Friday, August 28, 2009
Ruffa And Ai Guesting Today!
Catch the Ruffa And Ai guesting by yours truly today, around 11:00 onwards. Hopefully, I did well, as it was a taping. :D
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Gary Valenciano's Mag:Net Tribute Night!
.:Starstruck Doesn't Even Begin To Cover It:.
Picture courtesy of Judd
So last August 12,I went to Mag:Net Bonifacio High Street with Sarah and Judd, as we wanted to catch the Gary V tribute night, featuring Archipelago, Sino Si Kat, Spongecola, Pupil, and of course, one of my favorite bands, the Itchyworms. What none of us expected was the tribute night would actually be attended by Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano. We thought we were just joking around when we wondered aloud if we'd see him at the gig, but a few minutes later, the man walked past me, and I froze on the spot.
Did I ever tell you guys that I am such a big fan of his that I practically wore out my cassette of "Shout For Joy" when I was a kid, playing his songs from end to end?
And a quick fun fact: I discovered the hard way at my young, foolish age that cassettes cannot be fully rewound on both sides. Took me about five sequences of rewinding both sides before I caught on, actually. ::grins sheepishly::
Anyways, the performances were awesome, as each band respectively covered at least one Gary Valenciano each time, including a very unique, very Pupil version of "Take Me Out Of The Dark", as done by Dok. I loved all the performances, including the special participation of the percussion group Brigada, who really got the crowd going with their very lively beat.
All throughout, I was really just dumbstruck as Gary Valenciano was just a few seats from us. Given how he is one of my two favourite local male artists of all time (The late Francis Magalona being the other one.), I was never this starstruck in my life, except when I met Rick Astley. Sarah, Judd, and I were just frozen in place, trying to muster the courage to approach him and ask for a picture with him.
Soon enough, we did, and a few minutes later we had to have the picture taken again because Judd’s camera’s memory card got corrupted. Thankfully, Mr. Valenciano was incredibly gracious as he talked to us and had a picture taken with us again.
We even ran into Jericho Rosales that night, and to prevent the awkwardness of a guy asking for another guy’s picture, I used Sarah as my shield by telling Jericho that she was a big fan. Sarah looked at me incredulously as we had our picture taken. I think even Echo realized Sarah wasn’t the fan in that equation... LOL.
Anyways, it was overall quite an experience. I am definitely a big fan of Gary Valenciano, so seeing him this up close and personal was such a brush with celebrity for me, and it's one I simply cannot forget anytime soon.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Chiz Stands Alone
.:Meet And Greet Chiz Escudero!:.
The Chiz Stands Alone!
Before I begin, pictures are courtesy of Achie Rochelle.
Last August 13, Chiz Escudero graciously invited us bloggers to meet him and get to know him up close and personal. It was quite an experience, because I never did get to know Chiz beyond the Chiz Facts site, which is obviously meant as a joke, just like the Jamby Madrigal blog that's been the subject of much amusement and derision recently.
Admittedly, the wait was pretty long and a tad frustrating, but great chicharon for appetizers, a funny and quick-witted waiter, some hilarious discussions about DOTA mods (Read it quickly, and you'll get it.) and Diablo in front of very clueless people like my my Achie, and some magic definitely kept the night from being a drag.
That, and when we finally saw Senator Escudero, I personally believe it was worth the wait. He was very witty, and very candid with his answers, and we even managed to sneak in some political questions given how there were at least four political bloggers among our batch. What really made it funny was how he interacted with Achie, as apparently, Chiz's ex prior to finding his wife was named "Rochelle", and he took every chance to say Achie's name aloud with so much feeling, relishing every opportunity he got to do so.
To say that Senator Escudero is a straightforward person who shoots from the hip is a given. He's got the gift of gab, and he knows how to connect with people from various walks of life. Needless to say, if he does run for president, he'd be one of the few people at the top of my mind, and I'm definitely glad I got the chance to meet him and even have a picture taken with him after I performed a demonstration of psychokinesis for him.
It was a most entertaining rendezvous with the good senator, and I was thoroughly enlightened by his very refreshing take on life and politics. If he ever invited me to another one of his gatherings, I wouldn't hesitate to say "yes".
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Eulogy For The Nice Guy...
.:A Eulogy To The Nice Guy:.
Pardon the third person. Marcelle promised to do this only at an extreme moment, and this certainly counts for that.
The past eight months have been Hades, and Marcelle has been doing everything he can just to survive the unmistakably painful crunch that has beset him. He buried imself in pretty much anything he can get his hands on: the unmistakable rush to do his thesis, to get a full-time job, to do standup comedy, to find opportunities to do magic, Marcelle turned to all of these things and more just so he could keep himself sane.
But you see, sanity is hardly an option for him. In the crazy hubbub that he engrosses himself in, he cannot but help and realize that his heart is in a wretched state: a point in his life where he realizes that he has been bled dry for love, and he is nearly at a point where he doesn’t want to hurt anymore. He tried finding a substitute for love, but there was always a gaping void that he can’t quite supplant despite all his supplications.
That’s why with each passing day, the resentment has built. He finds himself unworthy, as the object of his affection longs for “the nice guy”, yet there he is, stating his case, time and again, only to be rebuffed and heartbroken.
He’s tried to stay strong in the face of it all. In fact, a few months ago, he insisted that these setbacks won’t keep him from giving up on how he comports himself. Famous last words, really. It didn’t take long before he found himself being used and then thrown away afterwards, and he’s taken all he could take from “friends” and lovers alike, but he can’t take anymore.
It’s happened time and time again, and one fails to realize that no amount of love can make this work if it only comes from one person. When you’re made to feel insignificant and used after you’ve outlived your purpose for someone, it feels painful to have to move on. But indeed, you are a person who found himself in someone’s life for a reason, and that reason has past.
Some may find themselves lucky to find someone for a season. Others, perhaps, even a lifetime. But it would appear that is not Marcelle’s lot. In his desire to prove wrong the adage that “nice guys finish last”, he realized that he ended up living the adage.
And so, here’s my eulogy to the Nice Guy:
Do not weep for him who lies interred, for he deserves the slumber he now enjoys. The tears that would fall are but a waste, for where were those tears when he was still alive and breathing?
When he was at your beck and call, did you care what he was going through? Did you care about the minutes you stole away from him as you asked him to console you, knowing that he was there because he loved you with all his heart? It was no secret: the nice guy was always there, always caring for you, with no hidden hope or agenda. It was clear as day: he wanted to make you happy, and he was crazy enough to want it at the cost of his own happiness.
And perhaps that was his greatest fault. He went out on a limb for you, listened to you rant about the one whom you felt was worth your affection as he threw away your feelings because clearly, he had better things to do than to fight for you.
And then you look at your nice guy, and irony of ironies, you ask him, “Where are all the nice guys?”
Did you even think for a moment that he could make you happy?
Did you even think for a moment that he valued you more than those who have come before him ever did, as he stood by you, listened to you, was a shoulder to cry on, and for not one moment did he hesitate to make it clear how he felt about you?
Did it not bother you that perhaps, you exploited the fact that he’d go out on a limb for you, knowing he’d do it because he loves you, no matter how much it hurt him or how embarrassing it all would be for him?
Of course not. None of this ever occurred to you. All that mattered is you had someone to reaffirm your ego: the male equivalent of the meantime girl, at your beck and call, content with a “thank you”, never asking for more, because he realizes that to ask for more would mean the end of this relationship that, unbeknownst to him, is a complete farce that he deludes himself into believing could lead to something better when the time is right, and that time is simply not right now.
And now, he’s bitter and resentful. Not of you, but oh, how he wishes it were! But he cannot blame you. He can only blame himself.
