author: music247

We live a separate world now
We have grown older and wow!
I can always feel your hand on my face
Those memories I can't erase!

There are a lot of words I want to say
I can only make it this way
Through the songs that I sing and play
The only place where our love will stay...

I love you in each passing minute
I know I can only let you feel it
I have loved you forever
It may even be more than ever.

****
I just can't say much but you know I made this for you.
I heard this song I know this is meant for you.
****

If you're there and you care, and you listen very careful darling
You'll hear my prayer
And if you hear, loud and clear
You would get a million kisses from me
Somewhere, somehow

And if the night's a lonely time for you,
Just listen to the words I gave to you,
Let the song of ours play one more time
Somewhere, somehow, I'll be there

Went out walkin' in the morning
Standing in the pouring rain
Let it run all over me
Stayed up late last night
Tryin' to put all the things right
Then your tears roll over me

And if the night's a lonely time for you,
Just listen to the words I gave to you,
Let the song of ours play one more time
Somewhere, somehow, I'll be there

If you're there, and you care,
You'll get a million kisses from me
Somewhere, somehow
And if you feel like I feel
Love cuts the deepest part of me
Somewhere, somehow
And if the night's a lonely time for you,
Just listen to the words I gave to you,
Let the song of ours play one more time
Somewhere, somehow, I'll be there

Somewhere Somehow - Wet Wet Wet

I was in third year college when she first entered the University. She was from Bicol province and eased her way to blend in with people. She was a shy girl, and really quiet.

It was my first time to stay at the dorm, BREHA (UP Baguio Residence Hall), where most parents entrust their kids particularly the girls, during their first year. The dorm only accommodates around 60 female first year students and the remaining slots are alloted to higher years. She was lucky she got a slot. I am referring to my friend Aubrey.

When asked if she knows the song by David Gates or the Bread, she said it was her parents' favorite that she was named after it. It was very precise. The choice of the name was the result of her parents' fondness of the song - Aubrey.

I vividly recall my friend: short hair, short words, abrupt smile, deep thoughts. She was perhaps as deep as me, or maybe deeper. She was like a sister to me and in times of low tide, I ran to her... just for comfort, just for a hug. I wish I could do that again. I haven't seen her for a long time and I haven't really told her how much she meant to me - how special she was. For the brave and proud man she married, I have nothing but wishes of happiness for you and your family.

Maybe we could hang out sometime ;-) I miss you dear!

And Aubrey was her name... a not so very ordinary girl or name...

Aubrey - Bread

This song reminds me to be humble. I know somebody who is very proud and wouldn't admit any mistakes. One way or the other, you have encountered a person full of pride who deleted the word "sorry" from their vocabulary. It's a sad world when all our fingers are pointed to other people, blame everything to him or to her but not to ourselves.

People like them just makes me wanna puke and abhor the world more but I tried to keep my cool... which we should do in most cases. I know saying sorry is just one side of the picture. The other one is not-to-make-it-again which I think is even more difficult that is why saying sorry is the terrible thing because there is a consequence to it.

I may have said sorry a thousand times but if I keep repeating it, then the person you are saying sorry to becomes immune to it. The word ultimately loses its meaning.

I'm just glad I have more understanding people around me who accepts me for what I am and affirms me when I have done something good. Honestly, it is also a virtue I have to practice myself - to appreciating the good ones rather than magnifying the bad ones.

These are my thoughts at the moment while I recalled this song. Shortness of saying sorry makes one proud but overdoing it, on the other hand, makes its meaning vanish. So for me, it's hard to say I'm sorry and its a challenge to say it once in a while especially when you me it.

Here is the lyrics:
“Everybody needs a little time away.” I heard her say, “From each other.”
“Even lovers need a holiday, far away, from each other”

Hold me now, It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay, after all that we've been through
I will make it up to you, I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just the part of me I can't let go

Couldn't stand to be kept away just for the day from your body
Wouldn't wanna be swept away, far away, from the one that I love

Hold me now, it's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to know

Hold me now, I really want to tell you I'm sorry
I could never let you go
After all that we've been through I will make it up to you
I promise to And after all that's been said and done
You're just the part of me I can't let go

After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you I promise to

You're gonna be the lucky one
When we get there gonna jump in the air
No one will see us 'cause there's nobody there
After all, you know we really don't care
Hold on, I'm gonna take you there

This is such a sad song which reminds me of all the broken hearted people. I remember a lot of them and that includes some of my closest friends and loved ones.

