For the past several hours, I found myself asking the same question over and over again: why do I love songs of the 80's and 90's? This introspection was triggered by my sister's snort when I blurted out earlier that I love listening to these songs, after hearing Wilson-Phillips on the car radio.
Wednesday is my radio day. It's the only day in the week when I prefer having the radio on instead of the TV or my iPod. This is not to plug, but I love listening to RX Monster's Riot, which goes on for the entire Wednesday. 24 hours of listening to OLD songs. By old I don't mean those oldies but goodies tracks; what they play on this station every Wednesday are songs that were popular during their day. These songs are at least 10 years old, not necessarily award winners, but they had a good share of air time around the time they were released. Most of the songs they play are tracks of the 80's and 90's, and I just love listening to these songs.
I guess my strong affinity for music from these two decades have a lot to do with what was happening to my life then. I was born on the last year of the 70's and grew up during the 80's and 90's. My formative years coincided with these decades. Music from these years were often in the background, and though hearing them do not bring specific events or memories, they do bring about a happy feeling, a sort of nostalgic feeling for the era in my life when I was most positive, so full of dreams and not the slightest bit jaded. During those years, I saw my adult life as an eagerly awaited adventure, and anything is possible.
I grew up during the 80's watching movies from betamax and vhs. As 80's movies go, these movies are about adventures and misadventures, and often the situations were too fantastic to be true. To my young mind, they left an imprint of how adult life was to be: one big adventure. I loved the soundtracks of these movies, and up to now, hearing them sparks in me some hope, reminding me that life is nothing but a big adventure.
I was a teenager during most of the 90's. I think I felt then that I'm on the brink of THE adventure and that at any moment, LIFE will start. I'd like to believe that I wasn't a typical angst-filled teenager. Though I did pretty well in high school and college, I know I wasn't the perfect student, far from it, and I had my share of misdeeds...for which I wasn't caught. Grunge and alternative rock music hit the mainstream around this time, and I found myself liking these genre. I still do, though I feel more recent tracks lack the passion of their progenitors. Nevertheless, I still love the genre. The Gin Blossoms, Alanis Morrissette, Bon Jovi and Mr. Big were some of the notable artists in this decade that have set the bar and for me, very few can measure up to their standards.
The first decade of the 2000's is ending, but I'm not as enamored to music from this decade as I am to the 80's and 90's music. Probably because for me this decade is some sort of a dark age. I've spent majority of this decade being a slave to medicine while fighting to control an inner turmoil that is best described as a quarter life crisis. It's only now that I realize that many times I've sought comfort from music that reminded me of better times. As I struggle with my inner demons, the music from my past reminds me of how sunny my outlook used to be. I strive to live my life now as close as I can to how I used to think this adventure is to be played out. Hearing music from time past reminds me of my younger self's vision of today, and because this vision had given me so much hope, I do my best to try to live it.
So, perhaps this is why I love getting my weekly fix of 80's and 90's music. Or maybe there is no other reason at all, except that I simply love music from these decades.
Disclaimer: This is not a promotional piece from the RX Monster's Riot. No profit is being made from its use in this entry.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
the test
The passports have come back, and finally we can make plans. Or rather finalize plans. It's too late now for the July target, so we had to resort to plan B: September.
I should have taken this step years ago, but I was too chicken to do it. I was aware that this is inevitable, that I would really have to go through with this at one time in order for my plans to work out. I can't quite explain why I kept postponing it, except to honestly say that I was scared of taking the test. This is not like me at all, I have faced tests head on for as long as I can remember, prepared or not prepared. For some reason, I felt that the timing wasn't right, and I kept holding back.
So now, I'm ready to finally take the exam. Or maybe I just ran out of reasons for not doing so. Psyched and finally able to study (not as much as I wanted to, but then again I have never been able to prepare for any exam as much as I wanted to), I was set to take the bridging course in July and the exam on September.
Lo and behold, something (someone?) told me this wasn't to be. I'd like to think of it as divine intervention. My visa application got delayed and it was only yesterday that I finally got my visa. Now it's too late to get into the July program, so everything's moved to September.
So, it's hitting the books for me. More work. More time to prepare. Unless something else happens between now and September, it's definite that I'll be facing one of the biggest tests in my life at the last quarter of this year.
I should have taken this step years ago, but I was too chicken to do it. I was aware that this is inevitable, that I would really have to go through with this at one time in order for my plans to work out. I can't quite explain why I kept postponing it, except to honestly say that I was scared of taking the test. This is not like me at all, I have faced tests head on for as long as I can remember, prepared or not prepared. For some reason, I felt that the timing wasn't right, and I kept holding back.