In the end, the nice guy realizes that he was a fool, and he was wrong to hope that showing you how much better he could be would make you come around. He wishes he could keep on loving you like the fool that he truly is, but he also realizes that it’s killing him to see him being overlooked and ignored time and time again, as though you existed solely to drain him of his spirits to replenish yourself then leave him by the wayside again until you need another picker-upper.
He loved you, and yet you never loved him. Whose fault was it that he is now miserable for that? Certainly not yours, for there is no reason for you to ever be obliged to reciprocate one’s affections. But realizing that the blame is entirely his does nothing to make him feel less pain now, does it? Understanding doesn’t make it any less painful.
The nice guy is a dying breed because you happen to him. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking that what you want is a nice guy, because all you’ve ever really done is to refuse every single one of them in favour of some jackass who would treat you the way you treat your nice guy. It’s easy to take the nice guy for granted because you know that he’ll always be there for you with but a snap of a finger. You’d never give your heart to him, but he’ll always be there when you’ve had a bad day, when you’ve been wronged, when you need encouragement from someone who can and will look past all your faults and see you for the wonderful human being that you believe you truly are.
Or will he?
Nice guys have limits, too. And perhaps it would be fine if you had the chance to tell yourself that you never knew how he felt about you, but when you know what he hopes for, and yet you still exploit the fact that he’s a fool for you, perhaps it’s time to examine yourself, and ask yourself if it’s better to just not give him anymore false hope, and instead simply make him realize that he doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in Hades to be with you.
Forgive the nice guy. He’s a bit stupid, and he’s a bit blind. Love can do that to people, and he certainly hopes you’d never end up even half as idiotic as he did for you.
But now, the nice guy is dead. Where he once had a heart that was shattered a million times but still beating for you, he now has a cold hunk of stone that beats for nobody but his own self-loathing and self-resentment. He wishes he can be like those other jackasses who get all the girls and throw them away like used socks afterwards, but he realizes that they are only stinging reminders of the truth: that he can never have you, and he doesn’t deserve someone like you. In fact, he doesn’t deserve anybody at all.
So please. Do not weep for the nice guy. He is but a fool who deserves to finally find rest, and for someone far wiser, but perhaps far less capable of love and affection and probably kindness, for that matter, to take his place.
Let him rest. Let there be no more Mr. Nice Guy.
Pardon the third person. Marcelle promised to do this only at an extreme moment, and this certainly counts for that.
The past eight months have been Hades, and Marcelle has been doing everything he can just to survive the unmistakably painful crunch that has beset him. He buried imself in pretty much anything he can get his hands on: the unmistakable rush to do his thesis, to get a full-time job, to do standup comedy, to find opportunities to do magic, Marcelle turned to all of these things and more just so he could keep himself sane.
But you see, sanity is hardly an option for him. In the crazy hubbub that he engrosses himself in, he cannot but help and realize that his heart is in a wretched state: a point in his life where he realizes that he has been bled dry for love, and he is nearly at a point where he doesn’t want to hurt anymore. He tried finding a substitute for love, but there was always a gaping void that he can’t quite supplant despite all his supplications.
That’s why with each passing day, the resentment has built. He finds himself unworthy, as the object of his affection longs for “the nice guy”, yet there he is, stating his case, time and again, only to be rebuffed and heartbroken.
He’s tried to stay strong in the face of it all. In fact, a few months ago, he insisted that these setbacks won’t keep him from giving up on how he comports himself. Famous last words, really. It didn’t take long before he found himself being used and then thrown away afterwards, and he’s taken all he could take from “friends” and lovers alike, but he can’t take anymore.
It’s happened time and time again, and one fails to realize that no amount of love can make this work if it only comes from one person. When you’re made to feel insignificant and used after you’ve outlived your purpose for someone, it feels painful to have to move on. But indeed, you are a person who found himself in someone’s life for a reason, and that reason has past.
Some may find themselves lucky to find someone for a season. Others, perhaps, even a lifetime. But it would appear that is not Marcelle’s lot. In his desire to prove wrong the adage that “nice guys finish last”, he realized that he ended up living the adage.
And so, here’s my eulogy to the Nice Guy:
Do not weep for him who lies interred, for he deserves the slumber he now enjoys. The tears that would fall are but a waste, for where were those tears when he was still alive and breathing?
When he was at your beck and call, did you care what he was going through? Did you care about the minutes you stole away from him as you asked him to console you, knowing that he was there because he loved you with all his heart? It was no secret: the nice guy was always there, always caring for you, with no hidden hope or agenda. It was clear as day: he wanted to make you happy, and he was crazy enough to want it at the cost of his own happiness.
And perhaps that was his greatest fault. He went out on a limb for you, listened to you rant about the one whom you felt was worth your affection as he threw away your feelings because clearly, he had better things to do than to fight for you.
And then you look at your nice guy, and irony of ironies, you ask him, “Where are all the nice guys?”
Did you even think for a moment that he could make you happy?
Did you even think for a moment that he valued you more than those who have come before him ever did, as he stood by you, listened to you, was a shoulder to cry on, and for not one moment did he hesitate to make it clear how he felt about you?
Did it not bother you that perhaps, you exploited the fact that he’d go out on a limb for you, knowing he’d do it because he loves you, no matter how much it hurt him or how embarrassing it all would be for him?
Of course not. None of this ever occurred to you. All that mattered is you had someone to reaffirm your ego: the male equivalent of the meantime girl, at your beck and call, content with a “thank you”, never asking for more, because he realizes that to ask for more would mean the end of this relationship that, unbeknownst to him, is a complete farce that he deludes himself into believing could lead to something better when the time is right, and that time is simply not right now.
And now, he’s bitter and resentful. Not of you, but oh, how he wishes it were! But he cannot blame you. He can only blame himself.
In the end, the nice guy realizes that he was a fool, and he was wrong to hope that showing you how much better he could be would make you come around. He wishes he could keep on loving you like the fool that he truly is, but he also realizes that it’s killing him to see him being overlooked and ignored time and time again, as though you existed solely to drain him of his spirits to replenish yourself then leave him by the wayside again until you need another picker-upper.
He loved you, and yet you never loved him. Whose fault was it that he is now miserable for that? Certainly not yours, for there is no reason for you to ever be obliged to reciprocate one’s affections. But realizing that the blame is entirely his does nothing to make him feel less pain now, does it? Understanding doesn’t make it any less painful.
The nice guy is a dying breed because you happen to him. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking that what you want is a nice guy, because all you’ve ever really done is to refuse every single one of them in favour of some jackass who would treat you the way you treat your nice guy. It’s easy to take the nice guy for granted because you know that he’ll always be there for you with but a snap of a finger. You’d never give your heart to him, but he’ll always be there when you’ve had a bad day, when you’ve been wronged, when you need encouragement from someone who can and will look past all your faults and see you for the wonderful human being that you believe you truly are.
Or will he?
Nice guys have limits, too. And perhaps it would be fine if you had the chance to tell yourself that you never knew how he felt about you, but when you know what he hopes for, and yet you still exploit the fact that he’s a fool for you, perhaps it’s time to examine yourself, and ask yourself if it’s better to just not give him anymore false hope, and instead simply make him realize that he doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in Hades to be with you.
Forgive the nice guy. He’s a bit stupid, and he’s a bit blind. Love can do that to people, and he certainly hopes you’d never end up even half as idiotic as he did for you.
But now, the nice guy is dead. Where he once had a heart that was shattered a million times but still beating for you, he now has a cold hunk of stone that beats for nobody but his own self-loathing and self-resentment. He wishes he can be like those other jackasses who get all the girls and throw them away like used socks afterwards, but he realizes that they are only stinging reminders of the truth: that he can never have you, and he doesn’t deserve someone like you. In fact, he doesn’t deserve anybody at all.
So please. Do not weep for the nice guy. He is but a fool who deserves to finally find rest, and for someone far wiser, but perhaps far less capable of love and affection and probably kindness, for that matter, to take his place.
