And another one joined the Dream Team…

 

RIP, John Hughes (February 18, 1950 – August 6, 2009)

 

My childhood is slowly fading…

Sigh.

This is turning out to be an obit site…

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It Was Hard Saying Goodbye

Today, our beloved Cory Aquino was laid to rest… and Filipinos all over the world are one with her family in trying to cope with the loss.

Here are a few of the touching words from the people she has embraced:

Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ, her spiritual advisor:

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for Reuters

She was the only true queen our people ever had, and she was (a) queen because we knew she truly held our hearts and in the gentleness and greatness of her own.

She made me proud again to be a Filipino

Kris Aquino-Yap, her daughter:

Photo by John Javellana for AP

You (the Filipino) have given our family honor beyond anything we could ever have hoped to receive, that no matter how great the sacrifices of my parents, I can honestly say to all of you that for my family, the Filipinos are worth it.

Dad (the late Senator, Ninoy Aquino), it’s your turn now. You are her one and only love. Now that you are together again, no matter how painful it is for us to let her go, we were comforted knowing that mom is happy to be reunited with you

It would take a lifetime for us to be okay because we will forever miss you.

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, Jr., her son:

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for Reuters

Mom, I really truly believe, without an iota of doubt, that you have truly fought the good fight, that you have finished the course, and that, undoubtedly, you have kept the faith.

Insp. Mel Mamaril, her security escort for 23 years:

Photo by Aaron Favila for AP

One could always feel her compassionate heart for all those in need and in want. She also radiated a deep sense of prayer and devotion that, I believe, was the foundation of her being a person of integrity and uprightness.

(At the end of his speech, Mamaril went near the casket of the former President and saluted her.)

Vivette, my friend, who posted this on my Facebook wall:

Photo from: Definitely Filipino

We will always be thankful to them for making us proud to be filipinos.

Paul Cabral, her favorite designer and a close friend:

Photo by Dennis Sabangan for Reuters

I miss you.

A sign held by an old lady as she waited for the cortege to pass in front of her:

Photo from: Definitely Filipino

Goodbye, our beloved President.

Fidel V. Ramos, her successor and her People Power ally:

Cory Aquino represented the past and the future of our people and led in the direction of a better future for our people.

Jim Paredes, singer/songwriter, People Power Revolution personality:

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for AFP

Pinoytumblr:

Photo by Aaron Favila for AP

May she rest in peace and may she be resurrected in every Filipino.

Gina de Venecia, wife of former Speaker Joe de Venecia, and her good friend:

Photo by Aaron Favila for AP

She was a beacon of hope, a leader who proved that true greatness is found not in power and prestige. Rather, it was rooted in something far deeper. She led and loved with a pure heart from which sprung great humility, goodness, and true moral character.

Rep. Teddy Locsin, former Aquino cabinet member:

Photo by Nat Garcia for AP

I knew then she was the answer to my prayers.

A Tumblr post:

Photo by Yellow Ribbon for President Cory Aquino

Let us not forget to carry on today’s meaningful message. Let us remember.

But perhaps, the most touching part, was something unsaid.

It was when everyone gave a rousing applause as her casket was being wheeled towards the cathedral exit.

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for Reuters

Tears have been flowing from my eyes the entire day…

because I know that I owe her for giving me the chance to live the way a free person must live.

PAALAM CORY.

***************

Photo by Cheryl Ravelo for Reuters

“I am burning the candle of my life in the dark, with no one to benefit from the light. The candle slowly melts away. Soon its wick will burn out, and the light is gone. If only someone will gather the melted wax, reshape it, give it a new wick. For another fleeting moment, my candle can once again light the dark, be of service one more time, and then, goodbye.” – Cory Aquino (1933-2009)

Tomorrow is another day of mourning…

It’s May 28, 2009, 10:30 PM…

 

It doesn’t feel like it’s going be 12 years since… that day.

 

Still gathering my thoughts. Will write more about Jeff Buckley tomorrow.

Today’s Personal Sentiment: Duped

Something I learned today…

Not everyone deserves a 2nd chance. There will always be one specific person who will constantly dupe you and make you question your morality, values and idealism.

SHOUTOUT TO THIS PERSON: Watch me as I disappear from your life all over again… and this time, it’s for good.

Here I Go Again

Sunday Playlist: Sentimental

I just came from a 3-day vacation with the fam (by the beach, about 3 hours away from Manila). I loaded up my iPod with music that are suited for a tropical holiday, not knowing that a certain sentimental mood would overwhelm me as soon as I hit the play button.

Here are some of the songs:

 

Song: “In Demand”

Artist: Texas

This song is about a person who is being wooed back by an ex lover after realizing that she is the love of his life. Happy ending? No. The persona already has someone occupying her heart.

You’re thinking of the way you should’ve held my hand

And all the times you said you didn’t understand

You never had our love written in your plans

 

 

Song: “City of Blinding Lights”

Artist: U2

It’s about New York, how the band felt the first time they visited this awesome place; Obama used this song when he announced his candidacy; U2 performed it during the new US president’s inaugural celebration; Oh, and my favorite DJ made an awesome remix, which I’ve secretly kept in my library all these years.

Oh you look so beautiful tonight

Yeah this city of blinding lights

 

 

Song: “Gonna Make It”

Artist: Kaskade

In 2004, I was at the lowest point of my life. This was when I turned to music for escape, inspiration, motivation and encouragement. I was introduced to house music by a DJ-friend who loved Kaskade, and this was the song that turned me into a fan.

