, I think we might be doing something right here! I’m very lucky to be among these incredible talents on stage. I am very proud of our company. I hope Michael will bless us tonight and help us bring his music to life in the best way possible, by tearing down the house!!! Here we go people. HEE-HEE!!

MiG with his nephews Cameron and Brendan outside the Crown Theatre, Perth strike a pose

10 December 2014   THIS IS IT: Well, we had our first audience last night anyway, and the response was even greater than we could ever imagine. Perth went nuts for the show, with people dancing in the aisles and loving every beat that we had to offer. This was the best audience I have ever seen with this show, and it was only show #1! A press call, and show number 2 today, so let’s keep the ball rolling. So great to have a show under our belt and know that we are doing things right. Very proud of our company. They give when they feel they have nothing else to give. SHAMON!!!

The band set up backstage for THRILLER LIVE

9 December 2014   FIRST AUSSIE SHOW: First preview tonight at the Crown Theatre in Perth!! We had our first taste of the Aussie band yesterday at a dress rehearsal. So great to be playing with my old friends Victor Rounds, Tony Azzopardi and John Bettison!! The venue is amazing. The sun is shining. We're all healthy and ready to rumble. Had a glorious jog into the city today under perfect blue skies. Perth is really showing off today, I hope we can match the spectacle!!

Wayne Robinson gets to feel at home at the Crown Theatre

7 December 2014   WANNA BE STARTIN’ SOMETHIN’: We had an amazing time in Adelaide. The people there took us in with open arms and showed us a wonderful time. Adelaide is still Michael Jackson mad, and we aim to keep the love alive. We are in Perth now for a couple days off, then going hard core into preparations for our opening night Down Under...

Sean Christopher in session with the TODAY TONIGHT crew in Adelaide’s Festival Centre

7 December 2014   MiG IN THE MIRROR: I got to sing MAN IN THE MIRROR live on ABC radio in Adelaide for Ian Henschke. It was early in the morning but it was a treat to do it for Ian. He's a legend! http://migayesa.com/mig-music/MiG_IN_THE_MIRROR

5 December 2014   More pics at Rundle Mall, Adelaide...

4 December 2014   MJ invades Rundle Mall, meeting the locals and teaching them to moonwalk!

4 December 2014   Michael Jackson and the THRILLER LIVE boys team up with the NSW BOYS HIP HOP CREW in Sydney.

4 December 2014   RADELAIDE!!: Here we are at the city of churches, Adelaide in South Australia. This beautiful charming city is gearing up for our arrival and is already hyped up about MJ. Can't wait to open here on NEW YEARS EVE. That's going to be a P.A.R.T.Y!!

MiG and Sean Christopher visit the Adelaide Festival Centre

3 December 2014   Hanging with Laurent Brant @laurenbrant backstage at Studio 10. A very Hi-5!!!

3 December 2014   We hit Studio 10 with MAN IN THE MIRROR!! Busy day in Sydney!!!

3 December 2014   In the control room at SUNRISE. THRILLER LIVE takes over Channel 7.

3 December 2014   SYDNEY PROMO: Busy day of promos in Sydney today ! Started at a 6am pickup call for Sunrise on Channel 7. A performance on Channel 10 next. Love performing with my THRILLER LIVE cast. Very honoured...

Clowning around with the Cash Cow before SUNRISE

3 December 2014   THE EAGLES HAVE LANDED: Touchdown in Sydney, followed by a midday swim and lunch at Bondi. Crazy that we are here in Sydney!! So excited to be home. Soooo jet lagged!

Touchdown, THRILLER STYLE!

1 December 2014   BYE BYE LONDON: Just about to board a long haul flight to Sydney. It's an epic journey. Another epic journey. But I'm so excited about seeing some sun. London has been pretty grey and wet. Fabulous, but grey and wet! I come from a land Down Under...

29 November 2014   This is the show we are in, in London. It's what we're bringing Down Under. Coz this is THRILLER! THRILLER LIVE...

27 November 2014   OPENING NIGHT: Ok! 1st proper show done!! So happy to get that show under my belt. It went great! Very proud of all my company. So proud to take this show to Australia. I know I have better shows ahead, but this is a great start. And we begin...

A quiet moment just before hitting stage on opening night at the Lyric Theatre, London

25 November 2014   COZ THIS IS THRILLER: Yes, it happened! I did my first show...plus stuff I hadn't rehearsed yet, TONIGHT! One day before my scheduled opening night. I guess you can call it a dress rehearsal with a full house. There were some good bits, some shaky bits, but I broke the ice in a major way. Tomorrow should be a corker of a show! Thank you to all those who helped me get on that stage today. So honoured to be in this cast!

I'm on TONIGHT???!!

23 November 2014   AUSSIES HAVE LANDED: Ok, so I'm happily watching THRILLER, taking notes, realizing how awesome the talent is on stage, when suddenly I notice Prinnie Stevens and Tom Ramaili, are on stage...but they have not had their dress rehearsal, or 'put in'. They were just thrown in, in the deep end, suddenly and without warning, due to injuries and illnesses within the cast. I witnessed their accidental WEST END debuts and they SMASHED IT!!! So proud!! Come on AUSSIES! My turn on Wednesday... I hope I can make my first show as awesome as theirs.

22 November 2014   MAYBE IT’S BECAUSE I’M A LONDONER: We’re well into rehearsals for THRILLER LIVE and this new version of the show is the best format yet! I saw the show a couple nights ago and was totally blown away by the talent. I’m a little intimidated by the strength of the talented cast! These guys are incredible, and I have to really lift my game to be a part of this crew. I feel so honoured to be among them. I just hope they feel the same…!!

London Jogging: The people you meet on an early morning jog by the River Thames

19 November 2014   THRILLED TO BEGIN!: London. It's cold. Wet. Bleak. LOVE IT!!! I've had one day of rehearsals for THRILLER LIVE and am excited about how this show is going to rock. The talent I am sharing the stage with is incredible. So great to be catching up with some of my past THRILLER alumni as well as friends from wayyyyyy long ago (aka Prinnie Stevens). Watched some ANNIE and WWRY alumni serve up WHITE CHRISTMAS at the Dominion Theatre last night, which brought on a whole different wave of nostalgia. Not even the overpowering force of my epic jet lag could dampen my pride. Nor could the terrible accommodation that I was assigned to upon arriving in London, nor could my eviction notice from my New York landlord...well actually, that last one did bring me down a lot. Without going into details, my using Airbnb to occupy my flat while I'm away did not sit well with my landlord. He has withdrawn the eviction notice but has forbidden anyone in my apartment unless I am there. Here's my soapbox rant for the day: Airbnb is GOOD for New York. People WANT it. People NEED it. Enough said for now. Shamon, let's just BURN THIS DISCO OUT!!

18 November 2014   LONDON BOUND: So after a lightning visit to NEW YORK, with very little sleep, I'm back at the airport bound for LONDON. To be honest, feeling very weary of traveling right now. Traveling economy and couldn't get a window seat. First world problems I know. Haha! Anyways, new adventure!! THRILLER here we go...

17 November 2014   SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE: Maybe it's because of the free Starbucks in the Delta Club lounge... New York here I come.

16 November 2014   I'M A MiG: Start spreadin' the news, I'm leaving today, I wanna be a part of it, New York, New York... But only for a few hours to catch a plane to London, this after stopping by in Tokyo and Seattle. Epic journey ahead. Thank you all my Manila friends. It has been a magical time. Hope to see you all soon. But for now, buckle up and giddyap!!

Jovit, MiG, Erik Santos and Mitoy: a new kind of Rat Pack at the Cinema One Awards

14 November 2014   UNITED AS ONE: I hope you got a chance to watch my new video for UNITED AS ONE. Written a few years ago for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy, I re-recorded the song, and shot a video for it, using clips from FIL IT UP. It gives you a taste of what this new show is about and hopefully it shows you how beautiful the Philippines is and might even entice you to come visit this amazing country. Don't forget the Philippine Red Cross still needs your help to help the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Together, we can rebuild the Philippines if we are UNITED AS ONE. www.mig-music.com/united-as-one-new

MiG swims with the fishes, a still from the new video UNITED AS ONE

13 November 2014   THE DRAYBERS: Had such an unexpected great night last night. After having a blast with JOJO A. at the MEDYO LATE NIGHT SHOW, we found ourselves gigging with MITOY and MILO at RESORTS WORLD. I'm such a huge fan of MITOY and his band. Such an honour to sing with them. Last night really proved: #itsmorefuninthephilippines

MiG rocks out with the Draybers

12 November 2014   FILLING IT UP: Just about to have a meet & greet for FIL IT UP at Resorts World launching FIL IT UP and the premiere of the new video for UNITED AS ONE. This is really happening!

