10 Possible Careers as a Communication Arts Student (3/3)

Image credit: David Brent Johnson via Twitter

8. Producer/presenter of a jazz program in DZFE or Crossover

I’m so inspired by the American jazz-oriented program Nightlights that I would like to work for a jazz program or to simply play jazz music. I find it fulfilling to educate the musical taste of the Filipino and encourage him to listen to various genres, including jazz.


9. Work for a talk-oriented radio program

I’ve heard from a lot of those who discuss matters and share their opinions on both FM and AM. Among these radio personalities, I often listen to Ben Tulfo (example) and Joel Reyes Zobel. I find myself smiling when I listen to Sir Ben's program, but I also get understandable opinions.

I’m also inspired by Larry King, who, before having a program in CNN, became an overnight (graveyard shift!) talk show host on America’s Mutual Radio. On Larry's show, he interviewed a particular person; then  opens the line for his listeners to ask questions to the guest; then talk with his callers on just about anything.

Image credit: mitchalbom.com

Best-selling author Mitch Albom, in fact, also has his own talk show which airs in the afternoon in Detroit, Michgan, USA. I haven’t taken a listen his show yet, but I heard his past interview with Stephen King at his website (4th on his top 10 interviews).

There’s also the late Bob Grant who says his “unrehearsed” program in New York opens an exchange of ideas, and he gains much calls from his listeners.

Knowing things such as these, I’m fascinated by talk on radio. You get to hear ideas and opinions, you get the privilege to know what others think you have to know, and you also get to balance opposing views. In fact, the essential act of listening is being exercised, and the process of thinking is being valued.

I find it worthwhile just to work on those things.

Image credit: www.achievement.org

10. Broadcast journalist

To be honest, I do want to learn journalism, aside from communication. I’ve been into writing, why not be a journalist? But for now, considering that I have passed in CA rather than in journ. when I took my entrance exam, I’ll go on with CA. Besides, broadcast journalism is included in the course.

With regards to the topics, however, I’m more inclined to work under, or even be a correspondent on topics which are not much attended to in major newscasts both here and abroad. Such topics can be regularly found, again, from another program in the West—CBS Sunday Morning. It’s a weekend daytime program that covers topics not much covered by major news programs, such as theater, classical music, and literature—simply put, the arts.



If I were a print journalist, I would also like to write more about the arts; but in both broadcast and print, I’ll appreciate it too to write in the field of religion, transportation, education (academics, school life, etc.), and media.

10 Possible Careers as a Communication Arts Student (2/3)

 5. Simply put, a DJ

Image from: www.straitstimes.com

 Now here’s a primary prospect. I’ve been interested in radio, and I still am.

Mostly, among different formats, either it’s working for the jazz station (if ever, Crossover, more classical jazz please…); or for the classical station (I appreciate classical a lot, but it would take a long time for me to cultivate the flair); or the oldies or the alternative.

Either it’s at daytime (“Goooood Morning, Vietnam!”), or afternoon, or graveyard. In fact, graveyard shift is that which stuck on my mind for a long time, especially when I refused to sleep to get schoolwork done. I got used to being an owl since high school, that graveyard shift might be fit for me.

Don’t many start there? Don’t few occupy it? Why don’t I?


6. Speaking of graveyard, an anchor in the graveyard shift.

This reminds me of both NBC News Overnight in US and ITN Morning News in UK in the 80's.

The earlier’s concept has gained my high regards and great admiration. It’s a newscast that is radical and distinct in the 80s among other newscasts. It is one that is more conversational and more story-centered. It is deemed as the “most intelligent news program ever” by the awards jury of the duPont Columbia Awards at that time. More about this on my past blog post.

The later, meanwhile, is a result of the extended operations of ITV into the wee hours.

It’s like being an anchor on ANC from around 12-3am. 9TV can do with that as well, being a 24 hour news service.


7. Graphics designer/artist

These are what they call 'holding slides', ever present in British TV presentation. Image credits: tv-ark.org.uk

Television presentation involves graphics and visuals ever since. That’s what I have observed when I got to look into television history of UK, and even here in the Philippines. If you will look closely at the visual art made for programs and schedules (click the collages, if you may), you might possibly see how they were intricately made.