So now, I'm ready to finally take the exam. Or maybe I just ran out of reasons for not doing so. Psyched and finally able to study (not as much as I wanted to, but then again I have never been able to prepare for any exam as much as I wanted to), I was set to take the bridging course in July and the exam on September.
Lo and behold, something (someone?) told me this wasn't to be. I'd like to think of it as divine intervention. My visa application got delayed and it was only yesterday that I finally got my visa. Now it's too late to get into the July program, so everything's moved to September.
So, it's hitting the books for me. More work. More time to prepare. Unless something else happens between now and September, it's definite that I'll be facing one of the biggest tests in my life at the last quarter of this year.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
a pet's ten commandments
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It's crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I only have you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when you're speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will not forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Reposted from Rico's notes.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It's crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I only have you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when you're speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will not forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Reposted from Rico's notes.
Monday, June 28, 2010
waka waka
Germany beat England in South Africa! This is the first football game I watched from start to finish. I loved it!
Admittedly, I'm not one of the millions (billions?) of football fans out there. Before cable TV, I knew football to be a game of big brutes banging their big-shoulder-padded bodies as they fight for a brown pigskin egg-shaped ball, a ball that to me looked like a giant chocolate egg candy. Apparently, my understanding of football had a lot to do with the Americanesque mind-set and culture I grew up in. When cable TV arrived, I was introduced to the football that the greater part of the world was so passionately in love with...SOCCER.
Yup, I realized soccer was football to almost everyone in the planet except for the Americans (and for people like me whose first exposure of Western culture was the American culture). I didn't know UEFA, but I knew NBA and MLB.
My first encounter with the FIFA World Cup was with the song Tubthumping (Chumbawamba) in the 1998 World Cup. I loved that song! But I was in school then, and I failed to see a single game, no thanks to the time zone difference between France and the Philippines. My passion was Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls...I remember cutting classes just to watch a live game. So the World Cup to me then was just a good song.
Last night, I wasn't intending to watch the game between Germany and England. My fascination with football had heightened a bit, but mainly because of my interest in Kaka. I still wasn't hooked in the game. I find it too slow (score-wise) and the possibility of having it end in a draw (or even worse, a scoreless draw) did not help in whetting my appetite for it. But my sister wanted to watch the game, and since there was nothing else on TV, I decided to give it another chance. I had a book with me, though, because I'm expecting to lose interest after the first couple of minutes and failed score attempts.
But, lo and behold, I got hooked. Maybe it was the sell-out crowd, but the atmosphere was too magnetizing. I didn't know anybody on the field (except Rooney, but I only hear about him because of news reports of his injuries). The first half passed quickly and I was surprised that half-time came without me noticing the minutes ticking by.
You're a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
And back in the saddle
I liked the game I watched last night. I liked the way the teams appeared to be evenly matched. I liked how they exchanged ball possessions, and the game pace. I even liked how outlandish some fans were, with face paints, wigs, costumes and flags. The football game last night made the F1 race, which I watched minutes before the game, seemed like a shmooze-fest.
You're on the frontline
Everyone's watching
You know it's serious
We're getting closer
This isn't over
I think what made this particular game last night so engaging was that each player played with heart. It was a do-or-die game, and there was no way it was going to end in a draw. Only one team will advance and the other will have to wait four more years to get a second chance. One team's dreams will shatter as the other gets to continue their bid for football's greatest treasure. And so every player, English and German alike, played with all they have. It was a battle for survival, and no one was going to back down.
The pressure is on
You feel it
But you've got it all
Believe it
When you fall get up
And if you fall get up
I was almost sorry that England's World Cup dreams had ended. On the other hand, I was elated that Germany, a younger team without real superstars, is continuing on. I knew from the start that only one team will advance, but it was still bittersweet. But that's how it is in sports. There can only be one winner. Germany have won this match, but it's just another battle for the elusive cup. The war has not ended, and now they will have to face a more formidable foe. I hope I get to watch their game with Argentina. If the game is anything like last night's game, staying up until the wee hours is certainly worth it.
Listen to your god
This is our motto
Your time to shine
Don't wait in line
Y vamos por todo
People are raising
Their expectations
Go on and feed them
This is your moment
No hesitations
I am now beginning to understand the world's fascination with football. While I am still a long way from becoming a fan, now I have an inkling of why this sport is loved by so many. A game played with heart supercedes one laced with superstars. Who knows, maybe if I continue seeing more games like this, I'll be a convert by the time the 31st day rolls in.
