The Chronicles of my Life

Anti-con ass Songs

2009-07-01T11:42:00.002+08:00

Since I can't get myself doing my thesis, might as well devote my time to something useful... :D

Cha!
Original: Legs by Hagibis

Cha! Cha!

Impyerno ay nagliliyab
Pag kayo ay nagsesesyon
Sa tuwing magsasalita
Ang ating mga kongresista

Wag n'yo naman kaming lokohin
Wag n'yo naman kaming gaguhin
Ginagalit n'yo ako't pinanggigigil
Ginagalit n'yo ako't pinanggigigil
Ginagalit n'yo ako, ginagalit n'yo ako!

KORO:
Chachacha n'yo ay panloloko
Chachacha n'yo ay pangungurakot
Chachacha, kayo ay mga tuta
Ni Gloria
(Ulitin)

Sa tuwing ipapasa
House Resolution 1103
Taumbayan mag-aalsa
Pag ito'y ipinilit pa

(Ulitin ang ikalawang talata at koro)

Nograles, siya ay maka-con-ass
Villafuerte, siya ay maka-con-ass
Abante, siya ay maka-con-ass
, siya ay maka-con-ass

Con-ass na panloloko
Con-ass, daan patungong
Con-ass, pang term extension
Con-ass, ni Gloria Arroyo
(Ulitin)

(Ulitin ang con-ass... este ang Koro)

--------------------

Kawatan
Original: Katawan by Hagibis

Lingon agad pag may pulitikong dumaan
Lalo na pag may kasamang bodyguard
At sila'y nakakalokong tingnan

Kaming lahat naghihirap ng lubusan
Wala kaming sariling mga tirahan
Hindi pa rin nakatikim ng ginhawa

KORO:
Mahilig kayo sa kurakutan
Mga kickback inyong nakikita
Lalo na ang mga pork barrel n'yo

Lumalabas ang inyong pagkademonyo
Pag mayroong mga kontratang malalaki
Lalo na pag ang may-ari ay foreigner

(Ulitin ang ikalawang talata at koro)

Kawatan, kawatan, kawatan, kawatan, oh kawatan!(2x)
Kawatan, kawatan, bitayin ang inyong (8x)

(Ulitin ang koro)

Kawatan, kawatan, kawatan, kawatan, oh kawatan!(5x)
Kawatan, kawatan, bitayin ang inyong (ulitin hanggang mamatay silang lahat)

-------------------------------

Lutong Gloria
Original: Lutong Bahay by Parokya ni Edgar

Okey talaga ang luto ng inyong ina
Kami'y naduduwal sa cooking ng ina n'yo
Human rights violation
NBN-ZTE Deal

Di kami aatras, kasi ubod ng sama
Ng cooking ng ina n'yo
Cooking ng ina n'yo

Laging mahusay ang kickback n'yo sa bahay
Na dulot ng inyong itay (Mike: I love you mikey!)
Kinilaw na halalan sa tanghali
Meryenda n'yo sinigang na con-ass

Kakaibang mga sangkap, kaya ubod ng sama
Putahe ng ina n'yo, putahe ng ina n'yo

Lagi akong dadayo
Upang makirally sa inyo
Ako'y magse-self quarantine
Basta't wag makatikim ng cooking ng ina mo

Cooking ng ina mo, ang sama ng cooking
Cooking ng ina mo
Napakasama ng cooking
Cooking ng ina n'yo

--------------------------------

Con Ass
Original: Combined Chikinini by Parokya ni Edgar and Banal na Aso by Yano

May isang babae na mahilig sa con-ass
Napapagbalitaang isang mandurugas
Bababa sana sa 2010, kaso baka maudlot pa
Kasi pwede namang, tumakbo siyang kongresista

KORO:
Banal na gloria, santong arroyo
Naduduwal ako...
Banal na gloria, santong arroyo
Naduduwal ako... sa yo!

May kongresista na isang lalaki
Hiningan ng pabor ng isang babae
Pasensya na baka ako'y maagawan
"Sumunod ka na lang" sabi ng babae
"Talagang di ba pwede?"
Tinanggal sa pwesto ang lalaki!

(Ulitin ang koro)

chacha conass, chacha, conass
putang inang con ass

Anuman ang inyong ginagawa sa inyong kaalyado
siya ring ginagawa mo sa amin
Anuman ang inyong ginagawang panloloko sa amin
Ciento porciento bistado sa amin

No to Con-Ass!

2009-06-24T07:26:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was SSD Day... Haaaay... I miss the days I go to school regularly...

Our professor was supposed to check our SSD Docu, the one I finalized, but she said I don't need to. Afterwhich, I was going to meet my groupmate somewhere but heavy rains keep me stalled. I just strolled through our main campus and stumbled through with this:

This is a signature campaign to stop constituent assembly (con-ass). According to Kuya Ryan, they are targeting 1 million signatures before July 27(?)... not sure with the date, but it's the President's State of the Nation Address. And before ate Jessie tell me, I already grabbed my pen and signed it right away.

Stop Con-Ass!

Two Songs on a Rainy Day... Bwahahahahahaaaa... achoo!

2009-06-05T10:33:00.000+08:00

Miyerkules ng hapon, naisipan kong mag-ensayo ng keyboard. Habang nasa kasagsagan ako ng pag-eensayo, dumilim ang paligid, at bumuhos ang napakalakas na ulan... Epekto ng global financial crisis... este global climate change pala...

Seriously... gusto ko talaga gumawa ng kanta ng araw na iyon... Hindi pa umuulan ng ma-conceptualize ko ang Chandes, isang awiting masasabi kong pang-umaga. Ang "Chandes" ay isang tapsilugan na matatagpuan sa kanto ng Alvares, malapit sa Bambang. Naisip ko na gawin itong mala-"Morning Dance" ng Spyro Gyra, ayon na rin sa konsepto na gusto kong ipahiwatig. Kasi nga naman, ang tapsilog kinakain kadalasan kapag umaga.

