Happiness Project 2014

21:38:00 APRILSKELTER 3 Comments

How is it that we are nearing the end of the year 2014 already? It felt like yesterday when I posted about my Happiness Project this year and don't look now because the happy pig is bursting with...well...happiness. (Eh.)


I kept the pig on my working desk in the office and my office mates knew about how I write the little happy things that have made my days and most of them were surprised to see that it was full now.
I am yet to read them all but rest assured that I will be posting my top favourite entries in the coming days as a part of my annual year recap.

This year has been tough and yet it's brought a lot of good memories as well. I am glad to have put most of them on a small note, creating a journal/diary in the most unconventional way. One of my officemates has suggested to put 20 bucks on every entry next year so that it will be not just the heart but also the pocket that will be full come the end of the year. I think we will do that but for now, a very merry Christmas and cheers to the new year!

Thank You, Lord for the opportunity to improve and to grow in love with You! Definitely leaving the bad stuff behind and my eyes are set to my goals this year in line with His ultimate plan in my life.

3 comments:

Discovering The Jason Mraz Genius (Jason Mraz and the Raining Jane inManila 2014 Recap)

22:20:00 APRILSKELTER 2 Comments

"You know what... Curious talaga ako kung bakit hindi mo type si Jason Mraz. I mean yung iba naiintindihan ko kung bakit... Pero ikaw?hahahaha. Weird lang kase you are into music. Annnd Jason's like a genius."

Jov has Facebook messaged me out of nowhere telling me this one day, of which I don't really know the answer back then. 

I told her then that it is not that I am not a fan of Jason's music but maybe it is just not the kind of which I would have fangirl-ed and spazzed over and over. 

The nonsensical side of me would say, "Oh yeah, I do not like him that much because he is not British." and knowing how fascinated with almost everything British I really am, that reasoning would have made real sense.

What's not to like about Jason, though? To me he's like what has been Usher and Alicia Keys to mainstream RnB, Taylor Swift (to younger people) to mainstream country. Jason Mraz is the "it" man to mainstream acoustic and you are (admittedly or not) a fan by mainstream default.

I knew a few Mraz songs and hilariously I told Jov of my favourites only realising after hitting send that I messed up the title of the songs which are supposed to be my favourites. Life is Beautiful (Life is Wonderful) and Make You Mine (Make It Mine). How crazy and bloody stupid is that? Too late to recall the messages I have sent ha ha.

As funny and embarrassing the conversation has been, I know I will have to blog it and tell the tale on day, when I am a full-pledged Jason Mraz believer, maybe.

Guess what? The day has finally come.

When I learned that Jason Mraz is heading to the Philippines for the 4th time, I am not so hyped, it was just another day. There is not much to be missed. Although, parts of me wanted to see him perform, too, because like what I have previously mentioned, I may not be a major fan but I knew he's great and at the top of the genre and it would be a pleasure to hear those few songs that I know in a live performance. The show was slated on the Thanksgiving weekend and I am pretty sure Jov and Lyn are not going to miss it and go VIP but I don't think I would go VIP given my stance so for weeks I am like "forget it, you won't get to watch." Unless somebody who's okay with watching from the lower box or general admission then....

Thanks to Jung Yong-hwa, CN Blue's frontman, who has recently seen Jason Mraz's YES Tour in Seoul, South Korea that has reminded one of my friends that Jason is having a concert in Manila as well. So Faye has asked me if I would watch the show and at first I was like, that would be cool but I am not sure yet. But in the end I said, YES. We even had a chance to go Patron at a very discounted price if one of our other plans/options has pushed through, but then, it would not really matter because I just want to be there. That's just it.

Everything (except for the Patron seat possibility) fell into its right places: I was able to go out early from work; it was raining that day but not to the point of getting the show cancelled. The least that I would want is for the Jason and Jane show to go Matchbox 20 on me (getting me hyped, with tickets and all and then get cancelled last minute because of a really bad weather).

The last thing that I know we were seated, chattering about a whole lot of other stuff, waiting for the show to start.
And then at exactly 8:10pm, the Raining Jane started their short set. To be honest, I do not know them or any of their songs prior to that day. I was telling Faye how I knew more songs from CNBlue's Wave (Japan Release) album than Jason Mraz's Yes and what a shame, right? I was even too busybat work to stream them on Spotify. But I was grateful to be there seeing this all-girl band play in full grace and passion. They were so good. Later it was revealed that they co-wrote Beautiful Mess and what do I say, I am impressed. 



I have a girl crush on Mona now because she's so much fun to watch while hitting those drums. Also, she's very talented, so as the other girls.


Then it is time for them to introduce THE JASON MRAZ and with so much glee, the first song that he's played is....la lala lala la la life is wonderful. Can you imagine my joy? I texted Jov right away because remember our funny convo (oh well, go back to the start if you have missed it)? Life Is Wonderful is still my favourite. *wink*

Then he went on singing a whole lot of uplifting songs from his latest record, Yes, some covers/mashup (and of course a couple of his all-time-hits much to the joy of this not-so-much-but-is-now-totally-smitten fan. I actually lost count of all the songs from the almost three-hour show.

It took me Quiet to fully realise how great he really was. I am totally blown away by  this song. It has made me think, dude, why did it take me this long before I'd get to really like you?



I love how he's handled the crowd with all of his banters ranging from funny, crazy to the most inspiring ones. He is such a pro at doing this thing that he loves. I believe this is the best perk that we concertgoers get: the banters. If you want to listen to the musicians might as well just plug in your earphones, buy/download/stream the songs online, right? But seeing them onstage and hearing the story behind each of the songs is another thing. And this is why all of the bucks are worth paying for.

Here I am to share some of my favourite banters (in no particular order):

1) When he has asked the crowd to breathe in and out, breathe in and in and in...and then out and said, "At least now you can say that the show is breathtaking." Yo, wordplay.

2) When they were doing all of these band pose and he's said how he's formed this super band called "Girls 2 Man" with the Raining Jane. He is such a funny guy.

3) When they showed the video of one of their trips to the Antartica, showing the wildlife and the effects of global warming with all those icebergs and stuff. The video is simultaneously playing and in-synched while they sing Bottom of the Sea live and it was really amazing. He's also revealed that most of the crew on their trip are Filipinos eliciting a loud cheer from the crowd.

4) Every single time that he's speaking Tagalog words/expressions ("Masaya ako sa aking pagbalik.", "Salamat po!", "Mahal ko kayo" and "Kitakits!" to list a few. Well, all of them international artists do that and yeah, that is quite adorable.

