Third year, for me, came with new experiences, new subjects, new friends, new burdens, new pains, new lessons, and—thankfully—new music to hear.
At first year I listened mostly to motown, disco, and rock music, a bit of 70s and 80s, and a bit of current.
Then at second year, I discovered the sounds that emerged in the 80s, from New Wave to synthpop to the simple pop.
And last school year, I was glad to stumble upon 90s to today's music—alternative rock, indie, OPM, and pop as well—and found myself concluding that today's music isn't all trash and swears.
I like some songs because of their well-written lyrics, which made me feel the way I felt at certain circumstances. Some of them I found interesting and pleasing to my ears because of the prettily-weaved composition. But I like most of them because of both.
With no further ado, here are the 101 Songs of My Third Year. We'll have these "chart" in weekly intervals until we reach number 1.
Here are the first 11 songs.
101. "Every siren is a symphony and every tear's a waterfall"
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall|Coldplay
A synthesizer-fused Coldplay can be heard with their lead single from an album with a story, Mylo Xyloto.
I didn't familiarize myself with Coldplay until I heard this and "The Scientist". Aside from the sparkling synth chords and the pounding finale, this track has a striking impression right from its title—so metaphorical!
Good to know it somewhat says to us of being positive or moving forward amidst pain and suffering.
And doesn't it feel like waterfalls when tears drop, as if everything was released out of yourself?
100."One, two, one, two, three"
Locked Out of Heaven|Bruno Mars
After hits like "Just The Way You Are" and "Grenade", Bruno Mars hit again the listener's ears with this song. Well, I guess you're shocked that I put this song on the list. It seemed as if I won't even think of it.
Never mind the lyrics. I found the music itself nice. Those notes influenced by New Wave, funk, and a bit of electronic made me like this.
And I agree with what a DJ on the radio commented about this. It's really like a Sting or The Police song, especially the guitar chords.
And I always took notice of the "e-e-e-e-e-e-e-uh!", which comes from simply pressing buttons on a big device. The synths are also notable for me.
99."No time for cameras, we’ll use our eyes instead"
Cameras|Matt and Kim I remember hearing this first when I tried an iPad exhibited at an appliance/gadget store at a simple mall near the house. I was trying this app from the pad similar to a DJ set used to remix sounds and stuff. Some kind of Virtual DJ. Then I found this song on the playlist, then experimented with it. Finally, I liked it. I like the way the duo composed this. Here are these sounds from the keyboard, from something from a "breaking news" sound to something definitely an electronic instrument can only produce. Then those drumbeats that I liken to hip-hop. That's how I describe it.
98. "I get knocked down, but I get up again. You are never gonna keep me down."
Tubthumping(I Get Knocked Down)|Chumbawamba
I think my ears heard this before, and I heard it again this third year. I credit "Dance Maniax Second Mix" for this. Rolling Stone considered this as one of the 20 Most Annoying Songs, but I found this song from anarcho-punk band Chumbawamba moving.
I can sing to it when I'm being "knocked down". I can call it as a cry of keeping on moving.
I can relate to it every time I'm being brought down by things that trouble me. I may have been dragged on the ground, but I'll get up.
97."Don't you worry, don't you worry child. See heaven's got a plan for you."
Don't You Worry Child|Swedish House Mafia
This last single of the Swedish electronic dance group, before breaking up, introduced me to more of house music. They had a concert here in the Philippines not too long before, and then I heard this track in a promotion of that concert.
This is the most amazing mix I have heard from them. The positive lyrics, together with all the progressive mixed sounds, is uplifting.
And it even inspired me to venture into sounds like these someday.
96."On my own castaway. Trapped and caught in between."
Castaway|Franco
I first heard this song from the Filipino rock supergroup on an "instrument tutorial" program on Myx (a music channel), which is Myx Tugtugan. From that episode, where lead vocalist and guitarist Franco Reyes taught the song's chords, I appreciated Pinoy rock once again.
I like the intro, which introduced to me the use of effects on guitars. In addition, I also appreciate the way Filipino musicians make creative English lyrics.
