I am not the type of person to be obsessed with a particular singer or band anymore. That was way back in my early teens. Nowadays, I would just randomly listen to any music on Spotify depending on my mood. So, when my teenage cousin, who I share a love for anime (currently Demon Slayer), told me to watch a band concert with him... I was shocked!
Me: Which Band?
Cousin: Ben & Ben
Me: I don't know any of their songs...
Cousin: Me Neither!
Atleast we still share a common ground for this experience.
So the thing is my uncle who owns a resort here was forced required by the local gov't to buy tickets. This was during the recent Lapyahan Festival which was a week-long celebration here in San Remigio, Cebu. Later on, I found out that other establishments were required to buy 2 tickets for the concert. Hence, the reason for our sudden concert trip.
Although I & my cousin would have preferred to stay at home and watch the recent episodes of Demon Slayer that was released that day, it would be a waste of money if we didn't go and see the concert. The tickets were sold at Php 950 or $17.
As I said, I was confident saying I don't know any song of Ben&Ben but I know they are quite famous to the younger generation. Perhaps, I might have been able to hear some of their songs but wasn't my type that I didn't bother to look them up. So I kept an open mind as we headed off to the venue.
The ticket said it would start at 8:00 pm so we arrived there on the dot thinking that we would want a good sitting location if the place would be crowded. So we found a good spot at the "upper box", the left side of the bleachers facing the stage. And waited for the event to start.
Then the opening act started...
And it took 40 minutes for the opening act! No offense, they sing well but I wasn't so keen. If I knew it would take that long before Ben&Ben would come out and that the gym wasn't filled 100%, I would have come in late. I'm not good with waiting. Although this time, the gymnasium was slowly filling up. The ground floor was now getting crowded.
The second act started - a solo rapper - who I couldn't understand a word he uttered. 😭 Me and my cousin were trying our best to understand him but nothing! Not sure if the rest of the crown felt the same too. Well, it was quite interesting to witness.
So after an hour and a half passed when Ben&Ben finally showed up. I and my cousin, pretended to be hyped up as well, just to go along with the crowd. Somehow, we kind of had fun pretending to know the band, cheering, and applauding as they made their way to the stage. 😂
The band started playing, and the girls started shouting every time the lead singers (twins) would wave their hands to the crowd, and some would sing along to some of their songs.
I did hear some familiar tunes from 2 songs I guess but that was it. Don't know the title and lyrics of their songs. But as the concert progressed and 4-5 songs were played now, I kind of started to appreciate the band, their style, and their songs. Well, most or all of the band members are in their 20s, wore retro-style clothing, and enjoyed playing for the crowd.
Although I do think they have too many members in a band (just my opinion) like 2 members playing percussions and too many backup vocals however it was refreshing to see a violist as part of the group. While every other girls were madly in love with the lead vocalists, I on the other hand was girl crushing on the keyboardist. Couldn't take my eyes off her. I guess I admire how much she was enjoying while playing her instrument.
Right, I shouldn't keep this long. The concert ended with Ben&Ben playing one last song as the crowd chanted "One more" when they left the stage. And this time, the crowd was allowed to come near the stage, stand, and sing along. Still don't know the song but the concert ended on a high note.
As of today, I still didn't look up the title and lyrics to their songs. 😁 Still appreciate the experience though.
P.S. I used to go out on weekends and watch our famous local bands like - Franco, Urbandub, and Junior Kilat play at small hippie places here years back. I would end up pretty drunk while singing their songs. Those were the wild days... 😊
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