5) "Arms are connected to the heart" and the biology stuff made me really laugh out loud. Also, the cute, simple dance steps that he has taught the crowd.

6) "Have you ever been on a writer's block? No I haven't. The key to not have a writer's block is to write about writer's block." Let the words flow, write even the most nonsense ideas until you get into something. Just don't stop, he's said. This man, so positive as always. Although he has also admitted that spreading positivity and writing all about it is such a challenge given all the nasty and bad things that are apparently happening everywhere. "Sometimes even if seeing them happy is the only thing that's making you happy." Which could be quite sad if you'd focus on it but like he's said, never stop and spread everything that is good. I also liked how he's promoting farming and planting trees referring it as "our legacy to the future generations".

Funny side events that we had while watching are: these weird detergent smell like somebody's just started washing clothes during Jason Mraz's shoe or has spilled some soap somewhere; and these two girls who kept blocking our view that we had to use our ever reliable (flash) light sticks to shoo them away. Inasmuch as they are entertaining to watch, pulling off a fangirl vibe with all the dancing and movements, this is not what we have paid for. Anyway, we are pretty much enjoying the show to be even bothered.






Aside from Quiet which has been my instant favourite that night, these are some of my favourite performances of the night:

Lucky. With the Raining Jane singing the Colbie Calliat parts. It was a nice rendition. Maybe the only thing that one would not really like about seeing Jason Mraz live is that because he is so good and everything felt spontaneous and you knew that singing comes to him as natural as breathing, he tends to change the tunes a bit and make impressive runs and it is hard to sing along with him. (Basag trip ka Jason e. Di kami makasabay. Hahah.)

Mr. Curiosity. He slayed me on this one. So bloody good!

Three Things. What a way to remind us of the things that we should do when life falls apart. (1) Cry. (2) Close your eyes and remember to be grateful for everything. (3) Pause and take a breather. And know that there is still love. 

The Remedy (acoustic). The girls behind me are ranting that he should have done it in a more upbeat manner just like the original but to me it was intimate and perfect. 

I Won't Give Up. The crowd has started lighting up their phones/flash/light sticks during this song and what a beautiful sight. Also, this one's very heartfelt.

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday. He's change the lyrics to "it's so hard to say goodbye to Philippines" at one point and I think it is the perfect song to end the wonderful night.



Seeing Jason Mraz that night is by far the most impulsive thing that I have done in months and I have no regrets. Not only was I inspired but I felt recharged and uplifted. It is just the push that I needed these days and it felt good to be reminded to focus on the good side of life and continue to bring happiness not only to our lives but to the lives of the people around us.

Also, one does not need to be a major fan to appreciate good causes and awesome music. You just got to open you arms....because they are connected to your heart...and there's Jason Mraz to remind you all of that.

I am ever glad to have said Yes.


2 comments:

Day 4: Favourite Book on Your Favourite Series

19:43:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments


While most may argue that Ronald Weasley's character growth has been evident starting on Book 5, it is on Book 6 that he's got some major actions which makes it my favourite book of the Harry Potter series. Actually, that is just one of the many reasons why. There are so many great parts that it will take me ages, writing them all in here. And besides, i may have already posted a review (of the book and the film combined) long ago. Feel free to check them out, if you really are curious. ;)

You are a rock if Dumbledore dying did not make you tear up (well then, congratulations if you didn't). And Snape? Well the hate escalated but parts of me felt for him then for reasons I do not even know even up to this date.

It isn't a secret how I am a latebloomer in the world of Harry Potter and that basically all the books except the last were out when I got hooked with it. (But hooked to the point of madness, I was.) That being said, there has been a lot of spoilers everywhere (i knew Dumbledore would die prior to reading, blame my friend's unintentional slip up. Oh well) but it did not make me enjoy the book less. It was a great read and probably my most read Harry Potter book of all. And i would not mind reading it all over again.


--
Sent from Gmail Mobile

0 comments:

Day 3: Your Favourite Series

07:11:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments


Merlin's beard, if this is not apparent enough then you do not really know me at all.

I have been a fan of the series since 2008 and have already made multiple posts about the books and the films. Hands down, the favourite. The best.

Nothing ever comes real close.

Photo credits: The Simpsons wikia / charms from Google. See even The Simpsons could not help but read/make references about it! :)


--
Sent from Gmail Mobile

0 comments:

Day 2: A Book That You Have Read More Than 3 Times

18:50:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments


To be honest, it could have easily been Harry Potter for I have read all the Harry Potter books a couple of times I actually have lost count. It makes me wonder if I should have done the 30-day Harry Potter Challenge instead (who knows, I might). But since this is a book challenge, I will try (not going to promise) to mention different books from different genres, no matter how bizarre some of them are. It will give you hints as to where I spend my time if I am not wandering around Hogwarts and partying at Hogsmeade. Also, so that whoever that will get to read this may have something else to check, if they happen to not have read the books that I will be including yet.

That being said, of the many books that are re-read worthy, I chose "Stop in the Name of Pants" by Louise Rennison for the Day 2 of my book challenge.

Some maybe already familiar with the misadventures and funny antics of Georgia Nicholson as there has been a film adaptation of the first two books of this series combined. Also, with Aaron Johnson playing the "rocker, sex god" main man Robbie, it is one coming-of-age film that is not to be missed.

And so this book is one of the 8 (or 9, I am not so sure for I have not read them all yet) books of the Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging series which narrates the life of Georgia Nicholson in a form of a diary. There we will meet the Ace Gang of whom she considered as her best friends and the many boys that has been the apple of their eyes in school. It is quite amusing and relatable at some points, especially those "hebor" days when we are all pining for our high school crushes (assuming that you are also "human" enough to have crushes back then. Heh.) But could be quite unusual and sort of extreme given that our upbringing here (conservative) is quite different from the UK area (man, they have been rating men and their making out sessions) All things that are British kind of fascinates me, and it is just amusing to read all of that craziness especially knowing that we (or at least me and my high school buddies) are in no way making out the way they would at such early age.


What I may have not liked in this series is Georgia's seemingly greatest want to rush into womanhood and that it felt like she would drop everything, even her most trusted friends and family at one point, in order to be with the man that she likes. However, it did not progress into that which makes it a good read, a novel that is somehow still on the right track.

As provocative and liberated as the title of the books may sound (e.g. Knocked Out By My Nunga-Nungas where Nunga-nunga is a British slang for boobs, and I Am Now A Girlfriend of a Sex God, well, the almost tabooed S word is there, I need not add more.) the story and the flow is surprisingly light and funny. The characters are well-thought and they all seemed real. It felt like you are talking to this hilarious young lady with all her fabulosity and stupendous slang words that she and her friends are so fond of using.

