This is one of the songs my son likes singing. He was 8 years old when he was forced to sing on videoke. That is our past time in our family anyway. I really do not expect that he can finish an entire song but I believe my sister could always inspire him (or force him) to sing.

My sister sent the video to me and I was so proud of my boy because he can express himself through a song. I am proud of him not just he tries hard to achieve something out of his own volition. I am also proud that he knows the reality of our society. 

When he was 6 years old, he drew a big house on his notebook. It was a two-storey house and I asked him "Why so big?", sine there was just the two of us. And he responded, we will live with the children whose parents died or who were left by their mothers. His explanation touched my heart. He already has a plan on how to help the orphans.

Well, the title of the song is Kathang Isip which means Imagination or creative imaginations.

My son expressed his creativity through his song and his drawing and he is able to make a plan from his mind. 

Cheers to creative minds! Cheers to children who knows the reality around and they want to do something about it.  Cheers to those who love the children, especially the orphans!

Cheers to those who walked away as the song wants to tell us.

Read on.

This is my translation of the song:    

KATHANG ISIP (Imagination)

by Ben&Ben

Diba nga ito ang iyong gusto? (Isn't this what you want?)
O, ito'y lilisan na ako (Oh here, I'm leaving)
Mga alaala'y ibabaon (All memories be buried)
Kalakip ang tamis ng kahapon (Enclosed with the sweetness of yesterday)

Mga gabing di namamalayang (Those unnoticed nights)
Oras ay lumilipad (Time is flying)
Mga sandaling lumalayag kung (Those moments of sailing)
San man tayo mapadpad (Wherever it leads us)

Bawat kilig na nadarama (Every thrill I feel)
Sa tuwing hawak ang 'yong kamay (Everytime I hold your hand)
Ito'y maling akala (This is a mistake)
Isang malaking sablay (One great failure)
Pasensya ka na (Apologies)
Sa mga kathang isip kong ito (To all my imaginations/fictions)
Wari'y dala lang ng pagmamahal sa iyo (Perhaps caused by my love for you)
Ako'y gigising na (I am waking up)

Sa panaginip kong ito (From this dream of mine)
At sa wakas ay kusang lalayo sa iyo (To voluntarily walk away from you)

Gaano kabilis nag simula (Our speedy beginning)
Gano'n katulin nawala (is as fast it was gone)
Maaari ba tayong bumalik sa umpisa (Can we go back to the beginning?)
Upang di na umasa ang pusong nagiisa (So my lonely heart will not hope anymore)

Pasensya ka na (Apologies)
Sa mga kathang isip kong ito (To all my imaginations/fictions)
Wari'y dala lang ng pagmamahal sa iyo (Perhaps caused by my love for you)

Ako'y gigising na (I am waking up)

Sa panaginip kong ito (From this dream of mine)

At sa wakas ay kusang lalayo sa iyo (To voluntarily walk away from you)

Sumabay sa agos na isinulat ng tadhana (Flow together with the writings of destiny)
Minsan siya'y para sa iyo (Sometimes he/she is for you)
Pero minsan siya'y paasa (Sometimes he/she is hopeful)
Tatakbo papalayo (Will run farther)
Kakalimutan ang lahat (forget everything)

Pero kahit saan man lumingon (But wherever you look)
Nasusulyapan ang kahapon (You can get a glimpse of yesterday)
At sa aking bawat paghinga (And in every breath)
Ikaw ang nasa isip ko sinta (You are in my mind, my love)
Sa mga kathang isip kong ito (To all my imaginations/fictions)
Wari'y dala lang ng pagmamahal sa iyo (Perhaps caused by my love for you)

Ako'y gigising na (I am waking up)

Sa panaginip kong ito (From this dream of mine)

At sa wakas ay kusang lalayo sa iyo (To voluntarily walk away from you)

Diba nga ito ang iyong gusto? (Isn't this what you want?)
O, ito'y lilisan na ako (Oh here, I'm leaving)

Kaya't pasensya ka na (That's why apologies or I am sorry)

Lyrics was taken from LyricFind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKa8HtWgOxk

Ever been a recipient of a comment: "your eyes are pretty" or "I love your eyes"?
I had.

