2ne1 All or Nothing in Manila, Philippines

#2NE1AONMANILA FEEEEELS!!!

(For HQ pics of the concert, visit: http://goo.gl/Xrl68b )

(For my Fancam of the whole AON Concert, visit http://goo.gl/9KCE9e )

I can’t help but feel so proud about being a Filipino blackjack.  I know lots and lots and loooots of international blackjacks are so jealous and envious of our race for we are chosen by the queens to celebrate their 5^th year anniversary with. Not to mention that Dara did a lot of guestings here in PH that gave us more chances to actually see her in flesh.

Filipino fans were restless for days, starting from when Dara arrived in our country up until all of 2ne1 gone back to Korea, which lasted for 7 days. The AON feels felt true for the whole week as the girls graced us with their empowering presence. Philippines felt much more alive than usual. Even the local showbiz were hyped as the girls came here in Manila.

I wasn’t able to join any of the teams following Dara to show support in her different guestings. (#TeamAirport #TeamGGV #TeamShowtime #TeamPBB) I was only able to start my fangirling activities in #2ne1attheshang event, where they held their press conference, another thing to brag about AON Philippines. Thanks to Ms. Happee Sy and whole Pulp Productions, the press conference was open to public. Which country does a Kpop concert presscon in a mall? #OnlyInThePhilippines. Huge thanks for all the efforts done by Pulp, the #TeamBahay of AON had the chance to see the girls live, to breathe the same air they breathe and to actually exist in a place where the girls also exist.

D-Day! 

I am an Ultimate Blackjack Package holder, which gives me an access to Sound check and a pass to Kpop Charity Ball (aka After Party). Plus I’m in the Skyseat section of the concert. Perfect, right?! Can you imagine how happy my fangirl soul is? I dubbed it as the PEAK OF MY FANGIRL LIFE SO FAR. Yes, I added the words SO FAR because I believe there will be more and more blessings to come in my fangirling life.

And yes! The gates were finally opened! And guess what? I’M IN FRONT OF THE STAGE, hugging the barricade, about 2 steps to the left facing the stage. HELLO!! THAT IS SO NEAR!! Unfortunately, photos are not allowed during soundcheck, or the angry Vernon Go of Pulp will revoke your soundcheck pass. Did I dare take photos? Of course not. I enjoyed that short time without camera in my hand feeding my eyes with the gloriousness of 2ne1.

 As they finally made their appearance, I can see that they are surprised to see fans waiting for them. They were not totally bare faced but they are not yet in total make up for the concert. I can even see the imperfections of their skins. CL had a small, really really small bump in her left cheek. (That’s how close I was to them.) but still badass as ever. Her presence is oozing with an undenying charisma of a kpop leader. Bom has lots of small bruises on her legs but still flawless as ever. Her legs are just so Barbie-like!! I love her legs!! Dara? Is she even human??? She’s a goddess! I totally lost myself with Dara. She’s so petite yet so sexy. Minzy is now a lady!! Can’t help but feel so proud about our ero maknae! She’s so pretty that you can’t stop yourself from staring at her face. Minzy is so beautiful plus her kindness is radiating with uber sexy charisma.

And there’s me… Crying. Haha. I was crying while smiling and singing with the girls as they rehearse. CL and Minzy were trying to stop me from crying!! They were extending their hands in front of me as if to say “come on, stop crying. We’re here now.” CL didn’t stop. She did it again and extended her hands to me. CL is so sweet as she did it while smiling. I love CL!! I love you CL!! Minzy did the same to me, but I felt the sincerity with CL. Thank you my Minzy and CL! Dara is so kind to take gifts from fans. One lucky fan was able to give her letter and artwork to Dara during soundcheck. Bom is being Bommie! You can see in her eyes that she’s having fun to do the soundcheck with us. Minzy was flirting, I mean playing with Kwon Twins, twirling her like a princess as Bom talks to others of High Tech. Even from afar, CL is working hard. She constantly gives feedback to someone at the stage about maybe the technicalities and all. I enjoyed the whole soundcheck watching my queens play around the stage as they give fan service to the few of us who have soundcheck passes. Although it was short, it is one of the best pre-concert activity I ever had.

I went out still crying, overwhelmed with what just happened. I was talking to anyone I am close to, saying this repeatedly, “Mahal na mahal ko sila, di ko na alam gagawin ko. Mahal ko talaga sila.” Other blackjacks who were there was just like me, very happy.  Others are even tapping my shoulder to share the happiness we both feel at the moment. It was like strangers feeling the family bond. And the feels aren’t done yet. I JUST SAW MY QUEENS PERFORM LIVE IN FRONT OF ME, JUST STEPS FROM ME! I had to call my sister and share my feeeels. Minutes after I finally gathered myself, Nika and I, my new found friend, just went through the trouble of getting our official merchandise from Pulp. THE INFAMOUS OFFICIAL MERCH. Because I was very much disappointed with Pulp’s promise of official merch, I ended up lining up in 2ne1 AON Official Merchandise booth. And yes, hooray!! I NOW HAVE MY OFFICIAL LIGHTSTICK! A true fulfillment for a kpop concert goer, especially for a blackjack like me.