What I liked the most in this book/series is probably Georgia's cute relationship (if you could call it like that) with her cat, Angus. Being a cat lady and having a pet cat myself, I just find it too adorable especially on that part where Angus almost died and then has recovered and how panicky Georgia has been during those times of breakdown.  *spoilers*

So yeah, if you are up for some light, fun read and into hilarious word plays,  then this one might be it for you. Just don't expect a lot on the moral relevance side (though thinking about it it may have tackled a few serious life aspects, but did not focus on it because maybe the story is really supposed to be light and just entertaining?). The story may not be that morally significant to some but it sure will make you forget your problems once in a while.

x


--
Sent from Gmail Mobile

0 comments:

Day 1: Best Book You've Read This Year

12:49:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

My reading timeline is so messed up, rooting from being busy on a couple of stuff, that I cannot always remember when I have read this and that. But thanks to Goodreads Reading Challenge (which reminds me, I'm still a few books behind of my 34 books read this year. Hah. I still have at least one and a half months, though.) that somehow it is easier to track the books read for this year.

And so, for Day 1, I am asked to post the best book that I have read this year. It was not that hard because there are only a few to choose from, really.

It was a close figght but runner-ups would be The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (How I love that book!!!) and The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan (a sucker for happy endings, as I have always been. I am going to miss Percy Jackson and Leo Valdez, but I do not feel like reading Egyptian myths just yet even though Percy and Annabeth's having some exposure in there as well on some crossover novel by the Scribe. Just not ready to delve into some series again, I guess. I still have some trilogy to finish reading.)

My top pick for this year has to be (also, the best book-to-film adaptation this year) Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl.

It is nothing that I have read and I don't have much to expect that it has left me mindblown upon finishing it. Mad props to Flynn for making these character seem real. It doesn't hurt as well that the actors have portrayed them quite impressively accurate on the film, just how I have pictured them in my head.

Both main characters, Nick Dunne and Amy Elliot Dunne will leave you on the verge of madness as it is hard to choose whom to root for. Both possessed equal love or hate vibe, darn them. One time you'd feel for Amy and then thoroughly hate her and that was almost the same case with Nick. They are like the perfect example for some imperfect souls that are perfect for each other.

In the end, though, I felt bad for Nick for all the pain Amy has put him through. But Amy being so badass (though psychopathic)....I don't know anymore.

"My gosh, Nick, why are you so wonderful to me?"

He was supposed to say: You deserve it. I love you.

But he said, "Because I feel sorry for you."

"Why?"

"Because every morning you have to wake up and be you."

Could not agree more.

What was your best book read this year?

x


0 comments:

Boice For A Day (CNBlue Appreciation Post)

07:09:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

Disclaimer: I may have already mentioned before (I don't know why, I just feel like reiterating) how I do not really fancy a lot of K-Pop acts because:

(1) I am mostly into homegrown talents/bands and/or Western bands. This may have rooted from my lyric-person side and partly being lazy, that I am into well, you know, into songs of which I can totally understand without having to Google their lyrics/meanings. There are a few exceptions, though, because I also listen to a couple of J-rock/J-pop/anime soundtracks...uh yeah, I know I have a pretty contradicting stance. But the point is, Nihonggo is easier to learn to sing and read and understand (that's just me, though haha) so I listen to them more, compared to Korean songs, at least. (Not until recently when You From Another Star is out and I am introduced to Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-Hyun and I downloaded the full soundtrack that I listen to Korean songs/ballads whenever I miss my favourite pair.)

(2) Make-up/costume wearing dudes dancing in-synch is not my thing, although one may say that I appreciate them an awful lot than one would have expected from a non-super fan. On a side note, I knew a few catchy songs from some K-Pop groups, too. I just don't dig them to a point of buying stuff and being updated all the time. (That Korean-related spazzing at the moment is reserved to Kim Soo-hyun alone. Heh.) And to me, I don't know if it's the same pretty, flawless faces and peculiar hairdos but they all look the same.

But as per my recent discovery, the entertainment value of their every show is so high, and the production and the effort from the performers and staff as a whole are really commendable, not to mention the heartwarming fan service every single time, no wonder many people from different races are so into them. To be honest, ten plus thousands for some seconds of a fangirl's heaven (fan service)? I swear I won't complain a single thing because the VIP area is just so worth every penny. 

Truth is, I am open to any sort of music. One may even get surprised on the huge range of genres that you will find on my music player. Not that I really don't dig K-Pop but in this case I'd like to think that I may not have just found someone or some group in the K-pop genre to actually like (a lot) and support. Like that feeling when you were introduced into something and/or someone and you knew right then that they are it? Not that it is a must to have one, of course, but there always has to be like the pillar of something, right?



I have always been curious about CN Blue and why my friends are so into them. I used to think, okay, another K-pop group, what's so special?

Answering my own question I have found out that unlike most groups, they are actually a band. They do not just dance but they can bloody play instruments!!!!!! 
I am somehow impressed....to think that I have not heard a single song from them then. I do not even know what their band name stands for. There is not much objectiveness and facts in here (you could go check Wikipedia for that), to be honest. But these are thoughts of a fangirl with an eye (and ear) for beautiful things and people; a girl who is into good music and the amazing people who make them. 


Jung Yong-hwa, lead vocals.

Being a noob at Korean dramas, I am not even really aware that Jung Yong-hwa could act. Even more so, that the Jung Yong-hwa could SING. In fact, I still have not seen Heartstrings (one of his dramas) yet. I figured (though my friends are not admitting it to me) that this show is probably the reason why Yonghwa is mostly their bias. Also, who would not love the frontman/vocalist? His voice is downright sexy. (That coming from a non-Yong-hwa stan, I swear, is something.) I only know a few songs (5 to be exact, but that is way more songs than any K-pop groups that I know, seriously.) but his vocal runs at Can't Stop and I'm Sorry are addictively good. He is able to elicit emotions through his singing without trying too hard. He connects with the listeners and you can feel his heart as he sing. And I commend him for that.


There is something so adorable with men with their guitars. No, more like real hot. I am not sawwry. ;)

Lee Jong-hyun, lead guitar/ vocals.


His monicker (Burning) speaks volumes as to what this man has to offer. To be honest, I find his voice more manly than Yong-hwa as he provides second vocals for the band. His guitar skills, as far as I have seen on their videos is not to be taken for granted as well. Clearly, you can see his love for what he is doing and that he enjoys it every single time they perform. He is burning with passion, is all I can say.

Lee Jung-shin, bass guitar.


