#HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST FOUND FAMILY TO GRACE TV SCREENS

[sparrowluvr]

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

The Princess, pt. 2 (S.M.)

Summary: Two months later, destiny finds a way to reconnect two young flames.

Warnings: angsty fluff

Word count: 2120

The Princess - Masterlist

It's been almost two months since the last time you've seen Shawn. You were a very busy person and during the day, you'd somehow fool yourself into believing you were okay, but at night, when the world fell asleep and everything got quiet, your mind seemed to be the loudest. Some nights you'd lay awake, thoughts of him overrunning your need to sleep. His almost ware-wolfish golden hues haunted you in real life just as much as they haunted your dreams.Yes, you managed to watch a whole season of Teen Wolf before you were discovered and your TV privileges got revoked. Shawn kind of reminded you of Tyler Posey with his perfect curls that were so soft to touch, lips so sweet and plush. Well, you saw Shawn in everything and everyone and it drove you mad at times.

„In our dreams“, you whispered softly as your eyes closed and the dream fairy cast her spell allowing you to drift away. Your dreams were always the same way; a fairy tale came to life and you'd find yourself starring opposite Shawn. Once you were Jasmin, a princess oppressed into letting go of her dreams until a handsome thief came along and stole her heart. It wasn't that far fetched at all, because no matter how hard you tried, you couldn't forget how your heart raced when you were with him. He made your heart skip a beat every time a simple though of him crossed your mind and dreaming about Beauty and the Beast this stormy night didn't help you one bit. It was ironic, you thought, how all you ever wanted was to run away from your life, but not even your dreams gave way to a different reality you so yearned for. Shawn Mendes was all you wanted to let go of and all you needed to hold on to. He gave you a taste of happiness and like an addict you craved more, constantly thinking about how to get your next hit.

„Philip, a word please.“ You called the older man into your room politely, keeping up your princess image before others that watched every move you made.

„Of course, Princess.“ He walked in and looked at you expectantly as you paces back and forth, your hands folded in one another and set behind your lower back. The man you trusted more than yourself cleared his throat and you stopped, a small smile gracing your lips.

„I need your phone.“ You opened your hand, waiting for him to comply. He squinted his eyes and raised his eyebrows at your request.

„May I ask what for, Princess?“ He questioned and you started tapping your foot as your patience dwindled slowly just like the quiet echo of your heels.

„Do you want to know the truth or the lie I came up with?“ You smirked and he sighed.

„The truth, please?“ He pursed his lips and waited for you to come clean. If it wasn't clear by now, your relationship with Philip wasn't exactly the same as it was with the rest of the staff. To you, he felt more like family than your own family, and from what you could tell, he felt the same way.

„I just want to listen to some music, I swear! I cannot handle another symphony, because if I have to hear Mozart once more I WILL RIP MY HAIR OUT.“ You entangled your hands into your hair dramatically pulling at it to make your point and Philip raised his left eyebrow.

„Aaaand?“ His questioning gaze pierced through you, knowing you had more on your mind.

„It's Shawn's music.“ You gulped nervously, watching the unmoving man before you, hoping he'd let this one pass. You didn't have any freedom with your outings, or your future, so why wouldn't your internet access be controlled too? You had a phone and a laptop, but every call was logged and watched by someone in the palace, everything you searched online would come up and you'd be lectured by the Queen an hour later. So, you found a way to cheat the system...Philip. At times, he'd let you take his phone to give you some sort of a normal life and you appreciated it greatly. He could see you were feeling down ever since the Queen’s birthday and his fatherly instinct took over. Philip just wanted you to be happy and he broke a lot of rules to give that to you whenever he could.

„Give it back by 5 pm.“ He placed his phone in your hand and watched in amusement as you did a happy dance. Without a warning, you jumped into his arms, colliding with him with a thud making Philip grunt, but hug you back nonetheless.

„Thank you, thank you, thank you!“ You repeated over and over. Philip left you to your task and with shaky fingers you typed his name in the YouTube search engine. You were left speechless once all the new songs came first in results, 'Nervous' being the first. You listened to the lyrics with a smile spread across your face, tears running down your face. It felt so good to hear his voice once more, to feel your heart beating faster whenever he smiled in the new video. He seemed happy..which made you feel happy for him, but a selfish part of you hoped to see at least a glimpse of sadness and longing in his eyes. You hoped he was still thinking of you, dreaming about the two of you, just like you did every night. It felt like you were haunted and he seemed to be released from the demons that plagued you daily. To say you missed him sounded crazy for two reasons: One – you barely know him; Two – missing him was an understatement as it felt like he was the oxygen and after a dash of fresh air filled your lungs, you've been suffocating ever since that day. It was ridiculous really, how this one boy became a beacon of light for you in a single day. For a person who didn’t care for emotions much, he caused a flood of those pesky little human feelings to flow through you and it was hard to understand why..Why him?

„It isn't in my blood...I need somebody now! I need somebody now...Help me..it's like the walls are caving in..“ The lyrics resonated with you on a deep level, leaving you a mess. You wished you could discuss his music with him, talk to him about the lyrics, about your feelings. Too often have you felt that way, trapped in a world you couldn’t get out. Without anyone to talk to about what was going on in your head, sometimes it felt like you were losing it. You opened up to Shawn, for what reason, again, you weren’t sure. It must have been those puppy eyes that drew you in and made you think you could trust him.

Closing this app, you found his Twitter and Instagram, scrolling through his pictures, stopping every now and then to admire his perfect lips. You could still remember how they moved against yours, fitting seemingly perfectly. He probably didn't realize it was your first kiss either.You remembered how his hands tangled themselves in your hair, how they found their way to your hips, pulling you closer ever so slightly, like any distance between you bothered him.

Seeing him plan a secret London pop up show made you jump up with a squeal.  You couldn't help but give in to your innermost desires and made an account 'The Princess', sending a message to his Instagram page in hopes of him seeing it. If anyone found out about it, you’d be in so much trouble, but something inside of you needed to take this risk. So you did.

I see you've come back to a country where the Queen ignores you and the princess snogs you which I can only interpret as a good thing! XO

You knew it was a long shot, millions of people probably sent him messages daily, but you hoped he'd be drawn by your account name to at least read the message.

„Princess, I'm going to need my phone back.“ Philip whisper-shouted from the other side of the door and you sighed sadly, disappointed you never got to interact with him. You deleted every trace of Shawn and 'The Princess' from Philip’s phone and gave it back. Batting your eyelashes at him you pleaded for more time after everyone went to sleep and reluctantly he agreed.

You waited patiently, and by patiently you mean you were a nightmare to everyone who came in contact with you. Being so close to Shawn, knowing he was in the same city had you on edge and all you wanted was to run from your home and search for him. He was like an annoying infection spreading through your body with every heartbeat and every breath you take.

