Mei ManuelHallo minna-san tachi!
Title seems a little off isn’t it? There is a reason for that because for today’s special of Fans on ONE OK ROCK: The Interviews, I will feature the Foundress/Head CEO/Overlord (LOL)/Boss of Philippines’ ONE OK ROCKers: Cathode Cera Vivace.
If you are like me who is just a recent face in the private group for the Philippines’ ONE OK ROCKers in Facebook, the story behind this group is a mystery. But with this short and amusing interview, let me share to you just how P.O.O.R. was made from the founder’s words herself!
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Q1: When did you first hear about ONE OK ROCK and what song got you hooked?
A: I have an Indonesian FLOW fan friend who kept on posting about ONE OK ROCK on her Facebook account. I got curious as to who are these people so I searched for them on Youtube. The first song that I listened to was Keep it Real. And that was the very first song that hooked me up. That was around December 2010.
Q2: Which band member do you like? and why?
A: Among the band members, I like Toru. Other than his good looks and his stance, what got me was his “parts”. There are times he plays simple parts which may seem too small for him. But he really makes a great piece that really complements the song. His music is quite good to the ears and how he plays is just flawless.
Q3: Lets get on to P.O.O.R. When did you join POOR?
A: (off-note, I didn’t know this bit when I did the interview. LOL) I founded P.O.O.R on May 22,2011 but it did not have an official name before.
Q4: Can you give me a background as to how you got into the creation of the group? Share our family’s story!
A: On December 2010, I founded an international fanclub ONE OK ROCK fans, unite. In that page as well as We Love One Ok Rock int’l fan club group, I noticed some Filipino fans. At the same time I also this feeling that I want to flail with them. Though I have a few in my friend list, I thought that there might be some fellow Filipino fans who feel ‘alone’ in their fandom because they have no one to flail with.
It turned a year old, I thought of deleting the group for being inactive but I saw those accumulated requests to join so I gave it a shot, thinking this could break the silence. One of these people is an AMUSE Philippines admin. Ms.Ysa invited me to join them, who are willing to establish a strong J-music community. Accepting the invitation became the catalyst of P.O.O.R. to become what it is at present. Together with my co-admins and other sister fanclubs, we participated in Anime conventions like Best of Anime, Asian Pop Expo and (I forgot the other one). We also hosted a few mini fan gatherings and created events like One Ok Rock Tribute Night. Of course, this would not be possible without the help of my co-admins, the people inside and outside the community who contributes in building a solid or unwavering foundation. I really did not expect that we would come this far.
Q5: Did you have difficulties managing the group? Any memorable things as well?
A: Yes, there are difficulties in managing the group. Of course, in every decision we make for the group, everyone is affected; positively or negatively. There will be members who will agree, who will support, who will comment violent reactions, and sometimes, create few misunderstandings… it’s inevitable.
Good or bad times, are many memorable things in our group. Few of these are the convention gigs, the times we shared with the fellow Filipino One Ok Rockers from the smallest fan gatherings to the biggest events we had, the times some of them shared OOR live experiences in other countries, having to celebrate the success of #KenshinManila together with the sister fanclubs, and now as we share our joy because #ONEOKROCKliveinManila has come true.
Q6: What was your reaction when ONE OK ROCK Live in Manila is finally and really happening?
A: Of course, I was so happy, thankful and overwhelmed that One Ok Rock will come here in the Philippines. Our biggest wish will come to life. This one is an ‘answered prayer’ for each and everyone of us.
Q7: Expectations on the Concert?
A: I think this concert will be fun. I’ve seen them on screen, full of energy, full of life… what more in person, right? I feel so excited about its outcome. I will meet a lot of fans, jam with them while waiting for the gates to open… headbanging and sing along.. imagine that, it’s one of the greatest things in the world!
Q8: What’s next for P.O.O.R?
A: More fan gatherings. Also, we are going to bring back Tribute night (sorry for not having it this year, by the way). Hopefully, expansion, I guess. We already have branched out in Cebu. Then this time, Davao. I hope we could extend our community to other regions as well.
Q9: What’s your message to ONE OK ROCK if they get to read this interview?
A: Thank you so much. You have no idea how much you have touched my life in different ways. Thank you for the music. Thank you for your existence became a bridge to connect with people accross the globe who are now dearest to my heart. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done not only to me but to the fans as well. I hope, I could extend my love and support for you guys. I celebrate for each and every achievement in your lives. Congratulations! More power for ya! grin emoticon Cheers!
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From one small idea to one of the most extraordinary things ever, that I think sums up the story of P.O.O.R. as I concluded the interview with Cath. I could understand the feeling since this special series started from one surreal idea (story to be released soon)!
If you wish to join our LOLs in the FB group and your love for ONE OK ROCK, click here to join. Please note that this group is a closed group so please wait for an Admin to approve your membership!
- ADVISORY: P.O.O.R. is finalizing votes for the special thank you to the band on concert day! Votes end on the 27th of November so head on to the groups for it!
Tickets to ONE OK ROCK “35XXXV Asia Tour”: Live in Manila 2016 are still available through SM Tickets branches nationwide or SM Tickets Online. You can also call SM Tickets at 420-2222. Please only purchase your tickets in SM Tickets and not through scalpers! Tickets are selling like pancakes so get your tickets now!
This super cool event is brought to us by PULP Live World, 28 Black and Amuse Asia Inc. Event partners also include Monster Radio RX 93.1, MYX, The Philippine Star, Astroplus, Odyssey Music Video, Pulp Magazine, G/ST and SM Mall of Asia Arena.
For more details for this event, visit either http://pulpliveworld.com/shows/2016/one-ok-rock
or
https://www.facebook.com/events/964161710306885/
For show updates, follow @PULPLiveWorld on Twitter or through Facebook page. Of course, you can also follow this blog and its’ official Twitter feed @oneistoinfinity for updates!
Show your support my fellow P.O.O.R. members to our fan groups and our one of a kind idols and lets give ONE OK ROCK the night they wont forget!
