A Little More Time On You by N’Sync

(In which I shameless display my weirdness once again.)

***

There are songs that really mean us no harm. They are oftentimes beautiful, catchy, easy to sing and is popularized by aesthetically and vocally-blessed individuals. But there are ones that play my heartstrings really strangely despite their innocuousness. The latest addition to this bizarre music categorization is not even a latest song – it’s from a 90s boy band!

My ears took its first auditory glimpse (if there is even such a thing) of this smooth love song in the unlikeliest of places – the gym. You see, it’s a really liberal gym where you’re allowed to have your music player plugged to the speaker so everybody gets to experience your personal selection of workout songs. Apparently, the person whose iPhone was the featured player of the night has a totally different way of motivating himself to lift weights. 

After the first verse and the chorus I was all but revved up to do my next routine. I slumped on the nearest seat and looked up at the owner of the doggone iPhone; a muscular, fair-skinned lad who could immediately pass as a dead ringer for Paolo Ballesteros.

“Who sang that?” I asked. He looked at me and blinked. I often wonder why he always seemed to move in slow motion.

“Guess,” was all he replied. 

“I can’t guess.”

“Listen well. It’s easy.” For a moment I was convinced the weirdness of that conversation must have something to do with him being in slow-mo. After realizing that I’m not really born to be the next Madame Auring, he said “Can’t you really recognize that voice? It’s Justine Timberlake’s. It’s N’Sync.”

“Oh,” was all I could say. I myself couldn’t believe I didn’t recognize them. But I wasn’t born to be the next pop music genius either so I forgave myself. To make up for the initially incompetent reply, I inhaled deeply and put on my most charming Thinker expression.

“I think the song was cool. But there’s something in it that makes me not really like it,” I said.

“Yeah, that’s not their best song for me,” the local celebrity look-alike responded.

“Let me guess. Is it I Drive Myself Crazy?”

He flashed his signature grin and I thought: Don’t tell me this emotional bunch of muscles actually have that song on this playlist too!

So I moved back to my semi-faux philosophical self and continued to let out a philosophical brain fart.

“Sure it makes someone feel special. What with the lengthy title and all. But don’t you think you really have to consciously suspend disbelief since it defies the universally-accepted proposition that all men are created equal?”

When he looked at me quizzically like I’m the strangest thing since KFC Cheesetop burger, I knew my statement's fate was sealed. I chose my finale.

“Forget it.” 

Musings and Waiting

(In which I wallow in this “perfect” combination.)

***

Not being able to finish an art fiction or start an art work in lieu of the most important phone calls is something I won’t consider as a heavy sacrifice. Not even a sacrifice. I do what I choose with someone I chose to be with. We don’t look at things as troubles when they make us smile – happy even. Yes, they're not sacrifices. They're blessings. For when you finally found yourself willing to give up the little things you like for something big – for that thing that you love, it’s a blessing. Life has taken a new course and you’re on your way to completion. In my purview.

But my big things and blessings always come with sacrifices. Oh! The irony of happiness! And what sacrifices? To tire of being stationary and immobile. To hate one's self for being impatient. To resist illogical reasons and childish demands. To suppress urgency and restlessness. To set aside selfishness and conventions. To wait.

Yes, waiting. And what is more torturing that the silent and slow brushing of time against one’s stillness? What is more puzzling than the ignorance of tomorrow made more complicated by fateful surprises? What feeling is more enigmatic than the emotional outbursts that contrast each other when we wait? Oh, please, let the waiting end.

Verses by Funandfearless: Cycle

Butterflies
fluttering and dancing
in my stomach;
An intensified waltz
day after day.

Music
ringing and humming
in my ears;
Higher elation
minute by minute.

Heartbeats
rushing and pulsing,
racing;
heavier thumps
as the clock strikes time.

Tick . . . tock . . .
Tick . . . tock . . .

Then

Once . . .
Twice . . .
Thrice . . .

And it starts
all over
again.

Sandali Na Lang by Hale

Photo Source:

Silhouette

For Vanity and Wallowing

(In which I show an evidence of being productive despite the lack of posts.)

***

I know you’re not asking and you don’t mind if the last entry was dated last month. But as the keeper of this site I feel obliged to post something. It would be nice if it’s a review of the last book I’ve read with a final note about the new book I’m on but since I haven’t even finished At Risk by Alice Hoffman halfway, the sight of a review on this blog will take time. I thought of posting the titles of my gradually increasing to-be-read pile but that would only make me depressed that I still have to read three hundred pages to officially start on another art fiction. So to compensate and to explain to my constant reader/s (I know you’re not more than three) I decided on posting the reasons for my procrastination. There are two.

The first one is this.

