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Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Journey's Pinoy frontman

Journey's interview with CBS News Sunday Morning

Before my friend D forwarded this You Tube link, she warned me to prepare myself because it’s a tearjerker. So I braced myself but got a hanky ready---and like an open faucet, waterworks start dripping as I watch Arnel Pineda tells his story and tries to stop himself from crying.

For every Filipino musician who dreams of making it internationally and living the rock n’ roll life, Pineda’s story is an inspiration. The first time I heard about Journey’s new guy, I just couldn’t believe it. A classic rock band “outsourcing” their lead vocals in the Philippines? Wow! When I saw Arnel Pineda perform with his American band mates on TV, it was a bit strange. But really, he sounded like Steve Perry when I close my eyes!

Old Journey hits like “Faithfully” and “Separate Ways” have been my favorite since they first came out---classics that are jeepney slow rock staples since the 80’s. “Open Arms” and “Foolish Heart” still enjoy regular airplay in local FM stations. In the late 80's, my friends and I watched Pineda with the Amo band at the old Greenbelt open parking lot on weekends, together with the Rage Band (remember Juan Miguel Salvador, and another great talent Jo Awayan?). Those were my days with Battle of the Bands and Oktoberfests.

In one of his interviews, Pineda told the PDInquirer columnist, “I’m more of an OFW than a rock star. I’m just like you guys---I’m working.” I'm glad that despite the raves, Pineda has remained humble.

Like most Filipinos, I am also rooting for Arnel Pineda’s success. My friend D has already booked us for Journey’s Manila concert in February 2009.


11 comments:

  1. indeed, dong. like manny pacquiao, pineda has become a symbol of racial pride.

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  2. Source d'inspiration différente, et un peu surprenante...

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  3. for all Pinoys here and abroad---DON'T STOP BELIEVING! Yeahh!

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  4. Yeahhh!:D i'm still dreaming of becoming a rock star, Bernadette (haha).

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  5. I hope he stays with Journey for a long while and I hope he makes hay while the sun shines.

    I look forward to reading your future post on Journey's Manila concert. Have lots of fun! :)

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  6. 'Yan din ang hope ko, Panaderos. From what I've read, he sounds like a guy who still couldn't believe his 'luck' for landing the job. He's a working musician for 25 years, and I'm sure he knows by now that all glory is fleeting.

    Will definitely blog my first Journey concert.:D Thanks for visiting.

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  7. thanks for sharing this! I cried,too!

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  8. relate na relate talaga tayo kay arnel pineda, mayet (hehe). thanks for visiting!

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  9. JOURNEY LIVE IN MANILA! 14 March 2009, Venue has changed from The Fort to the Mall Of Asia Concert Grounds, find map here: http://arnelpineda.ning.com/forum/topics/journey-live-in-manila

    Tickets now being sold at all Ticketnet Outlets.

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