Jayjay Helterbrand, One Last Ride

13:14:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

It still has not fully sank in, no wonder I have not been blogging about my Jayjay Helterbrand retiring from the league after playing for seventeen years. It feels like something that you have seen coming, but nothing can prepare you emotionally when it's finally came.

What a ride.

It's not until Mark Caguioa, his best friend-slash-on-court-partner has posted about using the number 13 jersey as a tribute that it felt like..... okay, this is really happening.




I realised I have been supporting him half my life and watching basketball will never be the same now. Even when he's met with couple of injuries and had to sit down for most of the time, it still feels different because this time, even when he's recovered and healthy, I have nothing/ no one to look forward to as he has already retired. It's also all I ever write about before; compiling and transcribing his old interviews, news articles and such, up to tribute poems (cringes haha I am definitely so whipped).

However, I'd like to focus on the good things instead of sulking so here it goes. (I believe the fan girl in me has mellowed in time and it is for the better.)

He's that crush who's making me freeze like the Harry Potter to Ginny Weasley in the second Harry Potter film (I wish I was kidding but it has happened). He still can make me blush at the same time he can make me scream my lungs out cheering for him as he goes up and down the court and hitting those glorious three-pointers and drives.

His career has been one of the most celebrated and I am way too proud to be called one of his fans.


  • 2009 Most Valuable Player
  • 6x PBA Champion (Ginebra Gin Kings)
  • 1x Finals MVP
  • 2x Best Player of the Conference
  • 7x PBA All-Star participant
  • 2x All Star MVP
  • 2x Mythical First Team
  • 2003 Mr. Quality Minutes
  • 2005 Comeback Player of the Year
  • 2005 MVP - Brunei Sultan Cup
  • One of PBA's Greatest Player of ALL Time
Above all, knowing God is probably his best achievement to date. I am glad to know him through his party-ing days up to the Man of Faith that he is now. He's inspired me more than one can ever imagine and I am glad that I chose to support someone like him. 

While there will never be another Jayjay Helterbrand, he's taught me so much and I'll probably pass this Ginebra loyalty up to my future children and grand kids. I just love him so much.

Thank you, Jay. For the inspiration, for inculcating the never say die attitude in me. For not giving up. For reminding me that God knows what's best and He's to shower us with goodness and He'll give the desires of our hearts in His own time.

Thank you, Jayjay Helterbrand. You've worked so hard and now...

It's time.

Happy retirement, love.

See you around. x


***

Unnecessary additional note: My Instagram handle is actually a word play of one of his famous monickers, "Helter-skelter". (My IG handle is aprilskelter). Which reminds me, I am glad he's active on that social media account of his that I am not missing him too much.


A post shared by April Ann (@aprilskelter) on



0 comments:

Season's Greetings!

14:05:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

Like any other relationship, friendship needs effort for it to be able to work. I am glad to have these unique individuals who, you could be at ease with and  trust with all your quirks and collectively allows you to be your most real self. 

It's not every day that we can make our schedules meet so we basically make the best out of the time that we have. Also, we try to make it more fun and memorable each year.

We've all been notorious when it comes to theme parties. We always came up with the unexpected yet ridiculous ones. I can still remember when we had a Protege-inspired one where we just sing our hearts out (nothing out of the usual). Some concepts are also just very random like when we decide to (kind of) cover Katy Perry's Roar and bam! It became a thing. We went real hard last year when we did a zoofari party, with the costumes, photoshoots and games (made possible by the group's hermano for the year, Lee Jordan). Competitive sides were shown and it has been a good two-day bonding time away from the stress of the city. Plus we had a real good time with our unique gift-giving.

We call our circle The Gryffs, apparently Harry Potter-inspired because I can be very persuasive, they are fans, too and we tolerate each other's shenanigans most of the time.

Speaking of tolerating each other, Freda has been on a K-Pop high since accompanying her niece Poela to watch BTS on their Wings Tour in Manila and so we had this last minute BTS-themed party. Originally, the theme was just to wear a color that starts with the same letter as your name (which has also showed our creative/resourceful side, to be honest as this was discussed only a day before the actual party):

Maco - Mysty Pink, Maroon, Magnolia
April - Amaranth, Amber, Ash
Marc Kenon - Mint Green
Elaiza - Electric Yellow
Clarissa Andrea - Chartreuse Green, Coal Black
Joejarie - Jungle Green
Roy - Royal Blue

But then we are seven (BTS is, too) and so WHY NOT?

