My friend wrote to me the other day telling me how worried he was when he heard about the flood that happened here in the Philippines. We used to work together, you know. This was one of the songs he sent me via email while I was "trying to push" the agents get more job done during our shift. We worked together in a call center business. He represented our client and we regularly talked on the phone.

I had to leave work and pursue my law school. We parted ways but remained to be friends. All I have is this song to remind me of him and of course, my iPod which I got from him. He emailed me the other day saying that although he seldom write to me, he will always be a friend. That was really sweet. He is truly sweet, you know.

I was out of my head when one time I ringed him, I didn't realize that we belong to different time zones, so ended waking him up at 4 in the morning. I hugely apologized for that mistake. It was so embarrassing! Imagine waking somebody up very early in the morning just to say "hi" and a few chit-chat maybe. That is one difficulty of having a friend from a different time zone.


Lyrics of the song Push It I copied from youtube

Ah, push it
Ah, push it

Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby
Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby

Get up on this!

Ow! Baby!
Salt and Pepa's here!

[Now wait a minute, y'all
This dance ain't for everybody
Only the sexy people
So all you fly mothers, get on out there and dance
Dance, I said!]

Salt and Pepa's here, and we're in effect
Want you to push it, babe
Coolin' by day then at night working up a sweat
C'mon girls, let's go show the guys that we know
How to become number one in a hot party show
Now push it

Ah, push it - push it good
Ah, push it - push it real good
Ah, push it - push it good
Ah, push it - p-push it real good

Hey! Ow!
Push it good!

Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby
Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby

Yo, yo, yo, yo, baby-pop
Yeah, you come here, gimme a kiss
Better make it fast or else I'm gonna get pissed
Can't you hear the music's pumpin' hard like I wish you would?
Now push it

Push it good
P-push it real good

Ah, push it
Get up on this!

Boy, you really got me going
You got me so I don't know what I'm doing

Ah, push it

I was trying to find the music from imeem but to no avail. I just hope you know or still remember this song despite its absence in the airwaves lately. I do have a CD although I haven't synched it yet with my ipod, which I regularly use. I was trying to get a song from my past and this popped up.

This was a song contest piece of my brother's peers when we were still kids. Every summer break, which is from April to May, we spend our vacation with our very generous aunt in Manila. They lovingly accommodated us, most especially my eldest brother whom they have vocally acknowledged to be their favorite. Ooops, I'm done with bitterness okay? Of course his sibling envied him especially that all attention are in him. We had a lot of fun as kids too. It was my first "immersion" with Manila kids (as compared to kids from the province, that is from prim and proper to an urchin. Ahh, I just don't know what is the appropriate word for that.)

In the province, we were raised to wake up early in the morning. You should get off the body before the sun shows its rays; we eat breakfast together and we seldom have hotdog on the breakfast table. We had omelet, most of the time. Those kinds of breakfast table that I seldom eat now nor the kids of the new generation wouldn't appreciate. Then again, we eat dinner at around 5PM then we stayed inside the house before the bats start to hover above us. We don't live in caves, alright? I just remember seeing bats, few of them, I now wondered where they were heading.

In Manila, however, hotdog is a breakfast must! Kids tend to rise up any time they want, even when sun rays are all over their face. They manage to bear the heat of the sun in their face, plus the thought that they remain asleep despite the brightness of the sun. Likewise, kids eat anytime, regardless of who they eat with or they eat alone. That same scenario also happens in any meals of the day. And here's what really got me: kids in Manila get to enjoy the games in the evening when all the street lights are on minus the vehicles traversing the populate streets or "eskinitas" of Manila. It was an experience of a lifetime: to be able to play in the evening!

One particular evening that my brother's peers were all out was that one fiesta moment. I think it was a celebration on the feast of St. Thomas happening every May. There was a singing contest and one contestant is Maricel. I still don't know how to appreciate music then. I was just amazed with the idea that a friend of my brother would join a contest, which would I unlikely do. I don't even know a single dance step before.

Perhaps, I was just raised conservatively or I was just to afraid to explore, like a chick who's always beneath hear parent's wings. This was an eye-opener to me and since I am, as I always was, a slow learner, I started spreading my wings, the way Manila kids do. Was I proud? Do I really have to rejoice that I somehow adapted their culture? Why not? I am now a blend of city/province girl, to complain is of no moment.

As a final word: regardless of our upbringing, we are one.

