MANILA, Philippines — After performing for a sold-out
two-night concert series in the Philippines – amid protest and controversy –
there is no stopping Lady Gaga in spreading her music around the world.
The Mother Monster (as what she calls herself) is on her
“Born This Way Ball Tour” stops in Thailand and Singapore and still isn’t sure
about her Jakarta, Indonesia gig after being denied a permit by police for
safety reasons.
Prior, the BTWB Tour was given an X-rating in South Korea.
Despite embracing negativity, Lady Gaga couldn’t help but be
proud because her album “Born This Way” marked its first year on May 23.
The American singer-songwriter (Stefani Joanne Angelina
Germanotta in real life) updated her more than 24 million followers on her
official Twitter account (@ladygaga): “Today marks the 1 year anniversary of
our album Born This Way I’m very emotional+proud.” More than the feat however, “RIP Lady Gaga”
became a trending topic on the social networking site. Apparently, RIP means
“Really Inspiring Person,” in conjunction with the singer’s album anniversary.
“I cANT stop writing music. Its AN ILLNESS,” Gaga added,
hinting of an upcoming album set for release soon.
The Grammy Award-winning artist also scored with her first
voice-over acting debut. Lady Gaga graced a recent episode of “The Simpsons”
via “Lisa Goes Gaga” episode.
On May 20, she tweeted: “IM SOOO EXCITED FOR THE SIMPSONS.
‘Lisa Goes Gaga’ episode. They did such an amazing job. I hope you like my
voice-over acting debut! :) <3”
Her appearance on the hit comic show reportedly drew an
estimated viewing audience of 4.7 million people.
Gaga Weeps, Fans Love Her More
During her Manila shows, Lady Gaga made such remarks that
made her “Little Monsters” (her term of endearment to her fans) love her more.
“Tonight is all about togetherness. In our differences, we
are all the same,” went her opening spiels during the May 21 show, which was
prefaced by prayer vigils that hoped to stop what anti-Gaga fans thought was an
“immoral” and “blasphemous show.”
“I’m not an alien, I’m not a woman, I’m not a man, and I’m
not a creature of your government, Manila. I’m all your dreams and I’m all your
potential. Let me be all your insecurities and your fears. I’m your future,
everything that makes you sad and angry. I’m you, little monsters. Tonight’s
not a statement. Tonight’s us coming together because we believe we were all
born this way.
“Some people say I stand for things that are bad. The truth
is, I want the best for every single one of you. My lifestyle is like one whole
performance of liberation. For those of you who aren’t free, take this
opportunity to free yourself,” said Lady Gaga in tears.
She added, “All those kids all around the world who take
their lives when they’re so young because they feel bullied, or they’re afraid
because they’re gay and don’t want to tell anybody. Don’t you think that some
of us should f**king stand up for them and speak the god**n truth? It’s true!
It’s not about the music, it’s not about my clothes, it’s not about having hit
records. It’s the f**king god**n truth that people in the world need to be free
and be proud of who they are.”
“If you don’t have any shadows, you are not standing in the
light,” she insisted.
Seemingly addressing her critics, Lady Gaga said: “Some
people think that I stand for like really inappropriate things, really bad or
really irresponsible. Listen you don’t have to boo. I’m slightly irresponsible.
Let’s be honest, okay? It’s okay. But they are not completely right. The truth
is I want the (expletive) best for you. I want the best for every single one of
you. I love you with all my heart and all my soul, I really do.”
“I knew this was my destiny but I had no idea what was on
the other side of that door… and it was you… you guys taught me to never give
up on myself,” she told thousands of fans inside the Mall of Asia Arena.
Defying Critics
Allowing Lady Gaga to stage her second concert in the
country divided the nation and the church.
The “Poker Face” hit-maker arrived night of May 19, mobbed
by both protesters and fans. In fact, prior to the concert, several religious
groups have protested the arrival of the icon and prayed for her shows’
cancelation.
Biblemode Youth Philippines (BYP) asked President Noynoy
Aquino to ban Lady Gaga’s concerts because according to them, “‘Judas’ (the
singer’s latest single) clearly mocks the Lord Jesus Christ and promotes Judas
Iscariot as a protagonist in the song.”
Catholic leader Archbishop Ramon Arguelles believes “[Lady
Gaga’s] fans are in danger of falling into the clutches of Satan.”
Lady Gaga defied critics and proved victorious. She
proceeded to sing the alleged anti-Christ song “Judas” amid threats of
imprisonment.
Prayers For Gaga
The Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (CEAP)
urged people to “Pray for Lady Gaga who seems to be lost. Do not hate her. Pray
also for all the artists who have such a great influence on the lives of so
many in this world.”
“In terms of voice, creativity and talent, Lady Gaga has all
of them... but when God gives us talents, we should use them with
responsibility and in accordance to His laws. That’s the problem with Lady Gaga
– her songs, dance choreography, themes and costumes are usually sensual,
provocative, and yes, immoral,” Fr. Leonard R. Hernandez, Parochial Vicar of
Sto. Cristo Parish in Marulas, Valenzuela City said in an interview.
Lady Gaga, the pop singer known for her eccentric costumes
and popularized hits “Just Dance,” “Bad Romance,” “Edge Of Glory,” confessed in
the past to having Illuminati dreams.
“Illuminati” or the “Enlightened One” is defined by Urban
Dictionary as “a secret organization of the most powerful and influential elite
in the world. They go back for centuries and maintain the same bloodlines.”
Some regard Illuminati as the “devil’s puppet,” set to move
the world with satanic forces. Several celebrities are alleged followers,
including Rihanna, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Lebron James.
However, there is not enough proof that such group exists.
Illuminati symbolisms like the “all-seeing eye,” pyramid,
Baphomet (an enigmatic, goat-headed figure found in several instance in the
history of occultism) are observed in Lady Gaga’s music videos, costumes, and
shows.
Despite all the criticisms, Lady Gaga is an influential
artist loved worldwide. She recently launched her Born This Way Foundation, a
youth-empowering organization.
The singer has also been a staunch supporter of LGBT
community and anti-bullying campaign in the US.
