The first thing I saw when I opened facebook this morning was a shout out from a friend paying tribute to Michael Jackson. As instinct dictated, I checked Yahoo for confirmation of the news; and, true enough, at 50, Michael Jackson, an icon whose name in the 80s was only paralleled by Madonna's and surpassed by none has left us.
I grieve.
I come from the era of Jackson's music. As such, it is not possible for a person from my generation to not have at least one favorite song from a list of hits by Michael Jackson. Mine happens to be "Man in the Mirror" which inspired one of the poems I have written back in the days when I was young and idealistic.
To the King of Pop, I dedicate his song "Gone Too Soon."
We love you, dearest Michael. You have touched our lives through your music and your music will live for generations to come.
"Gone Too Soon"
performed by Michael Jackson
Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon
Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon
Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon
Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon
Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon
Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon
Gone Too Soon
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Hunt for Gollum
The Hunt For Gollum (HD version)
Uploaded by HuntForGollum. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.
Made by fans for the fans. My review to follow.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
On Susan Boyle
My young friend, Sydney, asked me yesterday if I have heard of Susan Boyle and I said, "I haven't." He then went on to explain that she is a talented singer from the show Britain's Got Talent and that she sang a song from the musical Les Miserables.
Now, that had me looking in YouTube. First of all, I grew up a fan of the songs from the musical Les Miserables. (Growing up, I was also a sucker for musicals!) I even remember having requested tapes of Les Mis and Evita from my friends as a present for my coming out party (you may have read about the event in your Ancient Civilization class) and which they gladly gave wrapped in so many layers of boxes and papers (yup, I remember that vividly). Abused is likely an understatement to describe those precious sets which saw a lot of playtime, pauses and rewinds. Also, my dvd of Les Mis' 10th Anniversary Performance is one of the most played in the house.
Quite critical of anyone's performance of songs from this musical, I waited for Susan Boyle to start singing. And although I was already given heads up by my friend that this woman is good, I was not ready for what was to come after. She's 47, definitely not a stunner and seemingly inarticulate with her responses (I thought she was funny trying to recall the word "villages"). I knew what the audience had in mind before she opened her mouth. Had I not been told about her, I would have thought the same thing. Plus, really, not everyone who appears on that show, pleasant looking or not, is talented.
Finally, she sang. She was outstanding from the first verse onwards. I did not know if I should cheer or listen. I had goosebumps, to say the least. I was in tears when the crowd started to cheer and stand up. It was Paul Potts all over again -- an unassuming individual with a not at all common talent. I was so happy for the generous comments given to her by Amanda and Pierce. And if I could just interject a gossip here, I'd say Pierce has a crush on Boyle. One of my favorite parts of the video was Simon Cowell's genuine awe as Susan Boyle delivered line after line of beautiful music. His face was unmistakably surprised and pleased. Seeing Simon looking like that -- priceless!
We, of course, do not know how far Susan Boyle will reach the contest as it is still on going. Regardless, she has already captured the hearts of so many people, mine included. I'm sure she's getting more hits on YouTube this instant than Elaine Paige. Since yesterday afternoon, I have played her video no less than 20 times and I'm still listening.
Susan Boyle, the stage is yours. The world, now having heard your voice, will not want to stop listening. Good luck!
Now, that had me looking in YouTube. First of all, I grew up a fan of the songs from the musical Les Miserables. (Growing up, I was also a sucker for musicals!) I even remember having requested tapes of Les Mis and Evita from my friends as a present for my coming out party (you may have read about the event in your Ancient Civilization class) and which they gladly gave wrapped in so many layers of boxes and papers (yup, I remember that vividly). Abused is likely an understatement to describe those precious sets which saw a lot of playtime, pauses and rewinds. Also, my dvd of Les Mis' 10th Anniversary Performance is one of the most played in the house.
Quite critical of anyone's performance of songs from this musical, I waited for Susan Boyle to start singing. And although I was already given heads up by my friend that this woman is good, I was not ready for what was to come after. She's 47, definitely not a stunner and seemingly inarticulate with her responses (I thought she was funny trying to recall the word "villages"). I knew what the audience had in mind before she opened her mouth. Had I not been told about her, I would have thought the same thing. Plus, really, not everyone who appears on that show, pleasant looking or not, is talented.
