let's walk together, or we can fly, soar to the depths of each others' hearts and minds, journeying towards that endless horizon of beauty, hope, despair and love...
A few years back, I posted about how I love wearing sunglasses. Not only does it hide the glare of the blazing heat from the sun but also masks what my eyes don't want to reveal - sleepless nights, the sadness within, perhaps, or the twinkle in my eyes for a remembrance of something naughty. Really, I never go out without sunglasses, even if it's a bit cloudy - and also, there is nothing handy than the perfect eyewear even while at work - not only to make one look more professional but one that is both functional and comfortable and yes - very, very stylish. That is why having the right eye wear is always a must. Which led me to discover something great this holiday.
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I know that there are still a few weeks to go before 2014 becomes part of our memories. But I'm just about ready to name my top 14 songs of the year. These songs made my own list - some for personal reasons, some for sentimental reasons and others for their ubiquitous beat that just entrenched their lyrics and beat to my ears the whole year-round, well almost. A lot of young ones in this list (my soul probably is getting younger by the minute). All young singers, except for maybe one or two artists whom are my perennial favorites. So here they are in countdown fashion 14 to the Top 1:
14) I'm Not The Only One - Sam Smith that unique voice, a blend of the soulful with just a hint of the raspy.. one couldn't help but gravitate to this song. And especially when you understand where the lyrics are heading to. chorus: "You say I'm crazy Cause you don't think I know what you've done But when you call me baby I know I'm not the only one" ..Ouch! that would hurt a man's ego, right?
a pretty good song to listen to, while you're holding a glass of chianti or yes, probably Jack Daniel's (it's an ode to a contemporary love affair, where the predilection to stray is no longer just a man's specialty , but also the woman's).
13) Human - Christina Perri - this song was released back in 2013 but only caught on in early 2014. It touches the heart, that melancholic style of voice of Christina Perri. It has become a personal favorite too. I just love how it latched on to the sentiment of the moment.. yes, my moment in mid-2014. About doing almost everything for the one you love but that one can only endure so much because one is after all just only human. Just thinking about this song just makes me want to sing along.. "your words in my head, knives in my heart.."
12) Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake - this song recorded by the great MJ and released posthumously this 2014 and reworked as a duet by Justin Timberlake brings back the charm of the Motown era . This couldn't get more sentimental than that. Will always love Michael Jackson's songs & paired with an equally admirable artist in Justin Timberlake with enough nostalgic rhythm to evoke certain raw emotions - then it's bound to make it to my list of top songs to listen to this 2014 and beyond.
11) Say Something - Christina Aguilera & A Great Big
World - though this was actually released latter part of 2013, it sort of caught wave in the PH early in 2014. When you can hear the melancholic drawl on almost every radio stations. This song was particularly reminiscent of that moment in my life when I've about called it quits with my present relationship. That I'm just waiting for that someone to say something and we'll either bid permanent farewells or to give the relationship another heave-ho. Yes, that pretty much sums up the sentiments of this song, exactly as it unfolds in my on-again, off-again love affair.
10)All About That Bass - Meghan Trainor -
the name of this singer may not necessarily ring a bell. Well, but it's got the speaker blaring in full bass splendor. This song is something that when you're sitting and staring blankly into space would make your head bounce back rhythmically to its beat. That's all about that bass.
9) Happy - Pharell Williams - this artist is a personal favorite. and this song is one of those really catchy tunes of the year. it's like telling all those trials to go f--k off. That no amount of problems can prevent you from clapping your hands in elation to a moment of happiness. That no matter what happens, we can all try and be happy. Can be a nice mantra too for the turbulent times.
8)Problem - Ariana Grande
If I'll name an artist of the year, it's gotta be this singer. Last year, when she came out with one of my choices for song of 2013 (The Way), I mentioned back then how this singer's going to
be big and indeed, she has struck gold with most of her songs this year. Definitely no problem with this young diva's career in 2014. And this song's lyrics has really tugged at my persona for some reason.