The night couldn't come faster and you kissed Philip's cheek before grabbing the phone from his hands. Plopping down on your bed, laying on your stomach, you quickly download the Instagram app and log in. You gasp audibly, making an 'O' shaped face as you saw a new message came. You took a few deep breaths, reminding yourself not to hope for something that might not be there to ease your potential heartbreak. Swiping to see the message, seeing his name in bold on the screen made your heart stop beating for 5 seconds completely. He read it...he answered.

I couldn't quite forget the best kiss of my life..Does than make me sound desperate? :)

You muffled your excited screams with a pillow, legs flying in all directions as sparks of excitement filled you up and shook you to the core.

I wouldn't say desperate...maybe cute? I'm honored to be crowned your best kiss.

You sent in another message, feeling the adrenaline pumping through your veins. You knew how bad this could be if anyone found out, because no social media accounts was a major rule for the royal family and once again, you found yourself breaking a rule that your grandmother would have your head for....they may not do the actual beheading anymore, but she was a scary woman and her punishments were worse than death.

I'm honored you even remember me. A confession: I never stopped thinking about that day.

Shawn's response had you in shock as you read the message 20 times over, word by word.

You're not the only one.

You confessed and the thought of letting him in your private thoughts almost made you sick to your stomach. You rarely let people in or speak your mind anymore, scared of being judged and scorned for your modern way of thinking.

I want to see you again..outside of photos and my dreams.

Shawn wrote and your eyes welled up, your bottom lip quivering. Those words felt like a hand grabbed your heart and clenched it tightly, your brain screaming at you for putting yourself in this position. You wanted to see him..more than anything. However, you couldn't go anywhere without the royal guard and a horde of other people...your meet up wouldn't be private. Not for you, not for the public eye and grandmother would probably freak out over the whole thing. How would you tell her you had fallen for a famous Canadian when she still had issues with Meghan and Harry?

Unless you're secretly Tom Cruise, that might be mission impossible.

You waited for his answer as your chest started to ache and shake, soft sobs coming out of your plush lips. Would you be able to somehow make it work? Maybe somehow, things would go your way. If it was meant to be, destiny would work in your favor, right?

If that's what it takes, Tom Cruise I will be.

His response made you cry openly and you had to put a hand over your mouth to muffle the sobs that racked your entire body. He has no idea how the court works. Both of your brothers scraped by with girls that weren't blue bloods because they were men..They were also more likely to be kings one day so everyone had a different approach when it came to them. You on the other hand were forbidden to seek relationships on your own, probably because they planned an arranged marriage or something like that. When you told him your future was planned for you, it wasn't a figure of speech. That rebellious streak came back to life once more and before thinking it through, you sent Shawn another message.

Where are you doing your performance in London?

[liliesinwrittendreams]

Equilibrium

Chapter One - Inverted Birthday

Quiet. So, so quiet. Only the wind could be heard through the trees as Lily crouched, scanning the forest for any movement. She needed to feed her adoptive family and collect herbs for new medicines. Study things enough, and soon, ideas would flourish. It was one of the many reasons why there was always someone at the door. Even if they had to keep it hidden from the peacekeepers, which didn’t always work in their favor. No one ever spoke of where they’d gotten such medicine, to keep Lily safe. She was their healer, and at only eighteen. So while she hunted, keeping her throwing knives sharp, she would run medicines to various homes, sometimes not taking any money at all due to the severity of the illnesses.

Rustling broke her reverie, and her eyes narrowed. A rabbit. If Lily could time her throw just right, she’d hit the skull and be able to eat that night. Still. So, so still. Not even her breath could be heard as she kept her eyes locked firmly on the engorged rabbit, inching silently closer. Drawing a blade from the sheath at her hip, taking careful aim, she drew back with her wrist ready. Steady… steady… Sssskk! Perfect throw. Lily got to her feet and started after her kill when a cheerful voice called behind her. “Well, if it isn’t the little flower drifting in the breeze!” Luc. Lily turned to see his chocolate brown eyes crinkling as he smiled, his brown hair lightened considerably from so much time outside of his home. But that was District Twelve, wasn’t it? No one really stayed home unless they were dying. It was either work to try to make ends meet or go to the mines.

Quicker rustling snapped her attention back to the rabbit she’d killed. A damn fox ran off with it, with her knife. “Sonofabitch, Luc! That was my best blade!” Shaking her head, she joined him, several yards away and out of view of the electrified fence, sitting at the treeline of the woods. Luc plopped unceremoniously on the ground beside her, casually handing her a package with a flourish of his wrist. Thick, brown paper and twine wrapping. Lily took the package, a rather weighty little thing, giving him a suspicious glance. “What. Is this?” “Pfft,” Luc huffed a breath, resting his arms around his knees as he stared at her with one eyebrow raised. “You know me, Lils, you know I ain’t about that prank shit. Not today.” Oh yeah. Her birthday, the Reaping, and the anniversary of her parents’ deaths. Luc played his pranks, but he always left that for days that weren’t as emotional.

Lily opened the package, her mouth falling open as her eyes widened. A brand new set of throwing knives. The kind only created in District Two. These were deadly, ruthlessly sharp, and illegal. “You catchin’ flies over there or what? Say somethin’.” Shaking her head, she realized the implications if they got caught. “Luc!” Her voice was a hissing whisper, throwing her head around to make sure no one heard them. “Luc, these are from District Two, and they’re illegal. What the hell- how the hell- No. No, you know what? Nevermind. I don’t even-” “Jesus, Lil, tone it down a little, would ya? Aries brought them after I gave him the medicine you made for his mother. As a birthday gift and a thank you. She’s going to be all right. You saved her, Lils.”

Lily tucked her head down, going over each of the blades. Seven in total, and even touching the tip of one to a fingertip would result in a gashing wound. Black and even came with a pouch to carry them that unfolded to wrap around her thigh. A soft smile graced her face, her hazel eyes brightening as she looked back to Luc, tucking the blades in her boot. “She needed it. And Aries… he’s the reason I haven’t died.” Thinking back, that much was true. When her parents were killed by a riot, Lily was only six. Aries found her, in his mid-twenties at the time and held his arms open as he bent down for her. Lily had instantly run to him, sobbing and wailing, asking for her mommy and daddy. While nothing could be done then, he had taken her to the Holmes’, Calis and Dita, with their newborn daughter, Magnolia. She’d been with them ever since.

Now, Lily was eighteen, and it was her final year for The Reaping. Just as long as Mags wasn’t called, things would be all right. It was time to get back. She needed to change and help Mags get ready. She and Luc made their way back without incident, just before people started clamoring outside. Lily heard a few TVs broadcasting the events for the day, where several Districts had their tributes announced already. District One, Fiyero Deamorte and Amazonia Rhode. The luxury district, but Lily didn’t pay much more attention than that. She had to get bathed and dressed. “Lilypad, you were gone awhile,” her adoptive mother called. Lily nodded, taking her raven hair down from its bun and heading to the washroom. “Yeah,” she replied, calling through the door now shut behind her as she undressed. “Wanted to pick up something special for dinner tonight. Almost had a rabbit, but a fox took off with it.”

