Wednesday, May 27, 2009

mission "not" impossible

'guess mission impossible (theme, that is...) ain't that impossible with this kid...



nakakainis ka iho! ang galing-galing mo!

Friday, May 22, 2009

ikaw at ako pa rin ni rica arambulo



lagi-lagi na lang
'di maalis ang pagnanais ko
na ipahiwatig
ang damdamin ko sa'yo
at ako ang napili ng puso mo

oh ang nadaramang ito
magpakailanma'y hindi magbabago
tulad ng araw
tulad ng ikot ng mundo
tulad ng pag-ibig ko sa'yo mahal...

at kung ako ay mabibigyan
ng pagkakataong maulit ang lahat
ilang ulit ko ring isisigaw
tanging ikaw pa rin, sinta...
ikaw at ako pa rin...
mahal...

tulad ng araw
tulad ng ikot ng mundo
tulad ng pag-ibig ko sa'yo mahal...

at kung ako ay mabibigyan
ng pagkakataong maulit ang lahat
ilang ulit ko ring isisigaw
tanging ikaw pa rin, sinta...
ikaw at ako pa rin...
mahal...

mahal...

mahal...

at kung ako ay mabibigyan
ng pagkakataong maulit ang lahat
ilang ulit ko ring isisigaw
tanging ikaw pa rin, sinta...
ikaw at ako pa rin...

ikaw at ako pa rin...
mahal...



kung meron mang nagpapasaya at nagpapatingkad ng mga lunes sa conspi, iyon ay sa tuwing tumutugtog si rica arambulo. alam naman nating patay na araw ang lunes sa karamihan ng mga bars na gaya ng conspi, kaya't isang magandang ideya na magkaroon ng "piano nights with rica arambulo" kung lunes. hindi man regular ang gigs ni rica tuwing lunes sa conspi ay mapapanood pa rin naman sya kahit isa o dalawang beses sa isang buwan.

sa galing ni rica sa pagkanta at pagtipa ng piano, hindi mapipigilan ng kahit sino mang manonood sa kanya na mapasabay sa kanyang mga awitin. maraming mga popular na kanta ang inaawit ni rica sa kanyang mga gigs, ngunit hindi lamang iyon sapagkat isa rin siyang magaling na kompositor. kahit hindi mo alam ang kanyang mga orihinal na awitin, siguradong isa sa mga ito ay tatatak sa'yo kapag iyong narinig. gaya na nga ng nangyari sa akin noong una kong marinig ang kantang "ikaw at ako pa rin." ang titik at musika nito ay nilikha mismo ni rica at nagmula sa album na may pamagat ring "rica arambulo."

mapapanood si rica ngayong lunes, may 25, sa conspiracy garden cafe, #59 visayas avenue, brgy. vasra, quezon city.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

from la union to vigan... (the heritage city)

to follow-up my last post 'bout my la union trip/vacation... i know, i know, it has been taking too long. but there's just so many things to do... i have a job and a life too. :)

well, there really isn't much to say but our supposedly trip to the haven that me and my bestfriend dreamed of didn't push through. i guess pagudpud would have to wait for some other time. the van we rode on, which is owned by my bestfriend's family, is not that much up to very long trips anymore. a trip to pagudpud will take 5-6 hours from san fernando city (la union). so, we just opted for a shorter trip to vigan. i didn't regret it though... vigan isn't a bad option. besides, it was my first time to visit ilocos, so why would i complain?

vigan is about 2-3 hours drive from my bestfriend's place. the travel time isn't that bad considering the nice scenery you will be passing by on the way. we tried to take pictures while on the road, but we missed most of the best shots or it's just that we can't get a decent shot. it's so hard to take pictures while in transit. besides, we were too engulfed in the beauty of the sights we were passing by that we forget to take out our cameras earlier. but nevertheless, the moment we stepped on to vigan soils, we can't help but to shoot... and shoot... and shoot!

the first thought that came into my mind when i saw vigan was that it was like intramuros, only way, way better. although intramuros has somehow preserved some of our very rich cultural heritage in the form of old buildings and houses, i can't say that it's the same outside of it. there were so many old houses and buildings that have been destroyed in manila to give way to new constructions.

i admire how vigan was able to preserve our rich filipino heritage by keeping the old architectural designs. my bestfriend said that it is a requirement in the city that when new business establishments are constructed, the old architectural designs must be retained and preserved. heck, i nearly didn't recognize mcdonald's there, if not for the big yellow "M" sign. even this popular american fastfood looks like an old spanish house. and to my surprise, i saw a familiar insignia on one of the buildings in vigan. i felt reminiscent looking at it since i was once an employee of its makati head office. i am talking about the CAP building, which looks very much different from its other branches. of course, it also has a spanish look and feel to it, blending nicely with all other establishments in the area.

