e-andreana

[e-andreana]

Kilig

09/14/2019

At the start of the month, I received a message from Team Clara Benin (Facebook group handled by the admins of Clarafied). They were asking how my day is going. I thought, okay this is so random. But I replied stating that too bad I am not able to attend CB’s gigs. Then, they told me that there is going to be a coffee date with Clara this September and they are inviting me. I was so excited like for real! I asked when will this happen ‘cause I won’t be around here on September 6-10. Luckily, the private event was on the 14th. Oh yeah, the coffee date was a private event wherein we shouldn’t tell anyone about it until told to do so. So I felt more blessed ‘cause not everyone gets invited.

Fast forward to the day of the coffee date. So I was thinking if I should go or not since the event is in the North (I’m from the South) and I have no one to go with. But then I thought that I’m lucky to get chosen so I should not waste this opportunity. So I went. I got to Glorietta first to eat because the event is at 1PM.

When I got to Maginhawa (I booked a Grab), I kinda lost my way to Jess & Pat’s . I didn’t know where the cafe is exactly located but when I looked up, I saw it. So I found my way there. When I got up the building, there was a line for the registration. I small talked the girl in front me. You know, I need to socialize so I get to enjoy my stay there. I don’t want to feel alone. So when the girl (her name’s Dang) and I went inside, we went to find a spot and joined a couple (Joseph and Jam) on their table. We also got to meet this boy named Gospel who has a guitar on his hands. He’s one of people who’s going to do an open mic. Then we decided to move near the stage. When we sat down, that’s the only time I realized that Clara is already there. She was sitting beside our table. Like really close. I can’t contain my emotions like I don’t know what to do. Should I look at her or not. Should I say hi or not. I just kept my feelings altogether. I just chatted with Gospel.

Then the program started. There were a few performaces by the Clarafieds (including Gospel). After that segment, we had a game. Charades. The topics are Clara’s songs. The first one, I got to answer it fast. Came the third group of people to act, I got chosen. I didn’t feel nervous at all. I felt at ease. When it’s my turn to introduce myself, I said my name and my favorite CB’s song which is Wine. I said, “I don’t know, I just love it.” So our song to act on is Cigarettes & Lighters which is easy. We just acted like we’re smoking then done! Too bad we’re not the fastest group but it’s all good ‘cause I enjoyed it. And the fact that Clara saw me infront, heard my name and watched me act, is just surreal.

Next part is where Clara performed infront of us. She was so good! And us, Clarafied, just sang with her as well. I liked how Clara is looking at our side while singing. She sang Wrestle and one other song.

Last part of the event is the photoop. We formed a line and each one gets a polaroid with Clara. I talked to a girl at my back if she can take a picture of me and Clara on my phone and film camera. When it’s my turn, I don’t know what to say to Clara. I just smiled at her and looked at the instax to get our photo taken. Then I said, I want to have a picture with her on my phone and film camera. She’s so nice with all that. During our photoop, I’m really tensed ‘cause she’s so near to me like literally our heads are almost touching. I just move away a little. I don’t know, I just can’t get to relax beside her. I kinda want to hug her tho. I almost put my arms around her but then I got shy so instead I just kinda touching her denim jacket. You get what I mean, haha. I just felt really kilig with everything!

Some photos taken during the event. Credits to the owner for the group photos.

You can see how happy I am standing beside her. Having photos taken with her is just a dream come true.

[e-andreana]

Wine

04/25/2018

Finally, I saw and heard Clara Benin sing live. And I’m so glad that one song from her set in the Street Teams Unite 2 was Wine. My favorite song of hers.

At first, I chose Interested in the Facebook event of this gig of hers. I’m not sure if I can go since I have no one to go with. But then, I thought that if I really wanted to see her then I’ll go. So I did. I hit Going and really came. Alone. And I didn’t regret it at all. It was the night I heard the cold but sweet voice of CB.

While it was the opening act by Niki Colet, I got to see CB arrived in the venue together with Gabba. I was mesmerized. It was the first time I saw her in person. Then when it was Coeli’s set, she and CB performed Puno. I was just watching CB the whole time. Gosh, she seemed so shy but she was so pretty! But you can really tell that she still isn’t feeling well. Aww, Clara.

Then it was Clara’s set next. First song was Here Comes the Feeling. This song is not one of my favorite songs of hers but I enjoyed listening to it. Then Tila. I didn’t take a lot of pictures nor videos because as much as I Iike to, I want to appreciate the time I had having to see her perform live. Her third song was my favorite. Wine! Boy, it was so great to hear it live. I tried to record it so I can listen to it while on the road going home that night. But I only recorded 15s of it using Instagram story because of course I want to solely listen to it without distractions of any gadget. Last song was Parallel Universe. She sang it with a fan. This time I thought it was the last minutes I get to see her so I tried to take a few more pictures and short clips of her. Too bad, the quality isn’t that great. But still, I got the chance to record this night to remember.

Here are some of the photos I took of Clara.

What a night. Thank you Clara Benin. It was so nice seeing and hearing you live. Oh, I bought a merch too. CB’s Parallel Universe shirt. ‘Till next time, Clara.

[e-andreana]

Almost

02/21/2018

I almost got the chance to see CB twice. It is the first time I am into an artist where I really want to see and hear someone sing live. Before, I always say that it’s a waste of time going to concerts or gigs because a person can just listen to their favorite artists on Youtube and Spotify. But then, I discovered her. She has the coldest but sweetest voice. It’s different from the others.

The first one that I missed was her gig in Uptown Mall. I did not go because I thought it was cancelled. Later did I know, she posted about it.

Second was today. Her gig in a sportsbar. It was her birthday on the 19th so I guess this was also a birthday celebration. And I ditched it. Just because I have no one to go with. And it was worth 300 bucks because of free drinks. I just wanted to hear her live.

But I guess, there is always a next time. By that time I’ll make sure that I get to see and hear her. Only if it’s around where I work just because you know.