Day 2 18 Mar 2006 LIJC Semifinals Vortex Hall

Checked with the concierge on how to get to the Vortex Club and then had breakfast at the hotel which was included in the accomodation. It was a continental breakfast which included cereal, milk, coffee, orange juice, assorted rolls, toasted bread and assorted jellies and butter. Upon returning to the room, there was a message from mom's classmate Alicia saying that they'll be picking us up at 11. Walked around at Queensway again since we didn't have to worry about the directions anymore. Here's mom inside one of the famed red phone booths.

Alicia, her sister and another classmate Susan arrived about 11:20 and then we all took the bus to Victoria Station where we caught the Metro underground to the Vortex Club. We also had to transfer to another line though and then had to take a taxi to find the place.

Anyway, we finally got there where they met up with another long lost classmate who read about the contest from the newspaper and saw Mon David's name as one of the semi-finalists. After getting our tickets and going upstairs, we found out that our seats were at the very back but Alicia somehow managed to sweet talk (coerce) the lady assigning the seats to move us up two rows. We were very hungry then since we didn't get a chance to eat lunch due to the unplanned search but we were told that due to the event being sold out, the place will not be able to sell food and drinks. We have to get our snacks from outside and to consume it before the start of the show. Alicia (ever accommodating) and her sister then quickly went out and got assorted sandwiches, fruits and drinks which we consumed before (and sneakily) during the show.

The event was sold out (about 70 seats) and probably could have sold more if it was held in a bigger venue. The Filipino representation in the audience was big (about 16) with 8 in our group alone including Alicia's daughter Jane and her two friends. Another group included the Philippine ambassador to London and a representative of a recording company.

There were 12 contestants who were split into 3 groups with each contestant singing 3 songs in different styles. They were all good but Mon stood out because of his unique style of combining the native sounds of the forest with his songs.


6 finalists were eventually selected including Mon and I was able to pick all of them. Took pictures afterwards and stayed behind for a while to wait for Mon and his wife to join us for dinner.

We had dinner at an Afro-Caribbean place and the food was actually good. Almost everyone had fish and rice combos including tilapia. The rice was spicy with a special sauce and the fish was crispy fried like Filipino style. Needless to say, we used our fingers and cleaned up our plates. Due to the excitement and camaraderie of the moment, I forgot to take group pictures particularly the dishes. We escorted Mon and Ann back to the club after dinner to watch a concert and then took the bus back to the hotel with Alicia making sure that we got on the correct bus. What a great day/night.