Hello Street Team-ers! If you are reading this that means Boyce Avenue Street Team Philippines has finally launched our latest project--SNEAKERS. We started the year right by creating BASTP on January 1st--and the last three months had been amazing! We would like nothing better than to mark our first three months with this baby. Why SNEAKERS? Because we need to be in them when we walk the streets to spread the word about Boyce Avenue. And of course, we know three brothers who have a partiality to them. I remember Jen McKay (of Boyce Avenue Street Team America) asking for a concert report right after MusicFest 2010 last February. I may have said yes; and then it became a maybe when I couldn't produce it quite fast enough. I became busy during the weeks that followed though that the maybe almost became a no. But then I found some time in my hands lately and played with the idea to do this--an e-magazine. I was thinking at first that maybe it might be too big for the team to tackle. Don't get me wrong--I have all the faith in my co-admins. But I know sometimes our day jobs get in the way and our volunteer time for BASTP may sometimes get cut down to nil. The hardest part was getting this project off the ground. Fortunately for me, my partners in crime--Maritess, Sheryll, and Melvin--delivered (I'm sorry for the short deadline, guys!). I hope we have the privilege of calling this the maiden issue for SNEAKERS and look forward to more. We would like to start off with a collection of our memories of MusicFest 2010. Also, we have contributions from Chalisa French of Boyce Avenue Street Team Thailand (who flew in to PI to show her support for the guys during this event!), our fellow BASTP hardcore Melanie C. Mercado, and Bernadette Sanedrin of Music Management International--BA's road manager for this tour. Hugs go out to Michael Sinjin Pineda for graciously letting us use his photos. Thank you for the trust, guys. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as we had fun putting it together. Spread the BA love,

Adelaine Sevilla, BASTP Admin

Cover Photo Credit:

Channel [v] Philippines and MMI

It's funny how Boyce Avenue Street Team Philippines was not even a week old yet when a member posted a question on whether it was true that the guys were coming back to PI last February. That was the first Monday of 2010 and I was still hungover from the holidays that I didn't quite believe what I was reading--and only because I hadn't read any update of the sort from the guys themselves. Nevertheless, Google did come up with a press release posted at one of the local forums. I did not waste time to inquire through the numbers I found there and I got it confirmed the following day. I was sure I drove a couple of guys at Fearless Productions crazy during the three weeks that followed. Right after I got it confirmed that Boyce Avenue was indeed going to be at MusicFest 2010, I was asking them for details, details, details. I wanted to have all the information all ready because I was thinking I might need to fly to Manila for the show. Atty Arlene of Fearless was my constant source of info during that time--Where was the show going to be? Were there ticket details yet? Taguig AND Cebu. Tix details to be made available soon. As soon as I found out there was going to be a Cebu leg, I went straight to cloud nine and, as of this writing, hasn't been back down to earth yet. It was Tuesday when I had the two shows confirmed and that the Manila leg was going to be held at McKinley Hills in Taguig. But the Cebu show's venue was yet to be confirmed--only that it was going to be at SM City Cebu. Hmm, where exactly? The guys

from Fearless were going to visit the venue Wednesday of that week to check it out. I was a little worried that without the any concrete details, the Cebu leg might not push through. Thankfully enough, I got word in a couple of days: SM City Cebu North Parking. At around the same time, tix details for Taguig came out. My fellow BASTP admin Maritess assured me that I can stay with her if I ever decide to fly to Manila for the show there. I have to say no though--I'll stick to the Cebu show. It was on a late Friday evening, January 15th, when we got the tix info for the MusicFest 2010 in Cebu. I was relieved the prices were not as high as the ones in Manila since I couldn't NOT have a VIP seat. I wasn't even sure if there was going to be any Meet and Greet since organizers couldn't confirm any--especially for Cebu. Cebu City was high on Sinulog Mardi Gras spirit on January 16th when I dropped by Robinson's Place to purchase my ticket for the show. I was all ready to have it booked and then--FAIL. I was dying to be in the first couple of rows but the nearest they could book me in was H1 Right. I wasn't about to pay good money to be on the eighth row. Nuh-uh. Once more, Atty Arlene came to my rescue--the first seven rows were reserved for promoters and were blocked from the public BUT she could help me book a seat. The ladies at TicketWorld Cebu wanted me to book my ticket through them because I was going to be their first customer. I smiled at that but had to say no and took my chances with Fearless knowing that confirmation for my seat wouldn't be available until the following week. When I checked with