Here we are. Gryffs as BTS. Or at least, we tried to be.


Gryffs as BTS! (Almost nailed it. Ha)
Left to right: Jungkook, Taehyung, Seokjin, Jimin, Yoongi, Namjoon, Hoseok

It also came in handy that we share a bit of the member's personality/trait that it's easy to be in character except for me and Freda because we chose our faves beforehand but it still fit as we apparently have chosen those members who are from the same origin (Daegu) and then just picked whose member relates to the other five the best.

Freda (Maco) is Suga / Min Yoongi as she is sweet like sugar. Ha!
Georgia (me) is V / Kim Taehyung, with our love for art and visuals.
Suga / V

Freda / Georgia


Dean Thomas (Kenon) is J-Hope / Jung Hoseok as he is the best dancer.
Parvati (Elai) is RM / Kim Namjoon as she is the best rapper (apparently, from our previously held party) and she's the leader who has taken charge for next year's. The biggest one yet (fingers crossed).
Everybody likes Ginny (Andrea) which is fitting for her to be Park Jimin.


Namjiseok.

Hagrid (Roy) is Jeon Jungkook as he is our best singer.
Lastly. Lee Jordan as the worldwide handsome, Kim Seokjin. Because. 

Jinkook.

This is them now. Feel old yet? ;)

I have like a ton of blog updates to post (Jayjay Helterbrand's retirement that is still yet to sink in, CNBLUE's Between Us in Manila recap, matcha-dventure, life updates in general) but I cannot seem to finish them as December is really eventful with the looming holidays that are best spent with loved ones and really, it's been quite a busy couple of days at work, not that I am complaining. Hopefully I could get them up before the year ends but if I happen to slack, let's just say I had fun "living"and experiencing life and I am forever grateful for the year that it has been. While it isn't all great and there's still anxiety creeping in the most unexpected times, we live for the good times/moments and that's what I'd like to focus on.

I wish the same for yours. I pray that you're living the life that you always wanted, or at least on your way to achieving your dreams. I pray that you've found the people that you'd like to keep along the way. I pray for peace and contentment in your heart. I pray for an even better 2018 ahead.

Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. (Hebrews 10:24)



NAILED IT.

Merry Christmas!
Cheers! x




0 comments:

Top Ten Highlights of David Archuleta in Manila 2017

13:11:00 APRILSKELTER 3 Comments

It is pointless to deny how much I have missed him. Because I really did, miss him. And this is where I apologise for the lengthy blog post that is nothing but fitting to cover the past five years since I last saw him.

Who is him? David Archuleta, of course.

Just when you thought you've overcome the fangirling phase, David Archuleta comes back and awakens your every being. It feels like being 17 all over again.

The Philippines has always been so special to him as the Filipino fans are such resilient and supportive bunch from the start of his career up to now. That love has never wavered even when he was away for his Mormon mission and through the whole process of coming up with a new album. It is not surprising when the Manila show was announced.

So, here I will be listing my top ten moments from the Archu-week that it has been (I have not used that term in years but might as well go large!)


***

10. Postcard in the Sky is released!

After two wonderful EP's Leo and Orion, David has finally blessed the world with an LP called Postcards in the Sky and what's the best way to spoil the Filipino fans but to set its release date on the day of the Manila concert itself, right? PCITS may have to be my favourite DA record as it speaks so much of how David and his music has grown through the years and it tugs so many strings in the heart of his struggles and realisations from his Chilean mission and life as a whole. My top picks are Cracks of Heaven, Aiming For Hope, Someone to Love (Ooooh, have you found the one then? hmm?), Upset With Me (intriguing) and Seasons (such emotions).

Do check it out on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon !!



***

9. Instagram Stories!

He's late to the fad given the time that he's spent out of the limelight but on a brighter note, he's been updating an awful lot on his Instagram now, too much to everyone's delight. From the airport with the fans up to the food (tapsilog and halu-halo, anyone?), you're doing amazing, sweetie.


***

8. Radio/TV Guestings galore!

When I learned that he will arrive on a Monday when the show is set on Friday, I should have known that there will be loads of promotion but it has never prepared me for the mass of radio and TV guestings that I have not caught up on even up to this date.

My favourites so far (I'm really yet to catch up) are the following:
Brgy LS FM radio guesting where he's been such a goofball, interacting with fans, dancing to Baby Shark and saying "petmalu lodi". 




