The Taylor Chronicles: Winner

I am glad that Taylor won "Album of the Year" at the 2009 ACM Awards.

There are so many reasons why Fearless is THE album of the year for me personally (well, so far and more likely even up to December). I am tempted to name each reason but I think each deserves a distinct post. Let this one be for "experience".

Fearless is a collection of songs that grows on you. It makes you learn to love it, at your own pace. At least that's how the journey was with me.

I started with the first track and album title "Fearless". I couldn't get it off my head. And I especially like the line "you take my hand and drag me headfirst" . I just can't believe Taylor thought of that. Headfirst. What a scene it creates in my head (like the guy pulling her hair?). =)

Soon enough, I began to really like the rest of the songs except "Hey, Stephen", "Breathe" and "Tell Me Why". "Except" Hey Stephen because after a few plays, it became my number one fave in the entire album (so it's more than just "really like"). The beat is just so swayable. It remains to this day as my ringtone.

"Breathe" was second to my least liked track at the beginning. But I can't remember now why I did not like it. "Tell Me Why" was the last one I learned to love but once I did, it sealed my affection for the entire album.

Unlike other albums that just seem to want to feature a couple of hits and let the other tracks be forgettable, Fearless is a winner because each song is meant to be a delight. All of Fearless' songs are lovable, in the 'verb' sense of the word. You will learn to love them, probably not all at once, but as the experience with the album continues, each song kinda takes its moment with you.

Susan Boyle and Other Coffeetable Talk

The temperature has become too hot, it drove me off the house and into this cafe. And of course, what is cooling off without the traditional invasion of the most out-of-sight corner and surfing the net without caring how long? =)

Gist. I was talking to a friend last night and I think I never really got a grip of my true circumstances until she blew these words: Doj, you are in deep shit. The last two words are not part of my everyday vocabulary and the slang is evidence of her residence abroad. But more than the fascination with the sentence itself, I am fascinated at how well she figured out what I was talking about. Vals, you smart **ss. ;) (I meant "LAss". Whatever were you thinking? I don't speak adult words, goddamnit.)

Expletives. I have lately been in awe about how people so easily use expletives. In particular, I refer to expletives that are not in my original language. I am in awe because lately, when I tried using them, they did not seem fit. They were just words, not cuss ones. Even if I said them, there was no malice. Just practice of the use of the words in a sentence. Hehe. I am rambling, I know. Darn.

Susan. I'm not really extremely impressed about her singing itself. I think it's the combination of her circumstances and her singing that make her performance stellar at Britain's Got Talent (hello, Simon). She's 47, unemployed, never been married, never been kissed and looks more like a stage mom than star material. But her attitude is admirable, her talent great and her guts amazing (courage!). I wish I could directly put the video here but embedding is a prob. So, here's the link instead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXX_gMFeWlc.

I know you can't wait to see it. ;)

View from the Top

In a country of more than 7,000 islands, the scenic piece in the above photo which I took from my window seat on my flight home last Thursday should no longer be that much of a wonder. But for one who would usually take the earliest or latest flights (that is, either the sun is not yet up or no longer there), this view was an awesome one. Glad to have taken a snapshot of it.

And oh, happy easter everyone! =)

Glacial

The term "glacial" came into my consciousness courtesy of Meryl Streep's line in "The Devil Wear's Prada". It was what she used to ironically describe how slow Anne Hathaway's character was moving in one scene.

Now, as I sit at the airport waiting for my flight home, I am reminded of the word again. My laptop simply was booting at a glacial pace, long enough to run for about 30 minutes (with one reboot). If I were at home, I may not mind as much as I do now but hey, this is a dang public place and I unfortunately am seated at the front row and anyone who happens to notice would know that my laptop has become Jurassic. Argh.

That stressful event aside, I am so looking forward to going home.

Fearless

Saw Green Cricket's latest post today and oh, how her insight struck a cord. I totally believe in what she pointed out. Indeed, despite the fear, we should still learn to rise past it.

Now, if I can only live that insight...

Un-Clutter

Yesterday, Saturday, I went back to the office solely to clean up my work area. It's something I've been thinking to do for the longest time but never really got the chance to execute. I knew that if I didn't do it then, it'll be deferred on and on.

So, I ended up piling 3 reams worth of bond paper scratch, 2 filled garbage bags, 3 plastic garbage containers full of more trash and a work area I can now breathe more freely in, so to speak.

