x

Although it is not a "must", it is heartwarming to receive greets from friends on birthdays. Sometimes they say the most unexpected things and they make birthdays even more special than they already are. Sometimes, they know you more than you think they do and value you more than you think you deserve. That, I think is already a gift on its own.

And so, here, I am to list my favourites from this year as I turn twenteen four. I am beyond grateful to everyone and do not feel bad if yours did not make it on the list for you are all special to me. But there are standouts that I could not help but share so here they are in no particular order.

From Jejemaster, Patrice:

My answer is I do. (Well darn, isn't Kim Soo-hyun proposing?? I thought..hahah but this is really cute.)

From my awesome concert buddies, April and Eunice of whom I share the birthmonth with.

My friendship with these two came as a surprise, to be honest. I think somewhere along in the past, April (HeyMoonday then, I think?) followed me on Twitter randomly and it fascinated me that we have practically the same first name (April Anne but mine without the E) so we ended up talking about music and stuff. I'm glad she did not find me too nosy and FC then and even offered a place for me to stay after one of the best festivals we have attended. I did enjoy the company and talking with people of the same interests. We even go beyond and talk about our plans and our lives. And then finally we did get to meet and she introduced Eunice to me and thank Super V (or not. Ha) we hit it off right there too. I am blessed. They are both cool and I look forward to seeing more concerts with them in the future.

From my cousins, Nellie and Tine.

(I loved my sister's greeting but I'm not sharing it. Ha ha. Something real personal.) While our extended family is real intact, these two are probably my closest because of the same craziness that's running in our blood or probably because of being the eldest in our respective clans that we already had a bond. Well supportive as I can be, they too are of me and I am just happy because of that. I just hope they, too, know to limit and focus on their priorities as I do because they are still young and there is more to experience out there so just enjoy (lol I sounded like a mum).

From book buddy, Gliselle:

We really do not get to talk a lot as we are having in the past and this is just too overwhelming to receive: me having that impact on their lives without even trying too hard. She's an amazing girl and I am grateful for her. I am praying for nothing but her happiness as well.

Fangirl feels with Nia:

We are yet to meet in person and I could not wait to fangirl with her, really. Contrary to what people think, being a fangirl is not a pointless thing: seeing that we are investing our time, effort and harboring emotions to people/musicians who barely know our existence. More than the screaming and shrieking and crazy stuff, we also invest in lasting friendship/relationship. We have an instant bond they probably are wondering where it is coming from, but there really is. Sometimes it is even the kind of friendship that turns out to be most real as you understand each other on so many levels. And that is just way awesome.

Speaking of fangirls, here is Jov's:

We did not hit it off, at first. I was even bashing her (well kind of) but all we can now say is history. More than being just fangirls and she pimping me with loads of other musicians and stuff, we are true friends. In fact, some of the most fun that I have been, I was with her and I could never be more thankful. As odd as how it has all started, I could not care less because I know the friendship is real. She's definitely one for keeps.

The best ever, Freda (Cora)

My twin mate I am forever grateful for. She's a sister from another mother whom I really love lots. We've been through ups and downs and we still are there for each other even without having to see each other a lot because of our schedules. It's just amazing how bonded we are and always will be.

From Judy and tito Botch:

I don't know about witty, but I am just glad to make people happy by just being me.

And tito Botch, well yes, thank you. I do not have a secret boyfriend (who knows me and loves me back ha ha) out there yet but if the time is right and it's in line with God's plan, let there be, I will proudly let all know. I am all for God's best, and I will continue to improve and ready myself until God knows I am well ready.

And lastly, long and special, from Abby:

Runner ups are Milky's reoccuring/multiple greetings, my dude Charlotte's late but funny birthday meme and Gen's text message/exchanges.

Age is just a number and we live by the moments so grab all of them, take risks, enjoy even the littlest of things while we can. Commend people, inspire. Nost of all, love. What a time to be alive and to share the life He's given us! Here's to the future! x

Just when you thought you've seen the best of The Script when they first had a soldout show in Manila a couple of years back, you are wrong. Everything has never been so better as they performed their selection of masterpieces in Manila for the third time last April 17th.

Fans mostly dominated by working people who just got out of the offices congregated to the Mall of Asia Arena to what has been one of that grand gigs to be remembered til the grave as Danny O'Donoghue, the frontman has coined it. It was a great escape from all the stress of the week and to ease the hassles of the Friday traffic madness that one must have endured on their way to the arena.