'Up All Night' acoustic performance at the Wish FM Bus




 Rappler Live Jam's Crush (this brings all the nostalgia)




BONUS! The When in Manila Emoji Challenge (He doesn't age, man.)



Thank the heavens for jackryan for coming up with a playlist of all of his TV/Radio exposures and you could binge-watch it here (if you still cannot get enough of him and you miss him).


***

7. Holt Philippines

David with kids. That is all.

Yesterday we went with our friends at Holt Philippines (Holt International) to visit the different foundations they work with, including (going in order of the pictures other than the 1st one) a home for single pregnant mothers that are alone, orphans that they've helped receive scholarships and support, a community school for little kids, and families that have benefited from the schools. As we've been partnering with Holt in our shows, it was amazing and touching to see more hands-on what they do for kids from the beginning of their lives to adulthood. I also got my first tricycle ride with one of the dads of the families we met. The first picture is with my new friend Rafa who rode with us and was sad when we had to leave 😢. He was adopted by one of the staff members that was with us. Holt finds homes for orphans but also prevents that need by strengthening homes and communities. I really hope to adopt a kid someday when I have my own family. Until then I hope to help however I can. Saturday we met with many from the Nandito Ako family! (The mini-series we filmed last time we were here) As we leave the Philippines, I reflect on all these great new memories I'm taking home. The last photo is with some of the Ovation Production crew who took such wonderful care of us! Salamat Philippines!! Until next time! To find out more about Holt, check out Holtinternational.org #philippines #holtinternational #holtphilippines #kaisahangbuhayfoundation
A post shared by David Archuleta (@davidarchie) on



***

6. An Archuleta Philippines reunion!

This is what I have been looking forward to the most, if I am being honest , aside from seeing David perform, of course. I have been friends with these people for years and you kind of seen them grow along as you would. From student fangirls to young professionals, we've stuck with each other and we have David's music to thank for that. Some of them I even have met in person for the very first time, would you believe? It felt like you knew someone from every row and that is quite cool.



I had to grab the chance and take photos of them, meet & greet style haha. Thank you, Caren!

2011.


2017. Nothing much has changed....except...we struggle to fit on one frame now. haha


The team even had a really special Postcards fan project and David loved it. 




***

5. Cover the event as a "media person"

When Kuya Jayson Paor of MNL Online News has offered for me to kind of cover the event months before the show I was like, are you kidding me? Is this for freaking real? Not only would I get to see David but I would also get to write an article about him? He's been a long-time friend of mine (aka I have been bugging him since his Bands magazine editor-in-chief days aka high school days when song magazines are still a thing and I have loads of Bands mag at home. I am basically a huge fan of the publication and OPM bands and the scene as a whole. And it is not a secret that I am also into writing/blogging. Moving on...) though we are yet to meet in person. He and my friend Caren (who covers stuff for Manila Concert Junkies) have also met even before we get the chance to. ANYWAY, to cut the story short we are supposed to meet on the concert day but he has to attend to some more important things.... but I still get to cover the event.


I tried to not sound too biased (making this one of the hardest things to write) but I mean, you know, David.... is perfect. He he. (nope, but yes)

You can read the recap of the night here and I cannot thank Kuya Jayson enough for this wonderful experience and for basically making one of my dreams come true.



***

4. Hashtag friendship/fangirl goals with Caren!


Our love for music has paved the way for us to meet and we've been hanging out, eating, traveling together despite her residing in the East and me being a North girl. We used to attend concerts and festivals together in the past but never would I have thought that the first event that Caren and I would get to cover together (albeit for different websites) is at one of my most favourite musicians’ gig. From fangirling together to covering events together (still fangirling, but she gets to take photos and I get to write articles this time haha). We certainly are feeling it!

I still cry. THIS REALLY HAPPENED.

#frenshipgoals

***

3. THE CONCERT EXPERIENCE

David is such a talented musician, that's a given and he's making every performance a remarkable experience. He sounds just as impressive as the studio version, every melody sung so heartfelt and he gives long and personal banters and engages with the fans every single time. It is, however, not a David show if he doesn't mess up with his lyrics or his keys when he plays but it is the spontaneity that's really one of his admirable traits whenever he performs on stage. 

I did not take a lot of photos and videos as I want to live more in the moment, singing and dancing along with my friends. It is one of the most memorable concerts that I have attended, ever.


'Try to reach out to you, touch my hand..'

