Book: Glee, the Official Annual 2011

What is there to say about Glee that hasn’t been said before? Glee was a phenomenon. I’m sure some people believe it still is, but personally, I think it’s nearing its expiration date. But, I must admit, I still enjoy watching it–even if it’s mostly because of the performances and not the actual story. Season 3 looks like it could go back to the way things were in Season 1–the early part of Season 1. But has the changes come a little bit too late?

Of course, what I’m really here to talk about isn’t the current status of Glee. I’m writing about the official annual (pictured left) that came out sometime early this year. I didn’t buy it right off the bat, because I didn’t really think there’s anything more I want to know about the cast. Especially after the lackluster Season 2. But when National Bookstore had a sale, and I saw that it wasn’t that expensive, I figured: what the hell? Might as well get it.

It’s the type of thing only a collector would like. There’s really nothing new to be gleaned from the official annual–if it is even official. Season 1 ended in May of 2010, and yet the annual came out in 2011. So that there is fishy right from the get-go. Though, it does say inside that it’s a product of the United Kingdom. So that might have something to do with it.

Regardless of its authenticity though, the annual is basically an episode guide for the first season, with character profiles for that season’s main players, and a few extras I would rather forget. There’s the how-to for prom, there’s the test to see which Glee guy is your type, and which Glee girl would you be bestfriends with. Clearly, I was not the intended audience when the publishers decided to make this publication. Of course, no one actually forced me to buy this, so I shouldn’t complain.

The only new thing you’ll find here are the prom pictures that have been spotted online before, but were never really released. I don’t know what Fox was planning with those photos–but it’ll be too late to release them now.

If I could go back in time to stop myself from buying this, I would. Even though it wasn’t expensive–it really did nothing to affect me in the least. Well, aside from take some cash out of my wallet. Which, I’m sure, someone would say is exactly what Glee is doing anyway, with all the merchandise, and the songs, etc.

event: darren criss, live in manila

last night, while trying to take good photos of darren criss performing, i wished i had a better camera. in the end though, i didn’t go to the show for good photos–i went to enjoy good music.

good music was definitely there to enjoy.

for those of you who aren’t familiar with darren criss, he is the star (composer, lyricist and writer as well) of one of the many internet sensations–A VERY POTTER MUSICAL. if you’re not into the whole harry potter thing, he also starred in the short-lived EASTWICK, and is currently a recurring guest star on GLEE.

the show, held at ayala’s greenbelt 3 park, was dubbed “a gleeful christmas with darren criss,” but i was happy that he mostly sang songs that he wanted to sing. there was no set list. darren just sang whatever song popped into his head.

of course there were songs from the very potter musicals, and he also sang a couple of disney songs, a christmas song, and his biggest hit from GLEE, “teenage dream.”

darren was feeling a bit under the weather during the event. despite this (and jet lag), darren was still very professional. he exceed the hour he was given to perform, and stuck around for all the meet-and-greet pass holders, as well as those who have stubs for an autograph signing session.

i got him to sign my copy of his ep with “darren doesn’t know.” he’s seen the meme, and he seems to find it funny.

this is only my second ayala mall event, so i don’t know if this is always the case. but i really have a bone to pick with their ticket distribution, and how they disseminate information.

my friend and i lined up early in the morning to get one of the 200 tickets they’re releasing. while in the line, an ayala employee tells everyone to move the line to the other side.

it turns out that the employee had told the ones in front (of the line) that only the a-list card members are supposed to move to the other side of the concierge (aka ticket distribution booth), but since the employee only bothered to say this to the ones in front of the line, there was a mad scramble as people raced to get into the front of the newly formed line.

so it took a bit of a sorting out for people to actually go line up to where they’re supposed to line up.

and then, during the time the security personnel were letting people into the venue, there was another scramble as people tried to elbow their way into the venue. and these were the people with stubs! a security personnel had told us to go line-up near where the make-shift entrance was, but when one of my companions asked the guards that were stationed there, they hadn’t been told that there was supposed to be a line.

all of these didn’t come as a surprise to me yesterday though. after all, my only other ayala event experience (back in 2008) was way worse than yesterday. i did my best to stay unaffected this time around, so i could enjoy the show more.

the only reason why i’m sharing this now is because i sincerely hope the organizers of ayala events make a serious effort to be more, well, organized.