Boyce Avenue performing during MusicFest 2010 in Cebu City, Philippines. (Photo credit: Adelaine Sevilla)

TicketWorld Cebu a couple of days later, there were several H row seats already sold--including H1 Right AND Left. I drowned in should-have's when I learned that. The following week turned out to be a better one--Atty Arlene told me my seat was all good. All I need to do was meet up with her colleague, Ms Grina, to pay for it and get the ticket itself. Unfortunately, Ms Grina was all tied up in meetings and doing legal stuff for the show that we were not able to meet right away--Cebu, it turned out, has more complicated processes than up north. I finally got my VIP ticket a week after that--January 27th to be exact. I even had my pick as to which seat I wanted. I got B1 Right--and felt like throwing a party. But that date turned it to be more important than finally having my ticket in my hands. A few days before, Boyce Avenue finally announced that they were coming back to the Philippines. They even posted BASTP on their Facebook page--the admins were so psyched about that! And then I heard from Daniel--I really thought he was just going through some old messages of his. But then he said that they would like to meet the guys who were active on the BASTP page and if I could forward our email addresses to him so that he could arrange something. I knew who the hardcores were so it didn't take me five minutes to come up with the list. I was texting my babies (that is, my co-admins) this news when I was on my way to pick up my ticket and everyone just flipped! That was a big day. Less than twenty-four hours later we heard from Ms Bernadette of Music Management International, BA's road manager for this tour, asking us how many total M&G passes we needed. That's why we love the guys--they always make time for the fans.

The last few days before the event were crazy. The Cebu leg of MusicFest 2010 was on a Friday, February 5th. When I passed by the venue on the Monday before the show, the barricades were all put up--which was weired because I was so used to

the place to be very open. That something huge was coming was definitely in the air. And the banners flying from practically all lamp posts in the rest of the place was causing some serious goosebumps. Let me just say that MF invaded Cebu like no other--streamers, billboards, TV and print adverts, you name it. MF fever was on! On Wednesday prior to show time, I went on another reconnaisance mission over at SM. When I saw the stage, the seats, and the backstage tents all set up, I nearly had a heart attack. It rained that day, too. And then on Thursday. And it was an overcast Friday morning. I was giddy but I couldn't help thinking what would happen if it rained. But there must have been gods who were looking forward to MF as well--the clouds disappeared and blue skies came into view by Friday noon. I was on Boyce Avenue high during the previous weeks that sometimes I forget that America's Best Dance Crew Season 1 winner The Jabbawockeez and American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen were going to be performing during the show as well. I could tell it was going to be one heck of an evening! The show was going to start at 8PM but I was at the venue by 3PM. The M&G passes were to be released from 2PM-4PM and I really thought I was already late for them. I was at the ticket booth and listened to the Wockeez have their soundcheck—or was it just DJ Nick? And then I heard BA doing their soundcheck--they definitely were on their way. I was lining up for the M&G when I made some very good friends with the other concert goers--who all won their passes from MMI's Twitter contests. It was a crowd of excited and happy faces. Hmm, good times indeed. The meet and greet with Boyce Avenue was a quick one--just enough time to give my gifts to the guys and have my picture taken with them by the event's official photographer (no personal cameras were allowed during this time and no signing of anything--bummer!). I had some stuff ready to be signed including concert memorabilia. Unfortunately, I could not get hold of Ms Bernadette

Boyce Avenue during MusicFest 2010 PressCon at SM City Cebu. (Photo credit: Michael Pineda)

My VIP and Meet & Greet passes.