'Is this quiet enough so people can hear the real message?'


***

2. OPM Songs

He has released an all OPM song-record after all and it is but fitting to sing them for the Filipino fans. What an emotional night! He even cried during Nandito Ako, overwhelmed by all the support that he's been getting even after all these years. (We still love you, David. We never stopped.)


Credit: Thank you, Tita Naree for capturing this endearing moment.

Last but not the least,

***

1. Meet him (again)
It was never planned. AT ALL. I'd like to think that it really is just meant-to-be. I've resigned to the fact that I may not be able to join in any of the festivities given the day job and adulting stuff and all but it is like we really are bound to meet again at one point.

So our friends from AP have been planning to welcome him in two groups: the airport and the hotel and luckily I just got off from work when it was confirmed that his official residence for the week-long stay is going to be just a block away from our office and so, still in my uniform, off to the hotel I went to join the team.

We have the humongous welcome back banner but we were not able to show it to him. We could have missed him in seconds as he's arrived while Jenna and I were still at the girl's room but even though he's just came in from a long flight, he's gladly interacted and took photos with us. He's said he liked Jenna's shirt (she's wearing a Totoro shirt) and me being all awkward, showed him my  Totoro socks (yes, I removed my shoe IN FRONT OF HIM. The world stopped. I was so awkward haha). I think at the back of my mind I was hoping I'd get to see him that day so I unconsciously wore that pair of socks specifically. We welcomed him and he's said he's really happy to be back. I was so out of my mind that I didn't get to tell him how much I loved Seasons (a song that you will get when you pre-download the album at that time) and of how I wish he'd sing it on Friday. And of how he should sing Christmas songs as the Philippines is so into the hols. We did not get to ask him for a shoutout to Archuleta Philippines but overall, there are no regrets; especially seeing his huge, glowing smile, overwhelmed by all the fan interaction that night.




Matchy-matchy v. 1.0. 2012. 


Matchy-matchy v. 2.0. 2017.
The glo-up. HE is still so humble.
But really, he hasn't aged at all.
(Thank you, Glen for this candid photo. We actually looked like a couple lol)

The past few days has made me realised that fangirling isn't just a phase but it is a part of who I am and I am grateful for how far we've all come ever since we decided to support this man. We've grown, we've matured in all aspects of life. For all the connections that I have established, for the friendships that I get to keep. For the love and inspiration that we get to share to the world as we decide to live our lives in our own terms, guided by God's light (his music has made me reflect a lot and it is all for the best). For aiming for hope and shining the light in each others' lives. For not giving up on life.

Thank you, David Archuleta.

Thank you, Ovation Productions. 
Thank you, Kari Sellards and his crew for taking good care of him. 
I hope you guys don't ever get tired of coming back.

***

I thought this empty house was being more quiet
But I can hear your voice whisper loud
I close my eyes and it's like
You're still here with me
Without you I thought it would be a ghost town
I was afraid that my heart would stop
It hurts from missing you
But what gets me through is knowing, knowing

I'm just a stranger on a street that's crowded
A thousand faces talking noise to me
Everyday's a fight
But it'll be alright
Cause I know, I know

It's the very first time we dance
The first time that I took your hand
Cause in your eyes I found a piece of hope
I'm not alone...



I see you in the morning light
I see you in the midnight sky
I feel it everywhere around me
Never have to say goodbye
It doesn't matter where I go
I feel you in every memory
I hold them till I see you again
Through the cracks of heaven..

~ Cracks of Heaven, Postcards in the Sky, 2017

***

PS: Do check out the Facebook page for more of David! 
April x

3 comments:

Of Friendship and the Pop Punk Life

16:01:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

Making friends at concert shows is easy. It feels like you can already tick one off the non-existent what-do-i-look-for-in-a-friend checklist: sharing a common passion towards something. But keeping them is challenging especially when some of the connections have started in the most unconventional way possible (but also the most typical way these days): the internet. You do not get to see them as much as you would want to. You get preoccupied with different things. You pursue different goals. And yet like most relationships, you got to make it work.

I want to focus on the music festival alone given that it's been fun and all but there's just so much that has happened during the BRF weekend that I cannot help but share them (rant about them at some point). I am pretty sure I have re-written this entry a lot as I cannot quite get to the feel of it and reading the final outcome, it is not as detailed as I have initially thought I'd write. Maybe it is better that way. Anyway, here you go. Here, after a couple of months, is what went down at the BAZOOKA ROCKS V!




