Highlights of 2011

2011 has been a magical year for me. This year, I met lovely people, one of my dreams came true, and enrolled in a new school to name a few.

JANUARY: I started my first trimester in a new school where I am finally enrolled in a course where I love what I'm doing which is Fashion Design and Merchandising. I believe that it is never too late to change paths especially if you feel you're heading the wrong direction.

FEBRUARY: Starting the year with a bang! A Deftones concert that is. I love Deftones and they have been part of my life soundtrack.

MARCH: I got closer with two people I hardly knew 2 months ago. I don't get to see them that much nowadays but I'm thankful for all the fun and laughter we shared. And I miss them to death!

APRIL: Packed with photoshoots in a month. I was helping my friend Patrick build his portfolio and styled a few of his shoots. Met new friends, learned a whole lot of things and of course, had fun on the way...

MAY: I had my first gig as a photographer at the Manila Beer Event. Thanks to my friend, Marita. I was a frustrated concert photographer, and still am.

JUNE: I went to Fete De La Musique for the first time! This was a night to remember. I met a bunch of lovely people, hung out with old friends and it was pure fun and music in one night! It was amazing and I can't wait for this year's!

JULY: Best month of the year. Why? After years and years, I finally met my music heroes, Incubus. Especially the man behind the words, Brandon Boyd. I will never forget the wonderful experience and it is a story worth telling my grandchildren. I am still in disbelief as of the moment and I probably will never get over the experience. Their music has touched my soul and seeing them in the flesh and speaking to them was very endearing and life-cherishing. Magical is one word I can describe it. Oh, and I got to meet new people I share the same passion with...

AUGUST: My first ever trip to Ilocos! It was for our History of Art and Design class. I can't believe I didn't pay enough attention to that city back then. I felt like it spoke to me, we connected. I also got to ultimate bond with my good friend, Brix! I love Ilocos and I can't wait to go back soon!

SEPTEMBER: I got into an internship with stylist Teej Nepomuceno. Although it didn't last that long, I'm glad I learned a lot from the short experience and it can definitely help me in my future endeavors in the fashion world.

OCTOBER: It has officially been one year since my 18th birthday!? Time is fast! I spent my 19th birthday with a few of my close friends in a small intimate gathering with great music and laughter. I wouldn't have it any other way...

NOVEMBER: I had my first ever trip to Quezon! The city was gorgeous! I love how raw their lifestyle is. There was inspiration everywhere! From the galleries, the pottery store where they taught us how the whole pottery process is done, and Carlito Ortega's live demonstration of his art where he showed us the simplicity and diversity of welded brass. His art spoke to me. He inspired me to explore the complexities of heating brass and playing with metal.

I got involved in one of my friend's short indie film. I'm glad I was part of the team together with a bunch  of talented people. The experience was very tiring with 16 hours of shooting! But nevertheless, I had fun and met new friends.

DECEMBER: We had our second Betches Christmas gathering which was a tradition we started just last year. Me together with six of my best friends all gather up in my place coming from different parts of the city. We would catch up and laugh just like the good old times...

Every December, our family flies to Hong Kong to unwind. I've been to Hong Kong countless times but it gets more special every year. It's the only time of the year where we really get to bond as a family and that's the most important thing about the trip...next to shopping. Hah

The gifts I've received this year have been surreal. Cheers to better years! Sending love & light to everyone! Happy New Year!

∞B

Au Revoir

This is my good friend Daniel at his despedida party two weeks ago. He just recently left Manila and flew all the the way to California/New York. We used to hang out a lot together with our other friends during awkward days in college (freshmen). It gives me bliss when I see people pursue their dreams…

I'm so happy for my friend and I can't wait to follow my dreams too.

