Lucky Friday the 13th: Meeting Marlisa Punzalan -'X-Factor Australia' winner Experience

I have been a fan of this incredible girl throughout her journey in X-Factor Australia. I have watched every videos in Youtube and stalked her in Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and I am her fan since I learned that she is a Pinay and only 14 years old! Amazing isn’t she?! Undeniably, she has a powerful voice and she really is a #PinoyPride.

Unfortunately (shame on me who claims to be her fan), I did not know that she is going to Eastwood today. Well, I know she is coming in the Philippines this February but I did not know that she will be out there within my reach in Eastwood City!!!!

From my work station, I am hearing the familiar songs and a familiar voice. In my mind I was saying, “Whoever is singing out there is amazing, and she even has the exact singing technique like Marlisa’s”. Yeah! Poor me, I was clueless that the familiar voice I am hearing was the actual Marlisa, my idol! One of my colleague heard me said “that singer sound exactly like Marlisa” then he made a comment, “oh you did not know? That is Marlisa! Didn’t you see the big posters outside?” My heart was pounding, I felt the adrenaline rush and my feet were already pulling me to get down to check her out. I was so excited, but I have a meeting in the next 30 minutes. I decided to asked permission to my lead, and she allowed me but I need to get back in time for our meeting.

So I get into the Eastwood Mall Open Park, there, I was running and trying my best to get into the crowd to see her. I was enjoying her duet with Darren Espanto, they were singing “Thinking Out Loud” when I noticed the time, I need to go back to the office. Waaahh!!! I was so hesitant to go but I made a promise to get back in time, I did not know what to do. All I was thinking that moment is I need to get my picture taken with her!!! Then, an infuriated security asked me to back off a little to give way to those people who were coming inside the pen. Then I asked him in a very conceited tone “how can I come in?” Then he told me that I need to buy her album, and then I will have a chance to meet and greet her! My ears were clapping, I rushed into the booth and bought her album without thinking twice! I asked the sales lady if I can still meet and greet her if I come back around 9PM, she said she doubts but I can still try. Well, I saw the people, and I know that it would take at least over an hour until Marlisa finishes signing their CDs.

So I went back to office, all throughout our meeting, I was praying that it won’t took us that long and that I can still get to meet Marlisa. When our boss asked us if we still have questions, I signaled my teammates to say NO so we can finish the meeting already. Hahaha. Good thing our boss was not in the mood to talk much tonight.

So finally, I went to the meet and greet, and the line is almost finish, only about 10 people before me. I went with my teammate who has a good quality phone camera so she can take our photo, but unfortunately it was not allowed and Eastwood has an official photographer for the event. In the line I was talking so much, practicing what I would say to her once it’s my turn, my teammate was laughing at me. But when I was finally beside her, and was able to look at her in a very close distance, I froze, it was like star struck! Was not able to say anything except “Hi!” All the things I was practicing to say to her were gone. It was like I am nearly having a stroke, and was just smiling back at her. Then our precious 3 minutes was done! I was so happy!!! My teammate was again laughing at me and told me “what happened to your script?” AHAHAHA.. I said, I know right?! I was so stunned, I run out of words.

So, here are the photos of her album, of course with her autograph! :)

She sang "Try," "Yesterday," "Hoplessly Devoted To You," "Impossible" and her carrier single "Stand by You" and “Thinking Out Loud” with Darren tonight. Darren also performed two songs– "In Love Ako Sa' Yo" and "One Moment in Time."

Her album is great! I love all her songs!

Well, this was a very memorable event in my February this year plus it negated the Friday the thirteen jinx, I felt so lucky! I will continue supporting her, hope she will have a concert in the Philippines in the future.