Kogi Anyone?

Californians always have the coolest things,while we Texans are only remembered for Waco (We ain't coming out) Ross Valory lives there, Arnel Pineda lands there and stays there. And if any man or woman is worth knowing, you can bet he or she has at some point walked the academia halls of Stanford. Talk about movers and shakers, (and I'm not talking about earthquake either) California it is. And now there's the Kogi truck in L.A. made famous by Twitter founded by guys from San Francisco. I don't know how to Twitter but I know how to eat a Korean - food I mean.

11 Ways to Avoid Jury Duty

The people have spoken and come January we will have a black and white president to sit in the White House. Voting is a priviledge and trial by jury is a gift and I appreciate both. But serving on the jury is not my idea of a day off from work.


1. Ask the judge, “Cool if I take pictures for my blog?’

2. Bring fried lumpia (egg rolls) to sell at breaktime . If the bailiff stops you, start screaming –“You’re anti- Asian”

3. Address all the other juror loudly: "Who among us here will not kill for a date with Ross Valory?" if they roll their eyes start crying and keep blowing your nose on your sleeve.

4. When everyone is quiet, giggle and ask the bailiff : So, what do you think of Arnel Pineda? If he shush you and gives you that look like he doesn't know Arnel, start screaming - "You're a Steve Perry die hard and you're anti-Asian"

5. Breast feed your 7-year old. (Like my friend in Cebu)

6. Breast feed someone’s 7 year old. (Like my friend in Cebu. I know, I wonder too why I keep friends like this)

7. Act like a woman with PMS who cries a lot and keep crying until everyone is sad.

8. Keep winking at the lawyers and ask, “Can we hang him quick, boss?”

9. Always end your answer with : " But back in the Philippines if you have money….”

10. Insist on speaking in *Taglish like : ‘Lam mo kasi judge, I am a good citizen, kaya Im’here,
pero against my will talaga.

11. If none of the above works try this: show up wearing a t-shirt that says " I Want to Break Free " with Freddy Mercury's picture dressed like this .



*sentence interspersed with English and Tagalog

Journey In New Mexico -2

I don't know why I even try, but these are the best pictures I have.


Dean and Jonathan singing with Cheap Trick


Neal playing the Star Spangled Banner

"It hardly rains in New Mexico and when it does, it does not rain long," that's what the taxi driver told me. But last night, it continued trickling all throughout the night. But people came and stayed in the rain. One concert goer said that fans from neighboring cities were coming because it's not often that big name bands come to town and Journal Pavilion was the only venue they could come to. Also, Journey's performance last night was the last performance at Journal for this year.

I noticed that the fans were young(er) and it was more like a family affair; seated next to me was a girl about 14 or 15 years old with her dad and an older brother. The girl was very quiet and timid but I noticed that everytime Arnel comes to the middle of the stage facing us, she would light up and scream or clap. Then when Arnel stood up in the box, she screamed and jumped for his attention. I wanted to say, "Hush girl, grandma here feels the same way" but maybe she thought Arnel is her age.

There was a lady I think from the local tv station who was up in the stage with the band all the time following mostly Arnel with her video camera. Arnel may be tired but he wore that lady out from chasing him left and right of the stage. Most of the time she was taking the video from behind Arnel towards the audience, but I think it's them black leather pants she liked to view from behind. Who knows. All I was thinking was : When I grow up I want to be like her, get a job like that chasing Arnel Pineda. But Arnel would be too old then.

Journey In New Mexico

Arnel Pineda is that good. The kid is a pro. And the J-boys? They look amazingly refreshed, energized and there's much vitality but you don't know where it's coming from; like an old car with a new paint job? Like, you know it's been sitting in your neighbors garage for a long time, you have not seen it driven, yet when it came out of the garage it was not sputtering - it took off bright and roaring.But the driver is not your familiar neighbor.

The stage lighting at Journal Pavilion was definitely better than the one at Superpages when Journey was here. Except for some momentary black outs for stage effect, the light upstage was continually bright and the lighting for the audience enabled the band to see the audience and make eye contact far beyond the 3rd row.

That's how I was able to see Jonathan very clearly when he played the organ and helped Robin Zander with Cheap Trick sing Surrender and Deen was also brought in towards their last song. Jonathan and Deen looked out of place at first, they both had an uneasy smile that seemed to say, "Yup, we feel awkward, but wait til you see us with our own tribe."

And their own tribe did show up. Arnel came out in black garb: ski hat, scarf wrapped around his neck. And I didn't think the boy could get away with leather pants. Yes he did, and Yes, it was hot. But maybe not too hot because he only took off his head gear. Looking at Arnels hair fluttering over his shoulder gently, softly, shinily (if there's such a word) I wanted to hate him: How in the world did I get blessed with hairs like that of a porcupine?

Anyway,also because of good lighting I was able to feast my eyes on Ross Valory I almost forgot that there were other members of the band. Like Deen. I am not sure if it was just my eyes or the lighting but I'm telling you, Deen's eyes were dancing, gleaming with a boyish smile happily banging his pots and pans, "Look mommy, I don't need Ritalin."

