Pinoy Pop

I want to share songs from Filipino artists that I appreciate at the moment. Most of the songs that I share are from Japanese artists, but I want to clarify that I enjoy songs from Filipino artists. Most singers that I appreciate are either veteran artists or underrated artists.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional in the music industry. Everything in this post is according to my taste in music and my preference.

Right now, SB19 is mainstream. But back then, they were underrated. Until now, they receive a lot of bashing from fellow Filipinos. Their musicality is exceptional, and their movements are well choreographed. I believe these boys have appeal in terms of talent, not just the physical attributes, which we usually see in our local boy groups. Here is one of their recent music video.

Next is Maymay Entrata. She started as a winner in a local tv contest. I admit that I did not expect much from her as a singer. The local entertainment industry forces some winners of their programs to the mainstream even if they lack the training for it. But the case of Maymay seemed different. She has talent and, in addition to that, she makes time to train and practice her art. I was surprised to see her in this music video. I think she has potential with her vocals and, maybe, in the long run, she can be a total performer.

Lastly, Alamat is a new and upcoming boy group. I think the group has potential. Their artistry is a little different from the usual boy groups made here in the Philippines. The concept of the boys singing in their local dialect is a good idea. Hopefully, they can retain that. Their songs and covers have a distinct sound in them, not just because of the different dialects used, but the beat and tempo are unique. It may be too early to praise them, but hopefully, their craft would evolve in the long run. Below is one of the songs that they covered that I like.

There are other Filipino artists that I would like to share here, but I'll limit it to three for now. I will share more in the future.

gabay

Gabay by Siakol

been in my head a lot! (^_^)

another super update

hi everyone! it's been really hard for me to update my blog recently due to work and limited internet access. there have been a lot that has been happening lately, and to tell you all the truth, i can't even remember some of them. i do have pictures so... i'll just tell you all about these pictures are. (^_^) we will start with the albums.

1st SFC Big West Conference

we are all proud to say that we are the pioneer members who attended the conference. (^_^) the venue as at my alma mater, Miriam College. There were 3 talks, praise fest, mass and dances. i also bought shirts, but no pictures yet of the shirts. you will all see them in my future pictures. (^_~)

next, the birthday celebration of Rex, our manager, and also the quarter celebration of our company since we reached our quota for this quarter. yosh! it was all a treat from our boss, James. thank you! (^_^) the pictures will tell it all.

next, pictures i have "edited"

there has been an on going campaign to lessen the garbage and plastic usage around the world. it's now advised to bring your own bag for groceries and stuff, or they use paper bags. one particular establishment took it a notch higher. the design of their paper bag is a copy of a painting by a filipino painter. really awesome! i couldn't throw the paper bag because it was eye-candy for me. i kept it for myself. (^_~)

second picture? it involves cold treats! korean ice cream, because my friend at office wanted to try it for the first time. the second treat? earl grey ice cream! no kidding (^_^) best only when served cold though. if it melts, it's not that enjoyable anymore. then again, that's just me. it was the first time a tested this flavor in an ice cream. i mean, i drink earl grey tea, but ice cream? i just had to try. (^_^)

you have all heard of the sandwich shop Subway right? well... i only at there recently and i realized ho much i as missing! hehehe! the sandwich as just great. i would definitely buy there at least once a week. (^_^) i am so behind with a lot of stuff so don't be surprised hen you see "first time" in my entries. (^_^)

rarely do i go to Starbucks because i have this notion that drinks and food are overpriced there. but i do admit that there is that rare moment that you think you just really deserve it after busy days and stressful tasks. (^_^) choco-glazed donut and strawberry and cream frappe. (^_^)

our team leader treated us to frozen margarita and snacks is celebration of those e have hired for the client company, kampai! (^_^) yes, another first time for me. (^_^)

and lastly, friday was a holiday here. but i went to work for half day. i jut had to take a picture of myself. i don't know why, i just had a feeling i had to. (^_~)

there are so many things i missed telling in this entry, but as i said earlier, i can't remember the other events anymore. please forgive me. m (_ _) m

chao~

DC new 52 cards. Out soon :)

a peak at great works!

by a great artist!

by Mr. Gilbert Monsanto!

DC fans, are you ready?