Ikalawa naman ang "Falling In Love With Raindrops." Nako-conceptualize ko na siya noong minsang umuwi ako at nagpapakabasa sa ulan. Haha... Eh biglang umulan habang ginagawa ko ang Chandes. Tinapos ko ang Chandes, at sinimulan na ang "Falling..." Ito ang ikalawa kong komposisyon na may kinalaman sa kalikasan, una na dito ang "Falling Leaves." Ang awiting "Falling In Love With Raindrops" ay pinaghalong lovesong at pangkalikasang awitin. Hahaha...

----

P.S.

Tsaka ko na lang iku-kwento kung bakit naman "Chandes" ang naisip kong ipangalan sa kantang iyon... Haha...

Interview 1

2009-05-13T20:40:00.001+08:00

Musta naman... matagal na rin ako hindi nakakapag-Internet... Haaaayyy...

Eto ang ginagawa ko 'pag nabo-bored ako... Ini-interview ang sarili ko.

--------

Ano ba talaga ang gusto mong gawin sa buhay mo?
- Gusto ko maging isang magaling na musikero. Yun lang.

Eh ano ang ginagawa mo ngayon?
- Nag-aaral, bilang isang programmer at IT specialist

Bakit iba ang ginagawa mo sa gusto mong gawin?
- Hahahahaaaa... achoo! Eh sa yun ang dapat mangyari eh. Kumbaga may nasimulan ka na... actually 4 years na ako sa propesyon ko bilang isang estudyante ng IT. Kailangan lang tapusin, mas maganda daw ang tapos... at least hindi ako babagsak sa pagko-call center since graduate ako ng IT.

Eh paano na ang pangarap mong pagiging musikero?
- Gusto kong maging musikero pero maraming hadlang.

Tulad ng?
- Numero uno na itong pag-aaral na ito. Tapos may napakasupportive kang magulang... basta hindi related sa music suportado niya. Ayos!

Musta naman ang pagiging propesyonal na estudyante mo?
- Eto, pilit minomotivate ang sarili para matapos na ang lahat ng ito. Haaaay... minsan nga gusto ko na lang maglaho parang bula, pero hindi maaari; haharap at haharap ka pa rin sa problema

Hindi ka motivated?
- Sabihin na nating oo... may mga oras na motivated ako, meron ding hindi... pero pag namo-motivate ako, dahil iyon sa namomotivate din ako musically...

Pa'no nangyari iyon?
- Kunwari may choir practice... mga ganun... kumbaga, pagco-choir na lang ang nagiging outlet ng music ko eh...

Pagcho-choir na lang... what does it mean?
I want to be in a jazz fusion band... and choral singing is quite far from a jazz fusion band.

Di ba kailangang marami ka ng alam sa music bago ka tumugtog ng mga jazz?
- OO naman. Kaya pinag-iisipan ko na rin ang pagpasok sa conservatory. Kung hindi pumasa, papatusin ko na ang ibang mga offerings sa music, basta makakatulong. Kasi nababasa ko na ang mga kilala't tinitingala kong mga jazz fusion artists, pumasok sa conservatory, o di kaya'y may matinding background sa musika.

Eh mahal ang pagpasok sa mga conservatory, kahit sa mga short courses...
- Kaya nga gusto ko ng high-paying job na kokonti lang ang ginagawa... at least yung spare time ko mailalaan ko sa pag-aaral ng musika. At hindi ako magkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng trabaho kung hindi ako tapos ng aral... Haaaaayyy buhay...

Eh kung pumalpak ka na naman ngayon?
- Tutuparin ko ang pangarap kong maging musikero, at walang makakahadlang sa akin. Pero alam ko na pag hindi ako nagtapos, siguradong mas mahirap na daan ang tatahakin ko dahil hindi ako makakahanap ng trabahong gusto ko.

Ano na ang balak mo ngayon?
- Haaaaay... Wala ako'ng masyadong options, at pinakamagandang option na ang pagtatapos ng aral nitong IT. Tungkol sa pagiging "supportive" ng magulang ko, well, makikipag-jam pa rin ako sa mga kabanda ko, mag-eensayo pa rin ako sa choir... pero as of this moment, top priority muna ang aral. Haaaay...

Final message:
- Salamat sa interview na ito... kahit papaano na-motivate ako na mag-aral ng IT.

10 May 2009 0009
Muntinlupa City, Philippines

Padre Millon's Class... Today

2009-03-23T09:15:00.001+08:00

There is a chapter in El Filibusterismo, entitled, “Ang Klase ng Pisika” The protagonist is the student Placido Penitente (as his name implies, he’s good-natured and apologetic) and their physics teacher was Padre Millon, who teaches physics like philosophy. In this particular chapter, Rizal is confronting the manner the Spaniards are educating the Filipinos. Aside from Padre Millon’s “teaching technique,” the laboratory and apparatus are for display only, even the blackboard is not used. How can someone properly learn physics without using any scientific instrument at all?

And for nearly two centuries after Rizal wrote Noli Me Tangere, some, if not all, teachers are still teaching the Padre Millon way. The education system still has many problems, and the government didn’t care much about the importance of education. What a way to pay tribute to Jose Rizal!

There’s still a huge need for modern classrooms, textbooks if not enough for students are full of errors. And it’s not all about the physical part of it. Students need competent and dedicated teachers. The curriculum should always be up to date and should satisfy the student’s needs. Your author is a victim himself of incompetent and indifferent teachers. It is as if they just teach for salary. I remember one professor who teaches programming with wrong syntax. The students in our college are like guinea pigs ready for some laboratory testing because of yearly change in curriculum. I believe the same thing happens in other colleges and universities.

Are our classrooms ready for natural calamities? In case the classrooms are used as evacuation centers, how can the school administration ensure that there will be no class interruptions? How about textbooks, is the information accurate and appropriate? Are there enough books for every student?

Are masterals and doctorals enough to evaluate the teachers’ or professors’ competency? How can we determine their dedication in teaching? Can the teacher adapt to the student he/she has? Is the curriculum appropriate for the times?

