February 18, 2018

A Meeting in Outer Space: Incubus '8' Tour

A Meeting in Outer Space: Incubus '8' Tour
It was my cousin who first opened my eyes (ears, if you insist) to the music of American rock band, Incubus. Though a bit late to the scene, I became a fan (which was not a surprise, really). So when my sister's boyfriend managed to get us free VIP tickets for their fifth concert in the country days before the actual event, I was overjoyed. How lucky could a girl get, I thought.



THE NIGHT OF

We arrived at the venue with people already crowding the place. A long queue to the Patron section welcomed us. Fans, mostly dressed in black. Old, and young. Long time lovers, and new wolf pack of listeners. Representatives of different generations showed up to see the same band. Amazing how music can bring such a mix of people together.

It was past 9 PM when the band set foot on stage.  The stage vomited color. The lights were blinding. The music was loud and familiar. There they were: Brandon Boyd, Michael Einziger, Chris Kilmore, Ben Kenney, and Jose Pasillas. Right in front of my eyes. Performing live. Right in front of my eyes. Better than I have ever imagined.



After seeing them come out on stage, we went even wilder as they started to play. They opened with a song from their latest album "8," Love in a Time of Surveillance.



Then Brandon started singing old favorites like Warning from their album "Morning View."



They played more songs from "8" such as Glitterbomb, Nimble Bastard, and one of my personal favorites, State of the Art.




Classic hits from the band were also performed (not in chronological order). How we rocked to Anna Molly and Megalomaniac. Go wild over Echo, Sick Sad Little World, and Pardon Me. We sang our hearts out to Stellar and Wish You Were Here. We jumped as we sang every word to Nice to Know You. And of course, our heads danced to the beat as the Incubus played their breakthrough single, Drive.

How surreal it was.




Changing as it is through the years, I will never tire of both their old and developing (new) music. I still remember singing to their songs on that special night. It was those few moments of euphoria that I live for.

Incubus, you are magical.

(c)

February 15, 2018

The Big Bad Wolf Visits Manila

The Big Bad Wolf Visits Manila
Scored free preview passes to one of the most anticipated, and biggest book sales of the first quarter of the year -- The Big Bad Wolf. Coming for the first time here in the Philippines, the Big Bad Wolf event brings over 2 million new books at 60% up to 80% discount! I know, it's crazy. So right after work, we braved the Thursday night traffic from Makati to Pasay. And I tell you, it was worth the panic and the drive.



We arrived at the venue before 7 PM. There were already a number of people, but it was still not as crowded for its first soft opening night (thank the gods). As soon as I stepped inside the wide arena of books, my eyes went crazy. I did not know where to go first. Just grabbed the first cart I saw, and followed where my feet brought me.




The the variety of books the Big Bad Wolf brought, and at such affordable prices, was really overwhelming. Surely, kids and adults alike will enjoy the book fair with so many sections to choose from. What's even more fun was that there were available sample books for everyone to browse.




The venue was also perfectly decorated for the event. Huge signs, and accommodating crew are found in every corner of the arena. Payment system was well-organized that we did not have a hard time paying despite the long lines at the cashiers (probably, except for the guy in front of us who bought almost 13K worth of books, and paid in cash; bless you). But for easier book hunting, wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you will most definitely walk for more than two hours.



The Big Bad Wolf book sale will open tomorrow at 9 AM on February 16 and will end at 11.59 PM on February 25 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Price starts at P190! Happy book hunting!

(c)