10 November 2014   FIL ME UP!: I'm off today shooting with the amazing Sophie Sumner for final pick ups for the upcoming TV show FIL IT UP (Previously titled PHIL IT UP). Back on the road! So love hanging out with my glamourous homey!! #ilovemyjob #filitup

MiG & Sophie back on the road, rocking the Philippines one van at a time...

9 November 2014   THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: Here it is. My last ROCK OF AGES performance, the last show in Manila, my last ‘Stacee Jaxx’ ever…And I am ready to hang up my cowboy hat, and move to other pastures. It’s been one hell of a journey, with many ups and downs. But the downs were few and hardly worth talking about. From the moment we first started rehearsals in NYC for the 1st US TOUR, I knew that this was going to be something special for me. I have met so many amazing friends, had such incredible experiences, traveled to so many places and ROCKED THEM ALL!! Thank you to all of those who were a part of my journey. I am so blessed to have shared this time of my life with you all. So this is our final stand, and we will take this bad boy all the way home. No prisoners!!! Namaste…

The ROCK OF AGES - Manila Company, 2014

7 November 2014   YOLANDA: Today marks the one year anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda, and the beginning of production of PHIL IT UP. Never have I been involved in something so timely important as bringing the beauty of the Philippines to the rest of the world, just as God decided to put a major spanner in the works in the form of the most powerful storm to ever hit. One year on, and our job is even more important to show that the Philippines is as beautiful as ever and those regions that were badly hit are well on their way to recovery. But today, what we must remember above all, are those thousands of unfortunate souls that perished under the might and fury of Yolanda. May they never be forgotten and may they continue to be the inspiration behind the constant rebuilding and reconstruction of Tacloban and the Visayas. May their legacy be the foundations for a bright and beautiful future for the Philippines.

David Weinholdt, Sophie Sumner and MiG, mark the beginning of production of PHIL IT UP

4 November 2014   SUNDAY ALL STARS: Went on TV on Sunday at GMA 7 with the SUNDAY ALL STARS. Just a regular Sunday organized chaos in a TV studio packed with screaming live fans, a plethora of dancers, kick-arse band and so many celebrities, young and not-so-young, rookies and veterans, but one thing is for sure. Amongst all this craziness I was so totally blown away by the amazing voices I heard in that studio. OMG!! These Filipinos can SAAANG!!! Had to lift my game amongst them all. Had a blast, promoted the show, Kayla rocked it, and I was totally entertained on my supposedly day off! #itsmorefuninthephilippines

30 October 2014   AND IT DON'T GET BETTER THAN THIS: Here we are again! Opening night of the repeat, repeat run of ROCK OF AGES in Manila. Bigger, louder, ruder and SCARIER than ever before!! I love this cast and I love being here for this show. HALLOWEEN has never rocked so hard, The Meralco Theatre will never be the same again...so come on feel the Nyoy's!

27 October 2014   STUDIO M: Our last day at the awesome STUDIO M rehearsal studios. Today we hit the Meralco Theater, HARD! One long day of tech rehearsals and adjustments. Tomorrow we have our first audience preview of Meralco employees and families. It's going to be tight, but that's how we roll baby!! Strap on those seat belts and away we go...

26 October 2014   SITZPROBE: The Pogiboyz are back in town!!! ARSENAL is complete. SITZPROBE today and this show is gonna ROCK! I feel the noise....

22 October 2014   MAGIC: So I get this message from my buddy that he and his band just landed in Manila and are doing this little gig at the Newport Performing Arts Centre. But this is Ben Spivak with his band MAGIC! So this is no ordinary gig. They were brilliant. Such amazing musicians in their own right each. So very proud of their success and no one deserves it more than Ben. Their next little gig is to support MAROON 5 on their world tour. So, no biggie then...!!!

Nyoy Volante, MiG, and Ben Spivak after the MAGIC concert in Manila

20 October 2014   DON'T STOP REHEARSING: It's been amazing reuniting with all my crew in Manila, and getting to know my new cast mates! The show is shaping up great and will be even bigger, brighter and LOUDER than ever before. We are going to destroy the Meralco, one melted face at a time!

19 October 2014   I start rehearsals today for ROCK OF AGES - Manila. Our THIRD season!! Looking forward to reuniting with my good friends and meeting the new ones in a baptism of FIRE!! xx

15 October 2014   MELBOURNE So the news is out, I'm doing THRILLER LIVE for the Australian/New Zealand tour (as well as a little stint back on the West End!) and I am flat out promoting the show. Sorry for not being able to give advance notice, we needed to allow press to announce this time. From Auckland to Melbourne to Sydney, on a very tight schedule. Not much margin for error, then...my luggage is lost between Sydney and Auckland. For 3 days, they could not locate my luggage. Awesome. So I had to buy new undies, new socks, t shirts and a jacket on sale. I hope I get it back before I leave Australia. But it's so awesome to be back in Australia. I'm hooooome!!!! Xxx

14 October 2014   AUCKLAND So I had an amazing 24 hours in New Zealand, with lots of interviews and appearances promoting my next project. Had the greatest opportunity to meet the awesome COMMON KINGS who sang their latest hit 'Kingdom Come' on TVNZ, after I tried to teach Rawdon and Allie how to moonwalk. These guys are the real deal and super talented. Got to catch up with some cool ANNIE friends too. Only problem is, my luggage got lost in transit from Sydney to Auckland. They still can't find my bag. Feeling nervous about it...not gonna lie. Ahhhh living the dream.

MiG with COMMON KINGS

12 October 2014   IT'S A TWISTER! Well, not really, but I did see a lot of rain fall in a very short time. The waters rose way too quickly in Manila. It was only a storm that lasted a couple hours, but even then, the streets were flooding and chaos seemed imminent. Obviously, something needs to be done to fix the despairingly inadequate drainage system of this city. This is a tropical country, subject to tropical storms. Rainfall here is frequent and heavy. I can only imagine how this city drowns when an actual typhoon hits. To improve the drainage system of this city should be the number one priority. Everyone knows it. I just don't know why it hasn't already been done. Typhoons are still coming. The city will flood again. How many lives must be lost before it is done? Where will the buck stop? When will this madness end?

10 October 2014   SHREK Atlantis has done it again. Every time I see one of their productions, I am blown away with the quality of the talent, the staging the EVERYTHING!! Their latest offering, SHREK was flawless! So proud of my ROA alumni, and proud of ALL the SHREK team, this Filipino production truly rivals any that I’ve seen anywhere around the world. I am still so buzzing with what an amazing time I had. Bravo Atlantis!!!!

6 October 2014   MANILA BOUND Manila here I come. I've also got a brand new re-order of MORE THAN EVER CDs, ready to go. Shiny and new and fresh out of the oven!! COME AND GET IT!!!!

5 October 2014   MY LIFE IS A PLANE Washington DC. USA. On my way to New York. This morning I was in London, UK. Tomorrow I fly to Manila, Philippines. Of course I fly a lot. I'm a MiG.

2 October 2014   LIKE ME So just about to hit the sack. Going to go through my script one more time before I close my eyes. It’s been a whirlwind, but we are performing this new piece tomorrow. The sitzprobe today was inspiring, and so great to hear these songs come to life with a string quartet, guitar and piano. I feel very honoured to be sharing the stage with my amazing cast and band and so proud of our creative team. Enough said. I just love working on new pieces, and being creative. It stirs the artist in me to be more, to do more. To be better. I hope to not let them down. The show is open to the public at the Courtyard Theatre in Hoxton at 3pm. Please come and see this show. I hope you LIKE it!!

Garry Lake

Our beautiful band

The company Sitzprobe of LIKE ME

2 October 2014   HERE LIES LOVE I was fortunate enough to witness a new work that I'm sure will become legendary. David Byrne (TALKING HEADS) and Fat Boy Slim's HERE LIES LOVE is phenomenal!! Loved it from beginning to end. The staging, music, choreography, lighting, the visual and real immersion into a political melodrama that is too outrageous to be true, was pure theatrical and musical genius. The story of the Marcos years in the Philippines is fact stranger than fiction. It almost belies belief in its absurdity...(yet I'm surprised they didn't utilize the amazing character of Cardinal Sin!). Natalie Mendoza as Imelda Marcos is flawless in every way. This I predict will be the vehicle that will truly launch her career into the stratosphere, if there is any justice in the world! Kudos to Jim Ferrer, an alumni of ROCK OF AGES Manila, on his UK debut. The cast are brilliant, all of them. If you haven't seen this show at the Public Theater in New York, you must see it at the National Theatre in London!!!