I made another decision lately – that I will be making pencil drawings of roses. And I started with this one. It took me almost two weeks to finish it, having only a couple of hours of work or more each day. I had to do this while working or during breaks in between classes. Now my current floral project was left pending to be fair with the book I should be reading.

The other, I guess, is more obvious. I write poetry. I admit that I am a slow reader. I ruminate when ambushed by a heavy scene or a thought-provoking line. Then sometimes, memories flash through. And then images. And then words. And then music. Actually, there isn’t any particular order. The chronology may change anytime. Right now, it’s music then memories then words.

I Think God Can Explain by Splender

Nirdla (Part II)

Should I regret
that I’ve asked what those words meant?
Those words that shouted messages
As secret as yourself.

Should I be glad
that you answered despite
your taciturnity and nonchalance?

Should I be happy
that you shared four minutes of melody
of guitars and drums
and voices lamenting,
questioning?

Or should I just understand
that your reticence is suffering made calmer?
That your smile is a curtain for fears
And smears
And tears?

And that the melody is a sanctuary
for your silent agony?
That the melody is yours for her . . .

. . . and now mine for you?

(For the first part of this verse click here.)

Photo source:
Full Bloom

Solo by Iyaz and Again by Janet Jackson

(In which there’s another song on replay!)

***

If I would make a list of things that I liked in our recently held Alumni Homecoming, I’ll be including this song by a performer I’ve never heard about before. The song haunted me for its utterly familiar melody but I always forgot to ask or find out what the title is. I’m always torn between “So Low” or “Solo”. Or perhaps it’s “Low”. Well, you know how we research song titles; we remember a line and Google it. However, I can only understand “I don’t want to w—“ from the song so I didn’t think it’ll be helpful.

Until that fateful day occurred.

I was shopping for clothes with my sister and while she’s trying on some, I heard an incredibly loud music coming from the next store. When I realized that it was the song from the infamous party, I dashed out and asked the store owner what the song title is. (I was worried that he might not know the answer but hey, it’s his CD playing so he must know!)

The music was so loud he can barely hear me. But he answered it anyway. I even asked him to spell it in case I understood badly. (Or is it because I didn’t find his pronunciation reliable?)

Solo by Iyaz

Now that I know the title, it’s time to find out why the melody is so familiar. And you know how we find the answers to our queries; we relied on Wikipedia’s all-encompassing knowledge!

Of course, we didn't use Google to discover that it's actually the melody from Janet Jackson's 'Again' to which Iyaz laments: "I don't want to walk this earth if I gotta do it solo."

— Robert Copsey of Digital Spy Blog

So that’s it. It’s from Janet.

Again by Janet Jackson

Well, it’s still good. And I still like it. He didn’t really humiliate Janet for using a melody from her song, didn’t he?

On Longing For Youth: 100 Years by Five for Fighting

(In which we could never go back.)

***

It seems that no one wanted to stay young when they were. We all chased time and wished to get older, perhaps envious of the advantages of being a grownup and therefore taking our youth and its fleeting excitement for granted. Then upon growing up, we wonder why time seems to be racing forward; each day comes and goes in a seemingly rapid succession, leaving us bewildered at why so little progress were made, so many things were left undone and so many times were just let to pass.

I was reminded of these thoughts after listening to a song on the radio. The voice of the singer was so high that some of the lyrics were lost to my ears. I could not stop and just focus on the words for listening and enjoying his voice. Then I thought of having the song recorded and then I searched for some of the lyrics to find out the title of the song. When I finally got my own digital copy, I listened to it over and over. The media player on my PC might have gotten tired of playing it on replay.

The official music video was just as captivating as the song itself. It shows how time passes and how life progresses. We grow old from the innocent youngster we once were. It shows how verve was replaced by weakness. But until our final days the innocent youngster in us never dies. So is the desire to bring back time and being the innocent child. Perhaps we never had the understanding to enjoy the years that were supposed to be enjoyed. Maybe we enjoyed it too much that we neglect the responsibility that goes with the coming of age. Maybe we were just nostalgic. Or perhaps it’s because we’re just downright selfish and discontented.

100 Years by Five for Fighting
***

“Why didn’t you give me longer?” I barked at him as soon as I stood in front of him. “Why just two hours?”

“Two hours, two days, two years . . .it’s never long enough,” replied Gable . . .

– The Center of the World by Andreas Steinhöfel
pages 195 – 196

***

Nothing Gold Can Stay
Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

Funandfearless’ Countdown of Most Hated Songs

(In which I finally had the audacity to pose as a semi-nostalgic VJ.)