With that I have learned to appreciate my face. I've gained a certain confidence in myself. I have always considered myself the 'ugly duckling' in the family but when people started telling me something positive about my eyes, I enjoyed it. Then I'd say, "I wish I was just an eye" (so everyone would say all positive things about me... kidding of course!)

But you know what? Me and my siblings (the three of them, 2 brothers, 1 sister), we don't look alike in anything. I am stout, my sister is tall and slim, a brother is chubby and big, the other dark and handsome. We are like the fruits in the fruit salad. We are combined then one would notice our similarities. Apart from each other, it would be so hard to believe that we are siblings. We have one thing in common though - our eyes.

Now as we grow older and aged (just to emphasize ;b), when those wrinkles are starting to show up, I am now convinced that we are in fact, siblings. For a while I thought I was an adopted child but as I look at their babies who got pretty eyes like mine, I brush that thought aside.

This is a song about eyes although this is a love song, I believe, from the movie 007 sung by another favorite Sheena Easton.

For Your Eyes Only - Sheena Easton

For your eyes only, can see me through the night.
For your eyes only, I never need to hide.
You can see so much in me, so much in me that's new.
I never felt until I looked at you.

For your eyes only, only for you.
You'll see what no one else can see, and now I'm breaking free.
For your eyes only, only for you.
The love I know you need in me, the fantasy you've freed in me.
Only for you, only for you.

For your eyes only, the nights are never cold.
You really know me, that's all I need to know.
Maybe I'm an open book because I know you're mine,
But you won't need to read between the lines.

For your eyes only, only for you.
You see what no one else can see, and now I'm breaking free.
For your eyes only, only for you.
The passions that collide in me, the wild abandoned side of me.
Only for you, for your eyes only.

For Your Eyes Only - Sheena Easton

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

I have loved this song before and I appreciated it even more when this version was released a long time ago before I started to work in Manila.

The last part of the original says: Laklak ka ng laklak, mukha ka nang parak! (You keep on drinking, you already look like a cop). It caught my attention because that was the time when cops/police officers here in the Philippines were directed to trim down. I believe it was the term of Sen. Panfilo Lacson. There were initiatives on reforming the ranks of the Philippine National Police.

Oh well, it's about time they change. But have they really changed? I always wonder if I will really feel secured when I am with a cop. Sometimes, one can't stop and wonder what kind of officer is this? The good one or the bad one?

I once heard of a cop story. He was assigned to a new place and because he held higher position, he was sanctioned to give protection to a politician. The latter, being happy with the services of the officer, eventually ordered the cop to hit a rival. The good cop then, despite his shame of serving the politician personally, finally decided to quit. I have heard of this cop before and per records, he is indeed a good cop, a moral one. I applaud him for quitting that dirty job. And as for that politician.... to bad he didn't stay long in the position.

We can't deny that indeed, there are rotten eggs in the basket. Why you may ask? because there are cuddlers as well. Ah! My blood pressure's rising. Let's drink to that! Tagay!

LAKLAK - (Contraction of words drink alcohol)
Nagsimula sa patikim tikim (It started with frequent tasting)
Pinilit kong gustuhin (I tried to like it)
Bishoy nagsimulang lumalem (The vice grew deeper)
Kaya ngyon ang hirap tanggalin (That's why it is hard to quit)
Kabilin bilinan ng lola (Grandma always told me)
Wag nang uminom ng serbesa (Do not drink cerveza)
Ito'y hindi inuming pam bata (This is not for kids)
Mag softdringks ka nalang muna (Drink softdrinks first)
Pero ngyon akoy matanda na (Now that I'm older)
Lola pahingi ng pantoma (Grandma give me money for my drink)
Yan na nga (This is it)
Tumataas na ang amats ko (I am getting drunk)
Kasi laklak maghapon magdamag (Because I drink all day, all night)

