This has been a music-filled year for me. Or should I say, music made me survive 2017 thus far and on to the remaining few days of it. Here is a rundown of the musical themes, the hits and tunes that filled my waking moments, and possibly yours too throughout the year. A lot of new artists here not on my previous years' list. Though there were a few holdovers from last year and a couple of those from 2015 or so. Let's just say, the music I've grown to listen to these past several months and weeks have evolved to include new tastes and preferences. And thanks to my niece, too for her amazing taste in music that also have rubbed off on me somehow, introduced me to other genre. Music after all spans generations and can best be enjoyed for its artistry and sentiments whatever your age, whatever the situation, and wherever you are.
Here, in no particular order of preference. I actually listen to each song depending on my mood so what could be no.1 this week for me may be different from the no. 1 next week or the weeks prior. Here goes..
1) Versace on the Floor - Bruno Mars - this is perfect for when you're trying to get all cozy and intimate with that special one. Relatable for sexy time, I guess. And even if I don't own any Versace dress at the moment, I still enjoyed this song. First heard this latter part of 2016 but really caught mainstream this 2017. And the belated music video featuring Zendaya is smoking too. What can I say, I just love Bruno Mars :D
2) Here - Alessia Cara - this girl knows when to channel the very emotions and sentiments that I feel at random moments. This song may not be all that current but it's part of my 2017 playlist nonetheless. Reminds me of those past days when I would attend parties but don't really have my mind and heart on it and wishing I'm just at home, sipping some hot cocoa instead of going to some event full of people I'm not really that close with. Glad that I get to choose which party to attend to now, even if it's just a party of 4 or 5 close ones or a party of 1 consisting of just moi.
3) Havana - Camila Cabello & Young Thug - this young lady filled the airwaves this 2017 and turned me into a 'Camilizer' especially with this song. Not really that much meaning but it's very catchy and something in it just kept me swaying especially to the beat of the piano. The girl indeed has gone places even after separating from Fifth Harmony. Just hitting the right notes while the sun shines and singing ooh-na-na along the way. And who could forget her performance at the EMAs that was among the best, if not the best, of the night. Suddenly I have images of Cuba just listening to this song, oh to be at that part of the Caribbean seas ..
4) Too Good at Goodbyes - Sam Smith - Oh, this song just ripped through the heart. And went mainstream exactly at that time when goodbye is becoming a personal option. Not to delve too much on that though but this song is like a variation of a blog I wrote years ago - about being a veteran of goodbyes. And rightly so. Coz nothing is ever permanent in this life. And sometimes it's best to be a bit guarded maybe to protect oneself from the constant aches and pains of bidding someone or a lot of people adieu.
5) What Is Love - Frances - This may not be familiar to a lot of you but I find this haunting melody both sad yet oddly cathartic. Knowing that by acknowledging that there are certain nuances about love that is not all bed of roses. Plus I love this when it played in that Fifty Shades Darker. That movie sure knows how to put together a good soundtrack. What is love? All I know is it doesn't have to hurt. Really.
6) Shape of You - Ed Sheeran a feel good song of 2017. Those beats mixed with Sheerans voice. This one about carefree love. Just enjoying that meet and greet portion and where it leads later on. I'm in love with the song of you, Ed! More, please.
7) That's What I Like - Bruno Mars - this guy's been a mainstay of my top songs of the year from way back I can remember. And he really knows how to groove the way I just like it. Nothing can go wrong when you have 'champagne on ice' on the lyrics.
8) Stay - Zed ft. Alessia Cara - the jam that I want playing in the background specifically during date night. When you just need to stay in the moment with that special one, not letting go. From the intro to the extro - you just got to sway to the beat and take a minute to absorb this one particular music. Alessia is another great artist that should be creating more songs in the coming years.
9) Despacito - Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee - ah, that Spanish guitar riff at the intro. This transports me to Puerto Rico - long before the island got devastated by that strong cyclone this year. Something about Spanish songs and beats keep me on my toes and make this soul dance. And I like the original version better although I have no complaints about Bieber joining the fray. This may very well be the soundtrack of 2017 - meaning we need to take it slowly. To share that common goal of just enjoying the moment together and let the feeling take us to our favorite place or if you may, tus lugares favoritos.
10) 24k Magic - Bruno Mars - what can I say but Bruno is just so active this year and almost all songs in that album is just pure joy to listen to. That swag, that passion, that magic that you want 24 hours. Just because.
And here are the rest of the songs I've listened to, sang to, danced to, streamed on Spotify or watched on Youtube and played on the radio this year. I would have wanted to describe each song and how it influenced my year or kept me company but this post is already quite long so I'll just post their music videos here so you may catch snippets or listen in full and if you want and sing/dance/hum along with me. Until 2018! ..
11) Issues - Julia Michaels
12) He Like That - Fifth Harmony
13) How Would You Feel - Ed Sheeran
14) Beauty & The Beast - Ariana Grande & John Legend -
15) I Don't Wanna Live Forever - Taylor Swift & Zayn -
16) Back to You - Louis Tomlinson
17) Thinking 'Bout You - Dua Lipa -
18) Bad Things - Camila Cabello
19) Redbone - Childish Gambino
20) Something Just Like This - The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
21) Feels - Calvin Harris ft. Katy Perry, Pharell Williams
22) Fetish - Selena Gomez
23) The Scientist - Corrine Bailey Rae
24) OMG - Camila Cabello
25) Find Yourself - Before You Exit
26) Perfect - Ed Sheeran w/ Beyonce -
27) Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift
28) New Rules - Dua Lipa
29) I Like Me Better - Lauv
30) Feel It Still - Portugal. The Man
31) What Lovers Do - Maroon 5 ft. SZA
32) Down - Fifth Harmony ft. Gucci Mane
32) 24k Magic - Bruno Mars
And that wraps up my 2017 personal favorite songs. There are just so many I've listened to all year and this is not even half of it but these songs are the shortlist of what spoke to my soul & soothe the ear as well as the feelings on some occasion. Cheers to a better 2018. Let's all keep the music playing..
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Thursday, December 8, 2016
My Top 16 Personal Favorite Songs of 2016
It was a kind of wild 2016, well just mildly wild, if there ever was such a thing. If this year was a painting, it would be one giant abstract. Yes, pretty much also explains the kind of songs that influenced me and my moods this year – a cornucopia of beats, emotions and lyrics that range from the melodramatic to psychedelic with a hint of angst or celebration or joy and all of the above.
With about 25 days to go before final touchdown of the year, I now present my pick of personal favorite 16 songs of 2016:
16) SIDE TO SIDE by Ariana Grande ft. Nikki Minaj - there’s something in the beat that’s catchy and bitchy at the same time. Something that describes my mood on most parts of each grueling month of 2016. Always will love Ariana’s vocals while Minaj lent the proper swag to an upbeat yet pretty chill song. ‘Ive been there all day…”
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15) CHEAP THRILLS by Zia – The title of the song is simply what it is. A cheap thrill. Entertaining stuff once more from a great artist, Zia. Song talks about no costs to having fun as long as you enjoy what you do, you don’t need dollar bills or money especially when you love the one you’re with.
