But I do miss the perks. Meeting the artists from the moment they step in the country. Making sure the place was okay. Getting really good places to stand (because we can’t sit down) during the show and then congratulating the artists personally after their performance. But…like I said, it’s kind of a welcome break.

Oh, and one more thing: it sucks that I have no camera. :| Sure, Captain Tal did okay (see blurry pictures below), but my micro sd card is still 64MB because I totally forgot to buy a bigger one (okay, maybe I was a bit too lazy to do so)…plus I could’ve taken more photos and clearer videos if I had a camera with me. Next mission: buy that pink Canon Ixus 80 IS, ASAP!

Anyway, so last night, Tue, Happy and I trooped to Araneta Coliseum (exactly two months since Hillsong United, oy!) to watch Lifehouse. I’ve been excited for this since Happy told me she bought our tickets (Upper B is all we can afford) and for the past week I’ve been listening to their songs just so I’d be ready on concert night. And because I’m on constant Lifehouse mode for the week, I’ve made a playlist of songs I wish they’d sing on concert night:

• Whatever It Takes
• First Time
• Blind
• Breathing
• Simon
• Everything
• Hanging By a Moment
• Somewhere in Between
• Undone
• You and Me

Our view from where we sat (Upper B).

So the show starts, and even if we’re in Upper B, we had a pretty good view. Lots of people screaming (including us, of course!), and because we were well prepared, we sang along with the songs that we know. :D For a moment I wish we were at Patron or LowerBox…but after some time, I realized how relaxed we were at Upper B. I even sat down at some part of the concert. :P And who knew Araneta could be so cold?

The guys were amazing, and I swear, I love Jason Wade. I love his rocker voice on mp3s and CDs, but hearing his voice live is just…to die for. Love, love, love! He has an amazing stage presence too, and I love that he makes sure to look up at us people who were at the higher part of the coliseum. :D

This is the closest I could see of him...on projected screens, which conked out by "You and Me". :|

The show wasn’t as fluid as the ones I’ve watched before (i.e. Switchfoot), because sometime in between the songs, the stage would darken and there would only be low guitar/bass riffs and not too many friendly chit-chat with the audience, not at least until the middle? There was even a time when Jason went offstage for some reason and then ran back up. But performance wise, they were really amazing, and I am even a more fan now than I ever was before. :)

The concert ended a bit too early too, and I can’t help but feel like it’s bitin. But then again, they sang more songs than the Switchfoot show, so maybe it’s only because I’m used to being backstage before the concert proper, which makes it feel longer. Haha. Or maybe it was only because not all songs from my wishlist were played. But, regardless of all those thoughts I just typed, I had fun, they were amazing, and the show was worth it. :D

Since I didn’t have access to the actual setlist after the show, I made sure to note all the songs they sang in my phone (titles in boldface are the songs I love):

1. Make Me Over
2. Spin
3. Am I Ever Gonna Find Out
4. Simon — YES! Looove that they sang this! ♥
5. Hanging By a Moment — Reminded me so much of my prayer before I resigned.
6. Blind — ♥
7. Take Me Away — Tried calling my friend when they played this since this was one of her favorite songs but she didn’t answer. Oh well. :(
8. Somebody Else’s Song
9. From Where You Are — This is the part where we sat down, because we didn’t know the song. Who has a copy of this? :D
10. Bridges — Bryce sang this one, and it sounded a lot different from Jason’s version. I love the part where they shared one mic though.
11. Better Luck Next Time
12. Whatever It Takes – We screamed when they started playing the intro of the song :)
    
13. You and Me
14. First Time
15. (ENCORE) Disarray – After last night, I now love this song.
16. (ENCORE) Broken - I love the meaning of this song.
    

I still wish they sang Everything…but 6 out of 10 wished for songs isn’t bad. ;) I hope they’d go back (and can our team please handle them now? :D), and I will definitely be there again. :D Here’s to another bigger Lifehouse fan. *cheers*

Like being in love with you for the first time. ♥

Anyway, YES, Lifehouse is coming, and here are the ticket prices:

PATRON VIP (101,103 aka center) – Php4890
Patron (elevated area) – Php3890
Lower Box - Php3890
Upper A  – Php1890
Upper B – Php990

No general admission? Hm, is it because they’re not expecting a full coliseum? And the price for LowerBox seems wrong, because even if the same priced Patron is elevated, it’s still not the same as Lowerbox.

But anyway. At least it’s cheaper than Maroon 5, and way cheaper than gps fleet tracking devices. More expensive than Switchfoot or Hillsong United, but then again, that’s us. Because I’m sort of a cheapskate (and because I predict that I’ll be sort of bankrupt by then), I’m eyeing Upper A or Upper B tickets. It’s enough if I hear them, yes?

