Written in the stars..Arnel's Cinderella Story...

[corncob]

Early life

Pineda, born in the Philippines, began singing at age 5. His parents, both tailors, encouraged him to enter amateur singing contests.[3] When Pineda was 12, his mother died after a long illness at age 35, leaving his family in serious debt. Pineda's father took his three younger brothers Russmon, Roderick and Joselito to live with relatives.[4] Pineda, as the eldest, had to quit school and collect scrap metal, bottles and newspapers at the pier in Manila to earn money. Pineda was living in the streets, sleeping in Luneta Park or, when possible, on a wooden bench at a relative's house. In a TV interview with Jessica Soho ("Kapuso Mo"),[5] Pineda described waiting and watching while his relatives ate breakfast in the mornings, hoping some food would be left over for him to eat. Pineda dreamed of becoming an engineer.[6] Reflecting on his childhood, Pineda said he felt no self-pity. He always kept a positive outlook, thinking "Gaganda rin 'to" (Things will get better). [7]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=euxclMLbZRw

Let's fastforward to 2007....

As recounted by the Visa Officer who interviewed Arnel at the US Embassy in Manila for his Journey try-out trip (the story was also briefly mentioned by Jonathan Cain during his interview with KNBR 680 SF).

Subject: Funny story.....

¡K.and apparently true¡K.

From an A-100 colleague¡K.

I have a nice holiday story to share: (Apologies to Snider who's now heard this 14 times, but hey, your stories aren't getting any newer.)

Months ago a band shows up at my window. It was Lemons and Oranges, or something fruity. Asked why they would play a concert in Seattle. They claimed some following there. I asked about their music; looked at their posters, CDs, etc. At the end of the interview, they were saying, "come out and see our show tonight." This invite was probably due to my withering questioning, and since they thought they were hot stuff, pride was wounded, etc. etc. It turned out that the venue is actually on the way home from the Embassy, only ten minutes away. So I says, "I can't take any free tickets yada yada yada but maybe I'll pop in."

It was a Friday. I went with two LES. We got a table, ordered some beer, fried chicken and so on. The opening band comes on. They were called "Zoo"--this I'm sure of, since I'm from Kalamazoo, the name stuck. The Zoo starts rocking out to 70/80s tunes, like Foreigner, Night Ranger, etc. But the coup de grace was indisputably when they busted out Journey. I mean, the singer was not just good--95% of all Filipinos are good singers--he was really dern good. I couldn't shut up about it. I was telling anyone who would listen, "Dude, not only does this guy have pipes, and range, he's got perfect pitch. He has only missed a few notes on some of the hardest power ballads in schlock n roll history." The LES grudgingly agreed, but they've been desensitized to the regular displays of amazing karaoke you get in Manila, so maybe they were just humoring me.

Since I'm from Michigan, I had an older brother who sported a mullet and wore softball t-shirts. His first 8-track was Styx. Ted Nugent is referred to simply as the Nuge, or Uncle Ted. The Silver Bullet invokes Bob Seger not Coors. In short, I'm qualified to judge this kind of thing. The performance was poignant for me... Images of Camaros and pegged jeans danced in my head... definitely surreal. Then.. then!... Lemons and Oranges comes on and, frankly, they were a bit of a let down. I mean, their music was Edie Brickel / Natalie Merchantesque. And that's fine --it has its place-- but let's be clear: it is a metaphysical transgression to go from Journey's "Separate Ways" into Lisa Loeb's "Stay..."

The next week I'm sitting at an NIV window next to a soon-to-be legend of an officer name Singer. Singer and I were doing FMJs and so we would trade off regular NIV applicants occassionally so that we got fair share of student visas. Singer loves the three things: the FAM, movie quotes that might cost him an EEO violation someday, and cases that make sense. Things that don't make sense, make Singer an unhappy man.

I hear Singer say, "Journey? The band Journey?" He flips through papers. He sounds unhappy.

I butt in: "What's that all about?"

He turns off his mic and looks over at me. "I don't know. This guys says he's going to try out for Journey."

I'm puzzled. "Journey? The band Journey?"

Singer goes, "That's what I just said, [EXPLETIVE]!"

"Great, another nutjob. I'll take it." Singer takes my student, I take the nutjob.

I look over his stuff and say "purpose of travel?" and all that. I start to scrutinize more carefully and realize its the guy I saw from the night before.

"Hey, does your band at Bagaberde?.. ."

He confirms and he goes on to tell me the story of how he uploaded some clips of his band that he recorded to YouTube and contacted Journey's manager, having heard they were looking for a new singer. He says they called him up and invited him to the U.S. to try out. Given the malarkey you get at a Manila NIV window, this story only got points for being original. He produced some flimsy emails and letters, etc.

So I go, in my best dubious voice, "Yeah? let's hear Wheels in the Sky!"

He belts it out for the whole waiting room and for the staff to hear (I made sure to take off my headset and let the speaker play it because what I was really doing was covering my butt).

