This is a compilation of the meet and greets that I have had in the past couple of months or so in my new abode. In my 2 months stay here in my new location in Brooklyn I have had the chance to rub elbows with incredibly talented people whose energy is both contagious and inspiring.
First on my list is Arnel Pineda who is the new lead vocalist of the American rock band, Journey. The band performed in Jones Beach together with the other famous bands of their generation. Arnel, who like me, is also a proud Pinoy. He showcased his patriotism by singing one of the songs he wrote about Manila. It was a fun night because we tailgated before we went to the concert and there were a dozen of us who came to scream our lungs out for him. I like their songs but I'm not crazy about him nor his band. I was just simply there to show my support for my fellow kababayan.
Secondly, I attended the free Meet the Musician event at the Apple Store in Soho which on that night was featuring Michelle Branch. She was like the Taylor Swift during the '90s because she is also a singer/songwriter. Its been a little over a decade since she first started and now she is a full-fledged mom. But luckily she still managed to balance both roles hence the new album she's promoting. Michelle is really friendly and accommodating because even though the photo-op was not part of the deal but then she willingly posed. The good thing about this event aside from the fact that it was already for free was that it had a very intimate setting. I'm guessing there were less than 30 people in attendance so everyone had the chance to talk to her and have their pictures taken.
Thirdly, it was a night with The Tyra Banks. She had a book discussion at Barnes & Noble in Union Square regarding her first fictional novel called Modelland. The event felt like an episode of her now defunct show because she was going through the audience and answering their questions just like in her show. Most of the people in attendance were teens and some I'm guessing were in their early 20's. Tyra Banks is truly a street smart chick. She is fearless and full of girl power as evidenced by her empowering advices to her fans. Not only did she inspired a lot of people with her words that night but she also inspired us, her audience, to unleash the inner models within us. She taught us how to do different types of poses ranging from editorial to high fashion. It was a fun-filled night and very educating as well.
Owen Wilson comes in fourth during his talk for the New Yorker Festival. I was invited by a stranger who turned out to be a new friend of mine for this event. Her name's Shana and I met her in the GRE section of Barnes & Noble 5th Ave because she was also looking for a good reviewer. Basically, Owen talked about his participation behind the scenes of some of his movies. I think he was often collaborating with a good friend who he knew way back in college who happened to be the screenwriter for most of his earlier movies. I was actually surprised to know that he really knew much about his craft.
Next one is one of my most memorable meet and greets because I am truly a fan of her current show, The Vampire Diaries. I'm crazy about it actually! This event was for a good cause too because it is for the Breast Cancer Awareness Program and was sponsored by Puma. Nina Dobrev signed autographs and posed for pictures for everyone who came. From the encounter that I had I can assume that she really is a nice and down to girl girl not to mention stunningly beautiful too. And I also like that she is helping out an organization for a good cause. Like Tyra Banks, she is also a good role model.
Lastly, I had the chance to meet Chad Michael Murray. Seeing him made me thought of my sleepless nights because of One Tree Hill marathons. I used to be a fan of the show but I guess my busy schedule got in the way so I just completely stopped watching. Nevertheless, I still went to Barnes & Noble Upper East Side to support his new venture which is a graphic novel he made.
Photo-op take one: His version of a wacky pic. Lol
Photo - to take 2: I'm loving the Fierce look! <3
