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UAE

Coldplay in Abu Dhabi

It is my second time to celebrate new year away from home. The eve and today were spent with dear ones, cooking for them and well, it has been spiced up differently because I had a new year countdown with Coldplay. They have been here in 2009 but I was not able to catch them. I guess this is one of the blessings in disguise (no, I am not sourgraping heehee) of not being granted a leave this time due to work commitments.

Coldplay in Abu Dhabi

Unlike the Formula 1 after-race concerts which were consistently staged at Yas Arena, last night’s concert was held at the Corniche Breakwater. I think it is due to the event being highlighted, the Volvo Ocean Race, which is happening in Abu Dhabi Corniche. While I am more at home in Yas Arena, the presence of the group in any venue may probably outweigh other preferences and considerations. It was reported that this British band was paid US$ 1.5 million for this performance and was a personal choice of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Coldplay in Abu Dhabi

The concert kicked off with mini-fireworks display and confetti complemented some of the next numbers. They played Yellow, Viva La Vida, Violet Hill, Fix You, Paradise, In My Place, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, and more that comprised the epic night.

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The Cult in Abu Dhabi

Following Britney Spears’ after-race concert was a back to back oozing performances from The Cult and Incubus. We didn’t know who is going to perform first, but the spotlight buzzed at 8:00 PM, an hour earlier than the usual gigs in Yas Arena. There the British rock band, The Cult came in full enthusiasm.

The Cult in Abu Dhabi

I had a little adjustment to the ‘gothic rock’, but they were pleasant in the ears. Add to that the contagious looks of people around me who were obvious die-hards. For a moment I felt a little out of place. Hahaha. But not too long I was regaled by the head banging of the lead vocalist, but I liked more the depth of the guitarists.

The Cult in Abu Dhabi

The band existed even before I went to gradeschool and it was interesting to see them still standing as group although it went through ‘break-up’, reunion, hiatus, and other challenges. (In my dreams, I hope that can happen with the Philippines’/ our very own ‘Eraserheads’.)

The Cult in Abu Dhabi

I can say that The Cult’s appearance in the back to back concert with Incubus seemed like a ‘swing by‘ in Abu Dhabi as they are preparing for their 9th studio album.


Ended their performance via the classic She Sells Sanctuary

Front row, VIP Section expectators - The Cult in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to Universe for the VIP passes!

And as they concluded, we paused for a break as the stage was being switched on to a different kind of energy. We were at the same (front) row with them — few minutes before Incubus appeared to the crowd (*inserts teenage-like screams here*).

[The Cult in Abu Dhabi photoset]

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Jay Alonzo's The Expert Beginner photo workshop in Abu Dhabi

It’s been almost a year since I attended the basic and food photography workshops conducted by the maestro. And guess what, he’s back in Abu Dhabi (although we occasionally meet him here for random gatherings and we expect to see him more since he tied the knot with one of my very good friends; I remember the giddy me when he had dinner in our house and saw this ‘gonna make you thirsty’ photo I took during a workshop hanging at the dining area) and he will conduct a free photography talk on seven (7) easy steps to creating a better photograph.

Please do come and don’t miss the experience this coming Friday, 9th December 2011, in Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. It will start at 9:30 AM. We hope to make it on the latter part since we’ll be proceeding there from St. Joseph Church (little J is attending the catechism class every Friday). Admission is free, just present your 2011 Paskuhan ticket. (Click here to read about last year’s Christmas bazaar/paskuhan in Philippine Embassy.)

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UAE National figurine

My nicest memento of the celebration is the Spirit of the Union pin. And of course, this long weekend. :)

Edit: Added new photos as 3 December 2011

Spirit of the Union pin #UAE40
[Spirit of the Union pin]

Falcon # UAE40
[Photo taking with the falcon in the office]

The following from one of my UAE-related books, Rags to Riches:

From the book 'Rags to Riches' #UAE40UAE's humble beginnings #UAE40Old Abu Dhabi #UAE40 Old Abu Dhabi #UAE40
[Old Abu Dhabi]

Wonderful coverage of UAE’s 40th day celebrations via Abu Dhabi TV. I had to record this inspirational part (lots of, actually!) wherein the Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad danced with the locals. See that genuine beams.

UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan #UAE40UAE celebrations via Abu Dhabi TV #UAE40

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Britney Spears

Amongst many celebrations, November spells F1 in Abu Dhabi or locally known as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But more than the roaring engines, I am one of those who are more interested in after-race concerts. So we did a concert marathon again like last year (it was Kanye West, Linkin Park and Prince) the past week.

F1 Village

We strategically selected the North Grandstand tickets again since it’s nearest to Yas Arena (concert venue). That we can just do ober da bakod (over the fence) after the race. Well, it’s still steps/corner away but the best location if you intend to fly from the race circuit to the concert gate. We got the buy one, take one tickets by the way and for that I thank over and again a good friend for sourcing for us. I also can not thank the Universe enough because even if we got the regular F1 race tickets (which entitled the holder to after-race concert), we were given (on the day itself) VIP wristbands in the three consecutive nights musical affair. Yehey!

Britney SpearsFemme Fatale Tour (Abu Dhabi)

Months before the Abu Dhabi F1 organizers announced the line up of performers, there were speculations that Lady Gaga will do the opening night. But surmised that she is too liberated for the Emirate. Then it was finally hinted that Britney Spears will kick-off the after-race concerts when Abu Dhabi was announced to  be part of her Femme Fatale Tour. Due to stretchable demand, the concert organizers floated tons of tickets raffled through online contests in order to give way to interested non-F1 ticket holders.

Britney Spears doing the Toxic dance

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