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Close Up Summer Solstice 2013
"I Love You Afrojack!". Well, that's probably the reason why we lost our voice the next morning apart from all the singing and screaming. This is the third time I've seen Afrojack play. Twice in Vegas last year, one day apart. First was in XS nightclub at Encore. Second, was at the Encore Beach Club (pool party). It was crazy. Having experienced it in Las Vegas during EDC weekend where there's probably more people in Vegas that weekend was just insane. We were just lucky enough to not having to fall in line. From that moment on, all the music high and brain cracking beat and drop got me so hung up with electro music. It was one of the best times of my life.
So when I found out that Afrojack was coming to Manila, I was beyond excited. Sure I had my doubts of it being just a "front". My friend that I was with in Vegas in all those crazy parties was coming to Manila on those dates. I'd like to think it wasn't a coincidence, it was fate. Lol. I was so overwhelmed that I was going to spend it with her again the third time around.
It was a 12 hour Music Festival (Close Up Summer Solstice 2013) that was held at MOA Open Grounds. From 4pm to 4am. The artists included: Urbandub, Spongecola, Sandwich, Jump Smokers, Dev, Cobra Starship, Cedric Gervais, Apster, Alex Gaudino, and Afrojack. We went with our festival outfits of course. Sure hell was not going to wear heels there. Except for a few that I saw... It was so hot and humid. All the eeky sticky feeling was expected. Of course, we came so prepared that we, of all things, forgot our hair ties. Every inch of my body was just sweating. Wow.
We got there at around 10pm and Afrojack was scheduled at 12mn. So, what else is there to do while waiting? Drink! We literally bought 2 cups each, stood in one corner, downed them in like 15 mins and lined up again for another round. No, we're not alcoholics, it's just that they're serving cheap rum and you'll probably get all hyped up after 3 cups. And no, we didn't try to get drunk. Or else we wouldn't enjoy. Lol.
Cedric Gervais played after Afrojack. More than half of the crowd started leaving. Maybe he shouldn't have played after him.
We made our way to the very front right in front of the camera man. It was the only way we could get some fresh air and a little breeze. At the same time, it's the best spot to be in. He played his set for exactly 2 hours. Three things I noticed he didn't do while playing: smoke a cig, have a bottle of Grey Goose on the side and drink it straight up from the bottle, and sprinkle champagne onto the crowd. Maybe the authorities didn't allow it.
Avicii in Manila
The long awaited event. After being postponed from April 4 to May 15, people were definitely ready to party. And so were we. This was the second time around that I'm seeing Avicii. First was in Las Vegas 2012 at a afternoon pool party at the Maquee, Cosmopolitan Hotel. This time he's back in Manila and of course, I wouldn't dare miss it again. This was held at Mall of Asia Arena.
Light effects weren't as "awesome" as I expected it to be.
It was great but, it wasn't like Afrojack. You can tell, I'm a fan of his. I wanted to convince myself so I had to see Avicii again in a different setting (not a afternoon pool party). I wasn't ecstatic or so hungover with the whole event. People only got really excited and pumped up when Avicii played his famous songs. There are some points where it tends to be monotonous and people were just sitting down, taking videos/photos, or just standing there.
However, I would say it was still a good set. I had a great time with my friends so it was worth it. There was an after party at Republiq but that Tanduay Black was so bad we started to feel like throwing up. But, we didn't. You can tell it's cheap rum, again.
It's nice that festivals are starting to become big here in Manila. I think it's about time that events like that happen often here. I'm definitely looking forward to the next!
xo
Louise