For a teenager like me, I sometimes feel that I'm "on my own, castaway", someone who's away from others, disregarded by the people around me. It's like I'm just alone in a dark trail, fighting with everything I'm going through on my own. "But I'm moving on."
Besides, God's there. I'm not a castaway at all!
95."Oh sometimes I get a good feeling."
Levels|Avicii
In my original list, the song "KPL" by The Oktaves took this spot. However, because I want this blog to be friendly to your ears, and to mine as well, I decided to replace it with this dynamic mix by one of today's famous DJs, Avicii.
Flo Rida's "Good Feeling" wouldn't be possible without this original, head-banging composition by Avicii. The overlapping of every beats and synths from the start to finish, plus a vocal sample from a 60s "gospel-inspired" song, makes it simply fantastic. It made me think of partying and DJ-ing.
Again, I got interested at house music, I want to try being a DJ someday.
94."And it's a long way up when you hit the ground. Get up now"
On Top Of The World|Imagine Dragons
A nice inspiring song from the indie rock band, Imagine Dragons!
The sounds, from the clapping, to the keys, to that big drum, to the chanting of the band, blend very well. They're good at relaying a nice positive message like this!
It's good to know that after struggling, after waiting for long, unless you give up, you'll reach the top.
The road may be too long or too rocky. You may fall, but if you get up and keep on moving, you can reach that good end.
93."I've thrown away my lucky stars, and my wishes don't come true."
After All This Time|Itchyworms
Here's a track from Itchyworms, where I've heard a different side of the band, far from their typical Filipino songs, and where a bit of 80s sound is fused into it, which is noted at the guitar intro, and maybe the back vocals.
It is also notable that their drummer Jazz Nicholas, who wrote the song, performed its vocals.
Nevertheless, this song speaks of that sadness, that sadness of not having someone after lots of effort and love given to that person for a long time. It seems like the person there at the song is terribly hurt and wasted, and now hopelessly doubting if he/she even thinks of or cares about him/her.
92."It's so much better, when everyone is in.Are you in?"
Are You In?|Incubus
I've heard of Incubus for long. But when I heard this song on the radio, I've finally heard them for real. I remember having heard this as a little child before, but I just noticed at third year that it's Incubus.
I like here that "feel-good" sound created throughout the song, even that simple spinning of turntables and the progression of the keys.
For me it appears to be a simple invitation formed by simple words. Something like "join the ride!" or "come here with us, you'll enjoy it here." Are you in?
91."Moving in your heartbeat..."
New Frontier|Techy Romantics feat. Somedaydream
A chill and upbeat track from a local electronic trio with a cute name—Techy Romantics, together with another electronic music artist, Somedaydream, who is popular for "Hey, Daydreamer".
This makes me amaze once again at how great and worth listening our very own artists are. They may be unknown to you, but bands like these are worthy to be heard.
Their vocalist made it again, together with Somedaydream's collaboration. A nice duet does it so well.
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Tracks from number 90-80 coming up very soon...Stay tuned. Thank you! I hope you will share it to your friends!
Do you have something, or someone that you miss? I guess there's at least one. For me right now, I miss more of life.
I, therefore, have to leave this workplace named cyberspace for long if I won't be doing anything productive here, except creating a post like this or dig more of music.
Furthermore, there was school, and it made me miss a lot of things. Now it's summer, I get close to some things I've missed, but there are still things I'm still longing for.
Here are the top 5 things I miss in life so far that struck my mind instantly and instantly landed into my notebook. Hope you'll like it!
5. My own piles of literature
Before summer began, I hardly got some time reading books. I could hardly get through free time when almost all of my time before was spent in labor, demands, and stress, and lazy sleep.
That's why today I do anything to get into the habit of reading once again.
I still believe in the pleasure and contentment reading can give. It can drive you to different places, feel the way you feel, bring you to various thoughts, and fuel an aspiring writer like me into writing.
While toiling when I was still third year, I have collected many books, from science fiction to fantasy to young adult to crime to nonfiction. Unless I read those books, more books would only flood on my room.