Don't even get me started with bass players. They are actually my weakness. The bass to me is like the backbone of any song and they are as important as any other instruments as well as the other members. They are usually the most graceful among others, slapping the bass with ease. Moreover, they never fail to impress me. That is also the case with Jung-shin. He may look shy and mysterious compared to the other three (at least in the band photos), to me he's just as perfect and talented.

But. BUT....

Kang Min-hyuk, drums.




Of the many photos (that are not even while performing with the band ha ha), one could say I am smitten. If my bias in this group is still not apparent up to now, I do not know anymore. Kang Min-hyuk looked so pure and gentle with a smile that is so sweet as a boy-next-door could have. Maybe because of his The Heirs character (While my sister is so into that drama, I am actually not and honestly the only bright spot in there, for me, is the Min-hyuk and Krystal pairing, but that's out of topic. Going back...) I never really see him as someone who could be in a band; and that he plays the drums of all the other instruments, how badass can you get? In contrast to most drummers who are typecast-ed as the ones who are left out, being on the far corner of the stage while the front man is doing his thing, making fans swoon here and there, Min-hyuk is as if screaming for equal attention like he's holding a sign saying "Notice me!!!" and notice him, I did. 

From what I have already seen which is actually not that lot, my favourite video from them is I'm Sorry mainly because of the setting. The place looks grand. And they totally rocked the streets with the almost obligatory walk full of band swagger.
Concept-wise, that of L.O.V.E. Girl is pure win. Can't Stop could have easily been a favourite but (sorry, girls) I do not like Yong-hwa's hair in there (what a nonsense, no? Hahaha.) Kidding aside, they are easy on the eye. Easy to love. Easy to relate with even, if one would carefully listen.

So is CNBlue the one? Maybe yes, maybe no. To be honest, I could not really tell. But there is something special in this group that made them stood out for me and has made me blog about them. This is the least that I could do to show my appreciation for their craft (and looks) and talent for now. Who knows, I might get to see them when they come back in Manila? We'll see. ;)





End Notes: Credits to the original owners of the photos that I have edited/used. You guys are lovely. And to my Boice friends, this post is for you. ;)



0 comments:

30-Day Book Challenge

22:34:00 APRILSKELTER 4 Comments

I write/blog with the same reason as to why I read and that is to de-stress and detach from the world and to explore everything that are (maybe) not attainable in this world and life.

Reading makes you go places you never would have imagined. It is the cheapest way to travel, so to speak. Writing is a way of release, where you have the liberty to speak your mind out of the things you cannot depict personally. Both are like a mind exercise; a question of how much detail you can perceive and how much of those emotions you can express. They go hand-in-hand. They both give me the bliss.

And so, as I was browsing for some 30-day challenges online, an idea of doing a book challenge has sparked up my interest. As lazy as I really am that I am not sure if I can manage to update as much as I can due to many personal reasons, ever had that feeling of seeing something and then wanting to try it yourself badly? I think I may have found my blogging thing.

I will not be posting the summary of the 30 challenges/posts to be made in here, furthermore, there is no rule that is mentioned that the posts should be done consecutively but rest assured that it will be unveiled one day at a time. I am totally excited for the days to come. :)


--
Sent from Gmail Mobile

4 comments:

"I Am His Majesty's Woman." (Moon Embracing The Sun: A Review)

16:43:00 APRILSKELTER 4 Comments


I fell in love with a 400-year old alien not so long ago and yet my friends told me I should meet the legendary King as well. After denying him for so long (unintentionally, because of work? And a whole other lot) I am now ready to face him and faced him in 20 episodes no less, I did. Every friend who has seen this K-drama has told me that Moon Embracing The Sun is Kim Soo Hyun's best. Did it live up to my expectations and the hype?

First, a few things.

Credit: @actorksh's Twitter account. (Yes, that's his hand.)

4 comments:

Spiritual Gifts

19:29:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

We find God in the most unexpected places and there are just so many things that we could actually do to connect with Him as we continuously seek for Him in our lives.

Having a deep personal relationship with Him is one. Having people to guide you as you walk with Him is another. He uses people everyday and one is even more blessed if you get to find Him on your workplaces. I am blessed to be one of those. 

Who would have thought. I came to this company to seek higher knowledge in the field (civil engineering) that I am in. But as it turned out, it even became a way to ignite the desire that has already been there for so long. And that is to get to know the Lord and His will for me; even lend me His daughters (my colleagues) to guide me along the way.

Recently we had this activity on our care group where we have answered a Spiritual Gift questionnaire. It is quite simple, to be honest. You just have to fill them up with the most honest answers and then tally them and see where it would lead. But the results gave so much joy that the hearts could not contain it. It reminded me how much He love me that He gave me such wonderful spiritual gifts that I may have possessed long ago but never really put into good use, some I am not even aware that I have but is evidently showing, as per the people that I have encountered previously.

The top three that I got (due to a triple tie on the 2nd spot, I am to share 5) are: (1) FAITH, (2) MERCY, EXHORTATION, APOSTLESHIP and (3) EVANGELISM.

Oh how great is our Lord! It felt like He is calling me and wanting to use me in spreading His Love and His Words.

"I knew it. Your faith, ja. It's more than the ordinary."

"...Mercy is innate in you."

I am teary-eyed while reading my good friend/spiritual journey buddy when I shared to her about this piece of news. 

Do I really possess such gifts? Is it really in me? Am I worthy of all of this, Lord?
As my mind is being filled with so many questions it has dawned on me that I am already saved by His grace. I have claimed it long ago and yet why am I still doubting? Contradicting thoughts that lead me to the realisation that instead of questioning, I have to accept everything as it is. Give thanks to Him and glorify Him even more. And accept the challenge of leading not only my life but lead others as well into Him. The triple tie on the second spot constitute to only one thing. Even the third one is a part of that one big challenge. Through the said activity, I felt Him speaking to me. "Use your unwavering faith and mercy in exhorting people to know my Word, to live choosing Jesus as the center of their lives and be closer to Me."

I am excited. So stoked for all Your plans in Me. Thy will be done, oh Lord. Thy will be done.


--
Sent from Gmail Mobile

0 comments:

Of K-Drama Reviews and the Awesomeness That Is Kim Soo Hyun

08:30:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments


I was randomly Google-ing my daily Kim Soo Hyun fix one day when I came about this  ëŒ€ë°• site which features some real good (however biased) K-Drama reviews. Of course, it has sparked up my interest and so I checked/read a few and it was so nice it has inspired me to blog this.