(This is the rap part)
HOY!
Tayo na halika (Let's go, com'om)
Isalin mo na serbesa (Pour out the cerveza)
Ilabas mo na yang mesa (Bring out the table)
E baso bote o tasa hoy! (the glass, bottle or mug)
Bumili ka na ba ng yelo (Did you buy ice)
Luto na pala kutyero (Is the menu cooked?)
Ng tyuhin mong bumbero (Menu of your fireman uncle)
At tatay mo na kutyero (And your jockey father)
Ipasa mo nayang tagay (Pass the shot glass)
Marami naka antabay (A lot are waiting)
Na humahaba na hanay (The line is getting longer)
Na meron pang makipag away (Some even fight)
Ng alang-alang sa alak (Because of the alcohol)
Na parabang naka batak (They who seem like in drugs)
Hindi yan naka tapak (Not because he stepped)
Ng mga utak na may lamat (On a brain with cracks)
Tulad nito siguro si bruno matigas ang ulo (Like Bruno who is hard headed)
Hindi mo na mapipigil humalik sa bote o baso (You won't resist kissing a bottle or glass)
Pag may nag kakasiyahan (If there is merry-making)
At may nagkaka tugtugan (And there is music)
Hindi mo na mapigilan habang nag kakainuman (You can no longer resist while you are drinking)
Sige na umuwi kalasing kana (Go ahead, you go home)
Na sumusuka pa (You're throwing up)
Teka bakit umiikot ang yong mga mata (Wait, why are your eyes spinning?)
Sino bang may sabing uminom ka ng labing lima (Who told you to drink 15?)
Hindi ka rin naman pala tanga (You are not a fool)

Gloc-9 Feat. Dong Abay - Laklak - Gloc9

As I was blogging about Mike Hanopol the other day, I kept recalling the OPM songs that my sister always sings. I remember the band Aegis, one of her favorites as a matter of fact. One song that pops up was this: Luha (it means Tears). I knew this wasn't an original song of Aegis because I have heard of this song long before Aegis band was conceptualized (and long before Aegis members were born? I hope not.)

I keep hearing my sister sing this song during videoke time. Who introduced me to this song first? My aunt who, long before videoke became popular, loves to sing in the bathroom. I can her her singing in my room upstairs. That was the time when we stayed in their house, temporarily. There's just two of them in the house so they were kind enough to let my entire family in... for the second time. She loves this song. That's what I sense from her way of singing because she sings her heart out with this. A gesture that made me guess... she wants to shout at somebody because she is mad. Ahhh... I was still a school girl then but surely this song reminds me of her.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Here is my translation:
LUHA - (Tears)

Akala ko ikaw ay akin (I thought you were mine)
Totoo sa aking paningin (Real in my sight)
Ngunit nang ikaw ay yakapin (But when I hugged you)
Naglaho sa dilim (You disappear from darkness)
Ninais kong mapalapit sa’yo (I wanted to get near you)
Ninais kong malaman mo (I wanted to tell you)
Ang mga paghihirap ko (All my sacrifices)
Balewala lang sa’yo (Meant nothing to you)

Ikaw ay aking minahal (I have loved you)
Kasama ko ang Maykapal (Together with the Almighty)
Ngunit ako pala’y naging isang hangal (But I was a fool)
Naghahangad ng isang katulad mo (Aspiring for someone like you)

Hindi ko na kailangan (I don't need 'you')
Umalis ka na sa aking harapan (Move away from me)
Damdamin ko sa `yo ngayon ay naglaho na (My feelings for you have vanished)
At ito ang ‘yong tandaan (And remember this)
Ako’y masyadong nasaktan (I am really hurt)
Pag-ibig at pagsuyo na kahit na sa luha (My love and affection that even in tears)
Mababayaran mo (You are going to pay)

Tingnan mo ang katotohanan (Look at reality)
Na tayo’y pare-pareho lamang (That we are all the same)
May damdamin ding nasasaktan (We have aching feelings)
Puso mo’y nasaan (Where is your heart?)

