:: scribbles ::: Train - Save Me, San Francisco

My sister and I were planning to listen to Train songs on the entire evening of December 7th. We were bracing ourselves to miss their concert on the same day. Little did we know, things were about to change. The night before that, my sister was online. I guess it was a combination of fan-girly luck, impeccable timing and decent internet connection that she was the second to tweet the right answer when Train had a contest through Twitter. They were giving out free tickets to their concert. My sister always wins these types of contests. I already told her to try the lottery next time. =)

We braved the midweek rush-hour traffic and sardine-like, packed MRT on the way to the venue. I know it was going to be worth it. One of our favorite songs of all time is "Drops of Jupiter" and that was the reason why we saw them perform live at the Alabang Town Center last year. That day, I officially became a Train fan. They have beautiful songs. Jimmy is awesome on guitars, Scott is such a talent both on the drums and keyboards, and Pat knows how to work his charm on stage. Their performance was fun, interactive and unforgettable. Once I've experienced it, I knew I wanted more.

About 15 minutes before the concert, we were lining up for our passes. We were given these stickers and were already ecstatic knowing we will be in the VIP/Patron area. I asked the person who gave us the stickers if we will have a chance for a meet-and-greet, he said they was just passes to enter. Oh well, at least they were for free. I shouldn't try to push my luck. When we got in, we had no seats since the stickers meant we were "standing VIP('s)". I didn't mind. I am used to standing during concerts. Besides, concerts won't be fun if we spent it sitting (unless it was a stage play, ballet or opera, I guess.)

Train after show stickers

We were worried when the front act, 6-Cycle Mind, started performing because there were a lot of vacant seats. In a venue as huge as the Big Dome, empty chairs are obvious. Maybe because it's a weekday. I don't know. So, we vowed to be as loud as we can and didn't care if we lost our voices in the process. I know we had a great show ahead of us.

stage background

The crowd thickened when Train started performing. It was nice knowing that the crowd was comprised mostly of Train fans because we were loud! I even found myself smiling while listening to the guy behind me belting out all the lyrics of all the songs they played. It was not shabby at all! Also, that was the closest I've ever been near the stage. As expected, it was one helluva ride! Pat never hesitated to interact with the audience. He was hilarious and a great singer as well. They had a lot of freebies and giveaways. Like their previous show, lucky girls from the audience became trainettes. They got to dance and sing with Train onstage. One of them got luckier and brought home Pat's guitar with his autograph! They sang songs I love, songs I am familiar with and songs I haven't heard of. They also sang their Christmas song "Shake Up Christmas". Incidentally, that was what my sister answered when she won us these tickets! Pat wore white and walked in a huge circle throughout the coliseum while he sang "Marry Me". He "married" Manila when he sang "...Say you will." Of course, the audience answered "I will!". He, then, signed the white shirt and gave it away. They gave out more Train shirts and Pat's guitar picks. Scott even threw his drum sticks. The guy in front of me was too tall that he caught it. Aww!

[Click here for Manila Concert Scene's set list.]

Manila trainettes 2011

Train

After the show, we lingered to take some pictures. We were surprised when someone announced on the loudspeaker that those with round stickers/after show pass can line up near the stage. I nearly swooned. We were not prepared to meet them in person (especially after being all sweaty during the concert)! I mean, look at us!

"If It's Love"
holding our cellphones up in the air
Train tweeted this after the concert

A smile was stuck to my face since we started walking to the backstage area until after I met Pat, Scott and Jimmy in person. I shook their hands and my sister told them we also watched them last year. Pat said, "Thanks for coming back!" They were all really nice. I just wanted to hug them and take them home. Haha! They'll be releasing another album next year and hopefully, I'll get to see them again when they come back. I know they will. =)