They have to be read, and I want them to be attended.
Friends are waiting for me. Here I come!
4.Working and playing.
I just miss productivity that I could enjoy and celebrate...but I miss playing more. Literally.
We are now in a generation where the synthetic replaces the realistic. Playing with your hands and feet have been replaced with playing with your mouse and your consoles. If only I could just afford "Just Dance"!
I'd be happier if I learn homegrown games and enjoy them with the fellow youth. I'm afraid that future generations would get out of the Pinoy culture of playing, and sadly I missed some of it. I have already grown into a guy who doesn't go out too much unless for the love of literature and the desire of a cool atmosphere.
I missed those times when I was with classmates or anyone playing "Ice Ice Water", "Langit Lupa" (Heaven Earth or Sky Earth), "Sili Sili Maanhang" (chili chili spicy), the simple taya-tayaan, or tagu-taguan (hide and seek)...
There are so many perspiring but exciting games, and I want them to be revived, so that I'll not just get close to humans and the body won't just be alive, but it would also refine my gut into a gut of a typical man in Men's Health. Joke!
3. Being with God
It's just so sad that things in life get ahead of one important priority—God.
I'm just thankful that amid the busyness at school, I still had the chance to read His Word and know something from Him, as well as simply talking to Him in prayer, though I fell asleep several times.
I miss being calm and happy with Him who loves me, and who loves you too. I miss the simple, abundant joy and satisfaction that I get from being comforted, encouraged, and renewed by the Savior.
We really have to plan things out if we want a consistent encounter with God all the time. Good time it's summer.
2.The joy of watching television.
When there was no Internet connected and no cable plugged in yet in our house, I simply enjoyed watching game shows, cartoons, and even newscasts from the box that receives it's contents from the antenna. I recalled when we in the house would rotate the antenna to get a clearer reception of the channel.
I also remember when I was already relaxed and entertained watching Mr. Bean (the real one) or Bob The Builder or Spongebob Squarepants (definitely!), Postman Pat, Doraemon, Pokemon, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, etc.
Also, there were game shows, some of which were adapted into Philippine editions, like Wheel of Fortune, The Price Is Right, Family Feud, Whammy!, and what else but Pilipinas, Game KNB? (English: Philippines, Are You Game?, source: Wiki). It has been a habit for me to watch this show. I saw the famous game show evolve into many versions. ...until it faded from the audiences' attention...until Showtime! came. I still miss game shows, though. I like the way they entertained me. I hope game shows on prime time would come back. We're all covered by dramas, and there's no The Game Channel on our cable here. Those with antennas are still lucky to get it. Then, there are those newscasts. Yes, newscasts were a habit before. From the local ones, to those from the United States, like NBC Nightly News and CBS Evening News. Comparing the local from the foreign, I like the way the anchormen and women of those imported programs deliver the news—calm and easy. And also I like these programs the right stories are picked. They know the difference between news and gossip. I have to admit, but most of our national newscasts here have gone too much tabloid, where important news, crime scenes, CCTV clips, trending YouTube videos, and controversial lives of artists are stuffed into one. That's why I've gone bored at newscasts nowadays. But anyway, watching news inspired my dreams to become a journalist. I still don't know yet if I'll get into it, since I'm enjoying the dreams of becoming an author, and a musician, and a radio person. Hopefully, I'll go back to dreams of being a journalist, thanks to Solar News. Now with cable, I could have enjoyed more of television. There are just so many programs to watch. I became lazy to find one to catch, and I won't watch TV all the time because of other things. Thankfully, I became interested to sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory, and animated series like Adventure Time, and simple yet sophisticated series like Alfred Hitchcock Presents. I decided to catch them. I finally searched for timeslots, even though I won't be able to catch them sooner at school season. Can't afford torrents, just broadcasts for now. And for our top 1.......(Drum roll).... 1.Organic, interpersonal interactions
Real conversations, meetings that aren't virtual. Being confined in the house for vacation while watching or reading gives relief, but it makes me miss friends. Yes, Facebook built a bridge to other humans, but nothing comes close to real interactions. You can talk to them, feel what they feel(really?), and see their faces. Nothing comes close to reality. Seeing how they are is better than looking at statuses, though it's appealing to see how they are through photos. Facebook helped, but an interpersonal encounter is more human, realer, sweeter, and even more intimate. I still don't know what to do with that yet, but I hope I could come up with ways to get connected for real. Maybe play at the streets, or watch a movie on cable with them, or learn something from them. You may miss school, I may miss school, but I don't like to miss it for now. There you have it, the 5 things I miss in life for now. They are not all that I miss, really, but they are surely the things I missed the most while climbing Mount Third Year, and still I miss. How about you? You also probably miss something. It's alright. I hope we could all find ways. But in case you miss the joy of life, God is there for you. You can start by talking to Him, and He'll respond, and provide for you. I hope, dear reader. that you'll come closer to Him from time to time. :) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you"—Matthew 7:7 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."—Jesus in John 10:10 In case 5 things are too short, here a BONUS!!! What is it? Well...