Ayaw ko nang mangarap (I don't wanna hope/dream)
Ayaw ko nang tumingin (I don't wanna look anymore)
Ayaw ko nang manalamin (I don't wanna see the mirror)
Nasasaktang damdamin (My feelings are hurt)
Gulong ng buhay (the wheel of life)
Patuloy-tuloy sa pag-ikot (Continues to turn)
Noon ako ay nasa ilalim (I was at the bottom before)
Bakit ngayon nasa ilalim pa rin (But why am I still in the bottom?)
Sana bukas nasa ibabaw naman (I hope I will be on top tomorrow)

LUHA - AEGiS

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

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

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

For you girl...

Bohemian rhapsody - Queen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you

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

Africa - Toto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[repeat chorus]

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

[repeat chorus]

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

Daldahin - Regine Velasquez

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

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

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

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

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

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

At Seventeen - Janis Ian

This song is one of the many Carpenter songs that I learned from my sister. It was always her who criticized my singing and taught me a lot of songs, really! (Sometimes, she learns from me too, she just can't accept it ;-)

I remember singing this a few times before the tone and rhythm of it finally hit me! I wasn't a slow learner, I guess music is such an art where you can't really do it the abstract way at all times. I think despite of it not counted as an exact science (not even science), there has to be organization to it. Well, maybe I am just saying this because I really had difficulty with this song before. But I can sing it more confidently now.

I also remember my dear friend Mona whom I commissioned to write something about this song. She just said that if there's one song that would remind her of me, it would be this song. She probably heard my sister and I sang this before and it played to her brain over and over... that's my story which is I hope her story as well. If there are reactions, please do so my dear... go to the comment box.

'Til next post!

Lyrics of the song YOU
You are the one who makes me happy
When everything else turns to gray
Yours is the voice that wakes me mornings
And sends me out into the day

You are the crowd that sits quiet list'ning to me
With all the mad sense I make
You are one of the few things worth remembering
And since it's all true, how can anyone mean more to me than you.

Sorry if sometimes I look past you
There's no one beyond your eyes
Inside my head the wheels are turning
Hey sometimes I'm not so wise

You are my heart and my soul, my inspiration
Just like the old love song goes
You are one of the few things worth remembering
And since it's all true, how could anyone mean more to me than you

You are my heart and my soul, my inspiration
Just like the old love song goes
You are one of the few things worth remembering...
And since it's all true, how could anyone mean more to me than you.

The Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)

It must have been cold there in my shadow
To never have sunlight on your face
You were content to let me shine, that's your way,
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
While you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name -- for so long,
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle, 'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it
I would be nothing with out you.

Fly... fly... fly away, you let me fly so high.
fly... fly... so high against the sky
So high I almost touched the sky.
Thank you, thank you, thank God for you,
the wind beneath my wings.

Today is the first of May. We are celebrating the "Labor Day" here in the Philippines. Everyone in the labor force longs to have a holiday and this is it, this is such a long weekend!

I am writing about this song because for me, it depicts labor - labor of all sorts. I have always wished that someone would sing this for me or someone I would sing it to but no one has yet reached that standard, the standard of being my hero, someone who is really beneath my wings. (I would say my family but that would be my "HEROES") However, I can name two reasons. First, because I haven't really flied like an eagle, I haven't really reached what I wanted to be. I am still longing for so much in my life. I still dream of things which I haven't realized.

Secondly, work is always in progress. I know there are people who are continuously working to be my hero. Little by little, inch by inch, they are nearing that and I would want to thank them for staying with me, for giving me company.

I said to myself once "stay with the one who will never leave me". Who would that be? My answer is MYSELF. Sounds crazy but for me the only real person who knows me best is myself, my keeper, my helper, my guardian, my conscience, my soul, my mind, my body and all the tiny genes in me. I thought since I cannot call anybody my hero, no one calls me their hero (to be worthy of this song), why don't I just call myself, my own hero? I know that's crazy but for now, let me be just that for myself - a HERO!

WIND BENEATH MY WING - Bette Midler

This is a favorite of my brother-in-law. He is also my favorite, I seldom kid him, because he is my only brother-in-law ("bayaw" is the local word for brother-in-law). I also call my sister, my favorite sis because she's the only sis I have, I mean my blood sister.