Coz it feels like I’m gonna make it, I’m gonna make it.

When you spend a little time with me.

 

Ranting Off: A Whole New Management Style

I find it really odd that a “manager” would think that he will be able to get to his group’s good side through free lunches and karaoke nights. From what I’ve heard, his inability to lead the team to do better things is still the top concern. He may have the power to quickly say that he has lost his confidence over a subordinate… but what will he do if his people’s loss of confidence over him increases everyday that he manifests his incapability as a boss? What can his power and self-esteem do for him? What must he do when he finds out that they still call up their former supervisor to say that he is one headless chicken?

Plan out another karaoke night? Or fire them all?

Welcome to the new leadership style in the 21st century.

So you have discovered my secret realm…

Welcome! Hope you enjoy your stay. You will find a lot of interesting things here, especially about music. For comments and questions, please do not hesitate to use the COMMENTS box found under each post.

If you are one of those who know me personally and has been telling people how upset you are with a particular post of mine… kindly read this first.

The Annual “Time to Answer a Lame New Year’s Survey”

It may be lame, but heck, I’m doing it again for this year. A shout out to eleanorstrousers since she also came up with her list for 2007 right after she read my entry.

So here goes:

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
   • Got my PADI license.
   • Officially became a cougar.
2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
   
   • I believe so, my resolution was to think of myself more.
   • Yup, I will continue loving myself – I need to be more healthy (weight, skin, lifestyle, etc)… OH AND I GOTTA START SAVING.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, Gina, one of my best friends.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, my last living grandparent.
5. What countries did you visit? Just the US
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? I wrote 3 things last year, but I will just copy the first one: A real, honest-to-goodness, saccharine-sweet, mushy, genuine, heartwarming, but hot and steamy, love life.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
   • September 21 – the day the fire in me burned once more. HAHAHA
   • Not really one date, but it’s an entire season (Summer) – I think this year was the year of summer outings and awesome beach experiences.
   • November 27 to 29 – My family was complete for the first time in 10+ years.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
   
   • Being able to break free from the sidelines.
   • Knowing what battles to choose.
   • Help mold young talents.
   • Finally going to the US to visit my family.
   • Taking awesome pictures
   • I got close with a cousin of mine who eventually moved to Dubai
   • Reconnecting with a College friend (in NY)
9. What was your biggest failure? Never had a boy who stayed on for a little bit.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Just some skin problems due to diving.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My 10-22mm lens
12. Where did most of your money go?
    
    • Camera accessories and equipment
    • Diving
    • Dog stuff
    • GAS and driver’s salary
13. Whose behavior merited celebration?
    
    • Lye, my former officemate
    • Anna, my friend and now officemate
14. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
    
    • Myra, my former creative director and friend
    • Paul, my former boss whom I used to look up to
    • Mine
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
    • My US trip
    • My new Macbook
    • My Palawan trip
    • My new lens
    • John Mayer’s 2nd Annual Holiday Revue streamed live over the net
    • My new DVDs – Crossroads, Where the Light Is, Sliding Doors
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? Wheel by John Mayer (coz I felt that my life just kept on turning around)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
    • Happier or sadder SADDER
    • Older or wiser OLDER
    • Thinner or fatter? FATTER
    • Richer or poorer RICHER
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
    
    • I should’ve tried to stay healthy
    • Saved up
    • Practiced patience
    • Read
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
    • Eating
    • Spending too much money
    • Talking about Andre
20. What did you want and get?
    
    • A ticket to the US
    • A career shift
    • A copy of a concert that would’ve been lost in oblivion if not for a kind person who gave it to me.
21. What did you want and did not get?
    
    • A guy (but no one really in particular)
    • Peace of mind.
    • Confidence
22. How did you spend Christmas?
    • Christmas Eve with relatives
    • Christmas night with relatives and friends
23. Did you fall in love in 2008? Surprisingly, no.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate is a strong word, more of I decided to not mind someone’s existence in this world.
25. What was the best book you read? The Giving Tree
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Still John Mayer. He amazed me in all the musical stuff that he does.
27. What was your favorite film of this year? Just like last year, I didn’t see any movie in 2008.
28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 33 years old and I spent it with family in Massachusetts
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
    
    • Having guys around
    • Sticking to my nice weight
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
    • More corporate, but I still felt sloppy
    • Fashionable, but it still needs improvement
31. What kept you sane?
    • My dogs
    • John Mayer (haha)
    • Friends
32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Still John Mayer
33. What political issue stirred you the most? US elections, although I wasn’t into it that much.
34. Who did you miss? Karl, Reg and Andre
35. Who was the best new person you met?
    • Lye, my former colleague who ended up being a good friend of mine.
    • Dave my Dive Instructor
    • My dive friends
36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: Nothing is permanent and good guys finish last.
37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: “I believe that my life’s gonna see
    the love I give return to me” – Wheel

Last week, I studied History…

and visited Intramuros. I saw (and somewhat witnessed) how the Philippines was in the hands of the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese.

It has proven to me that Manila has always been beautiful.

Even if it was just a little walled city a few hundred years back.

Protecting itself, ready to attack those who wanted to ruin it.

I got to know our national hero more.

One of the hundreds of people who died for our country…

His story,

His words,

His reasons.

How he spent his last night,

and his last hours.

I followed his steps…

…towards the freedom of his countrymen.

I walked the old streets.

and saw for myself how people were during those times.

I also studied religion…

The solemnity…

The richness

And the magnificence.

This is my country, my history, the reason why I am enjoying what I have now.

And I’m glad I took a peek.