MiG and David Byrne, an unlikely new Filipino Champion

With Jim Ferrer & Natalie Mendoza

28 September 2014   LIKE ME? LOVE IT! So we're so thick into rehearsals for LIKE ME. It's been a collaborative process to get this piece in shape and I am so proud of how it's coming along. I am more proud of the people with whom I am working. Rebecca Howell, our choreographer has almost instantaneously added a flavor to the show with simple devices and basic steps and movements that make us inhabit our characters and express the piece. Of course we do not have elaborate sets nor the time to truly create over-complicated routines, but with what little time and resources we have, we owe so much to Rebecca for her vision and genius! And then there’s our music director, James Doughty. He is creating beautiful vocal arrangements ON THE FLY(!) and throwing them at us as we go along, and yet the result is brilliant and at times magical. James is blowing me away with his talent, and what he is bringing to the piece is priceless. Much kudos to our creators, Garry Lake and Jon Smith who are in the thick of this whole process too, not being precious of what needs to be cut, changed, edited, added…all to make the piece work and flow better and make our job easier, which is NO easy task! There is still so much to do in so little time. I wish we had a month to do this, but there are but five days left before we put this to an invited audience of scrutinizing industry folk, so we just need to deliver. I have every bit of faith in our wonderful and dedicated talented cast, Lucie Jones, Sarah French and Jack Shalloo, and feel very proud to be among them, bringing this baby to life…#likememusical

Rebecca Howell, Jon Smith & Josh Bird deep in concentration

Lucie Jones & Jack Shalloo

Sarah French & Garry Lake

James Doughty in full flight

23 September 2014   LIKE ME I find myself back in swinging London, starting rehearsals for a new work by Garry Lake and Jon Smith called LIKE ME. It’s a musical about social media and how we relate (or almost relate) to each other through it. The piece is inspiring and deserves every chance to be brought to its full potential. So great to be working with the wonderful Lucie Jones, Sarah French and for the first time, Jack Shalloo. Just flew in last night, worked today…no jet lag yet…just a constant foggy haze, or is that just London…? #likemethemusical

21 September 2014   ME, MY SELFIE, AND NEW JERSEY! Loved today. Had a blast at this concert!! The Filipinos carved it up HOTDOG are HOT !!! Joey Albert is a Godess!! The Filharmonic and Lerrick Santos were spectacular!! And so I shot this selfie...with a few hundred photo bombers!! #assumptionhotdog

21 September 2014   Today is it! The HOTDOG concert in USA! I’m excited to be playing with such legendary Filipino artists such as Joey Albert, The HOTDOG Band, and the Filharmonic. It’s for a great cause, a great day, so let’s ROCK NEW JERSEY!!

MiG with Joey Albert and the Filharmonic, at rehearsals for today’s concert. Oh yeah…

17 September 2014   VINTAGE TROUBLE If you're looking for trouble with a capital 'T', you've come to the right place. I look for it. I LOVE it!! VINTAGE TROUBLE rocked NYC last night at the HIGHLINE BALLROOM. I've seen them many times before and have been a fan for years, but they are seriously on the cusp of superstardom. Fresh from a world tour with THE WHO, and an inspirational performance with PALOMA FAITH, these guys exude musicianship and showmanship that whips crowds into a frenzy. Classic blues mixed with gospel and soul, wrapped up in John Vervatos-style suits... The chemistry is right. The impact is explosive. My good friend and fellow ROCKSTAR:INXS alum Ty Taylor leads this band into orbit. I knew from the moment Ty sang his first note on that TV show that there is no competition when it comes to raw unbridled talent. Here he has the vehicle to truly showcase it, and it's a green light and the path is clear. So proud, so inspired... You MUST check out Vintage Trouble now. Trust me. Do it!!! X

16 September 2014   THE COUNTDOWN It’s only 5 days until the concert with Joey Albert, the Hotdog Band and Filharmonic on September 21. Make sure you get a chance to see these amazing Filipino artists play in the USA. Oh…and I’ll be performing too! Check out the TOUR page for all the details.

MiG and the FILHARMONIC @ rehearsals

11 September 2014   SEPTEMBER 11 Today we remember one of the most tragic days in the history of the United States Of America. An event so horrific, that it still sends shivers down the spine of any sensible, sensitive human being. There are still so many unanswered questions about that day. But for now, we just remember all those that lost their lives, on that day, and because of that day. As a New Yorker now, it holds such weight and the scars can still be seen everywhere. But these scars are being replaced with a new sense of optimism towards the future. I feel the dark days being replaced slowly by a growing sense of purpose and fortitude. I am concerned that the actions of the Islamic State may send us going back into more dark times, but from what we have all been through the past 13 years, I am confident that we have learned valuable lessons, the most important one being that we will overcome. No matter how big the obstacle, how evil the force, we will overcome. Evil cannot survive in a world where love exists. We must nurture this love and make it grow. It is not only what makes life worth living, it is what will eventually save us from extinction. Always love, never forget. Never. xxx #neverforget

The Freedom Tower as seen from the 9/11 Memorial. Never Forget.

6 September 2014   WAKE ME UP WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS The past few days have been kinda weird and a little freaky. Not sure what is going on in the cosmos, but despite me being in a good place, and looking at all the positive things in the world, I can’t help but feel a little flat and sad. I am mourning the loss of yet another friend of mine, Mark Byrne who died from a suspected heart attack. We were the same age. He was way too young to die. He was at the top of his game as a major player in the Australian entertainment business. We shared a dressing room when we performed in WEST SIDE STORY together, 20 years ago now, but I will never forget how we laughed and became good friends ever since. He will be sadly missed by all who met him. Chris Pickard, Joan Rivers, Robin Williams…God takes the good ones, doesn’t He/She? I am reminded to live life every day as though it was the last, and I am truly blessed with all that has been given to me. Just feeling down. That’s all. Honest. Some days are hard. The past few have been a bit harder than most. Heaven must really be rocking right now…xxx

One sunset at a time…I want to ride my bicycle: NYC Riverside Park

1 September 2014   BACK IN THE USA I must say I have had the post-Italy blues for a few days when I got back to New York, but that has now faded away into the awe I feel living in New York City. It is home for sure, and it’s actually nice to unpack and re-engage into life in the MiG Apple. In the one week that I’ve been back, much has happened. I gigged with the incredible Kevin Haden (@KevinHaden) and the irrepressible Mike Clifford (@MCliffordmusic) in upstate New York, and have shot and directed a video for Rodney Syaranamual for his RAWR Burlesque Fitness Routines. I hope you got a chance to see my ALS video (so you can stop nominating me hahaha!!!) and hopefully you were able to donate to the ALS foundation too. Well done to all of you who iced and donated!! I must bring attention to this next gig: I will be singing with Joey Albert, The Hotdog Band, and the Filharmonic Band at the Breslin Theater, Felician College on 21 September, to raise money for the Assumption School in Passi, Iloilo, Philippines, which was damaged badly by Typhoon Yolanda last year. Not only am I excited about performing with some legendary Filipino artists, it is a great cause that will directly help restore a community that badly needs help. I hope you can join us. Maraming Salamat! xxx

25 August 2014   HOW SWEDE IT IS... Arrivederci Italia!! What a wonderful way to get to know you. I will miss you so much!!! On my way back to NY via Stockholm. I'm a MiG. My life is a plane.

Florence has my name all over it!

22 August 2014   FREEDOM IN A FIAT 500 Travelling the Tuscany region from town to town, I just cannot believe how spectacular a country can be. I have found a new obsession: anything ITALIAN! I am so in love with this country, I feel like I'm high. All the time. I don't ever want to come down from this. Today I drove from Ansedonia, swam in the Mediterranean Sea, traveled to the magical fortress town of Pitigliano, ate bruschetta and had Nutella gelato...then made my way to Lago Belsano, where I swam in a fresh water lake. I just happened to drive past the majestic commune de Belsano, where I scaled the city walls to take photos atop the castle tower. I then made my way through winding roads, past many beautiful towns, until I stumbled upon Orvieto... OMG! This stunning cliff top town is beyond extraordinary. I feel like I am addicted to Italy. I cannot get enough! But I've had to stop as I've exhausted my camera batteries, and I write this in the shadow of the castle, just about to tuck into my arrabiata pasta and vino bianco, while being serenaded by this amazing singer on an acoustic guitar... I feel so blessed to experience this incredible day. I wish you were here… Xxx PS: I drove back to Ansedonia down their steepest, windiest, narrow, most treacherous dark roads…as if that was hard enough. And then it started to BUCKET down torrential rain, of the like I haven’t seen since Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines last year. I barely drove over 50km/h the whole way. After 3 hours of what should have been a 90 minutes drive, I made it back to base. FREEDOM IN A FIAT 500. BRILLIANT!

