I know we are already in the 1989 era, and we are now looking forward to the 1989 tour. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to deviate from the usual excitement to commemorate the anniversary of my very first concert (we’re not really equipped with cash and I was raised in an island so I don’t know concerts back then) I have attended and the very first time I have seen taylorswift: the RED Tour.
My experience with the RED Tour was one of a kind, and it would be an understatement to say that I didn’t go through hell just to be able to attend it. Philippines is not really a country most artists would personally pick to go on first instinct, but I was more than overjoyed when Taylor announced that she would bring RED tour to my country. She went here for the Speak Now World Tour a few years ago, last February 2011, but I wasn’t able to go because it was a school time and we couldn’t afford to buy both tickets for the plane and the concert. That’s why during RED, I did all I could to prepare myself for the concert, studying hard so as to convince my parents that all I want for my sweet 16 is a Taylor Swift ticket (and I have to admit, I wanted a floor one because I wanted to see her as close as I possibly could). Good news is that they complied to buy me a VIP ticket. Bad news?The concert tickets were so in demand that it got sold out before I could buy my own.
Of course, I wouldn’t lie: I was really devastated. I knew it was unfair to mope all night just because I wasn’t able to buy a ticket when there are people starving all over the world, but I was really excited for this concert. This was the chance I could see and possibly meet (but didn’t) the woman who inspired me to stand up when the world gets me down, the woman who was behind me all these years, saving me through her personal songs and stories. This was my chance. And I lost it. For a moment, I stayed like that, accepting the fact that I wouldn’t be going, but eventually, I came to rethink all of it. I can’t believe that after all this time, after all the daydreams I conjure about this moment, I would easily give up and walk away just because I wasn’t able to find another way to get myself a ticket to see her. I can’t believe I would just chicken out. No. I have to find a way. I have to.
And so I went out to look for other sellers, went out to join multiple contests even though I knew my luck in contests was as good as nothing, went out just to find a way to get ticket. In the end, I was able to, and a floor one, to my greatest joy and delight, and right after that, because I had limited time left, I made a T-Shirt, bought her newest Keds shoes and a RED bracelet, and wrote a poem for her so that I could give it to her if ever I get the chance to meet her. Needless to say, I wasn’t able to meet her, and while I was disheartened about that, I had the time of my life during her concert. Seeing her perform live, seeing her talk to the crowd like how you talk to a friend...it was enough for me to feel. Of course, I still badly want to meet her, and I will keep hoping till the day I draw my last breath. I want to see her. I want to meet her. I want to let her see what I am writing about her in my blog. I want to give her the poem I wrote one night when I was just so proud for her that I cried so hard. I just want to. But I know, this will come all in good time. I’ll just wait for it. Until the time comes, I shall keep the poem here safe with me, reading the words and dreaming that I’m directly addressing it to my one and only inspiration: Taylor Swift.
Just know, Taylor. Even if you haven’t followed me or even if I haven’t seen you that much aside from the videos on my screen, just know that I love you. And I will continue to love forever. That’s one kind of love I know will last. :)