Whether you have been a massive fan from day one (or even way back when Danny and Mark Sheehan are still a part of a boyband called Mytown with the latter sporting a long hair in contrast to his bald these days) or occasional fans or someone who is seeing them for the first time, they are bound to awe and touch hearts and that is what they have exactly done.

A few disclaimers/notes:

1. My concert buddy and I still have a post-concert depression from seeing One Direction perform in the flesh last month so expect a couple of One Direction references all throughout this post.

2. April 18th is actually my 24th birthday and what a way to celebrate it, right? Seeing your favourite lads and meeting them eventually. We'll get through that later.

The night started with a laidback set by Arizona native, 24-year old Colton Avery who wowed the crowd with his vocal prowess with his cover of Michael Jackson's Human Nature being the highlight of his set. I will be honest, I do not know him prior to the performance but being a budding musician and getting the chance to meet him afterwards, I learned that he's a genuinely nice guy and I am positive that the future is bright for this man. Who knows, he might headline his own tour sometime in the future. Guess we'll have to wait on that.

The feels started to escalate as local rock band Silent Sanctuary took the stage and even with such a short set, they were so good. It was such a proud moment as The Script later on the show has acknowledged them. They did not get to sing my favourite song called Rebound but it did not stop me from enjoying the set.

I could write a hundred things about how awesome The Script's No Sound Without Silence Manila leg of the tour is but a tribute post will never be enough. So here I will try to break them down into five major points (in no particular order).

1. They always perform from the heart.

The band composing of Danny O'Donoghue on lead vocals/guitar/keyboard, Mark Sheehan on guitar/vocals and Glen Power on drums always give off that you-are-missing-half-of-your-life feeling if you happen to not see them at least once in your lifetime. They always give it their all, and genuinely, if I may add. "You are making us feel like we are the best fucking band in the planet." Danny once said and you know that he totally meant it. At one point they've blurted "I know you love to sing.." in reference to their previous Manila shows and you'd know we have a special place in their hearts. They perform with so much passion that it cuts you deep through the heartaches, and lift your spirit through the sincerity of their songs in whatever it is that you are going through. And in their faces you would see the happiness out of doing the thing that they love the most: performing and sharing their music to the world.

My only issue would be that I do not know if it's just the effect of being located quite far from the stage/speakers or they sang some of the songs on a lower key (harder for a girl but not impossible to sing along with) and that Danny has to omit some of the highlight high notes (uh...remember One Direction minus Zayn Malik's high notes?) so I ended singing all of them. Not that I am complaining, though. It sure is a fun time.

2. The setlist is pure genius. So are the banters.

I did not want to miss this gig not only because it is set the night before my actual birthday but because I totally love their No Sound Without Silence record. And they have come up with the balanced setlist from the anthemic to the heartbreaking to the most inspiring of their songs from the latest to the previous albums.

Starting off real grand and impressive with their tribute song (kind of) to their roots in Ireland, Paint The Town Green, they practically painted the whole arena green! Not to mention the lads entering the arena from the back followed by performers (and later on, dancers) with huge green flags. It is a heck of an entrance! It is immediately followed by Hail, Rain or Sunshine (with emphasis on sunshine as it is really hot in Manila from the moment they landed and even tweeted about it: hot and melting). It is so good to hear their hits Breakeven, Before The Worst, For The First Time, No Good in Goodbye, If You Could See Me Now, You Won't Feel A Thing, Good Ol' Days and 6 Degrees of Separation and have it sang back by the crowd to them. I am kind of surprised they sang We Cry but they delivered otherwise.

Mark (in his thick Irish accent that so reminded us of our Niall Horan) is usually the one to do banters and one of my favourites of the night is when he said, "Be careful of the songs you write," for Man on a Wire (My favourite off the fourth album). It is somehow amusing hearing him recall their experiences while shooting the music video and how challenging it is that they had to practically be hang from a couple hundred feet above the ground and not just simply do it the digital way (green screens). Impressive stuff.

3. They are full of surprises.

Well, you would think the grand entrance is the only thing that will put you in awe, but there is no stopping with these lads as a B-stage was set surprising most of the people in VIP Patron seats and from there they sang one of the most beautiful renditions of the song that has probably started it all for these "brokeass musicians", The Man Who Can't Be Moved.

More like Paint The Town Pink/Purple, eh? So beautiful.

Also on the B-Stage, they performed one of their sweet, heart-fluttering songs called Never Seen Anything (Quite Like You) and it was so enchanting I can picture someone proposing to someone at that very moment. Lovely moment, it truly is.

