If you're any sort of rock aficionado, an 80's kid, or a former student of any New England college, you know the band Journey. Even if you don't, I bet you a million dollars you know the song "Don't Stop Believing."
To most of you, Steve Perry is synonymous with Journey. He did after all sing the songs that made the band what it continues to be today. What less of you may know, is that since his controversial departure in 1996, there have been three men who have attempted to fill his shoes. The most recent man happens to be a compact 5'3" energetic jumping dynamo who hails from the Philippines, which *shock* happens to be the motherland for me.
Introducing...AP
His name is Arnel Pineda, and since his discovery in December 2007, he has been the object of pinoy pride all over the world. How did Journey find him? YouTube. Guitarist Neil Schon found him on YouTube singing a cover of "Faithfully." The rest is history. What a lucky break, eh? Going from singing covers of Journey songs to being the actual Journey lead singer? Wow!
Reception
The reception has been quite split. Some fans of the Perry Era didn't like Arnel because he's not American and he isn't Steve Perry. To those fans I have to say, they have a point, and while I agree with them, Steve himself can't hit those notes anymore. Some older fans have reacted positively saying AP is a breath of fresh air.
Then there's the other extreme, the sudden influx of the Filipino community who has decided to support Journey because of Arnel. While this is a great new fan base for the band, I disagree with their liking Journey just because Arnel is Filipino. Let's face it, Journey was and always will be an American band. I classify these types of people as diehard Arnel fans, but fairweather Journey fans. But I will say, after seeing this dude in person, he deserves serious props for being a great singer and a great person.
Introducing...my mother.
So here starts my personal story, and it all begins with my Arnel-crazed mother. Let's call her Alana.
There is a fan website online where people all over go to chat about AP and whatever else they choose. If you actively chat on this site, you're called what's known as a "Plokker." Alana aka Momma, is a diehard Plokker. I'd even venture to call her the queen of the chatroom.
Alana's Journey & AP Timeline
Summer 2008 - Alana (and family) watches three different concerts on Journey's Revelation Tour: Mohegan Sun (CT), Hershey Park (PA), Bethelwoods (NY) (whattup Woodstock!?).
Journey at Hershey Park, August 2008
December 2008 - The East Coast Plokkers meet for the first time at a Filipino restaurant in Altantic City. There was plenty of food, karaoke, line dancing and chatter to go around (as to be expected). I should mention that the group made a generous donation to AP's foundation for underprivileged children, which was great.
January 2009 - Alana gets to speak with AP on the phone personally. I can't disclose the details but let's just say she's got an in. *Sealed lips*
February 2009 - Lani Misalucha Concert with special guest, Arnel Pineda. Now this is where things get interesting. The East Coast Plokkers assemble once again, this time as VIP's guaranteed a meet and greet with the artists. Woohoo! I'm on video duty, my cousin Romeo is primary photographer and my dad is photographer 2.
1pm - Plokkers meet at a Filipino restaurant (deja vu much?) and eat, talk and play games to their hearts content.
5pm - Depart restaurant and go to Newark Symphony Hall for the concert. This is the part where we get our oh-so-cool VIP wristbands.
7pm - The concert starts. I know I haven't mentioned her, but Lani (the headliner) is quite a talented person with a great sense of humor. I was very pleasantly surprised. Who else can sing and bounce like Beyonce but perform "Nessun Dorma" flawlessly? That's what I call versatile. Arnel gives a stellar performance punctuated with numerous shoutouts to the Plokkers, much to the delight of the group. We were the loudest, rowdiest ones there, naturally. We also really get to see his personality and charisma, which are both off the charts.
10pm - Concert's out. The Plokkers await their chance at a photo op with the man of the hour. This is how that turned out:
Chaos! The Plokkers are unhappy with the disorganization. Hint: AP is...you should know this one by now. Alana is the creeper with her hand on AP's shoulder. Lani is the one in the gray sweater. Mom gets a brief chance to give AP the presents we bought for him and his fam.
11pm - Lani and Arnel sign autographs. Mom gets Lani's autograph on her CD. She also gets her second round of facetime with Arnel, and this is how it goes:
Alana: Arnel, you may not really know who I am but I'm Ate Alana.AP: Oh my god! Ate! Thanks so much for _____ ______ and ______ (can't disclose).HOW THE HECK DOES HE KNOW MY MOM!?! She totally crept in there!!!
* Alana proceeds to get every single thing she brings in with her signed, along with additional hugs and greetings from the big (little) guy*
12am - Unsatisfied with the earlier reception, the Plokkers discover where Arnel's hotel is and they wait in the lobby with the event organizer. This is how that turned out:
Me, my cousin Lucille and Lani Misalucha
and...
The East Coast Plokkers with Arnel Pineda (center) and Lani Misalucha (bottom left). Finally a proper group picture!
All's well that ends well I guess. I felt like a serious stalker. First of all, we found out where he was staying. Secondly, we WENT there at midnight when the two of them had a 4am flight to catch for San Diego. I have to commend Arnel and Lani for greeting the group openly and being such great sports. They really are such down to earth and awesome people.
Take home lesson 1: I'm personally not groupie material, but my family sure is.
Take home lesson 2: Persistence means never having to be satisfied with just an autograph...
I'm sure there will be more AP related adventures to come, if my mom has anything to say about it.
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