since we arrived in vigan at around lunch time, we looked for a place to eat. there was one place my bestfriend was talking about but we couldn't find it, so we ended up at cafe leona. it's just a small, cozy restaurant near the heritage village. they don't only serve good ilocano food but the nice interiors of the restaurant would also nourish your artistic appetites.

after munching on some ilocano treats such as bagnet, diningding (which is an ilocano version of pinakbet), vigan longganisa, and some chicken at cafe leona, we proceeded to the heritage city where more shooting and a little shopping took place.

the heritage city of vigan is also much like the wow philippines tiangge in intramuros. you can buy local products ranging from food to crafts. although i never really bought anything for myself, i did buy one small remembrance for a friend. it's a miniature carriage-like swing made of wood. i chose it because i noticed that it is very typical to find one of these swings in the heritage village. i just don't know if it's also the same for the whole of vigan. in fact, tourists like to take pictures sitting on those wooden swings.

here are more of the pics i took at the hertiage city...

our trip doesn't stop here... but of course, i will reserve my story and pictures on the next installment of my la union - vigan trip post. :p




Tuesday, May 19, 2009

si cha-cha, ang peborit kong bulilit

i can't get over this advertisement that every time it's being shown on tv, i can't help but to smile, laugh, and say.... "awwww, ang kyut-kyuuuut!" hehe.... i bet you do too. i even found out a while ago that there's already a fan group/page in facebook called "bulilit," which was created for the cute little girl in the ad named cha-cha (which i found out from facebook too). of course, i added myself as a fan. hihi... :)

hmmmm.... ang sarap mo i-uwi bata ka! sana 'wag ka na lumaki... hehehe...

Friday, May 15, 2009

"snow on the sahara" by anggun



only tell me that you still want me here
when you wander off out there
to those hills of dust and hard winds that blow
in that dry white ocean alone
lost out in the desert
you are lost out in the desert

but to stand with you in a ring of fire
i'll forget the days gone by
i'll protect your body and guard your soul
from mirages in your sight

lost out in the desert
you are lost out in the desert

if your hopes scatter like the dust across your track
i'll be the moon that shines on your path
the sun may blind our eyes, i'll pray the skies above
for snow to fall on the sahara

just a wish and i will cover your shoulders
with veils of silk and gold
when the shadows come and darken your heart
leaving you with regrets so cold

lost out in the desert
you are lost out in the desert

if your hopes scatter like the dust across your track
i'll be the moon that shines on your path
the sun may blind our eyes, i'll pray the skies above
for snow to fall on the sahara

if thats the only place where you can leave your doubts
i'll hold you up and be your way out
and if we burn away, i'll pray the skies above
for snow to fall on the sahara


i was listening to rx93.1 last wednesday when i heard this song again. i haven't heard it for... god knows how many ages ago. and it was really good to be reminded of good ole songs i loved back then. well, i still do love it now. and thanks to the monster radio that i get to be reminded of nice songs of yesteryears. it's just so sad that i haven't really heard that much of anggun lately. or maybe it's just me.... hehe... am not that updated, you know.... :)

many will agree with me when i say that anggun kinda reminds you of our very own grace nono. not just about the looks, but also with the timbre of the voice and over-all style. i remember that i hear other people say the same things when anggun became a hit a few years back.

also, one thing that i so love about this song is the nice poetic lyrics. i don't know if all her songs are like this, since i never had the chance to buy the album (which i vowed to do the moment i first heard this song). if there are still copies available at record bars, i hope i remember to buy one. for now, am gonna try listening to her other songs at youtube.

according to the comments at youtube, where i got the video of this song, the original version of this song is in french. i was surprised 'coz i didn't know that this is originally done in french. and so i listened to it to find out which version is better...



now, i really wish i know how to speak french so i can appreciate it more. nonetheless, i love this version too, even though i don't understand a tad bit of it. :D and i just can't pick one between the two versions. i love 'em both!

Thursday, May 07, 2009

"home" by michael buble




another summer day
has come and gone away
in paris and rome
but i wanna go home
mmmmmmm

may be surrounded by
a million people i
still feel all alone
i just wanna go home
oh, i miss you, you know

and i’ve been keeping all the letters that i wrote to you
each one a line or two
“i’m fine baby, how are you?”
well i would send them but i know that it’s just not enough
my words were cold and flat
and you deserve more than that

another aeroplane
another sunny place
i’m lucky, i know
but i wanna go home
mmmm, i’ve got to go home

let me go home
i’m just too far from where you are
i wanna come home

and i feel just like i’m living someone else’s life
it’s like i just stepped outside
when everything was going right
and i know just why you could not
come along with me
'cause this was not your dream
but you always believed in me

another winter day has come
and gone away
in even paris and rome
and i wanna go home
let me go home

and i’m surrounded by
a million people i
still feel all alone
oh, let me go home
oh, i miss you, you know

let me go home
i’ve had my run
baby, i’m done
i gotta go home
let me go home
it will all be all right
i’ll be home tonight
i’m coming back home


sometimes, in life, we just want to go home. not just the literal meaning of it. at times it's more of going home to your own self. we want to be taken away from the busy, stressful world and the pressures of life. we want to find comfort, familiarity, love, rest...