7) Summer - Calvin Harris -
the beat of this song reminds you of
clubbing in the heat of summer. personally reminds me of those evenings briefly spent inside those clubs in The Fort and Bonifacio Global City (think Prive' and that other one in W Building) while attending some events. It's one of those songs that mesmerizes you with a voice paired with a pumping, eclectic beat that makes you sway your hips while holding a glass of wine or thump your feet mildly in your semi-inebriated state, totally basking in the glory of a carefree evening surrounded by bright lights, and beautiful people.
6) Fancy - Iggy Azalea -
I think my soul is getting younger each day. I gravitate to these new songs of emerging new artits. Like, what?? No Mariah on this year's list? No Beyonce' or Alicia Keys? No Rihanna, even or Adele. Well, the reason probably why I groove to these types of songs aside from their being regular airtime fare of most radio stations I listen too (and yes, partly influenced by my niece), but it just seems so carefree.
Something that I need to jolt me out of my stupor especially in this rather challenging, ultra-puzzling year. Its songs like this that make music an exciting thing year round.
5) Talk Dirty To Me - Jason Derulo - the almost whistle-like with a bit of drums intro is quite an earful and you just couldnt' help but turn your head around to the source of those beats. Then you hear the naughty lyrics and so it just sort of grows on you. For one single moment while listening to the song you wonder if talking dirty is really the option. Or the only option.
4) Shake it Off - Taylor Swift -
the song is somewhat reminiscent of a few 80s go-go music. something along the lines of Hey, Mickey you're so fine, you blow my mind..well, you get the drift. But the wonderful thing about this song is it also can make you smile. And yes,
shake off all those negative things in your life and if the lyrics were a photograph, it would be one big tongue sticking out at your haters. it's also about being chill in the face of annoying people or irritating problems. And I definitely would want to shake-shake-shake to the melody. Taylor Swift is simply genius.
3) Sing - Ed Sheeran - this song just hooked me with that part that says "I need you darling
Come on set the tone If you feel you're falling Won't you let me know Oh-Oh-Oh-Ooh-Oh Oh-Oh-Oh-Ooh-Oh".. sooo caatchyyy! and something that makes you want to fall in love however nerdy-looking Ed might be in his MTV. The music speaks of a mixture of different genre & possibly a combination of different era too. it's something I can't quite put my finger on, but I'm just gonna sing to it.. or possibly dance a little too.
2) All of Me - John Legend
sigh! Can't help but always swoon to this sone whenever I hear it. And make me think of all things candlelit, rose-scented, champagne, soft
back rubs, the works. The romance of this song is never lost on me. It's simply how you'd wish your man is singing exactly just for you. John Legend + this song is just wow, you'll forever be in love just listening to it.
Being in a state of forgetfulness could work both ways.. It is never easy to realize that you cannot recall certain things. And, yes, short-term memory loss can be annoying like entering a room and totally forgetting why you went in there to begin with, or where you may have placed your mobile phone.
I am able to posit this after what happened in the last few months, involving a person close to me. I don't want to dwell on the actual medical conditions that she had or what caused this in the first place. I can only write about my observation on such a case. Or rather the state of not remembering certain things.
While a major loss of memory can be a life-debilitating condition, on the upside, it can be a balm to ease the weary soul. Especially when our memories are too full of hurts and pains caused by other people. And that losing a big part of our memory may serve to purge us from the bad feelings that ultimately may lead us to a more relaxed state. We may forget how easily we are irritated by things that people do or do not do for us, expectations that were unmet no longer affecting us as they did previously..Unhampered by past hurts, we can start anew, possibly able to recall only those pleasant things or focus on the good things that we can see at present and feel with people around us who should be in our memories forever, and not those that shouldn't be even part of our lives to begin with.
But it is frustrating to really not recall a part of our life, our id, what made us who we are as years wore on, because all the heartaches, the sorrows and pains of the past are all part of what we are, who we have become. But are we the better persons for it? Or are we merely holding on to those grudges and pains caused by others to feel alive? When in fact being alive should mean just being in the moment. Fleeting as it was, each moment should always bring us a new set of memory, something that in time we might forget ever existed. The realization in this situation is that we can just make the most of our present set up, just enjoy the company of people we love and who love us. That each second that passes will no longer be relived nor remembered makes it even more important..
