My sister and I were in the market the other day. She asked if I want to eat this particular dish which I have associated with an uncle of mine who passed away. He is Raul, my mother's older brother who died a few years ago. And yes, I eat that kind of dish which reminded me of him.

I remembered this uncle again last night. I said a prayer for his soul and in my mind, I can see his face smiling. I miss him. When we used to have this videoke sessions, other than the glass of alcohol touching his lips, the mic also ocassionally did. This song, and the likes that has foreign lyrics, were his requested songs, plus the singer, for instance Engelbert Humperdinck, Matt Monroe, Paul Anka, etc.

He's got good voice too you know. But he'd rather stay in the kitchen and cook, while gulping alcohol. He also reminds me og the hand game "Battle City". He would spend hours and hours playing that game. That was his passion. I think what I really admired about him was his passion for reading books. I would always picture him with a glass of alcohol on the table beside him and a thick pocket book on his hands.

We miss you here.

===============================
Lyrics of the song Quando, Quando, Quando

Tell me when will you be mine
Tell me quando, quando, quando
We can share a love divine
Please don't make me wait again

When will you say "yes" to me?
Tell me quando, quando, quando
You mean happiness to me
Oh, my love, please tell me when

Every moment's a day
Every day seems a lifetime
Let me show you the way
To a joy beyond compare

I can't wait a moment more
Tell me quando, quando, quando
Say it's me that you adore
And then, darlin', tell me when

(instrumental strings and brass)

Every moment's a day
Every day seems a lifetime
Let me show you the way
To a joy beyond compare

I can't wait a moment more
Tell me quando, quando, quando
Say it's me that you adore
And then, darlin', tell me when

Oh, my darlin', tell me when
Mmm, my darlin', tell me when

The text message said: One of the greatest challenges in life is to be patient for the right time to come...

I have long been admitting the fact that I am and impatient person. I said one of my weaknesses is to wait!

When this song started playing on air some time ago in 1991, it was like a lesson for me. In fact, I always refer to this song when most of my friends seemed to lose hope already. I remember this song so much because it was that era, that timeframe when I lost one of my dearest cousins, Jenny. Instead of blaming God for what happened, I consoled myself by singing/reminding myself of this song. It was like the only consolacion for me back then.

Looking back, I tend to wonder where had this patient person in me gone? Where did I go? I have become an impatient person. I really hate to wait!

A few days ago, I was again confronted with this question. Why have I become so impatient? It is because I am afraid... I am afraid of the things that I do not know. I am afraid that I am not in control. Who isn't? Anybody out there? Please tell me I am not alone in this kind of ordeal... Pray tell me.

I will still try to wait... I want to hang on.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LYRICS OF THE SONG
MAGHINTAY KA LAMANG (Just Wait)
by Ted Ito

Kung hindi ngayon ang panahon, na para sa iyo (If today is not the moment for you)
Huwag maiinip, dahil ganyan ang buhay sa mundo (don't lose patience, because life on earth is like that)
Huwag mawawalan ng pag-asa, darating din ang ligaya (Don't lose hope, happiness will arrive)
Ang isipin mo'y may bukas pa, na mayroong saya (Think that there will still be tomorrow, and there will be happiness)

Kabigua'y hindi hadlang, upang tumakas ka (Pain/Hardship is not hindrance, or reason for you to run away)
Huwag kang iiwas, pag-nabibigo (Don't cover/stay focus, if you'r failing)
Dapat nga lumaban ka.... (Instead, you fight back)

Ang kaylangan mo'y, tibay ng loob (What you need is )
Kung mayrong pag-subok man
Ang liwanag ay di magtatagal,
At muling mamamasdan
Iko't ng mundo, ay hindi laging pighati't kasawian
Ang pangarap mo ay makakamtam,
Basta't maghintay ka lamang

maghintay ka lamang - TED ITO

This is always a question to us, who are often confronted with problems or with difficulties. I remember the remarks of my cousin during the burial of his father, my mother's paternal cousin, last year. He was murdered in front of his house, in the presence of his wife. This is such a moment when one cannot help but ask the rpesence of God. Where is God in moments like those?

