One morning in September 2007, I was in the office when boredom got the better of me. And like many bored members of the working class, I logged onto YouTube and looked for the music video of Rihanna’s Umbrella. The search made me stumble upon a band’s acoustic cover of the song. I was blown away. I even loved it better than the original. The band was composed by three brothers — Daniel, Fabian, and Alejandro Manzano. The band’s name was Boyce Avenue.

I became a fan instantaneously. That particularly video had only around 40 views. None of my friends knew them. Somehow I was glad. I thought, “This budding group is going to be my little secret.” I anticipated more “cover videos.” And they never failed to amaze me each time they post a new one. YouTube became my little world and Boyce Avenue was the only thing in it.

It was only a matter of time when those 60 views became hundreds, then thousands, then millions. They became an internet phenomenon with over 75 million total views on YouTube, 143,000 subscribers, and ranked as one of the top musician channels of all-time on YouTube. My little secret became the world’s. My little secret became everything but. And for these men, I’m more than happy.

I blogged about them and their first time in Manila (a mall tour). And now, I’m glad I’m blogging about them again because they’re returning to the Philippines for a major concert. And he’s not alone.

Jabbawockeez arrived in Manila last week and I’m delighted to hear they will be a regular on ASAP XV for a month. I’m not really a dance fan but it doesn’t take a dance diploma to know that they ARE great. Especially after the technical boo-boo on ASAP last Sunday. They were just the most creative-slash-professional group ever. They’re amazing.

Kris Allen will be performing at MusicFest, too. Allow me to die for a moment. (OK, I just died there.) I remember last year when every one of my friends was rooting for that Adam Lambert guy, I think I was the only one in my circle that was jumping out of my seat. Doesn’t matter, though. He’s won. He’s here. And I’m going to see him.

(more…)

Vice President wannabe Jejomar Binay’s Ganito Kami sa Makati promotional ad-slash-political ad in disguise says a lot about the city he’s running. Whether it’s true or not, I think Makati is one of those cities in Metro Manila that project a relatively positive image to the public. But how about the others?

It’s actually quite funny what kind of impressions some cities have on people. For example, I’m sure you have heard people making fun of Malabon and its Venice-like situation, except devoid of all grandeur. Or how many of us still associate the entire Muntinlupa with New Bilibid Prison as though the prison is all there is in the city.

This post isn’t about Makati, Malabon, or Muntinlupa. It’s about another city in the southern part of the metropolis — Pasay City.

I’ve been told a number of times about the city’s reputation. For example, when I’m going to Pasay and I’m asking my mom or my friends for directions, they would insist that I do not go alone or that I do not bring any valuables. Even my dear  friends from Pasay tell me how frustrated they are with how things go, especially how things are being run.

Is Pasay really that bad? I’m asking coz the only parts of Pasay I go to frequently are the SM Mall of Asia area, DFA, and MRT Taft station.

Here are some instances in which I thought Pasay was used by people around me for their random display of sense of humor.

ANYTHING GOES

Fresh from iBlog Mini at World Trade Center a few weeks ago, Andre and I decided to proceed to SM Mall of Asia to check out the new line of hoodies at Fox Men. We didn’t know where the jeepney terminal was so we started looking for it.

Andre: I don’t think it’s here. Maybe it’s over there?
Yoshke: But we have to cross the road to go there.
Andre: So let’s cross, come on.
Yoshke: Err, wait. Can we? This may be a no-jaywalking zone.
Andre: Yoshke, duh? This is Pasay. There are no rules!

A TALE OF A MISSING COMB

“Where the hell is my comb?!”

Debbie had spent minutes trying to find her comb in the office. This happened two years ago, I was a web writer then. Debbie misplaced her comb and she just could not find it in her cubicle. Out of utter frustration, she talked to herself like she normally did.

(more…)

SM Megamall

Andre, Shy Guy and I were walking around looking for a place to have dinner at when we passed by Petit Monde. The store’s facade is covered with huge posters of Carmen Soo.