Whatever happens to the love that seemed so real at the beginning. It was so full of sweetness, commitment, affection and the happy-ever-afters. I know life is truly to make up then break up then make up again. There is always a cycle.

I have my own share of broken promises that's why in my previous post, I said I've had enough of making promises. Many times have we fell into that pit, that trap of hurting a loved one even over and over again. It's just sad but I am convinced it is really part of loving. They are partners in crime. As they say "Even a bed of roses has a thorn".

At present, I don't know how it feels to be in love because I am so overwhelmed with it. That is even an understatement. (wink!) Yeah, I am so full of love I'm almost drowing (haha!) because I am surrounded with people who loves me and stays with me no matter what or who I am. (naks!)

You know, despite the sade message of the song, I still love to sing it -tyring really hard to sing it the way Regine Velasquez does. Hahaha! Trying Really Hard!

Here goes the lyrics (Translations are purely mine. If you have suggestions on how or the best way to translate, interpret it, please let me know. TY!)

Ang pangarap ko’y nagmula sayo (My aspirations/dreams came from you)
Sayong ganda ang puso’y di makalimot (With your beauty, my heart cannot forget)
Tuwing kapiling ka, tanging nadarama (Whenever I'm with you, the only thing I feel)
Ang pagsilip ng bituin sa iyong mga mata (is the start shining through your eyes)
Ang saya nitong pag ibig (How happy is this love)
Sana ay di na mag-iiba (I hope it won't change)

Ang pangarap ko ang iyong binubuhay (You are giving life to my dreams)
Ngayong nagmamahal ka sa ‘kin ng tunay (Now that you're truly loving me)
At ang tinig mo’y parang musika (And you're voice is like music)
Nagpapaligaya sa munting nagwawala (It's giving me happiness)
Ang sarap nitong pag-ibig (How sweet this love is)
Lalo pa noong sinabi mong… (Especially when you told me...)

Chorus:
Dadalhin kita sa aking palasyo (I will bring you to my palace)
Dadalhin hanggang langit ay manibago (I will bring you to heaven)
Ang lahat ng ito’y pinangako mo (All of these you promised me)
Dadalhin lang pala ng hangin ang pangarap ko (But only the air would bring me to my dreams)

Nang mawalay ka sa aking pagsinta (When we parted ways)
Bawat saglit gabing lamig ang himig ko (Every moment, I felt cold tones)
Hanap ang yakap mo, haplos ng ‘yong puso (longing for your hug, your touch to my heart)
Parang walang ligtas kundi ang lumuha (There was no escape but cry)
Ang hapdi din nitong pag-ibig (How painful is this feeling)
Umasa pa sa sinabi mong… (I stil hoped for your words that...)

[repeat chorus]

Umiiyak, umiiyak ang puso ko (crying, my heart is crying)
Ala-ala pa ang sinabi mo (Still remembering your words)
Noong nadarama pa ang pag-ibig mo… (When I still feel your love... )

[repeat chorus]

Ang lahat ng ito’y pinangako mo (All of these you promised me)
Dadalhin lang pala ng hangin ang pangarap (But only the air would bring me to my dreams)

Daldahin - Regine Velasquez

Today marks the birth of our National Hero, Jose Rizal. Incidentally, this is also the birthday of my angel.

I remember playing this song a few years ago, from one of my CD collections. I used to play loud music in our house and while my angel Sophie was cleaning the house, she commented: "Why are you playing a music for the dead?" At the back of my head, I wondered why this song was associated with death. The answer is because this is seldom played during interment / burial.

I told her this is a religious music, in fact it was part of the CD Servant of All. I explained to her that it was biblical and although it is played a thousand times during burial here in the country, it is still undisputed that it is a song for God, a prayer for some, and still for others, it is a love song from God.