My cousin, Eleazar, bursted in tears and grappling for some words to say, said God abandoned my family. The big question really is: Is God sleeping?

I realized it is very common for us people to blame God for all our miseries in life. I remember asking the same question when my cousin Jenny died. I was deeply sad and angry, and convinced myself that God is not really perfect. I blamed him for what happened, albeit not for long. As I age, I know everything happens for a reason. I still don't know the exact reason but I know there is one.

At present, I have already turned around from the old self, the agnostic one... the unbeliever. It was just a "leap of faith" which I really didn't have to explain how it happened. It just happened that I wake up one morning and told myself... "There is God, as sure as I wake up in the morning and find that the sun is shining." It was my faith... it is until now. I will always look for Him as my company, my light, my path.

God doesn't sleep, He just blinks. When He does, we are on our own and make the best of it so when He sees us again, He'll still recognize us... as His children.


<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Bakit kaya, bakit ka ba naghihintay (Why, why are you still waiting)
Na himukin pa, pilitin pa ng tadhana (to be persuaded, forced by fate)
Alam mo na kung bakit nagkakaganyan (You already know why it is happening)
Lumulutang, nasasayang and buhay mo (Floating, wasting your life)
At ang ibinubulong ng iyong puso (and your heart is whispering)
Natutulog ba ang Diyos, natutulog ba? (Sleeping, is God sleeping?)

At ikay ay kaagad sumusuko (And you give up right away)
Konting hirap at munting pagsubok lamang (A few hardship, a little challenge)
Bakit ganyan, nasaan and iyong tapang (Why like that, where is your courage)
Naduduwag, nawawalan ng pag-asa (You become coward, you're losing hope)
At iniisip na natutulog pa, natutulog pa ang Diyos (and you're thinking He is still sleeping, Is God sleeping?)
Natutulog ba? (Is he sleeping?)

Chorus:
Sikapin mo, pilitin mo, tibayan ang iyong puso (You try, force yourself, strengthen your heart)
Tanging ikaw and huhubog sa iyong bukas (Only you are shaping your future)
Huwag sanang akalaing natutulog pa ang Diyos (And don't think that God is still sleeping)
Ang buhay mo ay mayroong halaga sa Kanya. (Your life has value in Him)

Dapat nga ba na ikaw ay maghintay (Is it a must that you wait?)
At himukin pa, pilitin pa ng tadhana (and be persuaded, be forced by fate)
Gawin mo na, kung ano ang nararapat (Just do it, do what ought to be done)
Magsikap ka at magtiwala sa Maykapal (Work hard, and trust the Almighty)
Nakahanda ang Diyos umalalay sa 'yo (God is ready to assist you)
Hinihintay ka lang, kaibigan (He is just waiting for you my friend)

Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos - Gary Valenciano

There is a tremendous call for unity at least in prayers for the wellness of the Philippine's "champion of democracy" and symbol of "people power", the former President Corazon C. Aquino. The story of her battle against cancer has always been in the front page of news papers and news online especially in our country.

I am blogging about this song because during Marcos era or right before the "dictator" was ousted through the people power, yellow has been the color of the country. This is the symbol of the First Lady President of the Philippines. Incidentally, yellow is my favorite color, that's the reason why I also love this song.

I am saddened that the former President has to suffer from the big C... but on the other hand, I am thinking that somehow, in her pain or in her loneliness, she is anticipating for her reunion with his deceased husband Ninoy Aquino, a former Philippine Senator who was assassinated as soon as he came back from exhile. I see this couple as a symbol of humility who knew how to use the power in their hands not to amass wealth or to abuse their power unlike the politicians of the present time.

To our beloved former President, hang on there. Rest assured that you will always be remembered as the champion of our democracy, the lady President who rose to power because of the people's love for democracy and for you, not because you cheated. You were cheated on but the people backed you up. That is your legacy... your legitimacy! As a self-professed feminist, I honor you and admire you for that. I was barely 10 years old when I was confronted with the wrath of martial law and the subsequent events that placed you in power and the other obstacles to your presidency.

Now there is another battle in your life and we are one with you in prayers. I honor this President and may God be with you and God bless the Philippines.

