The stages I remember

(Circa 2012 - The girl with the neon sign)

As a self-proclaimed introvert, I'm practically hardwired to be overprotective of my own energy which makes it difficult for me to socialize and be surrounded by large groups of people for long periods of time. It's basically exhausting for me but through the years I've learned to reserve this very limited energy for activities that only fully resonate with me. Attending live concerts turns out to be one of them.

(Poster from Pulp)

"ONE MASSIVE PIT, NO SECTIONS" - we need to bring this back!

Flash back to 2012 when I went to see the first ever Bazooka Rocks Festival (and still the best BRF in my opinion) which—not to be overdramatic—pretty much changed my life. It's the closest thing Philippines had to America's Vans Warped Tour, another festival only true emo kids would know, so imagine being a teenager (in my case, a tween-ager 'cause I was in my early twenties) seeing your idols up close for the first-ish time with fellow fans who don't care about VIP sections or sweating off on their OOTDs. Mind you, smartphones were just on the rise so this was way before the glamorization of concerts on Tiktok and Instagram. We only had digicams and Tumblr + our handmade signages for the artists to notice us! Ahh, what a time to be alive.

I went with my sister and best friend and let's just say it was a very ~emotional~ night for my sister and I. All our biggest pop-punk influences were there: The Maine, Marianas Trench and Forever The Sickest Kids... I mean, I'd go wherever FTSK was so maybe I'm a little biased.

(If you don't know them, listen to their debut album now for clear skin lol)

It's been a roller coaster ride since then, going through different phases and genres. Wanderland 2017 was fun and memorable with LANY (pre-mainstream era), Reese Lansangan, The Ting Tings, Honne, and others. The 1975 is also always a unique experience. Twenty One Pilots and Walk The Moon needed better venues because the mall shows didn't do them justice. I can go on and on but somehow it's the pop-punk concerts that always hit different. Like I said, I might be biased.

Maybe it's nostalgia but 11 years later I can comfortably say that it was never a phase, mom! (Also, please tell me that you understood this reference or else...)

My first ever foreign concert though was Avril Lavigne's Bonez Tour in 2005 at the Global Bonifacio Open Field and I didn't even have a ticket! My dad drove me and my sister all the way from Laguna (he knew how much of a fangirl I am before I was even aware) and we parked outside the venue where a huge screen showed the live feed of the concert and so we watched that along with the other parked cars around.

That's the first time I ever saw Simple Plan live and I remember making a mental note that I had to see more live concerts in the future. I can't explain it but I knew I had to. Needless to say, their concert last month was definitely a big deal despite its cramped venue and lowkey publicity.

Fun fact: Still Not Getting Any... was one of the first albums I owned as a kid (along with Avril's Under My Skin) and boy oh boy was the early 2000's punk rock music scene thriving, and to hear those songs live again today brought back a lot of memories and feelings.

Unfortunately I ran out of memory during the event but I've managed to take a few clips to immortalize some of my favorite moments. Click/Tap the video to play. Pinch to zoom or for full screen view if you're viewing this on your phone.

I'm Just A Kid

Summer Paradise

Addicted

Mr. Brightside by The Killers

Perfect

Throughout the night I kept thinking that we should've been nearer because we wanted them to hear us sing to all their songs (VIP tickets got sold out immediately) but it was still as fun and crazy as it can be. The crowd, at least in my area, could be a little more enthusiastic though. We can't help but notice some dead air during their less popular songs which hurt my fangirl heart a little but the show goes on. 

Tips for new concert goers:

• Like any activity, you have to prepare for it. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, bring an extra shirt, water, and power bank if you plan on using your phone the whole time (which I don't recommend btw).

• Review the artist's discography. Remember, the artist took their time to rehearse and travel all the way to you and perform. Knowing their songs is the least you can do.

• Take as much photos and videos as you want but don't forget to be fully present. It's a one-time thing that you actually paid for so you might as well focus on having fun. Scream, sing, dance, party, cry, whatever it is, it's almost always a judgment-free space. Engrave it in your memory.

• Lastly, try not to go solo. I've watched concerts on my own before (introvert thingz) and not that I mind being alone but it's not as fun as having someone to fangirl with.

Now, I'm not sure until when Simple Plan will tour (they've been at it for over 20 years now) but I hope it doesn't take them another 10 years to come back. Until the next show—I promise to be on the front row then. If not, then I'm just happy to be present on all their 3 shows in Manila.
Thank you for another night to remember, Pierre, Chuck, Jeff, and Seb! x
Final verdict: ★★★★☆