Bonus:The Teenage Dispatch!
Why would I not miss this blog? I should have posted more and more before, but again, I had to attend to other things before I could go back here.
That's why I still continue to make posts like this for the blog's sake.
I hope you'll read more of this blog. There's the blog archive at the right. Thanks.
"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
The floor is full of boys and girls. The lights turn dim, but they still dance. The notable opening guitar chords of Spandau Ballet's "True" is heard. The mood turns slow. I open my hand to a simply pretty girl, and she does hold it. Those speakers are already blurting out the song's "Huh-huh-huh-huuuuuh-huh...", together with those soothing keyboards. I and the girl dance. And it is a moment to cherish, an event that just last for some time.
Well, that didn't really happen. I just thought it would happen that way.
But prom did happen—that first of the twice-in-a-lifetime event that only occurs in your high school life, and in your adolescence. It's a unique happening in your life as a student wherein you do anything in your power to socialize, dance either with your crush or simply a friend, party as long as you want, and be the man or woman you are. It is where everything turns formal, hopefully not as formal as my acquaintances perceive me.This is an event that most teenagers won't surely miss, whether they have a prom date or not. And this one I waited during third year, and it happened.
"Whenas in silks my Julia goes,
Then, then, methinks, how sweetly flows
That liquefaction of her clothes!
Next, when I cast mine eyes and see
That brave vibration each way free;
O how that glittering taketh me!"
—The Poetry of Dress II by Robert Herrick
For me, I was surprised at how my classmates and friends appeared that day. I saw them in their daily lives in their simplicity and meekness. But then at prom I saw men in their suits, vests, and polos and ties and gelled hairs, and women in their dresses and gowns..and in straight, twisted, or rebonded hairs. And wow! They looked as handsome and as beautiful as they are, like queens..princes..princesses..dukes..duchesses..or whatever. I was attracted by their handsomeness and beauty. Therefore, promenade turns every boy and girl from ordinary to extraordinary, to ladies and gentlemen, and you'll be surprised.
The twentieth of February, two thousand and thirteen. It all began at around 1400 hours. Thanks to a brother-like friend, I reached that place—Terrazas de Teodora Resort, at Dita, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna—together with a classmate through my friend's family's car without having to be embarrassed of what I wore. My attire that afternoon was simply a blue long sleeve, a red striped necktie, and a gray vest with a small corsage fastened to it (yes, men have corsage too). I came to that place as my simple self, ready to experience a great night I hope I would really cherish. I realized in the passing hours that my attire was nice that I'm proud of it.
Like others who were there earlier, I waited for a program to start. I also expected people to enter the premises and reveal themselves in their extraordinary selves. I came to look for classmates and friends, and, of course, the person I trusted with a chance of having my concern, my assistance, my companionship(well, the first three wasn't necessary that day), and my dance—the person they call as promdate.