Today's your day
I feel it
You paved the way
Believe it
If you get down
Get up
When you get down
Get up
Admittedly, I'm not one of the millions (billions?) of football fans out there. Before cable TV, I knew football to be a game of big brutes banging their big-shoulder-padded bodies as they fight for a brown pigskin egg-shaped ball, a ball that to me looked like a giant chocolate egg candy. Apparently, my understanding of football had a lot to do with the Americanesque mind-set and culture I grew up in. When cable TV arrived, I was introduced to the football that the greater part of the world was so passionately in love with...SOCCER.
Yup, I realized soccer was football to almost everyone in the planet except for the Americans (and for people like me whose first exposure of Western culture was the American culture). I didn't know UEFA, but I knew NBA and MLB.
My first encounter with the FIFA World Cup was with the song Tubthumping (Chumbawamba) in the 1998 World Cup. I loved that song! But I was in school then, and I failed to see a single game, no thanks to the time zone difference between France and the Philippines. My passion was Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls...I remember cutting classes just to watch a live game. So the World Cup to me then was just a good song.
Last night, I wasn't intending to watch the game between Germany and England. My fascination with football had heightened a bit, but mainly because of my interest in Kaka. I still wasn't hooked in the game. I find it too slow (score-wise) and the possibility of having it end in a draw (or even worse, a scoreless draw) did not help in whetting my appetite for it. But my sister wanted to watch the game, and since there was nothing else on TV, I decided to give it another chance. I had a book with me, though, because I'm expecting to lose interest after the first couple of minutes and failed score attempts.
But, lo and behold, I got hooked. Maybe it was the sell-out crowd, but the atmosphere was too magnetizing. I didn't know anybody on the field (except Rooney, but I only hear about him because of news reports of his injuries). The first half passed quickly and I was surprised that half-time came without me noticing the minutes ticking by.
You're a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
And back in the saddle
I liked the game I watched last night. I liked the way the teams appeared to be evenly matched. I liked how they exchanged ball possessions, and the game pace. I even liked how outlandish some fans were, with face paints, wigs, costumes and flags. The football game last night made the F1 race, which I watched minutes before the game, seemed like a shmooze-fest.
You're on the frontline
Everyone's watching
You know it's serious
We're getting closer
This isn't over
I think what made this particular game last night so engaging was that each player played with heart. It was a do-or-die game, and there was no way it was going to end in a draw. Only one team will advance and the other will have to wait four more years to get a second chance. One team's dreams will shatter as the other gets to continue their bid for football's greatest treasure. And so every player, English and German alike, played with all they have. It was a battle for survival, and no one was going to back down.
The pressure is on
You feel it
But you've got it all
Believe it
When you fall get up
And if you fall get up
I was almost sorry that England's World Cup dreams had ended. On the other hand, I was elated that Germany, a younger team without real superstars, is continuing on. I knew from the start that only one team will advance, but it was still bittersweet. But that's how it is in sports. There can only be one winner. Germany have won this match, but it's just another battle for the elusive cup. The war has not ended, and now they will have to face a more formidable foe. I hope I get to watch their game with Argentina. If the game is anything like last night's game, staying up until the wee hours is certainly worth it.
Listen to your god
This is our motto
Your time to shine
Don't wait in line
Y vamos por todo
People are raising
Their expectations
Go on and feed them
This is your moment
No hesitations
I am now beginning to understand the world's fascination with football. While I am still a long way from becoming a fan, now I have an inkling of why this sport is loved by so many. A game played with heart supercedes one laced with superstars. Who knows, maybe if I continue seeing more games like this, I'll be a convert by the time the 31st day rolls in.
Today's your day
I feel it
You paved the way
Believe it
If you get down
Get up
When you get down
Get up
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
vet reflections
For as long as I can remember, I've always loved dogs. It has never mattered to me if the dog is pedigreed or not, nor am I particular about their personalities. I just love dogs.
I have gone through the vicious cycle many times: falling in love with the pup, adoring its positive qualities and learning to live with the negatives, comfortably co-existing with the adult dog, and the inevitable heartbreak of losing the aged dog. Time and again I've wondered why God chose to give us a bestfriend whose lifespan is at best one-fifth of ours. I still don't know the answer, and I probably never will, because often when the question begins to haunt me, a new pup will arrive and distract me from that question for the duration of its life.
