Fall Out Boy: The Mania Tour 2018

FINALLY! 10 years and 5 months later, I finally saw them perform last night. Aaaah! I was so happy!

I couldn't afford to see them perform in PH back in 2007 because I was living on student allowance c/o my parents. I remember Vinch, one of my closest friends, tried to make me feel better by saying, "Don't worry, tayo na pupunta sa kanila next time."

Apparently, apart from purchasing a ticket, I didn't need to do anything else because they flew here for their tour! AAAAAH!

Group photo!

Not only did I tick something off in my list last night, I also did something for the first time -- go and see a concert alone. Never thought I would ever do this but you know what they say, never say never.

Actually, I had been dilly-dallying if I should just go see them on my own. Of course, there was no way I would miss this concert. However, for safety reasons, I thought it's better if I go with a friend, just in case it gets so crazy. And it's better to be singing and dancing with a friend, too. Unfortunately, none of my friends here are fans and my brother (who is my last resort) had evening classes sooo weeks before the show, I said, "Screw it, I'll go see them on my own."

And thank goodness, I did! Last night was great. You guys were amazing! Thank you. And going solo was not so bad at all!

(I chose to post their old hits because, ya know, nostalgia. Also, I apologize if you hear my voice on the background - I am aware I do not sound pretty. I tried to pick the parts with "less singing" though! MORE VIDEOS HERE.)

Jana Ticks It Off: Watch Sydney's New Year's Eve Fireworks (and what I learned to do next)

A short clip of the 12-minute fireworks

Even if we watched it far from the maddening crowd, it was still beautiful.

We had no 'game plan' for this -- not that you actually need any. Well, maybe just a little bit of planning. It is a public event, though. You need to somehow anticipate possible mishaps and you have to be smart about these things. Personally, the least thing that I want to happen on a good night like this is to be squished in a crowd (which I highly doubt, really, because crowd control here in Sydney is amazing) and to encounter strangers/revellers who tend to cause some trouble or to be scary or crazy weird when they are drunk (When you are a woman and you have lived on your own, you tend to be paranoid about this. It's not you, it's me. Maybe it's just me. Lol!).

Among the few who welcomed 2017 earlier than the rest of the world

So we packed snacks, water bottles, and a beach towel; braved the train ride; went to Yarranabbe Park around 8 PM; and enjoyed the night. Actually, the train ride was better than I expected. Probably because the suggested place (Yarranabbe Park) for us to go to was far from the city and usual vantage points (Thanks to my colleagues who suggested this place and who were also with us that night, along with their families). It was a good, family-friendly spot and not crowded, which was what I wanted. Also, entrance is free. The train ride going to the city and back home wasn't so bad either. Of course, it was stuffy going to the city but it was more than manageable. All thanks to NSW Police and NSW Train authorities (and the people who stood near the train doors and shouted, "Just wait for the next train!" and "No more!" to anyone who still wanted to squeeze in. Haha!)

While waiting for the 9 PM and 12-midnight fireworks, apart from eating and chit-chatting, my brother and I were also people-watching. We took mental note of what we should be doing the next time.

1. Bring and set-up a tent.

A group/family set up a tent not far from where we were seated. It was a bit chilly that night (surprisingly!) and we were there since 8 PM. We thought that having a tent is a good idea so we can sleep inside while waiting. Haha!

2. Or we can just bring blankets or a lightweight jacket/knit.
Because laying under the sky and stars isn't so bad either. And although it is summer in Australia during this time, you can never be too sure. Unless there's heat wave, of course.

3. Bring pillows, too.

Because laying under the sky and stars or inside the tent with a pillow under your head is also a good idea.

4. Bring games.

I was just envious of the couple seated near us who were playing cards while waiting for midnight. No, I did not and will not play games from my phone/tablet or browse social media the entire time. Too boring. I thought of Netflix-ing though but come on, really? No.

5. Maybe buy tickets in advance?

I'll brave the crowd the next time, I suppose. I held off buying NYE tickets for Barangaroo spot for months and when I finally decided to purchase, it was already sold out. It would have been a really good spot though.

Overall, t was a fun experience. And I get to experience it with my brother. As always, Sydney did greet the world a Happy New Year with a gorgeous bang. Gee, I used to only see this on television! :) So if ever you're in Sydney during this time, be sure to experience this. :)

Ending this entry with the complete video of the fireworks.


I hope you all had a peaceful and wonderful celebration. Happy New Year! :)

2016 in review

I flew to the Philippines in December 2015 and started the new year there. It is always a good idea to fly back and to see my family and friends during the holiday season. No matter how much I complain about traffic, pollution, etc, it was always worth it because of my family and friends.