Local slides/cards around 70's-80's. Image credits: videos from some flagwavercharacter's YT videos and jadxx0223.deviantart.com

News graphics before computers did the job. Taken from YT videos from flagwavercharacter and sandiessss

Even in news programs, before computers took the role, artists creatively produced images and illustrations that would go along the news items. They are simple, but such simplicity is just fit for the news. Too much graphics, for me, usually looks like too much light.

If there were still anything like these that would necessitate a graphic artist, I would appreciate to learn about making them. And I like to revive nostalgia, even by means of new technology.

(To be concluded)

10 Possible Careers as a Communication Arts Student (1/3)

I haven’t written for this blog for a very long time. I was busy during the first semester of my first year in college, and finally I’m done with it. I’m currently taking up Communication Arts (CA), and for the past 4 months I’ve been learning a lot about this course. Despite times when my mind plays with doubts of belonging to this course, I’ve been appreciating what I’ve learned about communication, as well as mass media—it's forms, history, and growth.

Often, moments come when I think of what career I will have upon finishing CA. Many ideas come to my mind, both usual and odd. There are those that I caught from what I’ve learned from media history out of watching television archives and listening to foreign stations and old airchecks—all of them through the World Wide Web.

Here are those possible careers that come to my mind, and some of them are conceived and perceived as dreams

1. Continuity presenter on television

This is more than a voice-over. It is something more spontaneous, more creative, and more interesting (at least for me).

I got this idea from discovering how television broadcasting appeared in United Kingdom, especially around 60’s to early 90’s, thanks to the vast library of TV Ark. 

In UK, only three channels used to dominate the airwaves: BBC1 and BBC2, the public broadcasters, and Independent Television (ITV), the private/commercial broadcaster. In both channels, there is someone who serves as a “companion” or a “host” that guides viewers throughout the station’s broadcast until (before they started to operate 24 hours around the ‘80s) they close down, or sign-off.

On BBC, broadcasts are presided by live announcers. On every station of ITV for each region in the country, however, the presenter takes this role. Here are examples of what I mean:

What’s interesting here is that the presenter is not just heard, but also seen. He introduces the programs, as well as says the next airing of those programs. He says the schedule for the day, as well as birthday greetings. He greets you “Good Morning”, and he wishes you “Good Night”, and even reminds you to switch-off your TV set before you sleep (when the TV’s all black, before the signal finally goes out).

Since discovering this, I’ve been so amazed at how Brits broadcast on-air. For me, it looks cool. However, this style of broadcasting has gone away. Later on in the 90’s, the stations no longer have in-vision continuity, but voices remain doing the job.

2. Continuity announcer on TV

If ITV had presenters, BBC has announcers. They do the same thing ITV used to do, without the faces.

Here in my country, there are announcers too, but they exist in recorded plugs, brought-to-you-by’s, and broadcast notices.

Knowing that BBC take these jobs live fascinates me a lot. In fact, announcers don’t end the broadcast with any station notice (“This is…A commercial television station…”), but simply with tomorrow’s weather report, a bit of reminders, a bid of “Good Night”, and finally “God Save The Queen” (on BBC 1). What a friendly way of dealing with audiences…and telling them to sleep!

It also interested me that I spotted public broadcasters in US that did this as well in the 80’s, although only limited to plugs and station IDs. I’m not so sure whether they announce on-air or pre-taped, though.

Credit: bbc.co.uk

3. Continuity announcer on radio

I got this idea when I started listening to WDCB, a public radio station in the Chicago area playing jazz and blues. The continuity announcer’s job there, as I’ve observed, are mentioning the schedule of programs (“…Monday nights at 8”, for example) and telling the donors/supporters of the station (“Support for WDCB comes from…”).

This work is much more evident when you listen to UK's BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra. The announcer does the same thing as those on BBC1 or BBC2 do. Wow, this tradition continues on BBC, both on TV and radio.

4. Newsreader in an FM station

Only few do newsreading live and local on FM, nowadays. One of them is government-operated DWBR 104.3, where the news is simply delivered on top-of-the-hour, without any almost-distracting sound effects or background music. Like this one:

I also got inspired, again, from listening to public radio and old airchecks (here's an example) I’ve heard from YouTube. 

Here is this dream to read the news either on the classical music station (that would’ve been an achievement!), or the alternative music station. Or I’ll perhaps settle on the oldies station’s news every 55 minutes past the hour (although not always like that) or on DWBR’s top-of-the-hours.

