Songs of Abba: MAMMA MIA PHILIPPINES is extended

WHEN IN MANILA, you will feel how Filipinos deeply appreciate music. The Videokes and Karaokes along the streets and inside the malls are evidences of which. That’s why when MAMMA MIA The Musical arrived in Manila, tickets were quickly sold out.

I was so excited because I was one of those lucky ones to get hold of these golden tickets!

The show was scheduled at 8PM in CCP.

We made sure we arrived before 7PM to avoid the traffic.

TIP: A flat rate of Php 45 is offered beside the parking lot at Harbour Square. It is the one right across CCP. Just tell the parking attendant that you are going to watch a show at CCP.

There were already a number of guests in the lobby when we arrived.

Guess what?! There was a musical ensemble set up for the waiting guests.

It was definitely a great addition to the ambiance. This made the night more romantic, especially for those out on a date ♥♥♥

Aside from the entertainment, refreshments were also offered at the main lobby.

This was a life saver for those who haven’t had dinner yet!

The satellite bar served sandwiches (Php 125), pastas (Php 225), cakes (Php 105) and drinks (Php 50 – Php 120)

Of course, there were plenty of souvenir items to choose from.

Aside from the Programme (Php 500) and CDs (Php 900),

the next most bought item was the MAMMA MIA pink rhinestone t-shirt (Php 1000)

Cute shirt, right?

and YES, all major credit cards were accepted 🙂

Guests were already pouring in at around 7:40 PM.

Adults, teens and even kids as young as 7 years old were all very excited to see the MAMMA MIA MUSICAL.

I didn’t realize that the younger generation were into ABBA songs until that night.

The show opened promptly at 8PM with the Philippine National Anthem.

The lights dimmed and the curtains raised.

(photo by Jory Rivera from BroadwayWorld.com)

I got goosebumps as soon as I heard Charlotte Wakefield (Sophie Sheridan) sing “I Have a Dream.”

Her voice was magical. She was amazing!!!!

The fun and exciting journey began when 20 year old bride to be, Sophie, sent out 3 wedding invitations to her suspected fathers – Sam Carmichael, Bill Austin and Harry Bright.

The laughters continued as Donna Sheridan and her friends, Rosie and Tanya, were reunited.

I couldn’t help but move to the music as they sang the familiar SONGS OF ABBA like:

“Money, Money, Money,” “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen.”

However, It was not all smiles throughout the show.

I got teary eyed when Sara Poyzer (Donna Sheridan) sang “Slipping through my Fingers.”

This was the scene when Donna was helping Sophie get ready for the wedding.

I felt all sorts of mixed emotions to see Donna reminiscing how she brought up Sophie alone and then realizing that she was already about to give her away. *sniff*

Slipping Through My Fingers is the perfect mother-daughter song:

“I watch her go with a surge of that well known sadness
and I have to sit down for a while.
The feeling that I’m losing her forever
and without really entering her world,
I’m glad whenever I can share her laughter.
that funny little girl.
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
the feeling in it.”