3 August 2008
- Sunday -
Been awhile since my last blog. Interesting to note that July was practically zilch. Too much work so little time. With whatever free time is given me, I'd rather spend it staying at home and play with my ps2 to distress me. I would have loved a few rounds of driving at the nearest golf driving range, but the weather isn't that cooperative.
Anyhoots...
... I just got to watch "The Bucket List" starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman with my old folks and brothers. Funny, entertaining, sentimental. Nicholson and Freeman are a force to reckon with. I love their tandem. Both were able to hold on their own without even trying to upstage the other. It's so like when Robert de Niro and Al Pacino worked together in "Heat."
It's basically about two men with cancer and how they would spend their remaining days before they kick the bucket. Good twist in the end. Love the soundtrack too.
Just last week I had consecutive news of deaths of people who are familiar to me.
My brod, Speedy, and a batchmate of my Dad when both joined the frat in 1964, died alone in his apartment. Estranged from his wife and with the kids in the U.S., he practically had no one living with him. I am not that close to him, but we spent a number of times together since we are both into the business of language teaching to non-native speakers. Just like me, he is also a board member of our Frat's alumni organization. The circumstances surrounding his death and life situation hit a cord inside me.
I don't want to live alone, much less die "alone."
Speedy's body was cremated immediately by his kin the day after he was found by the security guard inside his apartment. All of a sudden it was just like that. No time to mourn it seems for his relatives. They didn't even think that his wife and children would have wanted to see him. Must have been that bad.
Well, Speedy, rest assured that the Brods will be remembering you as we gather together for a memorial service in your honor. Our round of drinks will be toasts with your name mentioned. Hail thee, Argonaut. You have made your last voyage in the Argo.
Meanwhile, a highschool batchmate died recently because of cancer. Such a young person since we are not even in our forties.
Makes me realize that sooner or later we will kick the bucket too.
Morbid thinking I know.
Mea culpa.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Deaths in recent days...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Another Blast From the Past
14 June 2008
Saturday
She's back... at least through YM.
Initiated contacted she did, and well, I was just trying my darnest best to be civil about it. Cute pic she had. Nice smile.
And those eyes...
...still took my breath away.
But I know it's over now. I don't want to see her again even if I told her I would meet up if my sched is willing.
What a Choke!
14 June 2008
Saturday
I'm still reeling from the Lakers' 97-91 loss to the Celtics in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals. Damn, what a total meltdown...
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Finally got my phone!
11 May 2008
Sunday
I just got my Treo 680 last Wednesday. Feels great to have a smartphone that would actually help in my line of work. I know it's not the latest model. I was contemplating on getting the new model, the Palm Centro, but it looks like it's packaged for the female managers.
So I have to settle for the 680.
Nifty.
Great.
The only downside for me is that I have to charge it everyday...
...oh well, one can't have it all.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Take On Me by A-ha
26 April 2008
Saturday
Undoubtedly the best video for me by far. Great music, the quintessential 80's music that blended well with new wave and mainstream.
And yes, I remember having this humongous crush on the babe back then.
Check out the hair of the dudes... don't mind having Morten's hair myself. Hahahaha!
Ink and Paper - Modern English
26 April 2008
Saturday
What is it with music from the past that makes you shed a tear or two? Just like the previous music, I still get the quivers whenever I get to listen to it.
I Melt With You - Modern English
26 April 2008
Saturday
It took me quite some time to get a hold of this video. Glad I found it. Brings me back of memories of my glorious youthful past as an awkward tweener hobbit...
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Young Manhood by the Wild Swans
22 March 2008
Saturday
Another one of my faves from the Wild Swans. Take note that Paul Simpson was both the vocals of the Wild Swans and The Care.
Bringing Home the Ashes by The Wild Swans
22 March 2008
Saturday
One of my fave bands and songs! Goodness, I remember those days of 102.7XB.
Whatever Possessed You by The Care
22 March 2008
Saturday
You just got to love the intro and guitars... damn. It feels like highschool all over again.
80's Music: A Toast to the Blokes from Liverpool
22 March 2008
Saturday
No, I'm not referring to the most famous Fab Four. After all, they are more of the 60's and 70's.
I'm talking about the laddies from the old English county of Merseyside, particularly those from the '80's. There is something about Liverpool that produces a significant number of great musicians during the New Romantics era, more popularly known in the Philippines as New Wave. I suppose coming from an area noted for its poets and great poetry, I guess you can say that these artists are a step ahead of the others. Too bad I can't say the same of today's pop culture and stupid rap music --- I have yet to appreciate that kind of noise.