I said, "Look sir, there isn't a person in this Embassy who would believe that story-- going to try out for Journey!-- not a soul would believe that. Except for me. I saw you sing last Friday and I couldn't shut up about how your vocals were perfect Steve Perry.

So I tell you what. I'm giving you that visa. You're going to try out. And you're going to make it...."

And the rest is rock n roll history, my friends:

Happy holidays

[tammy]

I'll admit I have a soft spot for people who had loss & hard times as children, yet worked to overcome in an honest & upright way...it is a good "Cinderella" story.

[youkeepmewaiting]

I'll admit I have a soft spot for people who had loss & hard times as children, yet worked to overcome in an honest & upright way...it is a good "Cinderella" story.

It is, however those images in my head of Neal dressed up like the fairy god mother waving his big wand is really starting to give me nightmares.

[mistiejourney]

No matter what you think about Journey, that story has got to be one of the best "goosebump" stories I have ever heard! Can you imagine hearing that over the speakers - thank goodness Arnel got the right guy that day!

[tammy]

No matter what you think about Journey, that story has got to be one of the best "goosebump" stories I have ever heard! Can you imagine hearing that over the speakers - thank goodness Arnel got the right guy that day!

The stars were lined up it seems. I mean, the guy just saw AP the night before!

[Behshad]

For some (wierd) reason, this is what I pictured in my head when I clicked on this topic....

[Arkansas]

It's only a real Cinderella story if he makes it through the whole season.
If he blows a cord, develops some chronic injury, and/or the band dumps him for whatever reason, then he's just a flash in the pan.
Just being real here...less than a half dozen shows does not a Cinderella make.

I hope he makes it. He's good. We'll see, oh say, by year's end?


later~

[The Sushi Hunter]

For some (wierd) reason, this is what I pictured in my head when I clicked on this topic....

Oh my....lets just hope a home made sex tape of that doesn't surface ever.

[Saint John]

Looks like Arnel is bringing sexy back.

[Voyager]

I'll admit I have a soft spot for people who had loss & hard times as children, yet worked to overcome in an honest & upright way...it is a good "Cinderella" story.

What I don't have a soft spot for is drive-by posters who come onto the forum promoting the new guy who may not have even been Journey fans prior to the new Cinderella joining the band.

[youkeepmewaiting]

I'll admit I have a soft spot for people who had loss & hard times as children, yet worked to overcome in an honest & upright way...it is a good "Cinderella" story.

What I don't have a soft spot for is drive-by posters who come onto the forum promoting the new guy who may not have even been Journey fans prior to the new Cinderella joining the band.

Alright take a chill mate.

It's an interesting post. Get over it.

[Voyager]

I'll admit I have a soft spot for people who had loss & hard times as children, yet worked to overcome in an honest & upright way...it is a good "Cinderella" story.

What I don't have a soft spot for is drive-by posters who come onto the forum promoting the new guy who may not have even been Journey fans prior to the new Cinderella joining the band.

Alright take a chill mate.

It's an interesting post. Get over it.

Hush your trap youngster - you're nobody's boss around here. Take a few valiums and drink your Jack Daniels. I've read a lot of Cinderella stories and I have every right to be not interested in this one. You need to get over the fact that not everyone here worships your idol. We've already had the supposed second coming of two Steve Perrys... if we don't get excited over the third supposed savior of this band, it's okay. We don't need any cheerleaders to help us get onboard the Hallelujiah Express.

[youkeepmewaiting]

I'll admit I have a soft spot for people who had loss & hard times as children, yet worked to overcome in an honest & upright way...it is a good "Cinderella" story.

What I don't have a soft spot for is drive-by posters who come onto the forum promoting the new guy who may not have even been Journey fans prior to the new Cinderella joining the band.

Alright take a chill mate.

It's an interesting post. Get over it.

Hush your trap youngster - you're nobody's boss around here. Take a few valiums and drink your Jack Daniels. I've read a lot of Cinderella stories and I have every right to be not interested in this one. You need to get over the fact that not everyone here worships your idol. We've already had the supposed second coming of two Steve Perrys... if we don't get excited over the third supposed savior of this band, it's okay. We don't need any cheerleaders to help us get onboard the Hallelujiah Express.

He is certainly not my idol, and I HAVE criticised Arnel on occasion.
Its not the fact its Journey, it could be Air Supply for all I care. But surely you think that its quite an interesting that the fella just happend to hear Arnel just a few days earlier etc etc

[corncob]

I'll admit I have a soft spot for people who had loss & hard times as children, yet worked to overcome in an honest & upright way...it is a good "Cinderella" story.

What I don't have a soft spot for is drive-by posters who come onto the forum promoting the new guy who may not have even been Journey fans prior to the new Cinderella joining the band.

Alright take a chill mate.

It's an interesting post. Get over it.

