Write-ups

http://http://search.yehey.com/search_redirect.aspx?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.dfa.gov.ph%2fnews%2fpr%2fpr2006%2fmar.htm

http://http://http://search.yehey.com/search_redirect.aspx?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.gov.ph%2fnews%2f%3fi%3d14740

http://http://news.inq7.net/thegoodnews/index.php?index=1&story_id=70399

Day 7 23 Mar 2006 London to Jerez Flight

Our last day in London for now and it was a very beautiful day. We really had a great time seeing most of the sites in Central London and also witnessing Mon David's eventual triumph in the Jazz competition and savoring the moment with mom's classmates and other kababayans. I had one mission left though and that is to go to Abbey Road and walk the famous crosswalk that the Beatles walked on. I got up early, got dressed not waking up mom and took the underground to St. John's Wood after getting directions from the concierge.

There was an official Abbey Road Shop upon getting out of the station and they had all kinds of Beatles' paraphernalia. Didn't buy any though and just asked for directions.



It was very easy to find with the road from the station intersecting Abbey Road. There was no distinct marker but the people walking were very helpful and pointed out the actual crosswalk. It was a heavy traffic area with no traffic lights so I didn't get a chance to have my picture taken while crossing the road. Didn't stay long and just took a couple of pictures then took the subway back to the hotel.









Mom was already awake when I returned so I finished packing our luggage and then we went down for our last breakfast. Checked out afterwards and then took the subway to the Liverpool Station to catch the Stansted Express. We didn't have to wait long before the train left for the airport. An uneventful train ride and we just watched the countryside whiz by and plan for our next trip with the kids.

We had to wait for a couple hours until the counter was opened up for our flight. It was fully booked but the crowd was quieter this time. Plane departed on time at 5:00 pm and it was a smooth flight. We were able to get our usual emergency exit seats and also brought some snacks this time.

It was already dark when we landed at Jerez but it was OK since we had our car and didn't have to worry about our transportation home. What a great trip.

Day 6 22 Mar 2006 Cadogan Hall Group Shots

Day 6 22 Mar 2006 Cadogan Hall Solo Shots

I was able to move up to the front row and take pictures but the flash has to be turned off to avoid distraction which caused some of the shots to be blurred. The contestants really gave all they got for their numbers but I think Mon was the favorite because of the crowd's response to his performance and the musicians enjoyed jamming with him. There wasn't much flair nor suspense during the announcement that our group missed it. They said they were busy yakking away and didn't realize that he won until they noticed that he was already holding the trophy and making a speech. Well done to our kababayan/cabalen and everyone was very proud of him and his accomplishment.

































































Jamming with the musicians.


Intermission. Pete Churchill is the pianist and really jammed on the piano during the numbers. The guitarist is very talented and made trumpet/trombone sounds with his mouth while playing. He also sang and played the piano.



And the winner is ....... Mon David!!!








The acceptance speech.

























Please see next post for the group shots.

Day 6 22 Mar 2006 LIJC Finals Cadogan Hall

A very beautiful day today - the sun was out and not much wind. Mom and I walked from the hotel to Kensington Park after having breakfast. There were people walking, jogging, riding their bikes, walking their dogs and just enjoying the sunshine.

Walked over to Kensington Palace where Princess Diana lived with Prince Charles and took pictures of the Sunken Gardens, the rear quarters and the front gate. Mom returned to the hotel because it was still too cold for her.













I continued on and took pictures of the Prince Albert Memorial Statue (below) then crossed over to Hyde Park and took pictures of the Marble Arch (lower pictures).
















There was a memorial fountain for Princess Di which I missed on my first walk and I had to go back and look for it. The park maps were not updated yet and I came across the temporary sign with the directions on my return trip. It was a very simple design like a circular pool instead of a regular fountain that's why I missed it.













I took the bus back to the hotel because the fountain was almost at the very end of Hyde Park which was a very long walk considering this was my second trip.

Took the bus to Picadilly Circus and waited for Alicia by the Eros statue. This is the main meeting place/picture spot for everyone and we saw a guy meet his date (another guy) with a tight embrace and wet kiss on the lips. We laughed at the Jamaican guy standing next to us who said 'He better have a million pounds to let him do that with me'.

Alicia took us to her favorite place for lunch, a fancy French restaurant which was a very short walk from we are. I had the wild boar loaf (can't remember the fancy name but it was good) while they had soup of the day for the appetizers. For the main course, I had chicken and they had fish. We all had the assorted sweets for dessert and it was very good.








Alicia took us home afterwards where we relaxed in her living room with some tea and coffee and then she entertained us with some harp music - very heavenly. I almost fell asleep after all that good food. They just kept yakking away to make up for lost time.








Took the underground to Cadogan Hall where we met up with everyone. Alicia's sister was there along with her daughter Jane and her 2 friends and also their high school who is a nun and on a missionary assignment in London. The Philippine ambassador and consul were there also slong with their wives. There were more Pinoys this time - I guess the word got around. There was even a rep from TFC that was shooting videos.

Please see next post for continuation.