The spectacular walled fortress of Pitigliano at night

16 August 2014   WHEN IN ROME... I don't even know where to begin with this. Where do I start to describe this incredible day? This morning I wake up in Ibiza, Spain. I pack my bags, load the car and bid farewell to my charming British hosts at the Can Wadi 'Airbnb'. As I make my way to the airport, I decide to take the coastal scenic route, and can barely breathe as I turn every winding steep corner as the view of the white beaches and turquoise waters are literally breathtaking. So much so I almost drive over a cliff! Almost Thelma & Louised my way off the island! I finally make my way to the airport upon which I see David Guetta's F*** ME, I'M FAMOUS airport lounge. Sushi and wine before the flight? Amazing. I get on board my Vueling flight and to my surprise have 3 seats to myself, and the flight attendants are as spectacular as the view outside my window seat. Seriously. The airbus smoothly lands in Rome. Italy. O. M. G!!!!! I know I get a little carried away at times, but truly, the greatest thing you can do in this lifetime is see this incredible world, one amazing place at a time. Nothing could prepare me for Rome. I am in love. This city. The people. My amazing find on Airbnb... I am so jealous of myself right now, but I do this for YOU!!! Put Rome on your bucket list. Do it now. You will just explode. I have an itchy trigger finger with my camera at the most mundane of times, thanks to my DNA, but in Rome, I'm getting a cramp in the finger. Can't-stop-shooting!!!! Every step is another incredible moment. To all my Italian friends, I know now why I love you so much!! Marucci, Fiorentino, Zanotto, Cicchino, Farricielli, Calveri, Strigari, Arnone, Malavasi, Barberi, Calvi, De Marco, Di Girolamo, Dilello, Di Caprio, De Niro etc etc etc... You get the point. I was so Spanish this morning, but tonight...Hey Mambo, Mambo Italiano....!!!! Excuse me as my Pinot Grigio is getting warm. Ciao!!! Xxx

MiG and the Pantheon, complete with a Roman Centurian photo bomber

13 August 2014   I am surrounded by such sublime beauty at times when I feel I really need to see it. As I sit on a cliff face overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, as the sun sets over Ibiza Island, it strikes me how much one has to be suffering to deny oneself the opportunity to possibly one day see another sunset or experience all the wonderful things life can offer. I have known some dark times, and I have swam in vats of misery, but to really have felt such sadness that one would take one's own life, breaks me down to the core. Especially if that someone is one who was so loved, and such an inspiration to so many. If only he knew how much we all miss him, loved him, treasured his every word...I never met the man, but my heart is so heavy now that he is gone. He is immortal through all his movies, tv shows, and recordings and he will never be forgotten, always loved. My heart pours out for you and for your family. Oh captain, my captain, I will always endeavor to seize the day, until I too must sign off. Nanoo, nanoo... be at peace now. Thank you Robin Williams. The Earth was such a wonderful world with you on it. X

11 August 2014   Greetings from Ibiza! I've decided to take a bit of a holiday... This time traveling WITHOUT working, which I haven't done for a while, catching up with my good friends, soaking up the sun and culture that blesses this amazing island. Spoiling myself, but hey...Yolo. Xxx

Simon Sayer, Hannah Jane Fox and MiG, slumming it in Ibiza

31 July 2014   Last night I was again inspired to be doing what I'm doing. I experienced ONCE on Broadway. It was an emotional roller coaster, told through incredible performances, beautiful music, creative staging and unparalleled artistry. I again, am so proud to be a part of this wonderful community that brings such beautiful extraordinary elements to our world. I thoroughly recommend, ONCE. GO SEE IT! X

30 July 2014   Once is never enough... So I drove down to Atlantic City to experience the QUEEN phenomenon again. No matter how many times I see them, every time was as though it was my first. They were great at Madison Square Garden but at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, they were on FIRE!!! Thank you Brian May and Roger Taylor and all of the camp: Rufus, Neil and Spike and of course Sharon who organized our VIP passes to hang out backstage before the show. And on top of all that, Adam Lambert was just amazing... He makes me want to be a better singer. Yet again, inspired. X

20 July 2014   Mike Clifford is getting married to the beautiful Klaudia. I am so overwhelmingly thrilled for them and to be a part of this amazing day. It's actually really sunny in Philadelphia!

18 July 2014   Where do I begin to describe the last couple of days in NYC? There are many reasons why I love living in this city, and here are just a few:

JOGGING:
I’ve been loving jogging this incredible city! Central Park, Riverside Park…two of my favourite jogging tracks in the world! The weather has been outstanding: not TOO hot (I say that with caution, because it’s been borderline-heatwave for a couple of days) with LOTS of sunshine, despite some flash rain storm that hit us a couple of days ago.

BROADWAY:
I saw BULLETS OVER BROADWAY the other night and was totally floored by the production from its staging, choreography, breathtaking sets, beautiful dancing girls (!), the costumes, design, lights…I can go on! But I haven’t been so thrilled by a show in a long time, and BULLETS definitely did it for me. But above all, what shines the brightest are the amazing performances by the talented cast. Truly, not a weak link in the entire show (even the dog!), and I was so proud to see my friend Nick Cordero blaze the stage with his Tony nominated portrayal of ‘Cheech’. Bravo!!

MADISON SQUARE GARDENS:
And just when I had my fill of such a fantastic day, I heard that QUEEN were about to start their show at MSG, so I ran to the box office and got a Primo Section A seat and saw my favourite band in full flight, destroy NYC with every power chord and ear-splitting crash! Adam Lambert did not disappoint as their frontman, but to see Brian May and Roger Taylor being accompanied on stage by my WWRY alumni Rufus Taylor, Neil Fairclough and Spike Edney was just too much for me to handle!! So inspired and filled with admiration and pride! It’s been quite a couple of days...

10 July 2014   So I find myself back in the USA! I am spending the next few days with my Legarda/Farricielli family in the historic beachside town of Cape May, New Jersey. Just a chance to disengage and debrief myself from the ANNIE - NEW ZEALAND adventure that was. I am truly spoiled with all my experiences and I try to never take any of my blessings for granted. I hope you are enjoying yourselves, wherever you are, my fine ANNIE family. I miss you already…

MiG, back in the USA in Cape May, New Jersey

7 July 2014   So I've landed in San Francisco after a long flight from Auckland. Don't mean to gripe, but Air New Zealand has some making up to do. They were 2 hours late in departing from Auckland, the entertainment system was not working for the whole flight despite attempts to reboot the system, I've missed my connecting flight to New York, so now I have to catch another flight which gets me into JFK at after 1am... Ahhhh the glamour of trans-continental life!! I wish I was still in New Zealand... Xxxx

My life is a plane. I'm a MiG.

5 July 2014   Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I leave here tomorrow…I can’t believe that this journey is at its end. Today we perform the last 2 shows of ANNIE in New Zealand, and it has been such an incredible journey. The warmth and awesomeness of the Kiwis have been overwhelming to say the least. I have loved every little bit of my stay in Wellington and Auckland. It is sad for me to leave this beautiful country, even sadder to say goodbye to the amazing Kiwi kids who have played the ‘Orphans' and ‘Annies’. I will also miss our superstar ‘Sandy’, Ramble…I think my next dog will be a labradoodle!! But I will also miss EVERYONE from my new UK family. To all those with whom I started this journey with way back in London, I thank you for welcoming me to the fold and for being such a warm and caring company. A band of brothers and sisters have we become. Onwards to new adventures and new beginnings, loaded with an arsenal of beautiful memories that will keep me company forever. However, I will not miss my MOUSTACHE! Tonight after our final curtain, I will bid farewell to my hairy upper lip, and welcome a new dawn of smoothness. You have served me well, oh little mo, but it’s time to go…xxx

One of these things is not like the other…MiG and some of the Kiwi Kids at the "Orphans’ Picnic”

4 July 2014   What is it about New Zealand that makes us do crazy things? JD Collins and I are asking the same thing!! We made a pact at the beginning of the Auckland season that we would both jump off Auckland Tower. True to our word, we donned our lightning bolt/superhero onesies and with the help of SKYJUMP, we hurled ourselves off the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and landed safely on our target. Mission accomplished. Box ticked. Job well done!

John D. Collins and MiG make true their jump pact at SKYJUMP, at Auckland’s Sky Tower

2 July 2014   Today we got to be special visitors to the incredible Auckland Zoo! We got to feed the giraffes, and get special access to the wonderful exhibits that this awesome park has to offer. Many thanks to Elena, Dave and Jane at the zoo for being so kind. Despite the wet and cold weather, we had such an unforgettable day! Check out new pics at the Annie gallery!

MiG makes a new tall friend

30 June 2014   Final week of shows. 8 more Roosters. 8 more ANNIES. We are in the home stretch of this tour. I am counting down sadly to the time when this magical tour will come to an end. Hope you can see it before we have our final curtain...