“Aye,” Dita sighed audibly in the kitchen. “But you made it home safely, that’s what matters. Mags, come here, let me fix your hair.” “Mama! I can do it myself!” Lily shook her head and sat down gently in the wash basin, scrubbing herself down as best she could with the water’s condition. Starving, frequently dirty, but they knew the importance of looking out for one another, of taking care of one another. Stepping out after she’d finished, Lily towel dried her hair and set it up in a Greek, fishtail braid, dressing into the nicest thing she had, an olive green, knee length dress. Good enough, even with the minimal makeup they were able to get their hands on. When she stepped out, Mags was dressed, her hair finished, but fidgeting. “Liliana, I’m scared.” “Hey, kitty cat, it’s gonna be okay,” she soothed her sister, taking her into a hug. “And you know to call me Lily by now, right?” She straightened as her sister shook her head. “Your name is Liliana, and it’s pretty. It’s a name for a princess, even a flower healing princess.”

Lily giggled softly and got their shoes, just before the peacekeepers announced that The Reaping enrollment had officially started. “Oh!” Maggie jumped, her arms around her older sister and squeezing tightly. “I know you don’t like it, but happy birthday, big sis princess.” She could only smile and hum softly, patting her sister’s head in response. It was time to go. Taking Maggie’s hand, Lily sighed heavily and the two were out the door.

There were more people her age than Lily had seen all year. Of course, being that the Hunger Games were nationwide and televised, they had to be out. Lily had to guide Maggie on where to go, to get their finger pricked for a little blood before being directed to their age groups. A woman, a rather… brightly dressed, bird looking woman, was standing on the stage as the Capital’s emblem spun on the overhead screen, playing Panem’s anthem. Lily’s eyes scoured the rest of the crowd. She found Mags well enough, then she saw Luc, then one of her regular customers named Erik. Odd… Lily always thought Erik was older than her. Maybe it was the way he carried himself.

Silence fell over the crowd as the anthem dwindled, and the woman introduced herself. Ruby Haynes, a former resident of District Twelve and their announcer. Before they could get to announcing their tributes of the year, they had to watch the same film that was broadcasted every year, explaining the war, the revolt, the reason for the Games. Lily rolled her eyes inwardly, still scouring the crowd. Silence once again as Ruby tapped the microphone, earning an audible screech until she covered it again. “Oops,” she giggled, her bright orange hair gleaming in the sun. Her yellow outfit was glittery, too bright and gaudy for the residents of District Twelve. Was that how they dressed in the Capital? Lily didn’t know. It didn’t matter, it was time for the names to be called. As always, ladies first, as it had been every year. In what looked like a couple of giant fishbowls were folded papers with the names of every person ages twelve to eighteen. Ruby reached into one, swirling the papers before finally selecting one at random. Stepping to the microphone, her large heels audibly clicking, she cleared her throat and opened the paper. “Liliana Eriksen.”

A scream. A blood-curdling, murderous scream erupted somewhere in the crowd. Where was it coming from? Lily didn’t know, she lost the capacity to breathe, let alone think. Her birthday, the day of the Reaping, the anniversary of her parents’ deaths, and now… Called upon as tribute for the Games. Mags. Lily realized who was screaming as she stepped through the clearing crowd. “NO! NO, Liliana, you can’t go! I- I VOLUNTEER!” Lily whirled and ran to Maggie, peacekeepers crowding around her. “Take my sister home,” she whispered to Aries through trembling breaths. “Take her home, get her out of here. Tell mom.” Aries nodded and scooped Maggie in his arms, taking her away from the entire scene. An unswallowable knot welled in Lily’s throat, all cameras pointed on her as she made her way to the stage on wobbling legs. She almost fell, a peacekeeper catching her arm. “You all right there, Lils? We’re really going to suffer without you.” Lily nodded, swallowing finally and made the few remaining steps up the stairs to the stage. Ruby was all smiles, beckoning her over to her standing place. “Was that your sister, I gather? And you refused to let her volunteer on your own birthday? Impressive.” Nodding again, her eyes scoured the entire crowd. Luc stared up at her with pride in his eyes. Guardian. That was always his nickname for her. Because of the way she guarded everyone, especially Mags. She barely heard the next name that was called. Erik Leavenworth.

After he’d made it to the stage, Erik shook her hand, looking down at her with gentle blue eyes. “I’m sorry, Lils,” he whispered, leaning forward, his mouth next to her ear. “No one should have to do this on their birthday.” Erik was easily over six feet tall, and broad. If anyone from District Twelve had a shot at winning this, it was him. Lily barely saw five feet, equivalent in the height of a child. Their mentor, the only living victor from District Twelve, was Orion Graves. Fitting, considering he was a raving drunk most days and was frequently holed up in his home, almost plummeting off the stage in his stupor. It was time to go.

@rosey-writes

[themclisseconnection]

CHRISTMASaya with McLisse!

Who’s gonna have a super duper happy Christmas? Us!!!!!

C- ontinuation...

Boys & Gals, remember when Kuya effortlessly dragged us back home to his house again early this year? Ohnoes. Our dark circles came back and trip to ubusan ng load started all over again but come on, no one would dare say that their comeback was pointless. LET's GO DREAM TEAM, LET's GO! Nostalgic, isn't it? We thought we're already done with reality TV stuff but when McCoy and Elisse returned inside Kuya's house, kirehan officially resumed and they got everyone singing O Pag-ibig again.

Everything felt familiar as if they never left.  Kuya aka Manager must've missed them big time like how most viewers did. 2017 welcomed us with a lot of pivotal points, major revelations and memorable moments. M-C-E-J-D, Cheerdance task, McCoy's birthday, Titig ng Pag-ibig, Kim x Alec, Disneyland adventure, workshops, breakdowns and of course, THE LONG & TIGHT HUG. Yes, McLisse, you know we won't be able to forget these moments until we're 85, right? The months have passed by so quickly, can you believe we're almost done with 2017? Elisse's birthday is just around the corner but here we are still squealing about the blindfolded big PINK bear!

H - anep! KINAYA.

So, we got the Tuloy Pa Rin TVC Part 2. We also got the FULL version of the hit jingle, Tuloy Pa Rin. Waaaaaaah! Crazy, right? The McSpicy TVC last year was just an ice breaker. A bonggang appetizer. McDo gave us the sequel we've imagined and it came straight to us without any warning.

Kaya niya, Kaya mo. The slogan was too powerful to be overlooked. #Relate Kinaya nila, kinaya natin!

R - ecording artists!

HOT & FRESH. The McLisse Album is still a hot topic these days. Have you ever find yourself staring at the ceiling, thinking deeply about how lucky Mc & Lisse are for recording an album they can fully call their own? As in... MCLISSE Album. Loveteams don't usually appear in album covers unless it's for a soundtrack album but there goes McLisse, making waves through an album that is headlined by the two of them.

Thank you Star Music. Thank you isn't enough, really. McLisse album is really one of the FIRSTs that we will never ever forget. Christmas is here, you better wrap an album for a friend and save a lonely heart this season!