Yoshke: Nagagandahan ba kayo kay Carmen Soo?
Shy Guy: Oo. OK lang. Bakit, ikaw?
Yoshke: Oo naman. Ikaw, Andre?
Andre: Oo namaaan. Iba kasi eh. Simpleng ganda lang. Parang… parang… parang ako.

Hala. Maganda daw sya!

Trinoma

Days after the Carmen Soo incident, Andre and I found ourselves in Trinoma. I forgot why we were there (but I swear it wasn’t bird-watching). Anyway, this time, we passed by Bench where a poster showcasing the buffed physique and nakaka-ihing sex appeal ni Gerald Anderson in a sleeveless shirt, his hands under his head, his armpits exposed.

Andre: (squeezing may left shoulder) Gaaaaaah. Eeeeeeh.
Yoshke: O ano na naman?
Andre: Ang sarap naman ng kili-kili ni Gerald… Parang gusto ko dun tumira…

Go lang! Tumira ka sa kili-kili ni Gerald Anderson! Hindi kita pipigilan!

(more…)

Wuhooooo! After a seems-like-forever hiatus, I’m back, blogging.

The hell week is finally over.

I filed a week-long leave of absence for the Foreign Service Oral Examinations. It was tough, intense, and mind-blowing. Very. Waaaaah, I really hope I could make it.

One of the questions they asked me was, “Who’s your favorite Hollywood director?”

And I just stared at them for 10 seconds. I was beyond nervous. I didn’t know what to say. I don’t even have a fave Hollywood director. Wong Kar Wai and Francois Truffaut, yes, but they’re so not Hollywood.

The first name that came to my mind was David Fincher but I was worried they would think my choice was too violent. And then Steven Spielberg, and I thought they would think I was too juvenile.

And so I said, “Stephen Daldry.”

Poor me. Can’t even think of a much more famous director. But come to think of it, he really is my favorite right now. “The Hours” remains my all-time fave film, after all. And I really liked “The Reader.”

Another question they asked me: “Brilliante Mendoza has just won Best Director at Cannes Film Festival for his film about a young cop who raped and killed a woman and chopped her to pieces. What can you say about this?”

My answer? Hmm… I think I’ll just keep it to myself. Ehehe. My opinion is not very pretty.

…

Of course, days before the Exams, I was brushing up on my International Affairs. Was at Gloria Jeans Coffee in Tomas Morato/Timog a number of times. (Free Wi-Fi!)

On Monday, we saw Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson. Yum Yum. Haha.

…

Last Tuesday, we finally found a new home! So later this month, my friends and I will be moving to GA Tower along EDSA, a stone’s throw from my workplace.

…

Yesterday was our Barrio Fiesta in Lemery, Batangas. Perfect, perfect. After a gruelling, almost suicide-inducing Foreign Service Exams, it was time to PIG OUT!

I love fiestas. Basically because I love to eat.

Kudos to the Spaniards for injecting the fiesta tradition to our culture. Ahahaha.

…

So right now, I’m back in the violently jolting metropolis. Work’s piled up. So I gotta split now.

Because updating Twitter and Plurk every whatever hour is too grueling a task for me (yeah, I’m lazy like that), why not deliver updates all at once every week? Wahaha.

