COLDPLAY in Tokyo 2017

Sharing with you guys my Coldplay experience in Tokyo, Japan last April 19.

I'm fond of watching concerts, but I'm not the type who would really spend for it. I am used to getting free tickets during concerts but there's only one concert I promised to spend on, and that's a Coldplay concert.

A few years back, I planned about going to the Fuji Rock Music Festival in Japan 'cause they're headliner that time was Coldplay. Unfortunately, my visa expired so I had to go back to the Philippines even before the music festival.

So when I heard about Coldplay's announcement of their concert in the Philippines, I promised myself that I would go no matter how much it would cost me. Then came the day of ticket release. I kind of hesitated because I thought the tickets were overpriced so I didn't purchase anymore, but I prayed to get either free tickets or at least, cheaper tickets. But I found out about the ticket prices in their concerts in other Asian countries. I got really enticed by the prices in Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo. Unfortunately, it was so hard to secure tickets for the Singapore leg; then flight tickets to Seoul (even on budget airlines) were really high. I was planning to watch the Japan leg but decided to skip the Coldplay concert for my Eurotrip on the same month.

It must be a sign that my Schengen visa processing got really delayed at the Greek Embassy, and my aunt offered to pay my airfare so I could visit her in Japan. So there, I booked a ticket to Japan, still without plans of watching Coldplay. I have a friends who recently moved to Japan and she's interested of watching the concert so she convinced me to go. I posted a Facebook status looking for tickets and I got a lot of replies. We were supposed to get S-Reserve tickets but a better offer came in. A Japan-based lady sold us 2 S-Reserve tickets which were priced 21,000 yen from 18,000 yen. It's more expensive but I understood why she put a markup on that. She was so nice so we got convinced to buy the tickets. We met up in Tokyo a week before the concert and my friend and I were so thankful that we found her!

A day before the concert, I had to travel to Yokohama from Nagano so I could stay at my friend's place. The next day, I travelled for 45mins from Yokohama to Tokyo Dome City to catch Coldplay's concert. Since my friend was coming from work, I spent time waiting for her with my other friends who were also there to watch the concert, but they got VIP tickets. 

The concert started on time and it was the best concert I've ever experienced! Plus I was happy that I watched it in Japan because the Japanese were very particular in the quality of sound and lighting so I was sure that technical problems would be very minimal or would not even happen. And they were very organized! Even after the concert, the exit of the audience were done by row.

Anyway, my friend and I really enjoyed the concert. We were very thankful that we pushed for it. It was super worth it!

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in Manila 2016

Got a last minute invite to watch Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at the Palace Pool Club and of course, I didn't say no. I wasn't able to watch them on their first time in Manila in 2014 because I was supposed to watch them in Kuala Lumpur during the 3rd day of the Future Music Festival Asia (FMFA), which got cancelled. Then their performance in Manila was on the following day but we were still in KL.

Anyway, thanks to Solar Entertainment for the invite. It was a short yet fun concert. The best part was when they jumped into the pool beside us right after their performance. How cool was that? I had a perfect view to tape them. Watch this video to see.

PS. Ryan Lewis is a hottie!

SWV and TLC in Manila 2016

Super late post but I just had to share this amazing concert of SWV and TLC in Manila.

Those of my age who don't know them must be living under a rock! This concert got all the 90s vibes back! Thanks to Vans PH for our tickets. We really had fun! :)

The Chainsmokers Live in Manila

I was close to missing this concert because I had to wait for the free tickets. I was in a wedding in Cavite when I foud out that finally, our friend got us free passes to the concert from Globe. Thanks so much, Mr. Ernest Cu for giving us access to the Globe Premiere Suite! :)

the awesome pair

While some of our friends were partying near the stage, Lady and I were actually having fun at the suite because it's so comfy out there. We got some drinks and some seats when we get tired of dancing. I didn't need to get too close to the stage to get good photos because my camera's 24x zoom never fails to give me quality photos in every event.

concert buddies

The last time Chainsmokers was here was when they're only familiar single was the "Selfie Song". We made it to their concert at Republiq (Resorts World Manila) back then through the guest list. But now, they've become really famous and their songs topped the charts.

A good friend, a talented actor and model, Phytos Ramirez

I super love them! See my own version of a post-concert video below.