When we're faced with such a condition, that's the only thing that we should learn to accept & live in new range of mindset. devoid of any memories, but just living in the moment and totally forgetting the hurts, pains and our bad feelings about things and other people.
If I should experience a similar situation, I hope someone would redirect me to this blog and remind me of it and how to deal with it. A perpetual magic slate of the mind. Just always open to new things but forever in tuned to lasting, true love. Never holding on to the doubts, nagging worries, the heartaches and headaches..and just being carefree souls that we should be..
It was almost bliss, those past few weeks before the first month of the year had reached its penultimate climax. And then time lurched us back to reality..of putting on hold what we started oh so intensely.
We almost ended it..in fact, yes, I had ended it months back.. or so I thought..
but our connection it seems does not recognize such a word as goodbye..for how many times have we bid each other adieu? often to wind up together when time and schedule permit. always picking up from where we left of..
Somehow we have been inured to the pain of breaking away from the tight embrace, only to succumb to the longing when the occasion to meet calls..
It gets tiring at times, we're like a yo-yo spinning madly, away, then back up again to the hands that hold us close.. swinging here and there yet always wounding our way back, fast and firmly held by the strong grip in a tight knot.
I often pride myself to be a veteran of goodbyes, yet I can never get used to the constant farewells - the let's keep in touch, see you sometime soon again scene's. Scenes that we often played up to the last minute. And why we must always part after those intense moments is beyond me but I guess that is part of the attraction of whatever it is that we have..That I get the feeling we wouldn't want it any other way..that it would destroy the magic we share if we have a 'normal' thing like others have - of constant togetherness, washing the dishes together, or the taking out of garbage.. maybe it's not our thing.. this union is never like that and never will be like that.
But still we have love- the connection, whatever.. and that whenever we are together the heaven is just a breath away..then we head back to our routines. Yes, it may just be our own kind of heaven - almost..but not quite. .
In no particular order, I now recap the songs that made it to my top list this year. With 2013 just several winks and a couple of red-eyes away, I again list these songs that made a great impact on me this year or songs and music that I can largely relate to throughout this rather challenging year.
1) Girl on Fire (Alicia Keys) -apart from being one of my all-time favorite artists, Alicia Keys will often find her songs among my top list. This song in particular is like a personal mantra this year - something I would sing to myself to get fired up especially when things get a bit hectic, bleary and when catastrophe strikes. The song is like an impetus that pushes us forward from our low point and reminding us there's always something that will give us that break to make our mark and own the world
2) Treasure (Bruno Mars) - the beat is an eclectic mix of the 70s Motown with a touch of the 80s or something..it's like straight out of a psychedelic dream. I would say that 2013 has been one airwaves full of Bruno Mars hits & his wavy curls. I especially like the theme of this song - giving that warm feeling of a special guy that makes you feel extra special too.
3) We Can't Stop (Miley Cyrus) - long before Miley created that scene at the AMA when she twerked and twisted with Robin Thicke, and long before Wrecking Ball made an impact, this song has become a sort of back-to-my-late-teens theme. It's just a great party music, it's catchy, you can dance, sing to it and it's like flashing that good 'ol dirty-finger and wagging the tongue at the bad times & the nosy people. Lyrics that make you want to just forget about all troubles and have fun that nobody can stop - it's my mouth I can say what I want to stuff that gets me..And my fave line in this song..'Remember only God can judge us, Forget the haters cause somebody loves ya'. So I just couldn't stop myself from liking this song.
4) The Way (Ariana Grande) - well, these artists are getting younger by the minute. But they seem to have an old soul. And the music especially of this song, smacks of the early 90s. I love the beat and it keeps playing in my ears for several weeks and before I know it, I'm singing along each time I listen to the song. This girl is bound to go places with her vocal range. While this song is an all too telling reminder of the excitement of young love..ahh, the way..