Neal played the Star Spangled Banner, while the red, white and blue was fluttering on the screen, then gave the V-sign when he was finished. It dug out a warm feeling inside me, making me pause for a moment how grateful I am of America, to be naturalized and be a part of her. And a part of last nights concert. Maybe it's just me wanting to believe this but when the boys sang the song without Arnel, I honestly believe it was a calculated move by the boys to lighten the load on Arnel's throat. To help little brother. Because this needs to be said; Arnel Pineda is tired. That's why I said he is that good and he is a pro because He hardly had no voice but Arnel came on top last night. I want to see again the life back in that signature Arnel Pineda smile. I want the dancing mooneyes again.

I have not seen Ross sing much until last night. Oooh,I was mesmerized when he looked down at someone in the audience and gave his teasing smile. (Even though it was not me he was looking at) When Arnel and Neal had their backs together doing Lights, Arnel leaned hard on Neal's back, then slid down gesturing to Ross that he was tired so he's using Neals back as his bed, Ross opened his mouth so big and laughed so hard. Now, I remember why I wanted to elope with him. Them tight jeans covering his legs the size of my ankle, and converse shoes just kills me.

Ok, let me stop dreaming as I'm hardly coherent here...from lack of sleep. I got back to my hotel room around midnight last night then left the hotel at 4a.m. to catch the 6am flight back to Dallas. So I just got home about 5 hours ago. As expected I don't have good pictures but that's not the worse, I bought a front row seat and paid $317 for it only to find out that Live Nation double booked it. So why was I the one to leave the seat and be herded out back to the 6th row instead of the 1st row? I could have made things difficult for the security people and demand that they rectify it and put me on the same row because there was an empty seat but I did not want to use my energy for a negative discussion. The head security came back with a bracelet to allow me to go to the VIP area to get drinks. Are you kidding me? But I have this principle: I already lost the money, I can't damage my body too. So why engage in a heated discussion when those boys are just doing their jobs? I told Chat what happened and she was fuming -"Tomorrow, Live Nation will hear from me." You go girl, go on with your bad self.

To Muse or Be A-mused

When I opened my eyes this morning, it took me a while to comprehend where I was. I was so out of it then I heard my cell phone beeping, I thought it was my alarm waking me up to get to the airport for New Mexico. It was Chat's message from last night that they made it to Atlanta for the Le Mans racing.

I got out of bed then staggered to the living room and plopped on my chaise, coiled myself into a fetal position and fell asleep again. I just could not get out of this malaise so I had to cancel out on going to Studio Movie Grill tonight for the Palin-Biden debate. I was one of the 115 people selected by a local radio station to attend and have a post-debate discussion with Scott Wilder.
How could I discuss anything when I didn't even know where I was this morning?

I am really saving my energy for New Mexico. See, I have my priorities in order. Between discussing politics which I know nothing about, and being a-mused by Arnel Pineda and Ross Valory, which do you think I would go for?


Last years Le Mans, this was Chat trying to be nice, smiling but she was really ticked at John and the pit boys for asking her to do this.
How dare you make me stand here in the heat. I'm only here so I can oogle at the European race car drivers....

Toronto Concert Review (by BeerXpress)

Because I don't get to *pinch Arnel (unless you have a good lawyer you don't do this to Americans) and *squeeze his cheeks, I live off of his YouTube videos and reviews from people. Below is a review by Beerxpress (YT poster) when Journey was in Toronto. Long overdue but I want to preserve this in my blog and I think this is a very well written review. Thanks BX.

The traffic was moving slow on the way to Molson Amphitheatre. We feel the Journey spirit around when I hear Revelation playing in their cars. One guy cheeringly asked me if he's in the right way to Molson. A lot of young crowd walked along Lake Shore towards the amphitheatre. When we got there, we grabbed draft beers for $11 each. I noticed the crowd is a good mixture of young teens, men & women in their 40's-50's, a few who seemed left behind by time still wearing their mullets and long haired Perry style in his younger years and a good sized group of Filipinos.

It was fun to see the Journey fans of different generation. I was expecting older Journey fans...I was wrong. So many young teens singing and bopping their heads, singing the lyrics along with Arnel. You would think they were born during the early Journey years. I wondered myself how they came to know Journey. Whatever the reasons are, I'm amazed. Totally unexpected! Now you will understand why Journey music is ageless.

Jonathan was wearing this tight white stitched denim. He looks much younger for his age. Neal Schon....he's gorgeous! His dark hair, black outfit with his big cross necklace and leather wrist bands...he's surprisingly young looking...and what a great smile. And Ross...just adored him. He made those funny faces, the comic of the band. Deen looks so much different in person. He's handsome! Saving the best for last, Arnel is adorable. He's just average short but boy...he's such a ball of energy! He was wearing the same jacket he wore in Chile. I figured, it's just appropriate to celebrate his birthday with Journey for the first time. No question about it, Arnel's tenor voice is perfect for journey music. He spins jumps and sings like a big man hitting every high notes. He stood on top of the speaker cheering the crowd from lawn area.

The crowd screaming Wows in every song and everyone on their feet. I definitely hear the crowd's approval that they like Arnel. He was singing non-stop, one song after another. His only break was the harmonica and guitar with Neal and Jonathan. Jonathan dropped his harmonica on the floor at the end of the song and run to his piano. Anyway, not even a trace that Arnel was sick two days ago. I noticed that he sprayed his mouth while Neal Schon was playing his guitar. He looked tirelessly jumping, smiling and cheering the crowd. He's just fantastic.

