Alright, this song is about a student's first day in school.  June is the month for school here in the country.  


This song came out on TV screens as the theme song of a TV ad for deodorant and I found it so cool because this body odor is truly an experience of all especially teeners who still go to school.  (Talking from experience ok?).  


For this entry, let me talk about deodorants (or anti-perspirant, as you wish). 


Once upon a time, deodorants are still to be invented, there was an earth element called Aluminum Hydroxide (some say potassium alum or tawas).  When I was still a kid, they sell this in solid form, like the shape of a rock.  Older people admonished us, the kids of that time, to use tawas for elimination of under arm smell.  We did.


Then the time came when we can already afford to buy a commercial deodorant.  What ease it brought us.  Imagine just holding a stick under your arm then stroke or spray towards it.  Much user-friendly than a tawas; more elegant to use.


I don't recall how long was it since I last saw a tawas being sold in the market.  All I know, I stopped looking for it because of the wider availability of commercially offered deodorants in the supermarkets.  Fast forward to the future... in one of the department stores in our locality, there was a powdered tawas on display in their shelves.  Instantly, I grabbed the merchandise because they are selling it in powder form and you has the choice of either the scented or unscented one.


You just have to apply a tiny amount of the powder in your underarms and you will not get an instant result, of course.  There were days when despite the use of generous amount of the powder, I could still smell that odor under my arms.  I thought I will be frustrated with my sudden change of brand.  Well, after a few months of using it, I noticed the lack of that smell in my arms.  There was a day when I forgot to apply the powder and there was no "disaster".  So intentionally not apply the powder the following day and the same consequence.  Three weeks there after, I still get the same result.


Now, I feel freedom! Freedom from smell, freedom from inconvenience, freedom from expenses (on deodorant or tawas use).  I hope this phenomenon in my body will keep going.  Should the odor come back, I still have supply in my cabinet, no worries.


I am sharing this with you because I think this is truly cool.  I hope you will get something out of my testimony.  If you have an experience with tawas, adverse or not, please feel free to share by clicking the comment button below.  


As for now, enjoy the lyrics of the song which I translated for you.


=====================
First Day Funk - Parokya ni Edgar
Let's do the funk 
Let's do the first day funk 

First day of school dapat cool na cool!  (dapat = must be)
Mas cool pa sa tubig ng swimming pool!  (Cooler than the water in swimming pool)
Dapat talaga maganda na agad ang pasok (First entry must be really good)
Pagpasok mo ng classroom, dapat umuusok!  (Entering the room must be with smoke)

Wag na wag kang mapapraning! (Don't be ever fooled)
Sagot kita! diretso ang tingin!  (I got your back, look straight)
Di dapat maatat na mapansin, (You must not be too eager to be noticed)
Kahit hot lahat, dapat chill pa rin! (Even if everyone is hot, you should still chill)
Hinding hindi yumuyuko, kahit na nakaupo! (You never bow, even when seated)
Di ko sinasabi na dapat maging mayabang. (I'm not saying that you should be boastful)
Pero dapat di ka mahiyain na halaman? (But you must not be as shy as a plant)
Confidence chong, lakas loob! (Confidence bro! Strong self-esteem)


Wag na wag kang patataob (Never be overturned)
Kahit sa tapat ng maganda mong kakalase! (Even in front of a pretty classmate)
Mas lalo na sa prof mong mukhang salbahe!?dance! (especially with the prof who looks vicious! dance!)

Let's do the funk 
Let's do the first day funk 

Refrain 

Itaas ang kamay, iwagayway (Raise your hand and wave)
Salute the prof at sabay kaway?  (Salute the prof then wave)
Mag-classmate high-5 lang kayo (If you are classmates, just high five!)
Now don't be shy, kwela skwela 'to  (now don't be shy, this is cool school)
Just raise your hand kung may sagot  (Just raise your hand if there is an answer)
If you don't know the answer, eh di lagot! (If you don't know the answer, beware!)
Just erase the board, at magsayaw (and dance)
Lagyan ng funk ang pag-galaw sayaw! (Put funk in your moves, dance!)