On the other hand, we shouldn’t forget the teachers, some government officials and the private sector as well that does their part to uplift the situation of our education. TV programs had shown stories of teachers who crossed rivers and walk kilometers of rough roads just to go to school and still didn’t have enough salary for their families. We have our fair share of corrupt government officials but there are some who perform their duty well. And the private sector that donates textbooks, school supplies, and even classrooms, we should thank them even if some of them do this just for publicity.

...

Pag wala akong magawa eto ang nangyayari... hahahahah!

I'm in a Mood for Jazz

2009-03-12T14:54:00.002+08:00

A week after I attended the Jazz Workshop with the Logic Band in Ateneo, I still have hangover on it.

The best lesson I learned during the workshop is to consider the type of audience when you play your adlibs. You have to make your adlib simpler and not too much technical when you have non jazz listeners, but if you have musicians as audience, it's good to have some technicality.

And because of that, I also sort of studying these musical modes... The dorian, phrygmian, ionian (by the way, it's just the Major scale... I was dumbfounded when I found it out...). Aside from studying these, I'm also in the process of reviewing notereading (since i don't read notes that much) and practice piano more often.

I also finished two songs, the Bernice Co tribute "10", and the nationalistic "Isang Awit." I initiated composing two jazzy songs, "Jazz 1" and "Jazz 2" (because I can't find a suitable title for them at the meanwhile.)

14 February 2009

2009-02-16T22:34:00.001+08:00

I think I have the most memorable Valentines of my life. Before this year's Valentines, my only memorable Valentine's day was way back in high school, where I was set up to a blind date to an acquaintance in another section.

I was not set up to a date, nor initiated it whatsoever. I just watched a volleyball game. What's so special about it? UST, my favorite volleyball team won the game, and it set a happy mood to the players after the game. I borrowed a digicam from a friend and had my composition notebook ready for autographs.

UST won against Adamson, 3 sets to 1. MVP Contender Aiza Maizo sizzled for 30 point and she drew ample support from Bernice Co, Rhea Dimaculangan, Maika Ortiz, and Judy Caballejo to put Adamson's Angela Benting's 33 points to naught.

After the game, I went outside the Arena, waiting for the girls to come out. Then there they came. First, it was Aiza Maizo. I already took a picture of her after the game. I just requested her to sign my notebook.

Denise Tan was next... and the people (including me) mobbed her... Definitely because she has the most supporters amongst the UST Women's Volleyball team. In fact, it is because of her why I took interest in volleyball again. I only took a picture of hers since I was too shaky and nervous... And because of that, I didn't notice that her chinita eyes were closed in the picture. She didn't play though, but still very popular...

Then Rhea Dimaculangan came. She's not telegenic, but she's a lot more beautiful in person. And she's a great setter, great enough to snatch Denise Tan's minutes. And I discovered that she's pasmado... My notebook and sign pen were wet, hell I care!

And finally, Bernice Co. She's so beautiful, with or without makeup. And I made sure that I get a photograph with her signature nail polish... I forgot to tell you that she's beautiful. And she signed my notebook... YAY!

Right after I got her signature, I immediately went to Santolan to go home. I wanted to ride a bus but there's none! After a few moments, Bernice with her friends were on the same side of the road with me. Finally a bus came but it's already full. I took the Robinson jeepney, and hey, Bernice's group also rode the same jeepney. I was just too timid and shy... There was a rose vendor but I didn't took the chance...

But anyway, it's a happy day. Well, I still rank my high school blind date as my most memorable Valentine's day, but this year is a good second :D

Ang Karanasan Ko Sa Biyahe Ngayon

2009-02-03T17:27:00.000+08:00

Minsan talaga pag bumibiyahe ako, nabu-bwisit ako sa mga katabi ko...

Tulad na lang ng nakatabi ko kanina, super taba. Tapos siksikan, syempre hindi naman ako makareklamo kasi nga nasa public utility vehicle ako... At ang siste, hindi lang siya ang mataba.

Pagsapit sa Alabang ng bus, marami ang nagsibabaan, pati yung ibang matatabang kahilera namin sa animan. Pero tulog na tulog ang kumag kong katabi. Kinakalabit ko kaso balat kalabaw. Sinasabihan ko pero yung patugtog niya malakas pa sa boses ko. Alanghiya, eh di nagtatatalon ako habang nakaupo. Ayun nakaramdam at umusog naman... hahahaha!

Dapat itong mga matatabang ito nagje-jeta... Maging considerate naman sila sa kapwa pasahero. O kung ayaw nilang magbawas ng timbang, mag-taxi na lang sila... Iyan ay kung kasya sila sa taxi... hahahaha! Sama ng ugali...

Second Language

2009-01-29T16:45:00.001+08:00

Na-eenganyo ako mag-aral ng ibang lenguahe bukod sa English... Ilan sa mga naiisipan ko ay wikang Aleman, Español, at Nihongo. Pero yung nanay ko (sa ika-ilang ulit) pinipilit na naman akong iba ang aralin; gusto niya Mandarin... haaayy...

Sa ngayon ang gusto kong unahing aralin ay ang wikang Español. Ngayon, naghahanap ako ng mga babasahin sa Internet tungkol sa pagbasa at pagsulat sa wikang Español. Sana maging matagumpay ito.

Susubukan kong gumawa ng review sa mga sites na maganda at madali tayong matututo ng wikang Español. Adios A La Patria! :D

Passion

2009-01-28T18:22:00.002+08:00

"Wala kasi kayong passion."
"Dapat, meron kayong passion."
"Passion ang number one na meron kayo dito sa IT industry."

By this words, you know who said this. I mean, who’s the CCMIT professor who always say these things.

Passion is one thing that one must have in order for one person to achieve his goals, however hard it is, whatever road you will take. He’s right, except for one thing. I don’t think I would have the same passion and zeal he has to survive the IT industry for my entire life. This is something I never intended to do for the rest of my life. But why still I continue my studies?

"Bakit ba kayo nag-IT? Para kumita ng pera?"

And my answer, definitely yes!

"Bakit hindi na lang kayo nag-nursing?"