We know why their concerts were sold out! He started with the song Never Walk Away. Crowd cheering except a few stood still awestruck. He nailed every high notes in all classic songs. Toronto crowd were hot!!! Their hands up in the air..couples dancing with their music...UNBELIEVABLE! When Arnel sang Don't Stop Believin, the crowd sang along with him. Lights....I grabbed my flashlight and others put their cell phones up and lit up lighters swaying to the song. It was electric! Arnel is definitely a great asset to new Journey. He constantly made eye contacts with the people...totally amazing. He points at you...making heart gestures. He smiled at me..as if he knew me personally. I was on the 5th row...as if he's just singing just for me… whoops...sorry for daydreaming or nightdreaming LOL..

Neal's the best with his guitar as if he's making love with it hahaha....such magnetic smiles. Overall, amazing concert! Not to be missed! I have so much to say but this is getting too long. Sorry for that. My constant playing of Revelation and after this concert, I want to see more of Journey! Journey music lives on.

Then my unfortunate experience. ..Arnel threw me this black thing looks like a suede towel or something landed on my head and this tiny filipina, quickly grabbed it from my head. Whoever it was, hope you’re not feeling guilty lol….OMG.....everyone was asking me why I didn't grab it back. But it's okay...I enjoyed the concert and you can say...I'm still Journey obsessed hahaha.Don’t forget to buy your concert tickets! It’s worth the money for sure. --------------------------------end-------------------------------------------------------

*Filipinos way of showing overwhelming desire to kiss cute and kissable kids.

Where Has All Our Pleasure Gone?

"I can think of nothing less pleasurable than a life devoted to pleasure" - John D. Rockefeller



Four days a week I work to make a living, the other three I use to daydream and squander what I made. But lately my brain is frozen and unable to even daydream or spell squander. I think, from too much excitement over Journey, I have extracted all the adrenalin out of my body. It's my kindergarten explanation to my unexplainable blah. But really, there's a medical term for it, it's called menopause. Men would do well if instead of striving to become a CEO, they quit their jobs and go to school and learn how to deal with the bipolar woman at home. The money only goes to the lawyers and psychiatrists anyway.

Anyway, I'm trying to stay on track here and not let this menopause thing derail me from my point. Or what is my point? I saw this book by Dr. Hart titled "Thrilled to Death: How the Endless Pursuit of Pleasure is Leaving us Numb." The title alone speaks volume so I am ordering it because as I have mentioned before, I am always looking for the next thrill. Thankfully, I have my faith in Christ that gets me back in alignment whenever I stray from the truth. And thankfully, I have a 4 day weekend coming up starting tomorrow.

Marya bewitched me with her Boracay pictures that I want to drive down to Galveston so I can smell the ocean breeze. I was getting restless at work today because I just wanted to get in my car and start heading south. Another thing I don't like about Dallas - no mountains, no ocean. In San Francisco, they have both, plus Arnel Pineda and Ross Valory.

If I live in San Francisco, I would not mind working 5 days a week. At least I'll have 2 days to look forward to; Saturday, I'll stalk Arnel and Ross on Sunday. If the San Francisco police don't like that, at least there's mountains to climb and Goldilocks bakery.
Here in Dallas, there's only 1 Filipino restaurant and it's a 5-hour drive to get to the nearest ocean, that's why I spend most of my days daydreaming than working. My boss kept asking me to work full time, politely I kept declining, (I already gave in and work 4) I explained to her that I don't need to work because I have all the money I could spend in my lifetime. Assuming of course, that my lifetime is only one month.

LET JOURNEY PLAY THE NFL HALF TIME

I am not a Football chick. I am a Golf chick. But by golly, it is about time that Journey and Our Arnel Pineda make some history. So how about it friends, Let's get Journey to the Superbowl. Let's do this simple procedure: EACH ONE WIN ONE.

Do the math : Each of us knows at least one person. Ask that person to sign the petition and that person in turn ask another person and on and on...

Let us be professional and gentle on this ok? We are not going to be mad if they don't want to do it. Ask nicely and just simply say that it means a lot to you. Even if they are not Journey fans, they will do it if we ask them nicely and sincerely. Make it easy on them by providing the link- get their email address and give them the link. (if they are not on your email add already)
Here's the link:
http://petitiononline.com/SB43HT/petition.html

and email them also: http://www.nfl.com/contact-us

I have emailed them directly already and have signed the petition also. And could we please do it now, Superbowl is February.

This is not my idea, but I like the idea so I am trying to help. I have emailed the author of this petition asking if we have enough time considering that there's only 5 months left.

Update: 1801 hrs 8/12/08- just heard from Dan Weiner, author of the petition. He just found out that Bruce Springstein is already booked for 2009, but we can still try for the next one.

Thank ya'll.

Me? Starstruck?

Chat, having grown up here in America is very Americanized in her approach to life, but thankfully she still knows to pay for mama's lunch and still prefers Asian foods. Today, we went to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant. She prayed over our food, then she said, "Mom, I really prayed hard for you today." Oh, thank you. (Don prayed over everything and he taught Chat to do the same.)

