Friday, September 30, 2005

My Lifelong Love Affair

I can’t recall when I first heard this song. I can only remember how my older sister, Becky liked it. (During my impressionable years, I pretty much liked everything that my older siblings liked.) I hardly learned the lyrics but the melody and the singer’s voice, I distinctly recall. The song? Stereo by America. From lyrics.com, excerpt of the song goes:

Stereo
We’re livin’ it in stereo
We fix it so our love is high fidelity
Mix it so we never lose the melody
We try to equalize our lives in stereo

We’re livin’ it in stereo
We tune it till we have a perfect parody
Commune with such a fine-cut, crystal clarity
It seems to symbolize
Our lives in stereo

Growing up, I developed my own taste in music. My interest spawned from Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Depeche Mode, Fra Lippo Lippi, Whitney Houston to Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce Knowles, Usher and Nelly. It even went as far back as Matt Monro, Engelbert Humperdinck, Patti Page, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Pat Boone, etc etc.

Still, the soulful sound of the late 70’s draws me and for some brief moments brings me back in time – to the music industry’s glory days. I love the songs of James Taylor, Seals and Croft, Jim Croce, John Denver, Bread and Don McLean. Their music defies time, I believe.

Some years ago, it happens again. I hear this old song every so often but never catch the jocks mention the artist nor the title. For the longest time, I don’t know anything about the song and hardly paid attention to the lyrics, except that the voice is vaguely familiar. I am sure it is another one from the 70s.

Just recently, I chance upon the disjock (Bless him!) giving his listeners a background on my elusive song. The song’s title, Right Before My Eyes! Finally!

The Artist? America! What do you know? The two songs that kept me guessing are from one group of gifted musicians from the 70s! Right away, I check lyrics.com and smile as I read the lyrics. Do humor me as I share some words from the song and agree how mushy (and how vintage!) it is.

Every day I sit beside you
On the bus to Madison Avenue
Work in the big gray store
With the revolving doors

You don’t even know my name
I guess that I’m to blame
Don’t know the right things to say
So I pretend away

That I’m Rudolph Valentino
Pull up in my limousine
Oh, won’t you come in out of the rain
Things’ll never be the same
And then just like Greta Garbo
You stare like there’s no tomorrow
And you’ll know what I’m thinking of
Right before your eyes I fall in love with you

I kinda know that Valentino and Garbo are Hollywood icons. Maybe I could just change it from Valentino to Brad Pitt and Garbo to umm…Angelina Jolie. Just to keep with the times. But then I realize, those two names made the song distinct. Besides, I don’t like Angelina right now. And Brad Pitt, for that matter.

There! I found my song. What next? Nothing else. Those who love music like I do can understand that “finding” my elusive song is reward enough. And maybe, just maybe, adding a greatest hits album to my collection.

There have been others but never two lovers like music, music and me.” Oh yea. I like Michael Jackson’s music too. Way, way, way back when …

Hmm. Liked my title? What did you think this was all about? =)

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

And Nature Speaks

“We used to call this sportsman's paradise," said a Louisiana native. "But sometimes Mother Nature will come back and remind us that it has power over the land. That's what this storm did."

I had to pause while reading the news on the aftermath of the two lady hurricanes that hit Texas and Louisiana. The words seem to jump out of the computer screen.

I can almost feel the profound emotion, the loss. But only someone who has witnessed that terrible devastation can truly relate.

"All we can do is hang on".

"We've taken quite a beating."

I read story after story and viewed hundreds of pictures of properties destroyed by Katrina and Rita. But the words from that Louisiana native rang in my head.

I continue to read:

Long before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, governments and engineers with lively imaginations have come up with some strange ideas for how to combat nature's wrath, including drawing up plans to seed clouds, spill oil, set up windmills and even drop atomic bombs to soften the blow of lethal storms (AFP/NOAA/File)

Man, no matter how brilliant, can never outsmart the hand of God. There are people who seriously believe they can maneuver their way out of a natural phenomenon. They think they can 'jump the gun' on God. Calamities like these remind me of my humanity, of how defenseless man can be when nature lashes out her fury.

A passage from Isaiah 40 comes to mind:

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning?

Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers.

He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

We can never fully understand why disasters happen. It is difficult to make sense of such events especially in the minds of those who seem to be near death’s door. How painful it is to those who are literally picking up the pieces of their broken lives. How seemingly hopeless and desperate to see your places of security in a pile of rubble.

I always remember someone telling me: Everything we go through always passes through the loving hand of the Sovereign Creator. This too, shall come to pass.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

In the face of disaster, we come to terms with our humanity. We remember our own mortality and helplessness. We remember compassion. We remember hope. We remember to pause. And pray. The most human thing to do, is pray.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Mishka

Check out my first autographed CD!!!