==================================
Will You Still Love Me lyrics

Take me as I am
Put your hand in mine now and forever
Darling here I stand, stand before you now
Deep inside I always knew
It was you, you and me
Two hearts drawn together bound by destiny
It was you and you for me
Every road leads to your door
Every step I take for evermore
Just say you love me for the rest of your life
I gotta lot of love and I don't want to let go
Will you still love me for the rest of my life?
'Cause I can't go on
No, I can't go on
I can't go on
If I'm on my own
Take me as I am
Put your heart in mine, stay with me forever
'Cause I am just a man who never understood
I never had a thing to prove
'Till there was you
You and me
Then it all came clear so suddenly
How close to you that I wanna be
Just say you love me for the rest of your life
I gotta lot of love and I don't wan to let go
Will you still love me for the rest of my life?
'Cause I can't go on
No, I can't go on
I can't go on
If I'm on my own
Do you believe a love could run so strong?
Do you believe a love could pass you by?
There was no special one for me
I was the lonely one, you see
But then my heart lost all control
Now you're all that I know
Just say you love me for the rest of your life
I gotta lot of love and I don't wan to let go
Will you still love me for the rest of my life?
'Cause I can't go on
No, I can't go on
I can't go on
If I'm on my own
I can't go on
No, I can't go on
'Cause I can't go on (Will you still love me?)
No, I can't go on (Just say you love me)
I can't go on
Without somebody I can call my own
'Cause I can't go on (Will you still love me?)
No, I can't go on (Just say you love me)
Just stay around
'Cause I can't go on (Will you still love me?)
No, I can't go on (Just say you love me)
I can't go on
If you could say your love
'Cause I can't go on (Will you still love me?)
No, I can't go on (Just say you love me)
Stay around, you'll never be alone

I was on my way home. I remembered when I was still in Manila, I loved this song. My friend and I even watched Keith Martin (side by side with Arnie Hidalgo, a local singer, sister of the equally talented singer Jeffrey Hidalgo) when he was the guest artist at Ratsky's (it's a bar in Manila apparently owned by the actor/singer Randy Santiago). The song was just so full of love... and so much so that I felt so hard with that song, there was a time I brushed it aside... Like I switch to the other radio station when this song is played. Imagine that!

When one is in love, at least I'm talking for myself, there are songs you play over and over and over again. I never get tired. I still play them until now. The same is not true with this song. I lived not hearing this song for more than 2 years. I heard it again the other night and so I remembered I used to love this song. Maybe I just got pissed off with the singer himself or I wasn't really impressed when I watched him that night. Either of the two.

But the song is really nice because someone changed my life... so that is because of you. Thank you.

======================
If ever you wondered if you touched my soul, yes you do.
Since I met you I'm not the same. You bring life to everything I
do. Just the way you say hello. With one touch I can't let go.
Never thought I'd fall in love with you.

Because of you. My life has changed. Thank you for the love
and the joy you bring. Because of you I feel no shame. I'll tell
the world it's because of you.

Sometimes I get lonely and all I gotta do is think of you. You
captured something inside of me. You make all of my dreams
come true. It's not enough that you love me for me. You reached
inside and touched me internally. I love you best explains how
I feel for you.

Because of you. My life has changed. Thank you for the love
and the joy you bring. Because of you I feel no shame. I'll tell
the world it's because of you.

The magic in your eyes, true love I can't deny. When you hold
me I just lose control. I want you to know that I'm never letting
go. You mean so much to me, I want the world to see it's
because of you.

Because of you. My life has changed. Thank you for the love
and the joy you bring. Because of you I feel no shame. I'll tell
the world it's because of you. My life has changed. Thank you for the love and
joy you bring. Because of you I feel no shame.
I'll tell the world it's because of you

Because Of You - Keith Martin

This is the theme sound of the Philippine's version of Pinoy Big Brother, first edition/season. I am not really sure how it was titled because I really didn't have time watching it. I used to work in the call center and that means, working on a graveyard shift, when such TV Series was aired the same time I was busy on the phone -answering or dialling.

That is why this song is more of my call center account than that TV show. Some of my office mates manage to watch it during their day-offs. I was just listening to their stories. Nevertheless, our team in the call center performed during a Christmas Party in our office and this was our background music. It was awesome! Imagine showing off your moves (my team mates in the presentation) wearing a cowboy costume. Ahh! It was one of those best experiences during my Manila Adventures.

It was a costume party and guess who won best in costume for female employees? Right! None others. Hurray! I won! I will try to search for my pictures back then... I hope they are still available.