Looking forward to more awesome hits ahead! :)

LG Electronics unveils the country’s largest 105-inch CURVED Super ULTRA HD TV

MANILA, May 14, 2015 – This summer, global technology innovator LG Electronics brings to the Philippines the most massive television to date—the 105-inch CURVED Super ULTRA HD TV.

Unparalleled size comes with unmatched picture quality

Globally revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas early this year, this spectacular new model 105UC9 boasts of a resolution of over 11 million pixels (5120 x 2160)—five times more than on a Full HD TV—and CinemaScope 21:9 aspect ratio. These elements deliver a truly immersive viewing experience with ultra-sharp, lifelike images all over the 105-inch screen and stunning virtual surround sound.

The superior picture quality of the 105UC9 is complemented by LG’s True 5K Engine Pro and IPS 5K Panel. The former eliminates visual errors and can upscale lower-resolution content into near-ULTRA HD quality, while the latter provides consistent contrast, true-to-life colors and a wide viewing angle.

Superiority comes in full circle with impressive audio

Sound quality is certainly not compromised as the 105UC9 sports a built-in 7.2-channel, 150W sound system, ensuring a powerful and rich audio experience. It also incorporated LG’s ULTRA Surround concept developed in partnership with audio manufacturing leader Harman Kardon. The multi-channel system harmonizes with the TV’s 21:9 CinemaScope screen with a sonic performance worthy of an actual movie theatre.

Enhanced by the highly immersive curve and 3D technology

With the same aspect ratio as a Hollywood motion picture, the 105UC9 CinemaScope 21:9 screen recreates the movie experience in the home. The curvature of the display has been carefully calibrated to maximize the immersive ambiance. And by combining Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) 3D technology with extremely high picture resolution, LG’s 5K 3D⁺ feature offers unobtrusive and compelling 3D viewing pleasure. Thanks to the 5K 3D Upscaler, content in SD, HD and Full HD is converted into crystal-clear, near-ULTRA HD resolution.

User experience in the highest level of intuitive

The 105UC9 promises a greatly satisfying user experience via LG Smart⁺ TV, which is centered on the intuitive webOS platform. LG’s webOS makes everything simple and fast, whether it’s switching between content; discovering exciting new shows, apps and services or connecting to media stored on external devices. And with the help of the endearing, animated BeanBird character, webOS also makes the initial setup and connection process quicker and much more enjoyable.

“We are thrilled to bring to the Philippines the newest and most spectacular innovation of LG, the 105-inch CURVED Super ULTRA HD TV,” LG Philippines Home Entertainment Vice President Hoony Bae said. “Last December, we launched the country’s largest 98-inch ULTRA HD TV. This summer, we take it a notch higher and reinforce that it’s all possible when you bring today’s most advanced TV technologies together. The vision behind the 105UC9 was to bring the movie theatre into the living room, providing the optimal home entertainment experience for our consumers.”

To learn more about the one-of-a-kind LG 105-inch CURVED Super ULTRA HD TVs, visit www.lg.com/ph, like LG’s official Facebook page “LG Philippines” or follow @LG Philippines on Twitter and Instagram.  

7 Reasons Why You Should Get LG P7

LG P7 Music Flow Portable Speakers, This Summer’s Perfect Gadget

Summer has officially begun and there are so many new things to do, places to see, and memories to create. Nothing makes experiences more enjoyable than being in the company of great friends and even greater music.

Home entertainment trailblazer LG Electronics dishes out exciting ways to amp up your summer trips with the new LG Music Flow P7. This compact but powerful portable speaker boasts unique features for the ultimate hassle-free barkada bonding.

1.      Music anytime, anywhere

Its impressive long-lasting battery enables the gang to enjoy continuous music for up to 10 hours. Whether you are out in the sea or up in the mountains, the LG Music Flow P7 delivers nonstop listening pleasure.

2.      Go with the ‘Flow’

The super sleek LG Music Flow P7 is extremely lightweight and comfortably fits in any carry-on luggage; making it the perfect companion for beach trips and out-of-town vacations.

3.      Make it loud with your crowd

Even with its compact design, the LG Music Flow P7 is capable of playing music in full, crystal clear quality with its outstanding 20W audio output, currently the best in the market.