A couple of days before her birthday, a butterfly visited me. It was like she was making her presence felt to me. I often pray for her soul and that she'll be now happy with the company of our Maker.

And for you my dear Sophie, I miss you all the time and I love you! As this song says: "I will never (ever) forget you"

Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I cannot forget you)
Hindi kita pababayaan (I will not let you down)
Nakaukit magpakailanman (forever sculpetd)
Sa 'king palad ang 'yong pangalan (on my palms)
Malilimutan ba ng ina ang anak na galing sa kanya (Will a mother forget her child?)
Sanggol sa kanyang sinapupunan (child from her womb)
Paano niyang matatalikdan (How could she neglect him?)
Ngunit kahit na malimutan ng ina ang anak niyang tangan (Though the mother may forget the child in her arms)



Hindi kita malilimutan (I won't forget you)
Kailanma'y di pababayaan (Never will I neglect you)
Hindi kita malilimutan (I won't forget you)
Kailanma'y di pababayaan (Never will I neglect you)

Hindi Kita Malilimutan - Basil Valdez

Today marks the first year of my iPod with me. I am a “date-keeper” for your information. I have mentioned to you about my dear friend Dane whom I truly call Mr. Boombastic that is why this entry is all about him.

We used to be “phone pals”, like your dear friend at the other end of the phone line. He is such a special friend because as matter of fact, he was my supervisor. But I didn’t feel that way while we are on the phone almost everyday of our professional life for two years or so.

As soon as my phone rings, more often than not, it is from him. And if he doesn’t call, it would be me. That was our situation before he went here to the Philippines. I was no longer with that same company when he came here all the way from Texas but I sure found a way to finally meet the face behind the voice who was practically my boss who became my friend, my Mr. Boombastic. Remember that Levi’s advertisement where this song was first played? That was how I always picture him so I called him that. He didn’t object so I am blogging about it right now. His voice also fits the adjective and finally meeting him proved I am right all along.

I can only say he is such a nice guy, a very dear friend, thoughtful supervisor and he made me feel better in any situation we may have had in our projects. As you see, I have nothing but positives about him. I am biased, you may say. Well, try to be his friend…

To you Mr. Boombastic, I terribly miss those days with you on the phone and when we strolled the mall looking for your laptop hard drive.

Mr. Boombastic - Shaggy

This is a story why I am so engrossed about the number 17.

The aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption here in the Philippines that happened in 1991 led me to my story about this song. Let me first say I learned about this song and its lyrics, including the artist who sang it, from my sister.

It was June 17, 1991 when my father's cousin and his family left Pampanga and found their way into our house. They fled their place in Pampanga because of the eruption of the volacano and its threat to the health of his kids, who were my second cousins. I know it was June 17 because I came from school and attendance was checked with the date indicated on the attendance sheet. I arrived home and was surprised the house was "full-packed". There I got acquainted with my relatives, my cousins. That was the start of a long-lasting genuine friendship.

Three sisters, one brother. They were all so talented, very unique from each other, very playful, very loving, the bond was remarkable! It was Enne who actually "institutionalized" our anniversary -the anniversary of our first meeting. We named our company: JERS and CROM or JC for short. That was the nicest name for me: JC!

Well, theres is so much to talk about JC but this is all for now because today, I remember our anniversary and as I do so, the song I titled for this blog will always lead me back to the events of 1991.

I did not include the lyrics here because only the title of this song reminds me of my story stated above. Here is the music:

At Seventeen - Janis Ian

It was the 90s when my brother and I watched the concert of Gary V. The Divine Word Academy of Dagupan (DWAD) Gym was the biggest stage that time. We came in early so we were able to see him rehearse. We were almost at the stage with Gary while he was preparing for the big night. It was almost very dark then the crowd slowly gathered inside.

I remember this scene just yesterday. I went back to that school which is where my niece and nephew are currently enrolled. I always associate that place with this singer/actor because it was the very first time I watched a concert, practically by myself and with my younger brother of course. It was really great!

For the information of all, I frequent that place nowadays because I joined a choir and we sing at the church near that school every first and third Sunday of the month.