***

My posts about the dreadful man who broke my heart years ago were already buried deep in this blog. Unfortunately, this dreadful man has his ears for music and I once desired to blog about the music that had him LSS and me brokenhearted but I decided not to for the sake of moving on and for sparing this blog another bitter post. But what reminded me to blog about music that made it to my Most Hated list was actually a teacher who sang one of the songs. Then I thought, “Hey! That’s not a bad idea! Okay, I’ll blog about it.”

Although it might not show, I have already adjusted myself well to the pain of being dumped by someone who is too immature to understand and too ethnocentric to be humble. These songs used to be my favorites. Then long ago, they were notorious and banned from my playlist. But though I can now sing them without hearing an internal crack that only I could hear, they still belong to my Most Hated. I can’t think of any title to go with my list. If you can suggest a better title, I might change my mind.

So here goes, coming in at number five is a song that his friend recommended and since then he played it on his MP3 on replay. Thank goodness to the complex array of consonants and rhythm of the chorus, he was unable to sing it properly.

5. Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You by George Benson

The fourth spot was actually a toss between Aladdin and The Lion King. But he couldn’t get over the cuteness of Simba and Nala more than Aladdin and Jasmine’s romantic kiss on the terrace and it went on for days. That actually earned this video a spot in my list. Look! Aren’t they just adorable?

4. Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Elton John

Halfway in my list of Most Hated songs is a Korean classic that he sang one evening. After checking out the actual song on Youtube, I found out that he was both offbeat and off-key when he sang it.

3. To Heaven by Jo Seong Mu

Coming in at number two is one of James Ingram’s hits. He was so crazy about this song that he even printed a copy and asked me to teach him the tune so we could sing it together. For the last whole year I wanted to blast every radio station that plays it on air. Too bad, DJs love playing this song every midnight and weekends. Things antique, how do we love thee?

2. Just Once by James Ingram

I bet the Most Hated Song in my list belongs to his own Most Hated songs list as well. His rendition was such a disaster that it could fill Howie, Brian, A.J., Kevin and Nick with outrage and humiliation as much as it fills himself with shame. He doesn’t even want to remember that he ever sang this song.

Without further ado, (Whoa! So emcee!) here’s my most hated song.

1. As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys

Music and the 2010 Elections

(In which there’s a tune for the memory.)

***

Aside from the traditional battle for the walls, (I don’t know if it’s prohibited now.) campaign periods are also made more colorful by music. It is believed that a good campaign jingle helps a lot in a candidate’s victory. That’s why most of them were performed by famous singers and bands to attract more interest. As they believed, if these artists have hit the local charts, being hit with the masses won’t be a tough job.

The following are some campaign ads that have been on television. There are more than four presidential candidates but so far, these are the ones whose musical strategies are somehow making it big.

Check out the campaign ad of Manny Villar that had tons of people suffer from LSS and flood Facebook and Youtube with spoofs and comments. It even has a Japanese version and oh, one of the academy’s students has learned to sing it, too. Who knows if he owes topping the survey to this song?

Naging Mahirap (ad for Manny Villar)

It’s catchy, alright. I just hope that when this Villar gets to be the President, these kids won’t have to “bathe in a sea of garbage” or “spend Christmas in the streets” or sing for a campaign ad for some cash anymore.

Now here’s one with a really mellow approach, and with the Asia’s songbird as the singer. In one of his ads, he swore, by the legacy of his parents, that he will never, ever steal. To which my parents just replied with a chuckle.

Hindi Ka Nag-iisa by Regine Velazquez for Noynoy Aquino

This one has a fresh strategy for an ad, with the new Rivermaya performing. It's a new jingle since Gibo Teodoro stopped using the one which obviously sounds like Rico Blanco’s song “Posible” after the latter asked the politician to. Actually, this new song has a good beat – very Pinoy.

Lipad by Rivermaya for Gibo Teodoro

The first time I heard this, I didn’t think it was a campaign jingle. I thought it has a nationalistic, apolitical message of moving the Filipinos to have initiative and motivation for a better nation because I wasn’t looking at the TV screen. But when I read the signature lines, I was fooled no more. But anyway, Gloc9 did a good job with the song. When everyone just edited the lyrics of songs and retained the melody just for the sake of coming up with a jingle, Gloc9 and others composed. And when asked why he accepted this politician’s offer despite so many others offered higher, he answered that he believed in the person. Talking about artistry and truthfulness to one’s self.

Eddie Tayo by Gloc9 for Eddie Villanueva

Music really has its own way of making things and people memorable. But when the future of a nation is in question, it takes more than a good video or a famous or a talented musician to be bases of good judgment. I hope that as much as Filipinos love music, they wouldn’t be so easy to fall for false promises and images presented with staves and guitar chords.

Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Kris Allen

(In which I can somehow find a precious piece.)