∞B

Enjoy Incubus

I think it's about time I blog about the concert last July. It's nearly a month overdue but better late than never, yes? This would be my fourth Incubus related blog post in 2 months…hello, 15-year old psycho fangirl self, unleashed and missed. Haha

It's almost a month but all the memories are still fresh. I can still recall all the joys, tears, shaking, disbelief and all the parade of emotions I felt that day and I'm not really sure how I can translate all those into words but I'm gonna try...

July 28 is a date I would cherish in my mental treasure box. It was the day I met 5 people who (as silly and cliche as it sounds) somehow inspired me in life...it is a story worth telling my grandchildren.

After our pre-concert mantasmagorical moment (click here), we went to our spots at the moshpit and we were so amazed (our faces looked like as if we saw God), some of us didn't really care about our concert spots.

I went with Ais, Kato, and Angelo. After a whole lot of reflecting, chit chatting, lights went off and "Tetrahydrochloridedub" by Franco played.

"How high can you go?....Embrace the natural."

I swear, it was the best intro. That song was one of my favorites off their album. It had minimal lyrics, more of spoken words but it was beautiful. They sang a couple of famous singles and I sang along to every song. It was like a double whammy for me. Franco x Incubus? What more can you ask for...

They ended their set with "Castaway". Shortly after they left, one by one the boys came out...Brandon, Mike, Ben, Jose, and Kil.

It was nonstop screaming. I even remembered being deaf for a few minutes right there. They started off with "Megalomaniac" and the crowd went wild! Moshpit section (where I was) was even wilder. Mike had a little incident with his guitar that made him smash it and push the amps. Too bad I didn't see that rockstar moment. I was totally unaware until after the concert when all the videos surfaced.

I decided to minimize my documenting especially the songs they already sang in 2008 since I wanted to enjoy the concert and not watch through the lens. Although I know I will regret it for my personal viewing/reflecting sessions at home.

Next songs were "Wish You Were Here" and "Consequence". I was really giddy to hear "Idiot Box" or "Glass" since I saw those two songs in Jakarta/Malaysia's setlist and assumed they would play it here too. Sadly, they didn't play "Idiot Box" but they did play "Glass"!

4th song was "Pardon Me"....

Next up was "Anna Molly"...

I took just snippets of videos not like the last time in '08 where I would film every song in full without getting cramps. I guess we grew old...haha

"Love Hurts" came in next which I wish they cut off the set and replaced with something else. I wouldn't say I hate that song, it's probably just my least favorite.

"Circles"

I was really surprised and happy they played "Look Alive"! It was totally unexpected! I felt like me and Ais were the only ones singing along. Dead silence surrounded us...

I wanted to hear new songs for a change...like "Switch Blade" or "The Original" but neither was played. But it's all good...they played "Promises, Promises".

To balance it out, they played good 'ol "The Warmth" for the Make Yourself junkies.

Of course, "Drive" was present as always. Everyone sang along to that infamous chorus "Whatever tomorrow brings I'll be there..."

"Sick, Sad, Little World" definitely took me back to the '08 concert as it was played exactly like the last time. Lovely as always. I remembered closing my eyes to Mike's tear jerking solo...

I didn't really feel the song "Isadore" until I heard it live! It has been on loop ever since...

I never would've realized how beautiful it was.

"There's just one parachute..."

Finally, one of the songs I've been waiting to hear..."Glass"! I remember going wild and singing my lungs out! Hence this shaky video...

It's crazy how they can sound the same from about 13 years ago.

"Talk Shows On Mute" was also a concert default. It's not a complete set without this song...

Last two songs were "Adolescents" and "A Crow Left Of The Murder".

(skip to 0:48 for better audio quality)

17 songs? That's it? Of course not, there was an encore!

They went back with a very sensual "I Miss You", another crowd favorite.

When one of my favorite songs off the new album "In The Company Of Wolves" was played, I seriously felt like I was hearing the hallelujah chorus. It was pure magic, I just had to take it all on video...and a pretty decent one. Check it out.

(Can you hear my friend, Ais sing during the whole song? Haha!)

I felt like I was taken to another dimension with that sick bridge! It really was "The longest night of my life".