Knowing how I don't really do series a lot (I am a bummer, as I may have previously mentioned in my old posts) this is something that I don't usually do. To be honest, the last K-drama that I did like the most and was able to watch the most if not all the episodes was Full House with Rain and Song Hye Kyo on the lead and that felt like ages ago. Hahaha. I did watch Tree in Heaven and Snow White, Sweet Love because of Lee Wan, who's prior to knowing Kim Soo Hyun, is my long time bias. You see, I did not know a lot of Korean actors back then and it's not that i knew a lot of them now; I am not even aware of Lee Wan's current whereabouts. Not that we are related and that I should know lol but in another universe we are together in the past and now...and now.. i do not even know. (delusional. Ha. I'm just kidding.)

What I am trying to say is that I am not into mainstream actors/shows that much (and Kim Soo Hyun is huge and practically well-known anywhere now). Lee Wan is a good actor (at least in my eyes) but he is, sadly, not on a superstar status in Korea, which is for me, selfishly is a good thing because there is lesser competition with other fangirls (Hahaha my logical self is on a vacation, bear with me). I only watch K-dramas (the dubbed ones) on TV when it is on. I don't even bother to stay up late to watch Jang Geum, Jumong, and the likes no matter how great they are, as my friends would tell me. Most K-dramas are on the late primetime slot usually, is why. If it's in the afternoon I am either in school back then or  in present time, working my arse out in the office so there is really not much of a chance to watch. The truth is, that is me to every TV series (not only K-dramas) in general.

It is not until My Love From The Star that I did bother to have the episodes downloaded so I can watch it whenever I feel the need to (read: miss my alien oppa). If you have endured reading this post up to this point, you can totally say that I am hooked with the awesomeness that is Kim Soo Hyun.

0 comments:

POTTED POTTER MANILA 2014

13:26:00 APRILSKELTER 2 Comments

I have missed their runs for quite several times in the past and I vowed to see them if they would ever come back. The lords of the witches and wizards may have heard my pleas and so this year, no dark forces can stop me from seeing Potted Potter as they hit Manila by storm again from September 30 to October 5. I am also blessed to have Jov for taking charge of securing our tickets early on. It was not easy, or so I was told, because tickets are mostly sold out but she managed to get us our desired seats (within our budget, of course) on the October 5th, penultimate run, much to our convenience.

Potted Potter, to those Muggles who may not have heard of it yet, is this theatrical production in London which gives its audiences an unauthorized Harry Potter experience via a parody of the seven books in approximately 70 minutes. Being a Potter fan, it is not one to be missed and is probably the closest to A Very Potter Musical (of Starkid Productions which starred Darren Criss as Harry freaking Potter, that I truly loved) that I could get to watch in the flesh. It is not a musical in a sense, but as I have found out, there is a really rad musical number in there and the actors, James Percy and Ben Stratton are equally awesome as well.

WHAT TO LOVE

The improvisations (as how it may be called in the theater world) and adlibs depending on the places that they have been performing to be able to relate to the fans/audiences more are very commendable. What to expect in Potted Potter Manila? Well, the walis tambo (Tagalog word for broom) for Quidditch is funny, especially saying it with their British accents that I really like. And Dobby dying after singing My Way (I'm not surr if everybody get the pun but I sure did. Ha.)

I love how the play is interactive, giving the audience a chance to not just experience the play but actually be in the play itself. Notable for this penultimate run is this cool, blonde kid (of whom Ben has constantly referred to as Draco Malfoy) and the sweet girl as Seekers for Slytherin and Gryffindor respectively.

"Then why are you working with him?"
"Because we couldn't get Darren Criss!"


The two actors totally complimented each other. Every banter, every character, every scene. One would wonder how are they going to pull it off? Portraying all of the major characters when there is just the two of them? That alone, to me,  is magic.

"You sounded like a Scottish Shrek, Ben."
"Donkey!"


The Golden Snitch = Bob The Builder on a nightout. But he sure is too adorable.
If there are some lows, I could only think of two things: the teaching/teachers reference and the mocking (kind of) of the Hufflepuff House.

Admittedly, they were not aware of how teaching is one of the most noble professions, at least to the Filipinos and I totally admire them for pointing out right then their lack of research regarding that one and for apologizing of sorts. 

"We'll send you straight to Hufflepuff!"  Like it is the worse House one would ever been. Although generally they are noted as the non-special ones, but they are trustworthy and nice, and hey, they are gems and Jo Rowling's favourite House. It should not be a big deal, I know, it's just a joke but I just felt like pointing that out.


All in all, it is but fitting for me to have witnessed a theatrical act of the Potter nature for the first time, just as the first film that I have seen in 3D is a Harry Potter film. Such milestones, eh? I loved all of it, really. It was a play full of laughs, and nostagia like reading the books firing up the fangirl slash booknerd in you all over again. Congratulations to all of the actors and staff! Sure it was memorable and one for the books. I hope to see them in Manila again some time.

x

2 comments:

Blogaway (Late Post)

08:07:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

Just posting a quick update since I haven't really been on in here a lot. Also, I am trying out this Android app for posting blogs and this is like a trial post. Haha.

BUSY AND NOT BUSY
I have been busy and not busy in the past few days/months, if that even make sense.

I guess I have been actively participating now, in Charlie's (from The Perks of Being a Wallflower) words. My mother project is almost wrapping things up and our schedule is not as tight as it was a few months back. We could even go kill time and hang at the malls (in my case, bookstores) after work since we can head out early (7pm). We could dine in and try on different restaurants and cafes although it also mean more of the money coming out than in lol but we all deserve a treat for working so *ehem* hard. It is, in my opinion, a healthy kind of overtime because it gives us more time for ourselves, hence, work-life-balance. I am beyond grateful as well to have a great working environment. They are all business when the situation require them to and yet they know when to take things lightly and most of all, have fun. Spending time with them mean lesser time to go online, compose stuff, draw/sketch, and read, but it also mean creating wonderful memories that not a single material/virtual thing on Earth could beat. Or maybe I am just plain lazy. Or both.

I am also, unfortunately, a bit out of the weather for weeks now. Pray for me that this is not something really serious and hope to get better come Bazooka Rocks 3 (August 31st). It will be hard to mosh around coughing, yeah? I really cannot wait to get better.

Since I have found this app of which I can use offline to finalise my drafts, it may also mean that I could post in here more. Not gonna promise anything, though. But it would be nice to be able to write again, no matter how short and random.

See you around!

PS: I have been into Instagram lately, might as well follow me there? It's aprilskelter. Thanks! :-)

0 comments:

I Wanna Be Your Last First Kiss (Farewell, Anberlin!)

