HAPPINESS IS… BTS, Lavender, Ube, Children Dancing, Rainbows

Last week, I was stuck behind a school bus when I saw some kids playing in their front yard blowing soap bubbles. The joy on the kids’ faces was contagious. Four kids (three girls and a boy), about six years old, were running around to chase the soap bubbles being blown by an adult. The children laughed as they reached out into the air and tried to pop the bubbles. Their excited screams were music to my ears. Their innocence and simple joys lifted my heart. 

 Indeed, random moments of happiness occur when least expected.

  BTS 

 Happiness is…watching a BTS video. I am just a recent fangirl to BTS. Just a month ago, a video appeared on my Facebook feed. Epiphany was sung by BTS member Jin or Kim Seok-Jin. “I’m the one I should love”. That line could not have come at a better time.  The song was poignant and emotional and emphasized a fundamental truth: Love yourself. I have always maintained a strong façade amid all the problems in life, always putting others first. But as the song says, self-love has to come first. It has to. 

  Epiphany- Jin

Over the years, I have heard of BTS but never watched their videos until I watched Epiphany, and suddenly, I was hooked. Down the rabbit hole, I tumbled down. BTS is a 7-member supergroup from South Korea; they are a worldwide phenomenon. The group broke all kinds of music records, conquered the cultural divide, sold out arenas and stadiums. Tickets in Citifield sold out in 10 minutes. 

 Their lyrics are introspective and do not shy away from talks about maintaining mental health and promoting peace, empowerment, and self-love. Their music transcended languages and cultures and its Army of fans include all ages, races, and genders. BTS is beyond K-pop; it is its own genre. It was BTS that made me overcome my aversion to rap music, lol. 

 BTS is shattering glass ceilings and is forcing the Western world to understand their Asian neighbors. Non-Koreans are singing the Korean lyrics. Hopefully, this will pave the way for more global appreciation of all kinds of music, maybe even Pinoy music. Hopefully, this will open goodwill among all races. With their songs, they are a beacon against prejudice and for inclusivity and diversity.  It is my fervent prayer that we can shine the spotlight on anti-racism and anti-Asian hate. 

 'Butter' Official MV

LAVENDER 

 Happiness is... celebrating nature's beauty amid fields of lavender blooms, with the clear, blue sky up above, and the aromatic breeze calming heart and soul. The fragrance fills the air and cleanses my spirit. No wonder, these multi-purpose perennial lavender plants are widely used for aromatherapy. Doing my Ujjayi breathing.

Day trip to Lavender by the Bay in Calverton, New York.

 

UBE ICE CREAM 

 Happiness is… indulging in Ube Ice Cream in pandesal. Ube or purple yam is typically found in the Philippines. It can be prepared as ice cream, cake, bread (pandesal), flan, pudding, and mostly as topping on the delicious halo-halo. 

Ube is the new Matcha, a new obsession in food culture due to its vibrant color that is especially eye-catching on Instagram and other forms of social media. Filipino chefs here in the US are experimenting with ube in waffles, pancakes, and sugar pies. One consolation, Ube is known to have extra-high levels of antioxidants.

CHILDREN/TEENS DANCING

 Happiness is... watching kids and teenagers having fun. Innocence overload. 

Masaka kids Africana- Dancing to “Jerusalema”

In 2019, the South African song called Jerusalema became a summer anthem and a global hit and inspired online dance challenges all over the world. The upbeat disco-house track was composed by DJ Kgaogelo Moagi and sung by singer Nomcebo. It didn’t matter that the lyrics were in a little-known Zulu dialect. When the music moves you, you dance.

Ranz and Niana Featuring Natalia- Dancing to BTS – “Dynamite”

Ranz Kyle and Niana Guerrero are siblings in a blended family from the Philippines who rose to fame on YouTube with their dance videos and prank vlogs. But my heart melted when their youngest sister Natalia joined their dance. That little girl can dance way, way better than me. What a sweetheart!