Some says the lineup is underwhelming comparing to the previous four years but I could not care less because:
(1) the festival is back after taking a break last year and it has returned as a two-day affair yet again
(2) The Maine is going to be in it for Day 1
(3) I may not be all that familiar with the bands from Day 2 but Nia and I will get to attend on the same event together for the first time after like having known each other for years.

Should be exciting, right? And yes, the hype.

To be totally honest, though, I have heard of State Champs before but I only have downloaded their songs after the announcement as a sort of preparation for the event. I have listened to a few With Confidence songs and I am clueless as to who Cambridge was. I do not know what to expect except that I know I am up for some good time care of my titos from Arizona and I am already okay with it.

State Champs' music, however, is easy on the ears. I love how slick their music was that I can only compare them to Urbandub which is a major compliment as Urbandub is the best band ever (at least for me). They are loud but they are not loud, if you know what I mean (does that even make sense). They make performing and playing instruments beautifully seemed easy. I didn't dare Google live performances, not even watch the music video prior to seeing them so there will be an element of surprise. It feels like you've been handed a menu and yet your mind is like, "Surprise me." Nia has kind of warned me about Ryan Scott Graham who is her favourite band dude, though. And all I know is that he is the bassist.

Oh. This is Ryan, if you don't know him. ;)

Day 1 is up (recap is here) and it is all that I ever wanted for a perfect The Maine set (except for the fact that they didn't get to sing Taxi but it's alright). We were still on a high from the meet & greet when something bad happened. Somebody stole Nia's phone and it was just there at the exit. Right there, merely seconds after exiting that we have not yet fully grasp what was happening. The nerve and professionalism, per se of these people, really. A quick moment of weakness and it's cost Nia her phone and all the moments captured in it in the form of photos/video of her students and the likes. What a way to kill the buzz and we have not even fully properly PCD-ed yet. I am proud of Nia during those times, recounting the events at the security division's office that I have experienced firsthand, too. She's held it in though internally we were both a mess. 

Sometimes we think we are strong enough to deal with life's mishaps but not until we get exposed to the dark side of life that we would realise that you can never be truly emotionally prepared or physically ready. But you always have the choice on how you will face these demons; if you prefer to let it get into you and deal it with confrontations or if you will keep your cool and stay logical.

I do not know how I'd comfort her in action and in words as I have never been in this kind of situation before, and so I just stayed her side until her mum came to fetch her up. We get a night of rest mentally preparing for another rocking day and how we wished it ended at that. 

Here comes Day 2 in which we've witnessed/saw people encountering the same situation as us the previous night.

It was so fucked up: knowing who did the thing and not being able to confront them and the security is staying mum even when they themselves know who's committed the crime. If the ones who are supposed to take actions and the authorities who are supposed to protect people won't even bat an eye when we have reported the incident, who will? (Reminds me of the whole war against drugs shenanigans, but that is another story to tell.) That feeling of helplessness is something I would avoid if I can help it. That unfortunate incident and a couple of calls and online emotional torture by the culprits on the day that followed, Nia and I are just thankful for it to be over. 

Got each other's back! At the queue for Day 1 (top left) and Day 2 (top right), during the meet and greet (lower left) and after the sick show.
We have just attended a two-day event and it felt like we have connected more than ever, more than the years that we've known each other. It's like a huge test in our friendship and on our characters. 

During the first few days one would think we're back to normal but that is not the case. I didn't know how it has affected me until I became fidgety bordering on paranoid on most days and it's even worse with Nia (although it's manageable for me and I had shaken the paranoia off after a while). I am just glad that we have each other to talk it out sometimes and somehow relieve the anxiety that is creeping on the inside. And it's safe to say that we have overcome it albeit on a different rate, little by little.

It took us the release of the meet and greet photos and the mini-movie for the PCD to sink in. And looking back, even though it has been quite traumatic, it has been one of the most memorable, also, the best nights. We have remembered the moments that we had pure fun and that we chose happiness despite everything. 

Cambridge.
I am a Dobby next to With Confidence's vocalist, Jayden. Hearing them perform Voldemort is such a treat.


Lastly, STATE CHAMPS.

A Ryan Scott Graham sandwich was served.


The night #AprilxNiaLiveInManila2017 came to life.

On Day 2, we were able to just focus on the music and the bands because there is no phone to capture it personally (for Nia). We danced and sang along. We had fun.