08:01:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

That is one of the lines from one of my favourite Anberlin songs ever.
Was I bummed to have missed their farewell Manila show last night?  Totally.

Is it possible to acquire PCD (Post Concert Disorder) even when you were not able to go to that particular concert? Heck yes.

To those who may not have known, Anberlin is having their final tour before the band calls it quit. A mutual decision of ending a great era of musical journey and venture into different endeavors apparently separately. I have seen them once at Bazooka Rocks 2 last year and I maybe have gotten lucky even for I was also given a chance to meet (and greet) them. Being so bad ass and hands down talented, one can only assume how intimidating it is to get to talk to them face to face but heck no, I swear they are all genuinely nice persons, giving each fan on the line a hug and heartily talking to them about their humbling stay in the country. I maybe still in denial with the fact that they may never play together again in Manila, or anywhere else for that matter. But I am so grateful to have witnessed and grown to love the music that they have shared, the talent and passion that they have offered to the world.



Long live, Anberlin! 
Thank you for the music!


Credits to the awesome person who has uploaded this video on Youtube. What a tearjerker gem. I cry. I thank you.


"Is it over now, hey? Is it over now?" x

0 comments:

So Long But Not Goodbye, Alex Marshall

10:41:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

Bands' member lineup change is not really a new thing; it actually
happens all the time. Even with the almost perfect lineup of The
Beatles, there was also a point of whether or not to replace Pete Best
(who was then known and admittedly was the most famous among fangirls
of their era, among the other members) as their drummer. Of which they
actually did by the name of Ringo Starr. Some did not like it, some
hated Ringo for it, some stayed and supported until the Beatlemania
came to life and the rest as they say is history.

It is not the first time for The Cab, either. They have been into a
couple of member changes due to different reasons, the pursuit of
other career, be it still on the musical and/or other endeavors.

And then there was Alex T. Marshall.

I did not see it coming. Nor would have I expected that he, of all
people, would depart from the band that I came to love. I would not
have been so surprised if Joey or Dave did. Don't get me wrong,
though, it is not that they were not into the band as much as singer
or Marshall was but there's just a lot that's going on with Joey and
Dave that inasmuch as it is evident how they love to perform, they
have other stuff to divert their energies with. Joey for one, is into
arts, he even has an online shop for his artworks, doesn't he? But
Alexander and Alex? They could never do anything wrong when together.
They were like the original members (although apparently Alex Marshall
filled in around late 2000's. Was it 2008 or 2009?) and they would
never part ways. They are the perfect jam.

Or so I thought.

There has been speculations prior to singer's bomb drop (when he
tweeted about the album tagging Joey and Dave minus Marshall) and
Marshall's parting statement via the band's official Facebook page but
I was not able to put the pieces altogether until the day of the
Manila meetup for the annual The Cab Day celebration, when I came to
the girls and they were all like, "Did you know about Marshall?" "Have
you heard of the news about Marshall?" while in my mind I was
like..."What about Marshall?" I really have no idea and I still don't
want to believe it even after them letting me read the actual
statement that he has posted. What the heck has just happened? For the
first time in weeks, I was speechless.

I blame my social media diet, though not entirely for not being able
to keep track of the happenings within the band. But right then I
realised (1) Singer and Marshall have not exchanged tweets / talked
publicly in the longest while. I cannot even remember if Marsh was
able to greet singer on his birthday when last year they were both
having a blast at the parties; (2) no album update from Marsh when
singer would usually post song lyrics and teasers. (3) as the album/EP
release came near, and The Cab would post video teasers for the
upcoming album. But Marshall is MIA.

Maybe a lot of things has really changed. Different perspectives are
being considered and we all want to embark into something where we
could improve ourselves and pursue whatever that would make us live a
happier and satisfying lives.

I don't know what has made them drift apart, but I do hope that there
would not be any bad blood between the two of them, if there is one.
The friendship, brotherhood that they had is too precious should never
be put into waste. Which in a way has reminded me, in life we may get
to unconsciously hurt people, we may disappoint them, but in the end
we love and understand them beyond anything.

To The Cab, I know how hard you have worked for this day to come: when
the world is finally seeing all your efforts, that the world is
finally getting exposed to your natural talent. And we are going to be
with you, always, along the way. You make every bucks so worth it.
You've been given the power to inspire by doing what you loved the
most (to perform and create good music) and I'm forever thankful that
you are using the power well. I want to give you the warmest of hugs
if you ever (yes you will) get to tour in Manila again. I wish you all
the success.

And to Alex Marshall, it sucks that I wasn't able to experience your
best hugs at the meet and greet *lol* and I am yet to thank you
personally for the good things that you've given me, (inspiration,
love through your passion to your craft) but I'm wishing you well. You
are one gorge and talented guy. I truly believe that whatever future
plans that you have in mind, they will all be successful. You always
have my support. Always. Steadfastly. Endlessly.

With all my love, April

0 comments:

The Day I Fell in Love With an Alien Named Do Min Joon

17:20:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

I can only name a few Korean soaps that I've seen from the first to
the last ep mainly because I am too lazy to sit down and stare at the
TV or the laptop for hours. I prefer movies over TV series most of the
time. And honestly, I would rather read a book and/or communicate with
my beloved family/friends thru SMS or the social media. I am such a
bum.

I can only name a few Korean stars/popstars because to be honest, I
could not get myself into liking people who cannot express themselves
clearly using the English language. Sorry for being so harsh but I'm
just being honest. I maybe a bit Western-ish. I'm not saying that they
aren't likeable. They are. But to each their own. I have my
preferences and I respect yours so respect mine.
But still you got to admire their acting talent and the entertainment
that they can bring to each of their fans. I like Lee Wan and Song
Seung Hun to name a few actors. I cried seeing First Love (I'm not
quite sure if this is the title lol but it is) an ensemble film about
all the kinds of love (somewhat a Korean's take on Love Actually slash
Valentine's Day sort of thing but is way way better you guys should go
see it!). Miracle in Cell No.7 tugged strings in my heart. That film
is so beautiful. I know 2NE1 because Sandy is there. Come on, who
doesn't know Sandara Park, right? I love her. I've heard of BigBang,
SuJu, U-Kiss, Infinite, CNBlue... I have even seen 2PM live once. Oh,
and I like Nickhun. I've seen him in the flesh twice. He's so
charming.

And recently, I got hooked to this very light and fun soap called My
Love From The Star.
Blame Kim Soo Hyun's handsome face, sexy abs and charm and acting prowess.
Blame Jun Ji Hyun's comedic timing and beauty.
Blame the basic plot of a human falling in love with an alien with
lots of interesting subplot, teleporting and bickering that is very
easy to love.