I'm comin' home, I've done my time
Now I've got to know what is and isn't mine
If you received my letter telling you I'd soon be free
Then you'll know just what to do
If you still want me
If you still want me

CHORUS

Whoa, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree
It's been three long years
Do ya still want me? (still want me)
If I don't see a ribbon 'round the ole oak tree
I'll stay on the bus
Forget about us
Put the blame on me
If I don't see a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree

Bus driver, please look for me
'cause I couldn't bear to see what I might see
I'm really still in prison
And my love, she holds the key
A simple yellow ribbon's what I need to set me free
I wrote and told her please

(CHORUS)

Now the whole damned bus is cheerin'
And I can't believe I see
A hundred yellow ribbons 'round the ole oak tree

I'm comin' home, mmm, mmm

Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree - Tony Orlando and Dawn

Ahh... he passed away last June 25, PST (my cousin's birthday) and it was a shocking news. I remember seeing audience to his concert screaming, crying and even knocked out unconscious! He was indeed a pop icon. He is no other than Michael Jackson. An icon my nephew was named after (at least the first name Michael, like Michael Jordan and of course, Michael the archangel.)

I am a Michael Jackson fan because I love his songs. When I hear this song, Heal the world, I remember a classic all-star song "We Are The World" and he was one of those all starts who sang that music. Then here it is, Heal the world. A song for a cause, sang by Miachael Jackson himself.

I asked myself once, in the midst of all the controversies about this icon, who could have sang a song such as these? Is it someone who has lip service but hands are doing dirty things inside his pocket? Well, he was acquitted of all the cases he was alleged for. He was practically a free man, a clean man. Then he got married, had his kids but intrigues never seem to wade. That's the price of being a star.

I am not here to judge. I am here to tell you about this wonderful song and how I appreciate it so much because it is a song of hope. I appreciate it because the song depicted of kids who are indeed the future of this earth. It is just too bad these kids are exposed to war, pollution, over population and everything not-so-nice about this earth.

This was a call from a star himself... to heal the world. There is a recognition that the world is in dire need of help. So? What are we here for? To heal the world I guess... I guess???

Heal the world. It's either we are here to help or not. Which side are you?

Heal the World - Micheal Jackson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Hindi Kita Malilimutan - Basil Valdez

This is a song which reminds me of myself, because it was sung by a beautiful singer with eqaully beautiful name, Olivia Newton -John.

This is a great love song, perfect for lovers but this would rather remind me of my grandpa! He'll be celebrating his birthday soon, unfortunately he's no longer here with us. I always remember him associate me with this singer maybe because we are both beautiful or our voices sound alike (haha!) Actually, we share the same first names. All right, that's a trade secret okay?

I remember my grandpa ("lolo" is the tagalog word for grandpa) because he always asked me to pluck his thinly growing mustache, I don't even consider it a mustache but only a "weed" growing from his chin. (By the way both my maternal and paternal lolos were named Jose but this one is my maternal lolo.) He used to teach me how to use two coins (yes, coins! It would either be 2 pieces of a dime or quarter.) I learned it his way but it was more convenient for me when I use the twissor. It was an order from my lolo but it was more of my service for him and my way of showing him my affection. I truly love my lolo that's why when he left this world, I cried my heart out. There's another tagalog song that reminds me so much of him. I shall be blogging about it next time.

I miss my lolo! I just want to greet you Happy Birthday lolo, wherever you are!

I love you too!

Here is the lyrics of the song:

Maybe I hang around here a little more than I should
We both know I got somewhere else to go
But I got something to tell you that I never thought I would
But I believe you really ought to know...
I love you , I honestly love you

You don't have to answer, I see it in your eyes
Maybe it was better left unsaid
This is pure and simple and you must realize
That it's coming from my heart and not my head

I love you , I honestly love you
I'm not trying to make you feel uncomfortable
I'm not trying to make you anything at all
But this feeling doesn't come along every day
And you shouldn't blow the chance
When you got the chance to say...

I love you, I honestly love you
If we both were born in another place and time
This moment might be ending in a kiss
But there you are with yours
And here I am with mine
So I guess we'll just be leaving it at this

I love you, I honestly love youI honestly love you