Yes, Dreams Do Come True…
I have been a Backstreet Boys fan since I was in third year high school. I never liked their song Get Down, but when I heard the song Anywhere for You, there was no turning back. I became a die-hard fan and I didn’t care about what other people might say or think.
Fast forward to twelve years later, I am still a fan. Heck, I even have a business card issued in my name with a title role as Executive Associate/Editorial Manager of the Backstreet Boys Fans Club Philippines. The fan club was never really planned until support from a number of good people from the music industry was given to me and some new-found friends. We were then able to start a group which is now famously called BSBFCP. It became a part-time job that I enjoyed doing. I never get paid for what I do. All was done for my love for the five, now four, sans Kevin Richardson, talented and humble men from Florida. Who would have thought that one day, some few minutes before noon of my parents’ wedding anniversary; I would be able to talk to four of my favorite guys in the world? And, of all places, in Singapore!
I booked a flight to Singapore as soon as I was given the chance to represent our country to interview the Backstreet Boys in their appearance in the F1 racing entertainment show. This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I just cannot miss this for anything else.
I psyched myself that I have to be calm for the interview. I had to set aside my fan girly behavior to appear professional and proper. I kept on repeating my mantra, ‘Be Calm. They’re just people too’. I guess it worked.
outside Fairmont, filing our attendance to Sony SG
The press conference was held in Fairmont Hotel, 25th of September 2009. When we got there, there were other groups from different countries who also came for the press conference. Some were winners for a Meet & Greet contest, while the rest were members of the media. I’ll be representing the Philippine radio station MAX-FM 103.5, as well as BSBFCP. Whatever the case was, I’m still there, with a Philippine flag sticker on my chest and representing my country. Such a simple, yet challenging, task, but it was very humbling and I’m honored.
at the listening party before the presscon
A few minutes before the Boys made their appearance, I received a call from the office about some problem with a client. I dealt with it first causing me to miss the Boys’ arrival onstage. I didn’t mind. When I saw them, I was still searching for that tensed feeling, but I didn’t feel anything other than being relaxed.
at the Press Conference
There was a warm reception from the audience in the hotel’s club, the Ink Bar. The Boys were asked questions, and my friend Lorry was able to ask one. She was my partner for the “one-on-one” interview that would follow. She asked what the Boys’ favorite song in the album was. Lorry told them that her favorite was Bye Bye Love which she felt was suited for her because she just broke up with her boyfriend. There were ‘aaawwws’ in the dimly-lit room, even from the Boys. AJ, Lorry’s favorite Backstreet Boy, said that he liked the song, too, so does Howie, who jokingly added that he just can’t sing it to his wife. Brian sang the song with improvised lyrics: ‘I think I wanna stay married/Baby we’re better together’…
during the Press Conference. Thanks to Sony Phils for the photo
There was laughter in the crowd. Brian was in a singing mood which was a good omen for me. He’s going to be active during the interview. Somebody requested them to sing a capella which, of course, they sang so beautifully. They are so talented. Then, there was this girl who was called by the emcee to go onstage because she said she wanted to apply as the new member of the Backstreet Boys. The Boys smiled and greeted her. She made an impromptu ‘audition’ in front of the Boys and asked the crowd to sing their latest single Straight Through My Heart. The crowd indulged her and she danced, much to everyone’s amusement. I think she’s good and I felt great to be there to witness that everyone was having a great time. After dancing and seeing that the Boys probably didn’t know how to react and opted to just make a series of high-fives with her, the girl added that she can make good coffee. Brian commented that Kevin always make great coffee, too. Laughter filled the club again.
K-Rich, auditiong for the 5th slot of the BSB
After the press conference, the Backstreet Boys bid farewell and photo op came next. The Philippine team was called first, so we headed to the VIP area where the Boys were waiting. It was unfortunate that the winner of the Meet and Greet contest in the Philippines was not able to come with us because of a virus threat. I hope Genelyn is fine now. Back to the photo op, we were easily recognized because of the similar jackets we were wearing, and, when the Boys saw us, they greeted us immediately, with a combination of hugs, kisses and handshakes. I was able to look straight into Nick Carter’s eyes and shake his hand. I was able to stand in front of AJ, shook his hand while he asked for my name. I was able to hug and kiss Brian and Howie. Probably, I was too overwhelmed with what was happening that I didn’t manifest the usual fan reaction. Instead, I was calm and composed; I know that I was able to make my Dad proud of his daughter for being so. Haha!
Meet-and-Greet Photo Op
After the photo op, we were ushered towards the hotel lobby. We went out and back to the entrance of the club for our interview. The Philippines will be the first one to interview which was great because we can still catch up with the Boys’ energy. Mila from MYX Music Channel (from the Philippines, too) was the first to interview them. She also brought with her some stuff from our fan club which we asked for her to autograph. How nice of her!
the VIP area at INK Bar where we waited for our cue to interview the BSB
While waiting, I suddenly became chatty – in English! I felt so honored for being given the opportunity to talk with the Boys. I didn’t want to fail our mentors who supported us and helped us to be where we are right now. I was into internalizing my task at hand when Janice from Sony Music Asia came and gave our cue for the interview. This is it!
this is where we interviewed the Boys at INK Bar
The Boys were waiting when we reached the interview area. I felt pride in my heart as I was representing my country in this interview. This interview was something special for me. It was my dream. This will go down in my personal history as being one of the chosen few to speak with one of the best-selling and most talented music artists of all time. This will also go down in my personal history as my best performance in speaking English. Yeah, that’s it, I guess. Hahaha!
