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If there’s one thing I know for sure about Dein Cuvin, flight attendant and all-around fierce human being, it’s that he is a HUGE Beyoncé fan. I’ve seen his posts on Instagram in praise of everything and anything Beyoncé does since I started following him. Who doesn’t love Queen Bey? Once upon a time, I was fortunate enough to witness Beyoncé in concert. I got to see her command on stage during her stop here in Manila for her The Beyoncé Experience tour. I think everyone should see Beyoncé perform live at least once in their life. Dein made it his mission to make sure he saw Beyoncé perform not once, not twice, but three times, and each time he did not leave disappointed.
“As far as I can remember, I became a Beyoncé fan when I was 13 or 14 years old. It all started when my mother sent me the “I Am Yours” DVD, which is her live concert from Las Vegas. Every morning, my father would wake us up by playing the CD version of that concert,” shares Dein. He’s constantly impressed by Beyoncé’s dedication, hard work, and professionalism. Dein is certain and stern about one thing: Beyoncé never does anything twice. Her albums are each a unique experience in their own right. Take Beyoncé’s album 4, in which she frankly opened up about being overwhelmed with work, not being able to fully experience all of the countries she’s seen, and understanding that she needed time for herself, all of which some of us can certainly relate to. “The albums hit different. The music videos? She’s not just going to perform, she’d really prepare; the quality is always great. She will never disappoint,” Dein continues.
Dein and his husband Je moved to the United States around a year and a half ago. He admitted that he felt disoriented and unsure of what was ahead for him after leaving the Philippines. He was doing well as a content producer here before relocating. He has collaborated with ABS-CBN, Chalk Magazine, and Shopee, to mention a few. And a Beyoncé track helped Dein get him out from that funk. “Before I left the Philippines to come here to America, it was great timing because we landed here in June 2022, that’s the time she released “Break My Soul” and at that moment, I was really, really lost because I didn’t know what career I would pursue here in the US. I don’t know who or what I will become. I cried because the timing was so good, it was like I felt she spoke to me that I’m going to find my new motivation. It helped me not to lose hope, it helped me to keep my faith that I can find something for me, I can find a good career, a good job; I can survive. This track helped me,” he shares.
Dein prepared for Beyoncé’s Renaissance album tour in every way: financially, physically, and emotionally. The concert ticket was probably not cheap, and seeing not one, but three Beyoncé shows was surely pricey. But, in this interview, Dein explained why it was worthwhile and why he would do it again. He finally saw his idol in person after such a long wait. Read on to find out what surprises Dein encountered while attending three dates on Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour, how he prepared for it, and his advice for people intending to see Beyoncé in concert.
Why did you become a fan of Beyoncé?
I really admire how she motivates other people. I remember during the pandemic, she gave out a really powerful speech, where she said, “Don’t talk about what you’re going to do. Don’t just dream about what you’re going to do. Don’t criticize somebody else for what they’re not doing. You be it. Be about it. Be about that action, and go do it. Keep your eye on your intention. Don’t let any outside distraction or your own insecurity stop you from your goals.” That really hit me. She worked her way up and now, she’s successful and known. I also love how she recognizes her icons. I love how she pays tribute to her inspirations; very humble. That, that’s my number one reason why I admire her, she is very humble. I also live up to it that no matter what you achieve in life, always be humble, gracious, and grateful for all the blessings that we receive in life. That’s what I learned the most from her and I live up to it.
Which of Beyoncé’s albums is your favorite, and why?
I am going to give props to I Am Sasha Fierce because this is where I started, this is where I really became a fan. It’s known for its most memorable hits like “Halo,” “Single Ladies” but I go for the underrated songs. My favorite from this album would be “Smash into You,” which is so underrated but so beautiful.
I love Beyoncé, the self-titled album, because this was a surprise drop. I remember I was in college and I was doing my assignments and then suddenly she made a surprise drop and it really shook the world. It really changed the industry, so much like “what the hell?” indeed. This is why some artists would drop their releases every Friday, it’s all because of her. She was very vulnerable on this one and she opened up about her pregnancy loss, how she feels about getting jealous about other people who are able to come out without being disturbed, how they can live freely. She dropped all songs, all music videos, all at once. In this album, she really seemed to care more about following her creative bliss than scoring hits. It was really risky but it was so worth it because the album became iconic.
Second would be Lemonade, the visuals of this album were such a cinematic experience; really great. She performed it with all her heart, even discussed her private life and what she felt during that drama with Jay-Z. Once again, she became vulnerable, but this one, more than ever, more about her day-to-day short comings. It made such a cultural impact as well, paying tribute to the black community.
And then Renaissance, oh my God! It’s a post pandemic experience that we missed. Imagine after all we’ve been through; this album really became that escape. It gave club culture. This became a dance album, which is a really feel-good record. There is an over-arching message to be yourself and enjoy the moment. The imperfection, turned into perfection, that’s her message.
