Get the best of the 90's with Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms!

Long before supposed singers hung naked on wrecking balls making suggestive sexual innuendos there was a time when the music actually mattered and that was during the glorious 90's. Now I am a 90's kid so I was really excited when I heard that there would be a concert featuring 3 great bands who helped define the music of the 90's. 

Just as I have influenced Paul with music of my generation like Paramore, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco, his influence has rubbed off me as well and that is why a great chunk of my College Memories would include songs from Gin Blossoms. 

Formed in 1987 Gin Blossoms have had their share of ups and downs, from changes in line up, a break up and even the suicide of one of their founding members. But despite these challenges Gin Blossoms have maintained relevant in the music industry 26 years later. 

Gin Blossoms is such a big part of our relationship that we asked our Wedding Band to play 'As Long As It Matters' during our wedding check out the video below!  

Some of my favorites from them include 'Hey Jealousy' and 'Till I Hear It From You' - which was one of the songs during our 'ligawan stage' :P  

     

Sugar Ray

Growing up every one had a crush on Mark McGrath the lead singer of Sugar Ray. He was the epitome of a rock star the girls screamed and fawned over him and with his good looks and raspy vocals he is a rock star. He has also done some hosting stints for Extra and Don't Forget the Lyrics. 

Formed in 1986, Sugar Ray started off with funk and metal influences and still maintained the funk (they have a Dj!) and released 90's hits such as Someday and Every Morning. My personal favorite of course is the ultimate ringtone ever - Answer the phone - check out the video below!   

I Went To Fall Out Boy: Save Rock And Roll Tour Live In Manila and lost my retainers

Photo by Magic Liwanag  

August 8, 2013.

I Went To Fall Out Boy: Save Rock And Roll Tour Live In Manila and lost my retainers- true story. Or is one of the stories that was all over Twitter right after the Fall Out Boy concert. Apparently aside from retainers and hearts being lost to the four man band from Chicago, soles, shoes and broken eye glasses were some of the material things lost amongst the crowd of eager fans.  Physically though? There was a lot of pushing and shoving as expected from a rock concert. A couple of girls fainted and were hoisted away by bouncers and carried out via stretchers. Yes - that was how hot the guys were on stage. 

Front act: Local band - Typecast. Shout out to drummer Sir Melvin! :)  
Photo by Paul Cheng 

The crowd bathed in light. This was pretty much our view from our seat. Photo by Paul Cheng. 

Concerned for the fans, bassist Pete Wentz asked the crowd to back up a few steps just to make sure there was enough air circulating. Thankfully there were no serious injuries aside from the hearts of many fans breaking after the concert that is. 

*UPDATE*

Apparently even before Fall Out Boy went up on stage there was already a woman who fainted. Which prompted concert organizers to make an announcement to the crowd not to push or shove - this of course was met with cheers and jeers from the crowd. It was even featured in the Inquirer - headline - Woman faints at Fall Out Boy concert - I kid you not. 

Photo by Mary Miracle Aco  

There are some things that we should be glad to have made a come back (and no Final Destination 5 is not one of them!) and Fall Out Boy is definitely one of them. Coming back with guns-a-blazing after a 4 year long hiatus which lyricist and bassist Pete Wentz talks about needing the hiatus to feel energized and to figure things out. The boys have returned with a spanking new album, a distinct new sound, the same amazing lyrics and a whole new mission: To Save Rock and Roll.    

Photo by Magic Liwanag. 

Interactive Concert 

I believe that one of the reasons why the concert was enjoyable was that, the songs in the set list really have the crowd moving to the music. The songs will have you fist pumping in the air, clapping to the beat and there are a lot of screaming and shouting and singing involved. The crowd held on to neon glowsticks that shone brightly in the darkened Araneta Center - it was a sight to behold. You could event spot glowing bunny ears in the crowd. 

Spotlight on Patrick. Photo by Inna Martinez 

A great live performance

You will always appreacite a musician more when you watch them perform live and this was also the case for Fall Out Boy who showcased their musicality during their concert. I was so impressed with Patrick who sang Sir Elton John's part during Save Rock and Roll and it was a whole range lower than his! A couple of octaves maybe? I'm not sure - any musical expert please correct me. He was going to and from different vocal ranges without a sweat! All this while also showcasing his talent on the piano. Clap! Clap! Indeed! 

Plus I was also able to appreciate guitarist Joe Trohman more, with his awesome 'Beat It' guitar solo! He is no doubt a rock star and with that hair - he can't do wrong. 

Drummer Andy Hurley even stood up on the drums and sang along, it was a sight to behold and his skills on the drums are undeniable! 

Say yeah - YEAH!!!! Amazing view of Team Gen Ad. Photo by Jasper Lucne.

Pay It Forward 

Honestly, this concert experience was very surreal for me. I really wanted to go to the concert and was determined to do so - even if car payments and sending my siblings to school seemed to threaten those plans. I told myself I would go no matter what and decided to buy General Admission tickets should all else fail. I knocked on so many doors but failed, I went through so many negotiations for payment plans on tickets that didn't push through. In the end we purchased General Admission tickets. Then I got a tweet from a former Colleague two hours before the concert, offering me Patron tickets- for free! I couldn't believe my lucky stars! I was so ecstatic and to pay that good deed done to me we gave our General Admission tickets to a friend who wanted to go to the concert. It was a good feeling and I really couldn't believe how everything worked out - from one kind act to another. :)  


A special thank you to Ben Anthony Rones - you have no idea how happy you made me! Starbucks on me! 

Event: Independence Day Concert at the Araneta Center

Join the Club rocking during the Independence Concert 

While the rest of the country was celebrating Independence Day, the Araneta Center certainly was not far behind with their own Independence Day activities as they joined in the country through their Freedom Rocks event. 

The 115th Independence of the Philippines was celebrated through a FREE concert featuring OPM acts Join the Club and Tanya Markova. Aside from the great music there was also fun games (and lots of prizes!!!) lots of delicious food and drinks from the different food stalls comprising the FLAVORS food market.  

Shot! Shot! Shot! Shot! Drinking game - do I spy a Kevin there?---- :P 

Tanya Markova - Music and Theatrics. 

Theatrical group - Tanya Markova took over the stage with their stage makeup and lots of props (bubbles, confetti). Aside from the great music there was also face painting and a freedom wall and as mentioned earlier delicious food trip courtesy of FLAVORS food market.