5) Royals (Lorde) - who'd go wrong with a line that says 'in the torn-up town, no post code envy..' well, this song leaves a haunting impression in the mind. It's fresh, the singer's a fresh new artist. When I first heard this song I didn't know she was only seventeen-years old. There was something in the beat that is both bouncy like when you're alone waiting for someone in the club, and then you feel like, sort of hoping, that the one you're waiting don't appear, like you want to wait forever..that's how the vibe of it feels like. And it's also a shoutout to those who feel they have to keep going w/the trends or who's in, who's famous. Hell, we are not 'royals', so what? We live by our own set of rules and love according to our hearts
6) Blurred Lines (Robin Thicke w/ Pharell Williams) - 'Everybody get up' -that's how this song got my attention. And of course, it is a naughty song if you relate to it closely enough. There is something a bit of a Motown-y in the song that I like too.. and of course, the sexy Robin Thicke, and Pharell, and the kind of fun that the song promises a good girl like me.. and because I know I want it..
7) Roar (Katy Perry) - for the past 3 years or so, this girl has been roaring her way on top of the charts and always her songs often make it to my own personal annual list. This song is especially a great pick-me-upper. Something that would make it an inspiration when someone's treating you really bad and you just got to growl your way back to good mood. So whether you're waging a personal battle - maybe trying to get back into shape, or doing a massive makeover, whatever, or even trying to bounce back off a heart break, this song is perfect.
8) Get Lucky (Daft Punk) - again the voice of Pharell is sensual in this one. and the beat is like a mix of 70s, 80s and 90s. How solid the music can be. No matter if the song may be about getting laid or possibly just a romantic notion of spending overnight with someone special, there is something in the rhythm, the blend of voices, and the lyrics that catches on over and over..it's as if I'm listening to the song in my head before sleeping, and in my dreams the tune just keeps on ringing and up until the waking hours..The kind of song that just never leaves easily - something that grows inside the soul. Now, who wants to get lucky?
9) When I Was Your Man (Bruno Mars) - now this song is something I imagine my guy (ex, I guess) is singing wherever he is right now. It captures the kind of raw emotion of a man who regrets not treating his girl the way she wants it to and realizing only too late that they can no longer be as she already found someone else. Boo-hoohoo. It's sad but it can also be a lesson to guys out there. After all, ladies, women out there are just simple creatures with simple things to make us happy (you believe that, do you?) Some of us dig flowers (though I personally don't care much about flowers. I'd prefer that you gift me w/ a book), or holding hands or inviting them for a dance. It's melancholic enough and especially the acoustic version that I love. The way Bruno Mars sang this, it captures the essence of how exactly a guy feels post break-up. or at least shown us women how a guy must have felt after they broke our hearts and vice-versa.
I'm sure there are other songs now playing that you may have listened to more and there are other that some annoyingly played on and on, but when it comes to 2013's biggest, these are the songs that largely filled my music buffet table. And I can't wait for more songs to listen to in the coming year.
A thousand blogs and news articles have been written about super typhoon Haiyan (known in the Philippines as 'Yolanda') and more stories would spring forth days, months, even years after, about this deluge that hit our country on the morning of 8 November 2013. And possibly more than a thousand untold stories of the losses and the survivors' tales.
It has touched our lives and even lives of citizens across the world in ways unimaginable, much like its strong winds that only previously can be comparable to a movie writer's imagination. For such is the force that it brought Leyte, Samar and other provinces where it mercilessly stormed its deadly path.
satellite feed of Haiyan's approach to Philippines
I still shudder on realization how those of us here in Manila, the Philippine's capital were spared by Haiyan's mighty winds. It just wafted and blew a mere speckle of its strong winds that fateful Friday night. Still, even as we're several kilometers away from where it made its 6th and last landfall somewhere in Mindoro (or was it Palawan, I'm now not so sure), I heard the frightening howl of the winds and we felt some of it too although very mildly compared to those provinces that were directly hit. I also heard the tin roofs of neighbors' houses banging as if at anytime the wind would pull it off its trusses. But the beating of my heart then was louder as I already heard snippets of news reports that several houses in Leyte were already destroyed and I can only utter a silent prayer that the typhoon doesn't change its course and proceed to wreak same havoc in our city. By then I am already well aware of its strength. In fact, even a week prior to it's reaching the shores of Guiuan, Samar Province, I am already shuddering at the possibilities and well aware of its very strong winds. If only people there were also as paranoid as me, probably there would have been more survivors.