so I could ask for assistance since her phone died. But I was still thankfull to get my M&G passes without having to join any contests--I've never won in any and I didn't think MF could've broken the curse. The best part was when I introduced myself to the guys and said I was from the Street Team. Daniel said, "Hey, that was you." (Yep, your and your brothers' stalker--that's me.) Alejandro said, "I like your shoes." (That's another reason why we call this thing you're reading now SNEAKERS.) Fabian said, "Hey, this is a rocker." (So that explains the rocker pose in our picture.) They thanked me for my gift and I thanked Ale when he noticed my shoes. And then there were hugs all around. Giving Fab a hug was no easy feat when you're as short as me. Trust me, that may had been the second time I've met the guys but I was still starstruck. And I don't say that lightly--I met Kris Allen later on during his M&G and I didn't feel starstruck. At all. And then the show started right on time. BA had the first set. When they started the first song all I can think of was, "Pure bliss." I had one of the best seats in the show and it was just heaven listening to them play live again--after 11 months and 23 days, to be exact. I had originally planned not to take videos so I could soak in the show. But there was no helping it when they started playing When The Lights Die. Then I was grinning like crazy when they played On My Way--I was so disappointed when they didn't play this song last year. High points of the night (when I wasn't too high to notice) where: 1)hearing On My Way live; 2) when the guys threw some stuffed toys into the audience; 3) when Ale ad libbed "Cebu, you have become my addiction" when

performing their cover of Ne-Yo's Addiction; and 4) when Ale came down the stage while singing their last song of the evening, Tonight, and I made short order of grabbing his outstretched hand. What?! I told you it was a crazy night! One hour was too short though. I wished they could've played all night long. I would have left after their set but I promised to take some pictures of The Wockeez for a friend and then a video of KA performing Live Like We're Dying to another. MusicFest 2010 was a huge success--not only for the organizers but for us fans as well. Cebu doesn't get many shows like this, if any. I will be forever thankful that the organizers brought it south. Whenever I pass by MetroCard Club Cebu to and from work everyday, it has become more than 'the poker house down the street'--they made dreams come true that night in sponsoring MF. As their tradition, Fearless Productions delivered in putting up a magical show--I hope the headache they had when prepping up the Cebu tix won't scare them for good and hopefully they come back to give Cebuanos more shows. And the sweet peeps at MMI are the best--not only for taking such good care of BA, the Wockeez, and KA. Let's just say that some great, generous things do happen backstage--M&G peeps would know what I'm talking about. And Boyce Avenue, The Jabbawockeez, and Kris Allen each gave their fans treats that night that will be something to remember for months, maybe, years to come. And maybe earned a few more admirers after that evening--I know C1 to C4 Right didn't know who BA was but were fans by the end of their set (LOL! Yes, I had time to eavesdrop in between songs). Oh, I'd give anything for another one just like it next year. But one can hope so let me say--until next time.

--Adelaine Sevilla, BASTP Admin

Alejandro while performing On My Way. (Photo credit: Adelaine Sevilla)

My M&G picture with Daniel, Alejandro, and Fabian. (Photo credit: Channel [v] Philippines and MMI)

My husband, John, and I attended MusicFest 2010 in Manila last February 6 for the concert of three artists: Boyce Avenue,

the Jabbawockeez, and Kris Allen. I am the creator of the Boyce Avenue Street Team Thailand group page in FaceBook. We were

hosted by members of Boyce Avenue Street Team Philippines when we visited. Both BASTT and BASTP met before the concert and

were given the Meet and Greet passes together. This was my Meet and Greet. As soon as our group photo was taken, we went our

separate ways to our own seats in the open-air concert venue.Boyce Avenue performed first, followed by the Jabbawockeez, and

then the night concluded with Kris Allen's set. The open air was comfortable, the lighting was good, the sound was good, and the

crowd was cheerful and orderly. All concert-goers enjoyed the interaction of the Boyce Avenue brothers with the crowd. Some fans

came to see the choreography of the Jabbawockeez. Others were attracted to the singing voice of Kris Allen. All of the fans there

enjoyed the performances of all three artists all in one evening. I'm sure Boyce Avenue has added to their numbers of fans after

appearing in MusicFest 2010. And BASTT would like to thank everyone in the Philippines for their welcome there.

--Chalisa French, BASTT Admin

Chalisa sitting at McDonald's with a big MusicFest 2010 streamer across the street. This was right outside of the entrance to McKinley Hills.

At MusicFest 2010, BASTT meets BASTP! L-R: Melvin Christopher Escalora, John and Chalisa French, Maritess Cachin-Chavez, and Melanie C. Mercado.