i find myself in that kind of situation every now and then. nobody can be much too strong not to find time to take a pause. i have to have time to be just me as "me" and take even just a short time off from being "me" as daughter, or "me" as niece, or "me" as employee, and everything else there is.

maybe this is also why i love songs that talk about going home or simply just about "home..." i am not really a michael buble fan, but when i heard this song, i just cant help but to like it, love it even. i guess i had, and still continue to have, a few comings and goings in my life that hearing this song instantly touches the deepest part of who i am.


*
purple dreams and lavender wishes on your birthday....

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

conspiracy may gig sked

1 (F)- Kate Torralba/ Cynthia Alexander
2 (Sat)- Johnoy Danao
3 (Sun)- Gospel Jam (5-8pm)
4 (M) - 3P
5 (T) - Writers Night (KM 54) 7pm/ Noel Cabangon
6 (W) - Davey Langit
7 (Th)- Toto Sorioso
8 (F)- Diyosa /Bayang Barrios & Mike Villegas
9 (Sat) Jes Bartolome, Glen at Joel
10 (Sun)- Gospel Jam (5-8pm)
11 (M)- Piano Night w/ Rica Arambulo
12 (T) Writers Night (Alitaptap StorytellersPhilipp ines) 7-9pm / Ray Olaguer
13 (W)- Mayo Baluyut
14 (Th)- Agatha
15 (F)- RJ JMNZ
16 (Sat) Comedy Night: Mike Unson´s Mayday Stand-up with Stanley Chi, Uli Oposa and special guest Maui Zafra
17 (Sun)- Gospel Jam (5-8pm)
18 (M)- Songwriters Night
19 (T)- Writers Night (Lirahan) 7pm/The Sentimental Groove
20 (W)- Blues Night
21 (Th)- Light it Up: Christian Musicians Night
22 (F)- Diyosa/ Bayang Barrios & Mike Villegas
23 (Sat)- Makiling
24(Sun)- Gospel Jam (5-8pm)
25 (Mon)- Piano Night w/ Rica Arambulo
26 (Tue)- Writers Night (CDC) 7pm/Alamid
27 (Wed) - Standards with the JCO Razon Trio
28 (Thu) - Albert de Pano
29 (Fri) - Miguel Escueta
30 (Sat) - Cynthia Alexander
31 (Sun) - Gospel Jam (5-8pm)


Conspiracy Garden Cafe
"...where real people, like you and i, converge and co-inspire..."
#59 Visayas Avenue, Brgy. Vasra, Quezon City
for inquiries/reservations: 9206517
conspiracy_garden_cafe@yahoo.com

going home... my other home, i mean (la union trip)

just got back from a very tiring but fulfilling vacation from way up north. fulfilling because i went to a place i have never been before, which is an add-up to my chest of travel memories. this entry will probably be just an intro to a series of posts about my trip. i don't think i can squeeze everything into just one blogging, specially the pictures. :)

it was just a tentative plan i had in mind to visit my bestfriend and my "inaanak" in san fernando, la union for the 3-day weekend of may 1-3, since the last time i went there was january of last year. i told her i might also be bringing my mom with me. when i mentioned the plan to my bestfriend, she got all excited and planned for even another trip for us going to pagudpud in ilocos norte. she has never been there too and she wants to tag along tarko, her son and my "inaanak," on that trip as a treat for him because she will be receiving her payment for some writing assignments she did. well, well, well... what a vacation will that be for me!?! hmmm...

in spite of the tiring scenario playing in my mind, i still decided to make that trip to la union. i definitely need some time away. we all need that from time to time. i remember a quote that my bestfriend shared with me some time ago: "the farther you are from home, the closer you are to yourself." something like that... i forgot who said it though, but i never forget that quote. i guess it's because it is so true. sometimes we need to get out of our shells and explore, rejuvenate, live life to the fullest... because when we do this, we get to know ourselves much better. so, i went away from home... to go to to my other home. i guess la union has always been my refuge and it has saved my sanity far too many times and helped me know and love myself a whole lot better.

and so on thursday night (april 30), i was set to leave manila with my mom. she got to the bus station ahead of me since i was coming from makati, then she texted me that the bus station is already fully-booked. good thing that she was there early so we can look for other options. i immediately texted her back, telling her that she can go to the nearby bus station to check. good enough, the other bus station offers extra buses for those who weren't able to reserve ahead of time. yes, i wasn't able to reserve since i was not sure if i was going or not. it was all fine, i think you aren't a real traveler if you haven't experienced these kinda stuff. all went well, and i didn't care if i had to wait for a few hours just to get a ride. so off to la union we went at 9pm.