Another special moment is when they brought back this thing that they have not done on tour in a while where Danny would ask a fan to call his/her ex-girlfriend/boyfriend and then sings Nothing to this person on the line onstage highlighted with a "Goodbye, asshole!" before hanging up. The crowd has definitely enjoyed that part.

For their signature tour stage selfie, they did a Pacquiao KO-ing Mayweather pose that the crowd really loved. It is just so cool to see them having as much fun as we are.

What I am most looking forward to is hearing The Energy Never Dies because that song is just so dear to me, and yes, even though I had to wait til the encore (perfect timing!) this was probably my most favourite part of the night. A really interesting thing, though, is that the crowd did not have to shout "We want more!" before the encore but they just continued to sing/echo the melodies of It's Not Right For You, lighted all their phones until the band comes back on stage.

5. They have the best fan service. Ever.

Doing the things that they love, they wanted nothing but to let the fans experience the concert of the band that they love at its best. It is but remarkable how Mark addressed the security as pain in the arse to the crowd and asked to let the people enjoy the show.

Danny even went to the lower box section during one of the performances, with the GoPro camera shots being shown at the screen and it has put all the people around the area in a frenzy. The people from the general admission were even shouting "Gen Ad! Gen Ad!" hoping that Danny would go there too, amusingly.

I even get the chance to meet them after the concert and they all are, especially Glen is very nice. There is no trace of exhaustion in their faces, just pure joy of seeing the people who support them and making these people happy by being so approachable, offering selfies and being very chatty. They even get to greet me a very happy birthday and what a birthday treat that is! I also get to tell them how thankful I am for the great concert that it has been and they thanked me back for the love, likewise.

"Life's just a blink, so don't think twice."

I will forever be treasuring not only that night but the uplifting words from Superheroes and It's Not Right For You that has inspired me and reminded me to focus on the things that really matter on so many ways.

They ended the show with Hall of Fame and Danny has asked the crowd to stop watching through their phones' screens (recording videos) and use these gadgets as lightings as he urged the crowd to live in the moment, sing along and be in the trance. It is indeed, the perfect way to end the night as it is a show that is one for the books and will be remembered for the rest of our bloody lives.

One thing is for sure now: This (positive) energy (and PCD) will stay for a while.

***

Credits to Jovelyn Lao for all the photos. Thank you to Midas Promotions for bringing them back in Manila and to my friends of whom I get to share thus beautiful pre-birthday celebration. Til next jam, mates! x

By the amount of time I spent lurking on the internet, reading stuff and communicating with friends, one would have thought I would have found out about the news through social networking sites or through the online buddies, at least. But being a lola (grandmother) mode fangirl (given the age range of the fans, 23 feels real old, but who cares?) has its ups and downs and it felt like every single time a Zayn bomb would drop (the withdrawal at the Manila and Jakarta leg of the On The Road Again Tour, for example) add the timezone variation between London and the far east, I am fast asleep. The carrots did try to wake me up, though, as was evident on the text message and missed call notifications that I saw in the morning.

When I saw a text message with only "April!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" in it and given the quick turnout of events in the past week.... I kind of knew. It could only mean one thing. What solidified this feeling is the next message coming from a very unexpected person to actually break the news in to me: my 10-year old cousin.

"Ate april umalis na si zayn sa 1d oelane to" - time sent: 5:17AM

I do not know if I should cry that it happened or smile that of all people, it was my little cousin who delivered such message. I settled on the latter.

Then I realised it was actually quite fitting for she is the one who has introduced him to me, technically speaking, when we were browsing a magazine a few years back with a photo of the group in it. I was testing her and teasing her, "Sino 'to?" "Ano naman name nito?" "Sino gusto mo sa kanila?" And she has happily answered and pointed to each of the boys as she recited their names one-by-one.

And this is when everything dramatically flashed back into me.

I am not even an avid fan (or I just refuse to be one but my actions are betraying me); I am just a carrot who appreciates feel-good music (and good-looking lads and everything British) and I only gave them a listen, watched their film, read their book mainly because the resources are available (one of my younger cousins is an avid fan and she has them) but....I am somehow affected by the news.

Zayn Malik quits One Direction. He really did, not just the tour, but for good.

Some says this would have been how it felt like should John Lennon or Paul McCartney has pursued solo careers at the height of The Beatlemania. Or to Harry Potter fans, should the Trio have decided to part ways with the franchise before it is all over (there have been talks, you know. Good thing Emma Watson could not bear seeing other actresses portraying Hermione that time. Going back...) It is bound to happen and we would have predicted it could happen after the tour, the fifth album is out and the contract has expired. He would leave the group one day, but we never would have expected it to be this soon.