14) STARVING– Hailee Steinfeld featuring Zedd – oh to have that kind of affection for someone. The all-encompassing feeling of having that one who exceeds every boundaries you set for your life. What made me like this song is partly on the line that says ‘I didn't know that I was starving 'til I tasted you
Don't need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo’. That feeling of being overwhelmed by someone that has changed you forever.
13) HEATHENS – Twenty one Pilots – song caught my attention while watching the movie Suicide Squad. Very apt for the times especially with the many murders and killings in the Philippines in the past few months. These lines from the song got me hooked ‘You'll never know the psychopath sitting next to you,
You'll never know the murderer sitting next to you.’ And realizing that all you and your friends are heathens because you need to adapt to the situation, be a little weird when you have to coz there are a lot of psychos in our midst.
12) NOBODY'S BETTER – Z feat. Fetty Wap – there's something in the beat that gets to me. And the exchange of lines between the male and female singers. Pretty much explains how some guys think and how most girls also feel for them to remain secure in the relationship. Where the guy often says what you see is what you get in trying to explain his shenanigans, and the girl saying that she needs a little bit of honesty.
11) RISE by Katy Perry – this is a mantra to survive the year. Katie Perry is like a motivational speaker in a song. Always challenging you to rise and keep up to the challenge. To keep on keeping on. I especially had this as my imaginary background music when faced with a kind of tricky situation as I often find myself in this year. I also dedicate the song to my fave basketball team, Ginebra that paved the way for their being champions this year after 8 long forgettable seasons.
10) 7 YEARS – Lukas Graham – this has been a song that enjoyed quite a lot of radio airtime this year that I couldn’t help getting LSS’d. The singer’s voice was a mix of a melancholy with a touch of a boy band ruggedness. And I love how it touched on the passage of age and time, albeit a simplistic view from adolescence to adulthood to eventual senior moments. And the piano intro..
9) WORK FROM HOME by Fifth Harmony – this simply is a beat to enjoy. And when you thought the song is about working one’s ass off it actually sings about how you’ll work on that relationship with your man. The kind of effort one puts in to make it all fun instead of all work, work, work.
8) DON'T LET ME DOWN– Chainsmokers ft. Daya – this group may very well be the artist of the year for me. With their songs as ubiquitously playing on the radio or on hangout joints as frequent as a Duterte cuss word. Don’t Let me Down is the song that exactly means what it says on the title. About crashing and hitting a wall and holding on to that someone who you will beg and expect to not let you down. As in “I need ya, I need ya, I need you right now Yeah, I need you right now..” Yes, I do need this song to not let me down in times when there are less reasons to find goodness in the world.
https://youtu.be/Io0fBr1XBUA
7) WORTH IT by Fifth Harmony – these girls are rocking it this year. And the song is like an affirmation of what you deserve from life and from those you love. Song caught on latter part of 2015 and went on to start the year. That’s why I love this song that went ringing in my head for some weeks during the early part of 2016. Definitely listening to it is worth it.
6) PILLOW TALK by Zayn Malik – when you think of pillow talk and that eyelashes of Zayn, damn! But this is the kind of song that may be trying too hard to be sexy and sensual but came out just a wee bit cute. But I still love it. Especially the cover of Jojo during one of her live performances. There’s a part in the song that describes the bed in less than innocent terms and which somehow got me hooked in listening and singing to it.
5) TILL THE END – Jessie Ware – first time I heard this song playing was on the movie Me Before You. A surprisingly beautiful love story and one of the best movies I watched this 2016. It was playing as a background during a wedding scene and I got hooked on it. Turns out it’s by a favorite British singer- Jessie Ware whose sultry voice lent the perfect vibe to the melody. I especially adore the part when she sings ‘and And even when it's raining I don't see the clouds again.’ Captures the essence of being so in love with that person that all the crazy and negative things around don’t matter as long as you’re with him.
4) I HATE YOU, I LOVE YOU - Gnash ft. Olivia O'Brien – this is such a sweet sad love song about having the kind of love that is largely unreciprocated yet even if you hate the feeling you still love the person. Love singing the chorus especially when the feeling matches the frustration one gets when there is conflict in the relationship.
3) SECRET LOVE SONG – Little Mix ft. Jason Defulo - there's always something about songs that sings of keeping behind closed doors that gets me. An ideal song for belting out with all the pent-up emotions of a love that's real but hidden. Plus I love the range of vocals of this mix of female singers. Powerful voices that each sound has its own character. There's something about the over-all theme of the song that just speaks to the heart. When there are secrets hard to reveal.
2) ALL I ASK - Adele (collaborating with Bruno Mars) - afte having us at Hello last year,she brings us all we can ask for in a love song. The Adele melancholy vibe. I especially love the part about making memories that we can use. It's like speaking of a time spent with someone we may not have forever that a one special moment or night spent together can be a beacon to light us during darker days even when both have gone their separate way. Oh, the Adele effect and add to it the artistry of Bruno Mars who helped co-wrote this song with her. Also love Bruno Mars' live cover of this on BBC Live. The feels! This is all I ask for in a love song.
1) CLOSER - Chainsmokers ft. Halsey - I just couldn't stop singing and listening to this song this year. Like hey.. And could well relate to the part of '4 years no call, and now I'm looking pretty in a hotel bar..' after seeing your ex after no communication for well, 4 years. and then picking up from where you left of. A dance music that is part electro-pop and part club music that has an element of the brooding ambiance lent by the female vocalist. It has made it to my top choice of 2016. I just love how it brings me closer to that feeling of not so long ago just by listening to it. a blast.
With about 25 days to go before final touchdown of the year, I now present my pick of personal favorite 16 songs of 2016:
16) SIDE TO SIDE by Ariana Grande ft. Nikki Minaj - there’s something in the beat that’s catchy and bitchy at the same time. Something that describes my mood on most parts of each grueling month of 2016. Always will love Ariana’s vocals while Minaj lent the proper swag to an upbeat yet pretty chill song. ‘Ive been there all day…”
">
15) CHEAP THRILLS by Zia – The title of the song is simply what it is. A cheap thrill. Entertaining stuff once more from a great artist, Zia. Song talks about no costs to having fun as long as you enjoy what you do, you don’t need dollar bills or money especially when you love the one you’re with.
14) STARVING– Hailee Steinfeld featuring Zedd – oh to have that kind of affection for someone. The all-encompassing feeling of having that one who exceeds every boundaries you set for your life. What made me like this song is partly on the line that says ‘I didn't know that I was starving 'til I tasted you
Don't need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo’. That feeling of being overwhelmed by someone that has changed you forever.
13) HEATHENS – Twenty one Pilots – song caught my attention while watching the movie Suicide Squad. Very apt for the times especially with the many murders and killings in the Philippines in the past few months. These lines from the song got me hooked ‘You'll never know the psychopath sitting next to you,
You'll never know the murderer sitting next to you.’ And realizing that all you and your friends are heathens because you need to adapt to the situation, be a little weird when you have to coz there are a lot of psychos in our midst.