Here is the song and my translation.
================================
Lahat tayo mayroon pagkakaiba madalang makikita na (Everyone of us has difference)
Iba't ibang kagustuhan ngunit isang patutunguhan (Different desires but only one direction)
Gabay at pagmamahal ang hanap ko (guidance and love/affection is my quest)
Pagbibigay ng halaga sa iyo (To give importance to you)
Nais mong ipakilala kung sino ka man talaga (You want to introduce who you really are)

Chorus:
Pinoy, ika'y Pinoy (Pinoy, you are Pinoy)
Ipakita sa mundo kung ano ang kaya mo (Show the world your abilities)
Ibang-iba Pinoy (Pinoy is very different)
Wag kang matatakot, ipagmalaki mo (Don't be afraid, be proud)
Pinoy ako, Pinoy tayo (I am Pinoy, we are Pinoys)

Ipakita mo ang tunay at kung sino ka (Show the real and who you truly are)
Mayroon masasama at maganda (There are bad and pretty)
Wala naman perpekto (Nobody is perfect)
Basta magpakatotoo (Just be real)
Gabay at pagmamahal ang hanap mo (Guidance and love is your quest)
Pagbibigay ng halaga sa iyo (what is important to you)
Nais mong ipakilala kung sino ka man talaga (You want to introduce who you truly are)

Pinoy, ika'y Pinoy (Pinoy, you are Pinoy)
Ipakita sa mundo kung ano ang kaya mo (Show the world your abilities)
Ibang-iba Pinoy (Pinoy is very different)
Wag kang matatakot, ipagmalaki mo (Don't be afraid, be proud)
Pinoy ako, Pinoy tayo (I am Pinoy, we are Pinoys)

Talagang ganyan ang buhay (Life is really like that)
Dapat ka nang masanay (You should get accustomed to it)
Wala rin mangyayari kung laging nakikibagay (Nothing will happen if you always comform)
Ipakilala ang iyong sarili (Introduce yourself)
Ano man sa iyo ang mangyari lagi mong iisipin (WHatever happens to you, always remember)
Kayang kayang gawin (You can do it)

Pinoy, ika'y Pinoy (Pinoy, you are Pinoy)
Ipakita sa mundo kung ano ang kaya mo (Show the world your abilities)
Ibang-iba Pinoy (Pinoy is very different)
Wag kang matatakot, ipagmalaki mo (Don't be afraid, be proud)
Pinoy ako, Pinoy tayo (I am Pinoy, we are Pinoys)

Pinoy Ako (Minus One) - Orange & Lemons

This was a background music of McDonald's old TV commercial. It was sung by a Pilipino artist I admire, together with the rest of the artists who use their music in declaring love for the nation. I find Noel Cabangon as a nationalist artist. He was the composer of the song Tatsulok, popularized by another Pilipino artist Bamboo.

I tried to translate this song in English, in the nearest possible translation I can think of. It was a challenge to translate the word "panahon" because in tagalog (or Filipino dialect) the word either means "time" or "weather". I found the former to be most fitting translation for the song.

I was still living in Quezon city when I first saw this artist. I came to appraciate him more when our parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus, was able to invite Noel during a show or concert of all the church choirs. Two of my closests friends worked with the parish and that is where we go to during Sundays in Kamuning. My friend and I watched the concert, staged inside the church. The presentation was great!

Noel Cabangon sang this song live accompanied by his own guitar. It was really marvelous. There I learned that prior to being a popular singer, he used to be a parishoner of that church and he spent most of his childhood days in Kamuning area. Perhaps, he was even referring to Kamuning, as his "cradle" when he sang this song.
I am not really sure but one thing is guaranteed: he is a good artist and it's too hard not to admire him.
>>>>>> end <<<<<<

LYRICS OF KANLUNGAN
Pana-panahon ang pagkakataon (Time is chance)
Maibabalik ba ang kahapon? (Can we bring back yesterday?)