Who else is watching? :D

I accomplished some things for one of my goals for 2008 for this month, which I will post about in an update soon. It’s got me a couple of thousand bucks poorer though, but I’d like to believe that’s an investment. Besides, I badly need them. :D Heh. In the next week I’d be accomplishing some other goals too, which means more late time going home from work because of lots of meetings. I’m kind of nervous about tomorrow’s meeting, though, since it’s my first time to hea one, and I’m not yet entirely sure if I understood everything. I’m not regretting being placed in this position though; I’m just nervous. Pray for me, please? :) After that, I shall prepare for my first ever presentation during our general assembly on Friday. Eep. :o Which reminds me, I planned to work on one document I should be emailing by tomorrow today, but then…there’s such a thing as work-life balance, so let’s make use of that. I’d have time tomorrow. :)

Speaking of work-life balance, I just heard from some friends that Maroon 5 concert tickets for their March 5 show in Araneta Coliseum are already available via TicketNet…and check out these prices:

Patron VIP (101, 103, 1st 20 rows) (Reserved Seating) – PhP 10500
Patron (Reserved Seating) – PhP 7875
Lower Box (Reserved Seating) – PhP 5250
Upper Box A (Reserved Seating) – PhP 3938
Upper Box B (Free Seating) – PhP 2625
Gen. Admission (Free Seating) – PhP 1575

Look. At. Those. Prices. More than a thousand bucks for General Admission?! My gosh. What can you see from GenAd anyway? And ten thousand for one ticket? What if you’re on the 20th row already, is that still worth P10,500? OUTRAGEOUS. That’s even more expensive than assisted living software (I think)!

Then again…I remember Josh Groban front seat tickets are P25,000 each…so this looks small compared to that. BUT STILL! The most expensive ticket I ever bought was for the Jars of Clay concert three years ago…and that’s really close. Switchfoot’s highest priced ticket is even cheaper than Maroon 5′s General Admission. :-o

Yes, they are big artists…but the tickets are just…whoa. I was planning to watch, but my wallet is seriously disagreeing with me; and if I do decide to watch, I could say goodbye to Sydney.

And now this makes me wonder who else will be going here this year. I haven’t heard any news from our bosing during the Switchfoot concert, since I guess she’s busy…so no news yet of who will be coming here that we’ll be able to help organize. Switchfoot is coming to the Pacific, but not passing by Philippines so I am totally envious of Gharri who will be in Malaysia at the same time they are. :P Here’s my current artist “wishlist” though:

• Brooke Fraser (I heard she visited the Philippines early last year, but not to perform but as a part of some movement…I’m not sure if it’s World Vision).
• Dave Barnes (Dream on, Tina :D).
• Matt Wertz (Bring him with Dave!)
• Jars of Clay (I still dream of being able to hug and have a picture with Dan Haseltine).
• Switchfoot (Once is definitely not enough).
• Anberlin
• Mae
• Bethany Dillon (Her show does not have to be in a big venue…a small venue would definitely be better :D)
• Lifehouse
• Relient K (Appetite for Construction tour here too? Please? :D)
• Nichole Nordeman (She could do a show with Bethany? Hee.)
• TobyMac

Ah. I could list so much more…but I’ll stop here. :D Now I have to finish watchig this Ugly Betty episode and finish the book I’ve been meaning to finish since last yesterday. Have a great week everyone. :)

*Is currently listening to Oh! Gravity album* :D

But before I stop talking about it, I’m honored. My previous entry has been mentioned here and here. :D I am honored. Again, it’s been an amazing experience, and we all can’t wait to have the guys back here for a longer stay. :)

Oh, and can I just say? I can’t help but feel so kilig when I see switchfoot.com referrals to my blog. :D Wheee!

During one of my awake moments last Monday crossing Tuesday, I realized that one of the things I really wanted to do in my life is to be one of the production people for concerts and whatnot. Add to that dream was to be able to watch concerts of artists that I love. The latter is actually quite difficult because even if I have the money, the artists I like hardly ever visit here. :(

That’s why I’m really, really thankful that I was able to meet Jomar and Reeya. Jomar was the guy who got me into the Street Team thing starting with the Reuben Morgan thing in Manila, and that’s when I met Reeya. And it all started there. It was only last Monday when I realized that I am actually living my dream. Although there’s still a long line of artists that I still want to meet and watch live, I know that I still have time and that this is one of those steps. :)

To Jomar and Reeya: THANK YOU. :)

Meeting them is actually more than being able to watch them. Meeting them not in a starstruck way, but as how you meet new friends. Until now I’m still amazed how I managed not to scream like a little girl when I finally saw them. It was amazing how I was able to approach them and talk to them just as how I would talk to other people around me. And I guess it’s because in the end, they’re also just people. Like me, like you. Of course, they sing better than me, but they’re also people. Moreover, they’re people who believe and love the same God, which makes it even more awesome, don’t you think? :)

So this is me trying to get back to normal programming. Work’s been piling up, but it’s okay. :D I love my teammates (wheee), and I felt kind of bad for missing last Friday’s birthday treat from the boss. But at least I got to write on his birthday gift, which apparently, according to Grace, everyone thought was cute. Aww. :) Haha I’m so blessed to be with these people, even if I know they will all tease me to death on Monday for not being there last Friday.

