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‘To MJ, love Mariah’: What it feels like meeting Mariah Carey

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MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN News

<p>She got me feeling emotions! </p><p>Mariah Carey is the biggest selling female artist of all time, with about 250 million records sold worldwide, and 18 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits (just two more hits and she’ll be tied with The Beatles) — Mimi, as fans would call her, is truly a living legend. </p><p>Now enough of the what we already know, I just want to share my Mariah moment. </p><p>Just to backtrack a little, I first heard Mariah when I was in grade school. My younger sister was asked to sing for a graduation ceremony and during that time, “Hero” was a big hit. It was playing everywhere. So my mom bought a multiplex cassette tape of Mariah’s songs and my sister started singing it over and over again at home. Mariah’s voice would echo on the four walls of our humble abode. </p><p>Come middle school, I would listen to her songs from the “Daydream” album. “One Sweet Day” even became our junior-senior prom song (which is soooo weird ’coz this song is about losing a loved one). Then “Butterfly” dropped, followed by “#1s”, then “Rainbow” and so on. In other words, I would become a fan. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah1.jpg"/><figcaption>Some of my vintage Mariah Carey record collection back in the 90s.</figcaption></figure></div><p>A lamb. That’s how Mariah would call her fans. </p><p>It’s an ultimate lamb’s dream to meet Mariah. From her tour videos playing on MTV, I envied the fans from Japan, UK, US, Australia who got their CD’s and cassettes (yes, cassettes!) signed by Mariah. </p><p>2003 was unforgettable. </p><p>The now defunct variety show “SOP” announced that Mariah Carey is coming to the Philippines for the first time. I will never forget that Sunday. It was KC Montero who announced that the concert will be at The Fort open grounds and the tickets were a bit pricey for someone like me who just started working. Bought one VIP ticket priced at P7,000 plus and one bronze ticket for my sister, since I can’t afford to buy two VIPs. The show was so good that we enjoyed it. </p><p>Fast forward to 2014, Mariah is returning to Asia for her “Elusive Chanteuse” tour! But initially, Manila was not part of the tour. So my fingers were quick to book a flight and concert ticket to Singapore. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah2.jpg"/><figcaption>Me with other Pinoy fans who attended Mariah’s concert at the National Stadium in Singapore</figcaption></figure></div><p>Only to find out after a few days that she’s coming back to Manila. Freaked out again. Fought and bought a front-row ticket. It was “Heavenly” (just like her song in the 2014 album). I even gave her flowers while she was singing “Hero.” But there was no chance for a meet and greet.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah3.jpg"/><figcaption>Mariah Carey during her “The Elusive Chanteuse Tour” in Manila back in October 2014. </figcaption></figure></div><p>2018, I went to Las Vegas to catch her residency at Ceasar’s Palace. This time, me and my sister got good seats. We were all set, giddy and happy to see Mimi. But it was one email that made our hearts flutter and melt like butter. An invitation to an exclusive after party with Mariah. It was the very first time in my entire life that I got this close to her. No bodyguards, not assistance – just me, Mariah the elusive chanteuse. (Insert laughs) And after her short speech, I got a photo. A freaking photo with Mariah. What a way to end my last day in the US before flying back to Manila. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah4.jpg"/><figcaption>Me and my sister Diana Altura with Mariah Carey in Las Vegas back in July. </figcaption></figure></div><p>Just when I thought that was it, I delivered the good news that Mariah is coming back to Manila! </p><p>October 25, past three in the morning when her private jet landed at the NAIA. She just wrapped up her concert in Shanghai and did a runner right after the show. I was nervous. I didn’t know what to ask but I just kept reminding myself to stay calm and ask the right questions. And that’s what I did. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah5.jpg"/><figcaption>Me interviewing Mariah Carey upon her arrival at NAIA via a private jet last Thursday.</figcaption></figure></div><p>Right after that quick ambush interview, I asked Mariah if she could sign an artwork. </p><p>(Back story: A few days before her arrival, my head was spinning trying to figure out what should I wear to her concert. I conceptualized a design and commissioned an artist to draw it. It’s an art text. Her face drawn using the text titles of all her songs. After a few discussions back and forth, Nik did a fantastic job. No revisions. He got what I had in mind.) </p><p>So I showed it to Mariah. Handed her a pentel pen and she uttered the words, “Oh my god, this is beautiful.” Immediately, I replied and told her, “I printed that artwork on a shirt, and I have one for you, for your kids and for Bryan (Tanaka)”. After signing it, she took “her tings and went on her merry way” (real fans would know that this line is from her song “GTFO”). Not wasting time, I rushed to have the artwork printed on shirts. </p><p>The day has come Filipino lambs have been waiting for – October 26, 2018. Mariah’s “The Butterfly Returns” concert at the Big Dome. Big deal – I had to excuse myself from work and just focus at the job at hand – MA-RI-AH. I booked a hotel room adjacent to the concert venue, checked in early