Gone were the days when I would splurge on detective books and all I can buy, at a maximum, is three (unless I would spend EVERYTHING I have, then maybe I could buy five or more). The treasure chest that is BookSale where I used to buy hardbound detective/suspense/mystery books for less than a hundred bucks went a step cheaper. Last night, after a month-long hiatus, I returned to BookSale Megamall and bought five hardbound books – and I’m on a tight budget! They are now offering a collection with price range of Php10.00 to Php30.00. I bought Robert Parker’s Spenser installment, Potshot, for only twenty bucks. San ka pa? I also bought two other mystery books, a non-fiction about internet scams, and a feel-good book not unlike the TV series Brothers & Sisters. All for SEVENTY PESOS.
They rearranged the books as well as the shelves since I last went there so it took me a long time to look for what I want. Detective books, which were located previously beyond the glass wall, were now under the center aisle shelf. Leafing through few books, I was shocked to discover Robert Parker’s Crimson Joy and Lolita Files’ Getting to the Good Part (which I bought for Php85 each last year) being sold for ten pesos! Argh! I just consoled myself that I wouldn’t want to wait a year to read such good books.
We went to Megamall upon realizing that we couldn’t watch Vanessa Carlton in TriNoma for free. What used to be a show in TriNoma Park was moved to Cinema 7, and we have to purchase at least Php1,000 to be able to watch. Great. We will test our luck today at Glorietta Activity Center. Papa JC, please let me see the lady who walked a thousand miles to be here! (I borrowed the show’s slogan.) At least I was able to buy those books. The night was not futile.
Ugin as tianggero: “Wala ng isandaan, wala ng singkwenta, bente na lang!” (Not talking about the book prices, but my remaining money.. ^_^ )
Jamming with mother earth!!
From the booths to docus shown on the screens, Tomas Morato Ave. spoke of saving the earth during the Earth Day Jam ’08 held April 25, 2008.
Udeng and I met up at Cubao after office hours (just enough time to make it to the seven-o’clock sched). I planned on wearing a white shirt as a rebellion to all who I know would be wearing their black grunge shirts. However, I realized that I haven’t done my laundry, so I have to make do with my only black statement shirt. So much for not being a stereotype rocker.
One guy had done it better, though. On the way to Jollibee for a quick bite (many, many quick bites, that is), I saw him in his sleeping attire. Complete with pajamas, comfy slippers and teddy bear, it’s as if he just wound up in that place while making his way to their kitchen looking for a midnight snack. His ingenious idea is a slap to hundreds of youths in Morato that night who all wanted to be different and ended up sporting the same I-hate-the-world grunge look.
Another girl who passed by me went beyond simple accouturement. Opting for a more permanent fashion bling, she had a large zipper tattooed across her back. Only when she went up the stage did I knew her to be Juan Pablo Dream's newest band member, Bianca.
Because we arrived a tad too early, we were at the front. But not for long, though. When the multitude started their all-out “slaman” and girls started zoning out, Udeng pulled me to the sides.
The first sets were time-killers, but every concert has them. It really started for me once Barbie Almalbis took the stage, sharing her experiences as a mother and singing Goodnight, Torpe, and two other songs about nature. Moonstar88 sang Tadhana, Torete, and Migraine (our soundtrack when fighting… ^_^ ). Callalily sang a rock version of a Soulja Boy song (Crank That, I think) -- a feat never unheard of, but quite remarkable, nonetheless.
What I was really waiting for was Zelle, but it was nearing 12, and CinderIssa must go home before turning into a pumpkin. (Truth is, Udeng cautioned that we may not have a ride home, and we’re both tired from work.) We gave the concert one more chance, but when Rivermaya came out and it’s certain that there would be no sign of Zelle or Imago for the next few minutes, we decided to call it a night.
We passed different booths selling used books, and I had gone berserk that I don’t have any money with me (I shouldn’t had that extra rice!). I also would have like to buy an audio cd by pipingpoot (I don’t know who he is, but his cd’s were handwritten and it looks different and cute.) We weren’t able to buy any souvenir (huhu..) but still, it is a memorable night on the whole. On second thought, ANY night with him is memorable, so that’s that.
**
Artists: Let’s save the earth!
Earth Day Jammers: Yeah! (Stomps their cigarette butts, and lights new one)
Issa: (Hums) Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think…
TRIVIA: My all-time favorite writer and world dominatrix, Jessica Zafra, managed the Eraserheads for four months.