12) NOBODY'S BETTER – Z feat. Fetty Wap – there's something in the beat that gets to me. And the exchange of lines between the male and female singers. Pretty much explains how some guys think and how most girls also feel for them to remain secure in the relationship. Where the guy often says what you see is what you get in trying to explain his shenanigans, and the girl saying that she needs a little bit of honesty.
11) RISE by Katy Perry – this is a mantra to survive the year. Katie Perry is like a motivational speaker in a song. Always challenging you to rise and keep up to the challenge. To keep on keeping on. I especially had this as my imaginary background music when faced with a kind of tricky situation as I often find myself in this year. I also dedicate the song to my fave basketball team, Ginebra that paved the way for their being champions this year after 8 long forgettable seasons.
10) 7 YEARS – Lukas Graham – this has been a song that enjoyed quite a lot of radio airtime this year that I couldn’t help getting LSS’d. The singer’s voice was a mix of a melancholy with a touch of a boy band ruggedness. And I love how it touched on the passage of age and time, albeit a simplistic view from adolescence to adulthood to eventual senior moments. And the piano intro..
9) WORK FROM HOME by Fifth Harmony – this simply is a beat to enjoy. And when you thought the song is about working one’s ass off it actually sings about how you’ll work on that relationship with your man. The kind of effort one puts in to make it all fun instead of all work, work, work.
8) DON'T LET ME DOWN– Chainsmokers ft. Daya – this group may very well be the artist of the year for me. With their songs as ubiquitously playing on the radio or on hangout joints as frequent as a Duterte cuss word. Don’t Let me Down is the song that exactly means what it says on the title. About crashing and hitting a wall and holding on to that someone who you will beg and expect to not let you down. As in “I need ya, I need ya, I need you right now Yeah, I need you right now..” Yes, I do need this song to not let me down in times when there are less reasons to find goodness in the world.
https://youtu.be/Io0fBr1XBUA
7) WORTH IT by Fifth Harmony – these girls are rocking it this year. And the song is like an affirmation of what you deserve from life and from those you love. Song caught on latter part of 2015 and went on to start the year. That’s why I love this song that went ringing in my head for some weeks during the early part of 2016. Definitely listening to it is worth it.
6) PILLOW TALK by Zayn Malik – when you think of pillow talk and that eyelashes of Zayn, damn! But this is the kind of song that may be trying too hard to be sexy and sensual but came out just a wee bit cute. But I still love it. Especially the cover of Jojo during one of her live performances. There’s a part in the song that describes the bed in less than innocent terms and which somehow got me hooked in listening and singing to it.
5) TILL THE END – Jessie Ware – first time I heard this song playing was on the movie Me Before You. A surprisingly beautiful love story and one of the best movies I watched this 2016. It was playing as a background during a wedding scene and I got hooked on it. Turns out it’s by a favorite British singer- Jessie Ware whose sultry voice lent the perfect vibe to the melody. I especially adore the part when she sings ‘and And even when it's raining I don't see the clouds again.’ Captures the essence of being so in love with that person that all the crazy and negative things around don’t matter as long as you’re with him.
4) I HATE YOU, I LOVE YOU - Gnash ft. Olivia O'Brien – this is such a sweet sad love song about having the kind of love that is largely unreciprocated yet even if you hate the feeling you still love the person. Love singing the chorus especially when the feeling matches the frustration one gets when there is conflict in the relationship.
3) SECRET LOVE SONG – Little Mix ft. Jason Defulo - there's always something about songs that sings of keeping behind closed doors that gets me. An ideal song for belting out with all the pent-up emotions of a love that's real but hidden. Plus I love the range of vocals of this mix of female singers. Powerful voices that each sound has its own character. There's something about the over-all theme of the song that just speaks to the heart. When there are secrets hard to reveal.
2) ALL I ASK - Adele (collaborating with Bruno Mars) - afte having us at Hello last year,she brings us all we can ask for in a love song. The Adele melancholy vibe. I especially love the part about making memories that we can use. It's like speaking of a time spent with someone we may not have forever that a one special moment or night spent together can be a beacon to light us during darker days even when both have gone their separate way. Oh, the Adele effect and add to it the artistry of Bruno Mars who helped co-wrote this song with her. Also love Bruno Mars' live cover of this on BBC Live. The feels! This is all I ask for in a love song.
1) CLOSER - Chainsmokers ft. Halsey - I just couldn't stop singing and listening to this song this year. Like hey.. And could well relate to the part of '4 years no call, and now I'm looking pretty in a hotel bar..' after seeing your ex after no communication for well, 4 years. and then picking up from where you left of. A dance music that is part electro-pop and part club music that has an element of the brooding ambiance lent by the female vocalist. It has made it to my top choice of 2016. I just love how it brings me closer to that feeling of not so long ago just by listening to it. a blast.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
GINEBRA 2016: From Kangkong to KAMPEON!
After 8 loooooong years, my favorite PBA team, Ginebra is on its way to reclaim the throne - the championship title that has eluded them for so long.
Despite the heartaches of past PBA conferences, the agonies, the cursing of the fates - (or at biased officiating, actually), I remain steadfast on my own fanaticism. This is the only time I allow myself to be a true-blue fan in all its essence. Since 1986 and now 20 years after, my adulation for the team has
never wavered. Through players & coaching transfers, I remain a fan, almost loyal to a fault.
Have gone through a lot of almost wrist-slashing moments when players would have sub-par performances in the past years or whenever referees' bad calls will result in losses. The cursing and banging of the hand against any hard, solid surface (like my niece' boom box for instance). Those losses were indeed painful.
After that 2008 championship, the struggle has become real. More so for us Ginebra fans who not only had to contend seeing past favorite players move on to other teams or retire, of coaches we've come to love that were transferred to other teams or got sacked & the many knockout games that resulted unfavorably for our team. But most especially had to endure the endless mocking and insults thrown our way by fans of other teams. Even by some of those not really into basketball but just for the heck of it felt it's their right to throw shade at the Ginebra fans because they cannot understand how a team that seemed to have seen the last of its better days and which almost always got itself kicked out of contention every PBA season should still command such attention and adoration. And how win or lose, and despite being branded 'Kangkong' by haters the fandom could not be shattered. The support is genuine, the faith in the team always shone through, even during the worst game days. The same faith that has also sparked an out of this world applause and cheer whenever a crucial win is secured.
Some would never get it. But most die-hard sports fans especially bonafide Ginebra fans will not find it strange that we've held on for so long. That's just how we hold on to life, mostly.In never-say-die fashion as what we've come to know Ginebra since Jaworski days, who after getting hit and stitched on during a game still returned from the hospital to lead his team to a come-from-behind win.
That's just how it is. If Ginebra is known as the never-say-die team, the fans are known for being never-say-die fans. We'll always be around. We're always around even those agonizing times when we've been mocked as our team became a perennial participant in the haters' imaginary 'Bora Cup' aka 'Boracay cup' - with reference to teams going on an early vacation usually off to the beaches in Boracay after being booted out.
