You Make Me Swoon

This is so last minute because I found out about it two days before. And I wasn’t even sure if Marie is gonna perform too or if she’s just gonna do CD signing.

I had a class until 4:10PM then I still have to go home to leave some of my heavy things and eat a bit. Mae and I arrived at the mall a few minutes after 5:00PM but the show hasn’t started yet. I was surprised to see that there were only few people. We bought the CDs at only P250 each then we entered the venue. There were lots of vacant seats but there are quite a number of people standing beyond the border and at the edges of the upper floors. After a few minutes, Marie hit the stage and I was surprised about her beauty! She talked for a while and then played her songs from her album. I FELT SO BAD FOR HER. Why? Because almost no one was cheering or clapping their hands or showing interest! I really do not understand. The people who are outside the venue do not even know her and they have NO REACTION during the entire show, and when Marie asked the people on the 2^nd floor to clap their hands, again NO REACTION. I was like WTF. And even the people inside the venue, mostly, do not even show any sign of excitement! So yeah, I really feel bad, especially that she’s an international musician. ANYWAY, after the show, I got my CD and my giant poster signed by Marie herself, and the fans were allowed to take a photo with her, talk to her, and hug her! It was as if there were no security guards. This is the first time that I experienced this kind of CD signing because in the previous ones that I’ve been to, the artists are just gonna sign the CD then the guards will drag you away after. Marie is so sweet and down to earth!

*Thank you to MCA Music & Astrovision!

 

Blog Title inspired by the song: Swoon – by Marie Digby

Give Me Therapy

I watched All Time Low’s concert. The band was amazing but… something tragic just happened to me.

It’s my first time to attend a concert at the Araneta Coliseum. I’m a VIP ticketholder, along with my friend Iza. We were standing in front of our seats then suddenly everybody ran to the front because Typecast was about to hit the stage, so we followed. I managed to run to the center front, and there were only like 5-7 people in front of me. It was the craziest thing ever. The pushing was non-stop. At first, I was surrounded by some friends (even though based on our tickets, we’re supposed to be located a bit far from each another), so it was okay. But eventually we lost each other. Then I don’t know anymore. I don’t know how to describe what happened to me – a short, petite, fragile girl at a rock concert. I wanted to get away from my place very badly but I couldn’t really move. Thank God the bouncers were able to make most of the people return to their seats (or at least move or something) so I, along with Audrey and Chang who also couldn’t take it anymore, was able to get away from that hell. After that, we decided to just transfer to the Lower Box area. We ended up at the left section which is closest to the stage. There we joined Sage and Larence.

To be honest, I didn’t enjoy the show. Well, I love the fact that All Time Low is right there. But I was just doing my best to have a good time. So yeah, everyone else was having fun. I actually cried to my dad after the show (My parents were waiting just outside). Then I went home with 7 bruises.

After that incident, my dad told me that I am no longer allowed to go to any concert without him 🙂

(I don’t want to post any photos.)

 

Blog Title inspired by the song: Therapy – by All Time Low

3 Cheers for Mayday Parade!

I have been to some concerts before, and I admit that I’m not THAT huge fan of MAYDAY PARADE, but I SWEAR I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THEM BEFORE! (in a good way)

The show was just awesome. First of all, the venue (Meralco Theater) is great – the seats were elevated so with the height I have, I didn’t have any problem in watching the band the band perform. Then, the lightings were just fab! Then, of course, the band itself! I have to say that they are just beyond amazing! When I bought the concert tickets, I really didn’t know what to expect from the band, so I was surprised on their performance, especially with Alex Garcia & Brooks Betts. (I didn’t have much view of Jeremy Lenzo since he’s mostly at the right side of the stage). I’m amazed with these two guys on how they played their guitars! I can’t even find words on how to describe them! It’s just that, even though they tend to do a lot of techniques (if that’s the right term) with their guitars, and some jumps, they did NOT look awkward (because I’ve seen some musicians I love do the same and they just look completely weird on stage..) – same goes with the other 3 members. Even though they were kind of clumsy on stage, they performed with class. They did NOT look like try-hard rockstars, it’s as if being a rockstar comes naturally with them.