Is it still costly to have a segment like this on FM?, I wonder.

(To be continued)

Not Where I Used to Be

“I may not be where I need to be but I thank God I am not where I used to be.”― Joyce Meyer, speaker and author

That quote finally had made an impact on me at this point of my life. Why is it so? Let me explain.

Picture credit: www.the-spearhead.com

In the past days I've been writing about my life during my third year in high school, which I've centered around my unsuccessful leadership as the elected president of the section where I was in. I've sought my journals to weave a draft day by day. As I've read through my (almost) daily accounts, recollecting sudden happenings in my life made me reflect how hard life has been at that time, and how much I learned from the year-long burden.

My eyes and heart, undergoing an ongoing "coming-of-age", were opened to many things, especially the reality of life.

"Hand to Face 1" by Tim Patrick
Picture credit: http://www.timpatrick.co.uk/

Among those realities, this stands out: leading is not an easy job, especially handling a large group of people where tensions tend to regularly spring up; and at this point I am doubtingly ready to take that role again. Reading a biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. emphasized that reality further. The difference is he got through, and I've gone moribund.

Reading through my journals also made me realize my multitudes of faults and my bulk of immaturity during those times. Not only had I a novice's journey through presidency, but also a struggling entanglement with sins and selfishness. I related with people in very poor, silly ways. I dealt with problems as if I've lost my sense of thinking and humility. I've been too soft, and at the same time too callous. Even after third year I was still quietly bitter, brought by the harsh life I faced.

But praise God! I'm glad I've thrived through all of these. Though I realized the reality of life, I further knew that God continues a good work on me. I've been officially a believer since pre-grade 6, but still I failed so much. Yet going on with a walk with Christ, I have grown further in the faith, and I have learned greater things alongside it.

I realized, especially while I'm checking out of high school and gearing up for college, that I should let go of the bitterness I accumulated. I need to forgive, and by God's grace I did wholeheartedly.

Furthermore, reading the Bible frequently and memorizing verses really helped me a lot in my ongoing growth. Here's this verse I am really glad to know:

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."—John 8:36 (NIV)

And because He already has set me free from sin, through what Jesus did on the cross, then why should I still be imprisoned in sin?

I learned to look up to God, and shake off my sins—relying on His immense ability and not on my own vain effort—for I'm already free through Christ.

For real, God goes on working great things in me, such as amazing changes: a wider devotion to God's Word, an expanding commitment to prayer, a heightening longing for fellowship with other believers.

And that's how I say I'm not where I used to be. I am not a professional yet, and I still face many challenges, and I'm not perfect; but I'm thankful I'm no longer a prisoner of darkness, someone found but still lost—where I used to be.

With the faith I'm holding on, I'm going further with life with God, who has great plans for me, for all of us (Jeremiah 29:11). The best is yet to come.

"Project America - Martin Luther King Jr." by Franco Fasano
Picture credit: http://www.celesteprize.com/

Postscript: Change can also be done in you, dear reader. Let God drive your life, and let Him take you to where He wants you to be—a blessed, abundant life.

He loves you so much He wants you to be with Him. What Jesus did is enough. The gift of salvation is already there. What's missing? You. Your choice. Decide to have faith, accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and you have already made the most important decision of your life.

Relentless Praise

"Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done."—Psalm 9:11(NIV)

"Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider him as present in the midst of us."—Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary(Matt. 18:15-20)

In a Wednesday evening the night sky encircled Araneta Coliseum. Crowds lined-up and gathered inside the dome, and soon they filled it. While I and my fellow people from the church settled on our seats in an upper box—enough to see the stage where all that happened that night would take place—people continued to group in the boxes above and the floor below.

That scene seemingly appear, as our youth pastor noted, that many Filipinos now are aflame towards God, that many Filipinos are gaining an interest in Jesus Christ. For that night was a night of moving and empowering praise to God. That night, the famous contemporary Christian music band Hillsong United came to Manila to perform their first of two shows (the next was on the following Friday), and, above all, to praise the One who made playing such good and notable sounds possible.

