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Philippines
"STYLE is STYLE, either you got it, or you don't." It's fun sharing random thoughts with other people. I write to express, not to impress. Others may find it crap, others may find it cool. But just like a photograph, it conveys different emotion and thought within anyone who looks through it. All photos © by JanellaTrizet unless otherwise stated.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

All time high with All Time Low

I grew up with love and appreciation for all different types of music. And that explains my eagerness to watch various concerts whenever there’s a chance. Last September 22, I was lucky to get a chance to watch All Time Low’s concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Though I still got slight fever and sore throat from last night’s concert (AI), it didn’t stop me from watching Alex, Jack, Rian and Zack perform LIVE. Great international artists like them do not visit our country frequently so we must not miss the chance and just let it pass by.
My friend and I went straight to Smart Araneta Coliseum immediately after our review since we were running late as we were dismissed late. I met Miggy @ Padi’s Point beside the Red gate of the Big Dome. I was also able to meet Mark, atthewomb’s official photographer, for the first time too. People, I’m tellin’ you, these guys are awesome; you have to meet them too. THANKS a lot to them, and to everyone from atthewomb ofcourse. 
After my friend & I had our dinner, we already entered the gate, find our seats, and seated comfortably while waiting for the show to start. We were at Patron by the way. Thanks to Miggy again, he’s the best! 

I was so excited for ATL’s concert, but what made me more excited was that TYPECAST served as the front/opening act. Well, just so you know, I was in first year college when I first learned about Typecast, and I got so hooked up with their songs. Some of my favorites are “Last Time”, “Will you ever learn”, “21 And Counting”, “The Infatuation Is Always There”, “Forget”, “The Boston Drama”, and many more. You guys must check ‘em out!
As lights were turned off, the audience started screaming so loud. I thought that just seating there on our seats would be so boring so we decided to leave our seats and to go near the stage. We went and walked through the wild audience. Luckily, we survived and finally found ourselves just about few persons away from the stage. And there, we enjoyed Typecast’s performance much. They really set the mood of the audience, perfect opening for All Time Low. It took quite a while setting the stage up for ATL so we went back to our seats.
Few minutes later, a familiar music started to play. It was “Art of the State” that was playing, but I could barely hear it because of the loud cheering & screaming of the crowd. It was the best song to open the show; it boosted the energy, emotion and excitement of the audience. After the intro, All Time Low was finally on stage. Man, my eardrums felt like they were going to break from those loud screaming and cheering. They first sang “Do you want me (dead)”. We were surprised to see collection of bras on their mike stands being thrown on stage. There were also condom balloons flying everywhere. How everyone loves it when the boys talk dirtier and rock harder as they perform.

The band had a great setlist. I personally love going to a concert where I can sing along with the artists/bands because it makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger. Since I know all the songs on their list, I was able to sing along with them throughout the show. And I really enjoyed the whole concert. My friend and I wanted to go back near the stage but it seemed to be very impossible since the area was overcrowded at that time. We just stayed on our place and stood on our chairs. Even if I slipped and fell down the chair not less than twice, it didn’t matter. It was like a crazy dance party wherein you didn’t have to worry about being shameless! We really had fun!
All Time Low really know how to put on a great show and Alex knew what to say to work and entertain the crowd. There was one part of the show wherein Alex was teasing Jack by asking the audience to repeat the words he was saying, watch this:

Everyone loves it! They were so cute! Now Jack owes Manila Taco Bell. They also said that their show here in Manila was one of their favorites, and that they’re gonna be back soon. Yeah, I’m not even kidding! They said it several times. They performed their latest hit “I feel like dancin’ tonight” after. This time, we were back on the center near the stage. And the area was a mosh pit full of people dancing wildly as they sing along with the band.
I felt much emotion while singing along with Alex as he played solo in an acoustic performance of “Therapy” & “Remembering Sunday”. I was also mesmerized as the audience sang their hearts out. It was very clear and loud, so loud that you almost can’t hear Alex’s voice, but it was full of emotion. That was my favorite part of the show.

I loved their encore too, it was really great! Their performances never fail to draw us in. We spent all the energy left on us by singing, dancing, moshing, screaming and cheering all at the same time. You could feel the intense emotion of the audience as they sing along with the band. This will give you an idea on how the band deeply connects with their audience. All Time Low Live in Manila was such a great experience!
The day after, my whole body was in pain, and it hurts even more every time I move. I also got some bruises, my sore throat became worse and I literally lost my voice. But… I survived last night and my soul is elated.
I know that this concert will not be possible without Ovation Productions so I want to thank all the people behind it. Ovation Productions is number one in bringing great artists here in the Philippines. Thank you ofcourse to atthewomb for giving us, your fans/friends, the chance to see and watch our favorite artists LIVE. You rock! And to Miggy, thank you so much. You’re the best! :)
\m/