Let's do the funk 
Let's do the first day funk 

May dumating na isang babae! (There arrives a woman)
Sobrang hottie na ka-klase, (so hot a classmate)
Sya'y lumapit at nag "hi" (She approaches and says "hi")
Ako nama'y napakaway? (And I waved)
Akala ko ako ang kanyang kinakawayan (I though she was waving at me)
at hindi ko inakala na ang nasa likuran!? (and I didn't thought it was someone at my back)
Kahit na napahiya, hindi ako kinakabahan! (Although I was embarrassed, I didn't get nervous)
Wala na tong ibang mapupuntahan. sayaw! (This will go nowhere, dance!) 

Let's do the funk 
Let's do the first day funk 

(repeat refrain) 

Let's do the funk 
Let's do the first day ..

"Three stars and the sun" that was the kind of t-shirt design my friend from the USA was looking for. I was asked to search or look for a shirt like that. It should be easy, I thought, because eversince this famous Pinoy rapper passed away, T-shirts printed with his face or some ornaments that would compliment his songs were largely circulated among the local artists and of course to the can-afford public. I was shocked to learn that such a shirt costs as much as 3 or 4 times the amount you could get from a simple shirt in the malls.

I am not yet that well-to-do you know. Buying such an expensive shirt for my friend who is from US was not practical. I have always been an economical or practical person. I am just trying to make ends meet according to my ability to earn. Hay... Economics! Anyway, I have nothing against the T-shirt being sold for a cause. It was for a good cause after all. In fact, I admire the shirt and I love to have one but I can't afford this one. Anyway, Christmas came with just a little penny on my pocket. I chanced upon a local dry goods store. I saw this yellow shirt (my favorite color, have I said that?) with a map of my country embroidered on its left chest. My eyes were fixed on it so I closed my eyes... and imagined I could own that shirt... then I opened my eyes... and presto! The saleslady handed the shirt to me. I will consider that as the most wonderful gift I have received this Holiday Season. With so much rejoicing over having a shirt most pleasing to my eyes, I bought another color, for my sister. Once again, I closed my eyes, so the reality that I am letting go of my penny will escape me a bit. LOL! It was a gift for my sister, I said. So it is worth it. My consolation came when I gave my gift to my sister, she liked it! So there... I got my shirt and somehow, it would help me show the world (or just my neighbors and friends) that my love for this country is lit albeit flickering because of the ongoing chaos and tumult (the floods, the economic downfall, the massacre, dirty politics, volcanic eruption, etc). This is the reason why I came back, and I wanna stay, so in my own little way, I could help my country. Staying and facing the troubles, the gargantuan problems of this country, is my means of helping this nation. If Francis M. helped or promoted the Philippine culture and aspiration through his music, I think I could help simply by not adding insult to injury, do something good to others, show some love primarily to your family and friends then perhaps love to your enemies will also find its way through our hearts. I used to be an idealistic person, a normal feeling for youngsters, and I think with the words I just shared with you, I am re-living my idealism, only with a tinge of realism and "practicalism" (or the right term "practicality").

And again, my little contribution to our music industry... my own translation of the song Mga kababayan ko by Francis M.

==================================
Mga kababayan ko (my town-mates)
Dapat lang malaman nyo (It's right for you to know)
Bilib ako sa kulay ko (I believe in/proud of my color)
Ako ay pilipino (I am Filipino)
Kung may itim or may puti (If there is white or there is black)
Mayron naman kayumangi (There is also brown)
Isipin mo na kaya mong (Think that you can)
Abutin ang yung minimithi (reach your goals/aspirations)

RAP
Dapat magsumikap para tayo'y di maghirap (We should strive harder so we won't suffer)
Ang trabaho mo pagbutihin mo (Your work, do good)
Dahil pag gusto mo ay kaya mo (Because if you want it, you can do it)
Kung kaya mo ay kaya nya (For if you can he also can)
At kaya nating dalawa (and both of us can do it)

Magaling ang atin (Ours is great)
Yan ang laging iisipin (always put that in mind)
Pag asensyo mararating (Progress/development can be achieved)
Kung handa kang tiisin (If you're ready to bear)
Ang hirap at pagod sa problema (poverty, tiredness with problems)
Wag kang malunod (Dont get drowned)
Umaahon ka wag lumubog (Get up, don't sink)
Pagka't ginhawa naman ang susunod (Because there is rest after)
Iwasan mo ang ingit (Avoid envy)
Ang sa ibay ibig mong makamit (What others have you want to own)
Dapat nga ikaw matuwa sa napala ng iyong kapatid (In fact you whould be happy for the blessing of your sibling)
Ibig kung ipabatid (I want to let you know)
Na lahat tayo'y kabig bisig* (That we are all arms locked/connected)