I - SANG TAON NG PAGMAMAHALAN.

IT. HAPPENED. THIS. YEAR. Will we ever get over our first year anniversary? No, never. The color Red triggers a lot of priceless memories and one of them is the McLisse Royal Gathering that still gives chills to us whenever we see photos and videos from the said event. Everything that happened during that one magical night definitely found a special place in our hearts.

The event became a “part” of us that haters can't take away. It will always be a favorite song that we will never ever get tired of repeating. It's the part of the movie that we will always appreciate, pause and rewind. It will always be that part of the book that will remind us of our favorite persons in the world, not McCoy and Elisse but... Marc Carlos and Maria Chriselle.

S - weet Somethings!

The Lord continues to make us all humble and here we are, not realizing that humility have already become our second nature. He is guiding us to the right path. Hard work can bring success but what truly makes you a successful person is your undying faith in Him if the going gets hard. 

McLisse got the Most Promising Loveteam Award this year, PEP also awarded them as Breakout Stars and they also got other special awards that were enough to get us all clapping instead of bragging. McCoy and Elisse also starred on their first ever MMK. McCoy landed a lead role on the hit indie film Instalado. McLisse also got a Mangaserye: Vloggergirl Problems which is a certified best-seller. Both of them also got new endorsement deals this year.

Blue Roses took the spotlight away from the usual and cliché, Red roses. Sunflowers found the loveliest sunshine of all as McLisse found them. The fanmily will not forget how McCoy & Team McLisse showered the whole activity area with Red Balloons. It was another OMG moment, proving to be one of the most unkabogable ball proposals of 2017. Of course, McCoy and Elisse attended the annual Star Magic Ball together with genuine smiles not only in their faces, but also in their hearts.

Squeaaaaaaaaaaal! Star Cinema Awards also awarded MCLISSE as Ultimate Loveteam of the Year.

Wow! What a year! This is the fruit of all our hard work, fam! We stayed faithful. Everyone remained focused on the goal which was to win the award we've all been dying to have. Remember those trying times? Those gloomy days had to come for us to be more motivated and divert our attention in voting instead of weeping. Hands down to Team Puyat and online committee for leading the SCA voting party up to the last minute. This is just the beginning, fam. The “ultimate” adventure is just about to start for a better & stronger McLisse fandom!

T - he Good Son

Obet and Sabina. The Good Son is getting more exciting just like BetIna's storyline! We genuinely...... like it!

Guys, Kapit lang. We won't deny that we tune in to get more kilig scenes. We already ate a lot of hopias several times but we're still holding on to our faith that one day, moreee kilig scenes will come for us! Obet and Sabina are getting closer now. We can feel that the attraction is there, the connection is there and we know that a good storytelling is the only thing that can keep this OTP alive. So, cheer up! Eventually, the murder case will be solved and all the OTPs will get the endings they deserve, that for sure.

M - aking MEGA in Turkey!!!

TurKeyLig. Now, that's one for the the books. Can you believe it? McLisse's unforgettable trip to Turkey also happened this year! Oh wow, this fact still shakes us every now and then. Our hearts still jump everytime we stare at their lovely photos in the pages of MEGA magazine. We still get our cheeks flushed everytime we watch their romantic documentary.

McLisse fanmily have worked hard to turn this dream into reality. McCoy and Elisse have worked hard to make reality seem like a beautiful dream-- making every moment count, making everything magical and surreal to the point that we find ourselves wanting to slap our faces to convince us that reality is here and it is what you made it and for continuously living the most realistic dream of all--- achieving great things with the fandom.

A - ng Panday

Haneeeep! From JP x Lorraine to Caloy x Rowena! Thank you Ninong Coco! This is another milestone for McLisse. Ang Panday is their very film together as a pair and it made the cut! It is one of the MMFF entries that will grace our cinemas this Christmas season! Are we ready to see the Kiligan (Tatak McLisse) on the BIG screen? BIG, literally. Just the thought of seeing them together acting with Primetime King, Coco Martin makes us all hyped up!

Fam! The MMFF entries this year are all promising. Let's support our movie industry and spread nice words through our social media accounts. Ang Panday takes on a modern twist that millenials should appreciate and learn from. Of course, Ang Panday is the first film on our list!!! Good luck to all MFFF films!

S - olo MOVIE......... SOON!

How soon is SOON? Uhmm..... 2018!

OMAAAYGAAAAAAAAD. IS THIS FOR REAL? MCLISSE WILL FINALLY HAVE A SOLO MOVIE TOGETHER? THEY WILL TAKE ON LEAD ROLES, THEY WILL SHOOT FOR IT SOON AND WE'LL GET CRAY CRAY AGAIN.

Last December 7, (yeppp, don't you just love it when McLisse blessings drop on the 7th of the month, because yeah..... monthsary!) Film director, JP Habac posted something on his twitter account and the next thing we knew, we were thanking all the gods and heavens for a new blessing.

A NEW MOVIE. #McLisse sa 2018.

Have you watched JP Habac's “I'm Drunk, I Love You”? Well, if you haven't, then you better do! AS IN, PLEASE GIVE IT A TRY. McCoy and Elisse, or should we say Pol and Laya will take on a new love story and this is going to be a major breakthrough for them. Yep, claiming it because we believe in them. We know  that they'll work harder to make movie goers fall for their new characters , for the story and fall for their natural chemistry.

Are we ready? No? We must be ready but how can you be ready for something that will surely get your knees weak because you know deep inside that kilig is coming? Okay, let's save our energy for next year. Let's celebrate, fam! We are so grateful for this new opportunity. Thank you to all the producers, production team and big bosses who chose to take a chance on them! TT _ TT

2018, Here comes McLisse. U READY?

MERRY CHRISTMAS, McLisse fanmily! Let's celebrate this special season with our family, friends and all the other people who are dear to us. Let's all give thanks to Him for showering us with blessings may it be in our personal lives or for our fandom. Thank you McCoy & Elisse for holding on so tight! LabLab FTW! Loves, ang saraaaaap sa feeling!!!! Kinaya natin. We always got your back, no matter what! 2017 has been amazing to us. We've learned from all the ups and downs and pulled ourselves together so that we could all get back on track and now, we're better than ever. See the smiles in our faces? :) We will surely welcome new year with a bang!!! Happy days ahead!!!

(Pics not mine. ctto:)

[paladin-of-nerd-fandom65]

A New Tamaran

This was idea even older than Talon!Mary Grayson and the OC of Benito Zucco. It was heavily inspired by numerous influences from TV and Rock n Roll albums. The two particular influences are Pink Floyd’s The Wall and the Original Star Trek episode ‘Patterns of Force”. Another I gladly attribute to is writer George Orwell and his novella ‘1984′ from which the following scene derives from. 

The English name of Karras being ‘Cometwind’ is not my creation but that of Fanfiction.net author cartoonstar in her story ‘Teen titans Forever’. 