But it’s okay, since I got to spend my Friday night with two of my favorite people. :) But can I say? Alabang is really so far away. Haha. :))

Although I do feel kind of bad again because my best friend couldn’t make it. It just sucks because she’s leaving tomorrow for the US and she hasn’t even seen Tuesday ever since she arrived. The last time the four of us we were complete was…March 2006. And it wasn’t even on my birthday pa. :(

I don’t know, I just feel sad about it. She missed Monday’s concert and she missed this and she’s leaving tomorrow and I have no idea what her plans are or what. I don’t even know when she’s coming back. And I feel like I’ve been cheated of quality time with her because of all other things we all have to deal with in life.

Hay.

The last news for today is that, Ginger, my beloved laptop, is breaking down. I don’t know if a reformat would do the trick again, or if my hard drive is really tired and needs to be put to rest. :( I haven’t restored most of my files ever since they all “magically” disappeared a little over a month ago. But the good news is, my mom told me to look for a replacement for my laptop and we could work out a way of payment for us for it. Not bad, not bad. I’d like that. As much as I love Ginger, I think it is time to put her to rest.

But with all the expenses…I might need a budgeting software for that. Hmmm. Let’s see, let’s see.

1. Because Jerome Fontamillas, their keyboardist, is a Filipino from Pasay City who moved to San Diego. Filipino pride, mehn!

2.Because they might sing something like this:

I don’t really like Beyonce or the song, but this one just rocks. Agree?

3. And finally, the biggest reason of all is this:

For every ticket you buy, you are helping the International Justice Mission to save exploited children in the Philippines. For those who don’t know, IJM is a group of lawyers and volunteers who help in stopping child trafficking, prostitution and get minors who are convicted of crime out of prison where they shouldn’t be in because of their age and into better places like juvenile centers or drug rehab where they can recover. By just buying a P250 ticket, it will go a long long way!

So what are you waiting for? Mosh pit and Floor seat tickets are sold out, but you can still get 1000, 800, 600, 400 and 250 tickets! The venue is pretty small, so don’t worry about not being able to see them perform, because you will still be able to. :) Reserve your tickets from me, or you may also contact other Street Team members in your area to get your tickets.

See you at the concert!

• Free limited edition poster autographed by the entire band for every mosh pit ticket purchased.
• Free Sunchild Redeemer T-Shirt for every two tickets purchased (Sunchild Redeemer shirts were sold during the Reuben Morgan worship two years ago.)

This promo is only up to AUGUST 6, 2007, only for MOSH PIT TICKETS (Php 1,400 each). So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!

We don’t have point of purchase displays, but we do have very friendly Street Team members who will accommodate your ticket questions. :D

Fans who purchased the tickets before this promo is announced is also included in the promo, so don’t worry about not getting your posters. See you at the concert!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows release

I feel kind of sad that the entire series is ending by Saturday next week, but that’s the way it is. It’s the same way I felt when I read the last Animorphs book — everything must come to an end. So does this. I bet I’ll shed some tears with this. I may not be a complete Potterhead like the others, but I love this series, and finishing it off feels like saying goodbye to a friend. Sigh.

Oh yeah, I haven’t watched the movie yet. Oops!

Don Moen in Manila. I was looking at House of Praise when I saw the poster of Don Moen’s Manila tour. Yes, he’s coming here (again, I think). To those who don’t know who Don Moen is, he’s one of the pillars of worship music, with popular songs Give Thanks, God Will Make a Way and God is Good under his belt. His show dates are:

• July 27, 2007 – The Pacific Grand Ballroom at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, 8:00pm
• July 28, 2007 – Araneta Coliseum, 4:00pm and 8:00pm
• July 29, 2007 – Freedom Ring Ampitheater at Clark Expo, Pampanga, 5:00pm
• July 31, 2007 – The Summit Center, Zamboanga City, 7:00pm

Tickets for this event are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets (911-5555). For more information, call Maximedia at 551-7777.