Let him rest. Let there be no more Mr. Nice Guy.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Magikel Guests Again On Ruffa And Ai On August 28...
.:Well, Well, Well:.
In what is the first of four dates where I'm slated to perform, it appears that the taping I was part of yesterday for Ruffa and Ai will be aired next Friday on Channel 2, around 11 or so in the morning. That's August 28, and it's in celebration of Santino's birthday.
Funnily enough, I wasn't allowed to get Santino as a volunteer. Something about Bro getting ticked off at me... heh.
Anyways, hope you guys catch the episode next week!
In what is the first of four dates where I'm slated to perform, it appears that the taping I was part of yesterday for Ruffa and Ai will be aired next Friday on Channel 2, around 11 or so in the morning. That's August 28, and it's in celebration of Santino's birthday.
Funnily enough, I wasn't allowed to get Santino as a volunteer. Something about Bro getting ticked off at me... heh.
Anyways, hope you guys catch the episode next week!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Guesting On Ruffa And Ai a Third Time, And A Huge Announcement!
.:Guesting on R and A... Again:.
Well, this will be my third guesting for Ruffa and Ai, as we'll be taping the episode this coming Wednesday, but I'm still kinda left wondering, really, as to what to do, since it's mainly kid-friendly magic I'm supposed to perform, for none other than Santino of May Bukas Pa fame.
I'm a bit excited, but currently, I've no idea when they'd be airing the episode. Most likely Thursday, I was told.
Well, hopefully, Santino would enjoy the performance for his birthday. It should be amusing, to say the least, although I'm honestly a tad nervous about it all.
.:October 23: The Sequel To Laughs And Gasps, Coming Up!:.
Well, this will be my third guesting for Ruffa and Ai, as we'll be taping the episode this coming Wednesday, but I'm still kinda left wondering, really, as to what to do, since it's mainly kid-friendly magic I'm supposed to perform, for none other than Santino of May Bukas Pa fame.
I'm a bit excited, but currently, I've no idea when they'd be airing the episode. Most likely Thursday, I was told.
Well, hopefully, Santino would enjoy the performance for his birthday. It should be amusing, to say the least, although I'm honestly a tad nervous about it all.
.:October 23: The Sequel To Laughs And Gasps, Coming Up!:.
We're baaaaacccckkk!!!
They said it couldn't be done, but we sure showed 'em.
Hot on the heels of last year's successful show, "Laughs And Gasps", our heroes of mind and magic, Kel and Jay, are back for a second helping of mirth, magic, and mentalism, but this time, they're coming back with more than just a little bit of help from their friends.
"Bound And Gagged" is coming this October 23 in PETA Theater, featuring the unique stylings of Kel and Jay, and a special showdown between the Ventrillusionist, Wanlu, and the country's Premiere Ventriloquist, Ony Carcamo. Special guests include the Comedy Cartel's Richie Fernandez and Mike Unson, as well as special musical guests Project 2 and 90's legend, Grin Department.
This event will feature Kel and Jay demonstrating death-defying escape acts, paying tribute to some of their greatest influences; including Copperfield, Houdini, Derren, and of course, Penn and Teller.
If you're interested to help make this event a success, you can reach us via marcelle.fabie@nuffnang.com for any queries about sponsorship packages and the like.
Ticket prices are currently pegged at 200-300 per ticket depending on if you're seated at the balcony or orchestra, and proceeds will be donated to The Real Life Foundation. As always, tickets are available at the gate.
We're back, and we're upping the ante. Catch you on October 23!
Hot on the heels of last year's successful show, "Laughs And Gasps", our heroes of mind and magic, Kel and Jay, are back for a second helping of mirth, magic, and mentalism, but this time, they're coming back with more than just a little bit of help from their friends.
"Bound And Gagged" is coming this October 23 in PETA Theater, featuring the unique stylings of Kel and Jay, and a special showdown between the Ventrillusionist, Wanlu, and the country's Premiere Ventriloquist, Ony Carcamo. Special guests include the Comedy Cartel's Richie Fernandez and Mike Unson, as well as special musical guests Project 2 and 90's legend, Grin Department.
This event will feature Kel and Jay demonstrating death-defying escape acts, paying tribute to some of their greatest influences; including Copperfield, Houdini, Derren, and of course, Penn and Teller.
If you're interested to help make this event a success, you can reach us via marcelle.fabie@nuffnang.com for any queries about sponsorship packages and the like.
Ticket prices are currently pegged at 200-300 per ticket depending on if you're seated at the balcony or orchestra, and proceeds will be donated to The Real Life Foundation. As always, tickets are available at the gate.
We're back, and we're upping the ante. Catch you on October 23!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A Quick Review Of GI Joe...
.:Hrmm...:.
Watched GI Joe with longtime friend and batchmate Cami, and we were scratching our heads half the time.
There were lots and lots of plotholes, but ultimately, it boils down to this...
GI Joe was an action-packed film, and was not meant for overanalyzing. It's better than Transformers 2, but that doesn't make GI Joe an excellent movie.
Having said that, it was great hanging out with Cami again. It's been a while. :D
Watched GI Joe with longtime friend and batchmate Cami, and we were scratching our heads half the time.
There were lots and lots of plotholes, but ultimately, it boils down to this...
GI Joe was an action-packed film, and was not meant for overanalyzing. It's better than Transformers 2, but that doesn't make GI Joe an excellent movie.
Having said that, it was great hanging out with Cami again. It's been a while. :D
Friday, August 14, 2009
Backblogging Lineup...
1. Gary V
2. Chiz Escudero
3. "It was going to be a good day... and then I woke up"
4. "Whatever happened to the nice guys?"
5. Goldilocks
6. Bound And Gagged
2. Chiz Escudero
3. "It was going to be a good day... and then I woke up"
4. "Whatever happened to the nice guys?"
5. Goldilocks
6. Bound And Gagged
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Today's LSS: I Just Don't Wanna Be Lonely
.:Today's LSS...:.
One of the few times I don't mind Regine Velasquez remaking a song. She actually didn't belt like a Banshee on this one, and I absolutely love the sentiment of the song.
I Just Don't Wanna Be Lonely
by Regine Velasquez
I don't mind when you say that you're going away
Just don't wanna be lonely
And I don't care if you share
Only moments a day
I just don't wanna be lonely
I'd rather be loved and needed
Depended on to give a love I can't give
When you're gone, when you're gone
I just don't want to be lonely
I'd just rather be loved
I'd just rather be loved
I don't mind when the time
sets the sun to the moon
I just don't wanna be lonely
Let the stairs find you there
at the end of the room
I just don't wanna be lonely
I'd rather be loved and needed
Depended on to give a love I can't give
When you're gone, when you're gone
I just don't want to be lonely
I'd just rather be loved
I'd just rather be loved
I'd rather be loved and needed
Depended on to give a love I can't give
When you're gone, when you're gone
I just don't want to be lonely
I'd just rather be loved
I'd just rather be loved...
One of the few times I don't mind Regine Velasquez remaking a song. She actually didn't belt like a Banshee on this one, and I absolutely love the sentiment of the song.
I Just Don't Wanna Be Lonely
by Regine Velasquez
I don't mind when you say that you're going away
Just don't wanna be lonely
And I don't care if you share
Only moments a day
I just don't wanna be lonely
I'd rather be loved and needed
Depended on to give a love I can't give
When you're gone, when you're gone
I just don't want to be lonely
I'd just rather be loved
I'd just rather be loved
I don't mind when the time
sets the sun to the moon
I just don't wanna be lonely
Let the stairs find you there
at the end of the room
I just don't wanna be lonely
I'd rather be loved and needed
Depended on to give a love I can't give
When you're gone, when you're gone
I just don't want to be lonely
I'd just rather be loved
I'd just rather be loved
I'd rather be loved and needed
Depended on to give a love I can't give
When you're gone, when you're gone
I just don't want to be lonely
I'd just rather be loved
I'd just rather be loved...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Today's LSS: Kung Ako Na Lang Sana...