• February na! Birthday season. Hahaay. Most of my friends are Februarians. And as I said before, unlike January which I have a love-hate relationship with, February is ALWAYS kind to me. And I know this year ain’t gonna be different. 
• Kelly Clarkson is baaaaack! Although I actually think that My Life Would Suck Without You isn’t one of her best singles, I’m just ecstatic she’s back on top, making history. Hihi. She now holds the record for Billboard’s greatest jump formerly clung under Britney’s belt. Eat that, Britney! (Kidding! I love Britney Spears, too.) Also, she’s the first American Idol to score two Billboard Number 1’s. I’m soooo happy for her. She’s my fave Idol ever. And Carrie Underwood. And David Cook… Aright. I have many fave Idols ever.
• I’m loving I Hate This Part by The Pussycat Dolls. Lovet. I gotta do eeeet… I gotta do eeeet… I gotta do eeeeeeeet…
• I’ve just found out that Boyce Avenue is coming to Manila. Somebody slap me now! I just can’t help getting giddy this early. They will be performing in the following:
  February 12 – SM Cebu, 6 PM
  February 13 – SM Mall of Asia, 7 PM
  February 14 – SM North Edsa, 5 pm
  February 15 – SM Megamall, 7:30 PM
  I’ve been in love with them since like the Cretaceous Period! I remember the time when their youtube pages had only a few views. Now, they’re getting bigger and more popular. I’m happy for them.
• I was at Red Box in Greenbelt 3 last Friday night with clients. And it dawned on me that boy band songs love me. I don’t know what he does to make you cry. But I’ll be there to make you smile…
• I’ve finally seen The Reader. I’m sorry Slumdog Millionaire, The Reader just stole my heart from you. Oscar Best Picture? The Reader for the win. (Kate Winslet is love.)  I’ll be posting my Oscar predictions and the second part of my Movie Rundown: Oscar Contenders post soon. I just need to see Frost/Nixon.
• Amanda Tanen of Ugly Betty is the apple of my eyes right now. But no, I’m not going straight. She’s more like my role model. My answer to the question: Whom do you want to be like when you grow up? Wahaha.

• I keep on finding myself in Trinoma lately. Actually, I don’t feel like going out lately. But I have to. Meetings. Groceries. My usual tambayan is at Dairy Queen in Glorietta 4. But Trinoma has been attracting me gravitationally. But it’s aright, Trinoma is my fave mall after all.
• I didn’t realize there’s actually a Froyo (Frozen Yogurt) place near my place. Yogurbud! Waaah. I know they have branches at SM Megamall and The Podium but I didn’t know there’s also one along Tomas Morato. Yaaaaay! Someone’s gonna be a regular!
• I’m buying a fridge. Yay. Finally, I can store as much yogurt as I want. And ice cream. And milk. And salad…
• Andre spent the weekend at my apartment again. So yes, there’ll be a Weekend with Andre Part 2.
• I was WTF-ing and WTF-ing when I read this report: A Filipino machine operator was reportedly sacked by an engineering firm in Australia allegedly for his toilet habits. A Townsville Bulletin report posted on news.com.au said Amador Bernabe, 43, a Filipino machine operator was kicked out of his job by the Townsville Engineering Industries (TEI) for using water, instead of toilet paper, to clean himself during toilet visits. (abs-cbnnews.com)
• Dear God, why is it sooo hard to quit smoking! Give me the determination to expel nicotine from my body.
  images courtesy of dessertcomesfirst.com and stereogum.com
  

Trinoma, Quezon City. September 2008.

I don’t eat beef.

Don’t ask why not. I don’t know either. I just don’t.

But of course, I know how it tastes like. Last month, I was at FoodEx Trinoma to taste beef for the first time. (It was the first of the three times I ate beef in my life.) Mimay, JT and Dohna were all there to witness the momentous event. Mimay had it recorded. Video uploaded to Facebook.

I ordered T-Bone steak. They were all crying “Oh my God” repeatedly in anticipation. Because you know, one day, I’ll be so famous and I’ll be a great historical figure and people will go back to that moment as the first time I ate beef. They’ll be erecting a monument in the middle of that mall captioned “This was where The Great Yoshke Dimen had his first beef.” And it will become a popular tourist destination besting New York’s Statue of Liberty, Rio’s Jesus Christ the Redeemer and the then most visited Manila’s Yoshke The Full-of-Himself Tower.

Anyway, just when the first morsel touched the tip of my tongue, Dohna asked me “How was it?”

It took me several seconds before I could finally answer. I had to chew and swallow, you know.