They ended the set with "Nice To Know You" and a surprise shoutout by Brandon to the Street Team in the midst of the song's intro.

(video from 1welcome)

Brandon: "We had so much fun, Manila."

"Thank you so much once again."

"Thank you to the Incubus Street Team too. We love you guys."

In that moment, I said to myself, "Okay it's official, we are LEGIT."

Also, in the midst of "Nice To Know You", all the women swoon when THIS happened…

...but for me, that smile was what made my heart melt.

They bid us goodbye...but for some of us, it did not end there. (wink)

Setlist:
Megalomaniac
Wish You Were Here
Consequence
Pardon Me
Anna Molly
Love Hurts
Circles
Look Alive
Promises, Promises
The Warmth
Drive
Sick Sad Little World
Isadore
Glass
Talk Shows on Mute
Adolescents
A Crow Left of the Murder

Encore:
I Miss You
In the Company of Wolves
Nice To Know You

(Click the photo for my Incubus live in Manila photo set!)

Share your Incubus experience, yes? Comments and feedback are highly appreciated. Cheers!

∞B

If Not Now, When?

Last week was a crazy week. I still can't believe my dream came true. My dream of meeting my music heroes that has inspired me in life especially the man behind those words...
It's crazy how I was just blogging about this 3 months ago (click here) how last time was an utter fail and I need to meet them this time.

If we're friends you'd probably know that I'm a huge Incubus fan/groupie whatever you wanna call it. To give you a brief history, I first heard about Incubus during grade five (2003), I was 11, but "Are You In?" was the only song I knew then and I didn't even know who sang it, I just liked the song. Is that considered? Haha. It was only mid 2006 that I got really into them, dissecting every old album, songs, etc. I've been a follower ever since....

I'm so glad I found fellow friends who share the same passion as me. Just recently, I've become an active Street Team member. Well actually I was a member back in 2008 but was never really active.

These people are really dedicated. I'm probably the least productive person in the team. Hah. And they are hardcore fans. Some of them are even Incubus fans since Fungus days. Wish I was but only problem is, I was 4 years old back in '96. Do the math.

Now for the good part...

we were given a token of appreciation as I may call it for all the hard work we've been doing for this little band.

What is it?

Just an intimate meet and greet with Incubus. No biggie.

 We were escorted to the backstage holding area to prepare...and keep our composure maybe. Haha


When we got there, I could here Franco's soundcheck and all the shaningans with the crew. I also saw some Incubus staff, roadies, and familiar faces I've seen in Incubus videos. Somehow, I felt like an important person upon seeing all that, I'm not really sure why. Haha

The Ovation people came in and gave us a little briefing...next thing I know I felt like it was one of the scenes in my many dreams. I didn't know what was gonna happen actually. Until I saw them in the flesh...

We went in by groups...I felt like it was a big party and Mike Einziger was the host. He was so accommodating! I swear.

I couldn't keep myself together because this was the first time I'm meeting them. Everything was prepared except for the things I have to say...yey. I handed them the gifts I bought. Jose was the first one and I felt a bit awkward. Seems like he wants to get it over with. But no worries, maybe he was just tired. I forgive you, Jose. Ben came in before Brandon so I was rushing him a bit. I know, I'm such a dumbass.

When I got to Brandon, I seriously did not know what to do with myself.

(There's Brandon talking to me...)
Next thing I know, I was getting teary eyed. (sucks)

Tears fell and everyone went "awww...". Brandon called it "happy tears".
I couldn't say anything but my name and "yeah". I tried so hard to keep my face decent while crying. It was a struggle, I must say.
I handed him my gift and I'm pretty sure our conversation went like this...
(I have a video to prove it as well. Ha!)

Brandon: "Oh, what's this?"
Me: "It's my gift for you."
Brandon: "I love you."
(hug)

He initiated the hug and I couldn't distinguish reality from fantasy in that moment.