Cambridge is a riot, embodying the definition of fun on stage. With Confidence served us with some great performances as well. I tried to be the best wingwoman and captured some moments with Ryan Scott Graham using my phone especially during State Champs' set as they were Nia's favourite. Derek DiScanio's vocals are on-point. We have lost ourselves in the music right there in the front row barricade and it was really a night to remember.



It was not the perfect night, yes. But it should not stop us from experiencing life. We've learned and we'll come back stronger and we're more vigilant than ever, that's for sure. 




See you soon (again) and on a better circumstance, STATE CHAMPS.
We're ready for you.

And cheers to more fun hangs with friends! We've got each other's back.

I am ending this long overdue concert recap with a long but awesome BRF V mini-movie from Pulp Live World. Thank you for being champs every single time!



x

0 comments:

lovely little lonely tour 2017 ~ manila

12:04:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments






Man, does that tweet relate to me on an extreme level. I am very ecstatic to see them as early as this leg of the lovely little lonely tour was announced and the day has finally arrived! I am meeting them (again!) and I am finally seeing them play a full set for the very first time (would you believe). I have been a fan of their music for years and it feels good to finally experience them in full.

They are one of those bands who speaks and listens to me through their music. The lyrics hit hard, and not only did it make you feel things, it also makes you think about love, life, the past hurt and heartaches, the future and everything in between.

They are always so fun to watch, so at ease with the stage and with each other: a testament to the years that they went through everything together. To every struggle to come up with a record with no major labels backing them up, only a family (8123 community) that's been like a rock to the bands and the fans who love them and their music a lot. I mean, who wouldn't love them? They are so pure. They gave out the most genuine smiles and warmest hugs. Oh...kay. This is me trying to come up with at least a decent, un-biased review of the show and yet, this is also me trying to hold it in. Apparently even with the emotionally draining weekend that my friend Nia and I have gone through ( to be elaborated on another post/the  BRF post), I still can't shut up about them.

One of the best, nostalgic nights, it is.




I already felt like crying as lovely played and the band came onto the stage followed immediately by black butterflies and déjà vu. Well, you know how smooth the transition of the songs on the record was and I am getting lost for words at how I really love the latest album that you cannot help but listen to its entirety every single time... and that I am here to witness everything live!

Got to love the fact that they have managed to squeeze in bits of old but gold stuff from their earlier records, too. Man, I did not see Ice Cave coming.

A post shared by April Ann (@aprilskelter) on



(Un)lost has always been the song of my life that I think, if I ever get to have the courage to actually get tatted, I will have the word (un)lost on my left wrist. It reminds me of my hurtful past that I have now gotten over through the help of every special people around me. Of how better I have become since then. It has made me realise how even though we experience a lot of setbacks in our lives, we should not allow those failures to define who we are and that we should not lose our real self in the process.

I am not looking to be found, I just want to feel unlost.



#hashtagpapichulo



The only downside of the actual show (not really) is that they did not sing Taxi. It was one of my favourites from the new album. Many fans have been clamouring for it and I think it is because sometimes we don't need cryptic and deep, we just need some honest, straightforward lyrics of reassurance, and that is what Taxi is to me.

I have been planning to ask them during the meet and greet with reference to Taxi, "Is the sadness everlasting?" but they ended up not singing it so I practically screamed on John's face, "WHY DIDN'T YOU SING TAXI? I was waiting for it!" (pretty entitled girl you got in there, John haha) to which he laughed heartily, hugged me tightly and responded, "I'm so sorry! We didn't know it yet." and all is well again in the world.

Side note: The meet and greet photos are not up yet so I would just add them here once it's out. I am getting impatient actually as it's been exactly a week as of this writing but I do understand why. They have accommodated all the VIP ticket holders after all (that's around more or less a thousand people grouped in six after the show). I was next to Jared on the photo because I didn't get to see loads of him during the actual show. Not that I am complaining because Kennedy is also a delight to watch. Garrett is cool and Pat is the sweetest.

 Edit Update: The meet and greet photos are up! And here's ours.
Your Tita April and Tito Jared looked cute, eh



A post shared by April Ann (@aprilskelter) on




THE SETLIST

Lovely
Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu
Am I Pretty?
Like We Did (Windows Down)
(Un)Lost
We All Roll Along
The Way We Talk
English Girls
Take What You Can Carry
Right Girl
My Heroine
Lost in Nostalgia
Raining in Paris
Girls Do What They Want
Diet Soda Society
Do You Remember? (The Other Half of 23)
Bad Behavior
Another Night on Mars

Encore:
Ice Cave



I hope they'd get to include Manila or wherever that I will be in on the Modern Nostalgia tour with setlist consisting of the full American Candy and lovely little lonely tracks and for them to come home.