Respetohin natin ang ating ina (Respect our mother)
Ilaw siya ng tahanan (Sh is light of the home)
Bigyang galang ang ama (Give honor to father)
At ang payo ang susudan (and honor his advice)
At sa magkakapatid (and to siblings)
Kailang ay magmahalan (love one another)
Dapat lang ay pag usapan ang hindi nauuwaan (It's right to talk over things you don't undrstand)

Wag takasan ang pag kukulang (Don't evade from your shortcomings)
Kasalan ay panagutan (Be responsible to your faults)
Magmalinis ay iwasan (Avoid pretending you are clean)
Nakakainis marumi naman (It's irritating that its unclean)
Ang mag kaaway ipag bati (Mediate to those who are warring/fighting)
Gumitna ka ang wag kumampi (Stay in the middle and be not bias)

Lahat tayoy magkakapatid (We are all siblings)
Anong mang mali ay ituwid (Correct whatever is wrong)
Magdasal sa diyos maykapal (Pray to God Almighty)
Maging banal at wag hangal (Be holy and don't be a fool)
Itong tula ay alay ko (This poem I dedicate)
Sa inyo at sa buong mundo (To you and to the whole world)

Repeat chorus

01 - Francis M - ...

This song reminds me of my high school days. It was a singing contest and a Senior student, named Jane, sang this song. I clearly remember how good her voice was and I always picture that scene, Jane in her uniform, singing this song on stage at our old high school.

Here is the lyrics:

===================================
Sometimes I wonder where I've been
Who I am? Do I fit in?
Make believin' is hard alone,
Out here on my own

We're always provin' who we are
Always reachin' for the risin' star
To guide me far and shine me home
Out here on my own

When I'm down and feelin' blue
I close my eyes so I can be with you
Oh, baby, be strong for me
Baby, belong to me
Help me through, Help me need you

Until the morning sun appears
Making light of all my fears
I dry the tears, I've never shown
Out here on my own

When I'm down and feelin' blue
I close my eyes so I can be with you
Oh, baby, be strong for me
Baby, belong to me
Help me through, help me need you

Sometimes I wonder where I've been
Who I am? Do I fit in?
I may not win, but I can't be thrown
Out here on my own
On my own
=======================================

Two of my high school friends celebrated their birthday this month and I manage to send them birthday greetings but failed to show up primarily because of my keeping up with the flood that devastated us weeks ago. It was few weeks ago but I still see the "remnants" of that "great flood". Those two friends I just mentioned, they likewise sufferred tremendously from the flood. Anyway, I am not going to delve deeper into that miseries of the past. I am over it now.

What can I tell you about this song? Well, I came from Sunday Mass this morning. I once again stepped on the floors of Manaoag church (I posted a picture above) with a friend. I know churches are all the same: they give the same Gospel reading, they deliver sermons, sing with the choir and respond appropriately and others. This is the reason why I seldom hear mass in Manaoag church despite of it becoming a tourist spot and "petition central" of the Philippines. This is because my friend and her family give a great deal going to Manaoag each time they have petitions. One reason I can see is that it is one of the biggest churches here in our Province and it is accessible. She has her own petition and so I went with her there. Please do not get the impression that I dislike it there. I am just sharing with you my thoughts on our Catholic churches here: they all deal with the Holy Trinity and we uphold that view.

My friends I talked to you about? They were my company in going to church since we went to a Catholic School together. We see each other there in the church every Sunday either as a choir member or just as a student, having our attendance checked by our teacher, the Religion teacher. Well, it was their way of enticing students to hear the mass, in order to form a habit. I had nothing against it if that is their means to achieve an end. The most important thing there is that somehow, they were able to instill into the heads of the student to re-live the good inside them as "instigated" by the Holy Spirit. Ahh, is this a sermon already?

Just sharing my view.

Anyway, I am about to end this entry. Let me end with this: "when I'm down and feeling blue, I close my eyes so I can be with you..." I close my eyes in prayers. I talk to God, mostly giving Him thanks for yet another night of rest, another day of good health, another day spent with loved ones. It's inspiring.

