My Wanderland 2013 Kaleidoscope.

Wanderland Music and Arts Festival 2013 is the highlight of my summer. After the concert, my mind has been in a total disaster of feelings and longing for that night. I'm not over acting here. Just imagine what state you're going to be in after you've just touched Tyler Glenn's hand, danced with the crowd, met crazy people you now call friends, seen Sweet Disposition live (just throwing things that gets in my mind here). It's just... just. It's not just the memories that drives me cray, but also the small things I've got to take home. So I made a list of objects that make me look back that night at Makati Circuit Events Grounds.  Well not all of them are animate things.. okay here it goes.

These are the things that tics the toc of my Wanderland clock.

1. @NeonTreesPH

Yep, I'm one of the admins of @NeonTreesPh on twitter. This little project of ours will always be a reminder of Wanderland for us. The first day we made this account. 2 cool things happened: 1. Neon Trees' verified account followed us. 2. Karpos Multimedia Inc. announced the line-up. You should have seen the kiligs on our faces that day. 

2. Ticket

I was never never sure that I'll be making it on the 18th. So without a ticket the event is still a blur for me. It's my Classic Express admission to my spectacular summer yet, and I wouldn't be writing this now if hadn't bought any. O hail VIP ticket. 

3. Albums

My signed albums of Neon Trees and Colour Coding! When I got home after the album signing I always stare at it, and damn woman I'm holding precious gems here. Check out the full story here here http://deannacruz.blogspot.com/2013/05/album-signing-wanderland-2013.html 

4. Email Notification

So they misspelled my name but that's fine. So it says to print it and show it on the day of the concert. So yeah, print print print, show show show, MEET MEET MEET!! WHOOAA I HUGGED THEM AGAIN FOR THE 3RD TIME! BOY WAS I LUCKY. I EVEN GOT TO HOLD TYLER'S HAND. AND BRANDEN GAVE ME HIS GUITAR PICK. AND I WAS JUMPING UP AND DOWN AND HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL. AND ELAINE AND CHRIS ARE JUST SO ADORABLE. AND AND I WISHED IT DIDN'T HAVE TO END. UGH

5. Wristband

The super cute neon-pink wristbands for VIP holders is now residing in my concert memorabilia box. Like I said, only VIP holders have this, so it reminds me of all those VIP perks at the venue. Free magnum, iced tea, slide, etc. My first dilemma when I got home: How the hell will I remove this from my pale hand without ripping it apart?

6. Signed Guitar Pick and Drum Stick.

Drum Stick-

We all know that the word "wild" to describe Neon Trees' performance is overrated already. Because of the moving crowd never did I expect that I'll be in possession of Elaine's drum stick. When she threw it in the air, my vision was in slow motion and I instantly accepted that it's not for me, but I raised my hands still, who knows right. So out of nowhere, it popped out of my right hand! And like Zeus holding his lightning bolt I raised my hand higher and screamed in a way that would turn off boys.

Guitar Pick-

During M&G backstage: Non- verbatim

Branden: Hey I got something for you!
Me: ((In my head)) Is it your love?
*then he gave me his pick!!!!! OHMYBGSGSTDSTYS*

did I mention that Branden's such a hugger? 

7. Fans

Thanks to my fans! Literally fan, foldable fans actually. Thank you again for somehow keeping us alive by serving us with fresh air after we all perspired from the day's hype. Mind you but my yellow fan have been into Bloc Party and the Script's concert. And now both of my fans got to be at Wanderland! I have to confine the white one though, the inks are all smudged making it look dirty. So I guess the spirit of Wanderland will forever stay by his side.

8. Photos

Is it really necessary for me to explain...

 With Branden Campbell of Neon Trees. He signed the guitar pick!

why these photos....

With Dougy Mandagi of Temper Trap

kickstart Wanderland memories..

With Natalie Foster of Tully on Tully

Every effin..

With Armie Millare and my sister. 

time I see them.... *sigh*

With Tim Cammaunder and Chris Holland of Colour Coding.

9. Friends!!!!

Thanks to my friends for taking the photos above! Haha No really thanks to Randolph's camera and LG for taking the photos. And Esha for my picture with Branden. That day wouldn't be so fun without you guys! Best concert buddies so far! We should hang out again some time. Lalalalalove you Chesca, LG, Randolph, Esha, Jam, Nadine, and Regis! and Deaz.

