I'm no longer in "Misery"
MAROON 5

“I am in misery there ain’t nobody who can comfort me except Adam Levine,” was continuously playing in my thoughts. Back in June, I fell in love with Maroon 5’s newest single “Misery”. From then on their album “Hands All Over” rocked my speakers every night. The album was full of not too slow yet not too fast beats that makes my head bop and my body to sway. Every time I play it; cool and soulful vibe fills the room. Also hearing Adam Levine’s sexy falsetto voice singing the lyrics could instantly gives me a lighter mood. Thus when I found out they were coming here, I tried my best to ready my wallet.
Months have passed by and I still found myself empty handed. It was only three days before the concert that my friends and I decided to go ahead and purchase one. Sadly, we found out about the 50% off ticket sale when it was all over. Our ticket’s worth could have afforded a gold b ticket alongside with Anne Curtis whom we spotted during the concert. So for a last minute preparation I struggled in learning the right lyrics and not just mumble them. I charged my cell phone and camera to make sure I’m fully equipped to document the memorable night.
The night before, I couldn’t believe I’m finally going to my first major concert ever! At last I’m not missing out since I’ve already lost the chances of catching the previous musical acts. Moreover I couldn’t remember why I missed them the first time they came. But what I was sure of is that I’m not going to miss this one because this might be their last. Same as how I missed two Fall Out Boy pit stops here where a year later they disbanded. The only chance I will get to see them is if they will re-group and comeback here when I’m already in my 40s. Also according to Maroon 5‘s front man, they are almost at the peak of their success and they do have plans of disbanding sometime in the near future. 
YOU WILL BE LOVED!
Consequently there I was, seeing their remarkable performance last May 23, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center. They took us by surprise by having no front act. The band seized the stage immediately and played “Misery”. The audience responded with ear ringing screams especially when Adam Levine’s pretty face flashed on the screens. Later on everybody caught up and sang along to the ironically upbeat song. The next crowd favorite was their cover of Alicia Key’s “If I Ain’t Got You”. Maroon 5 did a splendid version of this heart clenching soul song that melted the listeners’ hearts. It was followed by “She Will Be Loved” that was dedicated to all the ladies that night. Once again it caused non-stop shrieking from among the girls in the house. While their very first single remains a hit as everyone sang with “This Love”.
For the encore, steamy song called “Hands All Over” soothed the people’s ears which was followed by “Makes Me Wonder”. They saved “Sunday Morning” as their last song. Until the end, the throng of Maroon 5 fans chanted along with their favorite band rocking Manila for the second time around. Adam made sure he put a good performance by showing his signature sensual dance moves that the female crowd couldn’t resist. He was definitely singing from the heart which made some wish they were the mic and the stand. It was also a special night for the band’s drummer Matt Flynn as it was his birthday. I was actually surprised with the number of songs they sang. Even the day after, I couldn’t get enough of them. I kept on listening to the recordings and videos I captured. I hope they do comeback soon with another album in hand because Manila surely loves them. “Coz’ everything means nothing if I ain’t go you Adam”.
By: Marianne Cruz
P.S. "I wrote this and if ever this gets published in the Inquirer which I'm kinda doubting because next week is already a delay for that. Basta I wrote this."
I'm not taking credits for the photos. It's from defineadamlevine.tumblr.com
posted by: mars @ 7:13 AM
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PFW Holiday '11

All these years I get to watch Philippine Fashion Week from a far and now I got this close! Too bad I wasted my 3 tickets to 3 shows. I know kill me. Something I've always wanted yet wasn't able to fully grasp it. Anyway I got to be a designer's assistant! For the Luxewear show last May 13 '11. Best Friday the 13th ever!

Met Sarah Meier! At first I hesitated if I should come up to her. But what the heck! I looked like a stupid fangirl which I am! I asked for an autograph (oh god I'm 19 and asked for an autograph). She was like are you for real? And I'm yeah I'm sorry! So I got a letter and she gamely had a photo with me. The one from my cam is blurry but the PFW TV official photog got one just don't know where to get it!

This was from May 2 '11 it's a male modeling fitting. So uhmm.. yeah.. MALE. :">

Here's a little backstage action. My designer mentor Ronaldo Arnaldo is re-fitting Ria Bolivar for her finale dress.

This was all the model line up for that show! 15 designers showcased 10 outfits that night. Benjie Manuel, Delby Bragais, Edwin Uy, Jay Sustiguer, John Guarnes, Julius Tarog, Kat Corpus, Melvin Lachica, Nicky Martinez, Nolie Vineza, Roel Rosal, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Santi Obcena, Simon Ariel Vasquez and Tina Daniac.

For our models we had JASMINE MAIERHOFER! Stephany, Erika (who became sort of my friend coz' I helped her in like her so many outfit changes), Julianne, Paula, Honey, Rodina, Ann, Emerald and Ria Bolivar.
It was such a great experience and I loved every second of it. I really want to do it again. So much rush there. Dressing up a model is like dressing up Barbie! Like really! Put on her dress, her shoes, a bit of accessories and make sure her hair stays fine. Playing with so many dresses! Shoes from Rusty Lopez and with Ronaldo he had gloves! Wish I took better photos. Coz photos weren't really allowed so I just sneak it whenever.
posted by: mars @ 7:09 PM
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INSPIRE

A few months back, I watched Exit Through the Gift Shop. It's a film supposedly by Banksy himself talking about the art of graffiti. The movie is full of graffiti artists' mission and their masterpieces. I found it inspiring that they actually have meanings and these people are actually trying to make a movement. It's not all for vandalism, just to ruin a pretty wall or disobey the law. The high isn't in there but in the campaign these graffiti artist are trying to do. Also, they are publicly sharing their art for everyone to see and enjoy. See Space Invader with his aliens made of rubic's cube, see Juliana Herrera who covers pot holes with colorful yarns, Banksy himself sending messages to the people. And so many more!

Now, once again this woman inspired me. Candy Chang inspired some people from New Orleans with this installation. It's a different type of a freedom wall. Somewhere you could put the number 1 task in your bucket list. Your goal, your life long dream. Something you've been dying to do. Or in this case it made you complete the sentence
"BEFORE I DIE I WANT TO______". People have flocked to this abandoned house and many wants to have on in their town as well. (I was actually thinking of having one at school as well).

As simple as it is, it can be greatly inspiring. So how about you? What do you want before you die?
Before I die I want to LIVE IN PARIS.
posted by: mars @ 7:08 AM
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Annual MET Gala

Jessica Stam: I love how it's in slight nude color. It's simple, nothing extravagant but it shouts conservative sexy. Kind of a 40s or 50s silhouette.
I've been busy. Now I have free time although I'm too groggy and hungry. I'm weak and I have this huge soar right cheek. I'll just to a quick post about the MET Gala. Every year I look forward to this and I've blogged about this for several times already. Make this the 3rd I think or more. I couldn't keep track.

Mary-Kate Olsen: My old time favorite. She always manages to surprise people with her outfits. With this one, nothing too outrageous but it comes in a super bold color of red.

I love and hate how Blake looks like a goddess here with legendary Karl. Sexy black lace that shows off some skin and some gray flowy drape. So Greco.

Hailee is so cute! It's just right for her age. Conservative yet stylish. Also it truly shows the theme of the night which is Alexander McQueen. But mind you this is a Stella McCartney dress.

Vera Wang is probably skinnier than me! But aside from her shocking body frame, her dress is very young and bright. I love how the tiered layer of her dress gives her some shape.
Well this is all I can do for now. Ciao!
posted by: mars @ 3:49 AM
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