"No mom, I read your blog yesterday. What were you doing looking at Arnel shirtless? How far are you going with this mania? Are you just starstruck or what?" I had to remind her of my disclaimer on my very first blog of AP. Nothing and no one makes me go crazy; no athletes or celebrities. And how soon did she forget?

Several years back before she got married, she dated a basketball player in Dallas, a very famous MVP. (All I will say is he's white.) Believe me the guy was wonderful and decent but Don and I prayed hard that God would get her out of that world. The world of fame and fortune is not for everyone. It can be daunting and oppressive. Chat would know what to do with the money but the media? They'd have to ask her the right question or she'd whack them in a heartbeat. (But not with her bag or shoes but with a broom.)

Because he's a famous athlete he introduced Chat to his world and she ended up meeting and befriending other famous athletes. They had a friend from the NFL who didn't fit our front door, he had to come in sideways. Not really but you know what I mean? Huge felon. Chat was horrified when I called them National Felons League. Well, look at the papers, every week one of them is herded to prison. Basketball is fine but still. One time I told Chat to leave the MVP in the car when they came to church because some church people started losing their religion -"So, how about a free ticket?" I never asked for a free ticket but one day Chat came home with 2 VIP tickets from the team owner - with a note "for mama alter". I was impressed with the private elevator but Starstruck? No.

My ex, NJ, is American but lives in Malaysia because his business interests keeps him there. He comes to the Masters Golf Tournament every year because he is best buddy with another Masters champion. (Not Tiger.) He rents a house for the Masters week and entertains friends and golf people. Last year when NJ took me there, I was hobnobbing with the who's who in golf. I did not write or talk about them. I don't do that. I won't do that. My own golf instructor is a personal friend and coach of last year's Masters Champion. Starstruck? No.

This feeling I have for Arnel is more than that. These feelings I have for Journey and Ross are more than that. Starstruck is like you're stunned then you recover and remember your name again. Mine is like, I go to bed obsessed and I wake up still obsessed. Then I barely remember how to spell my name. And when I do it comes out like this: Ross Arnel.

At least I still remember my initials. How far am I going with this mania? Don't know. Marya said: Why quit? We're in a happy place.

Four Months Ago....

Before I got the Journey/Arnel Pineda bug.

1. I used to have intelligent conversations - now I just giggle.

2. I used to have a clean house - now vacuum cleaners don't go well with Revelation and Ipod

3. I used to go to the library for intelligent research -now I just google for 1 particular subject

4. I used to be kind to my friends who does not share my Christian and political convictions - now I can't forgive them for saying that Arnel is short and Ross is a twig.

5. I used to visit a lot of intelligent websites - now I only visit 2 : YouTube and YouTube

6. I used to travel a lot - now I only travel between the refrigerator and my computer

7. I used to read books - now I only read threads

8. I used to have a boyfriend. But I am not sure how I lost him. I think I lost him somewhere between the intersection of Journey and PMS. But he has been calling again and told me I can keep PMS, but I have to lose Journey. Guess who's got to go.

My Long Journey

When Don died unexpectedly in Cebu 5 years ago, my world turned upside down literally overnight. Even though I knew I was in God’s hands, I felt like my world was spinning beyond my control. I blacked out from everything, hardly remembering anything except that God is still in control. After the funeral, I flew back to the US with Chat. She was really worried about me because I could not get up and when I did, I would not talk but just cry.

Chat made an appointment for me with this world-renowned Christian psychiatrist here in Dallas. Chat will not let me go back to Cebu unless I gave in. I agreed because I didn’t want her to worry but also because in spite of me being catatonic, I was lucid enough to know I was pretty useless if I didn’t get any help.

Dr. M is not cheap but was worth every penny I paid; he was very soothing and comforting and showed me utmost compassion when all I could do was show him pictures of me and Don. In between sobs, I would tell him – “Don’s not here anymore”. “ I know sweetie., he is with Jesus”
Now I know how psychiatrists lose their license - their patients fall in love with them.

That was 5 years ago. This year, Chat wants me to see Dr. M again. "What in the world for?"
" Mom, You need to sleep." How do you know I'm not sleeping? "You're blogging too much."

So, here's the vision of the visit to Dr. M.

Dr. M: Hey, good to see you again, how are you doing? Not looking at me but squinting at the chart in his hand.

Me : I must have been here so many times before for you to recognize me. I was trying to analyze him.
Dr M: The chart shows you’ve been here one time 5 years ago, but hasn’t been back. The meds I have prescribed must have worked.
Me: I took it for 2 weeks but I stopped, I didn’t like what it was doing to me.
Dr M: What was it doing to you?
Me: I was driving alone on 75 and I went for 2-3 miles just laughing and giggling. I could not stop being giddy.
Dr. M : Well, that's good. That’s how anti-depressants are supposed to work.
Me: I understand that Doc, under a different circumstance that’s good, but not when I just buried my husband two weeks prior. He squints at the chart again.
Dr M. So what can I do for you today?
Me: I am well, but I need sleeping pills. I just need to sleep.
Dr M: Why do you think you’re not sleeping?

Me: Well, I think it’s this voice I keep hearing. I think it’s a lyric to a song but it won’t leave me. So I hum it. I hum all day and at night. Way into the night.