Today, Sunday, I finally got to clean up the veranda which I completely ignored for weeks. Also did major cleaning in the house, which led to two worn shoes joining tomorrow's garbage truck, among others.

What's with all the cleaning?

I guess it's symbolic as much as literal. There seems to be a lot of stuff in my life that I need to re-arrange...un-clutter. The challenge is deciding which ones will go to trash and which ones will be kept.

Walking in the Sun

It felt quite good to leave the office today while the sun was still out. I hope it'll be that way from now on. But...I'm just dreaming.

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Last Saturday, I and my training classmates went to an institution that take care of senior citizens, as part of our batch's outreach project. The home for the aged was actually not just that because it also takes care of homeless and orphaned children. Below is a photo I took while we were on our way to the institution's activity center:




What struck me most about this scene is the use of a bared chair seat as hoop for the ball. It is sad for an obvious reason, i.e., the lack of a basketball facility where these children can enjoy real basketball (not sure if there is a court in other parts of the institution). Apart from this implication, however, I must say that this very scene is a show of tremendous creativity. What a brilliant idea to minic a basket hoop!

Soulmate

Looks like this song no longer applies to N.B. -



"Soulmate" is one of the tracks in Natasha Bedingfield's album titled "Pocketful of Sunshine". In the song, a woman wonders whether there are really soulmates because she can't seem to find one. Well, apparently, Natasha can't perfectly relate to it now because she has already found her mate. Of course, I can't know whether he is her soul's mate but I think, Natasha is the kind of woman who won't settle for anything less.


Here's the People Magazine report: Natasha Bedingfield is married

I wish her happiness. Don't forget to make more music, N.B.!

Pride and Prejudice

I have been running through this BBC series since last night. And I love, love, love it!!!

Hot Cold Case

Cold Case is a new addition to my fave show list. It deals with crime investigation but unlike other shows on the subject (e.g., my ultimate fave CSI), it tackles cases that have long been shelved unsolved. What's amazing about the show is how well it blends the events of the present with that of the past: seamless and realistic.

Great Buys

I had a couple of "a-ha" shopping moments yesterday. You know, those moments when you see something in a store and your heart suddenly skips a beat...

I did not expect to find this DVD. I've been wanting the Pride and Prejudice BBC series but thought that since it's a British show, it won't be sold in the country. Thus, finding this DVD was a complete surprise (wasn't looking for it). The other two Austen classics are a welcome bonus. Amazing, amazing!


The phone camera does not do this sweetie justice. Yes...sweet. This watch is a darling. I really, really like it. Love the design, the green color of the bracelet, and the way the green and the brown are intertwined to form the bracelet. It's waterproof and with indiglo. It feels like it was designed for me. ;)

24

Just yesterday, I couldn't find anything to be thankful for and consequently blog about. Amazing how situations drastically change in just 24 hours.

Jewels - from neighboring Red Otter - broke the ice. Her words greeted my day with a smile.

Then, there's the dinner with friends early this evening, a joint birthday celeb by Tiotio and Leslie. It was great to meet and chat with old college friends, and their other halves, and offspring (Nathan) who won my affection when he readily sat on my lap and sweetly hugged me goodbye. Thanks, Tio and Les, cheers to you both! =)

After dinner, there was the chance to hear, even just for a bit, these guys sing live. Journey is in the country and was having a concert at the MOA field and so, their performance could be heard the moment we stepped out of the dinner place.


And finally, there is Facebook which reconnected me with a number of freshman college classmates who, despite Friendster, I haven't really talked to for the longest time.

Looking forward to more great finds tomorrow. Goodnight, blogworld. ;)

Wonder

What does it mean when you can't seem to find anything in a day that you strongly feel grateful for? Your mind knows that you are blessed, perhaps even more than you deserve, and yet, nothing special comes to mind.

Am I running out of great finds?

I doubt it. But today, though, I'm not in a state of mind to go find one. ):

The Taylor Chronicles: Arrival

As I have told sometime ago (The Taylor Chronicles: Search), I scoured local record stores for months last year just to look for Taylor's CDs. To disappointing results, that is. Her music was not carried in the country. Sad, sad.