I just want to say I was "star struck" (for me this means personally awed by the artist/inger or he/she is very irresistible) although I no longer recall the names of those boys (Take note: Boys) who sang this song in one of those students' gathering. I think the event was called "Student's Editorial Conference" or something.

That was a long time ago, in my high school days that's why I referred them as boys. I was still a young girl back then. I was a Sports columnist in our High School paper so I was a delegate to that conference together with the other writers from other schools in our province. This was the song that the two "stars-of-their-own-right" student delegates presented during the intermission number. I could vividly recall that they were good-looking, both of them but all other details have already vanished.

Anyway, this blog is about me so I'd rather get in order. I guess this song reminds me of my one-time stint as a writer, at least a high school paper. I dream of writing my own book you know. But so far, my mom is my only fan. I remembered her all-praises for me when I showed her my Sports Article for our school paper. She said "You write like a real sports writer!" Mom never lies, you agree?

Maybe, someday I will have my very own book, other than this blog and my journal of course.

==========================
Lyrics of the song More than Words

Saying I love you
Is not the words I want to hear from you
Its not that I want you
Not to say, but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldnt have to say that you love me
Cos Id already know

What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldnt make things new
Just by saying I love you

More than words

Now Ive tried to talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is close your eyes
And just reach out your hands and touch me
Hold me close dont ever let me go
More than words is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldnt have to say that you love me
Cos Id already know

What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldnt make things new
Just by saying I love you

I learned how to drive when I was about 14 years old. I was already on my second year in high school.

Among my siblings, my dad gave me driving lessons first. I practiced inside our compound, in the yard. It was just a plain "atras-abante" thing, meaning the lesson was just driving first gear, moving forward, then back-up. I don't want to give you the impressin that our compound was really big. It was just enough to move forward and backward, while I get accustomed with gear-shifting. If my memory serves me right, my first high way drive was from our school to our house.

It was an adventure, really, because I was forced by my brother to drive it, otherwise, we will not eat lunch. I remember that was the story. Since I mastered first gear, I wasn't sure when or how will I get to second gear. I used to recal my dad saying hear the engine. Once the engine grows a little noisy, I have to gear up. So I did... until we reached home. Thank God!

Almost 2 decades later, I thought of myself as over-driven. I now have fears driving, I am no longer confident driving. I now enjoy being the passenger. Anyway, if I really have to drive, I would but given the other option, I'd chose another.

This is my translation
=======================
OVERDRIVE - Eraserheads
(Narration)

alam mo mayron akong pangarap sa buhay (You know I have a wish in life)
sana matupad na (I hope it would be granted now)

magda-drive ako hanggang Baguio (I will drive up to Baguio)
magda-drive ako hanggang Bicol (I will drive up to Bicol)
magda-drive ako hanggang Batangas (I will drive up to Batangas)
tapos magswi-swimming d'on sa beach (Then I'd swim in the beach)

isasama ko ang girlfriend ko (I'll invite my girlfriend)
isasama ko kahit sinong may gusto (I'll invite anyone who wants)
kahit may kasama siyang aso (Even if she brings her dog)
basta't meron siyang dalang sariling buto (As long as it brings its own bone)

magdadala ako ng pagkain (I will bring food)
burger fries tapsilog at siopao (Burger, fries, tapsilog* and siopas)

magda-drive ako hanggang Visayas (I will drive til Visayas)
magda-drive ako hanggang sa Mindanao (I will drive til Mindanao)

magda-drive ako buong taon (I will drive the whole year)
magda-drive ako habang buhay (I will drive my whole life through)
magda-drive ako hanggang buwan (I will drive up to the moon)
please please lang turuan nyo akong magdrive(Please, please, teach me how to drive)

gusto kong matutong magdrive (I want to learn how to drive, even if I don't have a car)
(kahit na wala akong kotse)

gusto kong matutong magdrive (I want to learn how to drive, even if I don't have the license)
(kahit na walang lisensya)

magdrive....drive
drive
magdrive...magdrive
drive...drive...drive...drive
==========================
TAPSILOG is a breakfast favorite, a contracted word of the following:
TAPa - beef
SInangag - fried rice
itLOG - egg

==========================

Overdrive -

I can only say that this is the Filipino version of Abba's Thank you for the music. I have blogged about that song sometime ago.