Fire up the grill, host your own outdoor summer soiree and after sunset, watch a movie under the stars with just a blanket and a projector—with the sounds amplified by your own Music Flow, of course!

4.      Music-sharing made easy

Partying with your best buds made even more fun with LG Music Flow P7’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. Shuffle and stream music right from your mobile phone! The barkada can also get in on the fun with its unique feature that allows up to three Bluetooth-capable phones to connect at the same time.

5.      Double the Music Flow, double the fun

You and your friends can connect two LG Music Flow P7s to one Bluetooth-ready device at the same time for a fun and louder summer trip. Fill every corner with quality tunes wherever you go!

6.      Relax, go do it

Staycations will never be the same again! Cozy up with your favourite blanket and catch up on your series at home by connecting up to two LG Music Flow P7s to a compatible LG TV and enjoy the full LG experience with immersive surround sound.

7.      Keep fit with the beat!

Getting that beach body ready doesn’t have to be a struggle. Stretch, jump, and crunch (not munch) to the beat that’s blasting from your Music Flow P7s. Or you could hold your favourite yoga poses with soothing ambient sounds thanks to your Music Flow.

“Whether you are planning for a weekend trip or simply staying in with the family, the LG Music Flow P7, the smallest and newest addition to the LG Music Flow WiFi Series, is the ideal companion for that unforgettable listening experience,” said Hoony Bae, vice president of LG Philippines Home Entertainment.

Philips Launches New Range of Portable Audio Products and Home Cinema Systems

Last July 10, I attended Philips' launch of their new range of portable audio products and home cinema systems at Makati Shangri-la Hotel. These products are really impressive as they deliver a new dimension to our viewing and listening experience.

With over a century of rich heritage and expertise in high-end TV and audio technology, the focus on innovation takes on a new dimension with the launch of the Philips 2014 home entertainment and sound collection.

Home Cinematic Experience at its best

Brilliant picture quality

For the ultimate in home cinematic experience, the latest generation of Philips TVs – the DesignLine and Ultra HD range, bring home theatre to a whole new level, giving you a TV experience that is “beyond the ordinary”.

Built with a multi-core Ultra Pixel HD engine that delivers EISA Award-winning picture quality on both native UHD and Full HD content, the new range of Philips TVs deliver astonishing depth and clarity and are the ideal choice for any room in your house.

The unique Ambilight feature virtually expands the TV screen, creating an exceptional and impressively immersive viewing experience by throwing a soft glow of light matching the on-screen colours onto the wall behind the TV. In addition, new apps which are supported in our Ambilight range allow consumers to interact with Ambilight during sport events, continuing the great success story of this light technology and adding a whole new dimension to their TV viewing experience.

From Ambilight to 4K Ultra HD, the latest generation of Philips TVs offer something for everyone. Whether it’s streaming new content, experiencing new worlds, gaming with friends near and far and even bringing generations together to share stories, laughter and memories – Philips TVs are designed to let you enjoy all the good things in life from the comfort of your couch.

Bringing to life high quality sound

Amplify your home cinematic experience through high quality sound brought to life by the new range of Philips audio products that deliver an authentic sound experience.

The latest in audio innovations, the Philips Fidelio Soundbar HTL9100, E5 speakers, Soundbar HTL6140, Soundstage HTB4150B and 5.1 3D Blu-ray Home theater HTB5580 all have one thing in common. They deliver the best sound without the clutter, preserving the purity of the original audio content, resulting in greater sonic accuracy. For true connectivity, Bluetooth wireless music streaming from your music devices for breathtaking music quality in the comfort of your home!

The world’s first Soundbar with detachable speakers- the Philips Fidelio Soundbar HTL9100 and the Philips E5 speakers, are the ideal home cinema audio solution for consumers who want 5.1 channel surround sound without the wires. With space a premium in the home, these two products offer true freedom with detachable speakers and subwoofer that are wireless. Featuring Surround on Demand, the Philips Fidelio Soundbar HTL9100 and Philips E5 speakers automatically transform to a 5.1 channel surround sound experience when the surround speakers are detached.