What comes to mind are the following bands:
1. The Wild Swans
2. The Care (not the Cure)
3. China Crisis
4. Echo and the Bunnymen
5. Flock of Seagulls
6. Icicle Works
7. Lightning Seeds
8. Lotus Eaters
9. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)
10. The Pale Fountains
Take a ride with me down memory lane for those of you who are children of the '80's as I post later some of my favorite songs from a number of my fave bands.
Voltes V (the theme song)
22 March 2008
Saturday
Okay, since I already posted the end song of this all-time favorite anime of mine, I might as well post the theme song.
The Japanese version:
Tatoe arashi ga hukou tomo
Tatoe oonami areru tomo
Kogidasou tatakai no umi he
Tobikomou tatakai no uzu he
Mitsumeau hitomi to hitomi
Nukumori wo shinjiau
Go nin no nakama
BORUTESU FAIBU ni
subete wo kakete
Yaruzo chikara no tsukiru made
Chikyuu no yoake ha
mou chikai
Tatoe ikazuchi hurou tomo
Tatoe daichi ga yureru tomo
Tobidasou tatakai no sora he
Mamorou yo tatakai no niwa wo
Nigiri au tagai no te to te
Magokoro wo shinjiau
Go nin no nakama
BORUTESU FAIBU ni
inochi wo kakete
Yuku zo shouri wo tsukamu made
Uchuu no yoake ha
mou chikai
Tatoe kemono ga hoeru tomo
Tatoe yukute wo husagu tomo
Utaou yo tatakai no uta wo
Katarou yo tatakai no michi wo
Ashinami wo soroete yukou
Otagai wo shinjiau
Go nin no nakama
BORUTESU FAIBU ni
Azuketa inochi
Tobu ze uchuu no hate made mo
Minna no egao mo
mou chikai
Here's the English version (as heard in Philippine TV):
Someday the sons of light shall
fill all the earth
The morning of justice shall have
come to its birth
So we'll all wave our banners
high and free through the air
For the love and glory
we then all shall share
Soldiers boldly unite to fight
and fight for peace
Hand in hand like eagles
through the breeze
Over lands and over seas
Voltes V we come to you
Flashing through with wings of steel
Fates of foes are what we seal
With swords of laser light
And over lands and over seas
Onwards victory / Voltes V!
Voltes V (the end song, "Looking for Father")
22 March 2008
Saturday
This cartoon brings back old memories so close to my heart. The song's message, even the context involving three brothers and their father smacks straight at home.
Here are the lyrics both in Japanese and English:
Chichi wo motomete (Looking for Father)
hinadori mo
Itsuka wa yasashii
hutokoro ni
Kaeru ashita mo aru darou
Danoni naze meguri aenu
chichi no kage
Naku mono ka
Boku wa otoko da
Shinjiteru shinjiteru
Sono hi no koto wo
Kono te de chichi wo
Daki shimeru hi no koto wo
English translation:
Even a chick that got lost
from its parents
has a tomorrow
to return someday
to the tender breast again
But why couldn't I find
my father's figure?
I won't cry
I'm a man
I believe, I believe
in the day
I will hold
my father in my arms.
Back in 1979, there were only three of us (ages 9, 8, and 3). I was Steve, Jing would be Big Bert, and Jay would be Little Jon. Our youngest, Jojo, wasn't born yet at that time. Dad has been away for a very long time, and yes, he was in Japan for both work and further studies in the field of Geothermal Energy.
Anyway, every time I watch and listen to this song, I can't help but quietly shed a tear, reminiscing of those times when we missed Dad really bad and wished he was home soon. When he finally arrived he gave us one of the best "material" presents we ever got --- an original die-cast complete set of Voltes V.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
A Little Retrospect... think Fashion...
16 March 2008
Sunday
...the '80's...
... the Decade that Taste Forgot!
And to think that I thought that my taste in fashion back then was cool. HAHAHAHAHA!!!
However, be that as it may, the 80's music is definitely one of the best there is... bar none? Maybe the 60's people would beg to differ.
And yeah, though off topic, I had to heave a huge sigh of relief that Pacquiao won today. It could have ended both ways since Marquez had a real good fight despite the third round knockdown.
Friday, March 7, 2008
38 Years of Meaningful Partnership.
7 March 2008
Friday
Dearest Dad and Mom...
Happy 38th Wedding Anniversary!!!
Love you.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
A Looooong Weekend in Singapore
2 March 2008
Sunday
Nope, it definitely wasn't a holiday. I surely wished it was since I badly needed one. At any rate, I think that the trip was okay.
Saturday, Feb 23
Arrived in the afternoon from Manila. Stayed at Fairmont Hotel.
Went to the Night Safari in the evening.
- Tram ride was a good experience. One of them damn deer got run over after that mini stampede. Good thing it turned out still alive and manage to still run away.
- Dinner at Ulu Ulu Restaurant was sumptuous! As usual, I gorged on Japanese food although I had a few Chicken Tandoori... yummy. For dessert, I splurged on ice cream.