10. Songs

The best part about concerts is when it's all over and you found yourself listenin to the songs again, it's different.The feeling is charged with this baffling feeling of whateverness. And it's just frustrating that I can't go back to that night! I believe that everyone in that concert has this big amount of resiliency in our body because if we don't' we'll all be crazy by now. My point is, when I start hearing Sweet Disposition anywhere, I don't remember 500 Days of Summer anymore. Or with Perfect by Colour Coding, FTP live in Manila doesn't pop in my mind nowadays ((I started listening to them last October so..)) and with 1983 by Neon Trees, the memories of my uncle and I fangirling about 80's and 90's videos doesn't snap out of me anymore.  Same with the songs of Tully and Tully, Nada Surf, She's Only Sixteen, Up Dharma Down, Yolanda Moon. The songs' fuse all spark back to Wanderland. And this playlist by Wanderland is really killing me. Dare to listen? click ->  R.I.P.

Oh and uhmm.. my crappy video of Animal. 

So how about you?! What did you take home? :)

Album Signing (Wanderland 2013)

A fast-brief-summary of our awesome and truly exhausting day!

-happened at May 17, 2013. Ayala Malls-

(10:00 AM)

 My sister and I arrived at Glorietta.

|

\/

We met our friend Jon at Greenbelt3 Park

|

\/

Astroplus started selling albums.

|

\/

We had lunch at McDonald's

|

\/

Our pal LG showed up.

|

\/

We went to VIPinoy.

|

\/

(Time check: 3:00 PM)

T A M B A Y

|

\/

Our new budd Dennis from Indie/Rock PH rolled in.

|

\/

We sat at the sofas inside Greenbelt 3.

|

\/

(Time check: 5:00 PM)

Fans started entering the tent. ((?))

Huddled new friends.

|

\/

We waited...

|

\/

and waited...

|

\/

and...

|

\/

TEMPER TRAP ARRIVED!

*screams*

*gasps*

*sweats*

 *creys*

then 

|

\/

COLOUR CODING BARGED IN!

*shouts*

*faints*

*moans*

*more creys*

TROLOLOLOLOL!

|

\/

FINALLY, NEON TREES MADE THE SCENE!

*wails*

*yells*

*cheers*

*devirginizes*

*dies*

Photos from: Deaz Cruz
 

Do's and Don'ts when watching movie with ME.

Do's.
1. Laugh when the scene is funny.
2. Scream!! When that ugly ghost showed up behind any fucking place she wants to pop out. (e.g. mirror, under the bed,)
3. Gasp, when you realized that you've just realized the whole realization-purpose of the movie! a.k.a the twist of the movie! OMG amazing.
4. Cry, when that cute loyal dog died. Why! why! why! Take the director instead.
5. Smile, after watching the film because it changed you a little bit about your shallow perspective in life. Wow. wow. Beautiful life. *Okay so seriously the movie ends, what now*
6. Fangirl with me! Oh look this actor is also this hot actor in that movie! Wow wow. He looks different but totally hot still. Look at that! She's an amazing actress, she's a killer in this movie and then she's a mother in that film, how about that! The story! Of course! I comprehended it myself.  The twist twisted my brain wow that's funny. yeaah!! TARANTINOOOOO! *blog blog blog*


Don'ts/ Just me bragging.
1. Please don't ask me if that cow is going to die.
2. I am currently watching a movie that I'll watch for the first time in this wee hours! So stop asking me what will happen next!
3. Yep, I've watched it already. No, I'm not going to tell you what happened.
4. No, I haven't seen this film. Yes, SHUT THE FUCK UP! I AM HERE TO WATCH NOT TO LISTEN TO YOUR OVER-SIZED MOUTH TALK ABOUT HOW COOL YOU ARE BECAUSE YOU'VE WATCHED THIS FILM ALREADY!
5. Never ever ever chat with me about this thing ended up with this thing and how that thing banged that thing. Stahp.
6.  Don't!! Go to the bathroom, you'll never know what scene you'll be missing and it sucks jumping and screaming by myself. I'd rather you let me pause it while you do your business. I'm good like that.

EXCEPTION:
If you're my friend, you've probably watched a movie or two with me because I wont be making this do's and don'ts if I haven't experienced the most disturbing feeling while witnessing the most amazing thing invented in the world with you horrible people, yes, my friends. That means I'm still such a good person for patiently hanging out with you guys.


P.S.
Lotsa love to your mommas!

Losing Her

As of 9:20 this morning when I woke up, while blinking off the tears in my eyes I realized:  I just had the worst nightmare I ever had and will ever have. 