 Philips Fidelio Soundbar HTL9100

Philips E5 speakers

At just 2.98 cm thick, the ultra slim Philips Soundbar HTL6140 is the perfect sound companion for any flat TV and can be mounted anywhere, blending right into your living space! A wireless subwoofer also ensures you are spared from messy wires for a clutter-free environment. Boasting 320W of power and premium soft dome tweeters, you can enjoy crystal clear high tones, ensuring premium quality sound. The HTL6140 is not just extremely thin, it sounds extremely good!

Philips Soundbar HTL6140

The Blu Ray offerings with the Philips 5.1 3D Blu-ray Home theater HTB5580 and Philips TV SoundStage HTB4150B will be the highlight of your living room for all kinds of entertainment. Designed to enhance your cinematic viewing experience at home, both products feature full HD 3D Blu-ray and Crystal Clear Sound, which enable you to discern and appreciate every sound detail, the way it was meant to be heard.

Pump up your home entertainment experience with the Philips 5.1 3D Blu-ray Home theater HTB5580 system. Featuring wireless speakers for a clutter free space, the powerful 1000W system with deeper bass effect delivers great sound for that cinematic surround sound. The Miracast feature also allows you to mirror your smart phone screen to your TV and share photos, videos as well as enjoy your favorite games on a much larger screen for a more immersive experience.

Philips 5.1 3D Blu-ray Home theater HTB5580

Designed for simplicity, the Philips TV SoundStage HTB4150B is the best companion for your TV. Simply place the TV on top, connect one cable and start enjoying your movie and music – it’s that easy!

Philips TV SoundStage HTB4150B

The Philips E5 speakers, Soundbar HTL6140, Soundstage HTB4150B and 5.1 3D Blu-ray Home theater HTB5580 all feature NFC (Near Field Communications) technology which means easy pairing  with Bluetooth devices.

For Music on the Go

If you enjoy superior, detailed sound but prefer the convenience of an on-the-go experience, then get ready for the party of a lifetime with the latest range of Philips audio products.

Five-time World’s Best DJ winner, producer and record label owner, Armin van Buuren’s long list of musical accolades has another addition: product designer. The Grammy-nominated artist has collaborated with Philips to create his first ever professional headphones, the A5-PRO and the M1X-DJ System which allows you to mix, play and share the music you love.

Armin Van Buuren

The A5-PRO is engineered to meet the highest standards and demands of international DJs and industry pros offering true-to-life sound reproduction that is distortion-free even at high volumes.

Combining the finest materials like durable anodized aluminium, alloy steel finishes and hand-stitched leather for maximum comfort and construction, the A5-PRO is a key feature of the sold-out Armin Only Intense World Tour.

Whether you’re a beginner or professional, the Philips M1X-DJ makes mixing, playing and sharing tracks simple, providing an authentic DJ experience. Combining a sleek design aesthetic and easy-to-use interface with innovative technology, the portable M1X-DJ allows anyone to create incredible sets that will blow your friends away and stream songs through Lightning connector/Bluetooth.

If a heart-thumping beat is what gets you moving at a party, then get ready to be blown away by the Philips range of hi-fi systems - NTRX500 and NTRX700.

The smart and easy-to-use DJ mixing functions turn anyone into the star DJ of the party while the handles and wheels allow for easy transportation to the party venue of choice.  260K LED lights and versatile light effects complete the party atmosphere as you feel the beat coursing through your bones!

My thoughts

Philips really showcased how advanced they are when it comes to TV and audio technology. The products they launched are very promising and definitely, those aren't really cheap. But for the quality that you desire, you would know that these products are definitely worth what you pay for.

I may be often out of the house but the Ambilight and Ultra HD may give me enough reason to stay home more often. Combined with the Blue-ray Home Theater, every single night would be a movie night for me, my family, and friends. I wouldn't mind staying in for a steady movie night than going out to party.

At the event, what I actually enjoyed most was trying out the M1X-DJ System. When I was in Japan, I have tried self-studying mixing music using my Macbook Air and my iPad mini during my free time. It wasn't as easy but it was fun; and I guess with the M1X-DJ, I would enjoy it more. One thing I like about it is that it's very handy. It would just look like I'm carrying a cooler on my way to a house party, but when I flip the top part, I get an instant turntable. I would just plug my iPad in, turn up the volume, and perfect! I'm an instant DJ in the house! I also like the fact that it was designed by Armin Van Buuren, one of my favorite DJs. I got to watch him last March in Kuala Lumpur during the Future Music Festival Asia: A State of Trance 650. He's amazing! I could just imagine how this product would sell simply because it's something he actually designed. I also got to try A5-PRO, their top of the line headphone set, and I wouldn't be surprised why it's even more expensive than the turntable. 