And now - back to the present 2016. Our mighty team Ginebra is back in the Finals. They almost had a chance back in 2013 but got swept by Alaska so this new opportunity at being king and ending the 8-year title drought is what we've fervently hoped for. The time is just soooo ripe!
Since the conference started, I already noticed their game improving tremendously. There's a certain sense of mission, a fluidity to their game that was missing in past months, a renewed passion in how the players move that got the fans excited. Before the eliminations ended, I told my brother that Ginebra is playing like they're finals-bound. The level is just ahead of the other contending teams.
We saw the never-say-die spirit of the team back in harness, even right at the start of the conference. With their main big man Slaughter out due to injury, that did not discourage them and they played even better right from the first game, with renewed enthusiasm shown by the other half of the twin tower- Japeth.
And then came Brownlee - we saw his first game, suffering from cramps yet would ask to be fielded back in to fight off cramps and the jetlag. He was in and out during that game but we noticed that the heart is right there. That attitude that wore off the whole team. We saw it on the rebounding prowess of the rookie, Scottie, in the purpose-driven moves of Sol & Devance' leadership that inspires his team.
And how we saw that spirit with the way LA Tenorio also came out with his resurgence of sorts reminiscent of 2013 when he almost won the MVP award.
We saw the same never-say-die spirit rubbing off on Coach Tim who in just 3 conferences has really whipped up the team into an instant title-contender. The way he was reacting in the sidelines, turning from mentor to fan on every spectacular play of his team even if it is by his design or by fate's own design.
And then there's the holdovers from the last 2008 title- Mark & Jayjay Helterbrand. Both have shown signs of slowing down but their hearts and passion to win the game and win it for the fans are always there. Despite playing in probably the last phases of their careers, from the bandana brothers of yore to the 2016 Ginebra's own version of the 'Titos of Manila', they are still our 'Fast and Furious' the 'id' of the team, its heart and soul made more evident by their scintillating performance during the Finals' Game 4. They are as hungry as the fans to win this title now.
So this Oct 19, in Game 6, as the balloons or confetti fall down, and that old familiar Gi-ne-bra chant echoes down the halls of the coliseum, and champagne corks and beer cans start to pop, I know my own tears will fall along with the legions of fans. To wash down all those years of pent-up emotions and frustrations - as our team Ginebra again replicate the struggles of life and teaching us lessons along the way - to not give up despite the odds.
And being happy and aware that any one special moment of triumph and pure joy will always be greater than any long years of hardship and disappointments. We know we'll never take it any other way. this has got to be it.
And all because our own 'Kangkong' has now become Kampeon'. From chumps to CHAMPS!
Despite the heartaches of past PBA conferences, the agonies, the cursing of the fates - (or at biased officiating, actually), I remain steadfast on my own fanaticism. This is the only time I allow myself to be a true-blue fan in all its essence. Since 1986 and now 20 years after, my adulation for the team has
Have gone through a lot of almost wrist-slashing moments when players would have sub-par performances in the past years or whenever referees' bad calls will result in losses. The cursing and banging of the hand against any hard, solid surface (like my niece' boom box for instance). Those losses were indeed painful.
After that 2008 championship, the struggle has become real. More so for us Ginebra fans who not only had to contend seeing past favorite players move on to other teams or retire, of coaches we've come to love that were transferred to other teams or got sacked & the many knockout games that resulted unfavorably for our team. But most especially had to endure the endless mocking and insults thrown our way by fans of other teams. Even by some of those not really into basketball but just for the heck of it felt it's their right to throw shade at the Ginebra fans because they cannot understand how a team that seemed to have seen the last of its better days and which almost always got itself kicked out of contention every PBA season should still command such attention and adoration. And how win or lose, and despite being branded 'Kangkong' by haters the fandom could not be shattered. The support is genuine, the faith in the team always shone through, even during the worst game days. The same faith that has also sparked an out of this world applause and cheer whenever a crucial win is secured.
Some would never get it. But most die-hard sports fans especially bonafide Ginebra fans will not find it strange that we've held on for so long. That's just how we hold on to life, mostly.In never-say-die fashion as what we've come to know Ginebra since Jaworski days, who after getting hit and stitched on during a game still returned from the hospital to lead his team to a come-from-behind win.
That's just how it is. If Ginebra is known as the never-say-die team, the fans are known for being never-say-die fans. We'll always be around. We're always around even those agonizing times when we've been mocked as our team became a perennial participant in the haters' imaginary 'Bora Cup' aka 'Boracay cup' - with reference to teams going on an early vacation usually off to the beaches in Boracay after being booted out.
And now - back to the present 2016. Our mighty team Ginebra is back in the Finals. They almost had a chance back in 2013 but got swept by Alaska so this new opportunity at being king and ending the 8-year title drought is what we've fervently hoped for. The time is just soooo ripe!
Since the conference started, I already noticed their game improving tremendously. There's a certain sense of mission, a fluidity to their game that was missing in past months, a renewed passion in how the players move that got the fans excited. Before the eliminations ended, I told my brother that Ginebra is playing like they're finals-bound. The level is just ahead of the other contending teams.
We saw the never-say-die spirit of the team back in harness, even right at the start of the conference. With their main big man Slaughter out due to injury, that did not discourage them and they played even better right from the first game, with renewed enthusiasm shown by the other half of the twin tower- Japeth.
We saw the same never-say-die spirit rubbing off on Coach Tim who in just 3 conferences has really whipped up the team into an instant title-contender. The way he was reacting in the sidelines, turning from mentor to fan on every spectacular play of his team even if it is by his design or by fate's own design.
And then there's the holdovers from the last 2008 title- Mark & Jayjay Helterbrand. Both have shown signs of slowing down but their hearts and passion to win the game and win it for the fans are always there. Despite playing in probably the last phases of their careers, from the bandana brothers of yore to the 2016 Ginebra's own version of the 'Titos of Manila', they are still our 'Fast and Furious' the 'id' of the team, its heart and soul made more evident by their scintillating performance during the Finals' Game 4. They are as hungry as the fans to win this title now.
So this Oct 19, in Game 6, as the balloons or confetti fall down, and that old familiar Gi-ne-bra chant echoes down the halls of the coliseum, and champagne corks and beer cans start to pop, I know my own tears will fall along with the legions of fans. To wash down all those years of pent-up emotions and frustrations - as our team Ginebra again replicate the struggles of life and teaching us lessons along the way - to not give up despite the odds.
And being happy and aware that any one special moment of triumph and pure joy will always be greater than any long years of hardship and disappointments. We know we'll never take it any other way. this has got to be it.
And all because our own 'Kangkong' has now become Kampeon'. From chumps to CHAMPS!
Thursday, November 12, 2015
My 15 (actually 16!) for 2015 (My Songs of The Year)
This 2015 has been one heck of a roller-coaster ride of emotions for me - all about never-ending changes and sometimes recycled relationships. Of musings about the past, splashed with a few moments that awaken the senses. Somehow, these songs blasting on the airwaves, with most becoming my year's personal anthems, have made it to my top tunes to listen to and made 2015 quite interesting (whereas the word is not even the apt description that comes to mind but what the heck).