Yes, he has the best vocal range of the five and even though most may argue that they are made to be huge, handling fame has never been his thing. From the interviews that I may have seen, although there is admittedly not quite a lot, you can notice how his face almost light up at the mention of his family and how they were before. Can you imagine (NBC TV Special) Niall Horan's horror at being transported via a closed van with only pillows to keep them comfortable, and yet Zayn was amused the whole ride for it has reminded him of the old days where his family would go to Manchester, riding a van with cushions at the back side?

All I can see is a boy who wanted to buy his mother a house, initially, spend free time with the family, and share his dream of making music to the world. (Circa This Is Us)

Heck, he probably has never imagined it could be quite phenomenal, being in the group. Nobody among them can really grasp what phenomena it really is, as Liam Payne has said in one of his post-Zayn departure tweets/statements. Who does, though? Even I do not totally understand.

A reason why I don't want to get fully into the fandom because of the information overload that is going to flood me that I may or may not need at the time being. Music is supposed to be one of the diversions of the stressful and taxing nature of reality. I do not want anymore drama that goes with it. And yet I feel like I have to post this official statement of a Zayn girl before he does something that will evoke hate from the bunch of youngsters (well you know how some fans are) and by the amount of tabloid articles, speculations and even exclusive, confirmed news, it seemed like he's left the group but he's not slowing down, anyway.

In fact there have been news about him signing up as a solo artist (this early stage, Zayn, really?) On the denial stage, I thought of how it is with Korean groups and their music industry, where any members could pursue solo careers without having to quit the actual group or band. Why can't it be like that?

He has already given his first interview after leaving the group which felt like a sort of closure and yet, this is where a collective cries of why's starts. Why did he leave and go solo if he knows what being out there entails? Many articles will be written and all of them will be about the same thing. But in the end it will all go down to this: people are going to believe what they want to believe.

Apparently, by his recent actions, leading a normal life means low-key projects with less responsibilities to the expecting masses. He just wanted to do his own thing. He is finally being his own man, without having to live up to what is expected of him. He will pull it through with the expectations that he has set for himself.

Currently at the acceptance stage, the good thing that we could derive from here is that he may have left but he is still in good terms with the other lads and the management. The least that we would all want is the legal drama and falling out of these kids who are technically brothers.

There is more to life than making it huge when it's not what is totally making us happy. Sometimes, we make have to huge decisions, in order to stay true to ourselves and focused on our real goals. We may never get to see him with the group (for the longest time but who knows?) again but new music will be out, sooner than we would have expected. It should never stop there. He will still be making music because it is what he loves to do. Well, that is better than totally quitting the music scene, right? Also, as Simon Cowell always says, having a great talent like that, great things are always bound to happen.

Do I approve of this move? Yes (more of that great voice, please) and no (I kind of still hated that he left the tour before the Manila leg and the fact that I was not able to see the five of them onstage together, singing that nem and ples and I still blame him for losing my voice for I sang all of his solos during the two-day gig, you know.)

Does he care? Yes (he felt sorry to the people he may have let down) and no (he's going to pursue his own music, anyway.)

Do I still like him after doing all of these? Yes. Our favourites (just like normal people like us) will do stupid things or things that people around us may not approve. We may bash them non-stop, but if we still like them after everything has been done, then that is a proof that we really like them. Let it be all about the music, as it should.

Is this the beginning of the end for One Direction? It's hard to tell, but so far they are handling the situation very well.

Can One Direction go on without Zayn Malik? Tough, but they will.

Will the Directioners ever recover? Yes, they will.

But it is okay to feel sad and pained. For now.

***

"Talaga bang umalis na, Oelane? Kamusta si Ate Den mo?"

"Medyo sad opo totoo"

"Nakakalungkot naman. Ikaw, malungkot ka din ba?"

"Opo"

"Uwian nalang kita ng donuts. Wag ka na masad"

All is well in the world.

Forever a Zayn girl. x

It's all about having fun as the phenomenal British boy group, One Direction composing of Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, sets feet on the Philippine concert stage for the first time the weekend of March, 21st and 22nd! Despite all the scandals, weed bond issues and (my) sadness due to my main Zayn Malik's stress diagnosis making him be signed off for the Manila (and Jakarta) leg and that he is headed back home to the United Kingdom, it was so much fun, more than one carrot (like me) would have ever expected.

Truth be told, it is only not just the performances that are enjoyable when attending concerts but the side events, too that are happening everywhere, things you overheard and funny experiences that you had on, before and after the show.