I will be there when it happens.
See you soon, loves.

April x



0 comments:

Stuck in Time Loops (Album Hoards for the month of May)

09:22:00 APRILSKELTER 0 Comments

Well, hello, June! It's already the second half of 2017 and I am just as stoked as what the future will bring. I am still working on the travel update (was grateful to get to explore Cebu last month) and there's another that's coming up this month so I hope I don't slack (though most likely I will because, you know, life). I miss writing so much. But anyway, I've been listening to these records for a while and these are long overdue album reviews (kind of), but here it goes!




***

Harry Styles - Harry Styles



From the hallway to the dining table, I can see why some reviewers have described this album as a fan letter to the rock legends but subjectively, if you are into the genre (specifically the 70's and Brit rock), it may really feel like it sometimes.... but in a good way. You just can't help but compare it, right, but it should not stop you from enjoying the whole package. 

Top picks for me would be Kiwi, Sweet Creature and Two Ghosts.


Say, Kiwi gives me a good ol' The Beatles vibe centering on Paul McCartney's style (and as I may have previously stated, that is what Harry is to me as Zayn is to my John Lennon). It also feel like something that could be off of Arctic Monkeys earlier records (see Favourite Worst Nightmare tracks). What I am saying is, his musical influences are evident and I don't see it as something that is bad. Clearly, he is on that stage of finding what he would want to sound like apart from the band and if people would like what he has to offer. I think it's enjoyable to listen to, at least for me. It is also nice to see the creative process, especially when H talks about it on interviews. You can see why he did not jump right in and he has taken time to release the solo work (that, and because of the break due to filming). Everything feels calculated and well-thought of. 

Lyrics are not as cryptic or honest as I would have expected from him, but it is what we would want to make out of it. Pretentious at some point, cunning but also gentle and subtle (I probably am not making any sense but, yes). His PR team did a great job at promos, too; Whether it's about this bandmate (Louis Tomlinson) or Taylor Swift or whoever that they want to throw in the scene (He's never admitted nor labeled himself but let it be known that I support your preferences, Harry. Even your quirky choice in clothing *wink* Just be you.) though, I may not be a fan of that kind of PR and would rather prefer to focus on his music alone. 



I look forward to more and maybe some collaborations in the future? Heaven knows that duet with Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks at one of his secret shows had me so shookt™.

It is nice to put up on a quiet night in, book on one hand and wine on another (with a turn table and vinyl to complete the whole aesthetic). And though I still think the hype towards it is overrated, I do appreciate the hardwork that he's put in it and I would 100% attend a show should he drag his solo arse in Manila sometime in the future.


PS: It is just maybe because it is my hamartia but the bass parts are badass and impressive. Kid Harpoon. Adam Prendergast. (Yes, I did Google their names. I am enamored by you.)


***


After Laughter - Paramore




If Hard Times came right after Brand New Eyes, my younger emo self would definitely not appreciate it as I may be craving for something that is remotely close to their debut and earlier records. I remember having mixed feelings towards Now before, but hearing these today I realised that the self-titled album is necessary for my musical growth as a fan. Safe to say that I have matured as their music went on from one genre to another up to what it is now (80's tinged shenanigans). I grew up with them. Experienced life as they had theirs and I think that is what has made this record more relatable than ever. Gone are the days when I would complain how their music sounded more Hayley Williams-ish rather than sounding like the actual Paramore. I am now appreciating the band's music as it is. 

We all know how they have almost called it quit as most members have left. But Paramore is back and I am ever glad for that. Zac Farro is also back. And me, just like them is still emo, just a proper upbeat.


Rose-Coloured Boy has been on an awful amount of repeat on my player these days. 26 is my ultimate jam. Forgiveness, Fake Happy, Grudges. Catchy beat, crazy riffs. Every single song hits me in the face of the realities that we all encounter every day. On that fleeting moment I realise how fitting the album title really is ("It means that look on a person’s face when they laugh really hard and then there’s this moment where they come back to reality.") and I cannot help but be amazed by how powerful words and music can be.



To end this up, I'd quote Hayley, "Just enjoy the damn music."




I just do.

0 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