“Yummy. A bit gummy,” was my answer. “Not as bad as I expected but not as good as people say it is.”

They were all delighted with my response. It meant “I liked it.” I was just sorta in denial but I liked it.

“You see? You liked it, right? Beef is very good,” Dohna said as-a-matter-of-fact-ly. “Beef is our friend.”

“If beef is our friend, why do we have to eat it?” I replied.

“Well…” Dohna paused and then uttered confidently, “Because sometimes we have to eat our friends! In  order to live.”

Wahaha.

Mimay added “And because they eat us, too. Unto unto others, unto unto you!”

Ad Congress. Subic Bay. November 2007.

After the Neil Gaiman event, Ayn, Astrid, Dohna and I decided to kill time at the Subic Bay Christmas Carnival. We hadn’t been at a “perya” in a long time. Enchanted Kingdom not counted. When I say “perya,” I mean those horrible yet fun places where you feel like the Ferris Wheel will come crashing down any minute and whenever you brush your hand with the grimy metal railings, you feel like a bottle of Green Cross alcohol won’t be enough and you won’t touch food in the next 72 hours. And whenever you hear a scream, you assume it’s not of excitement but of agony and you picture a little girl free falling from that Ferris Wheel you thought was made of rust. Haha. But peryas are fun. Haha.

After almost an hour of deciding what rides to take, we ended up not taking any. Haha. So we just agreed to wait for Lei and hitch a ride back to Manila — the only ride we were gonna take that day.

We were staying near a puto-bumbong stall — all tired, sleepy and waiting. All quiet. No one was saying anything. Until Dohna broke the silence with a song. Out loud, she started singing “Burn” by Tina Arena.

“Do you wanna be a fo…” And then she stopped singing so suddenly. She realised she might have mispronounced something. Might have. Haha.

Ayn, being herself, smirked and asked “What? A FFFoet? Do you wanna be a FFFoet?”

Ah sarcasm. Sarcastic bickering. My favourite hobby.

“I was gonna say ‘FOREST!’” said Dohna, thinking she could fool us.

I butted in, “Why on earth would you want to be a forest? Why would anyone want to be a forest?!?”

We all laughed. Dohna was silent.

“Err… Coz they want to… burn? ” was her answer. Clever.

(more…)

Status: Pissed.
Music: What About Now | Daughtry

I may be gay but I consider myself a gentleman. When riding the train, I usually give my seat to the woman standing in front of me. And when a woman and I happen to enter a building or a store at the same time, I give way and hold the door for her. These things, I do because I believe I am a good person. And of course, whenever I practise such acts of respect and generosity, and as common courtesy suggests, I expect a simple “Thank you.”

If the woman fails to thank me, I usually just shrug it off. Yes, I expect a tiny display of gratitude but I don’t really give a damn if her parents did a terrible job raising her. But what the woman shouldn’t do is screw me after I held the door for her. And that’s exactly what happened last Tuesday.

After walking around Glorietta with my very pretty cousin, I felt the need to check my email. So we headed to Netopia somewhere near Ayala MRT Station. As always, I opened the door for my cousin. Another woman entered as I was holding the door. After I had closed it, I approached the counter. There was an old man logging in so I stood behind him and waited for my turn. This woman approached the counter and positioned herself BESIDE the old man in front of me. She said to the cashier demandingly, “Internet, please.”

At that moment, I knew she was trying to get ahead of me and jump the queue. Two customers who had just arrived stood behind that woman, forming a longer queue.

Seconds later, the man in front of me was logged in and walked away from the counter. Again, the woman said, “Internet, please.” And because I knew what she was up to, I also said to the cashier, “Miss, Internet.”

To my surprise, the cashier reminded me that there was a line and asked me to stand at the end of it. I flashed a joshed look and protested tactfully, “Miss, I am first in line.”

Then, the woman beside me (the one I held the door for) said, “No, I am first here.”

I ignored the woman and said to the cashier, “I was standing behind the man who just left.”