Here is where I compile the Top Ten craziest, funniest banats that we have overheard and/or blurted out before, during and after the concert. If you find anything that you could relate with or we happen to have made fun of you unconsciously, we apologize in advance, but loosen up, man. This is just for fun.

10) "Saan kayo nakapwesto?"

"Sa edge.... Edge Sheeran."

Okay, that's corny. But too corny it has made me laugh.

9) "Bakit ang lakas ng signal mo? Where are you?" (Because I livetweet at some point of the show)

"Syempre, ate. Nasa tuktok kami e!"

Sa Globe (at sa tuktok) hashtag abot mo ang mundo.

8) "Why is everyone running?"

"It's Matteo and Sarah!!!"

"It's James Reid!!"

I did not see them but reading some news afterwards, I learned that there are a lot of celebrities who went to the show. Well, fangirls/boys of all kinds. ;)

7) "Kapag ba b-in-ash ko si Ed at may tumulak sakin, mabubuhay pa kaya ako?"

You know how steep Mall of Asia Arena structure is. But a friend is one of the engineers who supervised its construction so... (ehem proud friend ehem)

6) "Sana lumabas si Rupert Grint sa Lego House para pwede na ko umuwi. Siya pa naman ipinunta ko dito."

Gotta love the Weasley king. I just remembered when Lego House's music video was released and the amount of text messages, tweets and personal tags and messages that I have received telling me that "Ron Weasley can sing?" He can though not as great, but he nailed the lunatic stalker at a Sheeran concert role on that music video.

"Sana kantahin niya yung Somewhere Over The Rainbow."

Still Rupert Grint-related reference for Rupert sang this one on one of those indie movies that he's graced. It was.....uh...well, Rupert, you know I love you, right? Moving on...

5) When somebody went onstage to check on the equipment minutes before Ed came out, the fans hollered wildly and we are like, "Hoooooy!!! Kalma lang!!!! Hindi pula yung buhok oh! Hindi pa siya yan!!!"

4) "Don't"

"Aww huhu"

"Nina!!!"

"Sarap naman!!! Grabe siguro"

"Photograph huhubells"

"Video!!!! Kahit big screen"

"All of the stars shit"

"Hays"

"Bloodstream"

"Hays"

"Tenerife Sea"

"Parang sobrang bilis naman, dami nang nakakanta"

"Yaan mo na, mabilis din naman siyang magsalita hahahaha"

"Nagtagalog ba si Ed?"

"Kung nagtagalog man siya, hindi ko narinig hahaha"

Actual exchange of text messages between me and my cousin since she was not able to come and watch with me. Aside from Ed's accent, though, the crowd screaming mostly made some of his (very few) banters inaudible. But that is understandable since we cannot help but fangirl ourselves. Inasmuch as I love anything British, sometimes it is still hard to comprehend especially because of the noise, but past relationships *winks* with Irish and British boyband members have made it quite a lot easier.

Ed Sheeran: "I never realised that my music asjflehjskalaudjfjtowpwqrqteydjod Manila!"

Ed Sheeran: "This is honestly, hands on heart, the best reception I have ever received. I am *the crowd started screaming* ajakfltudusgwviqoqkajjopwqhtraxbjkl!!"

Us: "Ano daw sabi?"

3) "Bakit naman ganun yung backdrop video? Binubura yung mukha ni Ed? Bastusan?"

"Sinusunog, ate!!!"

"I See Fire nga daw kasi!!!"

Burning Ed Sheeran alive (on the screen's filter effects)... Well...okay. I See Fire nga naman daw kasi. :)

2) "Akala ko kami pa, hindi na pala."

Hugot feels as Ed left the stage without the proper goodbye.

"Napakasakit...kuya....Ed."

I cannot.

And lastly, when all else fails and you are still experiencing a post-concert depression, you could always blame the artist...on practically everything.

1) "Ihing-ihi na ko, Ed! Ilabas niyo na si Rupert ng makauwi na!!! Tapos na at lahat yung concert, wala parin!"

"Late na ko, Ed!" (for work)

"I love you, Ed! Buwisit ka talaga!"

***

Any additional fun moments you wanna share? Hit me up!

X (Multiply) Tour in Manila 2015
Photo credit: Jovelyn Lao
I cannot thank MMI Live enough for bringing the awesomesauce that is Ed Sheeran in here. My friends and I had loads of fun, see?

Attending a really great concert could leave you with either no words (speechless) or full of words (as you would want to share it to the world). Let it be known that I am past the no words stage. And this is where I will tell you that words may never be enough to describe that night but I will try to put my feels into words in hopes that you will get to relive/ experience it with me.