Switchfoot in Manila! After so many delays, Switchfoot is finally coming to Manila! If you’re a Switchfoot fan, you must not miss this! If you’re not, well, you shouldn’t miss this either since it’s a once in a lifetime event! They’ll be here on September 10, 2007, 7:30pm at the Cuneta Astrodome. Ticket prices are Php 1200, 1000, 800, 600, 400 and 250. More info on this in the coming days, but again I say, don’t miss this event! This concert is for the benefit of International Justice Mission. Oh, and one of their band members, Jerome Fontamillas is a Filipino, so this is a definite event to watch. :) I’m selling tickets, so if you’re interested, post a comment here, or email me with the subject, Switchfoot. You may also visit the Switchfoot in Manila blog -> switchfootmanila.blogspot.com.

There are also other events to watch out for, especially in September: Fall Out Boy and Elliott Yamin, I hear? I’m not a fan, but some of you might be, so go clicky. :)

I haven’t been on one since I went to Cebu the year after I went to Bacolod, but that’s going to change now because MV Doulos is in town! :)

MV Doulos is the largest floating bookshop (my eyes light up at the thought!) and the oldest ocean-going passenger ship in the world is docked in Manila from January 5 to 22, 2007. According to the website:

Gute Bücher für Alle e.V. (Good Books for All)

Doulos was purchased in 1977 by Gute Bücher für Alle e.V. (Good Books for All), a private, non-profit, charitable organisation registered in Germany.

Over 18 million visitors have been welcomed on board for tours, programmes and visits to the floating book fair. With stops in over 500 ports of call, this unique ship has visited more than 100 countries in including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and many island nations.

Doulos is recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest active ocean-going passenger ship.

As I’ve read from the Manila Metroblog, there are over 6,000 titles available (and I read somewhere that there is about half a million books inside!) at very affordable prices. Book subjects range from science, medicine, management, Christian literature, hobby, textbooks, cook books and even a small section of Tagalog books! Say this with me, book lovers: HEAVEEEEEEN!

The ship is docked at the South Harbor pier, open 10:00am to 10:00pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays and 2:00pm to 10:00pm on Sundays and Mondays. Entrance fee is P10 only, and children under 16 are free, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or a guardian.

What are you waiting for? :) Let’s go there! My friends and I are planning to go there next Saturday, so if you are planning to go there on that day too, drop me a line so maybe we can see each other there! :D

For more information, please contact Hyeok Seon Kwon at 092-7361960.

Okay, and now since we’re talking about books, and I practically got my fill of books since my dad arrived…care to recommend some for me? I like pawing through fiction, chicklit and some suspense, specifically, but I won’t mind fantasy, as long as it’s not a series/trilogy/whatever because I tend to buy the complete set if it’s like that. :)

Thanks!

Thirteen Things about my November 2006

1. Obviously, National Novel Writing Month! I was kind of nervous about how I’m going to squeeze in NaNo writing for this month because of work, but thank God for giving me time to write everyday!
   
2. More on NaNoWriMo: I had somewhat of a hard time writing my novel at the start because I felt like my story was kind of boring. I got out of it eventually…and now I’m really psyched about what I’m writing. I really think there’s a story there somewhere. :)
3. And again, more on NaNo: I reached my word count goal earlier than last year! Amazing. :)
4. Marvs arrived from the US and got me books. :) Haha. I now have: A Delirious Summer and Lost in Rooville by Ray Blackston and What a Girl Wants and She’s Out of Control by Kristin Billerbeck. Thanks, Marvs!
5. Starbucks planner mania! Every year, Starbucks Philippines has a promo/charity thing where you have to collect 21 stickers (1 sticker = 1 drink except for fruit juices and bottled water). 9 stickers for special/Christmas drinks and 11 stickers for the regular drinks. When you complete it, you get the planner for next year, plus a donation in your name to the Spark Hope foundation. :) I have six more stickers to go! :)
   
6. HILLSONG UNITED IN MANILA. Need I say more? :)
   
7. We finally got DSL! :) As of now, I am typing this in my room, using our WiFi Internet. How cool is that? Finally, I can download lots more stuff with this Internet speed! :))
8. Because of the new Internet connection, I fixed my room. See before and after pictures:
   
   Okay, so you can’t really see the bed, but the table is the more important part. now if only I could get the sofa bed out, and then put a bookshelf there for my favorite books!
9. So much work to do all of a sudden! My gosh. I know I should expect this, but the stress level is just so high, y’know? I’ve never been this stressed since I graduated from college…
10. …but amidst all these stress from work, I have one important lesson for me this month: Be still. God is in control. :)
11. Another important lesson: God doesn’t hold my sin against me. He has forgiven me, and He loves me like I am the only one to be loved. How amazing is that?
12. My first thirteenth month pay. Hmmm. Not that big, but then again, it’s okay. :)
13. And finally, my November is ending with a supertyphoon on the way. :( I’m praying it would change its course fully and NOT hit Metro Manila anymore. And we have a long weekend ahead too. Please Lord?…uh-oh the rain is here. Better get my electronics charged already.

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