it felt like a quick bus ride even if i didn't really sleep that much. i did doze off for very short naps from time to time, but i can't sleep longer. i even envied my mom for she slept for the most part of the trip. i guess that's what's good in traveling at night. you hardly feel the length of travel time.

at about 3am on may 1st, we set foot at the familiar plaza in san fernando city, where almost all ilocos bound buses stop to drop off and pick up passengers. then we took a tricycle ride to my bestfriend's house. and since it was already very late, or let's just say it was already morning, we just hit the sack after short rounds of pleasantries.

the next day we just stayed in the house the whole day to prepare for our trip to ilocos the next day, except for a quick trip to the store to buy ice cream for tarko. we went to an ice cream store aptly named "ice cream house." very literal huh? hehe... then my mom got on an ice cream frenzy once again and bought a half gallon of vanilla ice cream, half gallon of strawberry ice cream, and another half gallon of buco leche flan ice cream. ooops! it doesn't stop there. she also bought, i think a dozen of ice bucos or ice cream sticks. am not really sure coz i never tried them. i just tried the vanilla ice cream (since it's my favorite) and the buco leche flan ice cream (coz i've never tasted it).

before the day ended, we witnessed a traditional procession of santa cruzan, i think. or was it flores de mayo? but i hardly caught the procession to shoot decent pictures. so i only got this....


but! i did catch a nice view from the terrace.... this....


and this...


and most specially, the cutest face i love and miss...



Thursday, April 30, 2009

"antukin" ni rico blanco



iniwan ka na ng eroplano
ok lang baby
'wag kang magbago
dito ka lang
humimbing
sa aking piling
antukin

kukupkupin na lang kita
sorry wala ka nang magagawa
mahalin mo na lang ako
ng sobra-sobra
para patas naman tayo
'di ba?

chorus:
sasalubungin natin ang kinabukasan
ng walang takot at walang pangamba
tadhana'y merong tip na makapangyarihan
kung ayaw may dahilan
kung gusto palaging merong paraan

pinaiyak ka ng manghuhula
hindi na raw tayo magkasamang tatanda
buti nalang
merong langit na nagtatanggol sa
pag-ibig na pursigido't matiyaga

bridge:
long as we stand as one
ano man ang ating makabangga
nothing will ever break us
wala talaga
as in wala

coda:
hahalikan nalang natin ang kinabukasan
ng buong loob at yayakapin pa
tadhana'y medyo overrated kung minsan
kung ayaw may dahilan
kung gusto palaging merong paraan

gumawa na lang tayo ng paraan
gumawa na lang tayo ng...
baby, gumawa na lang tayo ng paraan

***lyrics mula sa blog ni niƱa sandejas


ang entry na ito ay para sa'yo... alam mo na kung sino ka. kung bakit? basahin mo na lang 'yung title at 'yung lyrics.

una kong narinig at nakita ang mtv ng kantang ito sa blog ni niƱa sandejas. kaya salamat sa kanya. alam kong hindi naman siya nagbabasa ng blog ko, pero salamat pa rin. hehe... oo na, huli na ko sa lahat at kailan ko lang nalaman ang kantang ito. pero 'ika nga nila, huli man daw at magaling.... huli pa rin! ahehehe... 'di na kasi ako nakakapakinig ng NU107. at mas lalo namang hindi na ako nakakapanood ng MTV dahil wala kaming cable. isa pang kamalas-malasan, hindi rin makuha ang channel 23 sa aming sushal nga pero walang kwenta namang tv (mejo flatscreen na kse ito). kaya goodbye rin MYX. hay... e kse naman daw, digital na raw ang tv na ito, kaya kailangang may cable ka talaga para makuha mo lahat ng channel nang malinaw. kapag antenna lang ang ginamit mo, e goodluck na lang sa'yo. kaya goodluck na lang sa'kin!

bihira akong makagusto ng kantang halong ingles at tagalog ang lyrics. pero magaling talagang gumawa ng kanta si rico blanco. simple ang mga salita at pagkakasulat, at madali itong tumatak sa isipan ng sino mang makikinig. sa aking opinyon, isa si rico sa mga musikero at bandistang Filipino na magaling humabi ng mga salita upang maging isang simple ngunit makata at makabuluhan na mga kanta. nakakalungkot man na kinailangan niyang humiwalay sa dati niyang banda, nakakatuwa na rin dahil hindi siya tumigil sa pamamahagi ng kaniyang talento sa industriya ng musika. nawa'y patuloy pa rin siyang humabi ng mga masisinsin na mga awiting Filipino na ating maipagmamalaki.