Dear Ed,

You are "The Man", with reference to one of your songs off the X (Multiply) album, no wonder the tickets got sold out the same day it was up for release last year. Luckily for us, we got the chance to acquire our slots albeit far up which to me does not really matter because this is an I-came-for-the-music kind of situation and being there is all I cared about in the world.

There are songs that you love because you like the artists who sang it. Then there are some who gets to cut you real deep even without fully knowing the person behind it.

The latter is my case with you, Ed Sheeran. I even joked one time that I only ever am interested because I wanted to compare your singing style with the legendary Jason Mraz of whom I have also seen in concert for the first time a few months back. You are almost of the same genre and it would be nice to experience seeing you both (separately but who knows what would happen someday), eh? I have seen some of your live performance videos before and to be honest (avid fans will disagree but don't throw stones at me) I do not find you that good. Overrated, I then thought, just like some mainstream pop artists that are apparently everywhere.

And you have proven that night that I am wrong. You are more than just the ugly redhead guy (as one infamously commented on Twitter). You are a pure gold. You are a lot more.

If there's a thing called man of few words, attending your concert I realised that you are a musician of few banters. You are not even chatty onstage and you just go through singing songs after songs. What is totally admirable is that everytime you open your mouth to speak and as much as I could comprehend and hear given your fast-speaking nature (well, hello, rapper), you could not help but blurt out how loved you have felt here in the Philippines and how the Manila show has the best reception you has ever received. You could not fathom how your music has reached heights in this place that is definitely and geographically far from your homeland. You even told the overeager crowd in your adorable British accent that it may be your first trip to the country but most definitely not going to be the last.

What you lacked in banters, though, you have made up with the passion that radiated as you performed your hits and a couple lot more single-handedly, if I may add.

There is no band backing you up. When you started the show with I'm A Mess, I was looking for the band and thought maybe they are hidden at the back? But heck. Here is when you showed your brilliancy with the music equipment that you would tap here and there, and right then I understood the complicated setup (with at least three microphone stands and amplifiers and other loop equipment I do not even recognize) for what I thought would be an all-acoustic set.

There are no special effects and massive production, not even fountains and confetti towards the end. There is not even anyone to pick your guitar up that one time when something snapped and it kind of fell to the ground in the middle of a song. There may be is only a tech who hands you your guitar as you transitioned from electric to acoustic, but everything is all you, along with the ginormous crowd whom you have made like an orchestral backup, singing with you all throughout the night.

FAVOURITE BITS

I only took two videos for personal consumption (Lego House because of Rupert Grint and Photograph because it is my favourite) and surprisingly, knowing how chill some of your songs are, I was standing the whole time, happily obliging to your every "Say yeah!" and singalong fest, dancing to the upbeat ones and trying to rap along (and end up failing miserably).

Being an observant in nature, we cannot help but comment on every detail that we see. It is always entertaining to see fangirls of the same intensity and of varying levels unite. Some shriek like there is no tomorrow and then there are some who listen intently. Some sing along wildly and then there are some who calmly try to process everything that a certain redhead guy is serenading them. Who needs a boyfriend (yet) when you have your friends you could fangirl/boy with? But certainly, the love birds did enjoy the love vibe from you, Ed and the heartfelt rendition of your own songs.

You may or may not be aware that Thinking Out Loud is of national anthem level in here or you would have mentioned it before you started singing and strumming your electric guitar that almost took everyone by surprise. But I am ever glad.

Unexpectedly and much to my delight, the major highlight of the show went to Tenerife Sea, I See Fire (of which I have learned from the background video is a soundtrack off a film) and to the last song for the first part of the night, Give Me Love. The crowd lighting up their phones even added up to the beauty of the songs. You singing All Of The Stars is also a major treat to the soldout arena crowd.

Lastly, seeing you all smiles as your songs are being sang back to you....this photograph may have said it all.

"I don't wanna leave." - Ed Sheeran *sigh*

WHAT WOULD HAVE MADE THE NIGHT EVEN MORE INTERESTING

As the show is about to start, the VIP flocked (as expected) near the stage leaving the back patron part almost empty. Those felt like a whole lot of slots that could have been available to those who were not able to grab their tickets early on if the section have been made into SRO. It would have been better than best, it could also mean more money to the prod. But then I guess we are all about each and everyone's safety and enjoyment more than anything else so it is all good.