Most of the time I love being the dog's human. Most of the time it's easy to be the dog's human: you just spend time together, feed and bathe the dog when needed, and in return, the dog gives you his/her undying love and loyalty. But before we reach this stage, the dog and I have to undergo the boot camp stage: potty training, establishing feeding time, instilling in the dog that he/she simply can't destroy plants in the garden and in the house, and basic obedience. This is not so hard for me now, having been a dog's human for almost 3 decades. For first timers though, it can be hell.
My friend Marose, a veterinarian, told me of her blog that gives tips to pet owners. Today I checked out her blog, and it's wonderful! It gives information but not too much information. It deals with practical solutions for the mundane problems that can lead to hair-pulling situations. The blog is a treat even for veteran dog humans like me, so it will surely be helpful for the newbie dog humans. If you'd like to check it out, click on the link at the right portion of this blog or enter this url in your browser: http://vetreflections.blogspot.com/
Understand though, that this blog does not substitute for an actual consultation with a vet. Most of the information given here are for the pet's health promotion and practical tips for easier co-existence among humans and pets. Any medical problem should still warrant a visit to the vet. If you'd like to visit Doc Marose, her contact details are on her blog.
I have gone through the vicious cycle many times: falling in love with the pup, adoring its positive qualities and learning to live with the negatives, comfortably co-existing with the adult dog, and the inevitable heartbreak of losing the aged dog. Time and again I've wondered why God chose to give us a bestfriend whose lifespan is at best one-fifth of ours. I still don't know the answer, and I probably never will, because often when the question begins to haunt me, a new pup will arrive and distract me from that question for the duration of its life.
Most of the time I love being the dog's human. Most of the time it's easy to be the dog's human: you just spend time together, feed and bathe the dog when needed, and in return, the dog gives you his/her undying love and loyalty. But before we reach this stage, the dog and I have to undergo the boot camp stage: potty training, establishing feeding time, instilling in the dog that he/she simply can't destroy plants in the garden and in the house, and basic obedience. This is not so hard for me now, having been a dog's human for almost 3 decades. For first timers though, it can be hell.
My friend Marose, a veterinarian, told me of her blog that gives tips to pet owners. Today I checked out her blog, and it's wonderful! It gives information but not too much information. It deals with practical solutions for the mundane problems that can lead to hair-pulling situations. The blog is a treat even for veteran dog humans like me, so it will surely be helpful for the newbie dog humans. If you'd like to check it out, click on the link at the right portion of this blog or enter this url in your browser: http://vetreflections.blogspot.com/
Understand though, that this blog does not substitute for an actual consultation with a vet. Most of the information given here are for the pet's health promotion and practical tips for easier co-existence among humans and pets. Any medical problem should still warrant a visit to the vet. If you'd like to visit Doc Marose, her contact details are on her blog.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
viridian fever
What in the world is Viridian Fever? Is it a colloquial term for some other disease or is it a new illness? Before this launches another pandemic frenzy, let me clear this up.
Viridian Fever is closely associated with another kind of fever: Election Fever. You get my drift? If you know Latin, or if you have Google on your toolbar or in another window, you'll know by now what I am talking about. Viridian...is Latin for green.
So it's obvious what I am talking about. Viridian fever = Green fever. No need to panic, unless you suffer from yellow fever (literally and figuratively), orange fever, scarlet fever (again, literally and figuratively) or whatever-color-your-candidate-has-adapted fever. For fellow Greenies, my salutations, I am one of you.
To everyone, I come in peace, I will not smear my blog with any mud nor lace it with negativity. Instead, this post, the first I've written in a looooong time, will be all about the candidate I am supporting and my sentiments about it. He campaigned without mudslinging, and I will follow his example (see how his leadership is already bringing change?).
On May 2010, I am voting for G1BO TEODORO. This is no secret to all the people who know me. I wear his baller bracelet, my bag has his bag tag, the car has his sticker and the house gates are painted viridian with his stickers on the gate post. You don't have to be as smart as Gibo to figure out who I am supporting.
I am a Greenie from the start, way before the war of the colors had begun. I see in Gibo the qualities I want my president to have. I am voting for Gibo because of the man he is. He has integrity. He campaigned without besmirching anyone. When bashed, he did not stoop to the level of his detractors by flinging back skeletons from their closets. He presented to the Filipino people what he had, not what his relatives did nor what he did not have. His promises are rooted in pragmatism, and this is how I believe it should be. I believe that if we start working now, the Philippines will eventually that fabled paradise.
Besides that, as former Secretary of National Defense and a colonel in the Air Force Reserve, Gibo has the military know-how. I want my commander-in-chief to be knowledgeable in the ways of the military, because in the unfortunate event that we are plunged into war, this person will be calling the shots. With the threat of war always being ever so present in our archipelago, knowing my commander-in-chief can boodle with the military big boys makes me feel safer.