Dr. M: Do you think this voice or lyrics belong to a singer or a band you know?

Me: Ooh, Doc, you probably know the band. Do you know Journey?

Dr M: Of course, my parents grew up with Journey, are they still alive?

Me: Oooh Doc, they are more alive than ever, and they have this new frontman –Arnel Pineda, I think that's "the voice". But it would take me more than an hour to tell you about them. So tell you what, let me give you the Youtube link so you can watch them when you get home. Their Revelation CD is out. Does your wife shop at Wal-mart?
Dr M pretends he didn’t hear me and scrawled something on my chart.

Me: Another thing Doc, is it normal to fall in love with 2-5 men at the same time with equal intensity?

Dr M : The hour is up, will talk about that on your next visit.
He laid down the chart to look for his prescription pad. I peeked at what he wrote.

Dx = obsessed. Rx = straight jacket

So ya'll understand if you see less posting from now on, is because I have to sleep. So Chat won't drag me to see Dr. M again.

My thoughts on Music, Fame and Steve and Arnel

God in these last few months has given me a glimpse of how my life can get out of control if I let it. When I woke up yesterday morning, I was determined not to go near my computer. I prayed, read my bible, took a walk, showered and went to a quiet brunch. Then I went to the library –I used to live there. Things have been so hectic lately that yesterday's visit to the library was a treat. When someone asks me what I love about America, the first on my list is The Library. I will walk in to any library and my heart just pitter-patter.

But while I was there I could not concentrate reading Vaclav Havel because I had so many questions that kept popping up in my head. But mostly these are questions about music, music fans and famous people, nothing significant. Now, am back at my computer and still ponder about these questions.

1. I don’t understand why my co-workers looked at me cross-eyed when I said, “They tried to make me go to rehab, I said, no.no.no. I is brown but I won’t go down. Just so you kno”

But if you add drums, guitar and extra hair, David Letterman lets you sit in his couch. (Leave Amy Winehouse out of it –Ok?)

2. I wonder if it’s the breast cone that attracted A-Rod to Madonna.

3. At last Sunday’s concert, I wonder why it’s ok to shine those fog lights at me but when I took pictures of Neal Schon and forgot to turn off the flash the security people threatened to deport me back to Vietnam. I had to explain that I am a Texan not Vietnamese, thank you.

4. The weather in Dallas last Sunday was at least 98 degrees, but (Heart ) Nancy wore a heavy black top and Anne, a black cape. Is it expected by the fans of the performer to continue the symbolism, (act, costume,etc) when they were first starting out? Will the fans stop loving them if they stop? Now I worry about Arnel Pineda’s twirling.

5. I wonder if Ross Valory were a ditch digger and not Journey would women still be in love with him. My friend Sam said she wouldn’t give him the time of day even if she was standing by Big Ben.
I would. We would be poor but I'll have plenty of gas- from laughing at his antics.

Now this last one not only bugs me, but is riding on my last nerve. People from everywhere emails me as if now I am the Dalai Lama or the Terminator. Their emails are about fans on 2 sides - the Steve Perry fans and Arnel Pineda fans. Let me get this off right here.

Arnel worships the ground that Steve walks on. He admitted that from the beginning from his little world in Asia (HK and PI) and he admits that on the worldwide web now. Ok? Arnel is very grateful that Journey hired him. Arnel IS NOT AND WILL NOT TRY TO COMPETE WITH "THE VOICE". ARNEL IS VERY WISE TO KNOW THAT HE SHOULDN'T. STEVE PERRY IS HIS HERO. Arnel Pineda does not need defending. God got him where he is; God will not fail him now. And Steve Perry is not asking his fans to defend him. He is a bigger man than that. You can speculate any way you want it, it's not going to change but for the better. The SP knows when to turn down the world and when to walk away. That's the great Steve Perry.

*When Mark Knopfler was asked about the dissolution of Dire Straits, he said ,"It got too big than what I expected." So he knew when to walk out of fame before it walked out on him. And I admire men who knows how to do that. And when Arnel's borrowed time ends, he too will know how to walk out gracefully. That is My Arnel.

So guys, the fighting is very uncouth, uncultivated and very Unlike Arnel. You claim to love Arnel? Stop wasting that energy on defending him -it only makes him look bad. Pray for Arnel and shield him from bad press. Use that energy to build up, not tear down someone.

But if you're still oozing with extra energy, go join the US Army. As for me, am going to be a groupie. Shalom.


*Rolling Stone Aug '08 Issue

Journey in Dallas 7/27 -Final

John and Chat drove me to the concert Sunday but before the date, Chat was really nervous about me and my sign.

On their way to my apartment Chat told John: "Mom made a sign to take to the concert".

"What sign?" " I don't know, but I have been telling her this last 3 months to just enjoy the concert -forget about the sign. But you know mom." Chat knew what sign I was bringing but she was embarassed to tell John.

John thought Chat was joking but when he saw me with the poster boards, he knew Chat was unable to dissuade me. John suddenly looked ill. But amazingly, Chat rooted for me. She told me to go ahead make a fool of myself, and I could tell she really meant it. So I did.