kakapakinig ko lang din ngayon-ngayon lang ng kantang ito sa NU107 (o ayan, nakikinig na 'ko ulit!), kaya naisipan ko na ring i-post ang entry na ito. tutal e wala pa naman akong song entry para sa linggong ito. kaya bago ako humayo mamayang gabi papunta sa aking maikling bakasyon sa la union, na sisingitan ng maikling byahe sa ilocos ng sabado, at babalik ulit ng maynila ng linggo (kasalanan mong lahat ng ito, bespren ko doon!)... whew!!! e iiwanan ko muna ang aking blog, at ikaw na masugid na tagasubaybay ng aking blog, ng isang kyut na kyut na kanta. :) para sa'yo talaga 'to e, kasi antukin ka talaga!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

the new tori amos

swiped from: spinner.com

i have shown in one of my previous entries my affinity for tori amos. i just read from a certain site that she has recently released a song (yipee!!!), "maybe california," from her new album "abnormally attracted to sin." ya, you read that right! what a title huh? the album will be available in mid-may (yey!).

i was supposed to listen to the song, but sadly, i can't play it on my browser. i duno why... ooh, let me correct that, i just did.... silly me! i cant click on the player, but the link below led me to another site where i can listen to the song. hehe... nice song, as always...

anyhow, pictures on the site prove how tori amos has evolved tremendously as an artist. and it is not just with the type of her songs, as i've mentioned in my previous blog post, but also with how she looks...

being happy

when i was much, much younger it seemed that it was hard to be happy or that it was such a feat to achieve happiness in life. i always try to find things to do, places to go to, stuff to buy, and all other quests for trivial or superficial things just so i can say or feel that i am truly enjoying myself and my life. but then again, i guess that's part of growing-up. i was still so naive and thought that happiness should always come in fantabulous packages that give out extra sensational feelings.

now that am much older and mature, i have learned to appreciate small things in life. i become to see things as i have never seen them before or things that i overlooked or took for granted... little things that truly make me happy. i realize that i failed to see the beauty and meaning of life in very simple things. it's the kind of happiness that couldn't be taken away in spite of and no matter what... the simple joys of life.

happiness, just like life, is indeed a choice...

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

"sleeps with butterflies" by tori amos

no biggie this time, all i wana say is that the first time i heard this song i thought... wow, tori amos ain't that gloomy and nega anymore. hehe... i loved tori amos since i duno when. ooh, i guess since, the "silent all these years" and "cornflake girl" era, which i think was the 90s. back then, her songs are kinda sad and angst driven. but then again, maybe that's just how i exactly was at that time. i was kinda rebellious i guess, being a teener.

i have had only two tori amos albums, "under the pink," which got lost, and "the beekeeper," where this cut is included. i plan to collect all her albums, as i plan for most of the artists i fancy, but i always get sidetracked for a whole lotta reasons. but of course, at times, money is a big issue. since there are just so many artists that i so looooooove.... it's hard to budget to be able to buy them all, not to mention many other priorities.

anywayz... this is one of the songs that i like from "the beekeeper" album. of course, it's part of my so-called "life songs." i've been through much in life, as well as in relationships. i know nothing is perfect but i know my worth. my favorite lines can speak for myself...

"i'm not like the girls that you've known
but i believe i'm worth coming home to
kiss away night
this girl only sleeps with butterflies...."





airplanes
take you away again
are you flying
above where we live
then i look up a glare in my eyes
are you having regrets about last night
i'm not but i like rivers that rush in
so then i dove in
is there trouble ahead
for you the acrobat
i won't push you unless you have a net

you say the word
you know i will find you
or if you need some time
i don't mind
i don't hold on
to the tail of your kite
i'm not like the girls that you've known
but i believe i'm worth coming home to
kiss away night
this girl only sleeps with butterflies
with butterflies
so go on and fly then boy

balloons
look good from on the ground
i fear with pins and needles around
we may fall then stumble
upon a carousel
it could take us anywhere

i'm not like the girls that you've known
but i believe i'm worth coming home to
kiss away night
this girl only sleeps with butterflies
with butterflies
with butterflies
so go on and fly boy

Monday, April 13, 2009

"on my way to you"

written by marilyn & alan bergman and michel legrand



so often as i wait for sleep
i find myself reciting
the words i've said or should have said
like scenes that need rewriting
the smiles i never answered
doors perhaps i should have opened
songs forgotten in the morning
i relive the roles i've played
the tears i may have squandered
the many pipers i have paid
along the roads i've wandered
yet all the time i knew it
love was somewhere out there waiting
though i may regret a kiss or two
if i had changed a single day
what went amiss or went astray
i may have never found my way to you
if i had changed a single day
what went amiss or went astray
i may have never found my way to you
i wouldn't change a thing that happened
on my way to you...









on one of the many drinking friday nights at conspi, i, a conspirator-friend, and some others were talking about weddings and wedding songs. my conspirator-friend told me that i should listen to the song "on my way to you." if i remember it right, my friend said that her sister used it on her wedding. am not really that good in song titles, so even if i know a certain song, it doesn't necessarily mean i know the title. i told my friend that i might know the song, i just have to look for and listen to it first to find out. and so a few days after that night, i did. i found out that, yes, i do know the song.... and in fact, love it too. so thanks tinabebe, for reminding me of this great song.