.:Today's LSS...:.
This song goes out to someone I know. I always ask myself sometimes why the people we value are the people the others who are lucky to have them tend to just throw away. But I guess I'm the king of wishful thinking.
Kung Ako Na Lang Sana
by Bituin Escalante
Heto ka naman
Kumakatok sa aking pintuan
Muling naghahanap ng makakausap
At heto na naman ako
Nakikinig sa mga kwento mong paulit-ulit lang
Nagtitiis kahit nasasaktan
Ewan kung bakit ba
Hindi ko pa nadadala
Hindi ba't kailan lang nang ika'y iwanan nya
At ewan ko sa iyo
Parang bale wala ang puso ko
Ano nga ba meron siya
Na sa akin ay di mo makita
Chorus:
Kung ako na lang sana ang iyong minahal
Di ka na muling mag-iisa
Kung ako na lang sana ang iyong minahal
Di ka na muling luluha pa
Di ka na mangangailan pang humanap ng iba
Narito ang puso ko
Maghihintay lamang sa iyo
Heto pa rin ako
Umaasa ang puso mo
Baka sakali pang ito'y magbago narito lang ako
Kasama ang buong buhay mo
Ang kulang na lang mahalin mo rin akong lubusan
(Repeat Chorus 2x)
Kung ako na lang sana...
This song goes out to someone I know. I always ask myself sometimes why the people we value are the people the others who are lucky to have them tend to just throw away. But I guess I'm the king of wishful thinking.
Kung Ako Na Lang Sana
by Bituin Escalante
Heto ka naman
Kumakatok sa aking pintuan
Muling naghahanap ng makakausap
At heto na naman ako
Nakikinig sa mga kwento mong paulit-ulit lang
Nagtitiis kahit nasasaktan
Ewan kung bakit ba
Hindi ko pa nadadala
Hindi ba't kailan lang nang ika'y iwanan nya
At ewan ko sa iyo
Parang bale wala ang puso ko
Ano nga ba meron siya
Na sa akin ay di mo makita
Chorus:
Kung ako na lang sana ang iyong minahal
Di ka na muling mag-iisa
Kung ako na lang sana ang iyong minahal
Di ka na muling luluha pa
Di ka na mangangailan pang humanap ng iba
Narito ang puso ko
Maghihintay lamang sa iyo
Heto pa rin ako
Umaasa ang puso mo
Baka sakali pang ito'y magbago narito lang ako
Kasama ang buong buhay mo
Ang kulang na lang mahalin mo rin akong lubusan
(Repeat Chorus 2x)
Kung ako na lang sana...
Attempts At Poetry Yet Again...
.:No Stranger To Love:.
by Kel
No stranger to love, one such as I
To give my heart and all for one so fair
Yet in the end, this love is a lie
Nothing but faded memories to share
Now I can breathe, but my air is gone
Now I can hold you, but you’re far away
Now I can rejoice, but the moment is done
Now I can smile, but I won’t today
No stranger to love, or so I think
You loved me so, we were led to believe
From the start, we were doomed to sink
And now, I ask myself, how do I live?
Now I can love, but the love has died
Now I can trust, believe in nothingness
Now I can fly, or so I tried
Now I can grieve, and revel in emptiness
No stranger to misery, is what i’ve become
To love and to lose, to love and to lose
Only now do I realize what I have done
I have fallen too deep for love’s cruel ruse
.:She Looks Upon You And Hope Springs Anew:.
by Kel (Inspired by Eduardo Calasanz's "Awit Para Kay Ana"
She looks upon you and hope springs anew
As you gaze into each other’s eyes
She shines in the night, for love so true
‘Tis a perfect evening, fresh as the evening dew
Secrets whispered carelessly, time quickly flies
She looks upon you and hope springs anew
Your hands intertwined, a hushed “I love you”
An “I love you too”, oh, love is a paradise!
She shines in the night, for love so true
As nights pass, there is little left to do
The Moon wanes, and soon you realize
She looks upon you and hope springs anew
‘Tis merely the intoxication of a full Moon’s hue
Passions unbridled then sobered, sincerest of lies
She shines in the night, for love so true
Love comes, love goes, oh if I only knew
That alone or loved truly, the Moon will still rise
She looks upon you and hope springs anew
She shines in the night, for love so true
by Kel
No stranger to love, one such as I
To give my heart and all for one so fair
Yet in the end, this love is a lie
Nothing but faded memories to share
Now I can breathe, but my air is gone
Now I can hold you, but you’re far away
Now I can rejoice, but the moment is done
Now I can smile, but I won’t today
No stranger to love, or so I think
You loved me so, we were led to believe
From the start, we were doomed to sink
And now, I ask myself, how do I live?
Now I can love, but the love has died
Now I can trust, believe in nothingness
Now I can fly, or so I tried
Now I can grieve, and revel in emptiness
No stranger to misery, is what i’ve become
To love and to lose, to love and to lose
Only now do I realize what I have done
I have fallen too deep for love’s cruel ruse
.:She Looks Upon You And Hope Springs Anew:.
by Kel (Inspired by Eduardo Calasanz's "Awit Para Kay Ana"
She looks upon you and hope springs anew
As you gaze into each other’s eyes
She shines in the night, for love so true
‘Tis a perfect evening, fresh as the evening dew
Secrets whispered carelessly, time quickly flies
She looks upon you and hope springs anew
Your hands intertwined, a hushed “I love you”
An “I love you too”, oh, love is a paradise!
She shines in the night, for love so true
As nights pass, there is little left to do
The Moon wanes, and soon you realize
She looks upon you and hope springs anew
‘Tis merely the intoxication of a full Moon’s hue
Passions unbridled then sobered, sincerest of lies
She shines in the night, for love so true
Love comes, love goes, oh if I only knew
That alone or loved truly, the Moon will still rise
She looks upon you and hope springs anew
She shines in the night, for love so true
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Live It Up, Beat It Down
.:GMA + BEP + Le Cirque = FTW!:.
Apparently, what pushed the bill up for the infamous Le Cirque dinner wasn't the set menu that they had, but a special performance by the Black Eyed Peas which was labeled as a "special tribute", not to the current president, but to someone far more special.
This was a surprise number paid for by the party's host, Rep. Romualdez, and "not a single cent of taxpayer's money was used to fund this special performance."
According to very reliable hearsay, international pop stars the Black Eyed Peas were asked to perform one song number for the president that was certainly representative of our beloved president's demeanor upon receiving the tragic news of the passing of former president Corazon Aquino.
A picture of grace under pressure, the president was reportedly enjoying her eighth glass of wine (Or was it bottle? Our reliable hearsay was unable to clarify.) when Filipino-American Apl De Ap walked up to her, with bandmates in tow, and they spoke briefly before quickly launching into song, reminiscent of the last time a special production number was performed in honor of the president.
"We know how you're feeling right now, Madame President," said Apl. "As such, we'd like to offer a moment of silence for a great woman, Corazon Aquino."
In a show of class and taste, in the middle of the moment of silence, GMA raised her glass of wine for a toast for Cory Aquino. This was met by thunderous applause from the group dining.
"Okay, moment's over. Let's hit it!"
And with that, the first beats of the Black Eyed Peas hit song, "I Gotta Feeling" piped into the restaurant, thus embodying the very feelings of the president that night.