The character of Karras himself was created by Marv Wolfman and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. 

WARNING: The subject matter in this story contains historical and political references some might find disturbing and even offensive. It is in no way a meant to entice the political ideology within its story or promote such. There is no real agenda meant to be heard and the use of such politics are meant to narrative to the story. Viewer discretion is advised. 

As Always, I would love to thank @lightdusk, @tarisilmarwen, @fireflyxrebel, @robxstar, @nightglider124 and many others for encouraging me to write and make corrections for they are some of the best friends you can ever ask for.

 Introductions now finished, let’s begin. 

About one thousand pairs of green or purple eyes starred up onto the screen as the footage began to play. The first sight of a prosperous, happy and loyal generation of children playing or working on their tasks brought in a sense of awe and peace to the masses. The voiceover began to play…

“These are our children, these are our schools, these are our people, this is our home; this is the Planet of Tamaran.”

The images had shifted by that point into various signs of their home, from the recently built wind mills that provide their kleshu (Tamaranean for ‘Bread’) to the steel pounding factories that craft the finest weapons and building skeletons the Vega system had yet to witness, the crowd grew a sense of joy and further more pride. This gathered mass was invited and encourage visiting this rally here in the opposite side of Tamaran courtesy of this new development within the Grand Ruler’s court; a ‘party’ as they pronounce it was created from the mind of a very young and impressible Tamaranean warrior by the name of Karras. As it turns out, this young man, English translated as ‘Cometwind’, was a very close childhood friend with the ever beloved Royal Family, in particular of the Princess Koriand’r (‘Starfire’). Her knowledge of Earth culture had reached her birth planet and the young Cometwind took it upon himself to research Earth’s history, in particular military history from across various cultures in which can prove effective for Tamaran and its people against their ever present archenemies across the Vega system. By the grace of X’hal, Cometwind, who at this moment provides the voiceover for this rally, found one such culture to rally the people under…

“This home of ours is enjoying an era of peace and harmony. Security and Justice are done for all. Poor and Rich, Warrior and Shield maiden, Educated and Uneducated; this is our home which all can have their peace. This is our mother’s home and the home of their mothers. This is our Tamaran …”

At this point, the mood darkened…images were shifted to those very children at the beginning being suddenly taken from their places and into chains, the factories and mills burn to a crisp, bombs and explosions erupt, nothing was scripted, this was their reality….

“Our home is under siege, mutilated, pillaged, raped and defiled…by them. They had enslaved our children. They have destroyed our schools; they have harmed and scared our people for far too long…”

The images began to shift once more, this time to a certainly familiar, lizard like face…

“WHO are THEY?”

That lizard like face grew into thousands in a mass rally of blood and perverse orgy of their own terms… their orc like roars screeching throughout it all…with teeth stained with the crisp yellow blood of Tamaranean children…their glowing red eyes filled with such a level of depravity and malice at everything they stare…staring towards their home…

“They are the darkest and blackest souls of our galaxy. The black, murderous souls of the Gordanians are what they are. They know no meaning of the word mercy, no meaning of the word peace or harmony; instead they opt to relish and pleasure themselves in the suffering of others….OUR suffering…a suffering we will NOT PERMIT.”

“How does this suffering even begin? Certainly centuries’ worth of discontent between us and them would’ve provided enough of justification for this treachery? That is where we were wrong. The centuries’ worth was only in full bloom once SHE had her say…a say that has disgraced our kind and brought our people to the very brink of extinction and loss of all hope…”

The tone was now much noticeably angrier while a possessing a near sick level calm in projection. The image shifted once more…to a certain black haired Princess…wearing the Grand Ruler’s crown…the very crown she wore when forcing their precious Koriand’r into a disgraceful and humiliating marriage had it been for her allies…the exiled Komand’r was there on their screens now…

“SHOUT. SHOUT! SHOUT OUT HER NAME!!!” roared the voice of Cometwind himself, a youthful young man of approximately 20 Earth years of age, now appearing in front of the screen on a simple platform with a rather Earth looking uniform of dark purple and black, military combat boots, a hat of unique shape like that an Earth ship captain with an eagle gracing the top, and to finally add a black armband with a red border, centered with a white circle containing a red colored eight pointed star, The Official Emblem of all Tamaran called The Nightstar, wrapped around the upper part of his right arm.

The crowd erupts into roars and screams of hatred and spite, all with their eyes now glowing in righteous fury and hatred towards their enemy; while the names and calls varied in the end one common was used….

“TRAITOR!”

This simultaneous albeit diverse outcry from the rally continued for the next minute, growing and pile onward as the filthy image of the disgraced and traitorous Princess continued her display on the screen.  The cries grew even louder once Komand’r’s (‘Blackfire’) image was paired with the image of the horrifying and evil grins of the Gordanians who happily slaughter and/or imprison more of their beloved children. The peak had hit by the time Cometwind raises his hands high enough for all to see and the images stop. Now all the was shown was the flag of this ‘Party’, a similar design to the armband Cometwind wears, the Red Nightstar with a white background within an all black banner. The young Tamaranean man began to speak after a brief minute of utter silence.

“Beloved friends, this is our reality as I speak. Due to the aftermath of our traitor and the slow transition for the great Emperor Galfore, the war between us and them has progressed into a completely new animal. These crimes against our kind had grown on a scale only seen since our home’s founding days. We must find a way to bring our Emperor and our People the glory and respect we deserve away from our enemies. We have found that way starting to this day. On the Planet Earth, they have officially named this day with the title of April 20th, the Fuehrer’s Birthday. The Fuehrer according tot the doctrines of the studies we have learned from Earth’s history and best to our knowledge had one goal in mind: the preservation and ultimate survival of the Aryan Race, the superior human beings in an age of mutilation and disgrace not dissimilar from our own. Like the Fuehrer’s war from decades past and the effects upon his home, our war has not produced the glory and honors our warriors and shield maidens rightfully earned and especially not of the home our children must grow within in order to live happy lives. The Fuehrer attempted to bring his home all such and more but unfortunately suffered the consequences due to his mistakes and follies. We, the Imperialist Party of Great Tamaran, will not make those mistakes. Our war will be one in which all will WIN. Our cause is not for supremacy but VEGENACE AND JUSTICE. Our Tamaran shall transform into a Planet united for the good and safety of our children and with your support starting this day, our beloved Grand Ruler Galfore will have under his care and authority the greatest and most loyal citizens the Royal Family had never known. WE WILL HAVE OUR PRINCESS KORIAND’R RETURN TO OUR LOVING ARMS. WE WILL PROPSER AND SHOW THE VEGA SYSTEM WHAT TAMARAN REALLY IS. WE… WILL… NOT… SURRENDER. WE… WILL… TAKE OUR HOME BEYOND US ALL. ONE PEOPLE! ONE PLANET! ONE REICH!”

The crowd stands, their right arms raised as the Party officials instructed in their pamphlets with their fingers folded instead of the pinkie and index…the chant was heard as Cometwind began…

“SEIG!”