Well, let us listen to one of Gary V's most heart-warming prayer/song. Here goes the lyrics:

Just what is it in me?
Sometimes I just don't know
What keeps me in Your love,
Why you never let me go

And though you're in me now,
I fall and hurt you still
My Lord, please show me how
To know just how you feel

You have forgiven me
Too many times it seems
I feel I'm not what you might call
A worthy Christian after all

And though I love You so
Temptation finds its way to me

Teach me to trust in You
With all my heart
To lean not on my own understanding
I just forget
You won't give me what I can't bear

Take me out of the dark, my Lord
I don't wanna be there

You've never left my side
You gave Your hand to me to hold
Oh Jesus, I'm no longer in the cold

And yet, I leave You there
When I feel satisfied
I'd like to thank You every day
Not only when I feel that way

I've never known a Man
Who'd give His life for sinners like me
And yet, because He loves us so
He's promised us eternity
And we can have that promise
And be His if we have faith
And just believe

Teach us to trust in you
With all my heart
To lean not on my own understanding
We just forget
You won't give us what we can't bear

Take us out of the dark, My Lord
'Cause we don't want to be alone
Take me out of the dark, My Lord
We don't wanna be there, My Lord

Trust in You with all my heart
Lean not on my own understanding
I just forget
You won't give me what I can't bear

Take me out of the dark, My Lord
Cause we don't want to be alone
Take me out of the dark, My Lord
I don't want to be there

Take Me Out Of The Dark - Gary Valenciano

It was Barry Manilow's birthday last June 17 and I was browsing some of my friends' photos online and there was one picture of Barry Manilow from his recent concert in Las Vegas. I just can't help but blog about another Barry Manilow classic which is one of the favorites. And this is the one!

I particularly liked the song because of its upbeat music. I remember singing this song with the "multiplex tape" since videokes were soon to be invented. Remember playing a cassette tape on a "karaoke" player and when a song is finished, you have to push the reqind button and hope it would stop at the precise point where the song would begin. I'm sure everyone knows what I am talking about. All the hassles of pushing the play button and when one side is up, one would push eject, reverse the tape, insert it back to the panel then push play. And then of course, auto-reverse was invented but still, a maximum of 10 songs could only be played by the cassette player.

Although I used the multiplex tape and read the lyrics on a separate notebook, I was enticed by this song because as if I was watching it in movie. The lyrics of the song is so descriptive. It was colorful with the use of yellow, my all time favorite color. The action in the song was likewise vivid and it was complete story. Although I pitied "Lola" because of what happened.

Oh well, those are the memories. My aunt said we had this blue cassette player, and yeah, I recall that tape player now. So from Barry Manilow to my cassette tape to this song... there goes my story for the day!

Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there
She would merengue and do the cha-cha
But while she tried to be a star, Tony always tended bar
Across the crowded floor, he worked from 8 til 4
They were young and they had each other Who could ask for more?

At the Copa, Copacabana, the hottest spot north of Havana
At the Copa, Copacabana
Music and passion were always in fashion
At the Copa....they fell in love.

His name was Rico. He wore a diamond.
He was escorted to his chair, he saw Lola dancing there
And when she finished, he called her over,
But Rico went a bit to far, Tony sailed across the bar
And then the punches flew and chairs were smashed in two
There was blood and a single gun shot but just who shot who?

At the Copa, Copacabana
The hottest spot north of Havana
At the Copa, Copacabana
Music and passion were always in fashion
At the Copa....she lost her love.

Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl,
But that was 30 years ago, when they used to have a show.
Now it's a disco, but not for Lola,
Still in the dress she used to wear, faded feathers in her hair.

She sits there so refined, and drinks herself half-blind.
She lost her youth and she lost her Tony, now she's lost her mind!
At the Copa, Copacabana...

Copacabana (At The Copa) - Barry Manilow

I was born a "Piscean" (Pisces)although I am not really the type who is so particular about horoscopes. I just thought it's blog-worthy because it also reminds me of a dear friend, a close one. She is likewise a "piscean" and when we had a program at school which required us to use a codename, I recommended she use this one because from my reading of a mug given to me, it said that a person born under the zodiac sign of Pisces is a dreamer.