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
Tonight’s the night night
Let’s live it up
I got my money
Let’s spend it up
Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Let’s get get crunk
I know that we’ll have a ball
If we get down
And go out
And just lose it all
I feel stressed out
I wanna let it go
Lets go way out spaced out
And losing all control
Fill up my cup
Mazeltov
Look at her dancing
Just take it off
Let's paint the town
We’ll shut it down
Let’s burn the roof
And then we’ll do it again
Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it
And live it up
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night (x2)
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night (x2)
Tonight’s the night
let’s live it up
I got my money
Lets spend it up
Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Lets get get crunk
Fill up my cup (Drink)
Mazeltov (l'chaim)
Look at her dancing (move it, move it)
Just take it off
Lets paint the town
We’ll shut it down
Lets burn the roof
And then we’ll do it again
Lets do it, let's do it, let's do it
Let’s live it up
Here we come
Here we go
We gotta rock
Easy come
Easy go
Now we on top
Feel the shot
Body rock
Rock it don’t stop
Round and round
Up and down
Around the clock
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Friday, Saturday, Saturday and Sunday
We keep keep keep keep on going
We know what we say
Party everyday
P-p-p-party everyday
Got a feeling
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good good night...
Immediately afterwards, the president offered another toast, and everyone was more than happy about the very elaborate tribute by the Black Eyed Peas.
"We will always remember you, Tita Cory," a very teary-eyed public official said, after listening to the heartwarming lyrics of the song.
"I wish the millions of Filipinos in our country right now who are starving and have no job to speak of and no future to look forward to were here right now. Truly, this ostentatious outpouring of love and tribute was worth every cent," said another noticeably emotional public servant.
Upon arrival in the country, a visibly exhausted president rushed to the memorial services for Corazon Aquino, all the while belying the solemn nature of her personal tribute to one of her role models in the political world while she was half a world away, living it up, just like the Black Eyed Peas sang so convincingly.
She spent a total of seven minutes at the service, having hummed the song twice in her head before leaving, to pay respects to the former president, tapping her feet rhythmically.
.:It Is Official: Carlo J. Caparas, National Artist:.
Amid the uproar, Carlo J. Caparas has officially been named a "National Artist," but to compromise with protesters, his designation as "National Artist for visual arts and film" has been slightly modified to be more representative of his body of work.
Thus, a new category was created that was met with no opposition even by the harshest of Caparas's critics: Carlo J. Caparas is now the National Artist "for artistic temperament".
In an interview, Carlo J. Caparas, sporting his traditional garb of sunglassed and baseball cap, said, "Tama lang na parangalan akong national artist, at siguro naman wala nang magrereklamo. Hindi ba't pareho kami ng ugali ni Van Gogh saka ni Christian Bale?"
Caparas was obviously referring to the great painter, Vincent Van Gogh, who cut off his own ear, thus proving that he was batshit insane; and Christian Bale, who, depending on his role due to his method acting, is also batshit insane.
As such, Carlo J. Caparas is in good company. After all, one need not be a true artist to have an artistic temperament.
"Finally, CJC's efforts over the decades is being recognized. Who could ever forget his immortal lines, 'suntukan na lang tayo'?" A very pleased supporter was reported as saying.
When asked to comment about the matter, fellow director Uwe Boll applauded Caparas's "courage in the face of cricism", citing his own efforts to prove his artistic merit in a boxing match against his critics, whom he resoundingly beat up convincingly. It is to be noted that one particular critic was declined participation in this said event, as he reportedly has a background in MMA.
Caparas, best known for writing (But not drawing!) memorable komiks such as "Joaquin Bordad" and "Totoy Bato", and a spate of terrible but commercially successful massacre films that launched Kris Aquino to superstardom (See? Even more reason to thank CJC!), is reported to be satisfied that the furor over his having bypassed Coching, Ravelo, and two Alcala's has died down when his National Artist proclamation was reassigned to be more representative of his body of work.
In keeping with his artistic demeanor, and in a show of class and composure, he suggested to his critics that they be grateful now that finally, people actually give a damn about who the National Artists are, and that his illustrious name has been added to their ranks, under pain of fisticuffs. Who cares about "campus writers" and "pretentious directors", right?
Carlo J. Caparas, congratulations for being our National Artist for artistic temperament! Truly, you are an excuse for douchebags all over this country to continue acting the way they do because hey, it's not "petulant whining and wrangling," it's "artistic temperament!" I also admire your immeasurable modesty in accepting this honor while you are not yet old, infirm, or dead, "unlike my other newfound colleagues," as you would put it, paraphrased.
I am especially thrilled by how you still identify yourself with the masses despite your mansions and your numerous automobiles. It's an amazing technique, talking out of both sides of your mouth. I know some people would call you out on that for hypocrisy, but I say, it's "artistic temperament!" See? Such a great honor to be bestowed upon you! Not only is it a fitting label, to be called a National Artist, it is now a convenient excuse for anything stupid you would say or do! If anyone still has any qualms, aba, suntukan na lang kayo. I am excited to witness the prospect of you having to defend your title of "National Artist" for the rest of your life as though you were some WWE Wrestler.
I've often heard of sore losers, but this is one of the few times I've heard of a sore winner. You are truly in a class all your own, and outstanding in your own field.
How I wish that was really all you ever did: that you'd be out standing in your own field. For good.
Apparently, what pushed the bill up for the infamous Le Cirque dinner wasn't the set menu that they had, but a special performance by the Black Eyed Peas which was labeled as a "special tribute", not to the current president, but to someone far more special.
This was a surprise number paid for by the party's host, Rep. Romualdez, and "not a single cent of taxpayer's money was used to fund this special performance."
According to very reliable hearsay, international pop stars the Black Eyed Peas were asked to perform one song number for the president that was certainly representative of our beloved president's demeanor upon receiving the tragic news of the passing of former president Corazon Aquino.
A picture of grace under pressure, the president was reportedly enjoying her eighth glass of wine (Or was it bottle? Our reliable hearsay was unable to clarify.) when Filipino-American Apl De Ap walked up to her, with bandmates in tow, and they spoke briefly before quickly launching into song, reminiscent of the last time a special production number was performed in honor of the president.
"We know how you're feeling right now, Madame President," said Apl. "As such, we'd like to offer a moment of silence for a great woman, Corazon Aquino."
In a show of class and taste, in the middle of the moment of silence, GMA raised her glass of wine for a toast for Cory Aquino. This was met by thunderous applause from the group dining.
"Okay, moment's over. Let's hit it!"
And with that, the first beats of the Black Eyed Peas hit song, "I Gotta Feeling" piped into the restaurant, thus embodying the very feelings of the president that night.
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
Tonight’s the night night
Let’s live it up
I got my money
Let’s spend it up
Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Let’s get get crunk
I know that we’ll have a ball
If we get down
And go out
And just lose it all
I feel stressed out
I wanna let it go
Lets go way out spaced out
And losing all control
Fill up my cup
Mazeltov
Look at her dancing
Just take it off
Let's paint the town
We’ll shut it down
Let’s burn the roof
And then we’ll do it again
Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it
And live it up
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night (x2)
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night (x2)
Tonight’s the night
let’s live it up
I got my money
Lets spend it up
Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Lets get get crunk
Fill up my cup (Drink)
Mazeltov (l'chaim)
Look at her dancing (move it, move it)
Just take it off
Lets paint the town
We’ll shut it down
Lets burn the roof
And then we’ll do it again
Lets do it, let's do it, let's do it
Let’s live it up
Here we come
Here we go
We gotta rock
Easy come
Easy go
Now we on top
Feel the shot
Body rock
Rock it don’t stop
Round and round
Up and down
Around the clock
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Friday, Saturday, Saturday and Sunday
We keep keep keep keep on going
We know what we say
Party everyday
P-p-p-party everyday
Got a feeling
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good good night...
Immediately afterwards, the president offered another toast, and everyone was more than happy about the very elaborate tribute by the Black Eyed Peas.
"We will always remember you, Tita Cory," a very teary-eyed public official said, after listening to the heartwarming lyrics of the song.