Imagine a DJ in corporate attire...tadaaa!:))

For more information please visit www.philips.com.ph or the Philips Sound Facebook page at www.facebook.com/philipssoundphilippines

xoxo,

city girl

Drink Up 2014, OneVibePH, The Chainsmokers in Manila

May 24 - Drink Up 2014 (Manila) at The Forum grounds

I didn't really know about this. On the day of the event I woke up to a message from a friend giving me free passes. Of course, I went with him to check it out. So there's a concert happening. It was Urbandub and other local bands on the earlier part of the night, then some DJs started playing EDM late at night. I've tried a lot of beer flavors and of course, my favorite stop would be my friend's own, Brotzeit. Our RFID bands were loaded with tokens worth Php 1500 I guess, and that's what we used to buy food and drinks within the event grounds. I was able to appreciate the event 'cause I got familiarized with different brands and types of liquor, particularly beer. I'm not actually a beer drinker 'cause I don't like its taste, but I liked the flavored beers that I've tried such as the strawberry beer of Xavierbeer from Baguio, and of course, my all-time favorite, Affensaft (mango-flavored) from Brotzeit.

strawberry beer!

the trial set

my Liquor 101 professor :))

Brotzeit's customers

me, Mags, and Edward, the man behind Brotzeit

June 11 - One Vibe PH at SM MOA Concert Grounds

It's the celebration of Philippine Independence as the clock struck 12. Bottles of beer were sold for only Php 1 and there were a lot of freebies from different booths of brands who supported the event. Besides having Apl.De.Ap, the event became bigger because of Laidback Luke. Got VIP access from Viber and extra free passes from Vans. It was fun because I got to see a lot of friends, and our "barkada" was almost complete that night. But since we're already feeling the signs of ageing, we left at 2am and had early breakfast at Rufo's Famous Tapa in Blue Wave, Macapagal. Of course, we all ordered tapa.:))

what's wrong in this picture? LOL!

food trip

June 13 - The Chainsmokers Selfie Tour in Republiq Club, Manila

Again, I didn't know about this. I got dragged by my friends who told me they already got me listed and there's no more backing out. And I was like, "Who are The Chainsmokers?" Then they showed me the music video of the "Selfie" song. HAHA! Anyway, they produced good music; and the concert was generally fun. However, there were some parts that I got a bit bored. Well, it's probably because I was too sleepy and not really prepared to party that night, most especially because I stayed up late the previous night as well. Anyway, after their set was a birthday celebration for DJ Ace Ramos. After the candle blowing, we left the event 'cause we were really sleepy.

please excuse the quality 'cause I failed to bring my camera

with my friends: Aris from Bacolod and Keigh from Iloilo

my guy friends: Dinand, Puch, Joshua

"but first, let me take a selfie"

done!

I sometimes feel too old for these parties and I can feel my body giving up as well. Now I really appreciate staying home and getting a lot of sleep. Haha.


xoxo,

city girl

Labor Day Weekend 2014

It's been a tradition of my multiple groups of friends to go to Boracay during the Labor Day weekend, which usually happens from May 1 through May 5. It's actually where I get to see friends whom I haven't seen for a long time. I think this Labor Day Weekend, which is called Laboracay by many, has already become a beach music festival of some sort.

So what happens during Laboracay? PARTIES! Lots of it! From sunset parties, to multiple brands' gimmicks/promotions to international DJs, name it, Laboracay has got it! The most sought after parties are usually sponsored by the biggest brands of liquor, clothing, shoes, telecoms, mobile apps, etc. In my couple of years of spending Labor Day weekend in Boracay, the brands I have encountered in parties are Vans, Smart, Globe, Marlboro, Nestea, Vaseline, Hennessy, El Hombre, Nivea, Havaianas, Jose Cuervo, etc. This year, more brands came in such as Guess, Viber, AyosDito, BeachHut, Solar, etc.

