Boyce Avenue Live in Manila 2018

Boyce Avenue’s concerts have always been inside jokes and cherished moments between me and God. You might be wondering, “What is the big deal with this lady and Boyce Avenue?” Well, they are my favorite band! I love three things about them: their acoustic music, exceptional vocal and instrumental skills, and culture as brothers. Also, by God’s grace, He has been allowing me to experience faith-stretching moments during their concerts in Manila since 2013.

I have been craving for their live music ever since their last concert here two years ago. So, when Wilbros Live announced that they were coming back this June 2018, I immediately bought my ticket. Ironically, I was not as happy as I would have expected myself to be after buying the ticket. It was because the production company that brought them back was different from the company that organized the concerts for Boyce Avenue in the past years. It was sad for me because family friends, who worked in that company, graciously helped me meet the band backstage after the concerts in 2013, 2015, and 2016. Now that Wilbros Live was bringing them to Manila, I absolutely did not have any chance of meeting the band. In their previous concerts, for some reason, they also did not sell Meet & Greet passes.

 

I was glad that I had the opportunity to watch their concert again. But at the same time, I felt sad that I wasn’t going to meet them in person. Despite this, I still thanked God as He encouraged me to still be content. I remember telling Him, “Lord, you allowed me to meet them when it seemed like an impossible situation. This happened three times before! You can allow it to happen again if You want to. So, who am I to demand from You or to not be grateful even when You take this away?”

Two months passed by and the concert day was fast approaching. By this time, my family and friends were already excited for me because they knew how much I loved Boyce Avenue and their music. After sharing my love for the band to one of my friends, I went home hoping that I could somehow still meet the band again. I told the Lord that He could easily allow it to happen if it was His will. But, if it was not His will, then I would still be thankful.

That same night, just three nights before the concert, I was scrolling through updates on Google about their concert. To my surprise, I stumbled upon the band’s announcement in their Twitter account about the Meet and Greet passes that they were selling since the start of May 2018. It was already May 29 at that time and I could not believe what I was reading! I was not able to closely monitor their updates before because I decided to log off from my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts earlier this year, as I have shared in a previous post HERE. Amusingly, I was both frustrated and extremely joyful that I saw the announcement that week! For the first time in the history of Boyce Avenue concerts that I have attended, I bought a Meet and Greet pass.

 

The night before the concert, Boyce Avenue’s management sent an email to those who purchased the Meet and Greet passes to inform us about instructions and its inclusions. Basically, the pass entitles us to have one photo with the band AND one personal item that we can ask them to sign. Even before the email was sent to us, I had already printed a collage of my previous photos with the band for them to sign. I just thought that it would be a cool idea to compile the Meet and Greet moments I have had with them in the past.

Fast forward to the night itself, we were all in line, waiting for the band to welcome us individually. As we patiently watched the time go by, the staff handed laminated IDs to us with the signatures of the band members. It was a pleasant surprise for us! Finally, they asked us to go inside the backstage area. There were about 25 people in front of me who went ahead with their Meet and Greet opportunities! As I was nearing the entrance door, I noticed that the people only had one photo with the band. They were not having their personal items signed by them! Literally, a minute before my turn, I quickly asked one of the staff members why the personal items were not being signed by Boyce Avenue. She responded by saying that it was because they already provided signed laminated IDs for us.

I felt my heart beat fast as I held on to my permanent marker and collage of photos printed on an A4 photo paper. I remember having a quick conversation with myself about “Seizing the opportunity vs. Shying away”. Each person literally had 8 seconds with the band and all I could think of was: “I know this seems impossible, Nicole, but you have nothing to lose if you try to ask the band. If it’s God’s will, He’ll allow it to happen.” When it was finally my turn, instead of giving them a hug during the first three seconds, I approached them by saying: “Hi! I know this isn’t allowed anymore, but is it okay if you still sign my photo?” Alejandro said: “Oh! You know what? We’ll just finish taking photos with everyone else and then we’ll get back to you.”