to avoid EDSA traffic and foot traffic around the area, and settled in. </p><p>A few hours before the show, met up with my college friends and a good friend Carl who brought with him a very special gift we crafted for Mariah. </p><p>(Back story: When I came back from Vegas, I met up with my friend Carl from Tessera Jewelry for an interview about a different matter. Out of the blue we talked about my Las Vegas trip and thought of an idea if we can give Mariah something – a nice jewelry piece. There was a lot of deliberation from size, to color, to design and as to what kind of jewelry. We came up with a brooch. We had a few more meetings and phone calls, until we finalized everything. And it looked great.) </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah6.jpg"/><figcaption>A photo of the Mariah Carey butterfly necklace/brooch customized by Tessera Jewelry</figcaption></figure></div><p>Shirts, check.<br/>Necklace, check.<br/>My outfit, check. <br/>I’m ready. </p><p>As early as 7:30 p.m., people started filling the venue. From fans, to celebrities, everyone was in unwavering anticipation for our DIVA. And while everyone was having some sort of reunion with other fans, Mariah uploaded an Instagram Story that she was stuck in traffic in EDSA. (Welcome to Manila, Mariah!) </p><p>Right around 8:30 p.m., they dimmed the lights and here we go! <br/>Mariah was stunning.</p><p>She came, she saw and she slayed. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah7.jpg"/><figcaption>A photo of Mariah Carey performing for her fans in Manila during her concert last Friday.</figcaption></figure></div><p>Third time’s the charm they say, and Mariah definitely charmed her Pinoy fans with a sexier figure, a more endearing and engaging show, and stronger vocals. And fans got what they asked for – she sang her HITS! From her very first hit “Vision of Love”, to chart toppers such as “Emotions”, “Fantasy”, “One Sweet Day”, “Always be my Baby”, “We Belong Together”, “Honey” and fan favorites such as “Can’t Let Go” and “Heartbreaker”. But for me, the highlights were “My All” and “Make it Happen”. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah8.jpg"/><figcaption>A photo of Mariah Carey performing for her fans in Manila during her concert last Friday. </figcaption></figure></div><p>Mariah closed the show with “Hero”. It was an amazing moment seeing all the concert attendees flashing lights from the phones, waving it from side to side, while Mariah belts one of her most successful and signature hits. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah9.jpg"/><figcaption>A photo of Mariah Carey performing for her fans in Manila during her concert last Friday. </figcaption></figure></div><p>After the show, I was one of the five lucky people who got an access pass for the meet and greet. I was shaking. I didn’t know what to do, what to say and what to tell her. Here we go! </p><p>As soon as I stepped in, she was all smiles and uttered “Oh my god I love your shirt, Melissa look at his shirt!” Melissa Ruderman is her manager. Here’s our conversation as far and as honestly as I can remember:</p><p>MJ: “This is the artwork I asked you to sign yesterday.” <br/>Mariah: “Yes it’s beautiful.”<br/>MJ: “I have shirts for you, for the kids, for Bryan and for Melissa. It’s with her (Melissa).”<br/>Mariah: “Oh OK, thank you.”<br/>MJ: “And Mariah, I also have a butterfly necklace for you.” <br/>Mariah: “Oh, thank you so much.”<br/>MJ: “We met in Vegas last July, I was there. Here’s our photo.” (Showed her my phone wallpaper) <br/>Mariah: “Oh wow! Yes!” <br/>MJ: “Kristoffer, look!” (Kristoffer Buckle is her make-up artist) </p><p>Then we had the photo. I was with Ronald De Guzman, another lucky fan who got the M&amp;G pass. Well-deserved for Ronald, ‘cause like me, he is a super fan. After our photo was taken, I told Mariah: “Mariah, is it too much to ask if you sign my shirt?” She goes, “Of course, dahlin’.” </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah10.jpg"/><figcaption>(Left) Ronald De Guzman, president of Mariah Carey Philippines Fan Club, Mariah Carey and me.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/10/28/mariah11.jpg"/><figcaption>A photo featuring a Mariah Carey artwork done by Nik Ignacio.</figcaption></figure></div><p>Took out my pen and as she wrote down “To MJ, Love Mariah” she told me “MJ, I will remember you.” That just sealed the deal. Hearing those words from her, just made the work, the effort, the sweat and stress — all worth it. Got a hug, a beso and love from Mariah.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/10/28/20181028_mj.jpg"/><figcaption>Mariah and me having a moment before the photo op. Also in the photo, Kristoffer Buckle - Mariah’s make-up artist and friend. Mariah was holding another customized shirt handed by MCPH Fan Club President Ronald De Guzman.</figcaption></figure></div><p>I was on a high. <br/>Last night, I was a fan. <br/>Not a journalist. But a fan. </p><p>MJ met MC.<br/>I met a music icon, a living legend. <br/>Mariah is a celebrity’s celebrity. </p><p>This experience was more than just a “daydream”, no longer a “fantasy” . . .<br/>It was a “vision of love”. <br/>And I will cherish this moment “forever”, to “infinity”.</p>

‘To MJ, love Mariah’: What it feels like meeting Mariah Carey

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‘To MJ, love Mariah’: What it feels like meeting Mariah Carey

MJ Felipe,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 28, 2018 05:40 AM PHT

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Updated Oct 28, 2018 10:23 AM PHT

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MJ Felipe

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