I am proud of this song because it recognizes the benefits of music, without which, our world would be so quiet and would lack artistry in a sense, most especially for me... It would have been very difficult for me to find things to blog about.

What I remember about this song? My big brother and sister during their High School days. They were members of a choir that regularly sings at a local church. It was a service by the school to our parish. Their mentor was also a teacher at the school who became my brother's friend. His name is Darry. I see him a lot in school back then. He also paid us a visit in the house for a couple of instances.

He was the mentor who suggested that the School choir should have a mini-concert as a means of fund-raising. The school board agreed and the performance night came. My brother Bacon was part of the show, together with my sister. I watched their concert, as well as my parents. We gave support to my siblings and I enjoyed the show. It was the late 80s, I remember. I was still in my elementary years and I was introduced to a lot of songs, some of them I have blooged about here already.

I remember clearly that during the concert, this was their closing piece. It was all fun and hearing this song being sung, live! it was awesome! Of course, I got sad the concert has to end but it gave me a lesson I never forget that I learned: to give thanks to music, to recognize its meaning in our lives, in our world. This is what I am doing now. This is why I enjoy blogging. Salamat Musika!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Paano mo patatahimikin ang isang bunsong iyakin (How to hush/silence a crying baby)
Huhunihan ni inay ng la-la-rin la-rin (Mother will make a sound of la-la-rin la rin)
Paano mo patatahanin ang pagtatampo ni Neneng (How do you hush the tamtruns of Neneng)
Pasalamat ka't my awit na kakantahin (Be thankful there is a song to sing)

REFRAIN:
Sa mga indayog tayo'y napapasayaw (With the tunes we could dance)
At sa labis na galak ay napapasigaw, wow (And because of bliss, we could shout Whoa!)
Ang mga kirot sa puso ay lumilipad (The pains in our hearts would fly)
Ang mga mithi ay natutupad (our goals could be attained)

CHORUS:
Salamat, salamat musika (Thank you, thank you music)
Lahat ng panahon, maaasahan ka (All the time, we can count on you)
Salamat, salamat musika (Thank you, thank you music)
Itong munting mundo ay napapasigla (This little world could rejoice)

Ang mga bituin sa langit at mga kathang isip (The stars in the sky and pigments of imagination)
Ay hindi sapat upang mabuhay ang daigdig (Are not enough to make the world alive)
Ang magagandang tanawin, mga tulang malalim (All the beautiful scenery, meaningful poems)
Kukulangin din upang tayo'y aaliwin (Are not enough to entertain us)

REFRAIN 2:
Aanhin ang kayamanang 'di madadala (What is the use of wealth that we can't bring)
Aanhin ang kagandahang pansamantala (What is the use of temporary beauty)
Ang katahimikan ba ay may magagawa (Can silence do anything)
Upang ihayag ang nadarama (napapasaya) (in expressing our feelings)

CHORUS:
Salamat, salamat musika (Thank you, thank you music)
Lahat ng panahon, maaasahan ka (All the time we can count on you)
Salamat, salamat musika
Itong munting mundo ay napapasigla

Salamat, salamat musika
Lahat ng panahon, maaasahan ka
Salamat, salamat musika
Itong munting mundo ay napapasigla

CODA:
Salamat, musika
Salamat, musika
(Salamat musika)
Salamat musika

I just came out of the shower room. Out of the blue, this song kept playing on my mind and so I sang along. It says "Are you gonnna stay with the one who loves you or are you going back to the one you love?"

Quite a tough question. I would have entertained it if there is anyone I love at the moment. What I did rather, was to caress my skin with the soap, while singing this song... at least I entertained it. What if I was confronted with such a question, which actually I was, while showering, haha! The facts are not clear, they are incomplete. Nonetheless, I'd presume the question was posited in a way that with the one you love, you are happy but with the one who loves you, you are not happy. Would you rather chose what makes you happy or what makes you satisfied?

Ahhh.... life is short, why not chose the one that gives you happiness? Why bother with all the boundaries, with all the legalities and the rules when they don't make you happy? Well, just a thought. But, always bear in mind that there is an ending to everything. Are you willing or capable of handling such ending? Just a warning!