I really don't know why my bayaw liked this song. I never got the chance to ask him, besides, he's such a quiet guy. He only talks a lot when he's got plenty of beer in his tummy, although, I "over-talk" him, really!

Before he married my sister, I heard him sing this song in a bar not just once. And when they got married, this song is also on queue on the videoke screen. I even made a video of his daughter with this song as a background. Well, never mind the mnemonics, he is still my favorite bayaw as long as he remains to be in love with my sister.... what more can I ask for? And this song will remind me of him.

By the way, I had become an avid fan of American Idol 2008 so when Jason Castro sang this, I truly enjoyed the sound of it! It was really perfect! Perfect song for this blog site too!

So here is the lyrics and music of the song:


LYRICS OF THE SONG
Michelle, ma belle, these are words that go together well,
My Michelle.

Michelle, ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,
Très bien ensemble.

I love you, I love you, I love you.
That's all I want to say, until I find a way
I will say the only words I know that you'll understand.

Michelle, ma belle sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,
Très bien ensemble.

I need to, I need to, I need to.
I need to make you see oh, what you mean to me.
Until I do I'm hoping you will know what I mean.

I love you...

I want you, I want you, I want you.
I think you know by now I'll get to you somehow.
Until I do I'm telling you so you'll understand.

Michelle, ma belle.
Sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,
Très bien ensemble.
I will say the only words I know that you'll understand, my Michelle.

This is the version of Jason Castro (American Idol 2008 Finalist)

Michelle - Jason Castro

Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler

I always enjoy singing this song during "videoke hour" be it inour house, at the beach, at an outing or anywhere for that matter. Wherever I go, I got this song playing in my head, over and over and over again. I must have memorized the song lyrics... not really!

I just love singing the song for no particular reason. I love the high and fast note especially when you get to that part which says: "Your love is like a shadow all the time... I don't know what to do..."

Oh well, this is a love song after all. So I always try my best to sing it from the heart given the chance. This song taught me a lot of singing styles as well. I admit, I also admire the husky voice of Bonnie Tyler. I just admire singers who sing that way: Rod Steward, Michael Bolton, Bryan Adams, etc.

I almost forgot... one must have a back up in singing this song. However, our home made videoke only has one microphone. We really struggle in looking for a back up mic when I had this song on queue. Struggle as it may seem, when I sing this song, I had my mom or my sister or my aunt to sing the echoing part of "Turn around...". Well, they are my special singing partners. I wonder when would my aunt write here on the site. (Are you there? Yes, she's here, she helps me edit this site!)

It's really nice to look back at those moments. Now I'm wishing we had that portable, handy video camera to capture those moments and I could post it here ;-)

Here is the lyrics!
TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART

(Turnaround) Every now and then I get a
little bit lonely and you're never coming around
(Turnaround) Every now and then I get a
little bit tired of listening to the sound of my tears
(Turnaround) Every now and then I get a
little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by
(Turnaround) Every now and then I get a
little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes
(Turnaround bright eyes) Every now and then I fall apart
(Turnaround bright eyes) Every now and then I fall apart

(Turnaround) Every now and then I get a
little bit restless and I dream of something wild
(Turnaround) Every now and then I get a
little bit helpless and I'm lying like a child in your arms
(Turnaround) Every now and then I get a
little bit angry and I know I've got to get out and cry
(Turnaround) Every now and then I get a
little bit terrified but then I see the look in your eyes
(Turnaround bright eyes) Every now and then I fall apart
(Turnaround bright eyes) Every now and then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you'll only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong together
We can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do... a total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say... a total eclipse of the heart

Turnaround bright eyes
Turnaround bright eyes
(Turnaround) Every now and then I know
you'll never be the boy you always you wanted to be
(Turnaround) Every now and then I know
you'll always be the only boy who wanted me the way that I am
(Turnaround) Every now and then I know
there's no one in the universe as magical and wonderous as you
(Turnaround) Every now and then I know
there's nothing any better and there's nothing I just wouldn't do
(Turnaround bright eyes) Every now and then I fall apart
(Turnaround bright eyes) Every now and then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you'll only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong together
We can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart