Post One Ok Rock: A Deafening First Date

They have landed. One Ok Rock proudly holding a banner from their Pinoy fans during their live show last night at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

(c) Julen Esteban-Pretel 

@julenphoto

You guys probably know how it goes, you like a girl and so you court her, you write her letters, send her flowers, you know the drill. I can't help but think of the passionate fans of Japanese Rock band, One Ok Rock as relentless suitors, doing everything they can, organizing petitions, reaching out to the band's management, concert promoters and producers, anything to get their beloved band to perform in the country. So when, after years of hard work it was finally announced that the band will perform; I can only imagine it was like having that girl you have long courted give that sweet 'yes' you've been waiting for, and well the concert? It was a deafening first date. 

Fans from the provinces (Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao) flew to Manila to catch their favorite band perform. Some even waited at the airport, just to catch a glimpse of the band when they arrived. 

On the day of the concert, fans camped out, lining up early in the morning for the concert that they've only dreamed about, fought hard for and has now become a reality. 

Hands up. Japanese Band One Ok Rock raise their hands to their Manila fans.

(c) Salvador Aquino 

Needless to say, the fans sang at the top of their lungs (both in English and Japanese) and everyone was having a great time, banging their heads and dancing to the music. It just has to be said that it was dissapointing that despite reminders, there were still some fans who insisted on taking videos of the entire concert, of course photos, selfie sticks, iPads, Go-Pros were up in the air. In case you didn't know, the Japanese actually consider this kind of behavior rude. Have you seen videos of Japanese concerts? You don't see a sea of devices and cameras, trying to catch every second of a concert, you see fans, who sing and interact with the artist. 

You go to a concert to enjoy, have fun, sing, dance and see your favorite band perform-live, right in front of you, you should watch them through your eyes and not behind a screen. All of this is coming from a husband-wife, Photographer/Blogger team. When we were asked to cover AniSong artist LiSA's concert last year at the Samsung Hall, we had 2 DSLRs with us, but we were informed that taking of photos wouldn't be allowed and we obliged. Even if we had 2 DSLRs with us, just within our reach. We respected the management and followed the rules and no, we didn't bring out our mobile phones to take photos either. How hard can that be? 

Banner of Love. Fans sign a banner for the band with the Philippine Flag in the middle. 

(c) Lisa Fang 

You can take one or two photos with your phone. A 5-10 second video and that's it. No need to record the entire concert or go on a shooting spree. It's just plain rude to the artist (who is trying to connect with you and not your damn phone) and to other concert goers. You might say that you paid for your ticket and that you have every damn right to take photos or videos, but so did other people, they paid to watch a live concert and not to watch it from behind your device. 

Seriously, people should learn to live outside of their devices. Live. Enjoy the now. Trust me, it's not the end of the world if you don't catch it and post it on social media. There are professional photographers and videographers for that. 

Sorry, I didn't  mean to rant and I actually stared at this piece for a few minutes becasue I didn't like the direction of where it was going but I wanted to get it out there and going through Social Media, I know that other fans feel the same too. 

Make Some Noise. Taka, Toru, Ryota and Tomoya conquer the stage. 

(c) Julen Esteban-Pretel 

@Julenphoto 

Another hot topic on Social Media post concert? Was the fact that when Taka was motioning for the crowd for a Wall of Death moment but if they weren't too busy with their phones and cameras, then maybe they would have gotten it. 

Despite the above hiccups it was a successful concert, considering it almost didn't happen. With dedicated fans only counting on prayers to make the concert a reality. I just read that some of the admins of the local One Ok Rock group had to face ridicule from naysayers, putting them down and saying that they were 'ambitious' to wish for the concert to happen. Ha! Who's laughing now right?!

The band seemed pleased with the eager fans who sang to their songs (despite the taking of photos and videos) -promised to come back. No need for petitions and surveys anymore :) 

The band's management Amuse Asia has posted on how they were impressed with the Manila crowd, and posted that they were the loudest most energetic crowd. :) 

Sea of lights. Taka addresses a crowd, enveloped in a Sea of Lights. 

(c) Julen Esteban-Pretel 

@julenphoto 

About 20 years ago, I was that weird kid who loved anime and listened to Japanese Music and now, to see a Japanese Rock band play in one of the biggest and premiere concert venues in the country is a dream in itself. As I stood there in a crazed crowd of passionate fans, amidst deafening screams, I knew that I was witnessing history as it transpired. The band is the first mainstream Japanese Rock band to have a major concert in the Philippines. It might take some time for the next show but I know it will be an even bigger and better second date. 

*Photos in the post are properties of their owners*