I don’t think I will learn to have passion to care for people I don’t know. No, it’s not that way… Number one, most of my friends are nurses. Number two, I don’t want to stay for 16 hours in a hospital. And number three, patients would not like my service because they expect a handsome guy (or a pretty girl) to attend to them. I should know because that is the ONLY thing I like when I am confined.

Maybe you’re asking yourselves right now: where is my passion?

Music.

Music is what am I doing since I was a kid. Music is what I want to do everyday. Music keeps me going inspite of many hindrances, inspite of many heartbreaks and failures I’ve encountered. Music is where I can give my 110 percent. And music is what I will do as long as I live.

Now, I am going to continue my IT studies for the sake of money, for the sake of living. And when the right time comes, I am going to give my all for music.

Barack Obama's Inaugural Speech

2009-01-21T11:19:00.003+08:00

After watching it late last night (or I should say in the wee hours of the morning), here's US President Barack Obama's Inaugural Speech... I'll post my comments on a separate post :D

My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.

I thank President Bush for his service to our nation as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.

The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.

Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many, and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable, but no less profound, is a sapping of confidence across our land; a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less.

It has not been the path for the faint-hearted, for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame.

Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West, endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died in places Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed.

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.

The state of our economy calls for action: bold and swift. And we will act not only to create new jobs but to lay a new foundation for growth.

We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.

We will restore science to its rightful place and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its costs.

We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.

All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long, no longer apply.

The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works, whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.

Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end.

And those of us who manage the public's knowledge will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched.

But this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control. The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.

The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.

Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations.

Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.

And so, to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.

They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy, guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We'll begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard- earned peace in Afghanistan.

With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet.

We will not apologize for our way of life nor will we waver in its defense.

And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that, "Our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.

We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth.

And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.

And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders, nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.

We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service: a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.

And yet, at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.

It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break; the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.

It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new, the instruments with which we meet them may be new, but those values upon which our success depends, honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old.

These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.

What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence: the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall. And why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day in remembrance of who we are and how far we have traveled.

In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by nine campfires on the shores of an icy river.

The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood.

At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words; with hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come; let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you.

And God bless the United States of America.

A Review on Casiopea's "Smile Again"

2008-11-05T09:40:00.000+08:00

I made an entry about Casiopea's "Take Me" a long time ago. Well, here's another one from the Japanese Jazz Fusion band. "Smile Again" for me is a complimentary song for "Take Me." If the latter is a tearjerker, "Smile..." makes you smile again (like the title says) and bring back sanity to you.

This is not your ordinary happy song, with happy melodic lines, major chords here and there, and musically anything that can be attributed to happiness. Actually, the song has a persuasive tone, a haunting melody, but when played after "Take Me," will make you smile.

It's not only because Smile Again is a happy song. If you play these two side by side, you can see that there's a striking similarity. They seem to have a single theme. Take Me, like what I've said in the previous entry, is about pleading someone to love him but failed. Smile Again, on the other hand, is just like saying, "hey, it's alright. life goes on."

And by the way, I might forget to mention that they both ended with a question mark.

Smile Again is included in the album, "Cross Point" released in 1981, with Issei Noro on guitars, Minoru Mukaiya on keyboards, Tetsuo Sakurai on bass, and Akira Jimbo on drums.

Diary Entry of 27102008 and 29102008 (Edited Version)

2008-11-01T17:57:00.001+08:00

Well, I said before that I will be posting on Filipino because my intention at that time is to put my whole diary entry for October 27 and 29, which is on Filipino. However, I think I have mentioned too many names. That's why I'll be posting a heavily edited version.

It's all about this, what happened last Sunday. I'm a church keyboardist and I was asked to teach a Psalm for 6 pm mass to a soloist, which I and the music ministry head is tasked to find. Our choir's soloists were not available. We tried to ask for the soloist of another choir, but to no avail. Then to my surprise, the music ministry head called me and said that the soloist will be no less than... my long time crush.

We set our practice at 3:30 in the afternoon. However, she didn't come on time because, apparently, she didn't know about this. She came back from Indonesia just last night. She arrived at 5:00 pm. Enough time to practice eh. But it's worth the wait.

Oh boy, she's beautiful. Well, not in par with my other crushes but... maybe just right. She doesn't really look different, except that she got thinner and her hair is now curled. But anyway... And I forgot to tell you she's taller than me (I don't know, maybe it's just her high heels 'cause I believe that we have the same height...).

But what I liked the most is that she didn't changed. She's the same kind person I know before she left: jolly, kind, humble. And her vocal quality, still the same. I don't know what kind of songs she sings to their guests (she's a lounge singer in a hotel) but the quality hasn't waned a bit.

The psalm I taught her is the one from the misalette. Unlike last Friday night, which I composed the whole psalm, I don't have the luxury of time to compose. And one more thing, I taught her without the aid of a keyboard, proving that she has a great sense of tune. Come 6pm mass, the rendition, according to reliable sources, is good.

-end of the first part-

This is now the second part. I saw her in SM with her mom Wednesday afternoon. She's leaving for Seoul the next day and will not be here for Christmas (awwwwtttsss...).

Actually, it's not about that. She's available, and me, obviously. We both serve the Church. She sings, I play the keyboard. What a perfect match! Kidding aside, it's a matter of proper timing, and I believe this is not the right time. She's very successful with her gigs outside the country, and me, still a struggling student. And even musically, I'm not that successful yet.

Now, what I'm trying to do these past few days is to change myself in order to achieve my goals. I made a timetable of what to achieve for the remaining days of this year and for 2009 and 2010. I want to be a success before I go up and ask her.

When I get inspired, I usually get the best tune out of my mind. I've composed two songs for this event.

"Homecoming" is a song about the return of your loved one to your mother country, and the inevitable fact that she's leaving again. This is in A scale.

"Araw-araw" is about courting someone, the hesitation and the motivation of courting someone. This is in G scale with a transposition in A. Anyway, this is still the tentative title because I can't find a suitable title for this song.