When we pulled in to the Superpages complex, Chat pointed out the 3 buses parked by the front. "There's their buses." I looked and I felt sad. As nice as the buses were, I tried to imagine what life must be like inside there. Which made me think of Arnel's family -Cherry and Cherub and everyone else back home. At least Jon, Deen, Neal and Ross's family can see them anytime, but Arnel is a long ways from home and family.

I wanted to cry for Arnel. I wondered what he does inside the bus enroute to wherever they go. After all, he is alone. Alone to his thoughts and anguish and longing for his loved ones. Alone to fend off the insecurities and doubts that plague most performers.

We got there around 6pm and the place was already teeming with activity, the vendors selling $40 t-shirts and the stretch limos occupying 3 States. There were people with their lawn chairs at the parking lot visiting and drinking. It took a while to find a parking space which costs John 15 dollars.

When Arnel sang "Lights" he started by saying, "Dallas, this is for you, and for my other hometown... San Francisco." The way he said it tugged at my heart, I had to stop the tears. Away from home, he needed to belong somewhere and San Francisco it is. I was already emotional because Nancy Wilson (Heart) sang "These Dreams" and said "I dedicate this song to our new friend Arnel."

But looking at Jon smiling and Neal gleaming with a heartwarming smile, I calmed down. When Neal smiles, he really does smile from the heart, it is not put on for the crowd. He truly loves his art and his people. When they first came on, Neal was kind of somber to my opinion. I wish I could tell you about his Les Paul and not just about his smile, but you have to be there to understand what I mean. I don't understand what riffs or bridges mean, but I was captivated just watching him work that guitar.

I could not really see Deen from behind the drums but when he raised both arms at shoulder level then bang them drums with all ferocity and uninhibited glee - I thought I must be sick for thinking it was sexy. When he stepped down from his tower to come to the front to bid their goodbyes, he had a bunch of sticks in his hand to give away. I didn't try to grab any, I have too much chopsticks at home already.

Chat wondered why he didn't sing "Mother Father." I said, "I am not here to hear them sing, I'm here to ogle and watch them sweat." If what I wanted was to hear them sing, I could just stay home and watch YouTube or playthe Revelation CD.

Then there's Jon. He was wearing Rock and Republic jeans. And a wedding ring.

I had a hard time seeing Jon from behind his piano but when he came out with his guitar, tapping his legs to the beat, my oh my...I was endorphined to death. I knew I could love me some Jonathan too. But I would love anyone who will compose me a song titled "After All These Years" with or without royalties.

Ross was always playing. When Arnel tapped his shoulder, he wanted to get Arnel back, but he wasn't able to catch Arnel- you know how the AP runs all over the place, plus it was right when he can't take his hand off from his guitar. When he wasn't making funny faces, his eyes wandered everywhere except to my direction. But that's ok, I'll stalk him some other time.

The Rolling Stone magazine rejected my query letter to write for them because they said I don't have much background in music. I would not hire me too, considering that even now I still don't remember what song Arnel opened with. I was frozen, I told you. But Thank God that I am not a paid critic because then I would not be allowed to just ramble on whatever I want to say.

I may not be a professional critic but Sunday's concert taught me 2 things about music:

1. I learned that people don't pay high dollars to sit in the front row to hear the music.

2. I learned that when people hear "Loving, Touching, Squezzing," they always get romantic. Regardless that they don't know the lyrics, or that they're without a partner. Budweised or sober, everyone was swaying.

I, was swaying because I got dizzy from a blasted eardrums. So there's my final review -YES, I HAD A BLAST!!!

Journey in Dallas 7/27- part 3

I have this thorn on my side –it’s called a "job" and it’s cramping my lifestyle...it's keeping me from blogging. But I can’t wait til this weekend to talk about Sunday's concert so I will hurriedly try.

Nothing will make me stay up past 8pm, but last Sunday I literally stayed up on my feet past 1130pm. Journey didn’t come on until after 930 and OMG!!!

I don't know why they turned off the lights then use a flashlight to lead Deen to his tower. It was Deen then The Neal walked in followed by Ross, Jon then Arnel. It took me a few minutes to collect myself - I think I had an out of body experience upon looking at Journey flesh and blood. I told you I have not been to any rock concert before.

Arnel started singing and almost at the same time you could tell something was not right with his earpiece. He kept singing and motioned the technician to his left about the earpiece. He moved slowly towards the tech while continuing to sing and the tech hastily adjusted the box on Arnel’s body, but it was not fixed because Arnel cringed and squinted like he was in pain 2 more times. I prayed silently for Arnel not to bear it but go back and get it adjusted but the AP is a real trouper, he kept on singing.

First thought that came to my mind when I saw Arnel, I am glad my friends Betty and Jane are not here or they would really feel like a child molester. (at least with me, I only felt like a cougar) Arnel looked so young and so cute, if I didn’t read that he has a 19-year-old son, I would have thought he was the son. So here I was on the 4th row, timing his movements as to when he would come to our side so I can show him my sign –ARNEL PA-KISS. He kept looking our way but his facial expression seemed like he was oblivious to the sign. Finally he looked again and scanned his eyes on the sign... I could tell he got it.