Before the performances started (from the planned 7:30 to around 9:00), 2 big screens near the stage showed very wonderful and artistic videos promoting Hillsong Worship’s latestannual album No Other Name; as well as Hillsong Young & Free, Hillsong church’s newest band; and also Hillsong College and this year's Hillsong conference. The people behind these videos really did a great job of showing splendid art and using fine techniques for a cause.

Great music

The performance started, as I’ve said, around 9 pm. And the great crowd surrounding the 11-piece band excitedly cheered and gradually stood as the uninterrupted concert commenced with what I consider as the track I like the most from the band’s latest album Zion—“Relentless”.

As the concert went on, the audience sang together, as well as lifted their hands. And they jumped to the upbeat songs. And I didn’t expect that I would be moved as much as the crowd was.

During the praises in our church’s service on Sundays, I simply sang and clapped; then when I took charge of the visuals for the service as I grew up, I only sing quietly with a low voice. Only in the concert, however, did I raised my hands again, as well as sing my heart out (that doesn’t always mean singing in a high voice, ok?), and jumped at seemingly the “biggest dance party” that night.

The concert went on with a deeper impact and touch around the dome with fresh renditions of United’s trademark songs, from “Hosanna” to “Inside Out”; and new music from their latest album, including “Oceans(Where Feet May Fail)” (with the beautiful and wonderful voice of the only female in the band), “Aftermath”,  and “Stay and Wait”.

The presence of God was really felt as people gathered together in the Big Dome in His Name! What a great experience it was…One remarkable thing I witnessed was when one of the singers mentioned what was imprinted on each black shirt my companions and I wore that night—“If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

Of course, all in the setlist moved me that night from “Relentless” to the finale, “With Everything”, where we chanted in chorus a musical melody, like an audience in a football match, which led Hillsong United back to the stage for the encore.

In the encore, they sang some songs which were apart from the band’s discography. They were from Hillsong Young & Free, namely “Alive” and “Wake”. I also remembered singer Joel Houston saying, while the crowd asked for “more!”, “You’re all crazy…” Nevertheless, he noticed earlier in the concert that Philippines is the favorite in Asia, especially that it wasn’t expected that the audience filled the dome! The real finale that put the 2-hour praise to a close was the very well-known “One Way”.

Brilliant visuals

                                     

Not only did I appreciate the music. I also appreciated the visuals. Not only were there 2 big screens, but also a “lighted mountain” in the background of the stage, and enclosed in the “mountain” was a mountain-shaped screen.

Throughout the concert the art was impressive, as well as the effects they applied into it, from the bursts of colors to the fast clash of different camera angles. It’s just that the keyboardist wasn’t shown on the live feed (in my perception). I really waited for the keyboardist to be captured on camera, yet I haven’t seen any; but that’s just fine. I’m so much proud of the multimedia ministry that made these visuals go with the music.

Indeed, it was a blessing event, a very fresh experience of praising and worshiping God, as Filipinos gathered that night in His presence. I saw and heard a fresh treatment of modern Christian music, and I felt its amazing effect.

I hope they’ll come here again, and with that, for me to bring my friends with me. I look forward to a DVD of this concert, and for Hillsong Young & Free to perform here.

June 11, 2014—it was a night of moving, relentless praise. 

—  

Picture credit: Some were taken by the author, but the majority were captured by his sister.

The Celebration of The Beautiful

Last year, in my final year in high school, I successfully became a part of our school paper, being a contributor. I wrote much pieces enough for the people in-charge to include or exclude. The next year, I finally had a copy of the paper in my hands, and I found my name on print on the features section. That was already a success to me.

And in this blessed day the Lord gave to me, and to my family in year 1997, let the following piece be my offering to you, dear reader. Compared to the piece on print, this is an updated edition.

—◘—

S4Y#30: "Fall Back" | Factory Floor

I've known of the electronic music "post-industrial" trio Factory Floor in a music magazine called Spin. After hearing electronic patch-ups from their past releases, they finally have a self-titled album. "Fall Back" is one of their singles from the album, and it's a creative collage of sounds (though I didn't mind the vocals, because I'm more into the music) that is very post-modern as well as abstract. The composition can even fit for a traffic report, or simply a talk show's background.

S4Y#29: "Within" | Daft Punk feat. Chilly Gonzales

In Daft Punk's latest album, there's a track where the duo collaborates with Giorgio Moroder, then it is followed by a chord progression made by pianist Chilly Gonzales in transition to a slow and soft flow of melodies. It's a bit jazzy in the transition, then it finally reaches the melancholic point, where "Within" begins.