I had already a plan when I ask her. One of my choirmates (preferably *****) will bring her to the open lot in the nearby Sports Center, where me and my other choirmates are set up. Then, we will sing "Everyday" by James Taylor. 1st stanza would be for ***, 2nd for *******, 3rd for ******, and the fourth for ******. The first three singers will give a flower each, then the fourth one will be switching his bouquet to me. Then I will sing the remaining parts. Afterwhich, I will be singing "Araw-araw." What a battleplan.

Whew, enough of this for now. I'll be keeping this battleplan for now. I better prepare and brace myself for this battle.

Ang Kauna-unahang Post ko sa Wikang Filipino

2008-10-28T23:09:00.001+08:00

(Note: This is my first-ever post in Filipino. Sorry but I can't resist posting in my language... And this is very personal that I can't say in English)

Wala lang, naisipan ko lang mag-post sa Filipino. Sa totoo lang, masaya ako ngayong linggong ito... Derechuhin na natin, pakiramdam ko kumpleto na ang buong taon ko... Haaaay...

Hintayin n'yo na lang ang susunod kong post... sa Filipino ulit :D

Milk na May Lamang Melamine

2008-10-07T20:23:00.002+08:00

I'm an avid fan of Jojo Alejar's late night show, "The Good Night Show with Jojo A." And with the advent of the milk with Melamine issue, he has conceived a tongue twister:

"Milk na may laman na melamine"

Repeat after me:

Milk na may laman na melamine
Milk na may laman na melamine
Milk na may laman na melamine
Milk na may laman na melamine
Milk na may laman na melamine
Milk na may laman na melamine!!! Enjoy!

Of Forums and Resuming Posting

2008-10-01T23:01:00.001+08:00

Whew, it has been a while since my last post...

I became too busy with studies, still with no success. Same old me, lacking inspiration, lacking motivation, laging walang focus... (very opposite in terms of music: inspired, motivated, focused, and plays with passion.)

What's my post all about? Oh, yes... It's about creating a forum site, the focus of which is music. I have some technical background on maintaining the technical aspects of the site, I have musical background (of course), and I have friends to help me set up the site. My problem is having a host.

Of course, I want a free hosting since I still have no job. However, I cannot advertise on them, unlike those hosts with payment... Ahhhh... What shall I do?

What would you do? Wait.

The User-friendly Post

2008-09-24T23:45:00.000+08:00

You really find your true friends when you're in trouble.

True friends will never abandon you no matter what. True friends will do their best, or at the very least try to help you cope up with your difficulties. True friends will never cease to believe in you.

Take my case. Actually our case. We were six in a group in our Systems Development class, one is on his last sem because if he fails this subject, he can never go back to the university. We have 3 subsystems to develop, two persons for each. Me and my college best bud was assigned to the web-enabled system, and this system is the first to be accessed.

However, due to our lack of knowledge about web programming, we are on the verge of failing the subject. While we and the one on his last semester are trying to do something about the system, the three remaining connived in going to our adviser/professor in SD. The professor told them to either continue or drop our system and develop a desktop replacement. Well the good thing is that they still let us decide. But the manner, on how they told this situation to us is some kind of a crap! They just dumped us and left us with only one option: to withdraw the subject. That's what we've done, we've dropped the subject in order for the one to pass.

I wish that they would pass 'cause I don't want to deal with them anymore.

My Haul at the 2008 Manila International Book Fair

2008-09-17T17:50:00.004+08:00

One of my many hobbies is reading, that is why I didn't miss the chance of going to the 2008 Manila International Book Fair, held at September 12-16 at the SMX Convention Center. One of my churchmates gave me passes for the event, though entrance fee is only PhP10.00 for adults and PhP8.00 for students, librarians, senior citizens (maybe) and children.

Here's what I've got:

(1) Mga Kuko ng Liwanag - Edgardo Reyes

(2) Desaparecidos - Luwalhati Bautista

(3) FHM May 2008 (covergirl: Precious Adona)

(4) Some free magazines in the NCCA Booth

(5) An essay about music from the CCP Booth

(6) Pupung 0 by Tonton Young

(7) Scent of Apples (A collection of Bienvenido Santos' short stories)

I would also like to buy the hardbound Anne Frank book. But I can't since it costs PhP1000.00. Awww... But hey, I've read the book and learned that Anne Frank's whole name is: Annelies Marie Sara Frank...

And I learned a whole lot more through that event. I'll come on the next book fair.

"Bayani" - My First-Ever Songwriting Entry

2008-08-27T23:38:00.002+08:00

It is not my first time to write a song, but this one is special for me, since this would be my first time to enter a song writing contest.

The theme is "Youth: Heroes of Today." And again, this is my first time to write a song about us, youth. (Yes, I still belong to the youth sector) My lyrics is in Filipino, the structure of the song is simpler than my other compositions, and it's not jazzy (read: I didn't play with chords that much). I will submit this composition tomorrow afternoon, and hopefully win the songwriting title on Friday. And oh, I'll be performing this on the same day.

I'll be posting the lyrics after the competition. May my song win.

Lord Erni's Sayings (Part II)

2008-08-25T21:47:00.001+08:00

Hey guys, this is the last part of Lord Erni's sayings... I wasn't able to post it last week since it was the "Ginebra" week...

ON LIFE

“Be yourself, as an example of trust, kindness, and patience. Suffering is always with us. Pray to God always.”

“The family is the centers of heart and the heart is the commander of love.”

“Experiences makes man witty, poets and wise, and or sometimes timid.”

“Love all, trust a few”

“Don’t let loose the dogs of war…”

“Beauty is like a flower,
but the flower that dies when first it begins to bud,
is like a faithful love that died within an hour.”

“My cares today are seldom cares of tomorrow.”

“Once care entered into your heart, the whole possession ere.”

“Sweets are the uses of adversity.”

“The worst men often give the best advice.”

“The good are better made by ill, as odors crushed are sweeter still.”

“Run, if you like, but try to keep your breath.”

“Work like a man, but don’t be worked to death.”

“Sometimes adversity can give best advice.”

“Communication is the transference and understanding of meaning from one person to another.”