Is the Renaissance Tour the first time you got to see Beyoncé perform live? What was your reaction when you learned that Beyoncé would be touring in support of her Renaissance album?
That was my first time seeing Beyoncé live ever! Ever! So, when I was here in the US and she dropped an album, I cried and was so excited because I said “this is it!” This is what I’ve been waiting for. This is what I’ve been praying for a long time to be able to see her perform live. My reaction to her dropping the news that she’ll be touring the album; I really worked my ass off because I really want to save money for the tickets. I really made the most of it.
You attended multiple Renaissance Tour stops; which one was your favorite and why?
I am very thankful and grateful because at each stop something memorable happened. The first stop would forever be memorable, this was in New Jersey, I was so shocked when I found that my seats were right in front of the stage. There was a barricade, but there was no obstruction, there was no other person in front of me. Originally, I was a bit behind in section two, and then a few days later, I messaged Ticketmaster if I could transfer to the front because I found an available seat, and then they let me. When I went to the venue, I was surprised, I said, “Oh my God, this is my view?!” I was right smack in front of the stage. It’s very memorable because this was the night Beyoncé said my name when she sang “Love on Top.” I was really crying, I said, “Oh my God, this is a real person! She exists!” She is very beautiful in person. Her vocals are so strong, you can feel the vibration of the whole concert to your bones. It really shook me like “Wow! This is really happening. I’m fulfilling one of my dreams.” It was very surreal. If you’ll see my posts on IG, I really made sure that I had a lot because I really wanted to bring you guys with me; bring the Filipino Beyhive community with me.
My second stop was also memorable because it was in Phoenix, this is where my husband Je and I live. It was just a fun and touching experience because our wedding hashtag was from one of her songs it’s “DeinJerously In-love” so when we heard that “Dangerously In-love” was the first song, being with him, we really felt the love. It was an amazing experience because I was with my husband. And the last one was very memorable because he performed the big three, which would be “Thique,” “All Up in your Mind,” and “Drunk in Love.” Everybody was really waiting for “Drunken Love” because of the Dubai vocals he did. If I’m going to rank it, New Jersey would be the first, then Los Angeles, and then Phoenix.
Your first Renaissance Tour stop was in New Jersey; how was that experience and how did you prepare? What was your favorite part of this stop?
I attended the Renaissance Tour three times because I really wanted to make the most out of it. I really want to cherish the moment because everyone’s reaction when they found out that she was going on tour was that this might be her last world tour. I really wanted to see her multiple times and the reason why New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Phoenix are the stops I chose just because I’m based and I work in New Jersey. So, why not? I’m already here. Second, in Phoenix because this is where Je and I live. It’s very accessible to my house because I have a place to stay in and I don’t need to rent or stay in a hotel. The last one was in Los Angeles and it was very timing because that was the height of Beyoncé’s birthday, her birthday was September 4 and the concert happened on September 1. My mom and sister lives in Los Angeles, I have a place to stay in again. If you’re going to ask me how I prepared for the stops? The one in New Jersey, the gates opened at I think 5pm, I was there at 11am. Considering that this is my first concert, I really don’t know how it’s going to happen, how the policy is, how the concerts here in the US work. I stayed in the nearby mall, I hung out there first, had lunch, then by 2 to 3pm, I already started walking to the stadium. When I got there, the merch store was just opening so we got our merch early. I went there alone but I was able to make friends in the parking lot, in line, and in the merch store. I’m really worried that I was going to be alone but I was very surprised that I made so many friends. Oh, and I also brought extra shoes, I brought rubber shoes because I was wearing heels. And I wore my rubber shoes to go home.
You also saw Beyoncé in Arizona; how was that stop different from her stop in New Jersey? How did you prepare for the event and how did it go? What was the highlight of this stop for you?
I went with Je, my husband. I live here and my home is just a 20-minute drive from the stadium. However, we left our house early because we had tickets for Club Renaissance, that’s the VIP standing in the concert. We were already expecting a long queue because everyone in this section wants to be near the barricade. But the first thing I thought was, will there really be a long line since it’s hot in Arizona? We made sure that we were prepared with our water, snacks, and our clear bags, once again, the rubber shoes. We were surprised to find out that there were fans waiting as early as 5 to 6am. It was so crazy. Good thing, the State Farm stadium people gave out water, ice cream, not just once, they would actually come back, maybe four times just to check everyone on the line, which was very thoughtful and appreciated because it was so hot.
The last stop of the Renaissance Tour that you attended was in Los Angeles. How did you prepare for it? What was your favorite part of this stop?
This time, I wasn’t too early. I went there around 1pm. Lining up was easy because I had already learned from Club Renaissance in Phoenix. In Los Angeles, the drive from where I was staying was just 15 minutes away. I stayed at a hotel near the stadium in case I had trouble getting home. When I got to the line, even though I arrived at 1pm, I was still able to buy merch and was still able to find a good spot. When you’re in the Club Renaissance area, some people really compete for a good place but some people get there two hours before the concert starts but they’d still get a good spot. But I’m the type to really want to be close to the barricades, so I go early.