- My tummy felt funny. Good thing we arrived on time at the hotel before my innards gave way. HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Mass at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe
- Food was okay but service was slow.
Monday, Feb 25 Attended a talk and walkthrough at SMU (Singapore Management University) Checked out the National Museum of Singapore
- They have this "companion" gadget that serves as your own private tour guide. Real cool. I like the way they presented things in that museum. Not too interactive yet very informative.
Shopping at Fun Nam for those techie stuff. I got myself a Sony Cybershot DSC-T70 at half the price here in Manila. The PS3 is roughly Php16K there.
Whole afternoon at Sentosa. If there is anything I enjoyed, that would be The Luge and the Light and Sound Show at night with the use of lasers, fountains, and fireworks. One of the performers there (Cheryl) is drop-dead gorgeous!!! *major drool*
Wednesday, Feb 27
Last minute preps then off back home to Manila.
One of my stress relievers...
2 March 2008
Sunday
Feel sorry though for the little fellah. Born in Virginia cold climate and all, he has yet to get used to the humid and tropical heat we have here. Hence he has all these rashes on his face.
But this little guy really brightens up the home. Such a happy kid, he smiles a lot. His head and nape reminds us of my paternal grandfather. I swear, anyone from our family who sees Tyler's back of the head would say that he looks exactly like Grandpa Flo.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Alphans in the aid of a Fellow Argonaut.
1 March 2008
Saturday
Alphan Pride.
That's what makes us (among others) stand out above the rest. With Brod Dante Madriaga's plight, more brods come to his aid. For security reasons, I can't divulge the names and what forms of help we have given Dante'66.
Romy Nones'73, our present TAFI Chairman said:
He has continuously expressed his pride of being a Tau Alphan. Once, during a gruelling 3-hour grilling by the technical working group of the senators, he was asked if there is a chance that he will recant his testimony, he said " Tau Alphan ako. Hindi kami umaatras sa laban. At kung umatras ako, ano pang mukha ang ihaharap ko sa mga brods ko."
Friday, February 29, 2008
One Alphan to another...
29 February 2008
Friday
Brod Dante Madriaga TA'66A...
... we, your fellow Argonauts of U.P. Diliman support you regardless of our own personal political affiliation. We do join you on your quest for The Truth of which we call our Golden Fleece.
Our prayers Brod, to you, Aileen and your kids.
Alpha, Alpha, fight, fight!!!
TA'90D
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Eye-o-din, Eye-o-deen, or Eye-o-dayn?
17 February 2008
Sunday
We were having lunch today when we introduced to Jane (my younger bro's S.O. and Tyler's mom) the seaweed we called "latok."
And so, we were saying that such stuff is rich in iodine that prevents goiter. Now, my old man corrected me when I pronounced the element as "eye-o-dayn." He said it's "eye-o-din." I countered by saying it's the same thing as alumi-NUM and alumi-NYUM.
"Nonsense," he says as his professor in Chemistry 18 (they used to have this back in the 60's) would always emphasize the (alleged) correct pronunciation.
With this I laughed off, "Haha! Dad, you took that Chem subject three times!!! HAHAHA!"
I should know.
When I was a sophomore, I was caught by my dad in my room stifling a cry. I knew I had it coming, and I had my classcards ready to present them to him... my first failing mark: Math 100 (Introduction to Calculus). A consistent honor student from grade school to high school, it was even preposterous for me to even think that I would fail a subject one day.
Damn, was I so wrong.
I thought I could wing it but I guess I finally met my match. Mr. Jayjay Javier's class gave me a rude awakening: It's not that easy to survive in the State University. You have to prove your worth.
I was a bit surprised that my encounter with Dad after showing him a "5.0" in Mathematics 100 did not involve any fire, brimstone, whacking, or even those dreaded two-words --- "You're grounded." Instead, he asked me if I did my best. And if so, there is nothing for me to be ashamed about. Just do my best and study hard. So he instructed me to go to the Registrar's Office and check out his Grade Jacket where his Form 5's are that shows his marks for each semester that he had at U.P.
And so I did.
Checking out his nearly colored brown jacket I opened it and was astonished seeing a lot of red marks of "5.0's"!!!
"So, son, what did you see?" he says, that day during dinner time.
"Dad, you failed Chem 18 twice! You had lots of 5.0's!!!"
And my mom interjected, "...and that didn't stop your Dad from being a topnotcher in his board exams, getting the highest score in the toughest section of the exam, and eventually being one of the top managers and geologists in the country."
That changed my perspective completely.
And yes, I had more "5.0's" (but three short of Dad's total) semesters later yet I think I still turned out fine.
I should know, I'm a proud graduate of the University of the Philippines.