Tried the granny/silver hair. Craziest hair I've ever had. However, a few months later, my hair turned into blonde. I think I wrote a separate entry about this and some tips... Ay, wait, on draft pa pala siya! Will publish it soon.

We flew to Iloilo for New Year. It was my first time to see my Lola again after years of living in the US. The last time I saw her was on Lolo's funeral in 2009. It was also nice to get away from the city for a while.

Ah, these people. Solid throughout the years. I always say na palpak man ako sa love life, with my friends, I'm damn sure I got it right. :)

#ProudAte #StageSister Haha!
(And I no longer have to write my friends' names as 'emergency contact'!)

Last year were concerts. This year are musical plays.

(From top to bottom) The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady (First time to watch in Sydney Opera House, yay!), Aladdin, The Nutcracker (First ballet that I've seen) and Ghost. Aladdin and Ghost currently share the top spot in my favourites.

The first wedding that I attended for this year.

2016 was a celebration of love. One of my closest girlfriends got married!  

And of course, when the squad is present, expect crazy. We don't just turn up. We arrive and bring the fun. HAHA!

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. CHAR!!! Thank you, Chai, for asking me to be your bridesmaid. :)

Allow me to show you how sexy the back of my dress was! (Yes, designed by yours truly!)

And for asking me to express my creativity through designing some of your entourage's dresses as well!

I just inquired about their ad and told them I was interested. I didn't expect they would contact me for an interview! It was 12 days of bliss. I looked forward to those Wednesdays for three months. It was physically tiring but I loved it! I learned a lot about the behind the scenes and met different people as well.

#JanaEats

I only wanted to share four favourites but it was so hard to pick which ones to share!

Because if I'm not filling my closet, I'm filling my tummy. My friends and I love to eat so we tried various local restaurants/food stalls here in Sydney.

(From top to bottom) Timbah (A low-key but trendy wine bar that has to-die-for tapas!), Doughnut Time (Unique flavours, yum!), Mentmore and Morley (They offer healthy but not boring food choices.), Hunter and Barrel (OMG. Meat heaven! If eating as a group, order the Hunter's AND King's feast.), Local Mbassy (That shakshuka!!!), Sydney Fish Market (Seafood!), Pasticerria Papa (Their cheesecakes are spot on. Personally, I like cheesecakes that are not too creamy and not too cheesy/with just the right amount of cheese. So if you like your cheesecake the same way that I do, Pasticerria Papa is the perfect place to go to. I recently discovered Pattisson's Patisserie and their cheesecakes are good as well.) and Passionflower (Unique Asian ice cream flavours. First time that I tried a black sesame ice cream.)

Cue #BDAY song

Since I moved here in Sydney, I only celebrated my birthdays with my friends. It was nice to celebrate it this time with my family.

Thanks, Dae, for making birthday cupcakes for me. Thanks, Clare, for the ice cream cake. Thanks, Dr. Nixon, Tricia, and Nards for my flowers. :)

#JanaGoesTo

My parents and my other brother flew here for our birthday (mine and my brother's, whose birthday is three days after mine) and for a vacation as well.

It was my parents' first time here in Sydney so the tourist spots are mandatory. We did the walking tour (which I enjoyed, despite the fact that I've been living here for three years. Haha! I learned new things and learning is always a good thing, isn't it?).

We went to the Blue Mountains, Featherdale Wildlife Park, and Canberra. I brought them to some of my favourite local restaurants.

Classic, y'all.
For some clips, click on the following: 1 and 2.

OMG. NEED I SAY MORE?

Some clips HERE, THERE and EVERYWHERE.

The grand finale of this year.

There were too much love, tears and happiness on that day. My friends and I felt like it was also our wedding day. We've known each other since we were 13/14 years old. We grew up with these two. We've known them even before and when they became a couple back in high school. 

It's not everyday that you hear a love story such as this one. How they nurtured their relationship and love for each other was inspiring; how they made it work since day one was amazing.  

Congratulations, Keng and Liana, on your new adventure! I am so happy for you, guys! Keep the love alive and the fire burning. May God bless your relationship and your soon-to-be family.

(And don't get me started on the after-party! My goodness! Hahaha!)

Kindly excuse my Christmas-inspired belly. Lol!

Since I flew to the Philippines twice this year, I thought of spending the holidays here. For a change (and to give my bank account and my passport a break! Haha!)

... And a few shitty stuff in between.

Lol!

So how was yours?