While I understand that the backdrop video is needed, the filter effects became problematic at some point that it has prevented people from the upper sections to see the artist clearly. If I may reiterate, Ed, you do not need any of those spectacles. Hand you a microphone and a guitar and that will do the trick; you are at your best, you are in your comfort zone -- all laid bare. You are a musician we don't wanna see shirtless, or so one of your songs has stated, anyway. (But really, your talent speaks volumes.)

Despite these minor issues, it did not stop the crowd from enjoying the show. One could really care less, why? Because the fact that they were there, living to tell the Ed magic to the world...that might have to be more than enough.

THE HASHTAG NO CLOSURE HUGOT EXIT

The crowd started shouting "We want more! We want more!" prompting an encore that I swear topped everything/every song that you have previously performed that night. From the cover mashups to Sing, one could not have asked for a better ending. Not having watched any of your other tour videos, I am not really sure if you have done it previously but what you just did towards the end is bordering from irksome to pure genius.

How dare you, Ed? Leading the crowd into a singing spree, clapping to Sing's beat, as you exited the stage with no proper goodbye. What the actual heck, yes? There is no closure (for all the feels) and what is even amusing is that the crowd kept on singing the "oh wohooh woah" part in Sing even when you have long left the stage. I bet they are all stuck in the Sing trance that nobody moved even when the lights on the arena are all turned back on. I swear it has left me LSS-ing even as I head home, too. Most if not all are half-hoping you would pull off a The Script, doing an encore after an encore. But thinking about it, the night has already been great and I am just grateful to have been there.

IN A TRANCE

You have done your magic and even expresses you desire to come back (You, producers, are not going to deny him of that, right?) Life goes back on but March 12 is forever etched in our hearts as the night a certain British guy has taken parts of our hearts back in England with him.

And we will claim it back when you get back, Ed. No matter how long we'll have to *again* wait.

Love, April x

"Should this be the last thing I see, I want you to know it's enough for me....'cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need..." - Tenerife Sea

*****

X (Multiply) Tour Manila 2015

THE SETLIST

*****

Agree or disagree? Thoughts? Feel free to hit me up!

Many thanks to MMI Live, Ms. Rhiza Pascua and to the sponsors for making this magical night happen. To my supportive bosses and colleagues at work for backing me up with the workloads to be able to attend this concert (that actually coincides with my item structure deadline). To my concert buddies Maanne and Milky (til the next concert, girls!) and to my friend Jovelyn Lao for the photos that I have used in this post. I own nothing but my words.

This blogpost idea came to life one night because of the series of tweets posted by former A Rocket To The Moon frontman, Nick Santino (Love you, Nick!) when he was having a Q&A kind of thing and some random fan has sent in a question about music. It really made an impact that he cannot help but share his thoughts about it.

The question? He was asked about his favourite kind/genre of music. Easy question, yes? Rock and roll would have been an expected reply.

But his answer? Music. Just music.

Of which he has explained further and I quote:

"Music is music. What's your favorite kind of music? Music."

"I like anything from pop to movie scores to metal. Who says you can't either? Listen to what you like. Nothing else matters. Just like it."

"Yeah, I agree that some music is better than others but don't rule it out until you've heard it. Discovering new music is an amazing feeling"

"Go to a show for the whole show. Don't know the opener? Give them a chance. They could be your new favorite band."

"Music is music. Love music."

- @NickSantino

The power of words! I realised how much it also applies to me and my views of the music that I like. It somehow strongly urges me to be open to all kinds of music that makes me feel good and not care about anything else (read: judged about my music taste).

Music makes us feel something and that's the way it should always be. If the artists are good-looking then that would be a bonus, but it should not be our main/only reason for liking music. In the end, it is still going to be about the music that will make us stay connected. It is sad that the real talents do not get as much exposure that the overrated ones have but I could not care less with the recognitions. As simple as most musicians' reason of acquiring happiness by just making music and sharing their passion while reaching out to every willing soul, mine would be happiness by listening to the music that touched me the most, be it by the heartfelt lyrics or the feel-good tunes. Furthermore, liking them almost comes with a package; supporting them in my little ways (buying official merchs and CDs).

