6/27, 4:37pm: This will be my next-to-last entry for this leg of the tour as we have only tonight in Hong Kong and one show in Tokyo remaining. I will use my last entry to talk a bit about Tokyo and my final impressions of our month in Asia.
A few days ago we arrived in Hong Kong from Manila. I could not have been happier. Manila was, for me, the least enticing of our destinations. While the people were incredibly friendly and upbeat, I found the city to be an unhealthy (physically & mentally) mix of pollution, chaos, and extreme heat. I don’t think it’s at the top of anyone’s list as a vacation spot and I’ll leave it at that.
The show in Manila was a good one as far as the audience reception was concerned. I don’t think I’ve heard a crowd roar for “My Way” quite as loudly. Engelbert was treated to perhaps his most enthusiastic welcome thus far and I think that did wonders to pump him up. It was a larger hall that I’m guessing sat close to 3000. Worthy of mentioning is the presence of none other than Imelda Marcos herself who was seated front row center and accompanied by a small entourage. Other than that, a rather uneventful night. Band was okay, not great. I was perhaps less than okay since I seemed to be on autopilot again. I think the heat and the fumes from all the car exhausts made me lightheaded. Everybody was a little tightly wound the next morning and I think eager to move on to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong. In a word? Wow! The city is situated on a very busy shipping port that is not only a site in itself, but serves to add a certain majesty to an already spectacular skyline. I hope to get a few pictures (both day & evening) so that I can share the amazing scenery here. Our hotel is situated right on the harbor, adjacent to the convention center, with excellent views of both waterfront and skyline. Quite dramatic! Additionally, the accommodations are first-rate and I get the feeling that much of what happens between East & West -- at least business-wise -- happens right here. If anyone wants to know what Panasonic is coming out with next year, let me know. I’m hangin’ by the pool with these guys tomorrow!
The show in Hong Kong felt funny to me. They had us in a huge cavernous multipurpose building that could’ve doubled as an airplane hangar. The acoustics were horrible and clearly the place wasn’t designed for live music. Nevertheless, the crowd wanted us to do a second encore and practically wouldn’t let us leave. I guess -- bad acoustics and all -- we still came across.
I will be leaving Hong Kong reluctantly tomorrow morning. There is much here to soak in and, since I know I’ve barely scratched the surface, I believe I will return someday.
Tokyo awaits!
Stay tuned,
--Adam
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