All of these are just a fulfillment of my promise a year ago in BigBang Alive Tour Concert. My ticket was only GenAd back then, and I don’t have an official lightstick. So I promised myself that when 2ne1 comes here in Manila, I will only get the best of the best. Thankfully I got it fulfilled and now the blackjack in me is rejoicing.

Concert proper

We all know that not everyone can understand you. Especially for a kpop fan like me, many are judging for my choice of music. There will always be those D-bags who just know nothing about you yet says nasty things about your music. Anyway, my point is no one among my circle of friends is willing to fangirl over 2ne1 the way I do. Many from 2ne1PH have a similar case like mine. And so, the brilliant Blackjacks have come together from all over PH to join hearts and ‘fan’ over our queens. The most adorable group of Blackjacks ever existed, who dominated the Skyseat left side, the SOLOISTS TABLE 5. We own the best spot of the night. (I told you I’d get the best of the best just for my queens) Not only the best spot I got, but I also gained new friends, amazing people who share the same love I have for the empresses.

I was the first to arrive in our table. First to grasp that total aura of the arena, the place where the queens will shine better than any jewels. Since everyone have not yet arrived in our table, I was able to freely choose where I’ll stand later for the concert proper. I immediately glued myself to the barricade, reaching my arms and imagining how close I’ll be to my empresses. That’s when the amazing people are slowly starting to fill our cramped table. All preparations is being done, all gadgets being ready, and everyone seems to check their own voices, preparing for the best scream they’ll make that night. Just when the lights went off, MVs are being played, and eventually the timer starts. A few more seconds and our dream is about to realize.

I have no words for the overall performance. It was ALL OR NOTHING! THEY’RE 2NE1! ONLY THE BEST AND NOTHING ELSE. I was savoring every second I had with them, and all of it were sweet. I have nothing but pure love and respect for CL, Bom, Dara and Minzy. To the whole 2ne1 crew. Thank you YG for putting up this amazing group.

I was able to record the whole concert aside from their number for Ugly, because I just had to stop filming and dance to my favorite song. I went wild. All throughout the concert, I am in awe with their magic and charisma. I still can’t believe that I was able to see them perform live, to actually have seen them that close!

CL, the fiercest thing. I can totally feel her energy. She loves what she does and I can totally feel the sincerity she have in every production. She’s indeed the leader, the baddest female. Minzy, the amazing amazing amazing dance machine of the group. I Still can’t get over how pretty she is! My cute lovely maknae is all grown up and I can’t help but feel proud to be there with her as she grows up. I will always always be with them, no matter what happens, even if the ends come, I will never stop loving 2ne1. Bom is the cutest and most adorable that night! She’s the happiest when interacting with fans, and the most sincere in understanding and getting to know Filipinos. I have total appreciation for her efforts to sing and dance ‘In or Out’ with Sandara. Her loveliness radiates to everyone in arena, making us fall for her deeper. And of course our very own, Sandara. She’s the most ‘maligalig’ and happiest among them, and that I’m sure. I could see it in her eyes how happy she is to perform for her Filipino fans. Especially since it was their anniversary. Thank you Dara for insisting to have your 5^th anniversary with us! That’s one of the best decisions YG ever made.

This Post-Concert Depression is stretching too much. My feeeels, I can’t handle it. I can’t even. Taking this trip down to my AON feels lane is just too much to bear. I guess a few more sweet ride to take to get to my After Party sharing.

Kpop Charity Ball

Imagine how I was after the concert. I don’t know. I myself didn’t even bother to check. I arrived at the Kpop Charity Ball in my post-concert disoriented self. Nothing in mind but 2ne1. But hey, everyone’s having fun at the ball! So I danced the night away, with that few juice of energy I have. Though partying with a backpack isn’t what I really call partying, but who cares? This has always been my dream, to party with kpop songs! Until.. 2ne1 made their appearance and everyone made their way to film our girls! And ugh. I hate being short, and those monopods ugh. Anyway, 2ne1 performed Falling In Love, one of my most favorite song of them! One last party before I get back to reality!  My girls singing carefree for me, (yes for me!!) is one of the hottest image I ever had that night. Thank you 2ne1! Mahal ko kayo, sobra sobra!

After 1 month….

SBS Roommate

And just when all blackjacks thought that the post concert depression for AON is finally wearing off.. Our much awaited episode of SBS Roommate, a Korean variety show where our lovely Park Bom is included, showed its preview for the next episode. What made all the Filipino blackjacks back to their feet? Some scenes of the episode were filmed here in Manila!!! FEEELS!! And guess what?? I JUST HAD MY CAMEO APPEARANCE IN ROOMMATE. I was the blurry girl in blue!

Though you can’t really see my face, but I know and I believe that it was me. Lol. AON Manila felt so real after a month of being dazed in fangirl feels. I feel so proud how Bom showed to everyone that Filipino blackjacks are Jjang. It was our group who started the BODONG chants in the crowd during the concert. And to be mentioned by her was enough to make us all gaga. AON Manila was featured in Roommate for 2 episodes!! Exposure you say? *grins*

Thank you PULP productions, for making this happen. From the deepest part of my fangirl soul, Thank you very much!!

