But I must confess you’re so much more than I remember

Also known as: Anberlin in Manila!

I think I heard all about Anberlin from my college batch mate, Anne, who blogged about them sometime in college. I was kind of picky with my music back then (and until now, I think), so I didn’t really pay attention until I somehow downloaded one of their songs and somehow liked it. I got their albums, but I wasn’t able to appreciate them yet because I felt they were too heavy for me. It wasn’t until I was finally working that I paid attention to them and realized, “Hey, Anberlin’s a really great band!”

Suffice to say, Anberlin became the anthem of my early working life. I remember relating so much to Time and Confusion and Never Take Friendship Personal, and how they used to be my gym music and how I can’t pick just one favorite song. They became one of my quick-to-recommend bands, along with Switchfoot and Mae. Want new music? Listen to Anberlin!

So when I heard that they were going to Manila in March, there was absolutely no way I would miss it. Knowing their tickets were very cheap too got me more excited, and it was time to round up the concert buddies to watch this long-awaited show.

 

It was last night. I claimed a pre-birthday vacation leave, just as what I did last year for Paramore. I had no expectations with the concert, really, except enjoy their songs and the show and the company. I only wished for them to play A Day Late, but I saw a set list posted somewhere and it wasn’t included. I decided that it doesn’t matter anyway — as long as I get to hear them play.

So concert day, Happy and I arrived at A-Venue a little later than the usual (my fault, sorry) but we still got a good view at the left side of the stage. There were so many people in the VIP, which was expected because it was pretty cheap. They were selling booze and smoking was allowed inside, which kind of surprised me, but hey, there is a first time for everything, I guess.

Three front acts played and then there they were. HELLO ANBERLIN.

Like I said, I wasn’t expecting much. I remember seeing a video of a sort of concert of Anberlin in LA and I wasn’t very impressed, but that was a long time ago, and I couldn’t remember it much. But last night? They were so awesome. They sounded just like how I thought they’d sound and the music and the crowd were so energetic that I couldn’t help screaming even if I wasn’t that familiar with the other songs yet.

The best part of the night? When they strapped on acoustic guitars and Stephen Christian said something about how the fans communicated to them online with song requests and since we’ve waited so long for them, they decided to give it to us.

Then they started playing A Day Late.

So let me get this straight: you say now you loved me all along?

*insert fangirly screams here*

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It was the most awesome thing to happen, and I felt like I was given an early birthday present. Totally unexpected. You know how sometimes you pray for things — or even just wish for things — but don’t expect it to happen since you think it’s really small and you should just be thankful to have the experience but then your wish is granted anyway? Almost like feeling like God smiled at you and said, “As you wished, my child.” That feeling. :)

It was a great night, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I was surprised to find out they sang 18 songs. Talk about an awesome set.

SET LIST:

1. We Owe this to Ourselves
2. Paperthin Hymn
3. Never Take Friendship Personal
4. Disappear
5. Closer
6. The Resistance
7. Dismantle. Repair
8. Art of War
9. A Day Late ♥
10. The Unwinding Cable Car
11. Inevitable
12. Godspeed
13. Pray Tell
14. Impossible
15. Ready Fuels
16. The Feel Good Drag
17. Adelaide (another squeee!)
18. Take Me (As You found me)

Thank you, Anberlin, for a great night in Manila. :) Come back soon!