This, in the age of the #feels and the #hugotLines, and some fifty shades of everything thrown into the mix. Some of these songs may have not reached mainstream and others you may not be too familiar with (no, you won't find anything Nae, nae or twerk it like Mileys in here) yet these were the songs that are part of my playlist all-year round and hope you would enjoy these as much as I did. - and possibly feel the same emotions evoked by each beat and lyrics. I know there are still a few weeks to go before 2015 leaves us forever but I already compiled the songs that captivated my mind, heart and ears at least up to this 11th month.
15) Hotline Bling - Drake
that sort of hypnotic beat just would be hard to get rid off your ear once you listen to it a few times. Drake seems to come up with those repetitive lyrics and chorus lines but still manages to catch the attention. Just forget the rather awkward dance moves on the video and this is sure to be a good enough song to listen to while you're bored and kind of pissed off. Most especially for guys who just couldn't stand it when their girls start to go out more 'and wear less'. It's like he realizes that what he can do, she can do better. Hah!
14) Chandelier - Sia
This may very well be an ode to suicide disguised as pop art. But there is a certain artistry that draws you to this song. And no one can deny the talent that Sia has. The music video is catchy enough with the brilliant dance moves but the real deal is in the way both lyrics and beat were put together to match Sia's compelling voicals. When talking about depression in the song doesn't sound depressing. And the line in the song '1-2-3, 1-2-3 drink' caught my attention forever.
13) Sugar- Maroon 5
Oh, Adam Levine. He is like that guy whom you wouldn't mind having in your squad. And on your wedding date for that matter. This is one catchy tune that you can just enjoy singing and jiggling your head over and over while you listen.
12) Blank Space - Taylor Swift
This is the decade of the blond young Taylor, most definitely. This song was already playing on most of our radio before year 2014 ended but somehow still crossed over to feed our musical senses in early 2015. I just love singing and listening to this song. Never mind that she's a decade or so younger than me but this girl just cannot be denied her stardom and artistry. Most of her songs are pretty easy to relate to but what got me hooked in this is the first part 'I can make the bad guys good for the weekend', with those kinds of lyrics, it would be just hard to keep that off the charts.
11) Hello - Adele
A late addition to my playlist of 2015 but yes, better late when it's this good. Adele went on a brief hiatus from the industry and this song is like a great big shoutout to the world that says 'Hello' I'm still here and I'm going to be on each and everyone's ears by the time this year's ove'r. "Hello from the other side"- that's been my staple lyric while at bath..much to the annoyance of my niece and sister. But I'm most definitely going to nail this in full, you'll see. I really love Adele and can't wait to listen to more songs from her new album. this is just one hello.
10) Meet Me In The Middle - Jessie Ware
What is it about British singer-songwriters? They're just all over the place this 2015. And definitely giving us those songs with the most feels. Jessie Ware is no exception. This bluesy piece, is perfect in its sensual beat that goes well with the singer's sultry voice. Hands down making it to one of my favorite songs in the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. Come to think of it, my 2015 is full of the fifty shades stuff and more "Meet me in the middle,
Tell me something
That could change my mind
I couldn't let it be known,
This it is every time I refuse to say goodbye.
Oh how I just love the Brits especially when they're singing songs that match my mood.
10) Lay Me Down - Sam Smith
The voice is haunting yet soothing at best. Always ringing in my ear. I could listen to Sam Smith all day. Lay Me Down is that song you just want to hear while holding that glass of rose` and lost in perpetual melancholy after realizing that the love of your life may be gone forever. And you're just stuck wishing you could lay down with him just a bit longer. Sigh!
Can I lay by your side?
Next to you, you
And make sure you're alright
I'll take care of you
I don't want to be here if I can't be with you tonight
Get the drift??
9) Like I'm Gonna Lose You - Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend
It's not just all about the bass for Ms. Meghan Trainor. This song is definitely one of those songs you wouldn't mind playing in your ear each day. More so when it features my favorite John Legend. The lyrics is something to ponder on as well. Like loving someone as if it's the last chance you're going to have in the world, before it's all gone. It shows the importance of caring for the people while you're with them because as the song says 'we're not promised forever'. So I'm gonna love you, like I'm gonna lose you. I'm gonna hold you like we're saying goodbye.. This give us the major case of the 'feels'.
8) One Last Night - Vaults - this is another one of those songs in the soundtrack of Fifty Shades of Grey. Part of my morning playlist especially during the months of February to May 2015 and had this on while getting ready for work. This song somehow carries the same sentiments as Like I'm Gonna Lose you. I'ts like having that one last night to hold on to, make something last even in just your memories. Electropop from another British act to raise the spirit up a notch.
7) All That - Carly Rae Jepsen
This song reminds me of some of the 80's love ballads. It is so retro I love it, complete with the synthesizer mix that was ubiquitous back in that decade. You could almost forget that this is the same gal who gave us Call Me Maybe. And I like this one much, much better indeed. It's about being there for someone. To be all that someone needs and more. As I write these words, I can still hear that faint distinct melody and lyrics ringing in my ear oh so quietly.."show me if you want me if I'm all that.."
6) Rather Be - Clean Bandit
The intro got me hooked from the get go.. "Oh, woah'.. sang in semi-hum and moan. can't quite place the emotions this song bring but I really love how it takes me into a different location inside the head each time. That kind of song.
It's a pretty good beat to dance on to. And it is something that tells your loved one that even if you're a thousand miles from comfort, wherever you may be, even amid squalid surroundings and not so ideal situation, as long as that special one is with you, there's no place you'd rather be. Ah, love! and the sound of travel.
5) Style - Taylor Swift
This was also Ms. Swift's year as last year was and I think the year before too. But yes, we don't mind. If she spawns these kinds of songs year in and year out then we don't care if she perennially comes out among our top songs list. And style is just so that. Definitely captured that sentiment of mine mid-year. It's like getting back to that old habit - yes, the habit of hooking up with that someone from your past that you just can't get away from. Because the two of you just never go out of style.
4) Uptown Funk- Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
This got me singing in swinging in all the right places. That beat is just amazing and yes, Bruno Mars will always be Bruno Mars. Someone I also wouldn't mind hogging my Top songs of the year annually. This song is perfect when you're feeling the vibe, just want to feel good, and happy about the world. Like the effects of vodka or marijuana perhaps. No haven't tried the grass but vodka buzz is nothing new. So this would be one of those songs that can play each year and will keep sounding new to the ear. I just love it's beat. And the music video contributes to the LSS too
3) Earned It - The Weeknd
First time I heard this was in February of this year, and it made me anticipate the movie Fifty Shades then. This is probably among the most popular tunes in that movie's sound track along with Beyonce's re-mastered Crazy In Love and my no. 1 song of the year. The lead singer's voice is definitely worth listening to and I especially am mesmerized by that part of the lyrics when he sang 'you make it look like it's magic. coz I see nobody, nobody but you', for such is a feeling when you're utterly infatuated with someone where you don't mind being used a little, knowing that you yourself earned that right to be used or abused as you please. Of course, with reference to the book and the movie about a sort of abusive relationship with romantic underpinnings. This is like the perfect caption to the movie's narrative if there ever was one. but the music is a stand alone entertainment and I love it.
2) Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
this may very well have made it to the top but came undone when our country somehow made this their national anthem. But yes, it does deserve a top spot in every music lovers' heart, with the artistry of Ed Sheeran backed with additional dancing talent as shown on the music video. The pure kind of love that this song offers is a refreshing alternative to all the heavy breathing, melancholy-filled, sultriness, the hooking-up with your ex- songs and sado-masochism tendencies that seem to characterize most of my favorite songs this year. It's a song that makes you want to raise your head while you listen to the first line even as you busily type away on your keyboard at work or reading something on your cellphone. And just makes you smile at the recollection of such a pure love that can very well last at lifetime, or at least until you're 70..
1) Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding
Okay, this is very well the love theme of the year. And again! from the Fifty Shades soundtrack. Told ya! This is something about recognizing the dark side of your loved one, you have your qualms about the relationship but then would still want him to love you like he does. In his own way, the way that he's used to. It's about not putting on blinders when you're infatuated but this is more of the acceptance of your partner's flaws but still realizing that you want him after all. Because you know that he is both the cure and the pain in your life yet choosing to live with it. Viva la Cincuenta sombras de Grey, and hail, to the British invasion that rocked our music world this 2015.
This, in the age of the #feels and the #hugotLines, and some fifty shades of everything thrown into the mix. Some of these songs may have not reached mainstream and others you may not be too familiar with (no, you won't find anything Nae, nae or twerk it like Mileys in here) yet these were the songs that are part of my playlist all-year round and hope you would enjoy these as much as I did. - and possibly feel the same emotions evoked by each beat and lyrics. I know there are still a few weeks to go before 2015 leaves us forever but I already compiled the songs that captivated my mind, heart and ears at least up to this 11th month.
that sort of hypnotic beat just would be hard to get rid off your ear once you listen to it a few times. Drake seems to come up with those repetitive lyrics and chorus lines but still manages to catch the attention. Just forget the rather awkward dance moves on the video and this is sure to be a good enough song to listen to while you're bored and kind of pissed off. Most especially for guys who just couldn't stand it when their girls start to go out more 'and wear less'. It's like he realizes that what he can do, she can do better. Hah!
14) Chandelier - Sia
This may very well be an ode to suicide disguised as pop art. But there is a certain artistry that draws you to this song. And no one can deny the talent that Sia has. The music video is catchy enough with the brilliant dance moves but the real deal is in the way both lyrics and beat were put together to match Sia's compelling voicals. When talking about depression in the song doesn't sound depressing. And the line in the song '1-2-3, 1-2-3 drink' caught my attention forever.
13) Sugar- Maroon 5
Oh, Adam Levine. He is like that guy whom you wouldn't mind having in your squad. And on your wedding date for that matter. This is one catchy tune that you can just enjoy singing and jiggling your head over and over while you listen.
12) Blank Space - Taylor Swift
This is the decade of the blond young Taylor, most definitely. This song was already playing on most of our radio before year 2014 ended but somehow still crossed over to feed our musical senses in early 2015. I just love singing and listening to this song. Never mind that she's a decade or so younger than me but this girl just cannot be denied her stardom and artistry. Most of her songs are pretty easy to relate to but what got me hooked in this is the first part 'I can make the bad guys good for the weekend', with those kinds of lyrics, it would be just hard to keep that off the charts.
11) Hello - Adele
A late addition to my playlist of 2015 but yes, better late when it's this good. Adele went on a brief hiatus from the industry and this song is like a great big shoutout to the world that says 'Hello' I'm still here and I'm going to be on each and everyone's ears by the time this year's ove'r. "Hello from the other side"- that's been my staple lyric while at bath..much to the annoyance of my niece and sister. But I'm most definitely going to nail this in full, you'll see. I really love Adele and can't wait to listen to more songs from her new album. this is just one hello.
10) Meet Me In The Middle - Jessie Ware
What is it about British singer-songwriters? They're just all over the place this 2015. And definitely giving us those songs with the most feels. Jessie Ware is no exception. This bluesy piece, is perfect in its sensual beat that goes well with the singer's sultry voice. Hands down making it to one of my favorite songs in the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. Come to think of it, my 2015 is full of the fifty shades stuff and more "Meet me in the middle,
Tell me something
That could change my mind
I couldn't let it be known,
This it is every time I refuse to say goodbye.
Oh how I just love the Brits especially when they're singing songs that match my mood.
The voice is haunting yet soothing at best. Always ringing in my ear. I could listen to Sam Smith all day. Lay Me Down is that song you just want to hear while holding that glass of rose` and lost in perpetual melancholy after realizing that the love of your life may be gone forever. And you're just stuck wishing you could lay down with him just a bit longer. Sigh!
Can I lay by your side?
Next to you, you
And make sure you're alright
I'll take care of you
I don't want to be here if I can't be with you tonight
Get the drift??
9) Like I'm Gonna Lose You - Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend
It's not just all about the bass for Ms. Meghan Trainor. This song is definitely one of those songs you wouldn't mind playing in your ear each day. More so when it features my favorite John Legend. The lyrics is something to ponder on as well. Like loving someone as if it's the last chance you're going to have in the world, before it's all gone. It shows the importance of caring for the people while you're with them because as the song says 'we're not promised forever'. So I'm gonna love you, like I'm gonna lose you. I'm gonna hold you like we're saying goodbye.. This give us the major case of the 'feels'.
7) All That - Carly Rae Jepsen
This song reminds me of some of the 80's love ballads. It is so retro I love it, complete with the synthesizer mix that was ubiquitous back in that decade. You could almost forget that this is the same gal who gave us Call Me Maybe. And I like this one much, much better indeed. It's about being there for someone. To be all that someone needs and more. As I write these words, I can still hear that faint distinct melody and lyrics ringing in my ear oh so quietly.."show me if you want me if I'm all that.."
6) Rather Be - Clean Bandit
The intro got me hooked from the get go.. "Oh, woah'.. sang in semi-hum and moan. can't quite place the emotions this song bring but I really love how it takes me into a different location inside the head each time. That kind of song.
It's a pretty good beat to dance on to. And it is something that tells your loved one that even if you're a thousand miles from comfort, wherever you may be, even amid squalid surroundings and not so ideal situation, as long as that special one is with you, there's no place you'd rather be. Ah, love! and the sound of travel.
5) Style - Taylor Swift
This was also Ms. Swift's year as last year was and I think the year before too. But yes, we don't mind. If she spawns these kinds of songs year in and year out then we don't care if she perennially comes out among our top songs list. And style is just so that. Definitely captured that sentiment of mine mid-year. It's like getting back to that old habit - yes, the habit of hooking up with that someone from your past that you just can't get away from. Because the two of you just never go out of style.