 

To: Aprielle V. Gaspar

Blog worthy friend? I have one. Here's her photo:

And because she's that worthy of a blog post, my 'almost heartfelt' letter is here, posted online, welcome for everyone to read. (As if anyone is interested.)

_________________________________________________________

Hi Pel!

So paano ko ba ito sisimulan? *Insert fillers here*

I don’t know if you really know, but you’re a big, BIG.. big part of my life right now. Hihi (You see what I did there? Haha)

You’re the one I turn to for advice, seeking for your commentaries about small details in life. Oh well, I’m waiting for the day that I’ll turn to you for love questions!! LOL

I know I’m not the best chingu out there, I am not the perfect friend either. Not even a reliable one. But you are to me. You always look after me, and I’m really grateful for that. I guess, of everyone I know in my college days, you’re the one who knows me well. Simple things that maybe I don’t even know about myself. Thank you.

At syempre, you’re not the perfect human no! You also have your flaws. But those flaws are what make you more beautiful. Beautiful in a way that you learn how to be better, struggling for a much better Aprielle. You showed me what PATIENCE truly means. Hello? You stayed with me, crazy or not, you were still able to withstand my JUST MEANess. Who else could do that? And for that, congratulations on finally getting rid of me! Haha.

 I have always been blessed with great friends. I thank the Lord for letting me have you, to include in my long list of amazing people. But you’re also on my list of SOS friends, which by the way is just for great people.  

Thank you Aprielle! Please stay in my life and never be tired of my flaws, quirks, and secrets?

And oh! It’s you birthday!! Have a good one honey!  Be the best version of you, every day, surpassing the past Aprielle of yesterday. 

The Lord loves you, so do I. Happy birthday bitch :)

From your ever so loving and prettiest friend,

♡ ♡ ♡ 

JASMIN

Close Up Forever Summer

“The crowd-sourced party of the year was a blast! “ – CloseUpPH

Indeed, it was a blast! Where else can you have a beach party in the city? Well, Close Up did the work for us! Here’s the April 5^th beach party in the city:

The Site Map and Security Advisory will welcome you as you set foot at Circuit Makati before going wild.

GrabTaxi giving out free glow sticks and free glow in the dark face paint when you enter the event place.

Close Up Surf boards!!

And to tell you that they organized the event, hello Close Up!

Close Up Forever Summer Sand Castle.

Booths for merchandise and other sponsors were there where you can buy stuff to fully enjoy the party.

Havaianas giving out free drinks!

Their inflatable slippers and huge beach ball.

Folded and Hung

Free pins, yay!

Sunnies

Spectrum Planet

Globe

Close Up is even giving out free shades!

But, my sister found these glasses more useful without the lense given with it. Haha

The super fun inflatable castle of Yahoo!

Selecta were also there giving out free Pinipig Ice cream!

But of course, what really made the night is the party. The music were great coming from the talented djs, may it be local or international. Our very own djs like Mars Miranda and Ace Ramos, gave the crowd a crazy music that made everyone went wild.  Plus Helena and Alesso were there. Electrifying!

Thank you Unilever Philippines! And congratulations for a successful event! Let’s do this every summer!  

Mad World 2014: SELFIE

Attended by 4000 Marketing students coming from all over the Philippines, Philippine Junior Marketing Association has once again brought together the new wave of Marketing students and gave them the best marketing treat last February 2 at SMX Convention Center.

The conference Mad World is being held annually and materialized by the efforts of PJMA, which constitutes a set of Marketing students from different universities to lead all the Junior Marketing Associations of different chapters in our country. With the guidance coming from the Philippine Marketing Association and In partnership with one of the leading integrated communications agencies in the Philippines, Havas Media Ortega, PJMA pulled off another successful MadWorld2014 with the theme of “Selfie: How to create a meaningful personal brand.”

Selfie tickets

The speakers present are all the best in their field. Mr. Paul John Pena, Head of Integration and Branding Communications at Globe Telecom, showed how students can start branding themselves in social media by teaching the do’s and dont's for an aspiring marketing professional.

Mr. Paul John Pena

 Mr. Nomer Lasala, Business Development Officer of Intellicare, has shared how his branding made all the difference. 

Mr. Nomer Lasala

Dra. Vicki Belo, the CEO and Medical Director of Belo Medical Group joined the young marketers and shared how she started branding herself. 

Dra. Vicki Belo

Mr. Tony Sarmiento, Managing partner and chief collaborator of Havas Media Ortega was also there to teach that everyone can work their way to success if you know how to play well with opportunities.

The official snack partners of Mad World kept the students’ tummies behaved. Other sponsors are at the back. Others are having some small games and giving out magazines, Thank you Adobo Mag! 

Unlimited Water from Waters. Free Fan, ID lace and pencils from Stabilo. 

A twitter contest was also conducted and winners received Hawk Bags, MyPhone and LG Phones and iPad mini!

Conratulations PJMA! See you again at their next event. Year End Bash perhaps?  :)

MM401 from Adamson University