ANNIE lights up the Civic for its final week...

26 June 2014   So it’s business as usual back at the ANNIE camp, so I took this opportunity to go back and finish Episode 17 of last year’s WE WILL ROCK YOU Arena Tour, (http://migayesa.com/mig-music/WE_WILL_ROCK_YOU_mini-diary_exclusive__Episode_17) where we visited Croatia. WWRY is never far from my consciousness, especially since we are again working at the Civic Theatre in Auckland where we opened our Tour in 2007. And there is always something there to remind me…

The WWRY poster sitting proudly side-stage amongst the shows that have graced the Civic Theatre

25 June 2014   So I made it back to Auckland, New Zealand after flying for 30 hours from New York, via Los Angeles and Sydney, landing at 3:30pm. Arrived back at the hotel at 4:15pm. Was at warm up in the theatre at 5pm. It was a task I set out for myself and was very proud I did it! There was no way I was going to miss my cousin Denise’s wedding to Joe. It was the most magical weekend with family and friends. So what’s the best way to celebrate that? By jumping off the Auckland Bridge, Kiwi style!! 3…2…1…BUNGY! Who said Roosters can’t fly??!

MiG jumps off another bridge…into Auckland Harbour

23 June 2014   60 hours flight time for 48 hours with family for a celebration of love and life. All worth it!! Must admit, I'm pretty shagged, but am on my last leg of my epic adventure...am waiting to board my flight to Auckland from Sydney. I land in Auckland this afternoon and will head almost straight to the theatre. I just need to heal this busted toe nail of mine. Too much info? Maybe, but it's ouch!

Life is an airplane. I am MiG.

19 June 2014   So I begin an EPIC journey to N.Y.C. 1st leg, AUCKLAND to BRISBANE. I'm taking Annie home to New York. And away we goooooooo...

Goodbye Auckland, let's go to NYC...via Brisbane!!

17 June 2014   I am so loving being in Auckland. This very hip, and groovy city has developed even leaps and bounds since I was last here in 2007. There is so much to explore, to see and do, I am trying to make the most of my stay here. However, I leave on Friday to head back to New York for just a few days for my cousins wedding. I will miss five shows from Friday through to Sunday, but the show will be in great hands of the very talented Michael Cortez who will play ‘Rooster’ while I am away. I will be back on Tuesday night. This was a pre-contractual agreement, as I could not possibly miss my cousin Denise’s wedding to the awesome Joe. Can’t believe that the whole family will all be in New York, while I am away in New Zealand! I am staying for only two nights but traveling for 4 days…! having said that, I can’t wait to see my family and all back in NY. It’s going to be a very happy joyous occasion. I was lucky to be allowed to watch and ‘shoot’ the dress rehearsal where they put Michael through his paces as ‘Rooster’ and I am very happy that I am now allowed to show you these shots here at mig-music.com. Unfortunately, I am in NONE of the shots, but as you can see, this is a lavish production, and one that I am very proud of being involved in. Enjoy!

Some of the Auckland ‘Orphans’ get ready to watch the dress rehearsal at the majestic Civic Theatre, watched over by a golden lion…

14 June 2014   The ANNIE company were on fire last night at the opening of the show in Auckland. So much so, that they had to call the fire brigade and we had to evacuate the building! Apparently, a fire alarm was set off in the theatre just as we finished the show. We all had to rush out of the building, some of us barely dressed as we were getting ready for the opening night party!! The audience got more show than they bargained for and we really showed them how dramatic we can be! Thank you to the Auckland Fire Department for responding SO quickly. Lucky it was a false alarm. This show is definitely smoking HOT!!

The scene outside the Civic Theatre last night as the Fire Department responded to our smoking hot show!

14 June 2014   Another city, another opening night…PRESS NIGHT! Tonight marks the official opening of ANNIE here in Auckland. We are performing at the amazingly spectacular Civic Theatre, where seven years ago, we were opening WE WILL ROCK YOU. We are all very excited. The Kiwi kids are AMAZING! We are in great shape after two successful preview performances. Loving Auckland, loving New Zealand, loving my job. Can’t complain about that much, can I??!! Sweet as!!!

A ‘ROOSTER’ selfie

12 June 2014   Press call! Opening night! Final dress rehearsal! It's all happening today!!!! Another day, another opening. It's all very exciting!! Auckland, on with the show this is it !!!

Meet Clyde: our newest SANDY

11 June 2014   I have truly loved the beautiful days in Auckland after such terrible weather driving here! Love to jog around this gorgeous harbor city… #ilovemyjob #iloveauckland #ilovenz #annienz

11 June 2014   Tomorrow, at 1pm in front of the Te Papa Museum in Wellington, people are gathering for #flashmob and #timetoact to join the world in uniting to end sexual violence in conflict. In the light of the horrific atrocities that are coming to the surface in Sri Lanka, and as delegates meet in London for the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, we the ANNIE company stand together to say that the time to act is NOW, that war crimes like these should not go unpunished and the sexual violence against women and men must be put to an end immediately. We stand united with the world in condemning these horrific acts of human atrocities. #timetoact #flashmob

11 June 2014   So today we met the Auckland orphans, and they thrilled us with their incredible talent and enthusiasm! Our consolation of losing our little Wellies is that we have new Awesome Auckies!!! We are in such good shape, I thought we could have opened tonight! We are into the magnificent Civic Theatre tomorrow, but we enjoyed having yet again the city town hall at our disposal. So excited to be back in Auckland, and with such a great show with such an amazing cast. The Kiwi kids are just insanely talented. Words fail me as to how impressed we all are by everything we have seen here in New Zealand. Choice as, bro!!! xxx

The Auckland Orphans show us what they got at rehearsals at Auckland’s City Hall

10 June 2014   Road Trip!! Rachel Stanley, Joe Connors, Chris Kayson and I decided to drive from Wellington to Auckland, while the rest of the ANNIE company flew. What an adventure! We decided to take 2 days, stopping at Taupo along the way. Despite the terrible weather, we saw such incredible landscapes, over mountains, forests, over rivers and lakes, taking in the breathtaking New Zealand countryside. But we made it to beautiful Auckland, and I had a jog this morning around this city, seeing how much it has developed since I was last here seven years ago. I am so excited to explore this place. Life is definitely a journey, not a destination, but what a wonderful destination this is!!

Joe Connors, Rachel Stanley, Chris Kayson and MiG enjoy jet boating the Huka Falls Rapids near Lake Taupo. Thank you Rapids Jet!! Awesome!!! (www.rapidsjet.com)

7 June 2014   So today, we are performing our last shows in Wellington. In fact, I’m writing this from my dressing room in the interval of the matinee. The audiences have been a delight here, and I will miss this beautiful city that I am still just starting to get to know in all its glory. But I will miss most those amazing little Wellies, who played the orphans here. They are getting quite emotional as they see this magical experience coming soon to an end. But for many, this will be just the beginning of many more wonderful theatrical experiences. Many stars were born on this St. James stage. I put it to the Auckland girls, that they have ‘big’ shoes to fill. But I look forward to the next chapter: AUCKLAND! How I love that city. I will miss you Wellington…I SHALL RETURN! xxx

Tania Rodger gives us ANNIE company the VIP treatment at the WETA WORKSHOP!!

6 June 2014   We had a wonderful day visiting Red Rocks Reserve, just a short drive out of Wellington, to see the colony of beautiful fur seals. There were so many of them just draped over the rocks, catching the last of the day’s sun. Our fantastic guide Garry just spoiled us with this incredible spot, south of Wellington. It was such a clear day, we could see the snow capped mountains of the South Island from there. I wish we could take one of the seals home!…maybe become a Sandy understudy, should Ramble feel a little off…?

MiG and seals (of the fur kind) at Red Rocks Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand

4 June 2014   To continue my photo essay on this New Zealand Tour of ANNIE, I’ve just added a heap of new photos to the gallery. I hope you enjoy them. New Zealand is a photographer’s paradise. I can’t stop shooting!! Off to see some seals today. Check out the pics tomorrow...

The fly-tower at the St. James Theatre. Looks like even the fly-men are getting into the ANNIE spirit!

3 June 2014   What an amazing weekend I had! My parents were here from Sydney, and we had such a wonderful time! They fell in love with Wellington as quickly as I did. Thank you to the wonderful Museum Hotel, The Library and Crumpet for spoiling them rotten and taking care of them. We even managed to fit in Yum Cha Dim Sum at Dragons on Sunday brunch…yummy! Then the fun just kept on rolling as we had a wonderful night at Hummingbird. I have to especially thank Hewitt and Jo Humphries, who invited the cast to their wonderful house overlooking Wellington Harbour, for a Queen’s Birthday party like no other! The hospitality and friendliness of the Kiwis is more than legendary, it’s fact! But, back to work for our final week here in Wellywood. It’s show time!