After this, the staff from the production company, including the bouncers, kept on re-directing me to go outside, farther from the backstage area. Every time they re-directed me, I tried to explain that my photo and ticket were still with the band – for their signature, but they kept leading me towards the exit. But, ten minutes later, all of the people got their photos taken with the band and they left the area one by one. I followed up with one of the bouncers and patiently waited at the exit gate. It did not take long until one bouncer walked towards me with an A4 photo paper in his hand and a brown envelope with my printed ticket on it. As soon as I got them, I saw the impossible happen right in front of my eyes. My collage was signed by the three Manzano brothers and I could not be more relieved. The band was so gracious and kind enough to grant my special request and I was so glad I took the risk of seizing the eight seconds that I had with the band.

Yes, this Meet and Greet experience was probably the most stressful I have had compared to the past three ones. But, God still allowed me to have a unique experience with Him and with the band this time. Meeting ones favorite band for the fourth time may seem like a trivial thing to some. But, it is certainly one of the languages that God uses to speak life into my heart, as He helps me exercise my faith in Him who is able to do anything. I was reminded of Philippians 4:6 where it says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Thank You, Jesus, for always being so personal and intentional.

Thank you, Wilbros Live, for bringing Boyce back.

Thank you, Boyce Avenue, for being awesome as usual.

Special performances by Youtube stars: Moira dela Torre and AJ Rafael. :)

Boyce Avenue in Manila 2015: Meeting Them Again

LOVE FOR BOYCE AVENUE

Boyce Avenue will always have a special place in my heart. Ever since I heard their covers and songs online, I knew that I would be listening to their music for a very, very, very, very long time. Five years and a hundred of YouTube videos later, I still find myself enjoying the chill, acoustic vibe of the Manzano brothers. Indeed, it is amazing to see them consistently use their talents to make and share beautiful music to the world.

At Smart Araneta Coliseum with Fabian Manzano, Alejandro Manzano, and Daniel Manzano. Boyce Avenue!
At Smart Araneta Coliseum with Fabian Manzano, Alejandro Manzano, and Daniel Manzano. Boyce Avenue!

Last 2013, my younger brother and I had the privilege of going to their concert at Resorts World Manila and meeting them after the show. I shared more about the experience HERE . It was definitely an unforgettable moment because seeing and hearing them sing and play live in the Philippines rarely happens. I enjoyed their show so much that I told myself I would go to their next concert in Manila, regardless of the price ticket and the date. Because they just had their concert in Manila last 2013, I didn’t expect them to be back soon. But to my surprise, two months ago, Ovation Productions proudly announced that Boyce Avenue was returning to Manila on Valentine’s day this 2015! It was going to be their biggest concert ever!

Meet and Greet with Boyce Avenue last 2013 at Resorts World Manila
Meet and Greet with Boyce Avenue last 2013 at Resorts World Manila
Boyce Avenue's Poster: Concert in Manila 2015. Valentine's Day
Boyce Avenue’s Poster: Concert in Manila 2015. Valentine’s Day

WHAT?! I couldn’t believe it. As soon as I heard about it, I immediately checked websites for possible ticket giveaways and I set aside money for the ticket, just in case. I also tried to ask some of our family friends if they had discounted tickets or free tickets that they can give away. However, by the end of January 2015, I still didn’t have a ticket. I prayed about it and thought of finally buying a ticket for the best seat possible since they were running out of good seats. On the 27th of January, I finally bought a ticket for me. Yup! Just one ticket. I was going to attend the concert of Boyce Avenue alone… on Valentine’s day! Also, by faith, I prayed for an opportunity to meet the band again. They didn’t sell meet and greet passes, so meeting them would really be a miracle.

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After that night, the days quickly passed by and all I could think of during my spare time was how funny and exciting this new experience would be for me! I was so excited to see my favorite band again that I consistently dreamt about them days before the concert. But, at the same time, I was getting nervous because there was no assurance for me to meet them in person. On the eve of Valentine’s day, I prayed about meeting them again and I started daydreaming about giving them gifts when I meet them. Talk about dreaming big! Haha. I ended up sleeping that night and dreaming about their concert one last time. In my dream, I saw Alejandro Manzano walking towards me while he was singing at their concert. Just when we were about to take a photo in my dream, I woke up. Aaaah!!! You could just imagine the suspense I felt. It was crazy.