"I wish the millions of Filipinos in our country right now who are starving and have no job to speak of and no future to look forward to were here right now. Truly, this ostentatious outpouring of love and tribute was worth every cent," said another noticeably emotional public servant.
Upon arrival in the country, a visibly exhausted president rushed to the memorial services for Corazon Aquino, all the while belying the solemn nature of her personal tribute to one of her role models in the political world while she was half a world away, living it up, just like the Black Eyed Peas sang so convincingly.
She spent a total of seven minutes at the service, having hummed the song twice in her head before leaving, to pay respects to the former president, tapping her feet rhythmically.
.:It Is Official: Carlo J. Caparas, National Artist:.
Amid the uproar, Carlo J. Caparas has officially been named a "National Artist," but to compromise with protesters, his designation as "National Artist for visual arts and film" has been slightly modified to be more representative of his body of work.
Thus, a new category was created that was met with no opposition even by the harshest of Caparas's critics: Carlo J. Caparas is now the National Artist "for artistic temperament".
In an interview, Carlo J. Caparas, sporting his traditional garb of sunglassed and baseball cap, said, "Tama lang na parangalan akong national artist, at siguro naman wala nang magrereklamo. Hindi ba't pareho kami ng ugali ni Van Gogh saka ni Christian Bale?"
Caparas was obviously referring to the great painter, Vincent Van Gogh, who cut off his own ear, thus proving that he was batshit insane; and Christian Bale, who, depending on his role due to his method acting, is also batshit insane.
As such, Carlo J. Caparas is in good company. After all, one need not be a true artist to have an artistic temperament.
"Finally, CJC's efforts over the decades is being recognized. Who could ever forget his immortal lines, 'suntukan na lang tayo'?" A very pleased supporter was reported as saying.
When asked to comment about the matter, fellow director Uwe Boll applauded Caparas's "courage in the face of cricism", citing his own efforts to prove his artistic merit in a boxing match against his critics, whom he resoundingly beat up convincingly. It is to be noted that one particular critic was declined participation in this said event, as he reportedly has a background in MMA.
Caparas, best known for writing (But not drawing!) memorable komiks such as "Joaquin Bordad" and "Totoy Bato", and a spate of terrible but commercially successful massacre films that launched Kris Aquino to superstardom (See? Even more reason to thank CJC!), is reported to be satisfied that the furor over his having bypassed Coching, Ravelo, and two Alcala's has died down when his National Artist proclamation was reassigned to be more representative of his body of work.
In keeping with his artistic demeanor, and in a show of class and composure, he suggested to his critics that they be grateful now that finally, people actually give a damn about who the National Artists are, and that his illustrious name has been added to their ranks, under pain of fisticuffs. Who cares about "campus writers" and "pretentious directors", right?
Carlo J. Caparas, congratulations for being our National Artist for artistic temperament! Truly, you are an excuse for douchebags all over this country to continue acting the way they do because hey, it's not "petulant whining and wrangling," it's "artistic temperament!" I also admire your immeasurable modesty in accepting this honor while you are not yet old, infirm, or dead, "unlike my other newfound colleagues," as you would put it, paraphrased.
I am especially thrilled by how you still identify yourself with the masses despite your mansions and your numerous automobiles. It's an amazing technique, talking out of both sides of your mouth. I know some people would call you out on that for hypocrisy, but I say, it's "artistic temperament!" See? Such a great honor to be bestowed upon you! Not only is it a fitting label, to be called a National Artist, it is now a convenient excuse for anything stupid you would say or do! If anyone still has any qualms, aba, suntukan na lang kayo. I am excited to witness the prospect of you having to defend your title of "National Artist" for the rest of your life as though you were some WWE Wrestler.
I've often heard of sore losers, but this is one of the few times I've heard of a sore winner. You are truly in a class all your own, and outstanding in your own field.
How I wish that was really all you ever did: that you'd be out standing in your own field. For good.
The Influential Bloggers Night Aftermath...
.:Stunning:.
The results came in, and pretty much, only one of my ten picks made it through. I was genuinely surprised Good Times Manila and Tunay Na Lalake didn't make the cut, but I have no doubt that the other blogs that did get through certainly deserved the accolades they received last night. Here they all are...
I'd also like to say "hi" to one of the new people I met, Frustrated Sosyalera. You rawk!
The results came in, and pretty much, only one of my ten picks made it through. I was genuinely surprised Good Times Manila and Tunay Na Lalake didn't make the cut, but I have no doubt that the other blogs that did get through certainly deserved the accolades they received last night. Here they all are...
- Writing to Exhale
- Patay Gutom
- The Struggling Blogger
- Zorlone
- Father Blogger dot Com
- Kelvinonian Ideas 2.0
- Tales from the Mom Side
- Adaphobic
- Lakwatsero
- Let's Go Sago!
I'd also like to say "hi" to one of the new people I met, Frustrated Sosyalera. You rawk!
Friday, August 07, 2009
In Lieu Of A Long Post...
Let me just offer a quote from my good friend, Stanley Chi (Whose show, Front Act, is on TV 5 every Sunday, 5:30 PM. With Mike Unson!):
This Sunday, the people watching the DLSU-ADMU game for the UAAP will all be wearing yellow. A true display of unity, and proof that it's never too late...
... to be a Thomasian.
Enjoy your weekends, everyone!
This Sunday, the people watching the DLSU-ADMU game for the UAAP will all be wearing yellow. A true display of unity, and proof that it's never too late...
... to be a Thomasian.
Enjoy your weekends, everyone!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Lost Gems Of Philippine History: Cory's Last Unsent Letter
.:Lost Gems Of Philippine History: Cory's Last Unsent Letter:.
Dear Kris,
I know I don't have long, given my condition. I've been very weak, and I've fought a long battle. In the end, there are very few things I'd really want to say.
In the end, all of it boils down to two statements: I know, and I understand.
I know it will be inevitable people would lose sight of the freedom they now enjoy, and choose to focus on my mistakes rather than what I fought for in life, and what Ninoy stood for in death. I understand that most of them will not have lived through the horrors we have lived through, few of them will know the pain of losing the man you love at what appeared to be his moment of triumph, and in understanding, I pay the price. I'd rather they took me for granted, rather than they'd have nothing to take for granted.
I know I will be revered to the point of sainthood by some, but I certainly wish that weren't the case. I am not an extraordinary person with talents available only to myself. I was merely a person who was in the right place and at the right time, and did what she thought was best at each step of the way. To say I am special and above everyone else denies people the right to aspire to become good, upright people, and provides them with an excuse to mire themselves in complacency and mediocrity. I understand how hard it is to find a hero in these times, but all they need do is look at themselves and believe they can be that person. I was never perfect. I was never a saint. I made more mistakes than I'd care to count. Despite that, it is not the man with no fear who is courageous, but the man who faces the fears he is beset with.
I know people will feel pain over those who choose to belittle the spirit of EDSA: a spirit that is certainly bigger than me alone. I find it the opposite: it is a cause for celebration. That these people are free to express their sentiments, no matter how upsetting it may be, is proof that the spirit of EDSA has done its job, perhaps imperfectly, but it is still a job that has been done. I understand. There's still so much more to do, and what we as a nation have done from 1986 is but one step in a long journey.
I know some people will choose to complain rather than to understand what is going on. Maybe they'd complain about a TV coverage happening in the middle of some girl dancing provocatively, or complain about traffic and weather getting in the way of whatever they want to do, or complain about how you, dear Kris, will inevitably say something so brutally frank some might feel you are merely using me. I understand, but know all too well that it is your unabashed honesty, to the point of tactlessness, that I can't help but love about you: there is no need to second guess anything about you.