I thought Arnel looked less bubbly than on the videos I have seen of him. I thought that maybe the earpiece made him uncomfortable. But mind you, the AP was still smiling. Then after the second song, the AP, instead of getting tired picked up speed, now smiling even bigger and working both sides of the stage with that sexy biting the lower lip bit, exhorting the people to sing and pretending like he’s strumming a guitar but with his microphone and holding it low - Where it should not be, if you know what I mean.

When Arnel came to our side and tried to reach out to the crowd, Arnel noticed that a couple wanted so bad to touch him, so Arnel tried hard to extend his hand over the dividing rail, he was able to reach just enough to make his and the man's index fingertips meet, the girl was short, she could not reach him so he blew her a kiss. The couple was so elated with Arnel’s effort to try to connect; they hugged each other like God just told them they were worthy to enter His kingdom. I think they would have twirled and jumped like the AP, if there was enough room to do it.

Look at the pics of the fav 5 - I could even fall for Deen too. To be continued....

Journey in Dallas 7/27 part 2

Front page news on Dallas Morning News Guidelive section today. The review for last nights concert. Click on the picture to read half of the review. I can't wait to give you my own review of Arnel!!!

Chat took this picture of AP because I have to admit, I was busy trying to get Arnel to read my sign--ARNEL PAKISS. I was determined to make a fool of myself - then some reader of my blog emailed me this morning telling me that he recognized me - the blogger vagabond. Oh well. (I already said in my previous blogs that I have no shame when it comes to Arnel.)
I also had another sign : ROSS LET'S ELOPE. Some guy behind me asked if I liked Ross that much. I said - "Heck yeah, I want to get him excited." You see, everyone was sweating and working hard and having fun. Except Ross. He was just having fun. He did not see my sign because he was busy making funny faces and tinkering with his base. But I love the guy, who wouldn't? He was wearing blue converse shoes and leopard print shirt. He's simple, carefree and could care less. Probably why he avoided my sign.

It's Here and Now

Don, I miss you. Five years ago today also on a Saturday night of July 26 you left me. You moved in with Jesus. Remember, I always teased you that if you died ahead of me to make sure when you see Jesus to ask Him to leave me here on earth for at least another 5 years.

Well, it’s 5 years today and I am still here. I wonder what God meant in the bible when He said that in heaven there’s no more tears nor sorrow. Does that mean that He only allows the dead to look down from heaven and watch their loved ones only during happy times? I hope you’re not looking down right now, because it always affected you when I was sad or bothered.

When I was sick you would never leave my side and when I was hormonal I could not find you because you would hide in the garage and pray. And when you thought the coast was clear, you would come out and make comments like “Are we having PMS again? I thought we had that 2 weeks ago.” Then I would glare at you - “Well, I feel like having it again this week."

Since you moved in with Jesus, you must have asked Him to guide me here because I learned to do a lot by myself without you. Right after we buried you in Cebu, I came back here in America and I called the bank to tell them that you went and moved in with Jesus but I will continue to pay the loan on your Camry so I can keep it. They said I needed to take on a new loan under my name and I told them I didn’t want to do that so they told me to turn the car back in. John and Chat dropped it off at the dealership, and then they auctioned it and charged the balance to me because as your wife I was liable, they said. The guy on the phone trying to collect the bill was mean to me. You know that was my first time to deal with a bill collector, so I was real afraid and I cried. He asked me where to send the bill, so I gave him your address - your burial plot. I was just thankful that the bill collector was Indian and not Filipino from a call center in Cebu.

I would really like to think that you are able to see me Don, because most of the time I am happy. When I get sad and think of you, I console myself with my knowledge of the truth of the bible…. "You are absent from the body, but present with the Lord". It would be selfish and cruel to ask you to come back. I am trying to live life like what you showed me, “Obey God and leave the consequence to Him”. You taught Chat a lot of things too, but the only thing she remembers is your taste for expensive things. For a while there, before John really got on to her, she was spending John’s money like God was about to ban the US dollars.

Don, you also taught me how to always accentuate the positive and try to live peacefully. And that being goofy is fun, so tomorrow you would have really enjoyed watching me at the rock concert - considering that I have never been to one. Journey with Arnel Pineda will be in town and I wish you would be there with me, but on second thought, it’s ok. Chat will be with me but she said she would disown me if I 'flash' Arnel. You always worried when Chat and I argued so I said, “ Ok, I’ll 'flash' Ross then.” Sorry. I have matured but she hasn't. Until we see you again, watch over us.

My Tucson Review

I have been planning to go to Sedona for a quiet spa vacation at Mii Amo, (native American word for Journey) but suddenly I am in Tucson in a crowd with thousands of people behind me, it’s thundering, but right in front of me were Ross And Neal- “Wow, that’s Ross Valory and Neal Schon in person? Where’s Arnel?” The woman next to me grinning from east to west turned to tell me, “This is my first time to see a Journey concert.” Her husband offered, "I forced her."
I was euphoric and mesmerized I could not respond back to them, my eyes were glued on the men up in the stage. Neal made eye contact with me and I swooned. I gathered my strength back while the security guy just winked at me – you’ll be ok kind of wink. Didn’t even try to pick me up from the ground plus he was so tall he was blocking my view of the Neal and Ross. He moved to the side just as Arnel came leaping forward. Instead of screaming Arnel’s name I screamed Ross’s name so loud.