Alejandro Manzano. Photo c/o Ovation Productions' Mong Pintolo
Alejandro Manzano. Photo c/o Ovation Productions’ Mong Pintolo

 

VALENTINE’S DAY

Finally, it was already the 14th of February. While I was browsing through Facebook that morning, I noticed a lot of similar photos shared by my friends online. It was an acronym of VALENTINE inside the Bible verse: John 3:16. Somehow, while I was looking at it, God spoke to me and I heard Him say: “I know the best gift you could give to Boyce Avenue! The best gift is Me. IF I allow you to meet and greet the band later, I want you to share Me to them. I want you to tell them that I love them.”

Before the concert, I made letters for Boyce Avenue even if there was no assurance for a meet & greet after the show. By faith!
Before the concert, I made letters for Boyce Avenue even if there was no assurance for a meet & greet after the show. By faith!

When I heard that, I felt a bit uneasy yet peaceful at the same time. Sharing God’s love to the band on Valentine’s day was a great idea! But, at the same time, I was puzzled because I didn’t know if I would meet them and I didn’t know how I would share His love to them. Nonetheless, later that evening, when I arrived at the basement parking of Smart Araneta Coliseum, I remembered what God said and I wrote personalized letters to Alejandro, Fabian, and Daniel Manzano. I wrote the VALENTINE acronym and John 3:16 on the sheets of paper and kept them in my bag. It was finally happening. I felt my heart beat fast as I left the parking lot and walked ins­­­ide the coliseum by myself. I was excited to enjoy my date night with God at the Boyce Avenue concert.

View from my seat
View from my seat

Since I was just by myself, I spent time observing the people around me, the setup, the stage, the production crew, and I had the privilege of sharing to God what I was feeling at the moment. It was also during this time that I tried to ask one of our family friends again if there was still a way to meet the band after the show. However, after a few minutes, our family friend replied and said that the band was leaving immediately after the show and that there wouldn’t be a meet and greet. When I read her message, I honestly got heartbroken because I had been praying for this request since two months before the concert. The smile on my face instantly disappeared and I felt so discouraged. I sent a text message to my mom and shared to her that our friend confirmed that there wouldn’t be a meet and greet.

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But, despite that update, I told my mom that somehow, God was still giving me hope and telling me not to let go of that dream. So, I took that opportunity to talk to God and I asked him to strengthen my heart and help me find hope in Him. He then gave me the desire to be grateful for the fact that He provided for my ticket, that I was sitting near the stage, that I safely got to the venue, and that I was watching the concert of Boyce Avenue that night. Suddenly, I felt lighter and I shared to God that I knew that He was still God no matter what and I knew that He could let me meet the band in a heartbeat if He wants me to. So, by faith, I asked Him one more time to provide an opportunity for me to see the band after the show.

 

HEARTBROKEN TO HOPEFUL

Just ten minutes before the band was scheduled to go on stage, I saw one of Dad’s friends from church who was working with the production team. Then, I heard a whisper from God and He told me to go to the guy and ask him. I started walking towards Dad’s friend, introduced myself, and asked if meeting the band after the show was possible. He warmly listened to my request and said that he wasn’t sure, but he could try to do something. He instructed me to meet him at the side of the stage after the show, just in case.

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I thanked him and went back to my seat as I held on to the hope that God was giving to me. I didn’t know if it was possible, but God changed my anxious heart and He gave me peace which lasted for the rest of the night. Finally, the Manzano brothers went on stage, strummed their guitars, and flawlessly sang their beautiful songs! IT. WAS. AMAZING!!! Everyone brought out their cameras and phones and the whole crowd recorded the band’s every move as we happily listened to their music. I didn’t even notice that I was alone because we all just enjoyed the moments with the band. (I’ll be sharing more about the details of the concert in another post.) It was definitely the best concert I’ve been to. Of course, they’re my favorite band!