The Boys were so chatty, talking about random stuff while we waited, and then Howie snapped his fingers, prompting them to proceed with the next interview. Four pairs of eyes were now looking at us. Oh. My. God.
Before the interview started, AJ asked me if I was okay with my seat. There were not enough seats for us during the interview and I had to cramp myself near Lorry just to be able to sit facing them. Still I was able to manage to act and appear professional despite the discomfort. It was very sweet and nice of AJ to ask me and to apologize that there weren’t enough seats. I told him it’s okay and thanked him for the sweet gesture. After this, AJ now has a very special place in my heart, hehehe. *wink*
Lorry started the session with an introduction. When she introduced me as a representative of MAX FM and the Editorial Manager of BSBFCP, she also showed the cover of the latest issue of the newsletter. The Boys were amazed at the beautiful layout – kudos to Lorry – but, the four pairs of eyes looked at me and I only smiled. No, I did not do the layout, as I’m more involved with the content, but we weren’t able to correct that because of the limited time we had. Lorry laid out the agenda for the interview and after they said their piece for the MAX FM ID, I took in my cue and started asking the questions. There goes Mr. Carter’s eyes on me again. Ahem, don’t look at me please, I thought. I might stammer!
Taking in a mild breath, the interview started.
Prior to this interview, I had been watching video clips in Youtube on how the Backstreet Boys act or deal with the interviewers. They will really look at you straight in the eye, oh, those beautiful eyes. I could have melted right there and then, but I have a job to finish. I personally respect them for their professionalism during interviews because of the way their sole attention was on the interviewer. In my next question, the Buys started answering stuff about what they would rather do. It was funny because they seemed to have a lot in mind and I can’t blame them. It would be a waste to be in a beautiful place such as Singapore and not be able to savor the surroundings. Brian told us about his excitement when he saw the sprawling green golf course from the plane when they arrived in the city. Later in the evening, he and Nick went to play golf and he was amazed on how people accommodated them in the golf club and even turned on all the lights for their convenience. Nick was sharing the story as well so I countered it on how challenging it has been to play at night. Nick and Brian agreed. Can I just kiss Nick? Hahaha! He is so charming!
There was a lot of other stuff that we have discussed during the interview. I only had two questions but we were able to talk about just anything we could think of. It was meant to be an interview but turned out to be somewhat like a laid-back conversation between friends who hadn’t seen each other for a long time. When I told them we were done, they looked like ‘that’s it?’ Believe me, I could talk to them forever. They were nice and very sensible, the type of guys that I like. *wink*
After the interview, we gave them our gifts. Nick obviously looked excited about the gifts. When we showed them the goodies, he immediately asked for his paper bag. I gave it to him and he quickly rummaged through it. Again, there’s this thought – can I just hug him? Hahahahaha! Then, they began signing our stuff. The interview is over.
after our interview with the BSB in Singapore
My respect for the Backstreet Boys rose to a higher level. They are so kind and accommodating to their fans and to other people as well. I was able to observe it as I looked around the club during the press conference and I was able to experience it first-hand during the interview. I now realized the reason why I didn’t feel tense prior to the interview. It was because, despite their international stardom, I didn’t feel the magnitude of their status as music artists because they are not acting as such. Let’s just say, they are just like everyone else – normal people, but with extraordinary lives. Regardless, they are definitely well-grounded people and that’s probably the secret of their staying power.
I love the Backstreet Boys more and this experience gave me more inspiration in dealing with my life and career. I want to thank Lorry, the BSBFCP Head Coordinator, for being my partner in this interview. She supported me in everything, and boosted my morale prior to this interview. Without her, I would not have been strong and confident enough to do this and face them.
the view from the hotel room
The experience did not sink into me yet, on how close I was to my favorite Boys, until later when I was already back in the hotel. The sun was setting in the horizon and I was eating a ham sandwich with Lorry. I began to cry. Tears just came out and I felt so happy on what I’d accomplish. My mantra probably wore off because I didn’t have to restrain myself to be calm anymore. I poured all my emotions through tears. I am very grateful for the opportunity and thankful to God for the blessing and guidance.
I would have wanted a longer chance to be with them, even a solo photo with each of the guys, but I won’t ask for anything more now. Talking with them for more than fifteen minutes was enough. It was more than what a Backstreet Boys fan could ask for and I was lucky. One rarely gets the chance to talk with a famous international group of music artists and I’m one of those people. I even have a video for a souvenir! Isn’t that great? 
I really believe it now… yes, dreams do come true.
Article has been featured in BSBFCP’s official newsletter, Community Blend. Get a copy here