Hush your trap youngster - you're nobody's boss around here. Take a few valiums and drink your Jack Daniels. I've read a lot of Cinderella stories and I have every right to be not interested in this one. You need to get over the fact that not everyone here worships your idol. We've already had the supposed second coming of two Steve Perrys... if we don't get excited over the third supposed savior of this band, it's okay. We don't need any cheerleaders to help us get onboard the Hallelujiah Express.

Hush your trap oldie - you're nobody's boss around here. Take a few prozac and drink your Vodka. This is one great "Cinderella" story and I have every right to post in this forum. You need to get over the fact that not everyone here has your vintage notions about Journey. Seems like your arthritic knees won't allow you to hop in Hallelujah Express anyway, so by all means, get calcified in your station. pardon me for the "offense."

[tammy]

Everybody's gotta start somewhere. Thanks for posting, Corncob.

[Vladan]

You need to get over the fact that not everyone here has your vintage notions about Journey.

What, you and about 2 other members on this forum?. Your a new poster, insulting long contributers on the forum won't do you any favors, you have to earn respect around these parts.

[Voyager]

I'll admit I have a soft spot for people who had loss & hard times as children, yet worked to overcome in an honest & upright way...it is a good "Cinderella" story.

What I don't have a soft spot for is drive-by posters who come onto the forum promoting the new guy who may not have even been Journey fans prior to the new Cinderella joining the band.

Alright take a chill mate.

It's an interesting post. Get over it.

Hush your trap youngster - you're nobody's boss around here. Take a few valiums and drink your Jack Daniels. I've read a lot of Cinderella stories and I have every right to be not interested in this one. You need to get over the fact that not everyone here worships your idol. We've already had the supposed second coming of two Steve Perrys... if we don't get excited over the third supposed savior of this band, it's okay. We don't need any cheerleaders to help us get onboard the Hallelujiah Express.

Hush your trap oldie - you're nobody's boss around here. Take a few prozac and drink your Vodka. This is one great "Cinderella" story and I have every right to post in this forum. You need to get over the fact that not everyone here has your vintage notions about Journey. Seems like your arthritic knees won't allow you to hop in Hallelujah Express anyway, so by all means, get calcified in your station. pardon me for the "offense."

Take your corncob out of your ass you little freak. The only rights you have here are those that Andrew gives you. Put that in your corncob pipe and smoke it.

Looks like the YouTube Arnel worshippers are finally making their way over here.

[Voyager]

You need to get over the fact that not everyone here has your vintage notions about Journey.

What, you and about 2 other members on this forum?. Your a new poster, insulting long contributers on the forum won't do you any favors, you have to earn respect around these parts.

Well said Vladan.

Journey is a vintage band. If you don't like that, then you're probably in the wrong place corncob. Maybe you and your buddy should troll your way over to BT and see how long you can last there? Or better yet, start your own Arnel forum and then you can control what is being said.

[Glenn]

The title "Written in the stars" is kinda sorta super gay....But hey, good story though.

[corncob]

Voyager and Vladan, I don't think I need to kiss your wrinkly asses to earn my way into this forum. Having said that, many thanks to the 90% "youthful, open and progressive-minded" Journey fans who appreciated and replied to this topic....

Old bullies don't rule!

[Vladan]

Voyager and Vladan, I don't think I need to kiss your wrinkly asses to earn my way into this forum. Having said that, many thanks to the 90% "youthful, open and progressive-minded" Journey fans who appreciated and replied to this topic....

Old bullies don't rule!

Sorry to hear that. But don't call me a bully when you were clearly being a jerk and you are no better than Voyager and showing very little maturity even for a youngster. If you insult somebody at school and get a thumping for it, what do you expect.

[Andrew]

I'll admit I have a soft spot for people who had loss & hard times as children, yet worked to overcome in an honest & upright way...it is a good "Cinderella" story.

What I don't have a soft spot for is drive-by posters who come onto the forum promoting the new guy who may not have even been Journey fans prior to the new Cinderella joining the band.

Alright take a chill mate.

It's an interesting post. Get over it.

Hush your trap youngster - you're nobody's boss around here. Take a few valiums and drink your Jack Daniels. I've read a lot of Cinderella stories and I have every right to be not interested in this one. You need to get over the fact that not everyone here worships your idol. We've already had the supposed second coming of two Steve Perrys... if we don't get excited over the third supposed savior of this band, it's okay. We don't need any cheerleaders to help us get onboard the Hallelujiah Express.

Hush your trap oldie - you're nobody's boss around here. Take a few prozac and drink your Vodka. This is one great "Cinderella" story and I have every right to post in this forum. You need to get over the fact that not everyone here has your vintage notions about Journey. Seems like your arthritic knees won't allow you to hop in Hallelujah Express anyway, so by all means, get calcified in your station. pardon me for the "offense."

Take your corncob out of your ass you little freak. The only rights you have here are those that Andrew gives you. Put that in your corncob pipe and smoke it.

Looks like the YouTube Arnel worshippers are finally making their way over here.

Ok, please folks....that'll do. Everybody chill.