4) Uptown Funk- Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
This got me singing in swinging in all the right places. That beat is just amazing and yes, Bruno Mars will always be Bruno Mars. Someone I also wouldn't mind hogging my Top songs of the year annually. This song is perfect when you're feeling the vibe, just want to feel good, and happy about the world. Like the effects of vodka or marijuana perhaps. No haven't tried the grass but vodka buzz is nothing new. So this would be one of those songs that can play each year and will keep sounding new to the ear. I just love it's beat. And the music video contributes to the LSS too
3) Earned It - The Weeknd
First time I heard this was in February of this year, and it made me anticipate the movie Fifty Shades then. This is probably among the most popular tunes in that movie's sound track along with Beyonce's re-mastered Crazy In Love and my no. 1 song of the year. The lead singer's voice is definitely worth listening to and I especially am mesmerized by that part of the lyrics when he sang 'you make it look like it's magic. coz I see nobody, nobody but you', for such is a feeling when you're utterly infatuated with someone where you don't mind being used a little, knowing that you yourself earned that right to be used or abused as you please. Of course, with reference to the book and the movie about a sort of abusive relationship with romantic underpinnings. This is like the perfect caption to the movie's narrative if there ever was one. but the music is a stand alone entertainment and I love it.
2) Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
this may very well have made it to the top but came undone when our country somehow made this their national anthem. But yes, it does deserve a top spot in every music lovers' heart, with the artistry of Ed Sheeran backed with additional dancing talent as shown on the music video. The pure kind of love that this song offers is a refreshing alternative to all the heavy breathing, melancholy-filled, sultriness, the hooking-up with your ex- songs and sado-masochism tendencies that seem to characterize most of my favorite songs this year. It's a song that makes you want to raise your head while you listen to the first line even as you busily type away on your keyboard at work or reading something on your cellphone. And just makes you smile at the recollection of such a pure love that can very well last at lifetime, or at least until you're 70..
Okay, this is very well the love theme of the year. And again! from the Fifty Shades soundtrack. Told ya! This is something about recognizing the dark side of your loved one, you have your qualms about the relationship but then would still want him to love you like he does. In his own way, the way that he's used to. It's about not putting on blinders when you're infatuated but this is more of the acceptance of your partner's flaws but still realizing that you want him after all. Because you know that he is both the cure and the pain in your life yet choosing to live with it. Viva la Cincuenta sombras de Grey, and hail, to the British invasion that rocked our music world this 2015.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Happy Papa's Day!
I couldn't recall ever having written a real tribute to my father or to 'Papa' as we call him. Well, his character left my young mind with the impression that he wouldn't really like it that much. He's not really the emotional type or one who'd feel comfortable having accolades thrown at him or his personal attributes spoken or written for the public eye. Maybe it's the Sagittarius male side of him that shuns any overt display of emotion or he just wants things as simple and uncomplicated as possible . Nonetheless, and on the occasion of Father's Day tomorrow, June 21st, I feel it's only fitting that I wrote a few things about him that I know made an impact on me. He was after all taken from us at a young age of 60 (from a heart attack) and I was still in my teens then. And he was also out of the country for a few years then stayed in the province months before he passed on, so those last few years with him have been an on again off again relationship with our father. Still and will always be the primary male personality in my life.
But I will often look back with fondness of those bits and pieces of kid's memories while he was with us. Will always love his sense of humor, his playful way with words to coax us little kids to comb his hair and rub his back while he tries to take a nap, and often me and my sister would exchange helpless glances at having our play interrupted after lunch. Now, I realized that it's probably Papa's way to keep us quiet and make us take our mandatory kiddie siesta because only a few seconds of combing his hair, both my sister and I would fall asleep before he does. Well played, Papa, well played. haha.
I also recall his protective ways in the simple things - like buying 'taho' one morning. While my sister and I were rushing to go out with our glasses to buy taho that one sunny morning of long ago, Papa then stopped us from our tracks and asked us not to buy anymore and to return our glasses at the pantry. While mildly disappointed at missing our favorite morning treat, Papa then explained that he saw one of the neighbor's kids poked a finger inside the taho container, licked his fingers then poked the licked finger back at the soy inside. That's when Papa decided that we shouldn't buy our taho that day. I would always look back at that morning with a smile, Papa and his endearingly sweet way of protecting us. Oh, how he would have raised a fuss at what we put in our mouths these days!. Sorry, Papa! but that's another story and yes, thank you for saving us from that icky bacteria-infested finger of the little neighbor. hahaha.
And I could also associate morning coffee with him. He used to drink his coffee in this very large transparent mug and my sister and I would often take turns in drinking the last remaining 1/8 portion of his coffee. this we often referred to as our 'tira-kape' moment. He would call us and ask who wants that last part of his coffee and Leslie and I would come rushing to him to finish off the mug's content. Whoever gets to his side first wins the much-coveted coffee part. It's amazing how a simple thing as that can evoke one of the sweetest memories of my childhood. Up to this day, the way I prepare my own cup of coffee is reminiscent of the taste of how Papa makes his coffee.
And there are the poignant moments that I saw of him and Mama. With the two of them dancing sweetly to the sound of the music playing on the stereo. Both my parents love music so much and how they make it their unspoken ritual to dance to the soft melody. The memory of him and Mama dancing in our living room is still very much alive here in my mind.
The songs he sings. The baritone voice, who can best the likes of Matt Monroe, Perry Como, Jack Jones. During parties (company gatherings or family get-togethers), he would be asked to sing and deep inside my very young mind, I felt every excitement hearing his voice. To this day, not even any of my brothers can hold a candle to his voice. Sorry, Mario, Mike and Bingo, but even your church choir experience is no match to Papa's voice and I'm sure you all would not disagree.
And that ampalaya moment. I remember one time when we only have ampalaya for lunch. To make the meal more enjoyable, he asked us to eat one portion of the bitter vegetable then drink water after. He advised that when one eats ampalaya, the water would taste differently and good. And that's how he made eating ampalaya such an exciting and tasteful experience for me. And to this day, I'm thankful that he did so as I'm sure I'm one of the few kids in our lifetime who enjoyed the bitter gourd growing up and beyond. Who knew such bitterness can lead to such a lifetime of sweetness.
Papa also is a man of few words. He is the kind of father na 'makuha ka sa tingin' type and my brothers & sister know that we shouldn't do anything to cross him when he's having a bad day. While he writes eloquently and can probably put up one chapter of book in writing us letters, when he speaks, you better listen. He doesn't want to repeat instructions, he seldom raise his voice but you can very well hear him when he talks. He is strict but not in the suffocating manner. It's more of just keeping us grounded and well-behaved. Because when it all comes down to it, he is also the kind of man who wants to have fun with family, with Mama and with his children and friends. As shown in these pictures. Too bad, I can't find our old album where he carries me so this only has my brothers with him and Mama.
I would always remember the letters he wrote us, his advices, the wit of his essays, the metaphors of his writings. Too bad I lost a lot of his letters sent to me while he was away in the Middle East. I would have loved to reread them now. And maybe find a way to reconnect with him as there will always be a space inside this heart that would forever remain blank with his passing.