Here goes the song:

I know you need a friend, someone you can talk to
Who will understand what you're going through
When it comes to love, there's no easy answer
Only you can say what you're gonna do
I heard you on the phone, you took his number
Said you weren't alone, but you'd call him soon
Isn't he the guy, the guy who left you cryin'?
Isn't he the one who made you blue?
When you remember those nights in his arms
You know you gotta make up your mind

Are you gonna stay with the one who loves you
Or are you goin' back to the one you love?
Someone's gonna cry when they know they've lost you
Someone's gonna thank the stars above

What you gonna say when he comes over?
There's no easy way to see this through
All the broken dreams, all the disappointment
Oh girl, what you gonna do?
Your heart keeps sayin' it's just not fair
But still you gotta make up your mind

Are you gonna stay with the one who loves you
Or are you goin' back to the one you love?
Someone's gonna cry when they know they've lost you
Someone's gonna thank the stars above

01 - The one you love - Glenn Frey

She was one of our silent classmates but we lived on the same road so we seldom go together after our school. We often had serious conversations about our subjects, teachers and classmates. Cris was a niece of a well-known lawyer in our community but her family was not as wealthy as her uncle. She was just blessed to be sent to a private high school despite financial difficulty of her family, albeit like mine.

One time, she handed me a bookmark and guess what was on that bookmark? The lyrics of this song. I only came to know about the full lyrics of this song when she gave me that bookmark. Then I appreciated the song even more, as well as this friend.

This is really a good song and when this was revived and a movie entitle "Jologs" hit the big screen with this as the theme song, it was a box office hit! I watched that movie and I didn't regret it. As the days go by, I can still remember that incident, almost 15 years ago, when my friend Cris gave me a bookmark.

Lyrics of the song:
What is life to offer me when I grow old
What's there to look forward to beyond the biting cold
They say it's difficult, yes, stereotypical

What's there beyond sleep, eat, work in this cruel life
Ain't there nothin' else 'round here but humans strife
'Cause they say it's difficult, yes, stereotypical
Gotta be conventional, you can't be so radical

So I sing this song to all of my age
For these are the questions we've got to face
For in this cycle that we called life
We are the ones who are next in line
We are next in line

What is life to offer me when I grow old
What's that to look forward to beyond the biting cold
'Cause they say it's difficult, yes, stereotypical
Gotta be conventional, you can't be so radical

So I sing this song to all of my age
For these are the questions we've got to face
For in this cycle that we called life
We are the ones who are next in line
We are next in line
Hoh oh, we are next in line

BRIDGE
And we gotta work, we gotta feel (we gotta feel)
Let's open our eyes and do whatever it takes
And we gotta work, we gotta feel (we gotta feel)
Let's open our eyes, hoh woh

After Image - Next In Line.mp3 - after image

This day in 1991, my cousin Jennifer celebrated her birthday with us for the first time. She turned 14 and we all went to the beach. Wait, before I proceed, I might cry... so I will have to pause every now and then...

It was a rainy day to the beach but still we headed on. We came back in the afternoon, all tired and ready to sleep. Jen, as she was fondly called, had a slight fever so as her older cousin, I took care of her. I stayed with her and monitored her medicine. We ate together, tell stories together and we were nothing but trying to make up for the long time that we haven't seen each other. Oh I remembered a story about her and my brother Matt during our childhood days in Zamboanga City. I could almost picture them playing water, trying to make a bubble by blowing a softdrink straw into the water (we call it "canal"). I guess they were around 3 years old then.

I remember asking her a favorite song and she mentioned this one. I didn't ask why but I assumed it was a message meant to a guy back in their school.

Jen grew tired one night. She didn't finish her food and so I left her to sleep. The following day, I was in school, she was brought to the hospital. Everything happened so fast and the next time I heard, she's gone! It was unbelievable....

Oh well, for all the good memories we shared together my dear, I wish we could still have it... Our meeting was so abrupt... your laughters were so short and your words were too few... but one thing for sure... your "ate" had always loved you.

And so I tried to be good... tried really hard not just to you but to your family.
You remain in my heart Jen until we see each other again. I miss you!

PLEASE BE GOOD TO ME lyrics
Once again your on my mind and I only wanna love you so
Oh deep inside I know I should let you go
Once again the pain the tears
All my friends say I’m fool, I’m blind but I don’t mind

I will love you all over again
All I want to ask of you

Please be good to me
Don’t let me cry any more
Hold me like you did before
Just a little mean so much

Please be good to me
‘Cause inspire of all the pain
I still love you just the same
Isn’t much I’m asking for
Uh, won’t you please be good to me

After all I’ve given you
I still want to give you more
And I wanna asking for

Please be good to me
Don’t let me cry any more
Hold me like you did before
Just a little mean so much

Please be good to me
‘Cause inspire of all the pain
I still love you just the same
Isn’t much I’m asking for
Uh, won’t you please be good to me

PLEASE BE GOOD TO ME - MENUDO

I would like to talk about some of my "firsts".