as usual for me, i went looking for the original version of the song, which i believe was sung by barbara streisand. or she might be just the one who's popularly known to sing this song written by marilyn & alan bergman and michel legrand. but sadly, i can't find any online audio or video copy of it. so i just opted to embed in here the nicest versions, in my opinion, from youtube.

it was a very reflective moment when i first listened to the song and a host of its versions, as well as savoring the lyrics. this is definitely one of my lifesongs... it says everything that i've always or recently believed in. i have come to accept the fact that we all have to hurt sometimes... we commmit mistakes, make wrong decisions, and all but those are all part of life. these things mold us to be who we are and ought to be.

i remember one saying that goes something like, God allows us to meet the wrong people because He is preparing us and the person that is truly meant for us. so, we shouldn't blame God nor anybody for the pain we experience. instead, welcome it, accept it, and everything will fall into place.

as i look back on all the things i went through, i just thank God that inspite of everything, am still here. i survived... He, indeed, won't give me anything i cannot bear. i have forgiven all who may have hurt me, one way or another, in the past. i no longer bear any grudges, these things aren't for me to hold in my heart, but should be left and lifted up to God. He knows what's
best. God's plan is always the best.

yes, of course it is not easy to get hurt and be in pain. but if not for all those bad things i went through, i won't be as strong and and as wise as i am now. cliche as it may seem, but things really do happen for a reason. i may not know yet all the reasons now, but soon enough i know i will. whatever those reasons are, am sure that God is just taking care of me and putting me in my rightful place.



and to you who has always been there... i know that you aren't a patient person, that's why it still remains a puzzle to me how you are able to still be there. maybe it's meant to be that way? or we're meant? love? devotion? obssession? hehe.... just joking. i don't know... i will never know what the future holds for us just as yet. but i thank you for everything... with all my heart. am truly grateful to have you in my life. as i've said before, despite of all the pains we went through, i wouldn't want to change a single thing that happened, because if i do, i may not ever find my way to you....


Thursday, April 02, 2009

"someday" by nina

since my last song post has nina's version, i decided to post one of her originals. this is the only song of her that i like, since most of her songs/albums are covers anyway. when she was still starting out, the first ever song i heard of her on the radio was "jealous." it did catch my attention coz it has a different sound. although i didn't really like the song entirely, i thought it was a nice song and that this girl got potential. but soon enough, my interest on her kinda waned because she didn't really do much originals. honestly, i prefer her rival, kyla, more.

anyhooo, nina caught my attention again with this song. it's nice in the sense that most of us girls, i guess, can identify with the song. for me, the simplicity of the song made it very effective to the listener. i do hope nina makes more original songs like this one. the same goes to other artists, may they be new or old, who just pick out favorite songs and make it an album. i guess one all-cover album is enough in, say, ten years or why not just add one cover in an album instead of doing an all-cover album? still, it is best to create an all-original album. it is hard, yes of course. but wouldn't it be more fulfilling to produce something you really worked hard for? besides, covers can be reserved for gigs and events. there are still so much songs in the world of ideas just waiting to be created and heard.







someday you'll gonna realize
one day you'll see through my eyes
but then i won't even be there
i'll be happy somewhere
even if i cared

i know
you dont really see my worth
you think you're the last guy on earth
well i've got news for you
i know i'm not that strong
but it won't take long
won't take long

coz someday, someone's gonna love me
the way, i want you to need me
someday, someone's gonna take your place
one day i'll forget about you
you'll see, i won't even miss you
someday, someday

but now
i know you can't tell
i'm down, and i'm not down anyway
but one day these tears
they will all run dry
i won't have to cry
sweet goodbye

coz someday, someone's gonna love me
the way, i want you to need me
someday, someone's gonna take your place
one day i'll forget about you
you'll see, i won't even miss you
someday, someday