But the woman was insisting, “No, I am first.”

At that moment, I felt my blood reach boiling point. So out of utter rage, I turned to that ugly, little bitch and said, “What the hell are you talking about?! You know I am first in line. I approached the counter first. And my Gawd, I even held the door for you when you were coming in!”

The woman yelled, “No, you’re a lier! You did not held the door for me!”

Believe it or not, I still managed to snicker! But I didn’t mind her grasp of the English language (or the lack thereof). I turned to the cashier and insisted calmly, “Miss, I am first in line. You may have thought this ungrateful woman here was because she kept on saying ‘Internet, please’ even when you were busy entertaining the man who was in front of me.”

With that, she logged me in and gave me a number. I turned around and started to walk away. But that old, ugly witch kept on shouting “You’re a lier. Stop lying!” She went on and on.

Lord, forgive me for having done this. I stopped walking, turned to her, and bellowed “BITCH!!!”

That shut her up. My cousin gave me a tap on the back and uttered smilingly, “Good job!”
…

PS: When I was logging out, the cashier apologised to me and claimed that her co-workers had just told her that I was THE first in line.

image courtesy of bonnvoyage.wordpress.com

Status: I’d walk with my people if I could find them.
Music: Deep Inside of You – Third Eye Blind

Last Friday our team had a party at Lauren’s place as a part of our semimonthly office gatherings. There were lotsa fun, food, and of course booze. Among my officemates, there were only a few people who knew about my sexuality — Bridget, who used to be my classmate in UP; Aika, who is also from UP; Chemae, who said she could be bisexual so I confessed to her, too; and Jon, a straight guy whom I volunteered the information to when we were having a drink two weeks ago. But I’m sure others had a clue. I mean, with all my YM status messages, it was pretty obvious. Perhaps, some were just afraid to ask.

Anyway, back to the party we had a drinking-slash-honesty game called “never-have-i-ever.” In this game, a player says a statement beginning with “never have I ever.” For example, “Never have I ever had sex.” All those who have had sex MUST drink. Then another player says another statement. It’s really a nice way to get drunk, hihi.

My officemates came up with statements like:

• Never have I ever had flunked a Math subject. (I didn’t drink.)
• Never have I ever slept at work. (I didn’t drink.)
• Never have I ever been attracted to anyone in the office. (I didn’t drink.)
• Never have I ever had sex in a public place. (I didn’t drink.)
• Never have I ever had sex with a stranger. (I didn’t drink.)

I thought, Heck, when will I have to drink? And then came Chemae with her very provocative statement:

Never have I ever had sex with someone from the same sex.

I drank. Bottom’s up.

Wow. The reactions varied widely. Disbelief was painted on some of them. I heard a couple of oh-my-gawd’s. Some are shocked. Lauren kept yelling at me (more like cursing, really). Others weren’t surprised at all giving me an “I-knew-it” look. The ones who knew had a grin slashed on their faces. Their eyes glued to the man of the moment — ME.

I said defensively, “What? Whoever said I was straight?!”

Yep, I didn’t tell them about my sexual orientation but I never told them I was straight. Besides, they never asked. “Coming out” to them was not a good feeling. But it wasn’t bad, either. Until now, I’ve been thinking if I did the right thing. Sometimes I think that maybe I should’ve just kept it to myself and enjoy the idea of my colleagues thinking I’m straight. You know, some things are better left unsaid. But it was an honesty game. And I was just being honest.

My sexuality is something that I am not proud of, but I am not ashamed of, either. I don’t usually volunteer the information. I only tell a person when I’m asked. It was never an issue for me (unless when the person asking knows my family or is family).

So far, I still haven’t felt the aftermath of my honesty. That night, there was no tension or friction or discomfort or whatsoever. Heck, they were all drunk. Today that work resumes, I shall know.