My sister and I were bound to Manila sometime ago and music lover as we were, we had an mp3 playing althroughout our journey. One of the songs played was this one:

first love never dies - boyfriends

I am very familiar with this song because this was one of our "lunchtime songs". You see, back in high school, after our lunch, we take a nap at our own desks in our classroom. I do not recall who were the rest of our companies then but one person I remember was my friend Agnes (I talked about her from my previous post). The two of us gathered our heads and put the lyrics from this song as much as we could. We didn't get the chance to really take a nap because we talked about this song. Then we asked ourselves: "Does first love really never die?"

I thought of those people who married not their first love but their subsequent relationships. As I age however, I came to realize what it really means for "first love never dies". For me, it means conitnuously loving that person and wishing all the happiness for them whether their life happines includes you or not. Personally, I would say first love never really dies and your may agree with me when I say the first is the most unforgetable.

To all of you, I am proud to present an OPM song from one of my favorites and here is the lyrics:

I tried to live without you 'though I find it hard to do

I thought of yesterday, how sweet the love we shared

And I just can't forget you 'cause first love never dies

Now I'm alone without you

Don't know what I'm gonna do

You've been a part of me

I'm lost without your love

I need you badly baby, I'm down here on my knees

First love never dies

I just wanna say

That I still love you

First love never dies

Through the years that come and go

I still will say... I love you

To some, this is a love song but to our high school batch of 1993, this is our graduation song. Yes, 16 years ago, the "leaders" of our class decided this should be our graduation song perhaps because there were too few songs related to graduation to chose from during those days.

This would remain a love song for me but it would remind me of a dear friend - Agnes. This song would definitely always remind me of her because I've known her to be fond of love songs. I remember she was so happy when our class president announced that this would be our graduation song. This kinda tickled her heart which enabled her smile to shine the brightest when such announcement was made.

She is a very dear friend, very sweet, very thoughtful. I could hardly believe I was her friend. She would give me encouraging words, she made a poem for me, she is very open, she never fails to make me smile, she is everything a real friend could be. We still get in touch until today.

To all of you, maybe this song will really make a good graduation song... it is for me... because it reminds me of a friend like Agnes.

LYRICS OF SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD
We had the right love at the wrong time
Guess I always knew inside
I wouldn't have you for a long time
Those dreams of yours are shining on distant shores
And if they're calling you away, I have no right to make you stay

But somewhere down the road, Our roads are gonna cross again
It doesn't really matter when, but somewhere down the road
I know that heart of yours will come to see
That you belong with me

Sometimes goodbyes are not forever
It doesn't matter if you're gone
I still believe in us together
I understand more than you think I can
You have to go out on your own
So you can find your way back home

And somewhere down the road
Our roads are gonna cross again, it doesn't really matter when
But somewhere down the road I know that heart of yours
will come to see that you belong with me

Letting go is just another way to say I'll always love you so

We had the right love at the wrong time
Maybe we've only just begun, maybe the best is yet to come

'Cause somewhere down the road
Our roads are gonna cross again
It doesn't really matter when
But somewhere down the road
I know that heart of yours will come to see
That you belong with me

Somewhere Down The Road - Barry Manilow

I believe this is the second song I will post by Billy Joel (I came to know him because of this song). This is the most influential song to my thirst for knowledge. This embraces a lot of things in our lifetime (even before I was born).

I consider this a very influential song because when I entered high school, I know I had an edge in our History class because I was already oriented about some places, events and persons around the world because of this song. I love singing, I will claim that over and over again. Because of this love for music, I memorized a lot of songs and you may not believe it but this is another one of those songs I have memorized. I don't know why I spend time memorizing songs... but I guess it was really a part of my life. Music and songs are an innate part of me.

I will not claim I passed high school because of this song. I somehow made it through it because of the historical accounts of its lyrics, events that happened before my birth and during our life time. In fact, I even had those names memorized til College. I was reminded of this song most especially in out International Politics subject. (I was a Political Science major, by the way)

There you are... the vast influence of music to me.. from friendship to past life to higher learning to history.