I also told her about this song, sung by one of my favorite singers. Sol (her name) and I shared a lot in common. We took Philosophy and Political Science as our major courses back in UP. We went home to the same dorm and there was one time we shared the same boarding house. We joined the same campus organization and helped put up one (an organization called POLIS). Incidentally, together we also doubted our faith, our religion and our God (that was before). We always go out together sometimes people would interchange our faces, our teachers confuse our names.

At present, we conitnued our passion for the laws and religion. In the near future, we hope to be called Lawyers.

So this song in particular, although when I hear a Kenny Rogers song, somehow I remember Sol. Here goes the lyrics:

Just look at you sitting there
You never looked better than tonight
And it'd be so easy to tell you I'd stay
Like I've done so many times
I was so sure this would be the night
You'd close the door
And wanna stay with me
And it'd be so easy
To tell you I'd stay
Like I've done so many times

Don't fall in love with a dreamer
Because he'll always take you in
Just when you think
You've really changed him
He'll leave you again
Don't fall in love with a dreamer
Because he'll break you every time

So put out the light and just hold on
Before we say goodbye
Now it's morning
and the phone rings and ya say
You gotta get your things together
You just gotta leave
Before you change your mind
And if you knew
What I was thinking girl, I'd turn around
If you'd just ask me one more time
Don't fall in love with a dreamer
Because he'll always take you in
Just when you think
You've really changed him
He'll leave you again
Don't fall in love with a dreamer
Because he'll break you every time
so put out the light and just hold on
Before we say goodbye

Dont fall in love with a dreaMER - Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes

We celebrate Philippine Independence Day on the 12th of June. We remember Emilio Aguinaldo as he waved the Philippines flag which is a symbol of our freedom. That is why the month of June is also observed as the month of the Philippine flag.

I wonder how we are going to guage our freedom nowadays when statistics would show the growing number of our feloowmen living below poverty line. We are still tied to gargantuan foreign debts, children are malnourished, firshermen and farmers are among the poorest people in the country.

This is a song which one would confuse as a song of affection. As matter of fact, this is a song of love -love for the country. I did my best to translate this song so you would somehow grasp its message then listen to it through Imeem.

CHORUS
Sabihin man nilang ako ay bata pa (They may say I am still young)
'Di ko pa raw alam kung paanong umibig sa kanya (I still don't know how to love him/her)
Sa karanasan daw ako ay hilaw pa(I still don't have enough experiences)
"Mag-aral ka pa," iyan ang sabi nila(You study first, that's what they say)
Hoh hoh hoh

Maaring sa isang punto, sila ay tama (Maybe at one point, they are correct)
Maaring sa karanasan, ako ay hilaw pa nga(I may be lacking in experience)
Dahil 'di ko pa naranasan buhay ko'y itaya(Because I haven't tried to lay my life)
'Di ko pa naranasang sumagupa sa tingga(I haven't tried to face bullets)

Maaring kulang din ang aking pagkaunawa (Maybe I also lack in comprehension)
Sa mga suliranin ng ating bansa (About all the responsibilities in our country)
Maaring kulang din ang aking kaalaman (Maybe I also lack in knowledge)
Sa iba't ibang daing ng ating sambayanan (About the different sighs of this nation)

[Repeat CHORUS]

Ngunit dahil ba kulang pa'ng aking karanasan (But is it becuase of insufficient experience?)
At marami pa 'kong dapat pag-aralan (and I still have a lot to learn)
Ang pag-ibig ba nila'y 'di ko kayang pantayan (Can't I give love the way others do?)
Para sa 'kin ito'y isang maling kaisipan (For me this is a wrong notion)

Ang pag-ibig sa bayang kinagisnan (The love to our motherland)
Ay sa puso at hindi sa isip lang (is felt by the heart, not only in mind)
Ito'y nararamdaman at hindi napag-aaralan (This is felt and not learned)
Ito'y walang kinikilalang edad kailanman (It knows no age)

sabi nila - agaw - agimat