SOON!

independence day art

last june 12, our country celebrated independence day.

here is an art that was featured at one of the malls here in cubao in celebration of the holiday. (^_^)

each day with you

i heard this song again on the radio after so long.

it's a simple song but the message is direct and easy to understand. (^_~)

the hopeless romantic me... (~_~)

earthquakes

yesterday, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the visayas area of the philippines.

people died, lost their beloved ones, lost their homes, lost  their livelihood and are in dire need of help.

relief goods and help have been sent by different groups, organizations and individuals, though it may still not be enough.

a few minutes ago,

i heard the there was an earthquake in the northwest part of japan.

everyone, we know earthquakes happen, but it still comes as a surprise to us when it happens.

we should treasure each day and live our very best because we don't know how fast everything can change in a blink of an eye.

i myself became realized this just when this year started.

prayer is a big part.

we offer prayers to be thankful for our blessings.

prayers for those in need and are suffering.

prayers for the safety of our family, friends, our country and the whole world.

never underestimate prayers.

believe, have faith and surrender it all to God.

amen.

videos

i have been listening and watching to these videos recently and have become fond of them recently. (^_^)

hope you also enjoy. V(^_^)

the first three videos are by nico nico singers with the song "fire◎flower."






the next video is the group √5 with the song "merry go round."

the members of √5 are also nico nico singers namely koma'n, dasuko, pokota, michan and kettaro.


next is sekihan's version of "servant of evil."


next are filipino singers. (^_^)

somedaydream with the acoustic version of the song "hey daydreamer."


christian baustista with the song "i'm already king"


and lastly, the song from "phineas and ferb the movie: across the 2nd dimension" titled "summer"


enjoy!

dr. jaime galvez tan

yesterday, i attended a talk by dr. jaime galvez tan.

he is a former secretary of health and he is currently promoting the use of herbal medicines in our country.

based from his short talk yesterday, he has been serving in the rural areas of our country for a long time.

he was encouraging us to join him in serving the less fortunate,

be a community doctor.

he gave a short and inspiring talk.

i was thankful that i was able to attend the talk.

exhibit of the national artist nominee Aguilar Alcuaz

rei and i went to the exhibit of the national artist nominee Aguilar Alcuaz.

we really enjoyed the collection. (^_^)

i personally noticed some transitions in style and materials by the artist,

but i also noted that he would "go back to his roots."

his first works were also like his more recent works,

but he would have more precise strokes and better color palette.

i really love it. (^_^)

pictures

filipino wit

this really made me laugh. (~_~)

this actually made sense.

"According to Manila businessman, Tonyboy Ongsiako, there is so much wit in the Philippines. Why? Because we are in a country where a good sense of humor is needed to survive. We have a 24-hour comedy show here called the government and a huge reserve of comedians made up mostly of politicians and bad actors."

please read it!

filipino wit

(~_~)

abra trip - holy week

minna~

finally! here is the entry about our one week stay at our province, Abra.

during our stay in the province,

we didn't go out of our house much.

the space in our garden and the treehouse was enough for us to keep ourselves entertained.

add to that, even though we have known and have been living in a gallery,

me and my siblings always saw something interesting in our house/gallery.

(~_~)

add to that,

the mango trees in the garden was bearing fruit,

so we literally got our own food from around us. (~_~)

we went our for a walk around the small town on our first day,

just so we can say hi to those we know.

i'm not bragging or anything,

but our family is very known in our province.

despite that,

we try to be discreet and that is why people are amazed when we introduce ourselves.

anyways, during our short walk,

rei and i visited our church and the Holy Ghost School.

the Holy Ghost School was the first of the Holy Spirit Schools here in the Philippines.

rei and i studied in one of the Holy Spirit Schools here in manila.

moving on...

the other reasons for us to go out of our house was for a procession or when we needed to buy something.

holy tuesday,

we joined the Stations of the Cross procession our plaza.

maundy thursday,

we were already preparing the Santo Inchero (the dead Jesus Christ) for the friday evening procession.

on the evening of thursday,

we also joined a procession.

during such processions,

there is this structure they call "abong-abong" which we pass through along the way.

this structure is made of bamboo and coconut leaves.

it is decorated with fruits, cloth, paintings or other materials.

inside it is a tableau depicting scenes from the gospels,

specifically scenes during the last supper until the death of Jesus.

good friday,

everyone was busy preparing the Santo Inchero.

preparing the food to be served for the musikeros,

for those who will prayed,

for those who helped pull the Santo Inchero

and for those who visited the Santo Inchero at our house.

this day was also the Kissing of the Feet of Jesus.

it is during this time that it is said that Jesus has died.

after the Kissing of the Feet was the evening procession with the Santo Inchero.

for the whole evening,

there were prayers until dawn of black saturday.

black saturday,

we visited the grave of my grandmother in Villa Padua.