conspiracy april gig sked

1 (W)- Noel Cabangon
2 (Th) – Johnoy Danao
3 (F)- Joey Ayala
4 (Sat)- Syalam & Makiling
5 (Sun)- Gospel Jam (5-8pm)
6 (M) - 3P
7 (T) - Writers Night (KM 54) 7pm/ Mayo Baluyut
8 (W) - Alamid
9 (Th)- Closed (Maundy Thur.)
10 (F)- Closed (Good Fri.)
11 (Sat) Cynthia Alexander
12 (Sun)- Gospel Jam (5-8pm)
13 (M)- Piano Night w/ Rica Arambulo
14 (T) Writers Night (Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines) 7-9pm/
Lolita Carbon
15 (W)- ACW Reggae, 5th Sister & Lester Cannon
16 (Th)- Toto Sorioso
17 (F)- Joey Ayala
18 (Sat) Comedy Night: Mike Unson’s Sinister Stand-up
with Stanley Chi and Uli Oposa
19 (Sun)- Gospel Jam (5-8pm)
20 (M)- Piano Night w/ Rica Arambulo
21 (T)- Writers Night (Lirahan) 7pm/ Ray Olaguer
22 (W)- Agatha Obar
23 (Th)- Light it Up: Christian Musicians Night
24 (F)- RJ JMNZ
25 (Sat)- Cynthia Alexander
26(Sun)- Gospel Jam (5-8pm)
27 (Mon)- Songwriters Night
28 (Tue)- Writers Night (Teatro Pasiking & CDC) 7pm/Nyoy Volante
29 (Wed) - Salinawit ni Pete w/ Dondi Ong, Harana sa Kasarinlan,
Astarte Abraham and Pete Lacaba feat. Ferdie Borja on Piano
30 (Thu) - Color it Red


Conspiracy Garden Cafe
"...where real people, like you and i, converge and co-inspire..."
#59 Visayas Avenue, Brgy. Vasra, Quezon City (across Shell gas station)
for inquiries/reservations: 9206517
conspiracy_garden_cafe@yahoo.com

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

my earth hour

a few days before the 28th of march, my tita kept on saying that "earth hour" will be observed on the coming saturday. well, she didn't actually said "earth hour." maybe she doesn't really know that term. i think she was more of saying it's "earth day" and that lights will be turned-off for an hour on the 28th. so, i said to myself, "oh, that's good. at least she will or wants to participate." am happy to think about that because i didn't really expect her to be someone who supports any kind of cause. well, unless she finds it out from someone. then that's the time she usually echoes it out to anyone she talks to or comes across with, like it's as if she knows it like the back of her hand and believes everything about it unfalteringly. and so, since my mom and i live with her, then of course we are usually the first ones to hear her preachings, much like the endless litanies she yacks, that i grew up with, and that she still throws from time to time.

so, saturday came. while my mom and tita left for the church for an anticipated 6pm mass, i rushed off to conspi at about 7pm or so. aside from the "earth hour" that i will be participating in for that day, a friend-conspirator invited me for a launch of a portrait sketches exhibit. i arrived at conspi almost 9pm already as the traffic on edsa near trinoma is horrendous. hay.... i read a chapter or so of dan brown's "angels & demons" getting through that traffic. anyhow, when i got to conspi, the program for the exhibit launch was almost over. and as soon as it ended, all the people inside the music hall came out and "earth hour" officially began.





it was the first time i saw conspi without any lights on, except for the candles that the staff gave out so that we wont be groping in the dark. and while the candle distribution and lighting is happening, a group of musicians took out their guitars and started singing and playing good music. nice... it was like a simple "inuman session" i used to enjoy when i was younger. an artist, who participated in the sketching sessions for the said exhibit, also jammed with his guitar and harmoica. yes, at the same time... galeng! even an american friend from guam really enjoyed the night jamming and playing some of his originals. this american, whom we fondly call tito joe or uncle tote, frequents conspi. he never fails to go to conspi everytime he's in the country. he says that it's his most favorite place on the planet. and to prove that he was really exhilirated that night, he knocked-off my beer and my shorts got kinda wet. hehe... but it's all good. that won't really ruin a great night of fun with conspi friends. it was actually the first time i participated in the "earth hour" since i was not yet familiar with it before and am glad i had my first at conspi.



meanwhile, back at the house. when i woke up the next day, i was having my breakfast, then my tita joined me. so, i asked her if they turned-off the lights the day before. this was sort of what she said: "hinde... late na rin naman kami nakauwi. at saka magpapakain pa ako ng aso, maaatrasado ako, gagabihin ako. nananawa na nga akong magpakain ng mga yan. saka... wala rin namang nagpatay ng ilaw dito sa kalye natin."

hmmmm..... sigh.... i just kept quiet. i didn't want to say anything.


Tuesday, March 24, 2009

"one of these days" by barry manilow




barry manilow has a bunch of songs that pinoys are crazy about. but if i were to choose one, it will be this song. well, i also used to sing "somewhere down the road" or "if i should love again" with the rest of the country though. well, who wouldn't? it was, and still is i guess, like a mantra for the brokenhearted or the national anthem for the lonely hearts club. and even if you aren't part of those groups, you just can't help but to know those songs and sing with it. filipinos, as they say, are natural suckers for love songs. most of us grew-up to these kinda songs playing all the time on the radio, specially if it's a backtrack day, a mellow songs day, or a sunday. as for myself, i seemed to outgrow these mushy love songs as i got older and realized that i don't have to like 'em just because the rest of the world does.

even though growing older made me more individualized or unique, having my own style and taste, i still tend to listen to barry manilow. of course i don't really do that much, but there will always be a song or two that will always let me stop in the middle of whatever am doing and listen.