***

The first time I knew about this music was when Judah mentioned it when I asked him about his favorite English song. As I expected, he was rather surprised to find out that I didn’t know the song completely, as most students often mistake a teacher for an encyclopedia. He kept on convincing me that I knew it, sometimes singing the lines he knew well and sometimes humming, to which all I can give was an honest “It’s sounds really familiar but I don’t know where I’ve heard it or when.”

Yesterday, he handed me the other end of an earpiece connected to his iPod Touch.

“Listen, Teacher. This is the song I told you about.”

I listened to the introductory duet of the piano and the guitar and paused at the surge of the familiarity of the rhythm; I was almost convinced that I really knew the song and was only careless to forget it. The blending of the female and male voice was softening to the heart. The strong baritone of the singer as well as the wide instrumentation worked together in beautiful harmony. It was simple and clean. I felt my heart as well as the space around me grow wider with every dramatic crescendo. And when everything’s quiet and still and the voice was soft, it seems as though time stood still. I felt my head slowly swaying in common time, four beats in a measure.

“It’s beautiful,” Judah said with a satisfied grin.

“It is.”

Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

I found out that there was a recent version of this song and listened to it too. It was a beautiful rendition for me. Compared to the original, it only has a piano and a guitar, which makes the singer’s voice prominent all throughout. The subtle female voice blended well with his though not as compelling as the original. If the goal is to replace the original song’s classical air with a modern one without taking away its bittersweet rhythm and feel, this version is successful, as far as the humble opinion of this average listener which is totally devoid of the quality of the criticisms of a real critic, is concerned.

Falling Slowly by Kris Allen

I cannot choose one over the other though. They’re both artistically beautiful. I get the same feeling when I listen to them. It’s like being wrapped by a soothing air and all the tensions and barriers slowly slip away and all that was left was comfort.

I suddenly felt as if I was a musician again. How strange it is to feel that you could produce music by listening to it but that’s how I felt nonetheless. As I feel my body slowly swaying to the beat, I felt the good feeling I had when I was one of those people who make good music together and was known for it. I could feel it. Everything. From the exhausting catching up to complicated succession of notes in an overture and the loud and fast heartbeat as the drums were rolled to the sensitive and exclusive soli - and then the triumph of reaching the music end. Maybe it’s one of the reasons why this melody is familiar. It has the power to make me leap through time as if to remind that I have never lost the musician in me.

I Could Not Ask For More by Edwin McCain

(In which something made me look forward.)

***

During the heavy times when I was uploading Sandy’s pictures and making the draft for my post about her, I was able to get lot of help from teachers who luckily brought their gadgets necessary for file transfer. And inside one thumb drive I found a huge playlist of MP3’s and copied more than a couple.

The day Sandy left for Korea, the academy seemed to emit a sudden air of lonesomeness and quietness. And what a strange air it was! For there were no more tiny feet running here and there or an army of children following and clinging to Judah in search for his dangerous cigarettes or bodies rolling on the floor while laughing. I somehow felt happy that the absence of Sandy was at least felt – she’s not just another soul that came and went. And I thought that’s how she wants it too.

It was so quiet even during lunchtime when the academy used to transform into a playground and an arena. The silence was so alive it seemed to be as solid as the walls. And that’s when I wanted to hear some music.

I Could Not Ask For More by Edwin McCain

The moment the first note was hit, I felt a sudden flow of emotions run through me. It felt as though all the energy was set to the minimum and I was put into a delicious state of drowsiness. And then one by one, the words came and I melted. I listened and listened and felt as if the song was sung for me. All the while, I had Radiusim on. I saw the site logo blink on one of the windows showing a response to my message. The magic the song has on me still lingered and I asked him.

“Do you know the song ‘I Could Not Ask For More’?”

“What about it?”

“It’s been playing ten times on my player already.”

“Why don’t you choose another song then?”

“It was so beautiful I set it to play repeatedly.”

“I see. Make it twenty.”

There was an exchange of virtual laughter. I moved on.

“I think it is optimistic. Do you think so?”

“I don’t know. People keep on asking for more.”

“I disagree. So you don’t think it is optimistic?”

“I’m not sure. Who sang it?”

Edwin McCain. We pressed enter the same time.

“Oh, yeah. It’s him,” he replied back and the momentum was regained.

“Yes. I think it is sad but it is still optimistic.”

“It’s not sad. It says 'I could not ask for more than this time together'. That’s not sad. It’s actually meant for lovers.”

“Is it? But it made me feel sad. And it could be meant for singles too. Or maybe I am just weird. Now I remember something that happened in my classroom last year. Come to think of it, it happened sometime in late January or February.”

“Go on.”

“In the classroom I used to have, another class had an activity. It’s like a Valentine card making activity. One of the students wrote to her parents. The other made a hilarious card for his friends. The other one made a card for his wife. I wondered at first because he doesn’t even have a girlfriend.”