"A deep vocoder sings about not understanding the world, being lost and not even remembering his own name," writes critic Nick Stevenson. Another coming-of-age feeling, it seems, though it can be felt by anyone.

This reminds me of something: in understanding the world, and being found from being lost, God can help, for He does show the world in His perspective, and He shows the Way for the lost.

S4Y#28: "Instant Crush" | Daft Punk feat. Julian Casablancas

We have instant coffee, instant noodles, instant cash...and now "instant crush", at the least for a song.

One of the first tracks I've heard from their latest album Random Access Memories. And here, is a brilliant mix of electronic and rock, of acoustic and synthetic (with the help of The Strokes' lead Julian Casablancas).

Isn't it a thing with adolescence: having crushes instantly...and perhaps instantly fading away as well?

S4Y#27: "In My Remains" | Linkin Park

I am fond of most of the songs in Linkin Park's album Living Things, which I deem is one of their greatest compilations.

The first time I heard this, I was amazed. This is a fresh treatment of their unique rock style, piecing together elements from their albums before Living Things.

Military-like, yes it really is, with a good interweaving of moody electronic sounds, and really alternative rock riffs.

I do like that "army" bridge. It makes the song whole, and much more felt and not just heard.

S4Y#26: "Crystal Ball" | Keane

"...I remember sitting on the bus, and I was trying to write a song and I realized that I didn't have anything to say at all, and I didn't have any feelings about anything...That was a really scary for me, because I've always had lots to say, and lots of opinions whether right or wrong...and it came out of that that we were all feeling this sense of numbness, this feeling of kinda fading away as people. And I just tried to write about that, and it ended up becoming Crystal Ball."—Tim Rice-Oxley, lead of Keane

The alternative rock band Keane was first featured on Dispatch on 101 Songs of My Third Year. And they are featured here again.

I saw the music video of this song, from their album Under The Iron Sea (what a great title!), on cable television, and it appealed to me. It tells of a story of a man with almost everything he can be thankful for, and suddenly was robbed of these things. He was turned upside down, and so it goes.

That's how this video, and the song of course, appealed to me.

Easily felt, easily understood. Truly real.

Musing Around Manila

“The Philippines needed a modern cultural center for operas, concerts, and plays, and [I] planned to achieve a monumental one through its dimensions, elevations, and splendid decorations, and through its harmonious liens it would symbolize an organ or a cathedral.”—Juan Arellano, architect 

"Then out came a woman to meet him
    dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
 (She is unruly and defiant,
    her feet never stay at home;
 now in the street, now in the squares,
    at every corner she lurks.)"
—Proverbs 7:10-12, New International Version

For five times I've gone to the University of Santo Tomas (for I am to attend there in my first college year), and so I've been further oriented into Metro Manila. My eyes have been opened to the surfaces and sights of the wide city during those visits.

I've started to gain observations I have to get used to, as well as be familiar with, being not only a college student but also a regular commuter. From the reality of being packaged like a can of sardines while riding the Light Rail Transit (LRT) train; to the clear contrast between the living salaryman and the dying bystander; to the threatening vulnerability of people like me to be victimized by criminals.

For my fifth visit to the Metro, however, I have explicitly seen 2 realities I am going to share to you, dear reader. One is something I've seen since my second visit, and the other is spotted during my latest visit.

S4Y#25: "Out of My League" | Fitz and The Tantrums

I actually knew this before fourth year, hearing it often on alternative music station Jam 88.3. It turned out that I heard it again often while Jam is my background while doing schoolwork.

Fitz and The Tantrums is one of those current bands I like. They also sort of taking us "back in time", since most of their music sound like Motown music, and 80's music.

S4Y#24: "Powerless" | Linkin Park

I heard this in the end of the movie Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, though I haven't viewed the movie entirely.

But I really like this song, the last track from the rock band's album, Living Things. Full of emotion, energetic in electronica, and strong in rock.

I felt with this because sometimes I did feel powerless with regards to situations and people around me.

S4Y#23: "The Mother We Share" | CHVRCHES

Here's another great piece from the synthpop trio I do like. Their sound is reminiscent of the 80's atmosphere, especially that it was a time when electronic music, specifically synthpop, grew very much and caught much attention.