(photo taken by Jep Senir)

Today is actually the first time that I went to a concert without having someone use my own camera and ask them to take photos and videos. And so, I wasn’t able to take several shots because I think that it’s so much better to just rock out with the band. My favorite parts of the show are, first, when they played Kids In Love (my top favorite song), Terrible Things (one of the most heartbreaking songs I’ve ever heard – This was played acoustic that’s why the crowd can clearly be heard singing along. It just feels amazing when you sing the same words with hundreds of people even though you do not know all of them), and Jersey(the last song they played; one of my favorites).

However, I should say that I was a bit disappointed. This is because some of my favorite songs were not played by them – I Swear This Time I Mean It, Bruised & Scarred, Miserable At Best, Save Your Heart, If You Can’t Live Without Me Why Aren’t You Dead Yet? But that’s just how it goes. There are always these songs you like that doesn’t get included in the setlist. But overall, Mayday in Manila was an incredible experience for me. I actually met 3 friends during the show, and I met a new online friend who went to the same show, so it’s cool 

(photo by Jep Senir)

Oh, and ALEX GARCIA 
He was on fire on stage!

Good looks + great hair + skinny jeans + low-buttoned polo, all back outfit!So far the best guitarist I’ve ever seen live! I have no more words… He’s just amazing!

And now, as I am typing this blog, I am having another one of those “Did that really happen?” moment.

I would like to thank all the producers, promoters, organizers, crew, the band, and everyone who made this show possible. Also, my parents for buying me the concert tickets & supporting me throughout this event, and of course God 

July 7, 2011 – another night to remember for the rest of my life

(all photos in this section were taken by me)

Also, here’s a photo of the setlist which I took. This is just a photo, I wasn’t able to get one.

Other Photos:

  

 

Blog Title inspired by the song: 3 Cheers for 5 Years – by Mayday Parade

Party in the Philippines

This day. Was it real?

I saw Miley Cyrus to flesh. I didn’t even dream of seeing her personally. But it happened. I just can’t freaking believe it.

*my spot 🙂

I asked my parents to buy me VIP tickets, but they bought me SVIP tickets instead. I sooo love them! And yup I watched with my dad J Our seats were located on the 6^th row, centerstage, and the stage was shaped like a T! We’re on the 2^nd row from that extended part of the stage. While waiting inside the venue, I just couldn’t hide my excitement that I was acting a bit crazy and hugging my dad a lot. We were there a bit early, so I got the chance to hang out with my friend Iza. Then one of my blockmates sent me a text message saying that she saw me on tv! Cooool. Haha. I researched on it when I got home and yes there was me and my dad entering the venue! Here’s the link: http://www.gmanews.tv/largevideo/entertainment/82219/24oras-concert-ni-miley-cyrus-ngayong-gabi-na

To be honest, Miley’s concert is not everything I’ve ever imagined or wished it would be. In her DVDs, I’ve always seen a lot of effects like fireworks, cool lightings, and stuff like that. Her show in Manila is a bit too plain I guess, except for the backup dancers. BUT STILL, IT’S MILEY FREAKIN’ CYRUS AND SHE’S IN FRONT OF ME, AND SHE’S REAL – NO LONGER JUST A POSTER, OR A CHARACTER ON TV, OR A PHOTO ON MY LAPTOP, OR A FACE IN MY SHIRTS, PENCIL CASES, BAGS, ETC – SHE’S THERE BREATHING AND SINGING AND DANCING – AND SHE WAS SO CLOSE TO ME THAT I FELT LIKE I WAS DREAMING DURING THE ENTIRE SHOW – NO KIDDING.

Whew. I just couldn’t believe that I personally saw her, after admiring her since 2006. When my blockmate sent me a text message months ago saying that Miley is coming to the Philippines, I literally jumped for joy like a fool, in front of my mother.

One thing I didn’t like about the concert was the crowd. People from a big portion of the SVIP area are JUST SITTING, as if they didn’t care, although they were standing at first. But it was really disappointing to see them sitting. I wonder what Miley was thinking while she was performing. I understand that a lot of people, especially the kids, expected “Hannah Montana” but I think they should’ve showed a sense of excitement. I’m not bashing anyone here but I’m just really bitter and disappointed because most of them get their tickets for free and yet it’s like they don’t even care. Other people deserve their seats. But then again, life is unfair at times and there’s nothing I can do about it. What’s important is that Miley Cyrus actually went to the Philippines.