Actually, my decision of who'll be my promdate changed from time to time, but then I came to a point when I finally concluded who would that be. The hard thing, though, was this: when would I really ask that someone? My school life at that time was not easy after all. In contrast to other men, after all the work and responsibilities dumped on me, I found it hard to take time to even at least plan the asking (I don't like to call it proposal). Yes, it could just have been a simple ask, but most of the time even a simple thing like that is given an effort: flowers, support from friends, and gifts (we call them 'suhol'...I want to refer them as 'dowry'. Just joking!).
Nonetheless, I simply asked. I did really called my friends to plan about it one afternoon, but at that moment they insisted me to just do it. So no much effort. Just words. And the million dollar question: will you be my promdate? I think I failed at that. I said 'can' instead of 'will'...That sudden burst of feelings! It took a long time before I got the answer, and I realized I haven't heard the answer much. And the answer was yes.
1600 hours passed, and so the JS prom started at last. Well, it was much expected that partners are to be together at that procession, but it didn't happen to us. I asked her lately, February, when everything was already settled. We aren't even at the same table. But anyway, it doesn't have to be, as our History teacher told our section when finalizing our seating arrangements for prom. It's fine with me. So I had a fellow man, a friend, to be with me entering that whole range of seats and tables...the floor where all the joy and fun would happen in the following hours.
Since I was the president of third year's "first" section(the prominent among the sections), I was blessed to be a part of the ceremonies. First, I was with the president of 4th year's first section in the opening prayer. It was also a fail in the start. There was a technical difficulty. But it all went well thereafter. I could call it a success, nonetheless. Then, I, together with other 3rd year presidents, lit candles to fellow third year students, and so the same with the graduates. I struggled a bit, fighting against the wind blowing the flame in the candle I'm holding, and the candle itself throwing off wax on my skin. Finally, the turnover ceremonies. Here, objects symbolizing values to uphold were turned-over from the 4th year to us 3rd year presidents, as well as to our third year representative in our supreme student government.
And I was free to enjoy the rest of that day at last. Even at the least. There were formal dances...and a casual one...Then a well-cooked, succulent dinner was served. Bon appetite! Plus, some music performed by selected juniors and seniors. Evening has come.
And so that energetic feeling, that persona who wants to party, who desires to have fun in something he knows lasts for but a while. That includes the readiness to engage in putting my feet on the floor and move them in any way I want. To enjoy my youth, my third year life even once in a while...I guess prom is one way of turning it well, of suiting up after all the work, all the studies, and all the hardships. Even for once in a while.
The sky turned dark blue...then black, and the lights and lampposts around the wide area were lit. The fun has just started. People are now taking out their cameras and started picturing everywhere. So flashes have also sparked the night. There were solo photos, photos at the table, group photos, section photos (oh thank goodness there was!), pictures at the table, pictures near the pool, pictures with teachers, and what else but promdate pictures. Of course, I wouldn't let myself without any picture! So I joined with anybody of my tablemates and fellow batchmates, classmates, and former classmates to document how I was at that night, that at least I enjoyed it.
So, there were also pictures of my promdate and I. They are just simple pictures of us, but it indicated to me, once they were taken, while young folks are noticing us, that she's a bit shy. I observed at that moment that it was quite different from her other picture takings with others, because I couldn't figure out if she resembles enough a long bar or a closed parenthesis. But never mind, I thought, I'll remain settled and enjoy whatever comes out of this prom. The picture takings continued and people enjoyed it.
After much and much of those, the program continued at last. The emcees started announcing special awards. This was an interesting segment, because it showed to the whole crowd those third year and some fourth year men and women who were the artist, bookworm, singer, dancer, musician, or ate and kuya of the year. The awards were just so many, so I cannot remember all of them; but I surely remembered the awards for prom prince and princess as well as prom king and queen. I remember them for they would initiate the longest, fanciest, and most noted part of the promenade—the dance.
After a long enough wait and glancing at the equipment used by the audiomen there, the floor was finally ours. The prom king and queen, and prince and princes started dancing, though there's a notion of shyness. Other pairs followed thereafter. The music started playing..beating..and dancing, and so the lights. The floor started to be filled. I decided to get off and start lending my hand to her.
