I Wanted More of Paramore!

Last March 9, I went to the Paramore concert-- which I promised myself I would be situated front and center. Well, I wasnt in front, and I was not exactly in the center. But i still got a great view of Hayley and the band. Silver ticket is not that bad after all.

So, wait. Let's review.

but before that, I just want to say that Paramore ROCKS big time. and Hayley, you are such a firecracker and you were hair-ing it like no other.

Now that that is finally out on the open, let's move on.

I have been dying to see Paramore live since forever. Admittedly, I wasnt a big fan when they first broke out. Although i've listened to a couple of their songs, I initially found it tuneless and loud. However, what got me hooked was the song My Heart. I was listening to this song nonstop on our way to Tagaytay with my office friends (November 2005 or 2006-- not sure which one). A year after, I saw their Riot! concert in MTV and saw Hayley the Livewire and fell madly and deeply in love with the band. It was a great opportunity to finally see them and watch them here in the Philippines. Good thing they got here before I left for Aussie. God is good.

Not having a fellow Para-whore among my friends, I went with my brother to the concert. Holding the recently bought Silver Tickets-- specifically just a few hours before the concert (Lunch time at National Bookstore Market!Market! branch), I met Randy at MOA. This place, of course, is alien territory to me, given that I hail from the North. I just got out of the office and I only managed to bring jeans and my havaianas. Not wanting to look so 'corporate'/ ate-ish in a rock concert, I even attempted to try to fit in. Thus, before going to the concert grounds, I bought those I love Pinoy shirts. But no... havaianas pala is sooo old school. The kids (yes,kids) around me were wearing Chucks, which I do not have because I am not a sneakers/ rubber shoes person. If you do not know already, I have no concept of 'roughing it up' and sporty fashion is really not my style. So shirt+jeans+havaianas+C&K bag= out of place aka 'napadaan at napabili bigla ng concert ticket' look. Tsk tsk.

What can I say about the concert? Well, i don't know if it's because of my location but I was kinda disappointed that the Filipinos were a bit too reserved. I don't know if Paramore liked performing here but they had a hard time hyping the crowd (at least that's what I think). We couldnt even chant "PARAMORE" for more than minute. Nor can we sustain the applause/ shouts until the next song begins. So most of the time, there was dead air during the transition. Although the band was great beyond words, I just didn't get the feel of 'oneness' with the crowd during the concert, except during the last song (Brick by Boring Brick).

All i know is that we, Pinoys, should better shape up and make a really good impression if we want to get the good bands/artists to perform here. Don't be too pa-sosy, pa-reserve. Let us all learn to let loose and break free. Its not everyday that we get Paramore to perform for us.

Well, maybe next time.