Friday, September 23, 2011

American Idol Live Tour 2011

First time in the history of Asia and Philippines concert scene that the Top 11 finalists from “American Idol” season 10 performed live on stage! Aside from their scheduled concert last September 20, Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Stefano Langone, Fil-American Thia Megia, and Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery graced the big dome once again last September 21. I've been watching American Idol since its 1st season, with Kelly Clarkson as the very first winner. After that, I've been a fan of many different Idols. I even watched David Archuleta's most recent concert here in the country last July 18. I'm so lucky I got the chance to see my Season 10 Idols LIVE on their second night concert, happened at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The concert started with a taped introduction by Ryan Seacrest (AI host), flashed on the screens. The show was split in two parts, first of which was more of a variety show type, showcasing the first six who got eliminated. A winning group performance of Lady Gaga's "Born this way" by the girls opened the first half of the show. Ladies from this batch never fail to impress. There were solo, duet, and group performances. Despite having many performers, each of them had his shining moment, thanks to the organizer. It was like they were still fighting for the most coveted title, their performances were breathtaking and each of them gave their best!
Pia Toscano followed the group performance with her rendition of Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind". She also sang "This Time".
Stefano Langone kinda missed a note while singing "Grenade" by Bruno Mars, but this guy knew how to work the crowd. I think he not only gained admirers for his singing but also for his toned body. While he was singing Usher's "DJ got us fallin in love", he stripped his shirt off, which ofcourse sent the girls screaming so loud & wild. 
 
 Paul McDonald owned the stage when he sang "Maggie May". His dancing, which I find a bit weird, was still fun to watch. 
Talk about energy, Naima Adedapo had shown much on her rendition of J.Lo's "On the floor". She was so sexy on her belly-dancing costume, she danced well, complete with jumps and ended with split. She really got the crowd screaming & dancing with delight. It was her best number & it was a perfect example of winning a crowd over.
 Thia Megia sang "Who says?" which was popularized by Selena Gomez. I really adore her because aside from she's beautiful and talented, she's our Kababayan. :) She often performed & danced in the background throughout the concert. 
Now down to one of my favorites. Yes! Casey Abrams came out with the boys to sing "Animal". His solo performance of Santana's "Smooth", with a humming intro of cello, and Maroon5's "Harder to breathe" made the cheering & clapping even louder.
He also had a duet of "Moanin" with Hailey Reinhert, that number really gave me goosebumps.
The first half of the show ended with a group performance of Cee Lo Green's "Forgot you" by the finalists.
The second half of the concert started with Lauren Alaina's solo performance of "Flat on the Floor" by Katrina Elam. She was dressed up like a cowgirl with a shimmering boots. I loved it! Se also sang her single "Like my mother does". 
James Durbin's performance of "Sweet child of mine" was superb! It was also one of my favorites. He wowed the crowd by emerging from the audience area (from the back), and by shouting "Sigaw na!". It was like a rock concert during his performance, and I enjoyed it a lot! \m/ 
Jacob Lusk sang "Never too much" and "You're all I need to get by". Though his was just a short stint, he still owned the stage and gave his best.
  In my opinion, Haley Reinhart was one of the top performers on the show. I loved how she sang "House of the rising sun" & "Benny & the Jets" with her distinct voice. Her confidence just blew me away. And as I expected, the audience loved her too. Yeah, the night belonged to her!:) I had goosebumps when she did that jazz number with Casey. This girl definitely has something! Too sad he didn't sing Adele's "Rolling in the deep". :( 
The American Idol Season 10 winner Scotty Mccreery didn't show up until the second half. He finally hit the stage with his song "Are you gonna kiss me or not" and "I love you this big". The screaming just peaked when he said "Mahal Kita" in his deep country voice.
I was surprised by Scotty's appeal. He's naturally charming even though he was just dressed up with long-sleeved polo shirt & denim pants. It doesn't matter if we waited for an hour and a half before he showed up, the crowd loved him to pieces and I love you this BIG. <3 I also liked Scotty & Lauren's duet of "When you say nothing at all". He ended with an upbeat solo number of "Gone".
James and Lauren presided the closing group medley, they sang Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again.” Followed by Casey, Paul and Hailey's rendition of Journey’s “Faithfully.” Naima, Stefano, Jacob and Thia did Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” before all the idols onstage sang a booming version of Journey’s “Anyway You Want It.”
Got some Kitkats & Coffees at the exits.
All in all, I'm so glad I caught this show. THANKS TO MIGGY AND AT THE WOMB!
I must say that this is probably the best batch of AI to watch Live. As a group, they brought up different musical genre, different personalities & real BIG talents. The concert was so enjoyable. No wonder their season was the most watched & broke all the voting records. Scotty's the biggest winner and Hailey's the BEST SINGER/vocalist. Now I wonder what season11 could put on the table. The American Idol 2011 Live Tour was one to remember! Looking forward to the future Idols. :)