Villa Padua is a family property in the mountains of Abra.

this villa is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua.

during our visit,

we went up the Stairway to Heaven in our villa.

there is supposed to be 100 steps to the top of the mountain.

this was conceptualize by my grandfather.

later that afternoon,

we went to a different part of our province for a cool swim at a natural spring.

it was a really cooling way to beat the heat.

easter sunday,

rei and i woke up early to watch the "sabet",

it is a reenactment of the meeting between mother and son,

Mother Mary and her risen son Jesus Christ.

after that was the easter mass.

we rushed for breakfast because we were scheduled to leave for manila after the mass.

the trip was very warm and windy,

tiring and exhausting,

but that itself is part of the whole trip.

i am very thankful for the one week we had in Abra,

and for the safety of our trip to and fro Abra.

(~_~)

pictures:

abra trip

holy week
----------@----------
during my stay in the province,

there were times wherein i had an experience that i thought i should have their separate entry.

the over-all title for these four entries is

"agsao ti rabii" (the evening speaks)

• cold summer nights
• the help
• faith
• Georgina

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
COUNTDOWN: 4 DAYS!

a week

a week has passed since the earthquake/tsunami calamity in Japan.

there has been a lot of charity events locally and internationally to help Japan.

although, there is still a lot of needs to be met.

another of their concern is the meltdown of the nuclear power plant.

despite all these, the japanese, based from what i see or hear from the news, are coping quite better compared if it happened to other countries.

those who are affect are suffering, that is true, but there seems to be no "abuse" (well maybe it's not reported) by their fellow citizens (robbery, etc.)

here in the city, i have witnessed a robbery during a fire (it's not even a national calamity).

this is very disappointing.

but at the same incident, when the neighbor realized that the victims were taken advantage of,

they dragged the robber and beat him up.

though violent, i think that would be what was needed given the situation.

back to japan,

the people calmly wait in very long lines just to talk to their love ones on the public phone.

they would patiently wait for their turn to be able to pass the very narrow highway with all the cars wanting to be far away as possible from greater damage.

i saw some pictures were they comfort and hug each other even if they are total strangers.

happy that they are still alive.

though i have heard of "hoarding behaviors" in shops, i have not heard (again, maybe it is not reported) of a stampede or a rumble because of desperation to get immediate needs.

there was a foreigner who said that "the japanese are calm given the situation they are in."

and another who said "that we should watch japan in the coming weeks and maybe we may learn from their calmness, stoic behavior and ability to cope despite the calamities they face."

i agree with what they said.

we could really learn a lot from them.

their calmness and stoic behavior may be a way for them to move on and continue to move forward.

other foreigners who are in japan are panicking which i think worsens their situation.

this is obviously in contrast to the way the japanese are handling the situation.

----------

within this week,

the recent news i've heard about Libya is that there is an immediate ceasefire because the United Nations Security Council had approved of force being used to help those who are greatly affected by the uprising (foreigners i assume).

i have also heard from Médecins Sans Frontières Hong Kong (International Medical Humanitarian Organization) that they have been having difficulty in tending to those who need medical assistance because they are being blocked by military.

maybe now that there is an immediate ceasefire, they can now attend to those who need help.

also, within this week, the country of Bahrain and Yemen have announced a state of emergency because there is an attempt of an uprising.

locally, there is the landslide and the very heavy rains in the Visayas and Mindanao islands.

a lot of things happening within a week.

charity help, financial help and emotional help are being asked and given.

but most of all prayers are what we all ask and what we all can give right now.

prayers for everyone.

amen.

+

----------

i would like to make it clear that everything mentioned about are based from what i have read so far.

this is from my point of view.

as i have mentioned earlier, others may not be reported or i may have not read about it.

there could be others "point of views" to consider.

i would be open and be respectful to other views or comments about what i wrote.

but also please respect my point of view.

thank you.

happening

- some think this is retribution. it's very sad that there are those who think this way. specially when you know them personally.

tweeted this this morning.




- these are not happening as punishment. it may be happening so the people can fix it for the better.


this is a combination of me and my parent's thoughts about the wars and calamities happening locally and internationally.




- i respect everyones religion, but i don't like those take advantage of the present situation.

there were those tried to "preach" that the wars and calamities are God's punishment to the human race. this made me sad and furious at the same time. personally, i do not believe that God is a God of wrath. i believe that he gets angry, but at the evil acts not at the humans who do the acts.

i do not know if this is right or  wrong, but i believe that it is part of human nature to make mistakes (the "acts"). but human nature does not stop there. it is part of human nature to learn from mistakes and act on it, change. when a person disregards the opportunity of learning and changing, the mistakes increase and that's when the person feels that s/he is being "punished." but i do not believe that this is punishment from God, it is the result from disregarding an "opportunity." i believe that it is also part of human nature to bounce back up after a hard times, to have faith and hope despite all the troubles we encounter.

it is just a matter of time. the relief may be instant or it can be a long process.

in the end, there is a chance, opportunity of learning and change. that is why there is such a thing as a "new day."
----------

prayers for everyone.

amen.