Supposedly, the first and last dance of that night is with the promdate, as they say and believe. However, I realized it wouldn't be possible. I, among her tablemates who were about to tease her, gave her a pack of 3 Ferrero Rochers and offered her to dance with me. She accepted the chocolates, but she refused the offer. She told me she just don't like yet, that she's not in the mood yet. I gently kept asking why, though I could still sense she's shy. So I let her with her decision. She would dance with me later, anyway.
"We can dance if we want to
We can leave your friends behind
'Cause your friends don't dance and if they don't dance
Well they're no friends of mine
I say, we can go where we want to
A place where they will never find
And we can act like we come from out of this world
Leave the real one far behind
And we can dance"
—Safety Dance, Men Without Hats
That left me with a choice to search for someone to dance with. After a few while, after crowding my own self at the compressed crowd on the floor, I finally found someone to dance with. Then, I'll find someone again, feeling like a character in a movie, hopelessly finding for a friend or son. Then I'll sway with someone. Then stop. Then find, dance, and stop..So did the songs stopped..The cycle was that until the mood turned to that mood you'll have if you play Just Dance. "Gangnam Style" started playing, and it was time to party to the max.
"Say, we can act if want to
If we don't nobody will
And you can act real rude and totally removed
And I can act like an imbecile"
—Safety Dance, Men Without Hats
It was now time for me to fuse my hyperactive charges and take this limited opportunity to dance freely and forget other things. It was a hyperactive charge that I almost forgot myself, but I just danced together with wacky and energetic classmates..even though I'm just dancing with myself. I moved my feet and went crazy over the dance craze, like our senatorial candidates this upcoming elections. I also did when "Harlem Shake" boomed around the dancefloor. I just danced and shook as if no one's watching. I became as rare as I was that night. I guess I became similar to a partying Finn on Adventure Time. I just went on shaking it up and turning around. I made an effort to enjoy the night and get out of my stresses.
It wasn't soon until the mood flipped back to slow and warm. I once again continued dancing with friends and some classmates, talking to them and even turning them around.
At last, after a few dances, I had the chance to dance with my promdate, who had a nice dress that night. I didn't know if I'll be happy or not, because as we swayed there were still those pinches of self-consciousness. I can't contemplate her countenance. It seems different. It seems unusual. It looked bizarre to me...I felt that she felt awkward of me there dancing with her. I didn't know if she was glad or not, if she appreciated it or not, though I ask her over and over again if she's okay and she answers yes. I still felt that way. It seems different again...But then I just let go of it. After we stopped dancing, I found more and more people to dance and talk to. I took delight in taking these opportunities.
Especially when I finally stumbled upon another opportunity to offer a dance with a nice friend I knew since second year. She was just there on their table, almost near ours, seated and chatting. I finally went through and gave her a pack of 3 Ferrero Rochers that my money could only afford, and greeted her a happy birthday. She's so blessed. 2 blessings on one package: a new year added to her life, and a prom to attend, which resembles a debut party(haha).
After granting a gift to and greeting her, I offered her a dance. And she positively agreed. How nice! I had been so happy to see someone accepting my plea with friendliness. And so I held her hand as we went through the floor, and so we slowly danced, gracefully swayed, and constantly talked, complementing her for she looked pretty that night in her simplicity and her fine dress. That was a moment that I could commend to be a moment I appreciated a lot that night. I thank her so much!
The evening continues to move and pass. The dance continued, although there was a brief stop for section-by-section photoshoot. Everything passes as slowly as it could. I went on the floor and back to our table for many times...when the clock was nearing 10pm. After a lot of swing, sway, to and fro, promenade is about to end.
The dances to follow would be my last dances, and the last songs would be played. Does it always have to be one last dance? I rushed, once again, to my prom partner for this opportunity, and she did accept the favor. We danced, and I felt that we moved our feet fast. I didn't really know what's with her. I became confused again, doubting why it has to be this way. Yes, I do respect her. It's just that I weirdly felt somewhat perplexed.