Finally, she sang. She was outstanding from the first verse onwards. I did not know if I should cheer or listen. I had goosebumps, to say the least. I was in tears when the crowd started to cheer and stand up. It was Paul Potts all over again -- an unassuming individual with a not at all common talent. I was so happy for the generous comments given to her by Amanda and Pierce. And if I could just interject a gossip here, I'd say Pierce has a crush on Boyle. One of my favorite parts of the video was Simon Cowell's genuine awe as Susan Boyle delivered line after line of beautiful music. His face was unmistakably surprised and pleased. Seeing Simon looking like that -- priceless!
We, of course, do not know how far Susan Boyle will reach the contest as it is still on going. Regardless, she has already captured the hearts of so many people, mine included. I'm sure she's getting more hits on YouTube this instant than Elaine Paige. Since yesterday afternoon, I have played her video no less than 20 times and I'm still listening.
Susan Boyle, the stage is yours. The world, now having heard your voice, will not want to stop listening. Good luck!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Antipolo and Marikina - March 25, 2009
Another sunduan treat with lolo. We cruised the streets of Antipolo and Marikina just for the fun of it. :)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Journal: Angkan invades Lipa - March 21-22, 2009
It was a fun-filled weekend in Lipa, Batangas as our immediate clan had a reunion with another branch of our extended angkan. Tita Alice and her siblings (my mom's first cousins where Lola Angge is their matriarch) hosted the reunion of the two (or should I emphasize, two of the several) branches of the family tree at Bluroze Parks and Wildlife.
For our exclusive use was a gated section (called the Family Garden) where we had our own cabin, a pool, an activity area, a garden and an aviary. Beyond the reserved section were gardens of different variety as well as animals of different sizes and shapes. I've never been to this place and was quite impressed with their collection of flora and fauna.
The evening was pleasant and surprisingly cold (which was a welcome change for everyone). It was funny to hear four languages spoken all at once (Tagalog, English, German and Japanese) and at different decibels. Everyone slept late and woke up early. Apparently, time is never enough for catching up and getting updated if you are a part of this family.
The following morning and afternoon were rather lazy, food-filled and relaxed. We were greeted by a hearty breakfast followed by lunch! There were a lot of activities available to bond and kill time with. Everyone was all over the place -- swimming, eating, hiking, preparing food, singing, drinking, taking pictures and having fun. Between Li'l Anne and myself, we have a total of over 300 pictures in our cameras (whoops... I had Audrey's camera for my use, ha ha).
Anyway, now that I'm writing this entry, it only means I'm back from Batangas. I have yet to sort out the pictures and videos we have taken. I've randomly selected pictures for this blog and will be uploading the rest of the pictures and videos I've taken shortly (hopefully, haha).
(I'm obviously still in my non-writing mode!)
For our exclusive use was a gated section (called the Family Garden) where we had our own cabin, a pool, an activity area, a garden and an aviary. Beyond the reserved section were gardens of different variety as well as animals of different sizes and shapes. I've never been to this place and was quite impressed with their collection of flora and fauna.
The evening was pleasant and surprisingly cold (which was a welcome change for everyone). It was funny to hear four languages spoken all at once (Tagalog, English, German and Japanese) and at different decibels. Everyone slept late and woke up early. Apparently, time is never enough for catching up and getting updated if you are a part of this family.
The following morning and afternoon were rather lazy, food-filled and relaxed. We were greeted by a hearty breakfast followed by lunch! There were a lot of activities available to bond and kill time with. Everyone was all over the place -- swimming, eating, hiking, preparing food, singing, drinking, taking pictures and having fun. Between Li'l Anne and myself, we have a total of over 300 pictures in our cameras (whoops... I had Audrey's camera for my use, ha ha).
Anyway, now that I'm writing this entry, it only means I'm back from Batangas. I have yet to sort out the pictures and videos we have taken. I've randomly selected pictures for this blog and will be uploading the rest of the pictures and videos I've taken shortly (hopefully, haha).