I was in a train station with my sister and 2 other friends. It was a big train station. It seems like a small mall to me because there are restaurants inside and I vaguely remember that you can re-bond your hair while riding the escalator. There's a lot of escalators and elevators we passed till we reached the overpass on the road. That's where my nightmare started. I was talking with my friend, so my sister was with my other friend at our back. We crossed the road, but because a lot of cars are passing only 2 of us (my friend and I) were able to cross the road. So we waited for our other companies on the other side. But when I looked back I can’t see my sister. So when the lot across us can now pass over the road I was still searching for her but she's gone. So I asked my friend where my sister was and she was shocked as well that my sister wasn't with her. So I texted her 'San kna' But because I have a bad feeling about it we went back to the train station and started looking for her. We started looking to the place where I remember my dream started, and that was us hopping off the train. So we asked strangers passing by if they saw my sister. Negative. And we were having bad thoughts about this particular man on the overpass, what if he's part of a sindikato or whatever. 

I had this feeling that someone took her for a bad reason and I don't want to think what those reasons are. Crimes on TV's and in newspapers kept popping on my mind and I was so scared for my sister. The worst part is my friends don’t care. They're just helping me look for her because I'm their friend, but they were not concern. 

I was really losing hope in finding her. And I told myself I am not going anywhere till I find her. I have a feeling the bad guy kept their victims in the train station. Somewhere behind those doors is my sister, alone and scared. And in that moment, I felt alone and scared too. 

When we were in the escalator again, my friends were distracted on the restaurants and that pissed me off. How can they not care at all. But I can't get angry because all I want is to find my sister. So I walked in one of the restaurant and found a large spoon. As in it's so large it looked like a big shovel already. I was looking at it and thinking, if it has to come to the point where I'll use this to hit anyone just to save my sister, I will. I kept it in my bag (I don't how it fitted) I sat at the top of the stairs and texted my sister again 'UWI NA TAYO' but there's still no reply so I started crying. I was crying so hard my friends are looking at me and started comforting me, my uncle was also there, but his laughing and my gramma looked at him and he stopped. As of it's a big joke for him and nobody cared. It's just me. Only I cared. I was helpless, hopeless, scared, and alone.

Then I realized I was dreaming and I forced myself to wake up. And I did. As my dream sunk in to me, tears started streaming down my face. I maybe out of that shitty dream already but the emotions stayed. I looked at my sleeping sister and hell I was so relieved she was sleeping at my side. But I'm still crying. I can't help it. I don't want her to hear my crying so I went to the bathroom and cried like a baby. 

What the fuck is that dream? I remembered something form the movie Inception: that you only remember the ending of your dream, where it all started is now a bubble that popped in your head. And then I recalled that that's not where my dream started at all. It kicked off with my grandparents can't longer pay our rent so we were packing our things and finally leaving the house, that's where the negative emotions came from, because I don't want to leave the house, our house. It's so weird! Then the train station scenario.

And it kept bumping my mind, what if this is Mom's punishment to me for not being nice with my sister. MOM! You did it okay, it scared me and I don't want that to happen for real. And I fucking hope this is not a premonition cause I swear I'll pick the most dangerous weapon than a shovel just to kill anyone who gets in my way. My sister is a bitch, that's a fact. But she's all I got (Yep Mom you proved that point already) and I maybe the worst sister ever but I swear. The worst nightmare I ever had and will ever have is losing her. 

P.S. This is insane!! 

Bloc Party Live in Manila 2013

First off, I'd like to thank:

Warner Music Philippines for making Bloc Party Live in Manila happen!

juice.ph for giving me free Gold tickets! (I won their ticket giveaway so..)

My uncle for slapping Bloc Party into my system.

AND of course to Bloc party!! - For existing because you guys are so awesome!

When I got home from the concert, first thing I did was play Helicopter on Guitar Hero. Wrong decision ever, I just got frustrated because I still can't finish the song in hard level. Speaking of Helicopter, they played it last! And I swear the crowd went so wild, maybe because they can also feel it's going to be the last song, and also because the song is just so damn epic. Everyone was singing along and was dancing so crazy. Kele (vocalist) didn't even sing the first part, he let the crowd take over north to south! Empty! Running on! Bravado! As if to say, as if to say!

Oops sorry, can't help myself singing there.

When they played my favorite song, this Modern Love, all hands are in the air. I can see some people from the VIP sections air-drumming. It was very contagious because I found myself air-drumming at the end of the song too. I actually can't sing because I just want to listen, sway with the crowd, and dramatically feel the amazing song.  

They went backstage twice, and the crowd was cheering for them to come back! And for the start of Round 2, as Kele said, So Here We Are echoed World Trade Center. The lights were cool too! It's playing with our eyes and dancing with our spirits. It was all blue and thin. It's like God is talking to me, but no, it's not God who I hear. It's Kele's relaxing cold voice. I can even hear it now, and that's not weird at all. Not really.