I will listen to Urbandub's rad music because I can. I will spread the word of the Hale comeback because I have waited long enough and I am really glad that they are back with their new stuff. I will promote OPM music more because there are a lot of great talents out there, just waiting to be heard. I will listen to Jadine songs because they are...cute together and they are making me kilig. (Heh.) I will jam to One Direction because why the hell not. The Beatles has always been my thing, and I will forever be glad to listen to the 60's and 70's music for it satisfies the old soul in me. I will rap with Eminem and hit high notes like Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Sara Bareilles and Jessie J. Christian inspirational music fills my soul and heart with so much gratitude and love from God and I will be forever thankful to Colton Dixon and The Planetshakers for that. David Archuleta and David Cook's music...will forever hold a dear place in my heart. I still will listen to MWK whenever it is raining, jam with Darren Criss, The Cab and Echosmith when I am down, listen to We The Kings whenever I miss them and sing and dance like Hayley Williams of Paramore and some 90's boybands when nobody is looking. Oh, and would I ever get tired imitating Matty Healy's (of The 1975) sexy British accent while singing and dancing to those beautiful beats; or go all anthemic with Fall Out Boy.

Being a band enthusiast, it is but an awesome feeling to discover new bands and I will definitely do just what Nick has suggested. Although looking back I realised I have been actually doing it for a long time (attending music festivals and listening to new bands!!!) I could not even remember when.

And lastly, I will open myself to even a larger scale of music. Not that I haven't been doing that before. In fact, one maybe surprised to find a vast genre of music in my player with songs that one would not expect me to have. (e.g. I used to have the native folk song Dayang Dayang on my player just for fun.)

I use to say that Arashi (a Japanese pop group) is the only boy group who sings and dances that I can tolerate (my exact term) and maybe I will give other boy groups a chance. (Though at the moment I still am not fully sold to the idea. But I do appreciate their music, too.) And I think it is about time to admit that I like CN Blue's music, too.

To be honest, K-pop is a vast universe that I refuse to go fully into because I know myself and I know my tendencies when I started liking something or someone for that matter. There are just so many things in there that I do not and cannot really understand. I thought getting to watch a K-pop group live would give me all the answers and it (seeing 2PM once) indeed gave me answers, just not enough to pull me into the hype. In my eyes, they have the looks, they can dance, they can sing, they are all alike. I am fine with people who like the likes of them, though. And this is all because of the understanding that this is where they have found their happiness, just as I have found mine with the bands; in which to me may be CN Blue's edge over the others (as they are actually a band), of why I chose to give them a listen.

"May mga nagsasabi na kaya lang sila sikat kasi dahil sa itsura," my friend told me once, of which I responded quickly with "Oi! Hindi naman!" and she was like " di ko pala dapat sinabi yun," something like that, like saying it would offend me or something, and I laughingly answered, "Okay lang naman. Pero pinakinggan ko kasi yung iba nilang songs, okay naman sila. Maganda naman." That conversation at a Japanese restaurant is so vivid for right then, I realised, did I just defend CN Blue and their music? Could it really be that...? Uh oh.

But thinking about it, it maybe is a good thing. Should I not have given them a chance, I would not have been introduced to another band who treats each member as brothers and produces a feel-good vibe whenever I get to listen to them. I would not have known a passionate songwriter who appreciates every support that he gets. It is the great relationship with all the members that is the most commendable as this maybe the secret why they are coming up with such good songs; because it would not feel like work at all, dealing with your family.

So it is now out in the open. Will I spazz like most K-pop lovers out there? No. But I post about almost anything, (if my 61 thousand plus and counting tweets is not enough of a proof) and now they are one of those many things. Will I watch all of their showcases and videos? No. Not because I do not like them that much but mainly because I am lazy (some things never change haha).

Will I continue to listen to new bands? Most definitely. My current playlist is so diverse though I have been mostly listening to Jason Mraz' YES album because its message of optimism is pure gold. Aside from the usual gospel music, it is just what I needed, especially during these past stressful couple of days. I also have been listening to Ed Sheeran a lot as his concert in Manila is almost around the corner, and I cannot wait to jam with those songs and with this talented redhead. And just when you thought you cannot love music even more....

You can.

And despite all the repetitive verses and sex-centered lyrics these days, the experience of getting to listen to all sorts of music gets even better and better..especially when you open yourself to the unknown.

Listen more. Explore more. Love more.

PS: It's the season of love (Valentine's Day weekend is fast approaching) and for this year I chose to publicly declare my love for music, for a change. Also, here's to a happy, hopeful, patiently waiting heart! ;)

AN INTRO

Well, hello there, you lovely! Here's me being at my most random. If I am not dealing with structural designs and engineering/estimating stuff, I probably am just creepin' somewhere... spreading The Word in my own little ways and/or appreciating the little things (basically cats, music and books). Also, I write about them sometimes. If you aren't the reading type and you wish to talk longer or if you've got suggestions and such, chatty type can always reach me here. Otherwise, welcome to my online home!