“That’s possible. He must be reserving it for the future.”

Well, he almost hit it. I continued. “So it turned out that he wrote that for his future wife. He said he wants her to have a happy Valentine’s Day even if he’s not with her and that he’ll make it more special when they meet.”

“I see.”

“That’s why I thought this song isn't just meant for couples.”

“Wow! That was cool!”

Come Find Me by Marie Digby

(In which The Seeker seeks for her seeker.)

***

As we were waiting for a Binangonan bound jeepney one chilly December night, Teacher Ayin caught my attention with a sudden suggestion.

“You know what? There was a song I’ve heard that really fits you.”

I looked away from the approaching vehicles as the traffic light hit red, as if on cue, and asked her in response.

“What is it?”

“Come Find Me. It’s by Marie Digby.”

I’ve never heard of that song. But I know the artist. Unfortunately, the only song that I knew she sung wasn’t even her original – the acoustic version of Rihanna’s Umbrella which made it big on Youtube.

“I don’t know that.”

“It’s a good song,” she said, “The prominent lines were…” She sang the lines but I couldn’t make out the words because of the street noise. It’s still noisy at that intersection even at midnight. She stopped and recited the lines, as if she knew I didn’t understand though I never told her.

“I’m calling out, I’m ready now. Come find me.”

I was hit, except that I am not sure if I really am ready.

“That’s from Marie Diby, right?”

She nodded.

“I’ll check that out.”

I wished to learn more about the song and talk about it but I couldn’t say anything. And being the bad commenter that I am, I said, “She’s really pretty.”

Come Find Me by Marie Digby

She Could Be You (Kyle XY Theme)

(In which a female version of the song plays in my head.)

***

After my sister watched the first season of Kyle XY (which I bought) when I wasn’t home, she got so interested to finish it that she borrowed the DVD copy of Season 1 – 4 from a friend. So for the sake of getting even, I ran a double season marathon when she was at work. And I loved it! Yes, it’s Kyle XY. So how late am I?

What troubles me in this series more than the unrequited interest of Jessie toward Kyle is the D4 song from the juke box at the Diner which Adam and Sarah usually play. No, I don’t hate it. In fact, I love it. But the message keeps on getting into me like an unwanted truth, that no matter how much I try to shake it off, it just won’t leave. The music was ironically comforting but the message disturbs me – yes, like an unwanted truth

She Could Be You by Shawn Hlookoff

Happiness by Super Junior

(In which I remember one rule in dating.)

***

This music video has been a resident of my Music folder for a long time but I never cared to watch it. But after my ears complained of being sick and tired of the limited playlist, I clicked it and was subdued into the atmosphere of mostly handsome guys in a spa, a fitness center, a department store and finally out in the streets giving their cutest poses and dances and hugging everyone for free.

It would be dishonest to go against most user comments on Youtube and say that I do not appreciate the song and it’s not adorable. But I would also be dishonest if I do not say that they seem gayer than Zach Efron. Well, I appreciate the song and the guys, too. I would not have called them handsome if I don’t. But I prefer toughness over cuteness. Perhaps that’s the reason why I prefer Big Bang.

About the rule in dating, I remembered that women should not date men who are prettier than them. Teacher Kaye once shared an online correspondence that took place between her and other bloggers on the topic “Edward”. One male blogger said that he doesn’t understand why women go for men like that – men who spend eight hours of their day at salons and spas to make themselves flawless; eight hours in the fitness gym to keep their bodies desirable and fit; and eight hours in their room sleeping so they won’t get wrinkles and eye bags.

"Ano ba tawag sa kanila metrosexual - isang metro na lang, homosexual na!"
(What do we call them? Metrosexual – just one meter short from being homosexual!)

- A Friend

(UPDATED! My friend told me this one's from Arnel Ignacio when he guests on The Sweet Life on QTV.)

Once upon a time, there was a conversation...

(In which the discovery of the song reminds me of a musical and tearful night.)

***

Can you sing for me?

What should I sing?

Anything. I want to hear your voice.

Okay…

Thank you.
And you? Can you sing for me?
Yes…

To Heaven
By: 조 성모.