Anyway, so how did I spend my Labor Day weekend? Here it goes:

May 1 - Arrived in Boracay and had lunch at Jonah's. Of course, we cannot miss the famous Jonah's fruit shakes on our first day. Checked-in at Whitehouse, had dinner with my El Hombre guy friends, had a couple of glasses of Glen in the hotel, had dinner at the Whitehouse resto, dropped by the Smart event in Boracay Uptown, had some pizza and drinks at our friend's room in The District. We weren't in the party mood that's why we didn't attend the sunset party in Whitehouse.

boat to the island with Darlene and Con

and I never get tired of this view

lunch at Jonah's

food trippin'

with my girls

May 2 - Just had lunch in the hotel, went out for a walk at the beach, then came out by sunset for the Guess Beach Hotel party. It's a wet and wild one! And since the sound system got wet, the organizers had no choice but to stop the party, just when everyone's getting pumped up. Instead of going clubbing that night, we just had a house party with our Iloilo friends in Boracay Regency Hotel.

using our Headware as tube tops

nautical theme (thanks Pearly Pop Swimwear)

w/ Thina of Vans (my Rayban flash lens from @poshop_ph)

oh my selfie stick! :))

with my friend, Apple David

sea of people

soaked!

house partying

crispy pata of Boracay Regency is just sooo good!

May 3 - We had lunch at Mamita's, then had some photo ops by the beach. By sunset, we came out for the Vans Summer Block Party. We started at around 5pm and I was already knocked out by 9pm. I was asleep  in our hotel while my friends were partying at Globe's event in epic, the concert of Cedric Gervais. Oh yeah, I missed that Summertime Sadness. Haha sorry! :))

lunch at Mamita's (we had tapsilog and we liked it)

playtime!

with my friend, Wanda

Vans girls :)

gone cray cray :))

all sweaty 'coz of the crazy partyyyy :))

Farah and I with Misa Campo (please excuse the wasted face LOL)

May 4 - We had lunch at Two Seasons. Of course, we couldn't miss Oyster Sisig and probably the best Four Cheese Pizza in the planet! Then by sunset, we headed out for some photo ops, dinner, and again, party! This night's sponsored by our friends from El Hombre, Smart and Ayosdito.ph. We left the party early and had late dinner at Aria and headed back to the hotel. Then I was given a free ticket for Steve Aoki's set in Epic so I headed out again. We're supposed to leave early the next day so we left right after his set. Steve Aoki nailed it! I was impressed with the bouncers and the whole security group of the organizers because they were able to control the crowd outside after the walls were accidentally torn down. And it happened just right behind us by the VIP area. I really thought I would die from stampede but I was glad it didn't actually happen.

my girls :)

catching sunset (Angelia using my coverup. Thanks to Southshore Beach Shop)

some calls it "wefie", while some call it "groufie" haha

don't eat, inhale, and don't breathe for photo ops purposes LOL!

pretty sunset

El Hombre party w/ these girls and the El Hombre boys

so we discussed how we died the previous night haha

with THE Ramon Bautista

my good friend, Bang of AyosDito.Ph

yet another sweaty me :))))

look at that crowd! everyone's having fun!

with DJ Ace Ramos whom I've known for 8 years already (he wasn't as big in the scene back then)

grabbed a friend's flash lens 'cause it matched my outfit LOL

dinner treat of Manny at Aria

THE Steve Aoki

watched it with these girls

view from our table

the commotion

May 5 - We left the island quite late and we got a flight to catch in Iloilo City. Iloilo-bound vans from Caticlan already ran out by 9am and we got no choice but to take the bus which was and hour and a half slower. From the bus station in Iloilo, we took a cab to the airport, and that was already the time of the departure of our plane. Good thing we got a friend working at the Iloilo airport who's there to keep us posted. Apparently, our flight was delayed, thank God. But the bad news was, the only ATM machine in the airport wasn't working and we didn't have cash nor credit cards anymore. We ended up borrowing from our friend, Steph in the airport, just to survive dinner at the Iloilo airport. haha! See, it pays to be friendly!

thanks to my friend, Steph of PAL for saving us haha

So that's how my immune system and my wallet survived Laboracay! Thanks to my friends who sponsored almost everything -- hotel, food, booze, concert tickets, etc.! :)

xoxo,

city girl