The Smashing Pumpkins - Live in Manila By: Joel H. Garcia

I almost missed this memorable concert of The Smashing Pumpkins last night. Thanks to Ma-anne for pushing me to give it a try to pass through the flood and heavy rains going to the concert venue. And we made it! 

We jump, dance and sing the classic songs of the pumpkins till our voice choke = ) It's a wonderful memory of me and Ma-anne together in a concert. Billy Corgan give us 29 songs to remember that chaotic rainy night. To top it all, me and Ma-anne finally got an Original Smashing Pumpkins Zero Tshirt merchandise. = ) 

We only got an Upper B tickets and for a while I was disorient with my location I was too far in the concert stage. Usually I'm in the pit or near at the front of house having my 2 heavy cams shooting, but this time I was too far and only have a point and shoot in my hand. 

As a photographer I always remind myself, that I should maximize whatever available gear that I have in a particular situation and make the most out of it.  

Smashing Pumpkins Ocenia Tour Glowing Ball - is a part of an overall visual experience for the Pumpkins’ Oceania tour during their concert here in Manila.  

After Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins surprisingly witness how Filipino audience reacted to their classic songs he quoted. "Manila is an old school Smashing Pumpkins Fans!" because there were no keyboards in old-school Smashing Pumpkins music. 

People started screaming, raising their hands, and clapping their hearts out when the band played Tonight Tonight, until now I could still hear the echoes of the song in my ears. 

Believe, believe in me, believe
That life can change, that you're not stuck in vain
We're not the same, we're different tonight!

That was an amazing moment! Hearing Billy Corgan singing Tonight Tonight Live! 
Is unbelievable crazy!
 

The Smashing Pumpkins’ latest album is called “Oceania.” When you call up images on the web, they would reveal the Pacific Ocean and countries like Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and the Philippines, among others. In The Smashing Pumpkins terms, it would only be a part of a massive 44-song undertaking collectively known as “Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.” - Annie S. Alejo 

The Smashing Pumpkins - Live in Manila "Set List" 

In the back of my head wish I had a photo pass and cover the concert of Smashing Pumpkins, the way I usually document a concert event. I envy my fellow photographers who has the connection, access and brought professional digital cameras/lenses during this concert that will surely give them the advantage to capture and immortalize my favorite band through photographs. 

And there I am sitting at the farthest section of the Galaxy....este Araneta Upper B section = ) shooting with a (soap bar) size, point & shoot camera.  

I remember a couple of years back, I shoot the concert of Tears for Fears using a 2.0 Megapixel Camera Phone. Here's the link:http://joelhgarcia.weebly.com/tears-for-fears.html 

and now I have a much more decent point & shoot camera and still complaining? I realized I should be thankful for that, for having a point & shoot camera than shooting with a camera phone in this concert. = ) 

But despite through this, I have the time to challenge myself again and make me realized that no matter what equipment you use, as long you love what your doing and you have the passion and the spirit to create stunning images out of what you have, is an amazing feat to you as a photographer. 

Hope you like it. 

Joel G.