Papa, you will forever be missed and celebrated too!. Happy Father's Day!! Send my regards to the Greatest Father up there too!
But I will often look back with fondness of those bits and pieces of kid's memories while he was with us. Will always love his sense of humor, his playful way with words to coax us little kids to comb his hair and rub his back while he tries to take a nap, and often me and my sister would exchange helpless glances at having our play interrupted after lunch. Now, I realized that it's probably Papa's way to keep us quiet and make us take our mandatory kiddie siesta because only a few seconds of combing his hair, both my sister and I would fall asleep before he does. Well played, Papa, well played. haha.
I also recall his protective ways in the simple things - like buying 'taho' one morning. While my sister and I were rushing to go out with our glasses to buy taho that one sunny morning of long ago, Papa then stopped us from our tracks and asked us not to buy anymore and to return our glasses at the pantry. While mildly disappointed at missing our favorite morning treat, Papa then explained that he saw one of the neighbor's kids poked a finger inside the taho container, licked his fingers then poked the licked finger back at the soy inside. That's when Papa decided that we shouldn't buy our taho that day. I would always look back at that morning with a smile, Papa and his endearingly sweet way of protecting us. Oh, how he would have raised a fuss at what we put in our mouths these days!. Sorry, Papa! but that's another story and yes, thank you for saving us from that icky bacteria-infested finger of the little neighbor. hahaha.
And I could also associate morning coffee with him. He used to drink his coffee in this very large transparent mug and my sister and I would often take turns in drinking the last remaining 1/8 portion of his coffee. this we often referred to as our 'tira-kape' moment. He would call us and ask who wants that last part of his coffee and Leslie and I would come rushing to him to finish off the mug's content. Whoever gets to his side first wins the much-coveted coffee part. It's amazing how a simple thing as that can evoke one of the sweetest memories of my childhood. Up to this day, the way I prepare my own cup of coffee is reminiscent of the taste of how Papa makes his coffee.
And there are the poignant moments that I saw of him and Mama. With the two of them dancing sweetly to the sound of the music playing on the stereo. Both my parents love music so much and how they make it their unspoken ritual to dance to the soft melody. The memory of him and Mama dancing in our living room is still very much alive here in my mind.
The songs he sings. The baritone voice, who can best the likes of Matt Monroe, Perry Como, Jack Jones. During parties (company gatherings or family get-togethers), he would be asked to sing and deep inside my very young mind, I felt every excitement hearing his voice. To this day, not even any of my brothers can hold a candle to his voice. Sorry, Mario, Mike and Bingo, but even your church choir experience is no match to Papa's voice and I'm sure you all would not disagree.
And that ampalaya moment. I remember one time when we only have ampalaya for lunch. To make the meal more enjoyable, he asked us to eat one portion of the bitter vegetable then drink water after. He advised that when one eats ampalaya, the water would taste differently and good. And that's how he made eating ampalaya such an exciting and tasteful experience for me. And to this day, I'm thankful that he did so as I'm sure I'm one of the few kids in our lifetime who enjoyed the bitter gourd growing up and beyond. Who knew such bitterness can lead to such a lifetime of sweetness.
Papa also is a man of few words. He is the kind of father na 'makuha ka sa tingin' type and my brothers & sister know that we shouldn't do anything to cross him when he's having a bad day. While he writes eloquently and can probably put up one chapter of book in writing us letters, when he speaks, you better listen. He doesn't want to repeat instructions, he seldom raise his voice but you can very well hear him when he talks. He is strict but not in the suffocating manner. It's more of just keeping us grounded and well-behaved. Because when it all comes down to it, he is also the kind of man who wants to have fun with family, with Mama and with his children and friends. As shown in these pictures. Too bad, I can't find our old album where he carries me so this only has my brothers with him and Mama.
 |
| Papa with Mama and my brothers Mario, Mike and Bingo |
 |
| Papa (3rd from left) at a party in our cousin's house. Having a beer with film stars and Mr. Eddie Garcia. My uncle was a scriptwriter in the movies and celebrities during their events were a common sight. |
I would always remember the letters he wrote us, his advices, the wit of his essays, the metaphors of his writings. Too bad I lost a lot of his letters sent to me while he was away in the Middle East. I would have loved to reread them now. And maybe find a way to reconnect with him as there will always be a space inside this heart that would forever remain blank with his passing.
Papa, you will forever be missed and celebrated too!. Happy Father's Day!! Send my regards to the Greatest Father up there too!
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Realization - May (or may not) Rhyme with Confusion
There is that feeling that suddenly speaks to your thoughts making you realize things that once never crossed your mind.
Perhaps lost in previous sentiments and emotions - that part suddenly awakens. Makes you rethink of the mistakes (charged to moments of brief craziness) or may not even be termed 'mistakes' when it evokes certain feelings of happiness, fun and experiences that help you build those bizarre but memorable memories to last your lifetime.
It's when you reach a point where those things that used to affect you barely even registers as a blip in your sense's radar if at all. It's as if you have become someone new or somebody deleted portions of your brain and emotions that would otherwise succumb to the longing, or the anxiety, the stress or whatever other emotions that once make you decide that living is akin to sweet torture.
But it can only be a matter of time when you may realize that this realization or 'epiphany' may just be a repression of emotions and sentiments given the circumstances. And that a month or two from now things may be different and it would then be up to you to realize this or if it sets you up towards more dumbfounding things.
And yes, it now occurs to you that the mere realization that you've reached a point of realization may soon lead to more confusion and ultimately a lot of wild, sensational (though not necessarily unwelcome) emotions.
Perhaps lost in previous sentiments and emotions - that part suddenly awakens. Makes you rethink of the mistakes (charged to moments of brief craziness) or may not even be termed 'mistakes' when it evokes certain feelings of happiness, fun and experiences that help you build those bizarre but memorable memories to last your lifetime.
It's when you reach a point where those things that used to affect you barely even registers as a blip in your sense's radar if at all. It's as if you have become someone new or somebody deleted portions of your brain and emotions that would otherwise succumb to the longing, or the anxiety, the stress or whatever other emotions that once make you decide that living is akin to sweet torture.
But it can only be a matter of time when you may realize that this realization or 'epiphany' may just be a repression of emotions and sentiments given the circumstances. And that a month or two from now things may be different and it would then be up to you to realize this or if it sets you up towards more dumbfounding things.
And yes, it now occurs to you that the mere realization that you've reached a point of realization may soon lead to more confusion and ultimately a lot of wild, sensational (though not necessarily unwelcome) emotions.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Shadows At Midnight
There it was, as
I lay awake again
A figure hovering
in the dark
“What could that
be?”
This question I
always ask.
It certainly
looked that way,
An image of him
I see
But how? When he
is far away,
Over the land of
the rising sea.
Still, rather
than conjuring scary images
Of restless
souls and ghouls that creep
I know this
sight I now behold is just the power of his thoughts,
of longing to be
with me despite our distance so I smile and just fall back to sleep..
(This is a poem I wrote more than 5 years ago. Whew! can't believe this year's almost halfway since I lost posted. I probably would be actively blogging again. Let's see where this leads).
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