The 42nd Street Tram pulls out onto the stage for NYC…on with the show!

1 June 2014   Only one week left of the Wellington season of ANNIE! I can’t believe it is going so fast!! I am loving this beautiful city so much. I am struggling to find enough time to see and do all I can. Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth II. We will celebrate you in style today in New Zealand!

A ‘Rooster’ Selfie

30 May 2014   After a magnificent twelve year run, WE WILL ROCK YOU is playing for the last time at the Dominion Theatre in London, tonight. Performing that show at that theatre has been one of the highlights of my career, if not my life. I congratulate all of you performing tonight and to all those Bohemians and Yuppies, onstage, behind the scenes, to those millions of fans around the world, who have ever been a part of this phenomenon, I wish you a final ‘bow, and curtain call’ and may the show go on, and on, and on, and on…YOU ARE THE CHAMPIONS, MY FRIENDS!!

The company of ANNIE salute you, WE WILL ROCK YOU! To those about to rock for the last time…xxx

28 May 2014   We are well into the swing of things now. I am loving my new ANNIE family. Everyone in the company is so warm and wonderful and talented, from the youngest to the oldest, (and that is a HUGE age band, of about 80 years!!!). You have to check out this amazing documentary about the ANNIE auditions. I get so nervous when I audition, I can only imagine what these young girls were experiencing. To see what they go through, even before we hit the rehearsal space is inspiring enough. Then to see them shine and blow everyone away on the actual stage just makes me speechless. We are witnessing stars being born… Check out the video here: http://www.3news.co.nz/Hard-knock-life-for-some-Annie-hopefuls/tabid/1771/articleID/346138/Default.aspx I am also in love with our youngest star, the fuzzy-wuzzy angel that is Ramble, who plays ‘Sandy’. We are told to resist the urge to distract him, as when he is working he needs to focus on his tasks, but it is like torture to not be able to just hug the hell out of this incredibly cute and loving dog. He makes me melt. I want to EAT HIM!!!!! ….not literally.

Fiona with Ramble ‘SANDY’ backstage at the St. James Theatre, Wellington

26 May 2014   So we've finally opened the show in Wellington and it's been a great success. We're still ironing out a few bugs, but we have a great show and we are really in the swing of things! We get our days free now to do more exploring which is really exciting in this beautiful city of Wellington! Zoe and Amelia have both had their 'Annie' debuts, and the two groups of orphans have had their chance to shine. Just Ilena is left to have her moment of glory...every show seems to have its own special occasion.

MiG on stage as 'Rooster Hannigan'
Photo © Hagen Hopkins

23 May 2014   First performance last night was a huge success and great relief to get through, to standing ovations in the crowd. There is so much heart to this show, and everyone is just brilliant! Amelia Walshe was our Annie last night, and she was extraordinary. Her performance was flawless!! I can't say it enough, but I am totally floored at the level of talent in this show from the kids, to the adults, to the creative and production teams to Ramble, our 'Sandy'! Press night tonight. I hope they will feel the same...

One of these things is not like the other... Zoe Fifield, Amelia Walshe and Ilena Shadbolt pose with a Rooster

22 May 2014   Overture, dim the lights, this is it! The night of nights…. or something like that. We’ve arrived at opening night! First preview tonight for ANNIE - The Musical in New Zealand. It’s been quite a journey to get here, with so many pieces of the puzzle to connect. We had a wonderful time to get things going, and it looks like we’re in pretty good shape. I am so proud of our company of adults and kids and animals…(and I’m talking about Sandy, not the band)…And oh what heights we’ll hit…..ON WITH THE SHOW, THIS IS IT!!

The ANNIE company on stage at the St. James Theatre, Wellington at the Sitzprobe

21 May 2014   Tomorrow, tomorrow, We open tomorrow, It's only a day away...

Emily Trebicki (Lily St. Regis) & MiG (Rooster Hannigan) backstage at the St. James Theatre

20 May 2014   We are neck deep into tech rehearsals now and the crew are doing an amazing job reconstructing the set, setting the lights, tweaking the audio and we had the element of the orchestra coming to join us last night. It’s all shaping up very nicely, but long days and nights ahead yet!

The Orphans and Miss Hannigan rehearse on the set of ANNIE

19 May 2014   We had our first day off since arriving in Wellington. It has been a pretty hectic rehearsal schedule, so we were really looking forward to some well deserved R&R. We were so fortunate to be given a tour of the Weta Workshops (Peter Jackson’s legendary film production complex) organized by Maria and Ilena Shadbolt (one of our talented Kiwi ‘Annie’s). I was so breathless with excitement as this is the one place in Wellington I truly wanted to see, especially after being greeted so graciously by Gollum at the airport. I was so ready to take a billion shots, but the place is shrouded with secrecy, so was unable to take too many pics inside. However the insight into what goes on at Weta was truly amazing! A must see in Wellington. But today is our first day of technical rehearsals. This is our home stretch towards opening night...

MiG, Scott Royle, Ilena Shadbolt, Helen Rymer, Chris Krayson, Emily Trebicki, Alex McMillan, Joe Connors and a couple of trolls outside the Weta Cave

17 May 2014   Yesterday was a very exciting day at ANNIE NZ.., we got to meet ‘Sandy’!!! And wow, he is the most adorable dog…real name is ‘Ramble’, but nothing vicious about him at all. We are to be very respectful and kill the urge to just hug and touch him, as he needs to focus on the amazing acting job he does on stage, but I want to steal him and bring him home!!! And we finally had our first day at the majestic St. James Theatre. This historic building is the perfect canvas on which we will paint our story. And then on top of all that we got to run Act 1 twice, without too many hitches, the excitement for the show just keeps on building! The Kiwi kids just keep getting better and better, as we get closer and closer to opening night…

The majestic St. James Theatre gets invaded by ANNIE

14 May 2014   We are in full swing again with rehearsals. Long days, cold and windy outside, dark when we finish work, but we are filled with excitement of how the show is turning out. The Kiwi children are just delivering charisma and talent in buckets, and we are trying to keep up with their amazing energy and enthusiasm! But one day we will have a day off to truly explore this amazing country. Much work to be done until then! MUCH!!!

David McAlister (‘Oliver Warbucks’) hard at work at rehearsals

13 May 2014   Today, it all came together. Today I understood what ANNIE was all about. Today we met the Kiwi kids, the ‘Orphans’. And then it all made sense. Not only were the 3 ‘Annies’ brilliant, but every single girl that was cast for this show were outstanding. Beyond expectations, the girls from New Zealand have blown us away. The brilliant choreography of Helen Rymer was finally brought to life and there was not a dry eye in the rehearsal space as the girls showed us what they had been working on for the past two months. We have found not just one future star, but a whole chorus of future stars are born. The future of ‘girl-power’ in New Zealand is secure as these amazing performers hit the stage. Look out New Zealand! You will be blown away, by this production…and it’s the local content that will be the piece that is the dynamite! I am truly overwhelmed…

The Wellington Town Hall…ANNIE rehearsal HQ as the new and old generations collide!

12 May 2014   Had the most wonderful day exploring this gorgeous city of Wellington. From an early morning jog, to a late afternoon lazy lunch at the awesome Beach Babylon, it was smiles and awwww all day long!! I have started a gallery of shots I took during my time with ANNIE from my time in London, to my New Zealand trip. I will continue to add to this gallery, so I hope you can enjoy them and stay tuned with our adventures here. We get to meet the Kiwi kids tomorrow for the first time, the real stars of the show. I wonder when I get to meet Sandy the dog? So much to love about Wellington, but they are right…IT’S REALLY, REALLY WINDY!!

Some of the cast of ANNIE visit the ‘Office’…

11 May 2014   Kia Ora New Zealand! I’ve made it to Wellington!! I’m pretty used to long haul flights, but this was a LONG HAUL FLIGHT! But again QANTAS did not fail to impress. Our exhausted weary travelers were all in unison about how long it took us to get here. But our journey actually started 3 weeks ago when we first started rehearsals in Warren Street, London. Am just about to go for a jog to explore this beautiful city. Every day is a journey of discovery. Choice as, eh cuzzie?!!

You know you’re in Wellington when…MiG & a giant Gollum at Wellington Airport. We are in Peter Jackson territory for sure!!

10 May 2014   I'm home!!! ...kinda... Transit in Melbourne as it's Mother's Day in Australia. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, YOU AUSSIE MUMS!!! Another short trip to make to Wellington. Almost there, on the home stretch. GOOD ONYA MUM!! Xx

Cannot complain about the awesome QANTAS flight on the A380

10 May 2014   Just landed in Dubai, en route to Wellington. QANTAS and the A380 crew have been wonderful. Another airport, another duty free shop...