BASTP Admins Sheryll Avijean Hernandez and Maritess Cachin-Chavez.

Souvenirs and memories of MusicFest 2010, 6th Feb 2010 at McKinley Hills in Manila, Philippines. Thanks to Boyce Avenue for the autographs on my T-shirt! And thanks to Bernadette Sanedrin of MMI for helping with the M&G.

Since I’m a part of it (BA family), I’m going to share my own BA experience, one of the most memorable and unforgettable moments in my entire life.

Last February 6th, Me and my sister had the chance to see and watch the most awaited concert of Boyce Avenue during MusicFest 2010 at McKinley Hills Concert Grounds in Taguig City. It was just last January 6th when I got the info that Boyce Avenue was having a concert with American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen and America’s Best Dance Crew Season 1 winner Jabbawockeez on the first Saturday of Hearts month. I wasn’t planning to watch because I/we didn’t have enough money and I didn’t expect that someone would make it possible! Someone has led the way, prepared everything I needed for the concert and eventually made my dreams come true. Like, I never asked God about it and He just gave it to me. These things are called MIRACLES.

I never thought that I would be able to see my favorite band performing live and also having a chance to meet and greet them together with my BA family from Boyce Avenue Street Teams Philippines and Thailand administrators. I was really surprised that they added me into M&G list! This made me shocked, glad, grateful, overwhelmed and touched (mixed feelings). They shared the blessings and made me much more thankful.

And I can't believe the BA peeps were all so nice and friendly!!! As we (BASTP, BASTT and my sis) went backstage and waited for the M&G with the guys, I was really shaking and sweating a lot. I didn’t know what to do to control it. We took our seats while waiting. Minutes later, one of the

organizers called us and said it was our turn. I kept on shaking and sweating; and thankfully I had my sister to assist me.

We finally got into the Boyce Avenue’s M&G booth and saw the lights, cords, and staff from MMI and Channel [v]. And then guess who?! The boys of BOYCE AVENUE!!! OMGosh that was it! They took my nervousness away but I was so speechless. Smiling was the only thing I can do during that MAGICAL moment! Daniel was the first Manzano brother I saw (he seemed like an angel). All of them were smiling and were really tall. Too bad I coulnd't remember the first words that came out of their mouths when they finally saw us but I could remember the words "Hi," "Hello," "How are you?" "Nice to meet you," and "Thank you."

They gave each of us a hug. Daniel, the eldest but shortest among the three was also the most good-looking and coolest one! Daniel’s face was so bright and his smile. I don't know if it was just the lights but it felt like I already saw Jesus Christ (weird but true)! Alejandro, the "baby” of the group, was always in the middle. He was the most talkative

The best pic I have taken—with Alejandro and Daniel. (Photo credit: Melanie Mercado)

and the sweetest one. I know, every single BA lady fan adore him! I thought he was very serious but he was so funny and loved to laugh. Too bad I couldn't talk to them but I enjoyed listening them talking with the BASTP admins and hear them laughing. Fabian was the tallest and the serious one. He’s the hunk! I missed a hug from him because my sister tried to introduce herself and asked for a handshake. Fabian was surprised. He thought we were all expecting a hug and maybe that’s why he stared at her for seconds. My sister instantly had a crush on him not knowing he’s only 25 and already married! My sis didn’t even know their names; she was just familiar with their songs/covers. Meeting them made her interested. Fabian was the first one who noticed my shirt. I was wearing the Tonight shirt (which he designed) given by a very nice friend last Christmas. He said, “Hey, nice shirt, nice shirt!” And I was thinking "Oh yeah, I know!" But I just smiled and waited for him to sign my CD. Then my sister helped me to have my CD and M&G pass signed.

The guys ARE the nicest! They kept on smiling, talking and made me feel not different. I just hope I didn’t scare them. I felt bad that I wasn’t able to talk to them--I couldn’t even open my mouth to say "Hi" and "Thank you." But I enjoyed the moment I spent with them. It was really unbelievable and I felt so blessed. The time went so fast during the M&G. Five minutes seemed like only seconds but we had to leave the booth right after our pictures were taken.