괜찮은거니 어떻게 지내는거야 나 없다고또 울고 그러진

않니 매일 꿈속에 찾아와 재잘대던 너 요즘은 왜 보이질

않는거니 혹시 무슨 일이라도 생겼니 내게 올 수 없을

만큼 더 멀리 갔니 니가 없이도 나 잘 지내 보여 괜히

너 심술나서 장난친거지 비라도 내리면 구름뒤에 숨어서

니가 울고 있는건 아닌지

걱정만 하는 내게 제발 이러지마 볼 수 없다고 쉽게

널 잊을수 있는 내가 아닌걸 잘 알잖아

혹시 니가 없어 힘이 들까봐 니가 아닌 다른 사랑

만날 수 있게 너의 자릴 비워둔 것이라면 그 자린

To Heaven
By: Jo Seong Mo

Are you alright? How are you these days?
You aren’t crying because I’m not there, are you?
You used to come in my dreams every night
But why can’t I see you these days?

Did something happen?
Did you go far away so that you can’t come to me?
Are you mad because I try to look like I’m fine without you?
So you are just playing a joke on me as well?

When it is raining, are you hiding behind a cloud and crying?
All I do is worry about you, please don’t do this to me
You know how I can’t easily forget you just because I can’t see you

In case I was having a hard time without you
I kept your place empty so that I can find a new love
But all I can fill in that place is despair

Don’t be sorry; even if you are far way
Your image from before is stilled filled up inside of me
It won’t take that long until we meet in that place where there’s no goodbye
Until than, just wait for me a little longer

translation by: eebyul (also credit: aheeyah.com)

Thank you..

If there is anything I should be thankful for having bittersweet memories, it is the reminder that once, a melody was sung for me. If it is in anticipation of the future that seems so impossible to triumph over, I am still grateful that we had the past. And I believed him when he said his name means a road to heaven. I still do.

Classic = Timeless

(In which I finally post the song which breaks my heart every time.)

***

And I heard it again on the radio.

Why Can’t You See?... You Belong With Me

(In which I'm starting to love her.)

***

I’ve been hearing a co-teacher singing a very cool song by Taylor Swift since yesterday which got me so curious. It is really good I wanted to post it here and I swear I did my best to have it uploaded. And I did (after an hour!) So here it is! Enjoy!

You Belong With MeTaylor Swift

You're on the phone with your girlfriend, she's upset
She's going off about something that you said
She doesn't get your humour like I do

I'm in the room, its a typical Tuesday night
I'm listening to the kind of music she doesn't like
And she'll never know your story like I do

But she wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming 'bout the day when you'll wake up and find
That what you're looking for has been here the whole time

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me
You belong with me
Walking the streets with you in your worn out jeans
I can't help thinking this is how it ought to be
Laughing on the park bench thinking to myself
Hey isn't this easy?

And you've got a smile that could light up this whole town
I haven't seen it in awhile, since she brought you down
You say you find I know you better than that
Hey, Whatcha doing with a girl like that?
She wears high heels, I wear sneakers
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers
Dreaming bout the day when you'll wake up and find
That what you're looking for has been here the whole time

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me

Standing by, waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that?
You belong with me
You belong with me

Oh I remember you driving to my house in the middle of the night
I'm the one who makes you laugh when you know you're about to cry
I know your favorite songs and you tell me about your dreams
I think I know where you belong. I think I know it's with me.

Can't you see that I'm the one who understand you?
Been here all along so why can't you see?
You belong with me

Standing by or waiting at your back door
All this time how could you not know that
You belong with me
You belong with me

Have you ever thought just maybe
You belong with me
You belong with me

Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/taylor_swift_lyrics_9028/fearless_lyrics_86091/you_belong_with_me_lyrics_846605.html

Weekend Realizations and Nationwide Cheers

(In which I started my new life off with a new haircut, a new song to live by and Manny’s victory.)

***

Saturday. I went to a salon to get a new haircut which I have always been skeptic about. So I just got the style with uneven ends and all that. It’s hard to explain. And I don’t have photos available.As I was resting at home after the long supermarket and tiangge walks with my oh-so-energetic younger sister, I heared a guy singing a song on the videoke. It was from Neocolours.

Tuloy Pa rin
Neocolours

Sa wari ko’y
Lumipas na ang kadiliman ng araw
Dahan-dahan pang gumigising
At ngayo’y babawi na

Muntik na
Nasanay ako sa ‘king pag-iisa
Kaya nang iwanan ang
Bakas ng kahapon ko

Tuloy pa rin ang awit ng buhay ko
Nagbago man ang hugis ng puso mo
Handa na ‘kong hamunin ang aking mundo
‘Pagkat tuloy pa rin

Kung minsan ay hinahanap
Pang alaala ng iyong halik
Inaamin ko na kay tagal pa
Bago malilimutan ito

Kay hirap nang maulit muli
Ang naiwan nating pag-ibig (alam ko na ‘yan)
Tanggap na at natututo pang
Harapin ang katotohanang ito

Tuloy pa rin ang awit ng buhay ko
Nagbago man ang hugis ng puso mo
Handa na ‘kong hamunin ang aking mundo
‘Pagkat tuloy pa rin