Let us all be reminded of the song but first, check out the lyrics and see if anyone could memorize it in a month or a year.

We Didn't Start The Fire Lyrics

and the music is here:

WE DIDNT START THE FIRE - Billy Joel

A recent loss to my favorite artists here in the Philippines is Francis M. As one newspaper headline said it: "Cancer claimed Francis M's life". The news was really devastating.

I have appreciated Francis M when I was still in high school. As a teen-ager in the 90's, he was an icon. I remember a lot of his songs and this song I loved the most. This was more of a rap and I remember I love listening to this music using my brother's walkman (truly vintaged). I love the way this song was sung and he was just so good.

I memorized this part of the song:
Let the sunshine
let the rivers run away
'Coz it's a beautiful day now
to play now...

FRANCIS MAGALONA lyrics

Those were the times when all I cling on to is nature... watching the sunset, breathing fresh air in the mountain, birds chirping, wind blowing... exactly the things mentioned in his song. I remember my sister told me this was the song Francis M. played harmonica, like the way Alanis Morissette combined her harmonica in her songs (Ironic).

Each time I hear this song played, I can't help but sing and rap with him. I love rap music and if anyone would ask me, I would agree with the rest of the world. Francis M is the best rapper the Philippines has ever had.

Your music will live Kiko! Here is the music and I'm sure as the music starts, you can't help but sing with him. I will always be proud that I memorized your song... This is it:

Girl Be Mine - Francis M.

My last post was about my best friend. This current song is about my high school friends because they were the ones who welcomed me into high school life and they accompanied me there. Unfortunately, they did not stay long.

I am talking about my big brother (we fondly call him "Bacon") who was in his Senior year when I was a freshman in high school. The three of us, me and my big sister and brother went to the same school although I must admit, I was closer with my brother back then. I had a classmate, maybe I could name her Chu, who became my friend and while I was close to my brother, she also developed this closeness to him. All these happened when we, Chu and I, were in still in the first year level.

The three of us go to church together, and if we had free time, we eat out and talk a lot. We fell in love with this song because we thought about being good friends for life.I learned later on that this song was used in the animated movie: The Land Before Time. I loved the song even more.

But things changed my brother graduated and had to go to college in the city. I began having my own set of friends, she did likewise.

Almost 20 years since then, I still remember our song and when I hear it (which I seldom do this age), I remember Chu.

This is the lyrics and the song:



If We Hold On TogetherDon’t lose your way
With each passing day
You’ve come so far
Don’t throw it away
Live believing
Dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story
Faith, hope & glory
Hold to the truth in your heart

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and i

Souls in the wind
Must learn how to bend
Seek out a star
Hold on to the end
Valley, mountain
There is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Words are swaying
Somebody is praying
Please let us come home to stay

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and i

When we are out there in the dark
We’ll dream about the sun
In the dark we’ll feel the light
Warm our hearts, everyone

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
As high as souls can fly
The clouds roll by
For you and i

Lyrics | Michael W. Smith - Friends are friends forever lyrics

I first heard of this song back in high school, when my big brother and sister were still singing with the church choir. We went to a catholic school together, even my youngest brother Matt (but due to financial difficulties of our parents, public school was forced upon him. That time both our big brother and sister were already in college). So I guess my story about this song is my siblings. They are in fact my first friends despite the normal sibling rivalry.

I believe your sibling are your first friends because you get to share the same sorrow when parents impose upon children the do's and don'ts in the house. However, most often than not, jealousy and hate come to picture. "Why do I always get the hand me downs? Why do I need to wash the dishes after dinner? Do I really have to obey my older sister and brother all the time?" Such questions definitely floated in my head back then. Now I can say, that is all part of growing up and one will never really know what a friend is unless you feel neglected, isolated and left alone. I always point that to "my law of opposites".

Incidentally, one of my favorite bible verses talks about friends: "A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble." (Basic English Version, Proverb 17:17) and I believe that. No matter how many times you inflict pain on your brother/sister, they will always understand. No matter how many times you will have disagreements, we will always find a way to forget the negative vibrations and continue on with life. Besides, we were raised to be open-minded, loving and understanding. This is one of the reasons I love my family.