So, imagine my surprise when this greeted the entrance of Glorietta's Music One this afternoon:
About time! Well, with local MTV and variety shows already playing "Love Story", I must admit I kinda expected the CDs to finally come over anytime soon (only the second album, "Fearless", was being sold though). Still, the sight of the display still caught me off-guard.

Once the surprise settled, came the envitable question. Did I rush to have my colleague buy me the CDs in the U.S.? If I had more patience, could have I bought for much less here?

One look at the cover kinda told me I did okay. The U.S. version had the real, original cover. Although I also like the cover of this one, I like the original better:

Another look at the song content cemented my position: I did great. The local version has three more songs from the first album (Our Song, Should Have Said No, Teardrops on my Guitar) but none of the extra videos. ;) I don't know what the lyric sheet looks like but I have already come to a conclusion. I did not regret getting myself the U.S. version. I love the CD to pieces. ;)

That is not to say that I'm not happy that Taylor has finally come to town. I am. She deserves to be heard here. In fact, I bought a copy of the local version. It was the best gift I could think of for my friend Popo's (belated) birthday.

Last I heard, she loves the CD. :)

Revenge of the Sick

I feel like I've been offline for so long (despite that little note I wanted to put in days ago)! Ah, I'm going to make up for lost time. ;)

First off, I'm not completely well. Still have some cough. But at least, no more of the shivers. And as I said a post ago, I value my health more now than a week ago. ;)

Second, DON'T watch this movie. Or maybe it was just me and Popo. We both didn't like it. Gross, flat, disconnected, forced, pathetic. I couldn't wait for it to end.



Third, what a pleasant surprise to hear from someone you thought you'd never hear from again! =)

Fourth, I somehow feel that change has come. For me personally. In a big, intangible way. Maybe, I'm growing up after all. Life is taking such a different turn. Ah, perspective.

And fifth, I've started reading Robert Ludlum's "The Bourne Identity". It's been days but I haven't even got through half the book. It's not the book, I must say. There are just so many other things to do.

In Sickness and In Health

Have missed a lot these past few days. A wedding. A birthday party. The chance to purchase plane tickets home. And a lot more.

Got sick. Fever.

If there's a good thing coming off it, it's the reminder to good ol' me that good health matters.

Deluge

Amazing how a lot of things can happen in one day. How a deluge of emotions can pass through the hours. How new thoughts can run in your head.

Today ---

I worried. Something unexpected came up. I hope it's not what it appears to be.

I was pleasantly surprised. The owner (I think, because he acts like one) of the Fiorgelato/Fior Cafe I've been raving about gave me a red rose. Perhaps for my growing loyalty (was there again for lunch today!). Unusual marketing gesture, but cool.

The rose, pictured against my laptop's desktop.

I got angry. Cable news today (forgot which one) reported about a 70+ year old man coming back to work as a greeter in a grocery store. Because he and his wife lost their entire savings/retirement money (USD700,000+) to Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme. Grrr. Madoff is staying in a million-dollar residence while his investors are picking up pieces of their lives he so knowingly shattered. Grrr.

I felt sad. Because.

I feel triumphant. After days of battling the irritating virus on my laptop, I've finally found a way to terminate it. Hah.

I Love You Because

"Synopsis

A modern day musical re-telling of Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice with the genders reversed.

I Love You Because is a musical comedy about how Mr. and Ms. Wrong try to resist falling in love. Together they explore the nuances of dating and learning how to love someone, not in spite of their differences, but because of them.

It tells of the adventures of two brothers, one a stiff greeting card writer, the other free-spirited pedi-cab driver, and the women they date, a flaky photographer and an actuary."

I am reserving any thoughts till I get to see this tomorrow night.

Valerie, thanks for the heads up. ;)

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Photo and synopsis credit: Repertory Philippines

Fiorgelato

I think I have found a new refuge. Fiorgelato is just across the street from my workplace and although it opened last year, I never really got to check it out long enough to savor what it has to offer. Not until yesterday, that is.

My colleague Chao and I were on our way home when the idea of dropping by Fior popped up. Since she was game, we headed to the place and found ourselves pleasantly surprised. The food was good, and the coffee great. The prices were affordable and the ambience cool enough to hang around a little longer. I was so taken with the pancakes and coffee that I came back for them at lunchtime today. Hah. =)

I think, a lot more trips to the place are to be expected. I intend to try most in the menu. ;) (Oh, diet, where art thou?)