I know some people will ride the wave of my death, and use it to elevate their status. They will attempt to pretend that they are one with the people, but in the end use the people much the same way they have always been. I understand them. That does not mean I condone them, or the way they use me in death as some of them have used me in life. They may ride the coattails of history for now, but they will expose themselves for what they truly are, sooner or later.
And lastly...
... I know some people will confuse my impending death with President Arroyo's. Our names are rather similar, we're both female presidents, we're both Capampangan, to name a few things that could confuse people. I know some people would wish it were her instead of me to be laid to rest soon.
I understand that. ;)
Love,
Mom
Dear Kris,
I know I don't have long, given my condition. I've been very weak, and I've fought a long battle. In the end, there are very few things I'd really want to say.
In the end, all of it boils down to two statements: I know, and I understand.
I know it will be inevitable people would lose sight of the freedom they now enjoy, and choose to focus on my mistakes rather than what I fought for in life, and what Ninoy stood for in death. I understand that most of them will not have lived through the horrors we have lived through, few of them will know the pain of losing the man you love at what appeared to be his moment of triumph, and in understanding, I pay the price. I'd rather they took me for granted, rather than they'd have nothing to take for granted.
I know I will be revered to the point of sainthood by some, but I certainly wish that weren't the case. I am not an extraordinary person with talents available only to myself. I was merely a person who was in the right place and at the right time, and did what she thought was best at each step of the way. To say I am special and above everyone else denies people the right to aspire to become good, upright people, and provides them with an excuse to mire themselves in complacency and mediocrity. I understand how hard it is to find a hero in these times, but all they need do is look at themselves and believe they can be that person. I was never perfect. I was never a saint. I made more mistakes than I'd care to count. Despite that, it is not the man with no fear who is courageous, but the man who faces the fears he is beset with.
I know people will feel pain over those who choose to belittle the spirit of EDSA: a spirit that is certainly bigger than me alone. I find it the opposite: it is a cause for celebration. That these people are free to express their sentiments, no matter how upsetting it may be, is proof that the spirit of EDSA has done its job, perhaps imperfectly, but it is still a job that has been done. I understand. There's still so much more to do, and what we as a nation have done from 1986 is but one step in a long journey.
I know some people will choose to complain rather than to understand what is going on. Maybe they'd complain about a TV coverage happening in the middle of some girl dancing provocatively, or complain about traffic and weather getting in the way of whatever they want to do, or complain about how you, dear Kris, will inevitably say something so brutally frank some might feel you are merely using me. I understand, but know all too well that it is your unabashed honesty, to the point of tactlessness, that I can't help but love about you: there is no need to second guess anything about you.
I know some people will ride the wave of my death, and use it to elevate their status. They will attempt to pretend that they are one with the people, but in the end use the people much the same way they have always been. I understand them. That does not mean I condone them, or the way they use me in death as some of them have used me in life. They may ride the coattails of history for now, but they will expose themselves for what they truly are, sooner or later.
And lastly...
... I know some people will confuse my impending death with President Arroyo's. Our names are rather similar, we're both female presidents, we're both Capampangan, to name a few things that could confuse people. I know some people would wish it were her instead of me to be laid to rest soon.
I understand that. ;)
Love,
Mom
Monday, August 03, 2009
Sounds Cool To Me...
.:Here, Contemplating...:.
So here I am enjoying my time, listening to good music from the Nescafe 2008 Soundskool winner, Letter Day Story. The music is just really great, and Nescafe's outdoing itself with the effort they're exerting for Soundskool, to say the least.
Well, it's an exciting time for Nescafe Soundskool. :) Hilera's lined up to perform, so this can only be a good thing.
John Hendrix is hosting, and it would've been a whole load of fun if he managed to see my standup set about him... heh.
So here I am enjoying my time, listening to good music from the Nescafe 2008 Soundskool winner, Letter Day Story. The music is just really great, and Nescafe's outdoing itself with the effort they're exerting for Soundskool, to say the least.
Well, it's an exciting time for Nescafe Soundskool. :) Hilera's lined up to perform, so this can only be a good thing.
John Hendrix is hosting, and it would've been a whole load of fun if he managed to see my standup set about him... heh.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
You're The 1 Goldilocks Awarding Night...
.:Success!:.
Last night's Goldilocks event was the first event I co-produced under Nuffnang with my good friends and co-workers Judd, Ann, Carlos, and Patty, as we labored for two weeks to make sure everything was in top form, from venue to celebration, and it was a resounding success, to say the least.
While admittedly, an unsavory infraction which we allowed to occur (As we had no choice, really.) happened, and there was a bit of a snafu involving the runners-up, overall, the success of the contest, resulting in an increase to ten prizes for the top blog posts, was taken rather well by the winners, as it gave everyone more chances to win.
Goldilocks had Juddha Paolo and Ms. Eloisa Lacap host the event, and we were all excited to know who would win. Since I wasn't privy to the judging process, I was as much in the dark as the others were as to whose entries were judged the best by the Goldilocks judging committee.
Anyways, having said that, it was quite awesome seeing all the winners, especially Noemi Dado come home with the grand prize, as her entry was nothing short of a tear-jerker, to say the least. That, and the other big "winner" must've been Byahilo, who managed to get first dibs on having a picture taken with special guest, Goldilocks endorser Dingdong Dantes, who I'm surprised still actually remembers me after all these years. Heh.
With people decorating their own cakes, among other things, it's quite obvious that everyone had fun, what with all the good stuff Goldilocks had lined up for them, and who knows? Perhaps there's more lined up in the near future.
It was quite a great night for all the bloggers who went, and I'm pleased as punch that it was a resounding success. Thanks to Goldilocks for making this event possible, and of course, thanks to all the bloggers who went and helped make the first event I helped organize with Nuffnang a whopping success!
Last night's Goldilocks event was the first event I co-produced under Nuffnang with my good friends and co-workers Judd, Ann, Carlos, and Patty, as we labored for two weeks to make sure everything was in top form, from venue to celebration, and it was a resounding success, to say the least.
While admittedly, an unsavory infraction which we allowed to occur (As we had no choice, really.) happened, and there was a bit of a snafu involving the runners-up, overall, the success of the contest, resulting in an increase to ten prizes for the top blog posts, was taken rather well by the winners, as it gave everyone more chances to win.
Goldilocks had Juddha Paolo and Ms. Eloisa Lacap host the event, and we were all excited to know who would win. Since I wasn't privy to the judging process, I was as much in the dark as the others were as to whose entries were judged the best by the Goldilocks judging committee.
Anyways, having said that, it was quite awesome seeing all the winners, especially Noemi Dado come home with the grand prize, as her entry was nothing short of a tear-jerker, to say the least. That, and the other big "winner" must've been Byahilo, who managed to get first dibs on having a picture taken with special guest, Goldilocks endorser Dingdong Dantes, who I'm surprised still actually remembers me after all these years. Heh.
With people decorating their own cakes, among other things, it's quite obvious that everyone had fun, what with all the good stuff Goldilocks had lined up for them, and who knows? Perhaps there's more lined up in the near future.
It was quite a great night for all the bloggers who went, and I'm pleased as punch that it was a resounding success. Thanks to Goldilocks for making this event possible, and of course, thanks to all the bloggers who went and helped make the first event I helped organize with Nuffnang a whopping success!
When Angels Learn To Cry: Corazon Aquino (1933-2009)
.:I Dreaded Having To Write This...:.
I said in my last entry, I'd blog about this for another day. I didn't realize that what I'd be writing was a eulogy, and not a tribute to a living icon as I would have hoped it to be.
I put it off for one day, and now, I'm too late. For that, I humbly apologize.
This year seems to be a year when some of the most influential people in this world have decided to leave this world for a better place beyond, and it's hard to catch your breath when it seems like they just come one after the other.
To name a few, you had names like Francis Magalona, David Carradine, and Michael Jackson all passing on this year so far. Michael Jackson is being somewhat touted as probably the most universally known person who was alive in my generation, perhaps only to be rivaled by one Pope John Paul II.