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Daniel Manzano. Photo c/o Ovation Productions' Mong Pintolo
Daniel Manzano. Photo c/o Ovation Productions’ Mong Pintolo
Fabian Manzano. Photo c/o Ovation Productions' Mong Pintolo
Fabian Manzano. Photo c/o Ovation Productions’ Mong Pintolo

After the concert, I rushed to the side of the stage where I was supposed to meet Dad’s friend. However, he wasn’t there. I waited for ten minutes, but I still didn’t see any sign of him. I decided to go to the other side of the stage and surprisingly, I saw a familiar face. I saw one of the bouncers that my sisters and I met while we watched the musical “Beauty and the Beast” which was also produced by Ovation Productions. I said hi to him and asked if he saw my dad’s friend. But, he said that he didn’t see him. Ten more minutes passed by and I was starting to lose hope because I knew that the band would be leaving the place immediately. Then, my bouncer friend and I saw the mother (who also knew Dad) of my dad’s friend and he suggested that I ask her instead.

With tita C! :)
With tita C! :)

 

DREAM COME TRUE… AGAIN.

I then walked towards her, introduced myself, and shared to her that I spoke with her son earlier that night. Just like her son, she warmly said hello and told me that she would try to check if she could help me and some of her friends (who were also near the area) to go inside the backstage. A few minutes later, she came out from the backstage and signaled us to go in with her. The next moments after that felt like a dream. We went inside a VIP lounge behind the stage and were instructed to wait for the band there. I was shaking the whole time because I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. We sat in a fancy bar area and were served with fresh, cold iced tea. It was crazy, amazing.

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I was sitting on one of the sofa chairs when I heard low murmurs. When I looked at the entrance of the VIP lounge, I saw the Manzano brothers walking towards us, along with their body guards. I thought I was going to faint, but by God’s grace, he kept me sane. Haha. We spent the next minutes casually talking to the band, taking photos of them and with them, getting their autographs, and just enjoying a relaxing time with the group. I kept thanking Tita C for the privilege and for graciously allowing me to spend a few minutes with the band after the show. Before leaving the lounge, I remembered the personalized letters I made for them before going to the concert. So, I approached them again and gave my simple Valentine’s gift to them. They were so nice. They got the letters, hugged me, and said that it was these little things from their fans that they really appreciate. I thanked them again and left the place with a joyful and grateful heart.

Shared God's love to Boyce Avenue on Valentine's Day through these personalized John 3:16 letters.
Shared God’s love to Boyce Avenue on Valentine’s Day through these personalized John 3:16 letters.
Boyce Avenue's Autograph
Boyce Avenue’s Autograph

By God’s grace, He allowed me to meet the band AGAIN and share His love to them after the show. Indeed, God is able to do more than what we can ever imagine or think of. He is able to do the impossible. He is able to inspire, break, change, and bless our hearts for the best. I learned so many lessons throughout my Valentine weekend this year. But, one of the highlights that my heart will forever remember is learning to put my faith in God no matter what situation I am in, to trust that He is able to bring me through it, and to obey Him when He tells me to honor Him even through the simplest ways. I may not always understand why or know how and if He will allow things to happen, but I am encouraged to trust His heart and believe that He has His best in store for me always.

Boyce Avenue at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Manila.
Boyce Avenue at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Manila.

Once again, I thank You, Lord, for showing your amazing, AMAZING GRACE to me through this Boyce Avenue experience. As I’ve mentioned before, You leave me speechless. I only asked for a chance to meet the band, but You gave me more. You even allowed me to share You to them! Thank You for Ovation Productions, for tita C and her gracious family. May You bless them even more this year. Thank You for Boyce Avenue’s love for music. May You continue to use their talents to inspire people around the world. What a Valentine’s treat from You, Jesus. From the bottom of my heart, I thank You. :)

Took a grumpy cat selfie with Alejandro Manzano of Boyce Avenue at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Took a grumpy cat selfie with Alejandro Manzano of Boyce Avenue at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

To my favorite band, by faith, I will meet you again soon! Until then, I will see you online. Keep making beautiful music! :)

Matthew 21:22 “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

BEST VALENTINE’S DAY EVER!!! :) <3

BOYCE AVENUE:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/boyceavenue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoyceAvenue

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoyceAvenue

Encourage yourself one treat at a time.

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About Me

My name is Nicole Obligacion and I started this blog because I was inspired by Hebrews 10:24 and Hebrews 3:13. I love to eat, cook, bake, read the Bible, and encourage. :)

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