The Taylor Chronicles: Search

You just know that something is truly special if it makes you walk the extra mile. Or in this case, walk through record stores after record stores looking for only one thing: Taylor Swift's self-titled debut album.

I did not expect to be disappointed. I did not expect to find no such CD...or blank faces from store attendants when I would ask if they got Taylor Swift's CD. And as if their reaction isn't telling enough, attendants would then ask how her name is spelled. Whattttt? Where in the world have you been?!! Taylor...you don't know Taylor!?!

But then, if you go to stores after stores (Music One, Odyssey, Astro Vision, SM) and they tell you the same thing and display the same I-don't-know-her expression, you kinda learn to get the point. Taylor Swift's CD was NOT sold in the country. Will it ever be? The attendant I asked says she's not sure and gave the store's number for me to call in case I wanted to check again. (What a way to get rid of me! =)

When Taylor's second CD came out, I tried checking stores again. Maybe, local stores will finally catch on and carry her music. After all, didn't she just get triple platinum on the first one?! Apparently, the stores haven't heard that little bit.

I have tried other means possible. I checked online stores. However, though I am an avid fan, I am still a reasonable consumer. Shipping cost is twice the freakin' price! Why would I buy?! Besides, there were other ways. Such as, asking a friend from the States to get me the CDs (haven't seen him back in the country). Or asking a colleague who took a trip to Singapore to check if stores there sell Taylor's CDs. Apparently, the CDs are not carried in Asia at all (Asia isn't big on country music, I gather).

THANKFULLY, however, another colleague went for a vacation in the States and was gracious enough to get me the CDs I have been dying for months to get my hands on. And so, today, the above sought-after CDs came to me early in the mornin' and completed my day right then and there.

Juvi, thanks, thanks, thanks!

Best Finds 2008: Pride, Prejudice & Rain (Music Video)

It's already February but I believe I must add this one to my best finds last year. It's such a pleasure to watch. That Pride and Prejudice scene and the song and the way both were tweaked to come up with the vid... is genius.

Hope

Mama's Flowers

Something to remind me. That life is good. That this world is a beauty. That there is hope. (And that my new camera is quite good. Hehe.)

Gossip Boy

I don't know why but I really like this picture of Gossip Girl's Penn. I like his character in the series, but I'm not really a fan, so, the wonder. Hmmm.

Blast from the Past

I think I was in grade school or high school when I wrote this "poem". It basically talks about the time I was so anxious for a cousin to come home because I especially asked that he bring me the book I've been dying to read that time (the book was one of the "Anne of Green Gables" series).

When the Waiting's Almost Done

Time seems to tease you

When it very well knows

You have been there waiting

And waits for the coming.

The wind is blowing hard

And it is very cold

But still you sit waiting

Till that lonely train comes.

One by one, the others leave

Too cold, they can't stay

But you sit still and wait

You have to be there.

Time passes by swiftly

When you begin to realize

Time teases more

With possibilities you rather ignore.

It starts to dawn on you

The "what if...what if...what if..."

What if the train is never coming?

What if your love will never be there?

With hands shaking, lips quivering

Tears falling unchecked

Through the mist the awaited comes

The waiting is almost done.

Fast-forward to NOW, and I'm back in the same situation.

A colleague is coming back from the States in a couple of days and I am so looking forward to the day. You see, I asked her to buy me the CDs I couldn't find here in the country. Selfish, I know. But I think she knows it too (how excited I am for the CDs) and she doesn't mind. Hehe. I think I was able to demonstrate enough how much these CDs mean to me.

Ah, counting the days... (thanks in advance, Juvs). =)

Keepin' Me Posted #1

A week (or more?!) without a post. Wow. Must describe the kind of week I had. Hehe.

A couple of Great Finds have done really well recently and round-ups like this post are going to be a regular here to tell their (continuing) story (good or bad):

Taylor Swift's Fearless album topped Billboard 200 for 8 weeks (non-consecutive)! An amazing and rare feat, last I heard. Apparently, she's all over magazines and TV shows now (even Katie Couric is all praises). And, her 2009's almost all lined up for her tour! But hey, she's also going to perform at the 2009 Grammys! And, she's appearing on CSI this March! Dang.

On the other had, Tina Fey won the 2009 Golden Globe for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series-Musical or Comedy”. And again, her speech was the color of the night. ;)

Way to go, Great Finds!