I usually heard this on Jam 88.3 while doing schoolwork.

As I sought for any meaning of the song, I realize that there are many interpretations, and sometimes music is released that way—leaving the listeners to interpret it themselves.

S4Y#22: "Summertime Sadness" (Remix) | Lana del Rey + Cedric Gervais

Another house music single I saw and heard on Australian Network's music program rage. 

Obviously, Lana del Rey's vocals express a low mood, yet they contrast with the energy brought by Cedric Gervais's remix, which is what I really like in this. And so, another nice blend of electronic dance music is made.

Again, it's the technique of house that I appreciate here.

Into Classical and Jazz (2 Recommended Stations)

When before I've been into 80's music and present alternative music, now I've included 2 different genres. Thanks to 2 different radio stations I've been listening to recently.


98.7 DZFE : The Master's Touch
dzfe.febc.ph

Last year, I started frequently listening to 98.7 DZFE, making it my background music while doing schoolwork, especially when I stayed wide-awake until dawn and when I took a week-long semestral break.

Before, I didn't listen much to classical. But with 98.7, I listen more and more. Before, I thought I wouldn't get to listen to this station, though I know it already as a child. Now, I got myself to listen. DZFE helped me to further appreciate this kind of music, as well as jazz (initially) and church music (e.g.: "A Mighty Fortress").

The difficult thing, I guess, is knowing the titles. Unlike modern music, you may listen and take note of the lyrics, then search it on the Net. In classical, you have to pay attention whenever an announcer speaks.

Not only do I hear classical music on DZFE, but also programs and segments that make it "The station that cares to uplift the inner man". DZFE, as a Bible precept station as well, delivers engaging Christian programming. Some of those that I've been listening to often are Listen To The Bible, A Different Perspective, Just Thinking with Ravi Zacharias, and Pure Sex Radio.

It's good to know such a service still exists in a mass-market-dominated frequency modulation (FM). Not only does Far East Broadcasting Company(FEBC), the broadcaster of DZFE, serves us with this so-called "music of the mind", but also "food for the soul".


ABC Jazz
abcjazz.net.au

From the local airwaves, we go to Australia's digital vibrations.

It's so interesting that I found a station like ABC Jazz, one of the many broadcast services made possible by the government (again: the government).

By the way, aside from United Kingdom's BBC, Australian Broadcasting Company is another pioneer in radio. They broadcast various material, including classical and modern music; even a station presenting their local music in a large scale, "unearthing" local talent and then sharing them 24/7. Now that's something innovative and great!

ABC Jazz presents jazz further and deeper than the jazz I'm hearing at 105.1 Crossover. Because of the station, my interest in jazz flicked and flamed brighter.

An interesting feature in ABC Jazz is when you listen online, you get to know the song actually playing on air. They have a window for the stream of the station, sharing what was just played, what is currently playing, and what plays next.


I recommend these stations not only for those who like these types of sounds, but also those who like to dwell into new music, though not necessarily new.

I salute these 2 services for keeping their music, and radio, alive. First, the FEBC here in the Philippines, for being the only Philippine station bringing classical music since the 50's, as well as staying committed to bring "Christ to the world by radio". And then the Australian government: good thing your funds go to appreciative use.

—

Picture credit: Google Images

S4Y#21: "Clair de Lune" | Claude Debussy

Fourth year opened me to classical music, from the lessons at the MAPEH textbooks to the broadcasts of 98.7 DZFE. I was introduced to many musicians and composers who made their mark in music, including Claude Debussy.

He made this piece; actually, a piece of another piece(called "piano suite"). It's a piece which I remember hearing in my younger days, playing from a Reader's Digest giveaway CD entitled Enchanting Moments, which I consider as a child as a compilation of very sad melodies.

Then, when I was a senior, aside from knowing Debussy in a textbook, I saw Google celebrating the musician's 151st birthday, with this dramatic tune, accompanied by a night-themed animation.

How wonderful classical music can depict moods and paint pictures (in our minds)—like a calm and lovely mood inspired by the moonlight in the middle of the night.

This is, I claim, the first classical piece I know and appreciate.

S4Y#20: "Take Back The Night" | Justin Timberlake

Disco is revived in this pop and R&B single by Justin Timberlake, who is very well-known to most of us.