“Your actions will not lead us to our common goal.”

“Judgment should be based on the ability to acquire and process inputs, channel out the outputs, and maintain stability and balance.”

“Put equal weight on the means and the ends.”

“Prevent anticipated problems.”

“All the water flow into the sea and yet until now the sea is not fuel.”

“Accept your destiny, as you do your duty. Be satisfied with your position and obey whatever the decision.”

“He who reads history knows the affairs of the ancient.”

“To have done a thing oneself is better than watching others do it;
To have done many mistakes in doing it is better than simply doing it once.”

Game 7 Mini-Recap (Ginebra versus Air21, PBA Fiesta Conference Finals)

2008-08-20T22:50:00.000+08:00

After a grueling series, Barangay Ginebra Kings won the championship against a worthy opponent in Air21 Express in the Game 7 of the PBA Fiesta Conference Finals. With key players not playing or playing injured, the Ginkings put a lot of heart to finally pull it off.

At the start of the game, Ginebra blasted off the Express, 6-0, until the opponents had solved the mini-scoring drought. The Ginkings also lived on second chance opportunities with Chris Alexander and Alex Crisano scoring on putbacks.

Second quarter came, and the Express found a solution to have the game within reach. However, they gave up a lot of fouls, including two flagrant fouls from Homer Se and Wynne Arboleda. Fortunately for them, the Ginkings' freethrow shooting was sour, especially when Paul Artadi and Chris Alexander were on the line.

During the first half, the key players for the Ginkings were the guards; Junthy Valenzuela, Ronald Tubid, and Artadi doing a lot of scoring and energizing the whole team. Commendable performance also from Alexander and Crisano for those rebounds. The score is 46-49 in favor of Ginebra.

Third quarter was the "Eric Menk Show." Major Pain was a monster; his playing reminiscent of his MVP performance. The Express put different looks on him to no avail. Menk was rested for sometime, and Ginebra didn't score (even with Mark Caguioa is on the floor). Then it was Thomas' turn with his three-point plays. Then Valenzuela was injured while committing a turnover, never to play again. Alexander suffered from cramps but managed to return. Menk had 8 points and 5 rebounds in that quarter alone.

Finally, the fourth quarter. Ginebra committed a lot of turnovers, which the Express translated into turnover points. Also, Air21 managed to set up their offense better than the Ginkings, thanks to guys like Arwind Santos and Egay Billiones. To add up Ginebra's woes, Alexander committed his fifth personal foul off Thomas. A Gary David drive grabbed the lead for the Express, and an Arwind Santos dunk put an emphasis on it.

Then it was a seesaw battle for the two teams.

However, Chris Alexander increased Ginebra's lead to three, and never turned back. Aside from scoring crucial points, Alexander's defensive prowess intimidated Air21 offense. Air21 forced their shots and never grabbed any offensive rebound unlike in the early goings of the quarter. It was a freethrow shooting practice for Ginebra as Air21 resorted to fouling players, and they made almost all of it.

At the end of the series, Eric Menk and Ronald Tubid were proclaimed co-Finals MVP, and Menk was the Best Player of the game.

Lord Erni's Sayings (Part I)

2008-08-18T23:05:00.004+08:00

As I do typing jobs for Lord Erni’s book, I stumbled upon some of his quotations and sayings… (Some of these were with sources unknown, but most of these came from him) He might not be Confucius or Mahatma Gandhi, but I find these useful. Let me share some to you.

LORD ERNI

ON LEADERS AND STAFFS

“The ‘path’ has to be laid by the leaders; and the staff has to be assisted in searching the ‘goal’.”

“No orientation to develop a sense of pride and loyalty on the parts of the new staff.”

ON OFFICE PROCEDURES

“Improve your abilities as way of preparing for bigger responsibilities in the future. Would you? Why should you say no?”

“No orientation to avoid future misunderstanding about the office policies, rules, procedures and the like.”

“Description should be from the top to down, rather than the reverse.”

“Programs and specific tasks must carried out effectively and efficiently.”

ON LAW AND GOVERNANCE

“Go to friends for advice; to woman for pity; to strangers for charity; to relatives for nothing.”

“The good needs fear no law.”

“The laws can discover sin, but not remove.”

“Corrupt government is like beer; it tastes good if it’s for free;
An innocent employee is like bread; sometimes expired, but it tastes good.”

ON GOOD BOOKS

“A good book is a precious treasure on purpose to live beyond life.”

“Good books are like men who speak aloud for future times to hear.”

(P.S. I'm going to post his sayings on an installment basis, since this might be too long and tedious to read.)

Chocnut Delight

2008-08-11T18:40:00.002+08:00

Today, as I prepare for the Midterm Departmental Exams tomorrow, I bought a whole pack of Chocnut. You know, I always eat this as I review to keep myself awake.

Aside from being a review companion and perennial favorite, I ate Chocnut whenever I feel depressed. Or maybe for whatever reason. Yes, it's delicious, because of the combination of chocolate and peanut. And a piece costs me only PhP1.50 at most. (A whole pack of 24 pieces costs PhP28.25)

And it keeps you awake, since both chocolate and peanut (or any nut in that concern) releases stimulants.

There are many chocolates in the world. But for me, nothing beats the Filipino's Chocnut.

A Gentle Jazz Afternoon with Olivia

2008-08-03T19:09:00.004+08:00

Last Saturday, I was in SM Southmall to follow-up my OJT documents. After I got all these documents, I was like, I don't want to go back there because of my traumatic OJT experience.

I was roaming the mall, presumably for the last time, then I saw Gentle Jazz by Olivia album tour on the Events Center. I was hesitant to wait. First because the album tour was scheduled at 5 pm and it was 5:30 already. Second, and the most probable reason, because I thought that no one can enter the seating area without buying the album. Then a woman was calling everybody to come in, so I went in.

Though the album itself only has one original song (composed by Olivia herself) out of fifteen songs, the first thing that popped on my mind is that I have this chance to hear jazz live for free!