The whole aura of the concert is still electrifying me. And there's that moment when I think what if I didn't win those tickets, I'd probably be singing in the bathroom while eating hot dog sandwich. And the present snapped out of me, and then bam! They're playing Day Four. I literally screamed at my sister's face and she screamed at mine too. It's in the trees, it's in the leaves! Excuse me for singing again. I was so stoked because they played most of the songs from their latest album Four.

I love it when Kele had this big smile on his face when the crowd is singing along. Gordon and Russ were encouraging the people to clap. Matt Tong (drummer) is so friggin hot by the way! He was only wearing maong shorts or something. And oh his glasses of course. Shorts and glasses-- a very fashionable Matt on stage. No shirts, just shorts. And eye glasses. A very Filipino outfit I must say. I think he's really feeling hot because of our weather. Poor Matt. Or he just wants to show off his body. Either way, I'm glad he did that!

Did I mention the front act already? Up Dharma Down (UDD). Wow. Perfect.  Awesome. It is my first time to see them live and I got hooked right away. They kind of warmed up the whole perfawesome (perfect + awesome) concert by playing their electric vibes music. My friends and I were really excited they will perform. Who would miss Up Dharma Down + Bloc Party right? Sad to say many did. If you're one of them, come here and I will comfort you with my sarcasm.

After UDD performed, my aunt's camera died. So long story short, I don't have pictures. I was very pissed I'd like to bury it.  Kidding aside, I won't enumerate the songs they performed because I don't trust myself right now. I still can't believe I saw them live! I'm still trying to comprehend what really happened. My head is floating right now.

As I was saying, I was so pissed off at Guitar Hero and what the hell was I was thinking, I just saw Bloc Party live!! So I ditched it and went back to sleep, peacefully. Peacefully = wild electric guitar + booming drum play.

Thank you again juice.ph for this grand opportunity!

The Script Live in Manila 2013

LAST NIGHT WAS AWESOME!!

It's not just a simple concert last night, there are also twists and turns of our mini adventure. Of course it all happened because of our love for The Script!

My friends and I arrived at 6 PM and the line was freaking long already. Good thing we've still managed to find a good seat at the Upper Box B section. We waited for 2 hours and were singing to the background songs.

*drum rolls* and then the boys came out! They sang Good Ol days first and all felt so good. Of course everyone stood up and we were waiving our glow sticks and shit while others are taking videos. You can hear the crowd singing "Ohhhhhhhhh, oooooohhhh" it was really freaking awesome!

They sang "We Cry" next that followed up by "Breakeven" which made the crowd go wilder. I was screaming at the top of my lungs that I regretted it because all my videos are.. well, me screaming at every song. Who wouldn't, right?!

The crowd were all standing until "Science and Faith." Danny asked the audience if we could sing the next song for him! And then the tunes of "The Man Who Can't be Moved" ruled the big dome. And there we are, singing to the first half of the song without Danny even singing. It was our moment, and it was beautiful. Then Danny finally took over, but our talents of singing didn't stop there. We still sang along. It was the first song I heard from The Script, so it was really memorable for me. Cause what If never had the chance to watch the video on MYX, would I still be in the big dome last night?

6th song was "If You Could Sing Me Now" It's a very emotional song because I think Danny composed it for his Dad who died. Mark Sheehan rapping was the best, everyone is so used to Danny singing but when Mark sang, the crowd cheered on.

"Before the Worst" ohhh I really loved that song! Memories and memories of broken hearts are coming back to me. Followed up by "Talk you Down" and I swear I remember that time when my friends and I went to Karaoke Hub and I was holding the mic the whole time and singing The Script songs while my friends are so irritated at me. Good times, good times. Then Danny and Mark drank a bottle of beer! bottoms up!

And then "Nothing" came along. Danny told us to call/text our exes. He literally grab a phone from the audiences and I don't know if that was true, but he said "Migs (Not sure with the name), I hope you're listenin" and we all screamed. Cause deym that girl's phone is so lucky! And while Danny was singing he was holding the phone to his ears while everyone is so jealous. Not just because of the phone but also of that guy he called. LOL. and of course the owner of the phone.

My friend beside me wished that they'd play "I'm Yours" and they did! First the spotlight was on Danny and then Mark and Glenn joined. Danny said that he wrote that song in L.A. with his guitar, hopes and dreams. It's the only song that made us all relaxed for a while because we're all hyped out.