One thing is for sure, though: I do not and will not regret the moment that I drank that glass of beer.

image courtesy of euroross.blogspot.com

Status: We don’t fight fair
Music: The Takeover, The Break’s Over – Fall Out Boy

I can’t help noticing that since it takes me too long to update this blog, my entries get lengthier and lengthier. Uhm, I hate lengthy posts. I know they can get boring sometimes, so don’t worry, I promise that this one is not gonna be lengthy.

I was supposed to update this last night, but I got home at 3:30am, too tired to actually do anything but visit dreamland. Uh.

###

BLUSH, BABY, BLUSH!

One weird thing about me is that I easily blush. And whenever I do, it’s so obvious. I really turn red. I blush every time I feel embarrassed, ashamed or nervous. If I’m keeping a secret, say for example, the identity of this Mr. Perfect, you can easily know without me saying anything just by guessing who he really is. If you mention his name, I will surely blush right at that moment. And then, you’ll know.

Last week, I was gorging on some meal with a friend when my Mr. Perfect greeted me. My friend said I turned red instantly. Good thing my Mr. Perfect didn’t notice. (Or so I think.)

The other night, my friends were just talking about something, teasing me when I turned red. I couldn’t do anything but cover my face with my jacket or I’d have looked terribly stupid.

When I was in college, my friend Icang used to tell me how I would look silly when the person I admired so much back then was around. I would turn incredibly red.

And it’s not just blushing. When I blush, it’s like it comes with the whole package. I stutter, I get clumsy, and I act weird. Things I have no control over.

Heck, I need to do something about it. I know some of my readers are registered nurses so my educated guess is that you know the human body better than I do. Is there any way I can prevent blushing and other physiological manifestations of emotional geysers? Please, I need it right now. I don’t want to get myself in deep shameful shit.

How about you? Do you blush often? Or am I just really, er, abnormal?

###

THE DAYS BETWEEN TODAY AND BECOMING-A-DIPLOMAT DAY

My friends have been asking me how I find my new job as a writer. They ask me if it’s fulfilling. And of course, I have a default answer. “I don’t need a fulfilling job right now. The only job that will give me fulfillment is being a diplomat. And until I become one, I don’t need to feel fulfilled. I just need to feel happy.”

And now, the question is, “Am I happy?” Hmmm. I’m relatively happy. The job is not as easy as I thought. Actually, it is. But it’s pretty stressful, too. My work runs from 7am to 4pm, and after office hours, you’ll find me in an arcade or bowling alley in Megamall just to get rid of the stress I have accumulated the whole day. Very, very high school.

I only have a few people that I get along with in the office — Bridget and Aika (whom I always go out with), Dana, Kristel, Paul and Jon (whom I always spend my cigarette breaks with). It’s funny because Christian, who sat next to me, had already quit the job for a Marketing position for some company — the jobs I turned my back on for this job.

Last Thursday, I got a call from another company offering me a position in Advertising and Promotions. You know how I used to hate the culture in the advertising field. Aika and Bridget told me to grab the chance. I did not. I was afraid their offer would be better than my current company, and would tempt me to quit this early for a better job. That’s just silly. I have just started and I’d be quitting that fast?

Anyway, I think I’m enjoying. I just wish that the Department of Foreign Affairs would release the second exam’s schedule soon.

###

MISTAKEN FOR SOMEONE ELSE, HUH?

Last night, I was to meet my officemates Bridget, Aika, Dana, and Jon for a little drink. On my way to our meeting place from Shangrila Mall, I walked past EDSA Shangrila Hotel. One block away from me was this man in his early 30s, in his long-sleeved polo and blue tie. It was 7:30pm. As I continued walking, I began noticing that he was looking at me. And as the distance between us got shorter and shorter, he wouldn’t look away. He just maintained that eye contact that made me feel very uncomfortable. Two metres between us, he smiled.

I had a good look at him. Yep, thirty-something. Neat. Tall. Nice eyes. A little chubby. Very masculine but his aura sent signals of certain pinkness. Not overly handsome but cute. I continued walking.