Landing in Dubai

9 May 2014   My last day in London. It’s been an amazing trip! From the workshop of Queen’s THE SHOW MUST GO ON, to rehearsals for ANNIE, to just seeing friends and hanging around this amazing city, my home away from home, my former home. My last night was one of the highlights of the whole trip, watching MISS SAIGON at the Prince Edward Theatre. The production was amazing and fresh and then cast were giving it 150%. The performances blew me away! Considering we saw the alternate ‘Kim’, Tanya Manalang only on her 2nd show, she was extraordinary! Incredible performances from the beautiful Rachelle Ann Go as ‘Gigi’ and Alistair Brammer as ‘Chris’, Tamsin Carroll as ‘Ellen’, Kwang-Ho Hong as ‘Thuy’…in fact the whole cast deserves a mention! It would be wrong of me to exclude anyone last night. It was only their 1st week of previews, yet it was pretty perfect from my seat (despite a really tall guy sitting right in front of me!). But I have to single out Jon Jon Briones as ‘The Engineer’. His performance was what legends are made from. Bravo to all! So anyway, enough gushing. Off to Wellington, New Zealand today via Dubai and Melbourne. It’s going to be an epic 24 hour flight, but just the beginning of a massive adventure. Goodbye London…and away we goooooooooo….!!!

Wellington, here we come!!!

8 May 2014   So we are done in London. Nothing left to do but pack and say our goodbyes, ready and eager to say "kia ora!” to our new friends in New Zealand as we fly out tomorrow! It’s been an adventure so far, but it is only just beginning. There is much last minute London things to do…

The UK contingent of the ANNIE company, on our last day of rehearsals in London

7 May 2014   It's our last day of rehearsals here in London. We are doing all we can to prepare ourselves for a very busy technical period in New Zealand. The better we know what WE need to do, the easier it will be when we add the magnificent chaos of kids, dogs, sets, costumes, props, lights, orchestra and microphones...yikes! This is a massive jigsaw puzzle and the biggest pieces are yet to be placed!

Alex McMillan, MiG and Emily Trebicki on the last day of ANNIE rehearsals in London

6 May 2014   Had an amazing weekend off. Three days of exploring this incredible city of London, with great friends and probably too much champagne (is that even possible?). Back at the office today refreshed and heading down the home stretch of ANNIE UK rehearsals...

Alfie and MiG under the shadow of the majestic Tower Bridge

5 May 2014   Yesterday, May 4, was World STAR WARS day. And my cousin Billy was just killing it with his array of costumes. So proud of the Geekiness that runs in our family!! May the 4th be with you….always.

Billy and the gang enjoy a coolant in Manila…

4 May 2014   Ok. 1930 makeover...one step there. Now to grow a moustache, and get depressed!

4 May 2014   May the 4th, be with you. Happy STAR WARS day...

3 May 2014   It's haircut time. Time to get fully immersed into the 1930s... Which means getting quite a makeover. Check out next time to see how it turned out...

MiG at ANDREW BROWN hairdressers, with Alfie photobombing...

2 May 2014   All the pieces seem to be coming together at ANNIE HQ. The numbers are looking sleeker, the songs are sounding stronger, we are in good shape on our side of the world. We just have to add an army of orphan girls, a mangey dog, costumes, lights, sound, an entire set of 1930's New York City, and I think we might have a show...

The adults in full swing at ANNIE rehearsals

30 April 2014   Train strikes, lost wallets and grey skies could not dampen the mood in the rehearsal room. All systems go for ANNIE, now in its second week of rehearsals. Things are coming into place, and we're really starting to feel a synergy within the company.

Sue Hodge (aka 'Mimi Labonq' in ALLO' ALLO'!) and MiG at rehearsals

27 April 2014   I was very privileged last night to be asked to join the line up at the INCOGNITO ARTISTS concert at St. James Theatre last night. Geoff Sewell, Tim Rogers and their team of talented performers delighted a capacity crowd which included New Zealand Consul-General and pop legend Kiki Dee. One of the true highlights of the night was when Geoff's daughter Sienna, once diagnosed with autism, joined her Dad and little sister Olivia to sing HEAL ME. There was not a dry eye in the house. What Simone and Geoff Sewell achieved with Sienna is nothing short of incredible. They are such an inspiration to us all...

Geoff and Simone Sewell and MiG

26 April 2014   April is Autism Awareness Month, and this holds special interest for me as I have two nephews who are struck with autism. Both are doing extremely well, despite their initial diagnosis. It proves that autism is a challenge, but not a barrier to living rich and fulfilled lives. A champion of the cause is my good friend Geoff Sewell, a star in New Zealand and founder of Incognito Artists. He has organized a concert tonight at the St. James Theatre in London, and as a last minute addition, it looks like I might be part of the line up. I cannot be more honored than to sing with my friends and support him and his wife Simone, as they prove to the world that their little Sienna is a prime example of what can be achieved with care and love. The concert is tonight, Saturday, which will also be filmed by TVNZ, and there are a few tickets left. Here is the link for tickets if you can make it: https://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/events/incognito-artists

Geoff Sewell leads the Incognito Artists

24 April 2014   Another great day at ANNIE. Am marveling at the work of our director Alan Cohen. He has a vision that extends far beyond where I feel this show has gone before and brings a gravity to the scenes which in turn uplifts the comedy and the charm of this piece. But I was moved today by the plight of a true legend, Stephen Sutton, who at the age of 19 is facing his impending mortality through terminal cancer . However he continues to keep positive and raise money for cancer charities by trying to complete his bucket list... Please visit and donate to his plight at https://www.justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-TCT

MiG, Ben Elton & Hannah Jane Fox after THE SHOW MUST GO ON performance

23 April 2014   Another day at ANNIE rehearsals in London done. We have started staging the numbers and blocking the scenes...but have to leave spaces for our Kiwi stars until we get to NZ. All happy campers so far. So much to learn in so little time. I love a challenge!!

Brother & Sister Act: Su Pollard (Miss Hannigan) with MiG (Rooster)

22 April 2014   Rehearsals started in earnest today with a read through (without our Kiwi orphans!) and a meet and greet (without our Kiwi orphans!). This cast is amazing and I feel so lucky to be amongst them. Zany, eccentric and brilliant! Can't wait to add our Kiwi orphans into the mix...and Sandy the dog !

22 April 2014   So today I begin a new adventure, that starts in London with rehearsals for ANNIE! I am excited to be playing ‘Rooster’, as I would make an awful ‘Annie’. Am busting with anticipation to meet my new cast, my new family. I’ll keep you posted with as much info as I can…Stay tuned!

 MiG with Steven Berkoff at THE SHOW MUST GO ON workshop in London

15 April 2014   I am still buzzing about what I experienced the last couple of weeks. I can say now that it was a workshop for a new QUEEN musical, written by Ben Elton, called THE SHOW MUST GO ON. It is the sequel to WE WILL ROCK YOU, and although I cannot say any more about it, I can say that it is a BRILLIANT show, that surprised everyone who came to see our presentation. I had the honour to work with legends such as Brian May and Ben Elton in such a creative and explosive exploration into making this new work leap off the page and onto the stage. I was so thrilled to be working again with the incredibly talented Hannah Jane Fox, and the awesome Rachel John and Brenda Edwards, as well as a company of brilliant young performers, some of whom I had worked with before, and new ones that I had just met. Under the baton of the genius of Stuart Morley, and with a kick -arse band, and with fresh choreography from the dynamite Giorgia Barberi, it was just joy from day one. I am hoping this show will see the light of day. It so deserves a chance to be seen, and heard and loved. Roger Taylor, Jennifer Saunders, Emma Thompson, Steven Berkoff and Arlene Phillips all agree with me.

 MiG and Dr. Brian May. THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

12 April 2014   Ok, so I may not be able to say what I’m working on yet, but I could maybe show you who I’ve been working with for the past couple of weeks. Let’s just say I am in heaven working with such incredible and distinguished talent. I think for just 2 weeks work, we’ve achieved more than we even thought possible. This little workshop show in London might just have grown out of this little workshop…

6 April 2014   As I am working on a secret project here in London, let me divert you to another exciting project I was working on in New York City before I left. Lucie Jones and I feature quite heavily on the new upcoming video for Mike Clifford’s song ‘Ballerina’ off his album STAY IN MOTION. It’s such a beautiful song and Lucie and I were so thrilled to be a part of it. Shot in and around Brooklyn, New York, it is directed by John Pope and Leo Marino. Mike Clifford is one of my dearest friends, and one of my favorite artists. It was such an honour to be involved in it. Look out for it soon. Check him out at http://www.mikecliffordmusic.com

 Mike Clifford, with Lucie Jones and MiG on the set of ‘Ballerina’

1 April 2014   You have to check out the new Lucie Jones video…but my apologies for Scott Alan for spelling his name wrong on the video! Lucie and Scott are sublime…my spelling skills were sloppy. But the video is GREAT! Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SY75iJQbvo

 A still from Lucie Jones’ video of Scott Alan’s ‘AND THERE IT IS’

30 March 2014   So I'm off again! Just when I thought I'd stay put for a while...Nope! London for a little secret project first (wish I could tell you. I'm busting to say!!!) then start rehearsing for ANNIE. It's going to be a long trip. It's going to be an awesome trip....

