Kylie rocks!

... or not as some might (and did) argue. Admitted, she doesn't rock in a musical sense but she sure rocks the crowd with a stunning stage show, costumes, and her incredible voice! Kylie is a great singer, an actress, and an entertainer.

Not many good acts find their way to Manila. If they do I usually find out the day after reading the local newspapers. This time I had a two day knowledge advantage! The choice between the few remaining tickets was either very expensive (15K Pesos - roughly 250 Euro) or really budget (800 Pesos - 15 Euro) . I went for the latter and prepared well by bringing my binoculars.

Kylie's "Aphrodite Tour" lived up to its name! Diva Kylie stepping out of an open shell, Kylie on a winged horse, and Kylie on a carriage drawn by two muscular guys strapped in leather... Provocative dance choreography and daring outfits including gagged guys and half naked women. The whole show was sexual and sensual.

I was impressed and at the same time pictured the critical headlines in the papers the next day for "undermining the Philippines' Catholic moral". Well, as a gay icon she attracted a diverse audience and catered to all of us.

After a 1.5 hours non-stop show a complete different Kylie appeared on stage. No fancy outfits but simple shorts and a shirt. Engaging the audience she sang her old old songs, laughed hearty, and was as natural as she could be. One could feel she owns the stage even without a show around her. She is the show. A refreshingly natural one, too.