“HEIL!”

“SEIG!”

“HEIL!”

“SEIG!”

“HEIL!”

Even as Cometwind had stopped and simply held his hand in the Imperial greeting, the crowd’s roars of ‘Heil” meaning Victory in the Earth language of German continued with zealous fervor. Fervor he himself found rather…unnerved by. While remaining true to his word of Tamaran accepting this so called ‘Fascism’ as the Earthlings call it as a means to protect its people and children from the Gordanians that have continuously made miserable for centuries, he means for what is best and once his place on the Royal Council is secured, he hope his eventual Imperial growth doesn’t result in him taking unethical chances that mostly likely will shame his people. Personally, Karras, his Party name being Fuehrer Cometwind, hopes his rise will mean that peace he sees alongside the others in those screens are the ultimate result, without the needing of the pointless genocide his idol, the German Fuehrer, had his subjects carry out. Fuehrer Cometwind only expects the highest moral standards and civility from this otherwise blunt and uncompromising ideology he had discovered that one day his best friend Koriand’r had brought unintentionally with her Earth knowledge and probably one she had no knowledge of but one she no longer has to endure, neither should his people...not unless they can show everyone just what sort of people they dared to defile. One Earth phrase usual says ‘Pay Evil unto Evil’, and Karras accepts such a painful truth while the new 2000 members of the Imperialist Party continue their Heils for the next few seconds. A New Tamaran will rise, the Great Journey to Glory has begun and whether she knows or not, Princess Koriand’r will lead the way with Fuehrer Karras as her left hand and her beloved Robin as her right.

As stated before, no political agenda advocating this system of government is promoted here. It’s fictional and in no way is reflective of my true political stances or those who read it. Please be considerate. 

[sarahinzhuhai-blog]