And of course the infamous "6 Degrees of Separation" I saw the crowd's hands counting to every number. It was really cute. Then the tunes of "For the 1st time" echoed.

They went back stage shortly and you won't believe it! When Mark and Glenn was playing the intro on the stage of "You Won't Feel A Thing" Danny popped out somewhere in the Lowerbox section and everyone was screaming and shouting and jealousing? LOL. But really that fan beside him when he showed up must have a heart attack! He walked from the lowerbox section to the stage! I was keeping myself from jumping by the way. The wave of fans is crashing him, but he's still smiling and singing!

Finally, "Hall of Fame" baby! Confetties everywhere, beautiful white confetties yehey.  Then they were gone. :( The crowd is cheering for them to come back... and they did!

Finally, part 2: "Good Ol Days" I think they were really drunk! They played this song 1st and last. Really cool. Wonder if that's what they did in other countries too! Hope not, Manila is special. LOL. and that capped off the whole show. I am crying and I am so happy!

We took pictures after and went off to EDSA Shangrila to stalk. Other fans were also there, when it was 1:30 already, we decided to check the back door and the guard told us they were in the pool side. Damn we missed them. So we went to the pool side, and Mark Sheehan came out! When I heard his voice I asked him if we could have a picture with him and he said yes. I ran to him and his arms are wide open so I jumped in to hug me! and he smells so good with a touch of alcohol. LOL. But still. I JUST HUGGED MARK SHEEHAN!!!! We didn't see Danny and Glenn but our 2-hour wait for the boys to show up is worth it!

This night is perfect! Amazing concert by an amazing band and just the perfect concert buddies to add flavor to our night. I went home smiling at 3 AM :)

Jeep Experience 1 (Jingle all the way)

Bukod sa libro, araw-araw nakong nagdadala ng alcohol. De joke, wala akong dala ngayon kasi di pa ulit nakakabili ng bago. Blah blah. Ito ang istorya nang mamulat ang aking mga mata sa kadumihan ng mundo. Kahit saan ka lumingon ay marumi: maruming paguugali, maruming kapaligiran, maruming gobyerno, maruming pagiisip, maruming bata, atbp. Gusto ko man magkomento sa maruming gobyerno ay wag muna, dahil simple lang naman ang gusto kong ibahagi sa ngayon.

Kapag biyernes, sobra ang trapiko. Lalo na kung galing kang Espanya papuntang Taft Avenue. Parang kalahati ng populasyon ng Pilipinas nagsisimba sa Quiapo. As in isang lane na lang yung gumagalaw sa dami ng tao.

Eto na talaga. Isang biyernes nang ako'y pauwi, sumakay akong jeep, hindi ko alam kung bakit naisip kong umupo sa likod ng driver, pinaka ayoko ang pwestong yun. Bakit? Una sa lahat, ikaw ang taga abot ng bayad, pangalawa pag ikaw yung nasa dulo, ikaw yung huling bababa, tapos si manong drayber umaandar andar na habang pababa pa lang ako, atat eh.

Traffic traffic. Syempre pati yung driver ng jeep naiinip na din, sa pagkakataong ito naiihi din siya. Yuck eto na talaga. Dahil hindi na talaga gumagalaw yung mga kotse, pinagpasyahan nyang umihi na lang sa gulong ng jeep niya. Nasa gilid naman yung jeep kaya mejo hindi sya kita nung umihi sya. Walang hugas-hugas, balik sa driver's seat at tanggap ng bayad. At dahil ako nga yung pinakamalapit sa driver, ako yung nagaabot ng pera sakanya. Di ko alam anong nangyari sa katapat ko na pwede din naman mag abot ng bayad. Pinipilit ko talagang hindi dumaplis sa kamay nya jusme. Bakit ba kasi di pa nagsibayad tong mga to bago umihi sa manong drayber. At sa hindi maiwasang pagkakataon, naabot ko yung bayad ng full palm-to-palm interaction. Gumuho ang mundo ko. Biglang nanahimik yung boses sa ulo ko. At gusto ko ng putulinn yung kamay ko.  Buwis buhay kong hindi pinahid sa panyo ko or damit yung kamay ko. Pag uwi ko maghuhugas ako, yun lang iniisp ko.

Anyway, bakit ba ko nandidiri? Ikaw kaya mahawakan ng humawak sa pututoy niya. Parang nahwakan mo na din yung... !! nako talaga tumbling na lang talaga ako minsan pauwi.

At dahil dun, natuto nakong mag dala ng alcohol para sa mga unexpected dugyot moments. The End.