i don't remember if i was lonely or heartbroken when i first heard "one of these days." but maybe not, 'coz am sure to be much younger then. but anyhow, i guess that's also how i am. i get to like a song, even though it doesn't seem to have any particular connection to my life whatsoever. but then again, at times, it will suddenly have a meaning for me at a much later time. more of like a foreshadowing of some sort. or it can also just remain to be a song i just happen to like, nonetheless.

but i do remember a time when this song just popped on the radio and sent me to deep, deep thoughts with tears welling-up my eyes. and i said to myself, ya, "one of these days" i will be gone and i won't be there just like how i used to and just like how you are used to. till then, you will all see my worth and it will all be too late. ya, ya, i know... drama. but we all do have those "mala-teleserye" monologue moments, we are just too proud to admit them.


one of these days
one of these very ordinary days
you're gonna call my name
and i won't be there
after the days
after these very, very many days

you're gonna see the light
and i won't be there

and on that day
somehow i'll find the strength to stay away
i won't give in
i will not let myself be taken in... again
oh no my friend

one of these days
out of the blue you'll start remembering
and i won't care
'cause i won't be there

oh, and on that day
i swear i'll find the strength somehow to stay away
i won't give in
i will not let myself be taken in... again
oh no my friend

that's what i say
that's what i tell myself... i won't give in
so try it someday
and you'll see that i won't be there
no, you know, no, i won't

these day-eeya-eeya-eeya-aaa-aays
i -- won't be there
no, no, no i won't be there...

it's never that often that i hear this song, but each time i do, i can't help but to be teary-eyed. i don't know if it's just because am getting older that's why i easily cry or am really just a crybaby. it can also be just as simple as a reflection of having gone through some things in this life.

anywayz, although i still think that nothing beats the original, am also sharing nina's version of the song.

Monday, March 16, 2009

"isipin mo na lang" ni bayang barrios

napakatagal nang panahon nung huli akong nag-post ng isang awitin dito sa aking blog. sa aking pagkakatanda, ito yata ay ang kanta ni regina spektor na "samson,", may mga dalawang taon na sigurong nakararaan. naaalala ko, naroon pa yata ako sa dati kong trabaho bilang isang "web content writer" nung huli akong nakapag-post ng awitin rito.

bilang isang nilalang na maalab ang damdamin sa musika, inisip ko noong nais kong maglagay dito ng isang awitin kahit man lang isa kada linggo. kahit anong awitin na mapusuan ko, maging ito man ay konektado sa aking buhay o hindi. ngunit ewan ko ba kung ano ang nangyari. sabay siguro ng pagtamlay ng aking pagsusulat dito ay ang siya ring paglamlam ng alab ng musika sa aking puso. pero 'ika nga nila, minsan kinakailangan lang manahimik at magpahinga upang mag-ipon ng lakas para sa pagbangong muli.

narito ang isang napakagandang awitin ni bayang barrios na may pamagat na "isipin mo na lang." mula ito sa kanyang ikatlong "album" na "alon." ginamit rin ang awiting ito sa pelikulang "ang pagdadalaga ni maximo oliveros." ito ang napili kong kanta dahil muli kong narinig na awitin ito ni bayang (kasama sina mike at angelo villegas) noong biyernes (marso 13) sa "conspiracy garden & cafe." kasama din niyang kumanta si diyosa, na naunang tumugtog noong gabing iyon. at isa pa, pinili kong isulat ang blog na ito sa wikang filipino sa kadahilanan na ring ang napili kong kanta ay nasa sarili nating wika, at para na rin maiba naman.



nangangamba ka ba na ngayong malayo ka
ako kaya ay magbago?
hinahanap ko ba sa iba ang ligaya
ngayong tayo'y magkalayo

manatili't 'wag matinag
sa pag-ibig mo ay bihag
ang puso kong ito...

isipin mo na lang
ang ating samahan
at ang pag-ibig ko sa'yo...

isipin mo na lang
ang ating samahan
at ang pag-ibig ko sa'yo...

isipin mo na lang ngayong natagpuan
tunay na magmamahal sakin
at ang nag-iisang hadlang
ay ang pansamantalang paghihintay
ba't di ko gagawin?


hmmm.... naisip ko lang... hindi ako maghihintay ng walang kasiguruhan kung hindi kita tunay na mahal...

Thursday, March 12, 2009

If you pay me enough, I'll sing these songs at a karaoke bar

there are songs i'd rather hear others sing than me singing them. and these are some of those songs. though if you pay me well enough or give me something tempting in exchange, maybe i would. hehe...

stop by spice girls

i never really liked the spice girls, so as their songs. but i used to always, always hear their songs on the radio.

green, green grass of home by tom jones

i always hear this in drinking & videoke sessions on the streets and kanto. nakakasawa na! wala na bang iba???