After an hour and a half, the guys entered the

stage and started playing their opening song, “Hear Me Now”. I started to scream really loud. I was so sure that I was one of the craziest fans there. I couldn’t help myself when I finally heard them singing and playing. I tried to take some pictures and videos while watching and my sis were also taking videos with her phone. That was why I didn’t get to memorize songs they played in order. I was more focused on watching, listening and screaming. I made my seatmate really annoyed but I just took the chance and enjoyed the moment! I should not care about anything or anybody else! Before Alejandro sang “On My Way,” he told the audience the story behind it and it really touched my heart. I could really feel the emotions while he was singing it and I tried to hold my tears. I was surprised when I heard my sister singing along--I think she did enjoy all the songs like I did.

They played eleven songs and I wanted more--but their time was limited (just an hour). I was teary-eyed when they said “Tonight” will be their last song. I wanted more of them. I was so happy and sad at same time. Happy because for the first time in my life I had been to a concert and it was with my favorite band. Sad because the time was so short. I know they will come back to have concerts or shows of their own but I’m not sure if I would be able watch and see them again. They made me love and appreciate them more. Their music touches the hearts and souls of many people…I’ll be forever thankful to all those people who were involved and made these things possible.

--Melanie Mercado, BASTP

Words can't say everything...but their music can. (Photo credit: Melanie Mercado)

It's Alejandro on the big screen! (Photo credit: Melanie Mercado)

OMG--not Oh My God--but Our Meet & Greet with the guys of Boyce Avenue last February 6, 2010 during the MusicFest in Manila, Philippines was an overwhelming experience. It was also OMG for some of the members of Boyce Avenue Street Team Philippines (BASTP) with Chalisa French BAST Thailand.

These would go on my Boyce Avenue Scrapbook together with the rest of the pics of Boyce Avenue Street Team Philippines (Thanks to Joanne Watson for the nice pic for the BASTP).

Daniel Manzano: (asking the assistant) Where's our pen?Then said to me: We have the pen here, any of you guys want us to sign your stuff?Sheryll: Oh really? You'll be allowed? Wait I have some pics here for you to sign for the scrapbook of BASTP I am making.Daniel: Cool!

Alejandro Manzano: "Awww, I do not have that hair anymore." Sheryll: But I love this pic. The haircut suits you well.Alejandro: (gave his trademark laugh)

Fabian Manzano: Oh, who's this?Sheryll: Guess who? I think it was you! Haha!Fabian: (grinned and then laughed)

Assistants: Time to go now.Fabian: Wait, we want more time with them.Sheryll: (thinking) OMG! (I really loved Fab for this)

Sheryll: One of my favorites.Daniel Cool pic.We were teasing Daniel on what he said in one of their vlogs--that he was "the good

looking brother" in front of Alejandro. Daniel: (laughed and told the cameraman) Oh did you get that? The 'good looking brother'?'

Our Meet and Greet passes (Thanks, Daniel--also to Bernadette of MMI). Fabian was about to sign the passes but changed his mind cause the ink might ruin the picture/passes.Fabian: Oh,I think that it's not good to sign in front cause the ink will just be erased.Alejandro: Sign it at the back, it won't be erased.Fabian: Oh, okay.

Then Alejandro suggested that they should be signing it at the back instead. Thanks, Ale!

This was actually my first project with MMI. I am a

realtor in Las Vegas by profession and because of the

recession, the real estate industry has definitely slowed

down, allowing me more time for other possible

opportunities. I graduated Media Production in

Assumption so this is somehow a rekindled old passion.

Being my first project, MMI assigned me to a “low-

maintenance” group--Boyce Avenue it is! I honestly

didn't know anything about Boyce Ave. Thanks, YouTube,

for introducing me to them :)

Our meeting place was the LAX airport on Feb 1st. They

were flying in from Florida and I from Vegas (we were

going to fly to Manila together). I already saw them from

about 20 feet away. They had a ton of check-ins. I was

hesitant at first so I observed them from afar for about

20 minutes before I introduced myself. Yikes! The first

few awkward minutes were honestly gruesome. I

requested to be seated a few rows away from them (I

didn't want them to hear me snore ---hahaha!). After all,

it was a 15-hour flight! In the plane I would, once in a

while, take a peek to make sure they were okay.