(I'm obviously still in my non-writing mode!)
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Angkan Sunday
No, we don't live in the same house as most people think when they see our pictures. In fact, we live in three different towns although I must admit three of the six households are within lolo's unbelievable walking range. (My lolo's walking range is greater than mine! He claims to have walked longer distances in his youth. I'm not about to argue.) We just enjoy hanging out as a family and we don't even need an occasion to see each other.
This was a typical Sunday lunch at lolo's place which turned out as a family affair in Mega Mall.
This was a typical Sunday lunch at lolo's place which turned out as a family affair in Mega Mall.
Mama's Birthday Bash
It was just us. By just us, that means the entire angkan - always in full force. :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!
I'm sorry, blogs!!!
I've ignored my blogs and all my other online accounts yet again. I promise to write stuff as soon as I spend more time on the internet. :)
For now, I'm putting up some pictures.
For now, I'm putting up some pictures.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Journal: Year Ender Kalokohan
...spent the last two days of the year with my family!!!
December 31, 2008
It was a rather disastrous Media Noche as we ended up with three boxes of pizza (all from Pizza Hut, family size) due to uncoordinated preparation. Haha. The same thing almost happened to the chicken. Good thing KFC ran out of their original recipe when Audrey and I went there.
Anyway, my sisters and I waited for midnight by entertaining ourselves in front of the videoke. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix came after the midnight meal.
December 30, 2008
I don't know how it happened but before I knew it, I was out with my cousins Anne and Rommel shopping, eating and walking 'til midnight. Thanks to Mel's parents for picking us up. There were so many people out that night it would have been impossible to go home by ourselves.
At home, my sisters and I did some bonding time over coffee and The Iron Man 'til early morning. Tired. Saya. Kulit!
Late night coffee with Armi.
Out with Anne and Rommel for some clothes, accessories and FOOD!!!
December 31, 2008
It was a rather disastrous Media Noche as we ended up with three boxes of pizza (all from Pizza Hut, family size) due to uncoordinated preparation. Haha. The same thing almost happened to the chicken. Good thing KFC ran out of their original recipe when Audrey and I went there.
Anyway, my sisters and I waited for midnight by entertaining ourselves in front of the videoke. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix came after the midnight meal.
December 30, 2008
I don't know how it happened but before I knew it, I was out with my cousins Anne and Rommel shopping, eating and walking 'til midnight. Thanks to Mel's parents for picking us up. There were so many people out that night it would have been impossible to go home by ourselves.
At home, my sisters and I did some bonding time over coffee and The Iron Man 'til early morning. Tired. Saya. Kulit!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Journal: My Birthday! (December 29, 2008)
Damn! I hate adding another number to my age but I cannot deny the fact that I love birthdays, particularly mine.
I love birthdays. Always have. Always will.
As we often go out around this time of the season, this year's celebration came about because we couldn't skip town. Baguio will have to do without us this year.
It was my super mom who took charge and threw the feast for me. Yup. I'd call it a feast because I had more guests than our last Christmas reunion's attendance and more food than I expected for my celebration.
My parents, Audrey, Armi and Dan were on their feet doing the errands for me as I waited for the whole thing to take place. Thank you! It was a relaxed and fun videoke session at home over a lot of chatter and food. Kudos to my cousin, Gian, for taking over the evening's entertainment just when I was about to run out of energy going around.
Many thanks also to the following people who came to celebrate the day with me and lovingly showered me presents: Tita Ne and family, Tito Al and Family, Tito Bok and family, Tita Lita and family (straight from their Tagaytay retreat), Tita Zon and Tito Nok, Lolo, my cousins from the Avillano side (whose warm voices took sole custody of the videoke machine come late LATE evening, haha) and their significant others, our neighbors, family friends and my high school classmates. Whew. Thank you!
(panawagang bayan: friends, pa-donate lang po ng mga larawan. forgot to take pictures. I will be collating them in an album pretty soon. got pics na po from dan, audrey, mel, tita zon and ikay.)
December 29, 2008
4pm -12mn
Avillano residence
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