That Gibo is smart is not a secret, nor is it something still to be proven. Same with his being eloquent, and not just in the lingua franca or the vernacular, but also in other dialects. He is not one to utter a tactless comment, regardless of how emotional he is. He possesses the charm of a diplomat, and couple that with his commanding presence, I will be proud to have him represent the Philippines in the international setting.
Gibo is ready to serve, to the best of his capabilities. His actions say so. Recall the time when disaster struck Leyte and there was a scramble to mobilize the troops and bring the relief goods and supplies to the area. The call for help reached Gibo Teodoro's ears and it was a call not left unheeded. Although still mourning for his father, Gibo left the wake and went on to pilot a plane bringing supplies to the disaster area.
Gibo Teodoro is the best man to lead us. The best man in a long time. For as long as I can remember, we haven't had a person of his caliber run for public office. By voting for him, I am actually voting for me, for the entire Philippines. If someone else gets elected president, we can say Gibo is the loser in the elections. Technically. But in the bigger scheme of things, it will be the Philippines, us, who will be the biggest losers. So forgive me if I try to infect you with Viridian Fever.
This entry is a contribution to the Blog Rounds v.2 May 8, 2010 Edition: Election Fever, hosted by Joey M.D.
Viridian Fever is closely associated with another kind of fever: Election Fever. You get my drift? If you know Latin, or if you have Google on your toolbar or in another window, you'll know by now what I am talking about. Viridian...is Latin for green.
So it's obvious what I am talking about. Viridian fever = Green fever. No need to panic, unless you suffer from yellow fever (literally and figuratively), orange fever, scarlet fever (again, literally and figuratively) or whatever-color-your-candidate-has-adapted fever. For fellow Greenies, my salutations, I am one of you.
To everyone, I come in peace, I will not smear my blog with any mud nor lace it with negativity. Instead, this post, the first I've written in a looooong time, will be all about the candidate I am supporting and my sentiments about it. He campaigned without mudslinging, and I will follow his example (see how his leadership is already bringing change?).
On May 2010, I am voting for G1BO TEODORO. This is no secret to all the people who know me. I wear his baller bracelet, my bag has his bag tag, the car has his sticker and the house gates are painted viridian with his stickers on the gate post. You don't have to be as smart as Gibo to figure out who I am supporting.
I am a Greenie from the start, way before the war of the colors had begun. I see in Gibo the qualities I want my president to have. I am voting for Gibo because of the man he is. He has integrity. He campaigned without besmirching anyone. When bashed, he did not stoop to the level of his detractors by flinging back skeletons from their closets. He presented to the Filipino people what he had, not what his relatives did nor what he did not have. His promises are rooted in pragmatism, and this is how I believe it should be. I believe that if we start working now, the Philippines will eventually that fabled paradise.
Besides that, as former Secretary of National Defense and a colonel in the Air Force Reserve, Gibo has the military know-how. I want my commander-in-chief to be knowledgeable in the ways of the military, because in the unfortunate event that we are plunged into war, this person will be calling the shots. With the threat of war always being ever so present in our archipelago, knowing my commander-in-chief can boodle with the military big boys makes me feel safer.
That Gibo is smart is not a secret, nor is it something still to be proven. Same with his being eloquent, and not just in the lingua franca or the vernacular, but also in other dialects. He is not one to utter a tactless comment, regardless of how emotional he is. He possesses the charm of a diplomat, and couple that with his commanding presence, I will be proud to have him represent the Philippines in the international setting.
Gibo is ready to serve, to the best of his capabilities. His actions say so. Recall the time when disaster struck Leyte and there was a scramble to mobilize the troops and bring the relief goods and supplies to the area. The call for help reached Gibo Teodoro's ears and it was a call not left unheeded. Although still mourning for his father, Gibo left the wake and went on to pilot a plane bringing supplies to the disaster area.
Gibo Teodoro is the best man to lead us. The best man in a long time. For as long as I can remember, we haven't had a person of his caliber run for public office. By voting for him, I am actually voting for me, for the entire Philippines. If someone else gets elected president, we can say Gibo is the loser in the elections. Technically. But in the bigger scheme of things, it will be the Philippines, us, who will be the biggest losers. So forgive me if I try to infect you with Viridian Fever.
This entry is a contribution to the Blog Rounds v.2 May 8, 2010 Edition: Election Fever, hosted by Joey M.D.
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