Ross looked down and saw my sign, “Ross Let’s Elope.” He was elated! Neal smiled too then the raindrops were getting heavier. Them guys didn’t seem to notice the rain or the thunder. Then the security guy hoisted me up the stage; it happened so fast just as the stage crew was scrambling to cover Jon’s piano and the rest of the instruments. Another crew was toweling Arnel dry. Neal and Ross pulled me to the back of the stage –they didn’t want me to help wipe Arnel. They sat me down on this hard chair across from Arnel but Ross’s hand was on my shoulder trying to hold me down, I wriggled, but I didn’t want to speak… ssshhh.

And...I didn’t want to open my eyes, I want to go back to sleep and prolong my dream but --dang,, it’s 514 a.m. Might as well get up and shower and go to my real job. I mean my real world.

Why I don't join Journey or AP Forum

My desktop computer is hacked or someone is trying to get to it and my firewall is wrestling with it (or that is what my friend is telling me.) So naturally I am very frustrated because I now have to use my laptop which is older than me.
Anyway, I don't know who reads my posts but someone emailed me asking If I joined any forum- Journey or AP's. The answer is no. I tried to at one time but I got stuck with the registering process so I just quit. But then I am glad I didn't. Let me give you 2 reasons.

1. Just reading the comments posted on YouTube, I got scared!!!Some people got really vulgar and spewed out some vile directed towards people who were critical of Arnel Pineda. I love Arnel and I get hurt and disconcerted when I read or hear something said that is 'unfavorable' about Arnel. But never would I become irrational or degrade myself trying to correct other people's opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own judgement and proclivity. We have to think intellectually and critically and not lash out because someone doesn't buy what we are peddling. If two people agree with each other all the time, one of them is irrelevant.

As Shakespeare said: Me thinketh you protests too much. If they don't like Arnel, no big deal. I would not want to be called names because I express my opinion about Amy Winehouse. Seriously she needs to wash that hair. Then hide it in the drawer.

2. I don't join the forum, Journey or AP, because I want to keep some mystery (if there's any left) in this insanely new bent of mine. Plus, I want to talk about it only when I want to talk about it (and I can only control that in my blog). But I peek at Journey's forum once in a while and I notice that they talk about 'riffs and bridges'. They lost me there because my knowledge about music and musical terms is very limited. I would not have something to contribute there except to tell them that I would like to elope with Ross.
And the AP forum, I stay away from because I might make them mad when they find out that I also daydream about Ross not just Arnel.

But you have to admit though, that this is a woman's ultimate fantasy - two men at the same time! One cooking and one doing the laundry.

What's your Passion?

Last night my friend Juliet from Manila and I talked for almost 2 hours (thanks to Yahoo voice). In person we can sit and talk all day. And yet, I never knew that she has a passion for photography. (That's what happens when you only talk about people and not about ideas).

I have always admired people who knows what their passion in life is and knows to go for it. For me, I always struggled narrowing down what my real passion in life was.
I love to travel and that I do more than the average person, but I am not one to go to another country and visit their museums and or historical sights. Ancient ruins never evoked anything out of me except ruin my day. I did not have the appetite for art or history, the only appetite I knew I had was for food.

But when I turned 50, I started viewing the world around me with an artistic lense. I began to appreciate paintings,photography and music. Probably why suddenly beyond my control, I was mesmerized by Arnel Pineda. And lately, to the horror of Chat, I told her that there's some chemistry slowly developing between me and Ross Valory too. Is chemistry the same as art? Oh Snap.

I really need to work on my knowledge of musical instruments because once, I read a review of Neal Schon and "his Les Paul" - I thought Les was his boyfriend.
Anyway, I was encouraged by Juliet's desire to pursue her artistic passion, that I thought, I would start pursuing mine too. Today, I went out and got my first kit.




My butterfly coloring book and a box of Crayola.

11 Things I like, don't like and wish for

Here's an installment of the answers to some of your questions about me.

1. I like Americans because on my birthday I don’t have to feed the whole office; they feed me.

2. I love the simplicity of Americans compared to Filipinos. When an American invites me to some event, I only have to say, “ No, I can’t. I have other plans.” I don’t have to come up with “ You know, I cant because my sisters’ friend is in the hospital and my sister has to take care of her friends kids, and I have to take my mom to visit her friend in the hospital because my sister was supposed to take her but now she can’t. “

3. I love coffee. But I love it more when I am drinking it on a ceramic cup and saucer. Not Styrofoam cups. (Unless I am driving in a hurry to my real job.)

4. I love eating with my hands. But I don’t lick my fingers regardless how good the food is.

5. I don’t like people who are hateful and write hateful stuff. Unless you are writing about corrupt leaders and oppressive government in the Philippines.

6. I wish I could draw. But since I can’t, I have taken up coloring instead. But Clairol has this bad habit of discontinuing colors that works with my hair.

7. I love hot and spicy foods but less fiery than my hot flashes.
8. I wish to live in Spain or Italy. But since I can’t afford it.

9. I wish to marry a Spanish or Italian man.

10. I don’t like Spanish from Mexico or Italian from New York.

11. And as long as I am wishing, I wish Ross Valory will retire and elope with me to Tuscany.