Over all, the preparation was really to bringing food, bring that 12×6 inches clear bag, and water. There were lockers outside the stadium where you can leave your things. Those were really helpful. You only pay about $5 or $10. One thing that’s difficult for me was going home because Uber was really expensive. At this last stop, I did a 30-minute walk away from the stadium just to book an Uber. Really prepare emotionally and physically because your patience will be really tested but it was all worth it. Los Angeles was also really memorable because I met Beyoncé’s publicist and her mom. I took a picture with her publicist, Yvette, with her mom of course, we took a selfie had her sing “Savage.”
Your concert outfits were extremely imaginative and fierce. What inspired you to create each outfit/look? Could you please explain briefly how you came up with them? Who helped you? What are your favorite pieces from each of your ensembles?
My outfits? I just recycled most of it. I wore Ivy Park the entire time because what else would I wear but Beyoncé’s brand? Adidas x Ivy Park. I mixed and match. The first look was a pink, sequined bomber jacket from her most recent collection. It’s really iconic because it has fringe and it was really made for this concert. I purchased it two months before the concert. Then I decided that this would be the highlight of the New Jersey stop. Then for my top, I just looked for something silver then I just wore shorts. The silver heel, I purchased it from Asos. I really want my ensemble to be comfy but at the same time have a unique piece and of course the iconic Renaissance fan.
A day before the Phoenix concert, she announced that her birthday wish was to see everyone in chrome, in silver, so I was like, “OH MY GOD!” Before she announced that, my outfit was already prepared because I was saving the silver outfit for the Phoenix stop. I purchased this silver ensemble of mine last year, then I said “Finally, it’s the perfect time to wear it because it’s Disco themed and I’m in the Club Renaissance” so when she announced her wish I said “OH MY GOD! Did she read my mind?” I just accessorized myself, I bought a crown from Amazon. I just recycled my necklace from one of her releases, which was a hat with a silver piece hanging from it, so I made it into a necklace. I was going for an alien superstar look that night. I really did all silver. I even made my hair silver.
The last stop actually gave me a bit of a hard time because I said “Shit, I don’t have anything to wear anymore. It’s like I’ve worn everything.” But I remembered purchasing a sequined jacket that I saw on Posh Mark. It was originally an expensive piece but was only sold for $60 and it was in my size.
I gotta fan myself off, I gotta fan myself off
My real goal is to be photographed by the crew. I want to be featured on the website. I want to be noticed. Why would you even go there if your aim is not to get noticed? Alam mo naman tayo, hindi tayo papatalo! My plan was successful because I was featured on the site three times. All the times I went to the concert I was on the website and I was absolutely grateful. I was so proud of myself. Je helped me with the outfits, especially the last one. Je was the one who searched for a hat on Amazon. Luckily, I am very blessed with a very supportive husband. This look during the Los Angeles visit was by far my favorite of the three looks I wore.
What advice do you have for people who would like to see a Beyoncé concert? What recommendations do you have for folks who want to see more than one concert in a short period of time?
If you’re going to see a Beyoncé concert, prepare, as in financially prepare. The ticket is expensive. This was my first Beyoncé concert, first concert that I watched in the US. I’m not earning that much yet so I really saved up for her because I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to see her. With any concert, prepare physically because it’s very tiring. The waiting is tiring because if you really want to get to those barricades, you really need to wake up early. You need to be prepared with food, water, shoes, clothes for change after you sweat because you don’t want to get sick.
The installment payments are very helpful. Although I didn’t take it but it would really be helpful if you really want it. You also need to strategize. Luckily the three stops I went to; I have places to stay. The most important of all is self-control because you don’t want to be spending too much. You don’t want a fun experience, then go broke afterwards. Be strategic. If you see your idols twice, that’s enough. I chose to watch her three times because I really don’t know when it will happen again.
What would you say to Beyoncé if you had a message for her?
I would like to thank her because I really had a tough childhood, my childhood wasn’t easy. Her music until now is really my escape; it’s my happy place. Every time I’m stressed, every time I need a push, motivation, I listen to her. When I need energy, that means I have to listen to Beyoncé. She’s really my escape. Each album that she came up with will really resonate with you, no matter what you feel, no matter what you’re going through, it will really speak to you.
Beyoncé, thank you for being my role model. I really admire your ambition, humility, grace, showmanship, dedication, and hard-work, you really inspire me every day. I couldn’t put it into words but a huge part of Dein is because of Beyoncé. Nothing but thank you and I love you so much. I love you deep, deep, deep.
To see more of Dein’s videos and photos at the Renaissance Tour, follow him on Instagram.
Denise J. Mallabo 