At last, we reached Manila! We were escorted to a

private room. I was just talking to their Manager, Randy,

this whole time--about the hectic schedule, radio tour,

press con, hotel info, flight info to Cebu the next day,

etc. Strutting out of the airport they were pleasantly

welcomed by the media. Alejandro invited the Filipinos

to watch the concert in Manila and Cebu. Fortunately,

there was no traffic (maybe because we had two police

escorts) going to Edsa Shangri La where we were

scheduled to check in. We were given 2 hours to have

breakfast, freshen up, then meet for more

updates/changes.

Around 12nn we met at the lobby for a TV guesting at

Eat Bulaga. We were stuck in one of GMA’s waiting room

when Daniel asked me about some Tagalog translations

(Good Morning, We love you, etc). They were all very

calm and relaxed when we got called for their turn. I

handed Fabian a facial tissue because I noticed him

sweating (it was seriously HOT in that studio!). They all

got one facial tissue and as they literally scrubbed their

foreheads I told them that they wouldn’t look cute shiny

on cam. At this point, there were some Eat Bulaga

dancers asking for pictures--I can hear them quietly

admiring the boys (ang guwapo, tankad, kinis, cute,

etc). My Boyce were so accommodating!

After Eat Bulaga we went straight to Eastwood for the

presscon, then radio tour. It was now about 4PM and my

Boyce are tired and hungry. They have not eaten BUT

never complained one bit. They were happy to see

some fruits and aperitifs during presscon but we still

have a few hours ‘til dinner. We went straight to their

one-on-one interview (around seven separate

interviews!) in Shang. I made sure they had enough

drinks so I would check on them every few minutes.

9PM was when they quietly walked in the hotel

restaurant for their dinner buffet. They sat next to the

Jabbawockeez group and interestingly exchanged some

mutual admiration. Phi from Jabba was telling the Boyce

that he was all excited knowing that they were going to

be performing together because he watches them on

YouTube!

The balut challenge caught on cam. (Photo credits: Melanie Ann)

The next day started early. We made sure all their

equipment/gears were carefully packed. Assigned

with three bodyguards, my Boyce would refuse to ask

and take advantage of some assistance from them.

Alejandro and Daniel would always arrive ahead during

call time...while Fabian would be running a few minutes

behind because (I’m not sure how he does this but) he

finds time to either play basketball with the bodyguards

or go to the hotel gym (in between breaks).

We took a chartered plane to Cebu. Randy was

obviously concerned about the size of the plane--number

of passengers (we were riding with Kris Allen’s group in

the plan and Jabba had a separate plane), weight of the

cargo, etc. I wanted to make sure everything was okay

with my Boyce so I would check with them every few

minutes when I overheard Daniel and Fabian teasing

Randy.

“You think that small plane will make it to Cebu?” Daniel

would be talking to Fabian.

“I seriously doubt it…,” Fabian would answer.

And Alejandro would just smile and say, “You guys are so

bad!” making Randy more agitated.

We safely landed in Cebu and were welcomed by Jomari

Yllana and Rhada of Fearless Productions. We were

escorted to the Waterfront Hotel where we checked in.

We headed to SM for the presscon around 2PM. The

Boyce requested to visit the venue of the concert before

heading to some radio tours … then went straight to

several one-on-one interviews (from different magazines

and newspapers) back at the hotel.

We finished quite early and had two to three hours prior

to dinner. Daniel asked me if we can go to the mall.

Alejandro decided to join us while Fabian opted to stay

behind. Daniel wanted to see some local stores so I took

him to Bench. People were definitely recognizing them

and they were so accommodating, patiently stopping for

pictures. I constantly reminded them that we didn’t

have much time and to just give me a signal if they

wouldn’t want pics or autographs during this quick mall

trip. They asked me of what I think if they threw some

stuffed toys to the audience (like they did during last

year’s show). So we ended up with 6 stuffed teddy

bears!!! We hurriedly went back to the hotel as I was

seriously getting bombarded with calls from the rest of

the group. We had only fifteen minutes to get ready for

dinner while Fabian looked rested, Ale and Daniel rushed

to their rooms for a quick change. This was the

beginning of the Madrina “term of endearment” Daniel

would start calling me! He said I had everything in my

purse--wipes, hand sanitizer, cologne, napkin, flashlight,

etc. I would offer them candy, gum, mints, chips,

camera. I would make them try Mary Grace ensaymada,

Zagu, vegetarian chicharon, otap, etc.