In the middle of the pavement, I looked back. There he was standing still in front of the hotel, looking at me. And then he raised his hand and waved. I stopped walking. He ran towards me.

One metre between us, he stopped. He said, “Oh, I’m sorry. I think I’ve mistaken you for someone I know.” He flashed that gorgeous smile again.

I laughed a little, “A’right.”

And then, he stepped a little closer and said…. Oops, uhm, I’m sorry. Gawd, I’m doing it again. This post is long enough. I can’t write any longer. I promised you I would not post lengthy entries anymore. So, a’right, I better stop here. So there. Bye for now. Hehehe.

images courtsy of ryan-design.com, margomilne.com, and blogoscoped.com

Status: What a humid day. Whew.
Music: Candyman - Christina Aguilera

When they said that they’d be bringing the greatest show to be staged in the country in years, they weren’t exaggerating. The concert was fantastic. I know this post is a bit late, and a lot has already been written about the concert, but I still want to blog it. You know, to remember, in the future.

Weeks before the big night, I was desperately looking for someone who could go with me to that concert but it was tough. Everyone wished to go, and would go had the tickets been not that costly. Until I finally brainwashed a high school friend, Isa, into going with me. We met up in Makati and planned to just take a cab to The Fort (Bonifacio Open Field) in Taguig. Before we left, she was “warned” by a colleague of hers that Christina gets tired easily and her singing suffers after a short while. I just shook the comment off.

Christina opened the show with Ain’t No Other Man. And I just couldn’t believe I was already seeing her perform live. I knew she was great, but I never expected she was DIVINE. I had several goosebumps attack. The first was when she performed Slow Down Baby, one of my two most loved tracks in the album. The other one was Understand. But it didn’t have any massive effect on me that night for she sang it so soon. I was also hoping she would perform some of her old songs from her teeny-bopper days to her bitchy ones. And I wasn’t disappointed.

The theme of the concert was 1930s-60s (?), of course, and it was nice how they were still able to perform Come On Over Baby (tango-like, jazzy, whatever) and What A Girl Wants (no idea what arrangement that was, but it was great and funny) without breaking the theme.

But there was a sudden change of theme halfway. The first part was the vintage theme and all she wore were all white. The second part was very wild, colourful, and grandiose: circus. And man, did I adore the production. It was magnificent. She was handcuffed on a target board, then she was riding a carousel horse, yadda yadda. It was crazy! She was really having a great time, and we were, too.

When drunk navy guys (dancers) emerged chanting “Tarzan and Jane swingin’ on a vine,” the place was almost destroyed with the fans’ tremendous hollering. For starters, those male dancers were oh-so-sexy. To be honest, before that concert, Candyman was not one of my favourites. But after her performance, I realised it was an incredibly fun song. She also performed Dirrty to which everyone was singing along, and as she was dancing there, I noticed someone in the background setting up a couch, and I knew right then that the next one was gonna be Lady Marmalade. It was one of the best parts of the show.

And the best part of the evening? Beautiful. The most beautiful moment was when she performed Beautiful and everyone was singing with her, raising and swaying our arms together. It was sooo moving. I almost cried. Not because I could relate to the song (but maybe I did or do) but because I just couldn’t believe that my most favourite female artist was singing my most favourite record of hers. Gawd.

I laughed everytime the crowd went crazy each time Christina belts out something. But damn, she really deserved all those cheers and applause. Although I was a little disappointed that she didn’t perform her songs which are her biggest hits in the country Genie in a Bottle, I Turn to You, and A Voice Within, I just said to Isa, “My night’d be complete if she would just sing ‘Fighter.’” She did. It was her last song. I was the happiest fan in the world. And then she shouted, “Mahal Namin Kayo!” (“We love you!”) Wow. I swore I could see angels coming down from heaven — NOT. But it was close. Hehehe. Man, I love her.

After the show, I told Isa, “Whoever said she gets tired easily.”