Natatandaan mo pa ba (Do you still remember?)
Nang tayong dal'wa ang unang nagkita? (When we last saw each other)
Panahon ng kamusmusan (Age of childhood and innocence)
Sa piling ng mga bulaklak at halaman (In the company of flowers and plants)
Doon tayong nagsimulang mangarap at tumula (There we started to dream and create poems)

Natatandaan mo pa ba (Do you still remember?)
Inukit kong puso sa punong mangga (The heart that I etched in mango tree)
At ang inalay kong gumamela (And the flower I gave)
Magkahawak-kamay sa dalampasigan (Holding hands at the sea shore)
Malayang tulad ng mga ibon (free as a bird)
Ang gunita ng ating kahapon (the memories of yesterday)

Ang mga puno't halaman ay kabiyak ng ating gunita (The trees and plants are the spouse of our memories)
Sa paglipas ng panahon (In the passing of time)
Bakit kailangan ding lumisan? (Why do we also have to leave?)

Pana-panahon ang pagkakataon (Time is like chance)
Maibabalik ba ang kahapon? (Can we bring back yesterday?)

Ngayon ikaw ay nagbalik (Now you've returned)
At tulad ko rin ang iyong pananabik (And my eagerness is like yours)
Makita ang dating kanlungan (To see the old cradle/place)
Tahanan ng ating tula at pangarap (The home of our poems and aspirations)
Ngayon ay naglaho na (Now it disappeared)
Saan hahanapin pa? (Where shall we find it?)

Lumilipas ang panahon
Kabiyak ng ating gunita
Ang mga puno't halaman
Bakit kailangang lumisan?

Pana-panahon ang pagkakataon
Maibabalik ba ang kahapon?

Kanlungan - Noel Cabangon

I remember my former boss when one time we got a chance to chat. It was just a very short conversation but it was so full of emotions. He is almost at his retireable age but we talked about his childhood experience with his nanny. He was left with this nanny or "yaya" while his parents are at work. He said, there he was molested. He was traumatized at the very early age of 7 or 8.

I happen to know someone who was a victim of the same fate. She was still very young when it happened to her -she has not even reached the age of 4. She was just surrounded by so much illegal activities: drugs, gambling, alcohol. That was the environment she grew up with. I paid close attention to her story because as a woman myself, I also have nieces who are at the same vulnerable age and might end up on the same plight. This is just too much to bear but I admired her strength.

Instead of hating her parents for raising her up in a well-groomed environment, she protects them. She wouldn't even tell them about this bad event in her life. I would say, her parents would have been her source of strength but she kept the incident from them. I was told to keep this a secret... alright, I'll stop writing now. I just want to express my thoughts on the topic.

By the way, my niece, Ke lin sung loves this song, although I don't think she understands its meaning. I just hope she likes the song for the music, not as a statement towards her parents.

Here is the lyrics:
I will not make the same mistakes that you did
I will not let myself cause my heart so much misery
I will not break the way you did
You fell so hard
I learned the hard way, to never let it get that far

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side
So I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

I lose my way
And it's not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry
Because I know that's weakness in your eyes
I'm forced to fake a smile, a laugh
Every day of my life
My heart can't possibly break
When it wasn't even whole to start with

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side
So I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

I watched you die
I heard you cry
Every night in your sleep
I was so young
You should have known better than to lean on me
You never thought of anyone else
You just saw your pain
And now I cry
In the middle of the night
Over the same damn thing

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I tried my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you
I don't know how to let anyone else in
Because of you
I'm ashamed of my life because it's empty
Because of you
I am afraid

Because of you

Because of you by Kelly Clarkson - Kelly Clarkson

This is the first Stylistic song that I am blogging about and my story about this song is "myfriend". I have a very special friend. He is special because eversince I set foot into my first office, my first step in a government office, he was there to assist me. I confided to him about a lot of things. In turn, he gives me pure wisdom, far better than any wisdom I could pick from all the books.

I'd say that to an extent because he goes beyond my queries but made his answers straight to the point, plus practical suggestions. He is a computer geek you know. A genius for me but when I asked him about life, the office, the kind of people we work with, the present trend... he knows them all. That is why I really look up to him and until now.

What made this song remind me of him? He introduced me to the Stylistics and I never thought they sang this one. He even gave me a list of stylistics songs, I listened to the songs and holla! Most of their songs sounds familiar to me.

I am no longer in the government office. In fact, I am no longer working and have left Manila. But myfriend and I still get in touch. We still have updates with each other. I was saddened when I heard his wife passed away just recently. He is now left with their 2 children but he's happy to tell me that his eldest is now self-sufficient and has grown to be like his dad - a techy person!

For you myfriend!

