I had dinner with a few friends last night to celebrate A's birthday. Joining us were some really nice guys whose faces and voices were quite familiar to me although I'd never met them before; they just happen to be the lead singers of a phenomenally talented band named South Border, an R&B/pop band from the Philippines now performing regularly throughout the US.
My many years of managing retail stores where celebrities like to shop has suppressed every bit of the fan in me; I've learned that most folks who are considered public property really appreciate it when they can be normal people for a change (especially if they're going to be naked inside a fitting room and have to ask you to get something in their size). Another thing I've discovered is that it's usually those who are most insecure about the fragile status of their fame or celebrity who demand to be served hand and foot (these are also the same kind of folk who like to bellow at you point-blank, "Do you KNOW who I am?").
The truth is I'm not really good at spotting famous people anyway, which is something that never worried or concerned me because any good salesperson should know how to deal with everyone as if they were all special in the first place. And really, this guideline shouldn't be limited to the realm of business; I've always believed we should all treat people well and with respect, no matter who they (or who we) are. And I try not to worry about the jerks who find glee in running over or taking advantage of other people -- I often find that when they get to the finish line first, there's no one there cheering them on anyway. So what's the point, where's the fun and happiness in that?
But going back to last night. I've got to admit I find it wholly refreshing when people accustomed to being chased and fawned over still find a way to remain normal and down-to-earth, and not let fame get to their heads. If M hadn't told me that "Duncan and Vince" were joining us, I would have probably thought them to be just another couple of young, funny, really nice guys who were slightly hung-over and trying not to ogle too obviously at the pretty belly dancers swishing their hips in front of their faces. But who also just happen to look and sound really, really familiar.
You're not star strucked at all :)
Posted by: jase | September 26, 2006 at 05:44 PM
Cool! I love South Border!
Your job sounds hella fun! c",)
Posted by: Irene Tuazon | September 26, 2006 at 07:00 PM
Hi Jase - I am sometimes...but I think I've just been conditioned not to show it :) The funny thing is I get starstruck by the most unexpected people; for instance, more than 10 years ago Pilar Pilapil (the Philippine actress) strolled inside my store and was absolutely wonderful. She was still so beautiful that even my salespeople who were there, who didn't know who she was, were enthralled by her presence. We had her try on a bunch of stuff for fun (slow night) and it wasn't until she was checking out that I confessed I was a fan of hers.
I didn't tell her, of course, that when I was a little girl I used to watch her on TV and thought she was the most beautiful woman ever, and that night I discovered I was right after all. She was a bit embarrassed that I'd recognized her, I think, but she was gracious throughout. :)
Hi Irene - That was my old job, the one I left behind because I needed my life back :) But the fun moments were the best indeed, no doubt about it. And yeah, these SB guys are really talented; it was nice to find out they've managed to still keep it real.
Posted by: Gigi | September 26, 2006 at 11:47 PM
Gigi, I am a BIG South Border fan! You should hear their song Rainbow ... cool R&B song. And if you can understand Cebuano (I don't but my old yaya explained the lyrics to me), I like what they did to the Cebuano ditty "Usahay" (Sometimes). I like a lot of their songs and I was sad they had to leave the Philippine music scene. Well, I hope they'll strike gold there.
Posted by: bugsybee | September 27, 2006 at 09:34 AM
Hi Bugsy - I'd hear a few of their songs (post Brix and Luke) when I'd go home, but I never really considered myself a fan. Then all of a sudden, my friends here started hanging out with the guys so I got to listen to their music and gained more appreciation for it (that Jay Durias is a genius). They do admit they are "starting over" here again, although for the older members it won't be nearly as rough as it was when they were really starting out. Plus they already have a Pinoy fan base here and internationally. But I think they'll do well. I haven't seen them live yet, but I hear they're fantastic.
Posted by: Gigi | September 27, 2006 at 05:38 PM
You are as big as the South Border because you have been quoted from Rice Bowl Journals.
Congrats!
Posted by: K | September 27, 2006 at 10:35 PM
Yes, Gigi, I agree. Jay Durias is a genius. :)
Posted by: bugsybee | September 29, 2006 at 08:31 AM
Hi K - Thanks for the heads up! How random was that??? I feel so ... special...now. :)
Bugsy - When it comes to music, you and I seem to agree often. :)
Posted by: Gigi | September 29, 2006 at 06:22 PM
I saw there performance at bbking's. director Rowell Santiago "brother of randy & raymart" was there to witness our pinoy pride bringin the house down. the black and white peeps where all over the place screamin for southborder. i just can't believe what i saw.
Posted by: shy | October 31, 2006 at 12:50 AM