It’s an album by a talented young jazz artist Mishka Adams.

I still find it hard to believe that that voice is from someone who is in her early twenties. Those who appreciate the legendary voices of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday will definitely love her sound. What makes her more special is her lineage. She is half Filipino. Born and raised in the Philippines!!

I must thank James for introducing me to her new CD. Thank you!


And special thanks to my friend Malou for giving me reason to drop by Tower Records that night to find something for her birthday. Otherwise, I would not have found out that Mishka is coming over to the store for a mini-concert and autograph session.

I would have missed the pleasure of meeting this awesome young talent!

So, this is how it feels to be an adoring fan.

Monday, September 19, 2005

A funny thing happened on the way home

Talk about timing.

A colleague/friend of mine, James, has had this huge crush on one of our officemates. Barbiedoll. For months, I believe he constantly struggles between simply admiring her from afar and asking her out. Three glaring hindrances exist – he is migrating to Australia in October, she smokes (he doesn’t like women who smoke) and she has boyfriend. Three factors arranged in order of consideration. (ugh yes, the boyfriend is a non issue to him, almost).

I take it as Divine Providence that never, in the last few months did he get the chance to take the same ride home with her. They do take the same route going home but he tells me that 45-minute ride home with her remains elusive. Funny that when that opportunity finally came, her boyfriend decides to accompany her home. Even funnier is, when that time came, I take the same ride home with them. (To witness and enjoy the scenes that unfold..hahaha)

Barbiedoll introduces us to her man and the four of us spend about half an hour waiting in line. It is also funny to note that according to James, he rarely experienced such long queues. Funny also to remember that when it was time to take our place inside the van, James and I sat behind the couple. Perfect view, I mused. They looked good together.

How torturous this must be if I were in James’ place, I thought. As it happens, I play the observer, just enjoying the music and making conversation with my friend who must be feeling – what? I am not really sure what goes in men’s minds in times like these.

I used to joke about it a lot. About him finding the means to express his feelings, albeit unrequited. It can be a thrill to create storylines in your head. A momentary respite. A daydream.

But it has become increasingly difficult after meeting Barbiedoll’s significant other. Now he has a face. Now he is a real person, not an idea that I can easily dismiss (especially when he is that good looking).

It can be easy to dream up the most romantic storyline to give James a nice ending with Barbiedoll. But in the real world, things are more complicated. In the real world, lives intertwine. It can’t be just about two people. Each plot is made up of subplots and characters. Real people with feelings.

I believe it was not just a case of bad timing.

Funny. I have done draft after draft, trying to re-create that event in writing, attempting at an amusing tone. But relationships do need to be taken seriously. And I guess so should this seemingly mundane event.

Monday, September 12, 2005

Kids do say the darndest things

Over the weekend, I had the most pleasurable time with CJ, my friend’s four-year old kid. Although he grew up in the Philippines, his accent and his mastery of the English language is remarkable. I wish I could remember each conversation we had but the ones I recall are priceless.

Over donuts, this kid looks at the tall glass of coke in front me.

CJ: Tita (meaning, auntie), what is that? (pointing to the glass)
Me: It is softdrink. Um.. Coke
CJ: Is that the same as soda?
Me: Yes it is.

I smiled at him while munching on donuts.

CJ: I don’t like soda.
He says with a frown.

Me: Why not?
CJ: Well because it doesn’t taste good.

His mom (my friend) trained him well. I remember that she and her husband share the same dislike for softdrinks, I mean soda.

Me: So what do you like to drink?
CJ: I just like water, no ice and juice!

I smiled at him and gave him the thumbs up, a disastrous move I realized later. “Good for you!”

Then he said, wagging his forefinger in front of his face. “Tita, drinking soda is bad for your health.”

Oh dear..I turned my head to see where his mom his, begging to be saved.

“Umm. Why is it bad for my health?,” hoping my tiny chair would give way, anything to distract the kid.

“Because it doesn’t taste good!”

“The ice I don’t put in my juice and water. I eat ice!”, he continues.

Stupidly I ask, “So what does it taste like?”

He frowns at me and says, “Well. Like water.”

Of course. This four year old is making me feel like an imbecile.

After donuts, CJ shows me his notebook, each page has scribbles, mostly drawings of cars.

Me: You like drawing cars, CJ.
CJ: Those are not cars. Those are trucks. Big big trucks. I like trucks. I don’t like cars. And trucks have many wheels, Tita.
Me: Yes they do.

I watch him turn to blank page and expertly draw another car, I mean truck.

Me: You only have two wheels, CJ. I thought trucks have many wheels.
CJ: Tita, this is just paper. There is another wheel there because this one (pointing to the wheel he just drew) covers it.”

He apparently understands dimensions already.

Then I try again, “What about windows? No windows in your truck?”