+

iniisip/ thoughts

"minsan kasi magalit ka rin sa kanya. baka masanay siya at maging laki sa layaw."

-isa sa mga iniisip ko bago ako matulog ngayong gabi.

-t-r-a-n-s-l-a-t-i-o-n-

"you have to be able to get mad at him/her sometimes. he/she might get used to it and become spoiled."

-one of the thoughts in my head before i go to sleep tonight.

恭禧發財 / Gong Xi Fa Cai

happy chinese new year!

year of the rabbit!

(~_~)

some filipinos also celebrate it even though we are not a province of china or anything. (~_~)

there are a number of possible reasons behind this.

• the business trade between the Philippines and China that dates back to the 1300's to the present.
• the increase in number of Chinese occupants in our country.
• the influence of the Chinese culture (feng shui especially in homes and in business)

the list can go on.

(~_~)

start of 2011

happy new year minna-san!!!!! (^_^) V

today we start the start of 2011!

the new year's dinner was very busy but i was glad that we all shared the food and the blessings together at the start of the year.

rei and i wore our yukata for this event!

there were a lot of fireworks even before midnight.

and this tripled when it struck midnight! (^_^) V

(pictures)

we pray for everyone's good health and safety for this coming year.

guidance and love for all the families.

understanding between friends and foes.

peace to all mankind.

to everyone all over the world,

WELCOME 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

V (^_^) V

to the past

konbanwa minna-san~

yesterday, we visited our grand aunt (sister of my grandmother, father's side) because it was her 95th birthday. (^_^)

despite her age, she is still quite strong and her memory is still very sharp. (^_^)

she loves chocolates that have liquor in them.

it is actually because of her why we also like such chocolates. (~_~)

she plays piano very well and i really admire her talent. (~_~)

i used to play the piano but i had to stop due to certain reasons, but now that i think about it...

 think i would like to learn playing the piano once more. (~_~)

i wonder if it's too late?

on a different note,

if you want to see an interior that came from the japanese times here in the philippines,

i would really suggest my grand aunt's house.

this is no joke but some of the things in the house have never been moved ever since my great grandfather died.

though the house is very dusty and really old, i really enjoy "wandering" in the house because i feel like i'm being transported to a different time.

(~_~)

RPG Metanoia

good morning minna-san! (^_^)

yesterday was the start of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

this is an annual film festival of Filipino films starting every 25 of december until a certain date in january (i forgot when)

m(_ _)m gomen~

anyways, we watched the movie RPG Metanoia. (may take time to load)

it is the first full-length 3D animation done here in the Philippines.

the story: kids who love to play RPG.

a "virus" was spreading in the online game itself and it has affected not only the avatar and the network but also the users themselves (they seem to be hypnotized to continue playing the game).

the boys put it upon themselves to save the users of the games.

in the end, they became the saviors of the online gaming world.

in terms of graphics, it was very good.

considering that this was the very first movie and the fact it took approximately 5 years to finish, i think the graphics and movements of the characters were clear.

though it still needs more work, i was impressed by graphics of the "game scenes"

the story was fairly built up.

it was easy to follow how the events were progressing and there was a good build up of how the conflict escalated.

unfortunately, i feel torn about the resolution of the story was good or not.

it was simple, maybe to balance the too much action of the whole movie.

but maybe it was just too simple.

i am not sure.

the scenes are very much familiar if not common to most if not all the young generations of the philippines.

i liked the part wherein they incorporated filipino values and filipino folklore in the avatars and the whole story itself.

in general, i really enjoyed watching it. (^_^)

AFF Suzuki Cup

it was my first time to watch the AFF Suzuki Cup tonight. (^_^)

it was Philippines vs Indonesia.

Indonesia won.

despite the loss, the Philippine team (Azkals) showed great performance on the field. (^_^)

football is not really a "known" hobby here in our country but the AFF Suzuzki World Cup sparked the interest of a number of Filipinos, me included.

there will be a second game with Indonesia on Sunday.

win or lose, i am very proud of the Azkals!

(^_^)

AFF Suzuki Cup 2010

----
yes it sparked my interest because of the brand name Suzuki and

yes because one of Zukki's hobbies is soccer/football (it's even his logo in d-boys ^_^)

i ain't deny it.

it true. (^_^)