 This picture is not upside down. It's how I'm going to look in New Zealand

11 March 2014   I am saddened to hear that WE WILL ROCK YOU will rock the Dominion Theatre in London for the last time on 31 May, 2014. The show has broken box-office records and has won theatre-goer awards all over the place. The popularity of the show had it blasting the West End for 12 years with over 4,600 shows. It is the end of an era, but I’m sure it won’t be the end of the show. It’s still playing in so many places around the world including the US Tour. I feel so privileged to have been part of the history of the show. It has been a wonderful part of my life, and playing ‘Galileo’ at the Dominion has been a highlight of my career. Congratulations to all the current company, and to all those who played a part in making the show such an incredible phenomenon. But for now, THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

24 February 2014   A wintery jog this morning through Central Park this morning makes me appreciate how beautiful life can be sometimes. Even finding my bike wheel stolen after hanging out with good friends last night at ROCK OF AGES could not dampen my spirits. A busy day awaits…x

23 February 2014   Today I am saddened to hear of the passing of a long time fan and friend, Wanda Ward, who lost her battle against cancer. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family. May she be at peace and filled with joy in the Hereafter. You will always be loved, deeply missed and never forgotten…xxx

22 February 2014   I am so jet lagged, I get tired during the day, and then awake at night…My body clock has totally decided to screw me up, in revenge for the times I’ve screwed it up! But all is good, as the extra hours awake, I’ve put to good use. My new apt is looking more and more like home, and I’ve FINALLY unpacked and put away my suitcases…for now. Happy memories of Australia and spending time with family and friends…Here are four Ayesa boys rocking out in Perth! So blessed to spend time with my dudes!!

21 February 2014   So I’m SOOO back in New York, busy with unpacking, editing PHIL IT UP, and also making a home for myself. Even managed a jog this morning…but the terrain is somehow a little different to where I was jogging a couple of weeks ago…!!!

 MiG in Central Park, New York City

 MiG at Lady Macquarie’s Chair, Sydney

18 February 2014   I'm almost over this 31 hour journey. I'm in transit in LAX, about to board the flight to NEW YORK. I have to say how impressed I am with QANTAS...despite traveling economy, the staff and all the facilities and food and service has been superb! Top marks for the flying kangaroo!!

17 February 2014  As I sit in transit at Sydney Airport, awaiting my next outward bound leg of my 31 hour journey back to NY, I finally have the chance to reflect on the amazing past few weeks. I have fallen so deeply and totally back in love with Australia. Everything, every experience I've had from the Sydney Opera House, to the Mandurah PAC, with every beach in between has been nothing short of breathtaking. THE MUSIC OF QUEEN SYMPHONIC tour of Oz was a huge success and I only hope it means that we will come back and visit more of this incredible country. I will miss my family and friends and the technicolour sunshine, and it makes me wonder why I ever left this place, but also makes me definitely aware that I still call Australia home.

13 February 2014  HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! So we just did this little gig at Joondalup Resort last night to about 9,000 people under a beautiful moonlit night, for their Valentine’s Conceert. The Perth Symphony were spectacular and really got into the spirit of things!! I could not resist to take the opportunity to take the ULTIMATE SELFIE…with 9,000 photo-bombers!!:

What a brilliant night! The City of Joondalup put on such a spectacle, and treated us like royalty! They put these FREE concerts on every year…what a gift to the people of Joondalup, and the people of Joondalup were such a gift to US! Tonight we play the Perth Convention Centre. BRING IT ON PERTH!! THE SHOW MUST GO ON….xxxx


7 February 2014  Performed at the Sydney Opera House…? TICK!! And what a tick to have! My debut at the iconic Concert Hall, to a PACKED audience, playing the music of QUEEN with the SYDNEY SYMPHONY, standing ovations…I don’t think it could get better than that! But it WILL!! Two more shows today, completely sold out!! My family will be there, from Sydney, Hobart, Blue Mountains…STRATHFIELD! It is a hard task for my voice, and I demand a lot from it, but if there is a day I need to pray to the voice gods, today is it. THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!

 MiG on stage at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

5 February 2014  THROWBACK THURSDAY Here’s a taste of things to come this weekend at the Sydney Opera House… 'Fat Bottomed Girls’ at Arundel Castle in 2008. 

This gig never gets old! I cannot wait to rock the Bennelong with the Sydney Symphony!! We are rehearsing with the orchestra for the first time today. It’s all a bit of a dream really! Living the dream...

4 February 2014  I am loving being back in Sydney rehearsing at the Opera House...pinch me, I must be dreaming! And reunited with old friends, and it feels so good...

26 January 2014  "I've been to cities that never close down, From New York, to Rio, to old London town, But no matter how far, Or how wide I roam, I still call Australia home..." - Peter Allen   Happy Australia Day maaaaaates!! See you Down Under bloody soon!! Xxx

The view from my window today, in New York City

23 January 2014  Ok, I hope you can stay with me for this entry as it’s going to be a doozy. This one will span a couple of weeks as I have been all over the Philippines yet again…and should be in New York right now if it wasn’t for the fact that all flights to NYC have been cancelled due to the Arctic Vortex that has again hit the city, so I am still in Manila for a few more nights. This year of 2014 has already been an incredible one with all the traveling I have done. 

First of all I flew to Bohol. A place that was devastated by earthquakes and then ravaged by typhoons. It was a jewel in the crown for the Philippines, but now it is in much need of love and attention to help rebuild itself to its formal glory. There is still so much to see and do there, and I hope we can bring much needed focus to its journey to redemption. Spending the last hours of 2013 on a raft off the coast of Bohol was absolutely breathtaking. Many thanks to all at the magnificent ANANYANA Resort for their wonderful hospitality!


Weather delayed us from getting to our next destination which was Cagayan De Oro, so we went straight to the beautiful island of Camiguin. This place was awesome in so many ways, and even the little islands around the main one was so worth exploring. From the White Island (literally a white sand bank sticking out of a very blue ocean!) to the idyllic paradise of Montigue Island, there was never a dull moment. From gasping at the utter beauty and serenity to scuba diving with giant sea turtles, and jamming with the governor of the island, I will never forget my time there.


Then we went to Cagayan De Oro, where I do believe I had the most unexpected yet uplifting musical inspiration of the trip so far, hanging out  with a band consisting of 6 tribes, I brought my rock influence to their party, yet found myself totally enthralled and immersed in what they were playing. Their voices haunted me, their rhythms moved me and their spirituality captivated me. I wanted to become the 7th tribe, but ended up just being a fan!


And then we find ourselves in the legendary Boracay Island! There is so much expectation about this place, it being heralded around the world as one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth…and it did not disappoint! From the powdery white sand and bright blue crystal clear waters, an endless array of restaurants and nightlife as well as pristine havens, Boracay earns its reputation every single visit! I have visited this place before, but it never gets old! I manned up on the first day there and found myself jumping off 60 foot cliffs at Ariel’s Point, sailing across the Pacific at sunset, and even jamming on the beach with new found friends from Poland to Moscow to San Francisco. It’s such a feel-good vibe as soon as you land. No wonder some people decide to NEVER leave! I also was so blessed to have my brother and his two sons their too! Much family time!!


And then we went to Cebu…to Oslob. Just when I thought I had seen it all, done it all, I get to do this:


Yes, that’s me, MiG swimming with giant whale sharks! So much for my chronic fear of sharks. This totally blew my mind!! Such gentle, peaceful giants that made me jump when I saw their size but they were so playful, my fear turned into pure joy and awe. Oslob is one of the few places in the world that you can interact so freely with these amazing creatures. Words fail me…It was life-changing.

So as I’m waiting for the snow to stop and JFK to re-open, I recover from my adventures with PHIL IT UP. My filming here is over. It’s time to piece together this incredible adventure and present the world what we have witnessed. I’m sure you will agree with me how spectacular the Philippines is. It is where I was born, where I started, where I come from and the more I discovered my homeland, the more I discovered me.

For 2013 Diary click here...