I kept analyzing the video, playing it over and over again just to get it right. Yes, Brandon Boyd just told me he loves me.
I should've asked him to wear it on stage - the necklace/bracelet I gave that was inside the pouch...but no.
Aaah...would've, could've, should've.

When I got to Mike I was still crying and apologizing he said no problem and I told him he's so cute he replied with a

"You're so cute as well. I like your Guns 'N Roses shirt".

See how nonsense I can get when I am in shock?

Finally, last one was Kil. I am still in awe about the Brandon thing I couldn't hear what Kilmore was saying.

We had a quick photo op. Mike was calling my name "Bev!" 'coz I didn't know where I should position myself and I looked really confused as seen in the picture below. Haha...

After everyone was done, I looked for Brandon hoping I could speak to him not in the language of cry. Lei and Kat were already there talking to him so I waited but our time was up and the bouncers were already escorting the others outside. He gave free hugs to everyone!

He bid us goodbye "bye guys!" followed with a "bye Bev!"

I died.

I hugged Mikey goodbye but didn't say anything once again. Just hugged him...he was so soft.

Brandon and Mike playing with the gifts I gave them...

They opened it right after we left! Those are mini flutes Brandon and Mike are blowing, that red thing is a surfboard keychain with 'Philippines' written on it, the other one is a wood pen with 'Philippines' written on it as well. And you see that native thing? That is where my long ass letter for Brandon is kept. It's crazy how I was just buying these stuff and now it's all in their hands (and mouths).

One of my regrets was not speaking to Ben how much I adore him and his solo work. "Beard of Bees" is my favorite. It has already been play raped by my iPod, Kilmore and how he inspired me to get dj lessons, Mike and his ridiculous intellect about music theory and science hence the successful End.>Vacuum. Oh, and him just being a 'Jewfro' is plain awesome.

You know, I love them all but Brandon has my heart. I know it's cliche, don't judge. I have my valid reasons.

I still couldn't get over what just happened...still teary-eyed. I don't even know why I was such a puss throughout the whole thing.

 Brandon and Kil holding my gift...
(Photo from Charm Gamboa)

(Photo from Sir Renen De Guia)

Backstage an hour before the concert with Sir Renen De Guia of Ovation Productions. The man we all owe our lives to. Well, at least I do.

Here's a video to put life to my horrible narration...

I'm glad some friends took it all on video (Thanks Ais and Lei!)…at least I have something to remind myself that IT IS real and it did happen.

Me: "Hi Brandon."

Brandon: "Hi Bev, how are you?"

Me: "Do you remember me?"

Brandon: "Yeah…"

(You know when rockstars forget the people they meet a DAY after? Not in this case…)

He just said my name before I could even introduce myself again then I ask him if he remembers me?! That's me when I'm nervous...I don't pay attention and say stupid things. He probably read my novel...I mean letter for him the night before since they opened the gifts already (as seen in picture above).
 I’m happy to say that now that I’ve met him, I look at him like a real normal person just like everyone else…no celebrity fame light shining around him. I even kinda forgot that he was an international rockstar. He just happened to touch a lot of hearts with his God given talents making him #1 on everyone’s list. The feeling was very...endearing.


One of my dreams was to meet him…but meeting him twice was so much better. I don't think any other man has ever intrigued me as Brandon Boyd has. 

To wrap it up, I can say that this was probably one of the best days of my life. I don't know how I will get over this...probably never.

I've never in a million years thought that I would actually meet Incubus face-to-face, human to human. I thought it only existed in my many dreams...
I want to thank a few people who made this happen. Ovation Productions, Katrina Sales, Steve Rennie, and of course Brandon, Mike, Ben, Jose, and Kilmore.


(Sorry if this turned out to be a Brandon appreciation post. I just...can't help it.)

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"I've waited all my life...if not now, when will I...?

Meet and greet photos from Mong Pintolo and Magic Liwanag of Ovation Productions 

∞B