After waiting for another 15-20 minutes, Olivia finally arrived, and the show began with her rendition of "Sway". It was marred by feedbacks, and I find her very stiff and having difficulty in breathing (maybe because she was fresh from travel; Las Piñas is where traffic jam never ends). But as the program progressed, she became comfortable already.

Olivia's such a joy to watch. She has tremendous energy on the stage. And I believe that she might jump on and off the stage had she not wearing a short dress. (Kung nagtatatalon siya, makikita ng sambayanang Pilipino ang hindi dapat makita... bwahahahahaha!). What I can't understand is that the audience is not appreciative enough. Maybe because they don't listen to Jazz that often, and they don't have the chance to listen to Jazz (compared to music from Cueshe, Spongecola, and all of these rock and pogi rock bands, anyway it's another story) The show started with all seats occupied, the show ended half-full. But at least people watching from 2nd and 3rd floors, and from the sidelines are still there. (baka nahiyang pumasok)

Another thing, she loves to interact with the audience. She even come off the stage and gave the mic to some audience to sing with her. However, she kept on going to her right side. I was seating on her left side, kaya parang nag-tampo ako...

All in all, she sang 16 songs. I cannot recall the titles of all of these, especially the foreign titled ones (because she sang French, Portuguese, and Chinese songs that night). She has also sang Portuguese (?) versions of I Will Survive and Unbreak My Heart. But the songs that really stuck to my mind are Sweet Baby and Oh Lori.

Her version of Sweet Baby is nice. Although the arrangement still sounds like the original, her rendition was nice, very sweet indeed, and I feel joy in that song. Anyway, it is a happy love song and it's a good thing that she gave justice to the song.

Oh Lori, oh Lori... I never imagined Oh Lori to be that funky, and she (and her band) made it oh so funky and oh so groovy.

After the show, I approached her PR to ask for her pictures. She gave Olivia's Friendster and Multiply accounts (sorry guys, these are not her personal accounts) and told me that they will upload it there. She even introduced me to Olivia. Bwahahahahaha! Olivia gave me a whole pizza and signed it. What can I say, she's nice!

Evidences?

Me, Olivia, and her staff

Me and Olivia

Perfect Day

2008-07-31T22:44:00.000+08:00

How unlucky this day was.

First, I only brought PhP140.00 instead of the usual PhP200.00 allowance. Stupid me, I was able to save at least PhP60.00, but gave me headaches on how to make ends meet with that measly amount.

Second, my partner in software development wasn't able to come in our meeting. That's why we weren't able to present our subsystem in the consultation. And we weren't able to do something.

Third, all my transportation woes happened. All that I shared to are people that I don't want to: a fat guy, a beggar, a matron. Luckily, none of them were snatchers or holdupers. I've experienced another headache with a bus conductor because he didn't have change.

And as I get off the bus on the way home, wow, it's like passing on an obstacle course. First, I have to get off the fat guy seatmate, then sweethearts that don't want to be separated with each other. And they were standing at the middle of the passage. I thought after passing on that f*cking sweethearts, I was safe. But I'm not. I almost slipped on the way out as I stepped on a vomited substance.

And finally, I am still outside our house but my mother is already shouting at me. Damn, I know I'm still lucky to come home completely but this day is... I am hopeful this will not be the same tomorrow.

Passion

2008-07-31T07:42:00.000+08:00

I read an article on Philippine Star (actually, the 22nd anniversary issue) about their columnists and their hobbies. Well, of course their first priority is their job, but they have their diversions.

For example, Ana Marie Pamintuan. Who'd ever thought that this hard-hitting columnist and executive editor of the Star has a passion for cooking and baking? How she'd find to do all of these I don't know, but certainly she's serving her passions very well.

But how can I have IT as a profession if my passion lies in music? Can somebody help me 'cause I'm really puzzled.

Beautiful U-Belt Girls

2008-07-25T23:10:00.000+08:00

I didn't went home the usual EDSA way. I went home after school via Lawton. And because I came from PUP, this is the chance for me to see beautiful collegiate girls from U-Belt. Kolehiyalas from CEU, UE, FEU... oh my!

For PUPians, especially the activists, Mendiola used to be a battleground where they state their sentiments to the government. Not now. Because it's "peacetime," Mendiola is a haven of beautiful girls... hahahaha!

Finger

2008-07-16T21:50:00.000+08:00

My finger got sprained (in Filipino terms, na-finger) during a basketball game, and the thing is, the game wasn't finished. Now, I am having a hard time moving it, although it feels much better now. I just hope that this would heal before Saturday since I'll be playing the organ for the Integrated Choir.

Afternoon Sunrise

2008-07-09T00:37:00.000+08:00

I was on the way home Monday afternoon, after a day of grueling activities in the school. Everything was normal; the routine Crossing-Parkhomes route, the air conditioned bus, and the sky was cloudy. There's no traffic jam yet, as I left the school as early as 4 pm.

Yes, everything was normal, except when I saw this particular portion of the South Luzon Expressway, just right after the Filinvest Exit. The sky was just like sunrise in a province setting (since I was looking at trees at the shoulder lane), and it was past 5 in the afternoon!

Oh, I am having a hard time describing this, since I didn't have a camera to take pictures of it. And the whole afternoon, from that time up to 6pm, it was just like that. And by looking at it, especially from my seat in the bus, I was like, oh, I'm going to have my vacation in Batangas, together with someone... hahaha... Anyway, that scene gave me a good break from all the troubles and stress I'm having from my studies.

Reflection on Casiopea's Take Me

2008-06-28T11:45:00.001+08:00

You might think that this is a review of Casiopea's Take Me, or some sort. I just feel for the song. Here's the video for reference:

The first movement is a short piano introduction. The flow of the tunes is melancholic, and if you have a video of this, you can feel the melancholy by just looking at the face of Minoru Mukaiya... just kidding.

Enter the second movement. Enter Tetsuo Sakurai, Issei Noro and Akira Jimbo. The band comes to play with Mukaiya. Mukaiya still holds the melody here. The tune is now asking, seems like someone is saying, please listen to me, please answer my question.