Though I am no weather expert, seeing and reading news of the impending cyclone to hit our land was already at the top of my mind and most especially when reports come not just from our own weather bureau (PAGASA) but also reports corroborated by foreign meteorologists. I worry that we might lose the roof of our home in case it hits Manila. I know that those meteorologists and typhoon-watchers were closely monitoring what they fear is a really monster storm considering that it had been topping their scales of how they normally gauge super typhoons. If there probably was a stronger word than 'super' I guess that would have been more appropriate to describe those ominous clouds. Yolanda's diameter is even scarier as I watch satellite feeds of its approach.
AFP Getty Image- survivors wander around the rubble
So when I saw how badly devastated those parts of the provinces in the Visayas were, I am no longer surprised. Still that knowledge did not prepare me for the trauma it has caused to the psyche. Imagine the countless unidentified corpses, the despair, hurt and pain of our countrymen who not only had to battle the surging seas that washed ashore and destroyed lives and homes, but also the, hunger, thirst, inequities and human indignities suffered post-Haiyan. The unimaginable suffering and pain they all had to go through and I know that if I have a similar experience I'm not sure I could even learn to smile again. At least not for a very long time if at all..
And then there were the blame games (both by government vs. local officials of the badly hit towns and vice-versa), the bashing of the government by some quarters over the seemingly very slow & poorly coordinated relief and retrieval operations that only add to the nation's trauma. Still, there is a glimmer of hope. For after international media aired the devastation and continue to chronicle and broadcast/write about the plight of our brothers and sisters in the Visayas, the whole world suddenly took notice of our simple Philippine archipelago. Suddenly, it's as if the storm brought together the whole world to rally behind our countrymen, to send support, offer prayers and just encourage us to go on and rise above the catastrophe. That alone signified that after all the trauma of this horrific typhoon, there is a triumph of the human spirit. This triumph is even made more evident with the way some of those who survived the giant storm surge still manage to smile and you still see the children after emerging from the rubble grinning, waving at correspondents' cameras, some even playing a basketball game amid the ruins. It is amazing that somehow there is still hope and that their spirit is still left untouched by Haiyan. The way they are also clamoring for help, queuing up to get to better lands, or ride on the rescue plains to move and rebuild their lives somewhere show a true fighting heart, and an even stronger spirit that is still very much willing to live and not let the destruction of monster Yolanda totally wipe them out or reduce their souls to rubble.
USAID soldiers carrying relief goods for Tacloban City victims
One can only conclude that after all these trauma a most refreshing victory follow. A triumph brought by love for one another (freely given by Filipinos to its countrymen and outpouring of support and concern by citizens of other nations toward the Filipinos and to our whole country). Triumph trumps trauma after all.
The mind and heart once more waging its battle. All weapons drawn..The mind just would not put up with the inconsistencies anymore even if the heart is willing to plead its case. It is ready to take the bull by the horn and splatter its insides all over where it will no longer cease to operate.
You see the mind discovers things not normally seen by the heart. It sees a lot and is poised to take action. When pain is just too much and it knows it can kill that pulsating blob, it has to cut off that part so as not to infect the whole being. Just like that scene in the movie World War Z..however painful, even if the part of the arm is severed, it has to be done to avoid the whole zombie virus from infecting the person.
And the heart somehow understands this predicament..it is somewhat willing to get parts of it cut even if it is rendered almost inert, almost incapable of what once had it beating so powerfully, so musically..it is even prepared to die than be the 'undead'.. for the mind has spoken, telling (no, demanding) that the heart relent this time. no excuses, no sentiments to offer as shield to the brain's firepower..
But of course, even if the heart does not wish to live a life like a zombie, it still would not just let go of the part that plays the pulsating rhythm so easily..at least not without a fight.
Whichever would prevail? Either one could win and another to lose or both can lose or win at the same time.
14) I'm Not The Only One - Sam Smith that unique voice, a blend of the soulful with just a hint of the raspy.. one couldn't help but gravitate to this song. And especially when you understand where the lyrics are heading to. chorus: "You say I'm crazy Cause you don't think I know what you've done But when you call me baby I know I'm not the only one" ..Ouch! that would hurt a man's ego, right?