I don’t quite remember where we had dinner that night

but it was on top of a hill overlooking the city lights of

Cebu. There was so much food (lechon de leche,

seafood, fruits, cakes, pancit, adobo). It was Kris Allen

that was initially talked into eating the dreaded duck

embryo. Check out the video of him eating balut (took

him 6 minutes and it’s more like salt with balut--not the

other way around!). Daniel and Alejandro got so curious

and Kris acted like a pro after he gobbled up the poor

baby duck (hehehe!). Fabian stayed out of sight, the

farthest seat in the room--trying not to be noticed!!!

The two were so willing to try anything, it was

hilarious!!!

Show day in Cebu. My Boyce are not even conscious

about what to wear and how they look. They are not

like the other artists. They were more concerned about

some fans that were waiting outside the gate. A few

feet away from their tent, the three asked the

bodyguards to walk them to the gate because they felt

bad when I explained to them that maybe those are the

fans that could not afford to pay for the ticket but are

willing to take the chance to be there just to get a

glimpse of their idols. This was such a defining moment

for me. I’m not certain how they were raised by their

parents but at this point (day 3) I knew that there is a

Mr. and Mrs. Manzano somewhere that did such a

fantastic job!!!

Show day in Manila. Had enough time to rest because

the artists were given time to go to the venue and do

their technical sounds check and stuff. We allowed Kris

and Jabba to go ahead of us so that we won’t have to

return to the hotel after our sound check. When we

went to the venue at around 3PM, we stayed and waited

for show time. They were so excited about the Meet and

Greet and repeatedly asked me to put the “Street

Team” at the end of the line so they can spend more

time with them.

I stayed on the side of the stage taking a video the

whole time they were performing. This was the only

time I watched them closely and honestly admired their

humility and great talent (they must not realize they

possess!!!). After Alejandro randomly ran up to the very

back of the audience (towards the end of their segment)

I was in tears! Prior to the show he was asking me how

much the tickets were of those people in front and how

much for those at the back. He wanted to reach the very

back (those who paid the least) and allow them to see

him up close and not watch him through the huge

monitors surrounding the area. He didn’t ask anybody

but whispered to our biggest bodyguard (Benito) to

watch him and make sure he gets back to the stage in

time to end his last song.

After their turn, they requested to stay because they

wanted to watch the performance of Jabba and Kris. I

prepared them some chairs on the left side of the stage,

making sure they get a great view but not noticeably

seen by the audience. I warned them that the show will

end quite late and I know how exhausted they were.

They didn’t mind.

That was our last night (Saturday, February 6) and

Sunday we were all allowed to sleep in until noon.

Randy called me around 12:30PM saying that the boys

would like to walk across the street to the mall. We

walked with the three bodyguards, three boyce, Randy,

Jason and me (Jarred, the tech guy, decided to stay).

Daniel is the shopaholic one--tried several outfits in Zara

Men! He was so excited! Daniel was happy chatting with

the bodyguards while sipping his second Zagu. Ale and

Jason were busy with their own shirt selections. We had

such a great 2-3 hours of bonding. We talked about food,

school, songs, and my three boys. They seemed to be

very interested knowing more about my kids. Alejandro

asked about their names, ages, and who is the most

difficult among the three. As we head back to the hotel,

it was a mixture of relief and sadness. I was relieved

because we just finished two successful shows--sad

because I was not sure when I will see my Boyce again.

On our way to the airport, they handed me signed shirts

for my little boys and they gave me a CD which read:

To our Madrina,

Thanks for taking such good care of us. We will

never forget you!

Love, your “boys”

We constantly communicate through email and

Facebook. I promised to see them in LA when they

perform this summer. I can’t wait to introduce my boys

to my Boyce.

--Badette Sanedrin, MMI, Project Manager (MF 2010)

Boyce Avenue with their madrina at the Cebu M&G session. (Photo credit: Channel [v] Philippines and MMI)

The guys during Cebu soundcheck. (Photo credit: Bernadette Sabedrin)