As a music reviewer noted, this another "moving" song has some similarity with a Michael Jackson record. "Take Back...", then, is another piece of deriving formerly-used elements and stringing them together with modern ones into good music.

Here I remember dancing, since it's disco—revived/modern disco. And so I remember gatherings like a turn-over ceremony, a.k.a. prom, where I dream of mixing the songs throughout the night.

This just tells me there is still a very very wide room for retro music in me. Good thing "retro" is revived in music like this.

S4Y#19: "Discolamon" | Banda Ni Kleggy

Something "novelty" and local. So upbeat and very funny. In my native terms, a sort of "kwela".

I remember this song being used for a part of a dance performance of our section (and of another) for the convocation activity of our batch, which took place before our report cards—with first quarter grades—were issued to us.

Though many may not like these kind of sounds because it's pop-ish, I find it good hearing something inciting positive vibes like this modern Pinoy hit, which even utilized a Simon-like drum device.

S4Y#18: "Can't Hold Us" | Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

For sure, many of us know Macklemore because of his hit single "Thrift Shop", which even garnered the No. 1 spot in Triple J's Hottest 100 in 2012.

But I like this one better. It was almost an anthem for me as a senior.

The piano riff, the trumpet fanfare, the fast-rap of Macklemore blended with a chorus of Ray Dalton, and the impressive and vibrant bridge ("And all the people say!") are what make this song so moving.

S4Y#17: "Intergalactic" | Beastie Boys

Before I even knew that this song is entitled "Intergalactic", I've heard it, especially the robotic-voiced lines "Intergalactic, planetary, planetary, intergalactic".

I finally knew the song after looking into some of the songs at an Australian radio station's—Triple J's—Hottest 100 of the Past 20 Years in 2013. This is the 100th track.

Some research informed me that this piece consisted of many samples and elements derived from other musical pieces. "Intergalactic" now looks like a jigzaw puzzle for me.

Current Fears About Our Youth

Picture credit: time.com

People often see the youth as bringers of a good future, and a good future does await for each and every youth; though sadly it isn't much accessible to some.

Young people are the ones who start to learn about life, both in and out of school. They also begin to see, experience, and learn different things. Yet, they are also exposed to the ruinous and mind-altering world in front of them.

I have fears about my generation, fears about my fellow youth including the ones nearest to me. Here they are:

Picture credit: time.com

1. I fear that the youth will pose, and be exposed, on sexually explicit media.

Prostitution has just gone into print and video. The youth take off their dignity as much as something (or everything) is taken off them for the craving of maladjusted eyes, impure hearts, and defiled minds.

No matter how much celebrities say "Hindi naman masyadong bastos", it is still vulgar. However a female may be hailed for her figure—just to be lusted over by voyeurs—it's not only gross, but disrespectful.

Picture credit: time.com

2. I fear that the youth will find happiness somewhere else, where they will usually find destruction there.

Remember the letter of Magda to Ernesto, created and rapped by Gloc9? His song and its video speaks for itself. Many are still fooled. Many still have the tendency to be fooled.

I'm afraid many are going places without knowing the places themselves. These places the youth are prone to go to not only includes what can be seen in Gloc9's song, but also what can be spotted around us—drugs, alcohol, tobacco. These aren't places of happiness, nor of fulfillment.

I suggest a place for the youth to go to: Jesus Christ.

Picture credit: time.com

3. I fear that the youth will be exposed to things they should not know yet.

We may know enough, but not the full picture for now. We are often curious, but we shouldn't always feed that curiosity.

We tend to behave in inappropriate ways when we expose ourselves to things which we have to know, or touch, at the right time, but not at this young period.

Picture credit: time.com

4. I fear that the youth will become early parents because of lack of knowledge, lack of discernment, lack of values, and lack of morality.

While the youth undergo a complex metamorphosis of themselves, they need to be aware of the responsibility they are starting to grasp, now that they're bursting with growth, emotions, and dreams.

Ignorance among the youth must not be tolerated. They need to learn to be careful of their actions and words, as well as prioritize what needs to be prioritized.

Picture credit: time.com

5. I fear that capitalism will take the youth captive.

Advertisements, phones, gadgets, games: these are some examples of how the youth are taken captive. Enslaved to these materials of the modern world, being controlled by things rather than having control over them, they are deprived of productivity, hard work, and other values they should learn to uphold.