Tonight was EPIC. To the security guards and bouncers who let me stand on my chair, thank you. To the KJ ones, screw you. To the people who scream during Miley’s speeches and sad songs, screw you too. Haha jk. But well, I was kinda annoyed because I couldn’t understand what Miley was saying because of all the screaming. Anyway, thank you so much to my family, Music Management International, Futuretainment, Astroplus, the other sponsors/organizers/crew/every person who made this event possible. And of course, THANK YOU LORD!

(photo by me)

(photo by me)

(photo by Luiza Artillero)

(photo by Luiza Artillero)

(photo by Luiza Artillero)

(photo by Luiza Artillero)

In addition, I’ve been to a number of concerts, but this show is the first one that made me literally lose my voice! I’m glad my presentation in my Speech class is done! Haha. Well, I had a bad cough that day, so during the performance of the opening acts Sam Concepcion and Elmo Magalona, I couldn’t really scream. It was kinda like silent screaming and I was like “Why does it have to be today?!” then when Miley went on stage I screamed my lungs out and yup, voice came out of my mouth. The next day at school, I wore the Miley shirt I bought during the show. I was inside the elevator and then a girl, with some friends, went in, and she was also wearing a Miley shirt, with a different design though. And when she spoke, she also has no voice. We talked. Two girls with no voices talking to each other, then the people inside the elevator were giggling. Haha. It was  cool though.

(photo by Howell Santiago)

*I put two circles in the photo, Miley is the one in the bigger circle, and the other is me 🙂

*Thanks to Katty Lominoque for taking this photo!

*with SAM CONCEPCION

*with my dad

*with Luiza Artillero

*with Katty Lominoque & Pajee Lozada

Blog Title inspired by the song: Party in the USA – by Miley Cyrus

Like It’s My Birthday!

This is officially one of the best days of my life.
To start things off, this is the finals week of De La Salle University , so I have been very sleep-deprived since Sunday night because of exams and projects.
This day, I had a final exam in my major subject, Accounting, at 8-11am. And the next day I still have 2 exams, Business Calculus (8-10am) and Obligations & Contracts (6-8pm). But I was like, “SO WHAT? I’M GOING TO SEE GOOD CHARLOTTE!” So instead of sleeping and studying after my exam in Accounting, I went to Glorietta instead.

I arrived at Glorietta a few minutes before 4pm, then we asked where the Activity Center is (I’m not really good at remembering locations ), but then we heard Good Charlotte themselves playing I Don’t Wanna Be In Love (Dance Floor Anthem) for their soundcheck!  I was so overwhelmed! Then I saw Astroplus’ CD stand and bought one! After a few minutes of watching and singing along and screaming, I approach an entrance. Of course, I ask my brother to take a picture of me first by the tarpaulin. After reading what was written at the entrance, which says something like “Public Entrance (Orange Stubs)”, I checked the tickets that my dad got me. They were red tickets. After having found the entrance for this kind of ticket, I learned that what I have were VIP tickets! and that the numbers written at the bottom of each one of them were seat numbers! WOW. just WOW.  A few minutes later, my best friend Reiko (who was also with me at the We The Kings/The Maine/Never Shout Never concert) arrived. We stayed near the entrance and chat with each other. After a while, the band members went away to somewhere I don’t know lol (And yes, they walked right in front of me, I froze ). Since it’s still 4:30pm (which is 2 hours before the show) and we’re also hungry, we stopped by McDonald’s which is just beside the Activity Center. As I mentioned, it was my school’s finals week. I brought my notebook in Business Calculus (I can be a nerd sometimes, just sometimes ). While my bro & best friend were at the counter, I read my notes, but when they returned I wasn’t able to really read because I enjoyed just chatting and being with them (See, I rarely get to spend time with my best friend because we live far away, last time I saw her was on Feb. 20, the previous Ayala Malls concert), and of course because of the atmosphere. I was so excited for the concert, and obviously almost all the people sitting around us were also going to the concert (Yes, I can tell ). When we saw that the number of people were increasing, we went back to the entrance, and after a few minutes, they let us in!