Tuloy pa rin ang awit ng buhay ko
Nagbago man ang hugis ng puso mo
Handa na ‘kong hamunin ang aking mundo
‘Pagkat tuloy pa rin

Tuloy pa rin ang awit ng buhay ko
Nagbago man ang hugis ng puso mo
Handa na ‘kong hamunin ang aking mundo
‘Pagkat tuloy pa rin

Tuloy pa rin ang awit ng buhay ko (tuloy pa rin)
Nagbago man ang hugis ng puso mo
Handa na ‘kong hamunin ang aking mundo
‘Pagkat tuloy pa rin

Tuloy pa rin ang awit ng buhay ko
Nagbago man ang hugis ng puso mo
Handa na ‘kong hamunin ang aking mundo
‘Pagkat tuloy pa rin

I haven’t appreciated it as much as I do now. Yet the message was so true I can’t get over it. Right. No matter how you screwed up, life doesn’t stop. It didn’t stop on X and it definitely won’t stop on me. As we have always chanted in our group class, “You can do it!” Aja!

Sunday. My cousin and I did the laundry to watch East vs. West on GMA 7. Yeah. GMA 7. No one needs to tell me how it was to watch him fight on that channel. 75% commercial breaks, right? Anyway, so everyone was shouting that Pacquiao won over Hatton on the second round which brought us to so-what-the-hell-are-we-still-sitting-here-for but we remembered how long we’ve waited so we still waited. And true. It ended with a left hook er, straight… Oh please bear with me. Much as I would like to write it in a sportsperson’s point of view, I can’t. I just can’t. So let me try again. It ended with Hatton’s jaw being hit by a left punch from Manny which made Hatton land flat on the floor with his blue eyes swirling of dizziness. Whew!

Anyway, cheers for our victory!^^

Sounds Like... ^^

(In which they found an alternative.)

***

I remembered how we Filipinos went crazy over the Taiwanese boy band F4 way back when Meteor Garden was such a phenomenal hit. I even heard kids singing their songs using words that don’t make sense. Seriously, a Taiwanese won’t understand them as well. Let’s admit it. When a foreign song is so good that we want to sing it, we don’t care even if we sing it in a just-sounds-like-the-original-words way.

So when I suffered from LSS (Last Song Syndrome) because of Big Bang’s songs, I made sure that I sing the lines I really know and understand – even if it’s just the “I’m so sorry but I love you da geojitmal. I ya meolasso i jeya arasso. Niga piryo hae…” over and over - to myself.

Anyway, as I was downloading one of their songs (Red Sunset), I saw these videos. The title told me it’s going to be fun. Hmmm… Ever wondered how to sing Big Bang’s songs using words that are understandably close to the original ones? Some people have already done that. Check it out.

Gin Chilli? I never thought it could be this easy!

I can’t get over the “Chew the Donkey” thing. It’s just so hilarious!

***

These videos were still unfinished. I’ll upload the complete version when I found them.

Let's Go West Where the Red Sun Sets ^^

(In which someone shows some talent.)

***

As you might have guessed it, my interest for Big Bang is not over yet. And you're right again. It doesn't stop here. ^^

I was chatting with a Korean girl over Radiusim last night and we have talked about Big Bang. She told me she likes “Red Sunset”. I want to hear the song so I went to an internet café the next morning to download it. I wasn’t disappointed because the Korean version sounds good. I understand some words and lines. (As if that’s a big deal.)

붉은 노을 (Red Sunset)
Big Bang

You might have noticed this: the vehicle looks like it’s from the Philippines. And this music video reminds me of “I Lay My Love On You” by Westlife. Well, anyway, I love TOP’s face. This video is very light and refreshing. It's nice to see the boys smile. ^^ I love watching it. But don’t ask me about the lyrics now. I just love watching it.

Now the next thing I did was to look for the translation. And here’s what I saw.

I’ve got one word for her : TALENTED.

What a Big Bang!

(In which language doesn’t matter.)

***

There has to be at least some similarities between you and the students’ interests so that there will be a certain level of connection. And since I am teaching foreign students, connecting with them sometimes means watching their shows and listening to their songs. Connecting those with English is no longer their problem.

I used to handle a group class of middle school and university students and I remembered one of them asking me if I know a certain Korean song. They were quite amazed when I can relate to some songs and dramas (thanks to Jumong and the like). And that student started to sing some lines so badly I didn’t want to hear the rest of it. I said “No. That doesn’t sound familiar,” hoping I didn’t sound like is-that-a-song-or-what?

I no longer handle that kind of class now. (Sigh of relief.)