6. I fear that the youth will be supervain.

We are not just talking about "selfie, selfie, selfie, selfie". We also pertain to surgeries or any type of excess that show off vanity that kills. You might have seen an episode of My Strange Addiction (here's another) or a report on Inside Edition about what I'm talking about.

Youth, it's not bad to celebrate the beautiful (or handsome) on you, but please be content with that—of what God gave you since birth. Don't get too far.

—

Dear reader, especially the youth, if you're the type of person who thinks, then I don't have to fear about you. Still, many around there are stubborn, or careless.

I still raise my head up, nevertheless, for the youth who have prudence, heart, fear of God, and much more, faith in Christ.

—

How about you? What are your fears about our youth? I'm willing to read your replies. Kindly comment (try to find the place/link for comments, please) or tweet me @adrianconoza

Let's have a discourse, shall we?

S4Y#16: "Genesis" | Justice

Here is another fresh treatment to house music, from a French duo named Justice.

I've discovered this while playing SongPop on Facebook, and I observe that this is something different, especially that it incorporates an orchestral intro. That's a figment of the concept of the album (entiled Cross, stylized as †) where "Genesis" is track #1; the concept is an "opera-disco album".

I find this as house music that is really different from the usual beats and drops.

S4Y#15: "Feel Good Inc." | Gorillaz feat. De La Soul

(You may know that this song has some curses. Thankfully, there's a clean edit of it, though this lacks completeness.)

This is one of the remarkable tracks of my fourth year soundtrack.

First, I like the way it flows from near-spoken-word lines to a lonely chorus to a pumped-up rap from De La Soul to another lonely chorus synced with guitar effects...

Next, I used this song in a Trigo pair project. My classmate (chosen by draw lots) made the video, and I wrote the lyrics. I used this song as the template, thanks to another classmate who has "Feel Good" on his phone.

Lastly, I actually heard of the notable bassline and the childlike-uttered words "feel good" back when I was very young.

And finally, I know what is the title of this song I've heard several times on radio.

A Brief Guide to Buying and Reading Books

I've been into constant reading since second year, thanks to my so-called sanctuary—a secondhand bookstore with branches at a mall near my house and a mall near my high school campus.

My interest for books and literature greatly increased throughout high school. I've discovered prominent authors and brilliant works. I unearthed old books that I consider as treasures.

This great inclination made me hunt for more books. I became attracted by the stories and ideas inside the thick and thin stacks of print, bounded by either a thick material or a thin carton. I've been amused whenever I saw a good book that I thought interesting or essential to read.

So from time to time, I have purchased many books. These books formed a small library in my room. I've even counted them before, and they amounted to around hundreds.

The books I've bought stacked up, and, overtime, are left unread.

I've realized lately that I've collected a lot of books, and for years, I haven't read all of them. I've decided to let go of many of them, giving them to friends who like to read like I do.

Indeed, I like to read a lot of books, to dwell into different avenues of literature. I find it hard, however, to read all that remains in my shelves. I started, nonetheless, to get into these books this summer.

I may find it nice that I can have a lot of literature in my hands, but I reckon I miss a lot on books. I got myself out-of-control. I miss the chance to read new worth-reading books, or even good finds at the secondhand bookstore.

Dear reader, are you an avid reader too? A bookworm? If so, I hope you also think of your book consumption and purchase.

Credit to carmenyamigos.blogspot.com

I realize that reading will be more money-saving and satisfactory if we read what we buy once we already have it (that's why for now I have to refrain from buying books for myself).

Most probably, you've thought much about what you chose to buy, especially when under tight budget. You're attracted by the story, or whatever's inside the book, and even read the back cover or the overleaf several times. Don't waste your money buying books then have them piled up, left unattended. Have self-control.

After that, read the book constantly. Don't stunt your reading progress. Get through the book daily, in as many pages as possible—as much as you can—until you've finished it.

Then, when you're done with it, that's the only time you can choose another book to read at the bookstore, or instantly go to another book you've already bought. Isn't that exciting visiting the bookstore to get to read another book you might like?

Read what you've bought and read it constantly, until you're done with it. This habit will be much helpful for you to enjoy reading further, as well as to invest money wisely.