Then again, I was shocked when I found out that one of our tickets is a front row seat!  WHOA! Although it’s at the right-most side, but still, it’s FRONT ROW!  I was like, “Is this real?”. After having realized that I wasn’t dreaming , I took my seat. Reiko’s seat is located behind me, and my brother’s behind her. There was a fan located almost beside our seats, and my bro and best friend was feeling cold that they wanted to put it to a different direction. The three of us were laughing because of it (I was facing them), and when I looked back, the security guard was smiling/laughing at us! then we thanked him after he put the fan into an upward direction. And that’s when the funny story started. I wouldn’t write everything because this blog will be a lot longer, but the main thing is that I became friends with the security guard just through chatting with each other, he even teased me (when I took out and read my Calculus notebook) that the next day I would answer Good Charlotte’s name in my exam .
At 6:30pm the show started! I don’t really know the exact words I should use to describe their AWESOMENESS. They’re just AMAZING. If I may describe it in Filipino, I’d call it IMBA (It’s a term coined by online gamers, short for ‘imbalanced’, which means like ‘too good’ or something, as I said I don’t have the words! ). It was CRAZY, the crowd really went WILD. And the way that Good Charlotte performed, it’s so PROFESSIONAL. I mean, if you were really able to watch them, you’d know that each one of these skilled musicians really know what they were doing. Teamwork is also evident. I’ve seen a few international bands before (which I’m a HUGE fan of) but Good Charlotte’s performance is WAY BETTER than theirs. I say, IT’S OFF THE HOOK, MAN! I loved and enjoyed every second of their concert. One of my favorite parts was when they performed THE ANTHEM, the first one, and at the last part 4 of them jumped altogether twice! (Here’s a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3dC-leXm6k). that was just WOW.

Another part of the show where I truly enjoyed was when Joel and the crowd were like:
Say YEAHHHHHHHHH!!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
YEAHHHHHHHHH!!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
Say OHHHHHHHH!!! OHHHHHHH!!!
Say OHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! OHHHHHHHHH!!!
Say OKAYYYYYY!!! OKAYYYY!!!
OKAYYYYYYYYY!! OKAYYYYYYYY!!

I screamed at the top of my lungs. That was SICK! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to record it.
That was just AWESOME!

And well, the show ended at around 8:00-8:30pm I guess. THEN THIS IS THE AMAZING PART. After the show, we were sitting at the venue, resting, waiting for the Meet&Greet to end, so that the CD signing will start. Then, when the Meet&Greet session was about to end, the security guard I was saying approached us! He said “Oh, andyan pala kayo! Tara!” (not really the exact words – “Oh there you are, come on!” HE LET US LINE FOR THE MEET & GREET!!!!! HE TOLD THE OTHER GUARDS “LET THESE GIRLS IN, OKAY?” And so we went in. When it was almost our turn, some guys asked me and Reiko where we got the YELLOW STUBS (M&G pass), and since we didn’t have one, I didn’t know what to answer. Luckily, the people-in-charge already called us because it’s almost our turn. And yes, I wasn’t able to answer. When we’re about to go on stage, the lady asked us for our yellow stubs, I literally froze for a few seconds. (Deep down I was like “OMG I don’t have one *cries* and I thought they wouldn’t let us in). FORTUNATELY, the people are all in hurry so the other guys with that lady told us to go on stage now, and so we rushed there.

I’M SPEECHLESS. I met the awesome GOOD CHARLOTTE and was able to talk to them for a few seconds. Yes, it’s only for a few seconds but as a fan, it means THE WORLD to me. The first one I was able to talk to was BILLY, and since I was starstruck, again I froze for a while that he had to tell me to move . Actually, after shaking his hand, he pointed to the direction where I’m supposed to go which is to his left  And so I moved and went face-to-face with PAUL & DEAN. I waved at them and said a few words (which I already forgot). Then, BENJI !!! Still can’t believe that I was able to hug him! He’s officially the first musician I hugged. I was out of my mind that time that I don’t even recall what happened next between me and JOEL (the next in the line). MY GOSH. I really really don’t remember anything after that heavenly hug! I’m so bothered by this, maybe I wasn’t even able to say hi or something. I really don’t know! (Joel, if you’re reading this I’m sorry, but you should know that I LOVE YOU!) Btw, before I got to Benji, they took a picture of us! AWESOMENESS!