Even my grandmother watches this show everyday. And because it has a
rerun every Sunday, it became one of our bonding moments because she
would usually remind me to turn on the TV so we could watch it
together.
"Matteo Do (Do Min Joon) na," she would tell me.
She even knows what's going to happen next (because she's seen it
daily) and it amuses me every single time when I would teasingly ask
her what's going to happen next (because I am at work and I apparently
have missed the weekday runs.)
"Magkikita ba sila?" "Nasan si Matteo?"
"Bakit nasa ospital si Steffi (Song Yi)?"

I downloaded some of the bloopers video on Youtube and I may have
fallen in love with the characters and the actors even more. They
seemed to be having fun and enjoying every takes. They bring out the
best in each other, and I guess that explained why the acting seemed
so natural. Not to mention they sizzle on-screen, too. The chemistry
of those two is just....too... It's like a match made in heaven.

I learned from friends that Soo Hyun can sing (oh right, Do Min
Joon-shi has a scene where Cheon Song Yi has asked him to sing for
her) so I checked his song off the official soundtrack and well....it
was..nice. I think. Heh. (I know lol. He may not be the best singer
but the boy can sing.)

What's even make me like the show more is the constant reference of Do
Min Joon to this children's book by Kate diCamillo entitled "The
Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" all throughout the show (because
he can relate to the main character from the book, Edward the rabbit
made from china). I have recently read it and I believe that it is one
of the nicest that's ever written out there. I could not thank the
show enough for introducing me to this precious literary gem.

Then there are the scandals (contract/endorsement related stuff) these
two main Hallyu superstars are facing. I feel sad for them for all the
hating that's coming from some people, but that is how it is. A day
would come and you'd realise you cannot have all the love. People are
going to judge. People are going to hate. People can be daft. People
would say pointless things. People will believe what they want to
believe. People will overlook and forget all the great things just
because of one decision that they'd say against their conventional
wisdom and thinking they know everything but clearly they knew nothing
about. They would just assume. Extreme perverseness that seemed like
one of human's tendencies. But unknown to them, they are just making
Soo Hyun and Ji Hyun even stronger, and loved by those who understands
and is open-minded enough to see both sides of the situation at hand.
And until the issue is settled, they would just end up vexing no one
but themselves.

As for me, I like Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun. And despite
everything, I think this appreciation would last for long.
Excuse me as I go read the book again. =)

"The heart breaks and breaks and lives by breaking.
It is necessary to go through dark and deeper dark and not to turn."
- an epigraph from "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane"

0 comments:

All Hail We The Kings!! The Complete Pulp Royalty Experience

17:02:00 APRILSKELTER 2 Comments


Hi there. So this is the "longer" version of the story that I sent to Pulp re: the Pulp Royalty experience, because 200 words are not enough to describe the whole We The Kings encounter. Plus I haven't really blogged in a while so this is going to be some major update for this online home.

It all started through a friend's SMS to me sometime in March telling me that We The Kings will be having a solo concert in Manila this coming June 7th at the SM Skydome. As soon as I was told, I texted my cousin who is a fan (She loves the band more than I do, to be honest) and it has been an agreement long ago that we are both going to watch and go for the extreme experience of being a Pulp Royalty when they come back. I knew how awesome the perks of a PR bundle was even before but it is actually my first time to grab one.

One April day, I decided to skip morning work to personally acquire/pay/reserve for our passes at the Pulp's office. We were the 2nd/3rd on the PR list, yep, we are THAT excited we have purchased our passes early on. What's next? We wait.

Zooming in to the day of the show: I'm pretty sure the line "She's the girl that no one ever knows.." from their song Say You Like Me would have easily been me. For I am the kind of concertgoer who's contented on the sideline or watching from afar (I am a proud member of the Team GenAd, you see), singing along, thinking that getting to interact with these band dudes/musicians would just be a major bonus, for it is because of the music that's gotten me hooked and it should stay that way. I am just that kind of music lover who likes to live in the moment and not just capture it, so the seat location is not much of an issue to me.

But being a Pulp Royalty has brought being a fangirl into greater heights. I get to meet them for the first time, hug them (Travis Clark is an excellent hugger. All of them are, actually), talk to them and personally thank them for coming here. Charles Trippy even kissed me on the cheek. **I know, right?** ;) I even made a banner the night before of which they've acknowledged as awesome, and I meant every word on it (with reference to one of their songs).

So now I FINALLY get to tell you about the Meet and Greet, yeah? I'm glad it wasn't much of a blur as a spur of the moment would go and that I did get to catalogue it well in my mind.

I learned from previous outings that:
1. You should relax. (No matter how hard that is.) They are humans, too (apparently). They are as normal as the normal guys surrounding you. Make the moment count by not freaking out and stuttering in front of them and ruining the short time that you are given to interact with them.

2) Be natural and interact. Nothing beats the simple random things done while at it. Those are usually the ones that we get to remember; and (as contradicting as it is)
3) Go crazy (the right amount of crazy). You paid to see them, remember? And by the number of people that they get to encounter, there's almost a huge percent that they won't get to remember the little crazy things that you would do/ask them to do. But despite being crazy we should also remember to be respectful and to know our limitations.

I made a small banner with reference to one of their songs off the Somewhere, Somehow album called Sad Song (Without you, I feel broke like I'm half of a whole / without you I've got no hand to hold / without you I feel torn / like a sail in the storm / without you I'm just a sad song) and the banner went like "I am a sad song no more because you came. Thank you, We The Kings." and the band has totally loved it!

I first showed it to Coley and then there's Hunter and Dan. I hugged them and had the copy of my magazine signed (because we were allowed to have at least one item to be signed by the band). I told them about how stoke I was for tonight's show. They told me they also were and that they loved my banner.

And then there's Travis.

Travis: "Hello beautiful, what's up? You're amazing. That's *points to my banner* amazing. I really like your sign."
Me: "Wow thank you. I'm so glad you're here. Thank you for coming." *while we hug* Congratulations on your engagement!"
Travis: "Thank you so much! I'll tell Jenny you said hi"

And then there's Charles.

Charles: "Hey. *smiles* (I couldn't get enough of that voice and that smile) how are you doing?"
Me: *as we hug* "I'm good. Thank you! So excited for tonight"
Charles: "Love this!"

**here goes the craziest thing ever**
Me: "Can you kiss me here? *points to cheek* because my friend has asked..." (And before I was even finished explaining he's already done damages to my already hyperventilating but well contained self, I fought hard not to kiss him back *on the cheek* ha ha kidding. Using the friend card may have made me looked like an idiot but what do I do, he's willing anyway hahaha. That kiss is for Bea, okay!!! The pleasure is mine haha.)