My thoughts somewhat ran like this: Why did she look timid, when I'm just being friendly? Is she thinking of this as something inappropriate? Compared to others, I think I'm the only one whom she is timorous of. Is it really that way when two people aren't as much close as classmates? I think so. I'm just being friendly here, a friend that I can be. So I asked her even though we can't be close, and I did what I can to ask her to be my promdate, and for a dance, hopefully to make her feel glad and appreciated. That her gloominess upon having no partner yet might be aided to put some smile. Just like that. Then why this awkwardness? My thoughts also made me felt that I'm so aggressive, or selfish. But again, something struggles against it.
I just felt so complicated, felt that I was drawn back, yet glad for her acceptance, and for all the dances I had that night, with her, with others, and especially with the birthday girl with whom I had the longest dance with. I decided that this night ought not to be ruined.
Therefore, I enjoyed the sweet, calm evening in the best way I could. I also wanted to dance again with the birthday girl, yet her feet ached (I should have helped). Last 3 songs, and I had got chances for last dances. David Cook's "Always Be My Baby", if I'm correct, was the last song played. And the night has finally ended.
The prom reminded me of a movie
from the 80s entitled Pretty In Pink,
wherein prom is a big part of the story
Back at home from another friend's car, I reflected on all that happened while listening to Jam 88.3. There was a mix of joy, puzzlement, excitement, confusion, and delight. But among them all was gratitude and contentment, that I successfully had my first experience of an event as rare and extravagant as promenade, that I had much dances, that I had a chance to dance with a prom partner. There was nothing left for me to do but to just accept everything that I had gone through that night, and just let my prom partner as she is, because people are people whatever they look or appear to you. Nothing left for me to do, but to be thankful to God. Sometimes we speculate or portray people, or I say, judge them, until we find out soon that our speculations are false. Sometimes we really misconceive or misunderstand things. We just have to understand them.
Also, it's somewhat sad and a bit annoying when people perceive prom, and promdates as something romantic. It is not always like that, and it shouldn't be all the time. It's not supposed to be like that. Some, and much people like me are finding and proposing for prom dates in a friendly manner, not as if we're asking someone to be our girlfriend or some sort of it. And I'm doing it, and I'm dancing with fellow students for the fun of it.
I also prefer the phrase "prom partner" rather than prom date. The later's cheesy. But I guess, if you'll use the earlier one, especially in a prom proposal (ehem..asking), you'll seemingly look formal, because the term itself is much terminal and formal, isn't it? I'm still wondering if promdates are necessary, if you really have the chance to dance with anybody.
In the end, promenade was simply a mark of my adolescence. It did remind me of the movie Pretty In Pink, which involves a prom. I believe it's a nice movie that I want to watch it soon. Prom showed me how I'm maturing so far, of how friendly I could be, of my appreciation of the opposite gender, and of how a night can be delightful. And of how complicated my life, mind and emotions are, for growing up is such a mixed process, but we can enjoy it anyway.
How young and twisted I am!
"Don't try to understand everything,
because sometimes it's not meant to be understood,
but to be accepted."
—a Facebook post.
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Afterword:
You have just read another school life story. I hope you're already contented with what was written. To whom it may concern, please, don't make gossip. It's not good. Hope you've enjoyed (or even learned from) it. Thank you so much!
Here's a song I want to share. From a dynamic Filipino band, Up Dharma Down, who recently released a new album entitled "Capacities". A music blog called it as "a soundtrack to going home after a night out clubbing". For me it's also that way, like a soundtrack to prom, or going back home after prom. That's why I'll share one of it's tracks. "Night Drops", which makes a great flow of sounds, with dynamic transitions from relaxing tunes to clubby feel generated by keyboards and beats. Hope you like it!
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All pictures in the post, most of which were modified to collages, are courtesy of Google Images.
This blogger has been interested to give some flair to the blog. This time, here are 5 reasons I thought could be good reasons why you'll possibly argue with your mama or dad on what's tuned in on your radio, unless you listen online or you have a personal one.