Reiko and I went to my big brother after that wonderful moment. My brother told me that I have a SMILE FROM EAR TO EAR while I was onstage, and he said that obviously I was confused ’cause I looked like I didn’t know where I’m going Well, can you blame me?
After that, we looked for the kind security guard who let us in, and THANKED HIM SO MUCHHHHH! I never dreamed of what just happened. Just like what was said in the movie (forgot the title), “Lord, I only asked for bread, but you gave me burger, with fries!” 

After that, we lined up for the CD signing. It was cool because the people in the line are very calm. (I mean, compared to Metro Station’s chaotic CD signing where people kept pushing). And it was AMAZING because I got to see them again! I was suppose to ask them to also sign this GC concert flyer, but the people told us that only the CDs are allowed to be signed. And WOW, I love the silver pen that they used! It’s amazing! I remember I was able to shake someone’s hand that time, but again I DON’T FREAKING REMEMBER WHO’S HAND IT WAS . Then when I got in front of JOEL, I was like “HELLOOOOOO!!!” and he SMILED at me! Aaaaghhhhh!!! . And for the second time, I FORGOT WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN ME & BENJI. (Dear Benji, blame your brother!) LOL JK. WOW. just WOW. Was that real? When I went out of that booth or something, I was literally jumping for joy! OH YEAH!

Since we were still full of energy that time, I asked my brother to take photos of me & Reiko by the tarpaulin thing. After a while, there’s this guy who is working for the concert, I mean, I think he’s one of those who set up the stage and stuff, who was selling us a GC guitar pick! At first I thought he was lying, but where else would he get it, right? He was selling it for P200, and I asked if I can buy it at P150, he agreed. After claiming ownership over the said guitar pick, I looked at the back of it, and it has the GC logo! So, I’m glad that I bought it. After a while, there was also another guy who was doing the same as the previous one, this time, Reiko bought it at a same price. This second guy priced it at P300, but we said that we were able to buy one which is half of its price, and so he agreed.

THIS DAY IS JUST SO EPIC. The only things missing were: hugs from BENJI, BILLY, PAUL, DEAN; DSLR cameras for HD pictures & videos; and performances of LET THE MUSIC PLAY & COUNTING THE DAYS. I hope that when they do return, they’ll include those in the set list 

Also, I almost lost my PEACE bracelet during the concert. The string was untangled and it fell behind the barricade. So I asked that guy to get it for me . One thing I regret about this day is not having anything to give them just as I planned. I always wanted to buy and give some Manila memorabilia or anything to foreign musicians, but see, all the concerts I’ve been to don’t really match my schedule. But there’s always a next time, right? 

My brother and I arrived home at around 11pm. Then I studied until 3 in the morning for my exam at 8am  The next day, I can’t help but brag to my friends about what happened.

FRONT ROW LOCATION + AUTOGRAPHED CD + GUITAR PICK + MEET & GREET W/ HUG & HANDSHAKE + AMAZING, AWESOME, BREATHTAKING PERFORMANCES = What more can I ask for?!

Again, I would like to thank MUSIC MANAGEMENT INTERNATION & AYALA MALLS for making this happen. And of course, to my dad & his friend for the VIP tickets, and to the kind security guard. Also, the GC crew and the behind-the-scenes people. Above all else, I would like to thank GOD for making this event possible! 

(photo by me)

Blog Title inspired by the song: Like It’s My Birthday – by Good Charlotte

Shake Shake Shake It!

[edited last June 11, 2012]

June 12, 2009

I actually got to see my favorite band, Metro Station, perform live at Alabang Town Center . When I heard that they were gonna perform here in the Philippines, I told myself that I had to be there NO MATTER WHAT. When my big brother first told me about the news, I didn’t believe it until I saw the commercial on Myx. Oh my god it’s true. I came to see them even though I was sick at that time. I think it was the time when there was this H1N1 virus thing? I was so sick that I actually almost stayed home. I was still lying in bed, then my parents and my brother are dressed up and they were like, “Let’s go!!!” I love them omg.