As Charles was signing my magazine I went back to talking to Travis and..

Me: "Can you sing Sad Song later? It's one of my favourites. Actually Say It Now is my favourite."
Travis: "Uh..."
Me: "Can I sing it (Sad Song) with you?"
Travis: "Sure!"
Me: "Joking. I can't sing (on stage, or I'd die) I can but *laughs*"
Travis: *smiling* "We can. But maybe you could go screaming More! More! then maybe we could go back on stage and sing it later"
Me: "Sure will do!"

Note: Sad Song isn't on the printed set list that the techs are giving away but they sang it and although it's probably pre-planned as part of the encore, still, my fangirl heart is happy that Travis has kind of confirmed it to me first hand when I asked him.

They were all too nice, all saying their "I love you's" and then my *precious* time with the band is up and the bouncer told me to turn around for the official photo to be taken and I asked them, "Can we pose like the Power Rangers?" And Travis was like, "How do we do that?" "Like...uh fighting! Anything," I told him. Charles is already doing a pose, with a completely derp face and telling me, "Like this?" "Yeah!"

I got pretty distracted by Charles' feet / kicking pose that I am not sure if I did get to look at the camera but as you can see, the official photos turned out quite funny and cool.



After that, I thank them once again before I leave my cousin's fate to them (she's next in line with me). One of the reasons why I went to the concert aside from the fact that I've been listening to the band for some years is that...my cousin really is an avid fan. As a very supportive cousin I wanted her to experience them to the fullest. It gives me joy to see my family members happy.

Nelle to Coley: "Can I touch your side burns?" :) :)
Nelle to Travis: "You broke my heart." (because of the engagement)
Travis: "Oh...you could be my "fiancee" too."
Travis: "Jenny is nice, you're going to love her."

After all the PR people had their turns, the band left to prepare for the show that's happening in an hour and Charles has stayed to shoot a couple of scenes for his vlog site. (Internet Killed Television -
CTFxC, of which I have recently learned about).

Then the VIPs are allowed to go inside the pit and guess where we ended up? Front row, center of the stage, baby!! Although I gave way to some fans and resorted to the second row most of the time of which I was totally fine. Travis and Charles were interchangingly performing in front of me, who was I to complain? Plus I just made sure that my cousin had the best location in the pit and it sure was.

One more thing that I like about attending concerts like this was getting to meet people of the same interests as you. I've met Sey, Keiko, and the best of friends Grache and Leah. One of which is a former classmate of The Cab PH street team's Lara (I love The Cab and I get to meet Lara this one time at a local Cab day event) and what a small world that is! Pretty awesome. It just eased the tension of waiting for the band to perform, talking and laughing about all of the stuff with these guys and I am so grateful.

Truth is, I am kind of worried about how the crowd turnout would be. The timing of the tour isn't really the best time because of the many other mainstream musicians that are coming to the country this quarter. Also, there's the BRF 3 event of which, I knew a couple of people who had, some had chosen to attend to instead of coming to the WTK show (10 bands against a solo act, well, that should be enough to make them resort to it). And yet, from the moment Travis hit the first lines of their first song, Queen of Hearts in all his might, I couldn't care less anymore. They came to play, they came to give the pleasure back to, in his own words, the "very reason that we are standing here in the stage" and that's US. From Queen of Hearts to Stay Young/Check Yes Juliet, they totally rocked.

Eighteen rocking songs that one could not get enough. The setlist is as follows:

1. Queen of Hearts
2. Skyway Avenue
3. Any Other Way
4. We'll Be A Dream
(with the crowd singing Demi Lovato's part)
5. Whoa
6. She Takes Me High
7. I Like It ("You are all so sexy." The way Travis has said this, ah dang it, too sexy. Not to mention the way he danced to it. Boom panes in front of me.)
8. Secret Valentine ("We wrote this song about sex *the crowd reacts* I'm just being honest. Right now, it's still about sex. *that half laugh is sexy*... Also, he must have been too impressed as the crowd sang along because a smile practically has never left his face.)
9. I Feel Alive (There was a moment there where he wanted the crowd of which we willingly obliged to kind of do a sorority squat, go lower and lower during the pre chorus and let the feels build up til the chorus where he's encouraged everyone to jump as high and dance wildly and go crazy. It was epic!)
10. Just Keep Breathing (One of the most inspirational songs that they've written, he's said)
11. Find You There (The look on their faces as the crowd sing along to every song is priceless)
12. Art of War (I have found out that it is initially written for The Hunger Games. The lines "I'm a soldier 'til it's over" though reminded me so much of The Cab at that moment that I cannot look at Coley for long because he and the keyboard reminded me so much of Marshall. Oh well.)
13. The Middle (Jimmy Eat World cover)
14. I'm Yours (Jason Mraz cover) (There was a funny banter moment where he's like vocalizing and the crowd went singing with him and he playfully went with it)
15. Say You Like Me
16. Check Yes Juliet (The crowd is unstoppable.)

Encore:
17. Sad Song (where Travis has messed up one of Elena Coat's verse/ girl part hahaha you're forgiven, Travis. It happens all the time. It was too cute, though)
18. Stay Young / Check Yes Juliet (best way to end the night)

THE AFTERMATH

So of course, it was so good that it has left us PCD-ing the whole week (even up to this date,). The following days are usually the time where you would realise the stuff that you have done, how awkward or embarassing or weird those were that you just cannot help but laugh at the memory. These are also the days where you'd find out if you've made it to the band/band dude's official "selfie" on the stage with the crowd and in this band's case, the precious vlogs (I figured I have embarassingly made it on Charles' vlog. Uhh well.) I have recorded a few videos from the show, too. Instagram-length-ed kind of videos, mostly banters (most of the songs performed will be up on Youtube, anyway) and been watching them almost every day since. Official photos were released. Reviews are up and you are reliving everything once again.

"Will you come see us again?" Travis, you need not ask. You gave us forever within the limited two-hour set, and we are grateful for that and we will be more than willing to welcome you again when you get back. I know Pulp would second this. ;)

Thank you, Sir Vernon, Ms.Happee and Pulp for this wonderful opportunity!

Til the next rocking concert! (Hello, Bazooka Rocks 3)
All smiles.

2 comments:

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

What's Inside....

xx


Me Before You
November 9
P.S. I Still Love You
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
These Inconvenient Fireworks
Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes
Six Earlier Days
Are We There Yet?
Confess


April Ann's favorite books »

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
- George R.R Martin