1. They just want music. Nothing more. Nothing less.
They just want to listen to songs, and no talk. That's mostly because they get used to RJ 100's "three songs in a row". By the way, the mentioned station is the veteran in playing "oldies but goodies". They may even like Home Radio's easy-listening playlist, though DJs were already added, so it's no more automated until the wee hours. So they just want music that won't be interrupted except by station IDs or commercials
2. They won't relate to talk-oriented programs on FM.
It's not a matter of class. It's just that they won't relate to the talk of the DJs before and after the music. I reasoned out before that it's the job of DJs, but in the end some people won't relate to them. You know, AM and FM are different. They'll complain it's just "talk talk". It still depends, nevertheless, on your parents' preferences.
3. They won't relate to the music playing.
Unless they are open to new music as much as they're open to American Idol.
4. Your speakers are loud, and they don't like rock.
5. Contrary to number 1, they want information..news..Or talk...
If they want talk, they would listen to it. But if they don't want to, they demand music. Moods change.
There's really a difference between old and new. Things change and even evolve, and so music preferences. You're blessed if you're into different scopes of music, if you get used to adult contemporary and you like today's music.You won't have to argue with your parents. You're also blessed if you're alright with AM, because informative discussions could be opened on the table, although it still depends on the program.
But do you really have to argue with them if you are not even turning the radio on? You're blessed if you still value radio.
But you know, just enjoy what's in it. Let your parents listen if they want to. You'll have a chance soon. It would be a blessing if you have your own, or if your parents are okay with what you listen to.
Yet the question remains: do you still listen and value radio?
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Anything to add or protest? Just comment. Thank you.
Note: This is a simple recollection and review of a person who appreciates the arts, including film. Humbly speaking, he is just starting again digging for movies this summer, and he's not much knowledgeable in motion picture. So don't expect that he'll give you a good review like those in newspapers. He just wants to write. Maybe in the future, he will write reviews better.
Recently this 9 a.m. of April, 8, 2013, I viewed a film from the past which I found interesting to watch. On Cinemax, after seeing a good, original iteration of Captain America (where I saw again Nazis after The Rocketeer and The Counterfeit Traitor) in the morning, I was glued to a disaster film from 1976: Two-Minute Warning. It all started with a successful murder attempt to an unknown biker. Then, it would proceed to the beginning of a big day at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—or the venue of the 1984 Summer Olympics—which attracted my eye from the movie's start. As the movie reels, different characters would be revealed, all fans watching the football championship to occur at the venue, all to be affected by a disaster that will happen soon.
The movie was good on editing and scene progression. The fast-moving events in the movie tricked my mind enough to speculate and guess. I would be taken to the football game, then to the murderer responsible for the crime earlier, now on a car with the radio on, then to the stadium again, then again to the murderer, then to an OB van for the game's TV broadcast...The cycle goes on like that, igniting my mind as to who that killer really is, and what's the motive, and so on and so forth.
But it also gave me a perspective of culture, and of sinful nature, now in a form of America's favorite sport, football, and of the weapon most people grasp, the gun. It even reminded me of the awful, disdainful killings at a daycare in the same country last year. It did let me see how people are glued to amusement that they don't even see that evil's behind them, until few bangs would panic them out. The good thing, however, is that the police works fast (how about us?), although it wasn't that nice that they mistreat innocents and become suspicious of them and overpower them.
In the end, it's just a movie. But it seemed that the cravings of bloodlust became rampant: from the killings on US, until the massacres in Mindanao, to the random violence seen on the news. If Upton Sinclair analogizes debauchery to the Cup of Fury, what could we pair to guns and rifles?
Sometimes I could really conclude that motion pictures sometimes reveal a glimpse of life, though most of the time it takes you out of reality. And I found myself agreeing to the late Roger Ebert's negative response:
"I knew going in what the movie was about (few films have such blunt premises) and I knew Two-Minute Warning was supposed to be a thriller, not a social statement. But I thought perhaps the movie would at least include a little pop sociology to soften its blood-letting. Not a chance. It's a cheerfully unashamed exploitation of two of our great national preoccupations, pro football and guns."
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