#coldplaymanila

A Head Full of Dreams Tour in Manila 2017

My love for Coldplay may not be as strong as the others, but I am certain when I say that I have never felt so much love for a band when I started listening to them. It was during my elementary days when I discovered Coldplay. I don’t remember the specific song that made me fall in love with them but I do know that it wasn’t as deep as it is today. High school came and this is where I dived into their world and listened to all their albums. They were—are my companion. The significant moments in my life, you bet Coldplay was there! I was either listening to their songs out of sheer joy or some sort of friend to cry on. I found a weird kind of comfort and bond with them. Coldplay is my home.

I made a little pact with myself: if Coldplay ever went to my home country, I’ll watch them live.

Pinipilit ko ang sarili kong gumawa ng mensahe para sakanila ngunit hindi nga talaga yata sapat ang makukulay na salita upang maipadama ang aking pag-hanga sa ganitong klaseng banda.

This very simple yet from the heart poem is the product of what Coldplay did to me not just as a fan, but also as a human. I can’t recall when was the first time my uncle introduced me the songs Yellow and The Scientist but I’m pretty much sure that I became a fan since then. When I heard that Coldplay will come here in Manila, I did not hesitate to buy a ticket. It took me two tries before I finally got those tickets in my hands! First try, the globe pre-selling. I woke up so fucking late and the tickets are already sold out. Second try, I was supposed to watch it in Singapore with my aunt but tickets are also sold out. And finally, third try, the actual selling of tickets at the malls. I want to thank my chingu, Chamy, for waking up a bit early to line up at SM Muntinlupa to buy me and Clauds tickets. If not for her, I would definitely die of jealousy from every one who watched the concert last April 4.

So this post is to thank Coldplay for inspiring me in every event of my life. From studying, killing time, cleaning my room and doing other stuff, Coldplay has been there to make me feel like I’m in a different world.

We live in a beautiful world because of you, Coldplay. One of your songs says “so if you love someone, you should let them know” and here I am telling you that “all I know is that I love you so, so much that it hurts.”

April 1 - I had mini reunion and short drinking session with my friends the night before my birthday. As I was enjoying myself with my drink, I saw my best friend, Pau, with a cake and a lit candle, laughing herself out while singing a happy birthday song. Does anyone actually know what you have to do when people are singing happy birthday to you? Well, I didn’t know what to do so I just cried out of joy. I was surprised obviously and how sweet of them to do such thing for me! We welcomed my birthday together and it was a great night! --- and nope I will not post my ugly pictures and video here from the surprise because I literally ugly cried lol

April 2 - Happy 22nd birthday to me! I wanted a simple celebration for my birthday this year since I am not financially prepared (lol) so my parents and I just bought foods for my Lola and Lolo’s house and ate lunch together. I chose to celebrate my birthday there since Lolo Maxi can’t go out anymore bcos of his condition. I’m very happy to witness my lola and lolo were smiling the entire time!

HERE’S THE BEST PART

April 4 - COLDPLAY - A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS TOUR

I have so much emotion on this day. I’ve waited for this moment for years! My dad introduced me to Coldplay when I was still young and we both love them so I promised to myself to buy tickets for him so he could experience watching his favorite band live. The day has come and it was another dream came true! 

I went to the concert with my girlfriends, Viel and Janine. They went to the concert grounds 8 hours before the show to fall in line and I was still in Cavite that time. I arrived late at the venue but good thing was they were in front of the line so we had a good spot in the venue as we entered. But when people wanted to see better view of the stage, everyone wanted to go to the center of the Silver section (where we were standing). Imagine a too crowded concert and you can’t even get your phone in your bag since you cant literally move. I wasn’t also feeling well for standing too long on the crowd so I sacrificed my spot to sit on the back. I thought I could still see the stage from the back but I was wrong. So I told my friends thru text message (struggle with signal due to signal block bcos of the event) that it was a bad idea so they should just stay in front of the Silver section. 

I went to the nearest exit gate and I sat there feeling sorry for myself. I told myself it’s still fine since I will still hear the Coldplay live and I can watch on LED screen. It was after Jess Kent (front act of Coldplay) when I realized two Americans(?) were silently giving VIP tickets at my back!!! I thought Chris Martin was at my back so I took out my phone for a selfie but it was FREE VIP TICKETS! I tried to sneak to get more VIP tickets for my dad and for my girl friends but they knew I already have one. I was shaking and my knees felt weak but I ran towards the VIP section. I think the reason why they gave away free VIP tickets because only few bought the most expensive tickets. Like hell, I can’t even afford one. I got myself free beer and I enjoyed the rest of the show all by myself. 

I sang, danced and cried all alone. I didn’t plan to watch it alone but this just happened. I didn’t have much photos of the concert because I refrained from using my phone to enjoy the show but I still got a few videos. I actually recorded the whole song when they played The Scientist. The fireworks display was amazing too! It was just perfect! Coldplay is the best! Chris Martin is the best! I’m still amazed on how magical my night went. From giving up my Silver section spot to moving on to the VIP section for the best view. Once in a lifetime experience. We’ve all waited for this for 17 years and it was all worth it!

Songs they played from their 2-hour show:

1. A Head Full of Dreams

2. Yellow

3. Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall

4. The Scientist (the favorite one, my dream is to hear this live, yup crying baby started crying)

5. Birds

6. Paradise

7. Always in My Head

8. Magic

9. Everglow

10. Midnight

11. Charlie Brown

12. Hymn for the Weekend

13. Fix You (I don’t know why I also cried to this song but so much feelings!)

14. Heroes

15. Viva la Vida

16. Adventure of a Lifetime

17. Kaleidoscope

18. In My Place

19. Don't Panic

20. Ink

21. Manila Song (Chris Martin just made this up but it was still awesome)

22. Something Just Like This

23. A Sky Full of Stars

24. Up&Up

My Coldplay experience will be my favorite story to tell. Thank you again and again for your inspiration and for your beautiful music, Coldplay!

January 19, 2024, Philippine Arena | Coldplay - Music Of The Spheres World Tour