“Well there are, but they are made of glass so you cant see them,”replies nonchalantly.

Oh boy.. This kid has all the answers.

“And windows of trucks get stuck so you cant open them. They are always stuck. But the windows of cabs don’t get stuck. You can really open them.”

***************
CJ: What is your favorite color
Me: Orange
CJ: Noo. That is not your favorite color
Me: It is not?
CJ: You have to change it. Orange is my favorite color. Pick another color. What about maroon. You are wearing maroon.
Me: Okay, maroon it is or maybe red.
CJ: “Ahh Red. Okay red.”
He paused and flashed me the sweetest smile. “ I will give you a rose on your birthday ”

And this tops them all:

CJ: Tita, do you have a kid?
Me: What do you think?

He looks at me and says, “No. I mean yes. Hmm No.”

Me: Why not?
CJ: Well do you have a kid or not?”

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Love Like Ours

An old love song that I only heard recently. By Barbra Streisand. So beautiful. Moving melody. Only someone who has found a one true love can weave words as profound as this..

I look at you and there it is
The ultimate in where it is
And realize how rare it is
This finding your love
You try so many arms when you are lonely
To find the one and only
One day you turn and he’s there

Amazing how serene it is
The shade of evergreen, it is
Exactly what we mean, it is
And knew it would be

When love like ours arrives
We guard with our lives
Whatever goes astray
What rainy day comes around

A love like ours will keep us safe and sound.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Thinking of Seven

Okay, Beng. Took me time to finish the list. I had an interesting time getting to know me. Here goes ---

Seven things that scare me
1. Flying cockroaches
2. Crawling cockroaches
3. Crossing a swinging bridge
4. Speeding vehicle (whether or not I am in it)
5. Falling off the stairs
6. Some responsibilities attached to this new job.
7. Sickness in the family

Seven things I like the most
1. Having good and honest conversation with friends over coffee
2. Getting together with old friends
3. Laughing and just being carefree (once in a while)
4. Buying stuff for my baby nephews
5. Reading a good book on an easy chair amid perfect lighting and nice music
6. Family conversations over lunch or dinner table
7. Moments of quiet, being with myself (a phrase I got from Oprah)

Seven important things in my room
1. My CD player/radio
2. My tv
3. My books
4. My collection of CDs and tapes
5. My pictures
6. Documents and records
7. My vanity table

Seven random facts about me
1. I don’t sing in the shower but I dance in front of the mirror.
2. I like jazz music
3. I don’t like scrambled eggs…always sunny side up
4. I like watching the rain, love its rhythm as it falls on the tin roof

(I love that line in Norah Jones' Come Away with Me)
5. Flowers over chocolates (but if it has almonds…umm..ookay still flowers..)
6. I have a very poor sense of direction
7. I don’t like green mangoes

Seven things I plan to do before I die
1. Go to the Great Wall of China
2. Go to Greece
3. Go to Israel
4. Go to Egypt
5. Be (at least) half as great a cook as my mother
6. Learn to play the guitar and sing my own composition
7. Learn to dance the rumba, foxtrot or tango with someone I love

Seven things I can do
1. Sing
2. Dance
3. Stay in a bookstore for hours
4. Play a favorite song over and over and over again
5. Daydream while walking
6. Name a tune in just a few notes
7. Long distance walking (especially when I need to do some thinking)

Seven things I can’t do
1. Play any musical instrument
2. Draw
3. Kill a cockroach (..but if push comes to shove...)
4. Eat crabs (allergic!)
5. Put on eye make up
6. Drive
7. Act

Seven things that attract me to the opposite sex
1. The sound of his speaking voice (great singing voice, a bonus!)
2. The air of confidence and authority
3. A gentle demeanor
4. The color of his skin
5. Love for family
6. Good conversationalist
7. His love for God

Seven things I say the most
1. My gulay
2. Haller
3. My gosh
4. Fine
5. Ganen!?
6. Oh boy
7. Nge!

Seven celebrity crushes

1. Brad Pitt (no words can describe)
2. Andy Garcia (I can drown in the depths of his eyes)
3. Paolo Bediones (definitely one of the country's sexiest celebrities)
4. Pierce Brosnan (the sexy accent, ruggedly handsome)
5. David Letterman (the man is funny and witty)

6. Denzel Washington (handsome guy)
7. Richard Gere (oozing with sex appeal)

8. Billy Crystal (another funny and witty guy)
9. James Denton of Desperate Housewives (love the stubble)
10. Raymond Bagatsing (buti pa si Lara Fabregas**)
11.Piolo Pascual (ewan ko ba..type ko talaga siya)
Ooopps, sorry got carried away. The last list is the easiest to complete.

__________

*I was reminded that they have separated. Well, she does have memories of waking up next to Raymond Bagatsing.