Next is the third movement. The melody gives the impression of persuasion, although a little heavy and a hint of force can be sensed. Given this, my impression was the answer to the second movement's question seems to be negative. Then there's the repeatition of the second movement.

The fourth movement is just a rehash of the second movement. This time, Mukaiya takes the backseat and Issei Noro gives a guitar interpretation of what the piano was saying. The third movement is played with a tweak at the end to serve as transition and in preparation for the fifth movement.

The fifth movement has the heaviest part of the song. Aside from persuasion, you can feel the desperation of this part since the someone still answered negatively. There's force, the melancholy is at highest, complementing the transitive third movement. But right after the movement, the second movement is repeated with piano adlibs. Akira Jimbo and Tetsuo Sakurai play their parts lightly but still persuasive.

The final movement is another variation of the second movement. This sounds exactly like the second movement, giving the song a question mark as ending. Just like saying, "What now?"

Video from Youtube.com

Zoom - Fat Larry's Band

2008-06-25T22:21:00.002+08:00

Let me dedicate a song to someone special. Zoom by Fat Larry's Band. I want this one to be sung by Monchit, our male soloist, during my wedding... hahahaha!

Zoom
Just one look and then my heart went boom
Suddenly and we were on the moon
Flying high in a neon sky, oh...

Bang
Just one touch and all the church bells rang
Heaven called and all the angels sang
Sunrise shine in the midnight sky, oh

Zoom
You chase the day away
High noon
The moon and stars came out to play
Then my whole wide world went zoom

Moonbeams dancing in the afternoon
Shadows blowing as the roses bloom
Looking down on a wonderland, oh

Smack
Just one kiss and I was outta whack
All at once there was no turning back
Oh so far above the brightest star, oh

Zoom
You chase the day away
High noon
The moon and stars came out to play

Zoom you chase the day away
High noon
The moon and stars came out to play
Then my whole wide world went zoom

I passed a rainbow as we went flying by
Faster and faster, we were higher than high
For once in my lifetime
I was finally free
And you came back to me

Oh, zoom
You chase the day away
High noon
The moon and stars came out to play
Oh, zoom
You chase the day away
High noon
The moon and stars came out to play
Oh, zoom
You chase the day away
High noon
The moon and stars came out to play...

The State of My Mind

2008-06-23T23:24:00.000+08:00

I don't feel any pressure, even though there's a series of deadline running after me. My group mates in SSD might call me a motherfucker if they read this post, but who cares. I am just happy to feel this way.

Being happy and contented without any reasons at all is stupid, but this is much better than to be stressed out with all these problems. Oh yeah, it's not without any reasons. Maybe because I have found a little source of inspiration these past few days.

Sun Tech Days 2008

2008-06-23T13:20:00.000+08:00

I've attended the Sun Tech Days last June 18 and 19 at the Makati Shangri-La. This event is organized by Sun Microsystems, and is held in 15 other cities worldwide, with this event being the last for this year.

You know, this event is very memorable to me. It's my first time to step on a hotel, my first developers event I attended, and of course I have fun. Aside from the things I've learned, I have these bonding moments with my classmates and other friends from the other sections and other schools.

First thing first. There are a lot of topics discussed during this two-day event. Actually, it's a three day event, but I wasn't able to attend the June 17 University World Tour because we have a mock defense in our SSD subject. Anyway, the main tracks are Web Development using programming tools made by Sun Microsystems, Desktop Applications, and OpenSolaris, the operating system made by Sun.

Aside from this tracks, I was enlightened about open source. Before, I only appreciate software made by Microsoft, which is not open source. With open source, I can get the things I need for my computer (such as operating system like OpenSolaris), without paying for its license. How do these open source companies earn profit? When customers want additional tools, they have to pay for it. And aside from this, these open source companies are more community-oriented, unlike their counterparts that are profit-oriented.

During the first day, I attended the Web development track and the last part of the OpenSolaris track. And if you are a java programmer, Netbeans is the ultimate development tool. Aside from java, Netbeans has also plugins for Rails on Ruby (RoR), Grails, Java ME (mobile edition, this one enables you to create programs for your mobile phone. Wonderful!), and even C. Except for the OpenSolaris track, I was with my classmates all the time. The food on the first day was not suitable for my pang-kanto tastebuds and I came to realize that I cannot stand the food on any hotel because of that.

During the second day, I attended all interesting tracks. But my favorite tracks are the Developing Java using Mac and the MySQL track. I need to be on the MySQL track because we are going to use MySQL for our backend in our system. And actually, the best speaker was in that track: articulate, not boring, straight to the point, although I find him boastful. Now Mr. Gaffar Mua, what you've said is true; Indian developers are boastful.

The other speakers are mostly Singaporeans and Chinese developers. The speaker in the Mac track is a Filipino, a UP professor. I find him good, but maybe because of Mac's (and Apple's) disadvantages in Java programming, I wasn't impressed that much. I also like the Singaporean Sang Shin, a Java Evangelist.

And food is better at the second day. WOW. Although we were not able to seat this time, maybe it's worth it. It is also during the second day that I met other students from other schools, namely, Informatics Northgate and Arellano U.

And it's not because of those tech stuff I met the Arellano guys, it's because of my piano playing. But the head erminguard stopped me and said, "Gusto mo magbayad ng PhP2,000.00?" Put*** ***, if I will become a successful musician and I will be playing at the same venue, I will bring my own piano. I don't care if it's only a bright or even a stage piano, I won't use their PhP2,000 per play hell-sent piano.

Me and my classmates also took pictures during the event. I'll just wait for them to upload them and post it here.

Introduction

2008-06-19T00:14:00.000+08:00

First of all, I would like to welcome you to my new blog.

I just want to thank everybody who visited my blog. I'll keep this blog updated for you. And I will try to post everything that I can muster... nah... But there are things that are too personal, I'll just keep them on my paper diary... Yes, I still write on a paper diary.

That's all for today. Sorry guys, because I still have to wake up early tomorrow to attend the second part of the Sun Tech Days. See you tomorrow.