On a personal level, my Beloved's father passed on last Monday night as well, and I'm still recovering from that shock. It also got me to realizing how short life is, and allowed me to stop pointing fingers and just accept that it is what it is. Relationships come and go, but friendships, especially one such as that between My Beloved and I, are irreplaceable. It's a humbling realization that pride always loses the battle to mortality, and if life is so short, why would one wish to eradicate the great people in one's own life?
And now, those ranks are joined by one of the people whom I will always have great esteem for: Corazon C. Aquino, perhaps one of the greatest bastions of democracy in our generation.
It's easy to make a laundry list of mistakes she has made. A housewife whose obvious lack of administrative knowhow left her with no choice but to rely on her midnight cabinet, Cory may have not made the best of decisions during her 6-year term, but it's always easier to miss the forest for the trees.
In the end, democracy was restored from after the Marcoses ran it roughshod, and say what you will about Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, she knows all too well that thanks to Cory, she cannot expect to pull Marcos's old tricks and get away with it this time. People may seem apathetic now, people may seem mere "slacktivists", and all these ills are, in my estimate, a small price to pay for the fact that for all of Cory's faults, I am still free to write this eulogy about her that is not necessarily one that glosses over all her shortcomings. I recognize them, but I do not accept that it overrides her instrumental role in bringing democracy back into this country.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I was born Marcelle Bertrand in honor of Ninoy Aquino, my grandfather's second cousin who was shot a little over a month before I was born. He boarded a plane back to the Philippines using the name "Marcial Bonifacio". "Michael" was inserted in keeping with Catholic tradition of being named after saints. My name may be a pain to write on paper, but I am proud of it, and do my utmost to carry it with dignity. Cory was one of the most powerful galvanizing forces for EDSA 1, and with pride, I look back on the fact that as a 2-year old child, I was in EDSA 1.
I look at all this Cory-bashing, all these people who are taking the time to spit on her grave, not with sadness or anger, but with a sense of sardonic irony. Is it not a paradoxical celebration of Cory's indisputable role in the freedom we enjoy today precisely in that we are all free to malign her and belittle that achievement? To me, it is the truest and greatest acknowledgment of the freedom we currently enjoy and wish to safeguard and hone further from the clutches of the current powers that be. So I say to those who bash her, bash away, if you will. As a free man as you are, I will likewise choose to honor her in her passing instead.
I came home to the news in the cab after I came from a benefit standup show where I was heckled by one of the patrons who happened to be drunk. I look back at it, and the happy experiences I had after the whole night with friends old and new alike, and realize that all of this suddenly took on a new meaning when Corazon Aquino passed on.
This was no surprise to us by now. But it still hits us hard.
Thank you, Cory. Thank you from a man who can work for a transnational blog advertising company, do standup comedy, study Philosophy, teach, bend forks, do magic, sing terribly, dance horribly, love completely, emo like a bitch, look on at happy people bitterly, pray, question one's faith, reaffirm it, Rickroll people, play his favorite songs on radio in the dead of the night, live, hate, laugh, cry, hurt, forgive, ask for forgiveness, eat crow, pass on when the time comes, and everything else in between, THANKS TO YOU. Godspeed to you, and wherever you may be, know that there are people who, because of and in spite of the freedom we now enjoy thanks to you, choose to honor your memory rather than disregard it.
Thank you, and though you may have lost the battle against cancer, we know that you more than deserve the rest, because you fought a battle that was bigger than you or any single one of us: the battle for our freedom. There is no taking that away from you.
We love you, and we will miss you, Tita Cory.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
- Dylan Thomas, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
I said in my last entry, I'd blog about this for another day. I didn't realize that what I'd be writing was a eulogy, and not a tribute to a living icon as I would have hoped it to be.
I put it off for one day, and now, I'm too late. For that, I humbly apologize.
This year seems to be a year when some of the most influential people in this world have decided to leave this world for a better place beyond, and it's hard to catch your breath when it seems like they just come one after the other.
To name a few, you had names like Francis Magalona, David Carradine, and Michael Jackson all passing on this year so far. Michael Jackson is being somewhat touted as probably the most universally known person who was alive in my generation, perhaps only to be rivaled by one Pope John Paul II.
On a personal level, my Beloved's father passed on last Monday night as well, and I'm still recovering from that shock. It also got me to realizing how short life is, and allowed me to stop pointing fingers and just accept that it is what it is. Relationships come and go, but friendships, especially one such as that between My Beloved and I, are irreplaceable. It's a humbling realization that pride always loses the battle to mortality, and if life is so short, why would one wish to eradicate the great people in one's own life?
And now, those ranks are joined by one of the people whom I will always have great esteem for: Corazon C. Aquino, perhaps one of the greatest bastions of democracy in our generation.
It's easy to make a laundry list of mistakes she has made. A housewife whose obvious lack of administrative knowhow left her with no choice but to rely on her midnight cabinet, Cory may have not made the best of decisions during her 6-year term, but it's always easier to miss the forest for the trees.
In the end, democracy was restored from after the Marcoses ran it roughshod, and say what you will about Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, she knows all too well that thanks to Cory, she cannot expect to pull Marcos's old tricks and get away with it this time. People may seem apathetic now, people may seem mere "slacktivists", and all these ills are, in my estimate, a small price to pay for the fact that for all of Cory's faults, I am still free to write this eulogy about her that is not necessarily one that glosses over all her shortcomings. I recognize them, but I do not accept that it overrides her instrumental role in bringing democracy back into this country.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I was born Marcelle Bertrand in honor of Ninoy Aquino, my grandfather's second cousin who was shot a little over a month before I was born. He boarded a plane back to the Philippines using the name "Marcial Bonifacio". "Michael" was inserted in keeping with Catholic tradition of being named after saints. My name may be a pain to write on paper, but I am proud of it, and do my utmost to carry it with dignity. Cory was one of the most powerful galvanizing forces for EDSA 1, and with pride, I look back on the fact that as a 2-year old child, I was in EDSA 1.
I look at all this Cory-bashing, all these people who are taking the time to spit on her grave, not with sadness or anger, but with a sense of sardonic irony. Is it not a paradoxical celebration of Cory's indisputable role in the freedom we enjoy today precisely in that we are all free to malign her and belittle that achievement? To me, it is the truest and greatest acknowledgment of the freedom we currently enjoy and wish to safeguard and hone further from the clutches of the current powers that be. So I say to those who bash her, bash away, if you will. As a free man as you are, I will likewise choose to honor her in her passing instead.
I came home to the news in the cab after I came from a benefit standup show where I was heckled by one of the patrons who happened to be drunk. I look back at it, and the happy experiences I had after the whole night with friends old and new alike, and realize that all of this suddenly took on a new meaning when Corazon Aquino passed on.
This was no surprise to us by now. But it still hits us hard.
Thank you, Cory. Thank you from a man who can work for a transnational blog advertising company, do standup comedy, study Philosophy, teach, bend forks, do magic, sing terribly, dance horribly, love completely, emo like a bitch, look on at happy people bitterly, pray, question one's faith, reaffirm it, Rickroll people, play his favorite songs on radio in the dead of the night, live, hate, laugh, cry, hurt, forgive, ask for forgiveness, eat crow, pass on when the time comes, and everything else in between, THANKS TO YOU. Godspeed to you, and wherever you may be, know that there are people who, because of and in spite of the freedom we now enjoy thanks to you, choose to honor your memory rather than disregard it.
Thank you, and though you may have lost the battle against cancer, we know that you more than deserve the rest, because you fought a battle that was bigger than you or any single one of us: the battle for our freedom. There is no taking that away from you.
We love you, and we will miss you, Tita Cory.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
- Dylan Thomas, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)