One day, as I was using the computer in the company’s library-without-books, (There really is no book at all so we call it that way. It’s the multi-purpose room – meeting room, cafeteria and study room all rolled into one. See? Calling it a library was just so ridiculous.) my co-teacher was playing something on his laptop. It sounds so familiar. When it reached the chorus, I just knew it was the song my student asked me about. Man, it sounds way better than how my student sang it!

So I learned that the group’s name is Big Bang. It’s a group of five boys (Kwon Ji Yong, Dong Young Bae, Choi Seung Hyun, Kang Dae Sung, Lee Seung Hyun) who give different kind of vocals and rap to their music. They also include English parts in their songs. No, they don’t rap in English.

My phone students have been mentioning their names during our classes but I never gave a damn. It was when I heard a part of their song that I decided to give it a try since I do understand some Korean expressions and I also know how to read and write Hangul. That doesn’t mean I didn’t need the translation.

I didn’t know them, really. So I got some info from www.beststuff.com

Real Name: Kwon Ji Yong

Stage Name: G-Dragon

Position: Leader, Vocal, Rapper, Composer

Date of Birth: August 18,1988 (20)

Is the leader of Big Bang. Has been trained by YG entertainment since he was 12 years old. G-Dragon is also very interested in fashion and is known to be very fashionable.

Real Name: Dong Young Bae

Stage Name: Tae Yang; SoL

Position: Vocal, Choreographer

Date of Birth: May 18, 1988 (20)

Tae Yang started out as being a rapper, but is now the main vocalist of Big Bang. He is known to be shy, sweet, thoughtful, and most sensitive one in Big Bang. It is also known he used to be scared of girls' when he was younger. He was the first one to release a solo album, called HOT.

(I noticed something on the picture to the right. But I’m not saying! ^^)

Real Name: Choi Seung Hyun

Stage Name: T.O.P; Tempo

Position: Rapper, Beat Boxer, Composer

Date of Birth: November 4, 1987 (21)

Is known as the 'big brother' of the band. He also won KBS Radio's Rap Battle in 2003. Another one of his talents is acting. He was in the Korean Drama "I am Sam" He impressed many people, including fans, with his acting skills. He was also in Red Roc's music video for Hello and also in Gummy's mv for I'm Sorry with Sandara Park. T.O.P also got more fame when he kissed superstar Lee Hyori on stage at the 2008 MKMF (it was planned though).

Real Name: Kang Daesung

Stage Name: Dae Sung, D-Lite

Position: Vocal

Date of Birth: April 26, 1989

Dae Sung was first known as "ugly" and "Unpretty boy" but the staff team confirmed he is the most liked member in Big Bang. He has a talent of imitating people and also has a great sense of humor. Dae Sung is the second Big Bang member to star in a musical, the Korean musical "Cats". During the 2008 MKMF, his act with Korean superstar Lee Hyori was voted one of the best acts of the night.

Real Name: Lee Seung Hyun

Stage Name: Seung Ri, V, Victory

Position: Vocal, Choreographer

Date of Birth: December 12, 1990 (18)

Seung Ri is the "little brother" of Big Bang. One of his greater talents is dancing and choreographing performances. Before Big Bang, Seung Ri was part of a Gwangju dance team, II Hwa. Seung Ri is the first member to be in a musical, Sonagi. Seung Ri is also the second member to debut as an actor, after T.O.P.

Alright. Done with the boys and now to their song.

거짓밀 (Lies)

Big Bang

"Lies" became the biggest hit of 2007 in South Korea, allowing Big Bang to win 1st place for the first time in Korean TV music program in " SBS, Popular Songs" on September 9, 2007. "Lie" also swept first place in all four music programs in Korea ( MBC, SBS, KBS and Mnet) within weeks, and topped numerous online and offline charts for unbelievably long periods of time, including Juke-on (for which is #1 for 7 consecutive weeks and Melon (Music site) for 6 consecutive weeks. The group also received the Best Male Group, and Song Of The Year in the 2007 MKMF Award, contributing to their hard work. In addition, Big Bang won the "Song of the Month," (Digital Music Award) from Cyworld 2 months in a row, selling more than 330,000 songs in 6 weeks after the release of their mini-album. Big Bang also filmed the music video for their song "Always" in Hawaii. The music video was released in November. (http://www.jpopasia.com/play/4375/big-bang/lies.html)

(I just love how they sing "I’m so sorry but I love you….”)

하루 하루 (Day by Day)
Big Bang

This song is my previous phone student’s ring tone. So I like it more when he’s not answering.

***

Is that eye liner I’m seeing? If that is, it just looks so inappropriate for their eyes. Well, they might have found Gaara’s fashion cool. And I bet I didn’t have to tell you they sounded trying hard during some English parts. Well, the song is good and these guys really know how to sing. They’ve got cool voices, right?