Arriving in 珠海： Culture Shock, Awesome Host Family and 生病

(note: this was supposed to be posted 6/24 Zhuhai time but I'm bad) Two days ago was really, really rough. We saw HK and it was absolutely gorgeous, but after we took the ferry and I felt seasick, the downhill tumble began. I'm not going to talk about it much, but for the entire second half of the day I seriously hated everything and wanted nothing more than to go home. It was a combination of having gotten very little sleep (in HK, I went to bed at 12am and then woke up at 1, 2, 3 and 4 and then couldn't sleep again), constantly traveling and differences in surroundings--there's a smell that is everywhere here and even though BNUZ is fairly new, the buildings are a lot more run down (and in big cities in general, which I am already not used to, are a lot dirtier and have a sad feeling to them)--that made me feel terrible. I'm not sure why these random things got to me so much, but they did. I'll leave it at that; it was bad. Now that we're all at host families, everyone else is having some emotional difficulties, but for me the worst part of this whole trip so far was the time before meeting families. I truly felt a sense of deep despair and it was very discouraging. // Yesterday was amazing--started out rough because again woke up at 4 and couldn't sleep, worried I would still feel as bad as yesterday. Ate a good breakfast (complete with piping hot water)--包子，馒头 （sweet steamed bread, super good), watermelon, noodles, some sort of leafy green, etc. Some kids went running, I did NOT. // After that we took a campus tour via ecart. Campus is very green with a lot of water. Apparently BNUZ was created about 15 (or 50? I think 15) years ago...it doesn't look like that though. They do renovation differently than in America. Our "tour guide", Emily, is a student at BNUZ and is going to be one of the program language partners (students who are paired w us and eat with us, help us learn Chinese, hang out with us and guide us around campus, etc--most of them are majoring in teaching Chinese as a second language). Emily seemed super cool! //After the tour, I was still in a depressed/bad/I-don't-know-how-to-describe mood and that continued throughout the orientation. We were given bus cards, more info about surviving in Zhuhai, etc. Interesting thing: apparently, part of the reason for drying clothes in the sun instead of a dryer is because there is a cultural belief that the sunshine disinfects. After orientation, we are even more, I got nice and full, and then just an hour later it was time for lunch 😂 I am eating so much here, it's crazy. // Lunch was the turning point for me...my mood went from terrible to great. We went to the canteen and it was so big. There are dozens of windows, each selling different foods. I bought pork dumplings (our Chinese conversation was "8$ dumplings please *frantic pointing* pork? Meat...type? Pork? Ok") and XY didn't want her boba tea, so she gave it to me. I ate lunch with everyone but mainly talked to Grace (Sihong's daughter, who is our age and studies in the US and is AWESOME ), Queen Isabel, XY and...Reyna? I can't remember who XY was sharing with. Anyways, that was so much fun! Then we went to the supermarket on campus and me, Lexi and Maggie (the kpop crew) found a bunch of ads with Lu Han (see OPI post) and another kpop guy on them--I took pictures. My mood at this point had dramatically increased. We headed back to the dorms, packed and went back to the meeting room. // Then they told us we had to prepare a little performance for the opening ceremony. We decided to sing "对不起，我的中文不好” ("Sorry, my Chinese is bad"). Before, we had to give a little introduction so the group voted me to say (in Chinese): "Thank you for welcoming us to Zhuhai. Before we sing, we will quickly introduce ourselves. I'm ..." I was really excited to get to do that // Apparently, opening ceremonies are a big thing here that they like to do before every program that comes. I wasn't expecting much but it was the coolest thing ever. First, several PhDs gave speeches and then, after we introduced ourselves and sang our little song, the students performed. It was amazing. They did dance (traditional Chinese and a hip hop routine to "Worth It"), played different instruments, did calligraphy, diabolo, kung fu...like Zack said, that blew our dinky little song out of the water. It was amazing!!!! One guy spoke English in a British accent which was really interesting to me: I never really think about it but we learn from our teachers' accents, so of course people learning English might have a British or Southern accent, just like how I speak in the white-person-who l-learned-from-a-teacher-from-Beijing accent. // Afterwards, I thanked some of the performers and met a few of the language partners for other people. We all took a picture together, and then it was time for the placement tests. // I was super nervous as we waited (and hyped because the performance was so awesome), but I calmed down eventually because we were just chilling outside on a balcony area. Then Maya and I got to talking about dance and did some pirouettes...that's when I forgot my phone was in my pocket and then it took flight and cracked. That was a real mood killer. // Then it was time for the test. Before we went in, we waited with two of the TAs. They were so nice! We talked in Chinese and English and they told me they thought I was the best and would do fine and to not be nervous. They were so sweet!!! Then it was time for the test: first it was just some conversation with three of the teachers. I know I made some grammar mistakes but I think it went well--we talked about where my name came from, the weather, my city, etc. Then the writing section--I had just relearned the characters because someone else had to write them in their test and told us about it, so I guess that's not really fair but oh well. I basically knew them before (sans a few radicals) so it's fine. Then they said two sentences and asked me if I understood them. The first one , I did NOT-the first and last words yes, but the middle part no way. The second one, I understood everything but the last word (which was a key part of the phrase lol). Then I thanked them and left. I talked to the TAs some more (they said that if I make it to the highest level I'll be in their class...I hope that's the case but I'm not sure I did well enough) and then went back outside. Then Richa and I walked back to the hotel and talked about what was making each of us have a hard time. That was the first time I opened up about what specifically was giving me a hard time here, so that was nice. Then, we met our host families! My mom came to pick me up, we took a picture together, and off we went. // Our first stop was the police station to register me. On the way I told her about my school, my classes, activities, other languages, etc, and then at the police station she was bragging about me to the officers 😂 Not gonna lie, that was kinda nice (I was also pretty proud that I could understand some of what was going on). // After the police station, we went to pick up my little sister from school! She was really happy to see me! Then we dropped her off at a birthday party (where some kid yelled "GUYS, THERES A FOREIGNER" in Chinese to all the other kids--this is pretty typical and I have already gotten used to getting stared at) and my mom took me to fix my screen (! I was only expecting to buy a screen protector so I didn't cut myself on the glass but she insisted we switch out the screen). Then, while we waited, we went and got fresh squeezed orange-pear juice at this shop and ate some dinner-pork pieces with some sort of green vegetable and rice. I've been feeling kind of sick (to be expected), so I couldn't finish it. Then we went to the supermarket and got fruit, milk, a cup to brush my teeth, etc. Then I realized I had to go the bathroom- I wouldn't write about that but public bathrooms are an experience here. They are squatty potties, but there's usually no TP and no soap. But I had forgotten to bring tissues (rookie mistake) so my mom sent me back into the store to get some. When I went in, someone asked me "are you a foreigner?" (你是外国人吗？）, and I was like ...yeah I'm American. Later I told my mom about it and was like "of course I'm a foreigner" and she thought that was pretty funny. // On the walk back, we bought some croissant-y bread with red bean for breakfast and picked up the phone. Then we got 笑笑（that's my little sisters nickname) from the party and my mom bragged about me again to the moms at the party. They gave me a slice of cake (which was really good! It had mango and...tomato? I was a little confused) and then we headed home. // Home is so nice! I'm so lucky--almost everyone else seems to be having some problems with their family but mines great (except that I can't understand my dads accent yet). My room is basically bigger than my room at home, and it has a piano in it! 笑笑 played piano for me and then I played for them. My mom videoed the fat part of the Rachmaninoff and put it on her WeChat moments (kind of like Facebook). Then I showered and hung out, and went to bed. I felt so so so much better mentally, but now I'm dealing with some stomach problems--that's okay! // Today I woke up first at 6 and then at 9. My sister went to sports school for swim already, so I was just chillin with 妈妈and爸爸。I had some breakfast (since I'm feeling sick, I'm literally never hungry, but they keep giving me food)-杨梅（yángméi-bayberries). Then I watched TV for like 10 minutes, was really confused, and then my mom said we could go for a walk in the mountain that is literally right next to our apartment building. I was going to wear bug spray and sunscreen and bring water and everything else, and she was like no! You don't need to! Just bring an umbrella and if you keep walking the mosquitos won't get you. That was inaccurate. // The mountain was absolutely gorgeous!!! Lush, full of plants and butterflies. There was this really pretty walkway with little stones with all the zodiac animals on them. We went over a little river, up and down, etc. Then we walked through the apartment complex. We watched some ladies do dancing in a little plaza (and my mom taught my how to swing my umbrella around my legs to keep bugs away), and then we kept walking. She showed me the pool, the bus stops and how to get home from the stops. // At this point I was dripping in sweat. We're talking soaked through my shirt. We went to pick up 笑笑 from the sports school and she commented that my shirt was very wet. Lol// We went for lunch and again, I was still not hungry but still ate--milk tea and beef noodles. While we were eating, some guy came in and starting yelling and then one of the waitresses yelled "你有病吗？” (which is like "are you insane?" But it's very satisfying to say)...very interesting debacle. After lunch, we went home (my mom made me show her that I could find the house), my stomach problems continued, and we figured out how to use the bus system to get to school. // at my sisters piano lesson, I listened for a bit but I was having stomach problems so bad that I had to curl up in the fetal position. At the end, her teacher had me play for her. Then she said that I might be able to play in a recital that she's going to have in a few weeks. I'm not really sure what exactly happened there. We also talked about finding a balance between feeling and technique, she was very complimentary and I really appreciated her kind words. // after, on the way home, I tried to ask my host family if I could have some broth. That was our first major communication issue. I did not know the word, and all my attempts to explain failed. However, in the end, we managed to work it out (Queen Isabel helped). I had my broth and bananas for dinner, and took some medicine. Then it was time for calligraphy. // Calligraphy class was so fun but omg, it was so uncomfortable. All the little kids just STARED, and none of them could understand my American accent except for my sister and the teacher. 很糟糕！At first, the teacher had me try to write. That was absolutely disastrous: I haven't done calligraphy in a long time, the brush had too much ink, and my hands were shaking. This was very amusing for everyone else. So, over the course of the class, my sister help me since I couldn't understand any of the things anybody was saying because I don't know any calligraphy words, and I made some big improvements. I don't think I ever got used to all the kids staring at me and saying "wow, a foreigner". Also, since a lot of the kids are speaking very quietly, I couldn't really understand what they were saying either. All in all, I think they thought that my Chinese was a disaster. And it was very embarrassing. However, at the end, one of the little girls gave me a pack of seaweed, so I guess she didn't dislike me. Anyways, that experience made me so uncomfortable: I was expecting to get stared at but the cultural expectations are just so different from what I'm used to...I talked to 笑笑 after about how in America, it's considered rude to stare and especially not at foreigners and how different it is here. // At home, 笑笑 and I goofed around for like two hours and sort of neglected her English homework. I showed them some ballet and Basque dance, we talked a lot, etc. I'm so grateful for my family's patience with me as I have to look up every word and constantly ask them to explain things in different ways. //Observations for the day: 1) I'm very surprised at how open my host family is with me (in terms of clothes or lack thereof work around the house) considering we've only known each other for 24 hours. 2) Squatty potties are awesome and maybe I'll post later about why 3) in case anyone's wondering, this is my communication system w my host family: we speak in Chinese unless my mom or sister randomly uses English, and if I don't know a word either I look it up or I have them write in on the dictionary app and look it up. Or we try to piece it together in English. Sometimes I just smile and nod. 3) Being sick sucks but my family is very caring and I have AC in my room so I'm as happy a camper as possible right now.

[houstonlocalus-blog]

U2 Brought The Joshua Tree Back To Life at NRG Stadium

U2. Photo: Daniel Jackson

  There are only one or maybe two concerts a year that are so worth making it out for that they bring back old memories or create new ones.  It might be a set at a festival, or a band that’s so mammoth that there’s only one space to house them. When it was announced that U2 was to tour their breakthrough album, The Joshua Tree as a 30th anniversary tour, I remembered thinking of it as a cash grab. However, as the weeks drew closer, I had to ask myself if this was something I’d ever get to witness before.  This wasn’t like the Zoo TV tour, or the PopMart tour that I had already seen. This was to be something that wasn’t likely to occur ever again, so I caved and decided to attend. As a guy who saw the band’s film Rattle And Hum in the theater for one of my birthdays, this would be a chance to hear those tracks that never get played in person. I wish I could tell you that they failed and that the concert was a bore, but I’d be a liar if I were to say anything other than U2 definitely brought their A-Game, and performed admirably in front of what’s billed as the largest high-res video screen ever used for a touring act.  