This is the lyrics of the song:
There's a spark of magic in your eyes
Candyland appears each time you smile
Never thought that fairy tales came true
But they come true when I'm near you
You're a genie in disguise
Full of wonder and surprise

And betcha by golly, wow
You're the one that I've been waiting for forever
And ever will my love for you keep growin' strong
Keep growin' strong

If I could I'd catch a falling star
To shine on you so I'll know where you are
Order rainbows in your favorite shade
To show I love you, thinking of you
Write your name across the sky
Anything you ask I'll try, `cause

Betcha by golly, wow
You're the one that I've been waiting for forever
And ever will my love for you keep growin' strong
Keep growin' strong

Betcha by golly, wow
You're the one that I've been waiting for forever
And ever will my love for you keep growin' strong
Keep growin' strong

Betcha by golly, wow
You're the one that I've been waiting for forever
And ever will my love for you

Betcha by golly wow - Stylistics

I once lived in a boarding house full of nurses. It was a pad meant for 5 people and 4 out of the 5 were nurses. I was the “ugly duckling” so to speak. Living with them was really amazing. We lived together as if we were one family, one peer, one in gimmick. Of course, we had remarkable gimmick when we had the same day-off from work. We would have pizza, beer or coffee and the videoke mic cannot be missed.

This is the song that would remind me of those days. I used to sing this song but really didn’t paid much attention most especially on the Rap part. Mathel like this song which she thought I really know full well how to sing it. I didn't. But each time we turn the mic on, in every leisure time we had, she always play this song. Somehow, she was able to learn it from her co-workers and she would come home, play the videoke mic and let us sing it. We tried to perfect the song, and we only succeeded a little.

Mathel is now in another country. We still get in touch every now and then but one thing is very sure to happen: this song will remind me of my nurse named Mathel.

For you girl...

Bohemian rhapsody - Queen

I'm sure you have heard of this song. I know I heard this song before but I only came to know about its title when my nurse-dorm mate played it on the videoke machine and sang it. Was I glad I shared house with my nurses? Who wouldn't when we likewise share our interest in music, movies, beer, pizza and sleep?

I am talking here about my friend Cha, who is now in Canada. She came from a wealthy family from Bacolod and went to Manila to find work. Her brothers were there too, but the guys were not our housemates. Anyway, she is also the type who would arrive home, turn on the aircon, play the music, wash her uniform then go to sleep. For me she is an epitome of a hard working person who never gets tired of exploring other things in life. She is also full of love and the kind of person I know who would fight for her right and even for her friends. She is likewise a symbol of strength.

We seldom see each other now but last time I heard from her, her brother is now a lawyer... (which I hope I would become someday). She is still in Canada and when I thought of her, I just thought I would blog about her favorite videoke piece. I would sure want to write some more about her but I have to ask permission first.

I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She's coming in 12:30 flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way,
Hoping to find some long forgotten words or ancinet melodies
He turned to me as if to say, Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you

It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what's right
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serangetti
I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become

It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you

It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa, I passed some rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa, I passed some rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Africa - Toto

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 an old song, a hit in the 70s perhaps but it sure reminds me of Gelo, my 10-year old friend, neighbor from Tandang Sora (Quezon City, Philippines). He is the young boy who loved the song by America, which is relatively an "institution" when it comes to music because they have been around for some decades already.

I am not sure if Gelo really understands the lyrics of it or what's in the song that draws him near it. I would say maybe because her mom loves this band and he is what we call a "mama's boy". However, in that particular album by America, this is the only song that he keeps on playing on the cd player.

I, for one, got interested with this song because it caught the attention of a young kid. I have heard of this song long ago, and keeps hearing it played over the radio for quite sometime, but to him, this is like a magnet to his ears.

Oh boy, I miss this kid. I haven't really seen him for over a year now. I hope he still remembers me.


Here's the lyrics:
Sometimes late when things are real
And people share the gift of gab between themselves
Some are quick to take the bait
And catch the perfect prize that waits among the shelves

But Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn't, didn't already have
And Cause never was the reason for the evening
Or the tropic of Sir Galahad.

So please believe in me
When I say I'm spinning round, round, round, round
Smoke glass stain bright color
Image going down, down, down, down
Soapsuds green like bubbles

Oh, Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn't, didn't already have
And Cause never was the reason for the evening
Or the tropic of Sir Galahad

So please believe in me
When I say I'm spinning round, round, round, round
Smoke glass stain bright color
Image going down, down, down, down
Soapsuds green like bubbles

No, Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn't, didn't already have
And Cause never was the reason for the evening
Or the tropic of Sir Galahad

So please believe in me