  U2 at NRG Stadium. Photo: Daniel Jackson

  Things began with the band finding their way down into the audience to perform on a small round stage. Through the darkness, Larry Mullen Jr. opened with the iconic drums of “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” The other members soon met him and performed a tight and cohesive version of the song, only to have lead singer Bono call out for an end to war. This would get followed by “New Year’s Day,” only to be followed by an energy heavy rendition of “Pride (In The Name of Love)” which would have the entire stadium singing the backing vocals of “Oh Oh Oh Oh” in the end. Of course, the band was here for another purpose, and so the large illuminated Joshua Tree was lit, and the band found themselves atop a much larger stage that spanned the width of NRG stadium. There’s always been a chill that the opening of “Where The Streets Have No Name” seems to give me, and this was only heightened by the large tree that was lit up before the film work of famed photographer Anton Corbijn showcased how strong those LEDs really were. The illuminated tree disappeared in favor of a film of a road in the desert that was such high quality, that it felt like we were riding in a car and seeing it in real time. However, the fact that the largest band on the globe was performing in front of it, brought the imagery back to reality real quick.  

  The Edge & Bono of U2 at NRG Stadium. Photo: Daniel Jackson

  The crowd would go crazy and keep their phones out for the iconic sounds of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” before bringing the beauty of “With Or Without You” to life. There was something magical in how the screen seemed to transpire the music as it was played, while the four piece offered up one of the best renditions of the song I’ve seen from them ever before. Then, the bombastic sounds of “Bullet The Blue Sky” would change all of that. Complete with imagery of various people both young and old placing arm helmets on their head in front of an American flag, while The Edge brought out his black with black pickguard and pickups Stratocaster from the era to really bring those squeals and howls from the guitar to a new life. Bono would grab one of the many cameras and focus it on The Edge as those squeals emanated from the legendary guitar.  

  The group would then slow things down and place The Edge on piano and Adam sitting on the drum riser for the quiet notes of “Running To Stand Still.” While Bono would close the song with a rousing harmonica solo, The Edge would stay on piano for “Red Hill Mining Town.” Complete with video of the Salvation Army Brass Band performing horns behind them, the song seemed to take on a new life with the addition of the horns before the band would usher in to one of my all time favorites, “In God’s Country.” While Bono would note, “welcome to side two, this song is about how the landscape of this fine country can change physically and mentally” the rarely performed track sounded as fresh as the first time I heard it. The Joshua Tree would turn purple before Bono addressed the crowd at the track’s end by starting with “we need new dreams tonight. We realize that we’re guests here, so thank you for having us in your country, all of us Irish; for hundreds of years.”

  Bono of U2 at NRG Stadium. Photo: Daniel Jackson

  Before the opening of “Trip Through Your Wires” would have Bono jokingly state “we’ll be back for the rodeo,” and at the end, Bono again addressed the crowd with words about the recent tragedy in Manchester. “Our hearts are with you, with Manchester. We’re broken hearted for the families, for the parents, there’s no end to grief which is proof that there’s no end to love.” Then the band took the song “One Tree Hill” to a whole new place both sonically and visually. Then, Bono who had left the stage would return donning a hat before beginning “Exit.” The intense and somber tune hit hard, while a comical film would play making fun of President Trump clipped together from the films “Wise Blood,” and “Eeny Meeny Miny Moe,” before the band closed out The Joshua Tree set with “Mothers of The Disappeared” which ended with the audience singing along in unison. “Thank you so much, thank you so much. What a special night you’ve given us,” Bono would state before the outline of The Joshua Tree would turn to blue and the band would exit the stage.

  U2 at NRG Stadium. Photo: Daniel Jackson

  The audience would almost light the way for the band to return with the flashlight functions of their phones. While that can sometimes be annoying, there’s something mesmerizing about how lit up a place as large as NRG stadium can appear under such circumstances. A film would soon begin, with the face of a young Syrian girl who is asked, “if you could say one thing to an audience of thousands, what would it be?” She would very cheerfully say, “I would very much like to go to America, because is the land of dreams where anything can happen.” As the band played “Miss Sarajevo,” and video of children playing in the war torn ruins of Syria, a flag with the young girl’s image was carried over our heads and made its way all around the entire stadium. The imagery of the gesture alone would hit so hard that it almost made me weep. The band would follow this up with the powerful fan favorite, “Bad.” The song evoked such emotion that the crowd was almost as loud as the band while they sang along.  Then, U2 would leave us again.

  The Edge & Bono of U2 at NRG Stadium. Photo: Daniel Jackson

  When they returned for the final time, things began with Bono running to the smaller stage before a rainbow imagery covered the band as cameras captured them in real time on the large screen as they erupted the stadium with the opening of “Beautiful Day.” With an ever changing illumination on the band as they played, there was a real positive feeling in the stadium as they performed. The audience would sing along harder when the band began “Elevation.” The audience would happily sing the backing vocal of “wooh ooh, wooh ooh ooh.” While Bono would state, “Houston, we don’t have a problem,”  before shouting out the state of Texas and the Houston Rockets, before dedicating the song “Ultra Violet (Light My Way).” “We’d like to dedicate this song to the very special women in our lives, the wives, the mothers, the women of our crew, and our female fans here tonight who we feel like we know, as well as those we’ll have no way of ever knowing. The women who insisted and the women who persisted.” This brought out images on the large screen of women like Michelle Obama, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Grace Jones, Patti Smith, Hillary Clinton, and Anne Richards to name a few. The band would then turn the stadium into a giant sing-a-long as they performed “One.” After Bono called the rest of the band to come down to the small stage where he was already met by Adam, he said the most poignant thing of the night, after thanking President Obama, President George W. Bush, and former first lady Laura Bush for their support of the (Red) program and helping save lives through AIDS research and care. “A social movement can change the world. Governments should fear their citizens, not the other way around.” After telling a funny story about Miles Davis being pulled over for speeding, the band offered up a new song with “The Little Things That Give You Away,” before closing the evening off with thanks to everyone from their team to the audience in attendance.

  All in all, I was happy to attend and that I went. The band sounded better than the previous times I’d seen them, and getting to hear the songs of The Joshua Tree live was truly amazing. However, the screen and films just made the whole experience more memorable, and definitely a memory I won’t soon forget. U2 just proved that sometimes an event can bring up old cherished memories while giving us new ones, while pleasing us all in each and every performance.

U2 Brought The Joshua Tree Back To Life at NRG Stadium this is a repost