UNICEF photo

RAINBOWS 

 Happiness is… seeing rainbows after the rain.

I wrote this in 2013- 

Driving home from Brooklyn on the Belt Parkway, I was thankful that I witnessed the magical display of Mother Nature. The bright colors of the rainbow triumphed in stark contrast against the backdrop of gray, angry clouds; its full arc high up in the dark sky. 

 The setting sun's fierce rays behind me turned the drizzling rain into silver on my windshield and transformed the waters of the Narrows Strait shimmering like gold. There was a calmness in the air as if everyone was held spellbound by this beautiful thing in the sky. 

 And as I was coasting along the Belt, right where the "Fuhgeddaboudit" sign clued me that I was leaving Brooklyn for Queens, the majestic rainbow loomed right in the middle of the road, beyond the horizon. The colors were so distinct and the rainbow so amazingly near that it took my breath away. The cars slowed down and I could almost hear the collective "ahhs". 

 I vaguely remember the scientific explanation about the rain as the prism that creates the spectrum of colors. How the lights are refracted when the sunlight hits the raindrop at an angle. ROYGBIV. In grade school, I hardly paid attention to the science behind this phenomenon. 

 As a child, I was more interested in the story of the pot of gold over the rainbow "where troubles melt like lemon drops and happy little bluebirds fly". It was our magical "bahaghari" from those innocent times when skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true, just over the rainbow. 

 And if you just look closely, there's a second rainbow! With blue on the outside and red moved to the inside. Double reflections, double pots of gold. 

 A Special Performance of "Rainbow Connection" from Kermit the Frog | The Muppets

Michael Pangilinan performs "Rainbow" (South Border) LIVE on Wish 107.5 Bus

Oldies and Revivals

 

When they were in grade school, my son and my nieces were held captive to Oldies music as I drove them around in my SUV. Back then, they were content in listening to 106.7 Easy Listening radio. In truth, they did not have a choice because they were “forbidden” to change to any other radio channel.  Thankfully, this was after my son tired of his obsession with Barney and kid songs and he, obediently, ceded the radio control to me. As they grew older, they led their own lives and listened to their own music. Years later, I was pleasantly surprised that they actually appreciated my Oldies music to this day; thankfully (again), they abhor those curse-laden rap songs. (P.S. After my son read this post, he cautioned me against generalizing against Rap music. I clarified that there are some rap songs that I actually like, but I do cringe at the profanity on most of the songs).

Oldies music covers the beautiful music of the mid-1950s to the 1980s: pop, rock and roll, and doo-wop. It is the music of my youth, the songs that I heard growing up in the Philippines. I am glad to hear their music recreated by the youth of today. And when I am being nostalgic and sentimental, I happily search for new covers.

 

I'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER YOU

A 1964 single by the Australian group The Seekers with strong-voiced Judith Durham as the lead vocal. The song reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom pop chart and No. 4 in the United States pop chart and No. 2 Easy Listening on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The lyrics make me cry; the song a paean to everlasting love. For those lucky ones who will be together with their loved ones "forever and a day" in the promised land.

When the group toured for their farewell concert in 2013, the guitar intro still thrilled the audience and the then70-year old Judith's voice still soared beautifully and with conviction. This song has become my latest LSS (Last Song Syndrome).

The Seekers - (1964)

Keith Potger and Nicki Gillis (2017)

Keith Pother was an original member of the Seekers.

Mirusia Louwerse (2020)

There's a new world somewhere

They call the promised land

And I'll be there someday

If you could hold my hand

I still need you there beside me

No matter what I do

For I know I'll never find another you

 

There is always someone

For each of us, they say

And you'll be my someone

Forever and a day

I could search the whole world over

Until my life is through

But I know I'll never find another you

 

 

CRAZY

The ballad was composed by Willie Nelson, but the most popular version was by Patsy Cline. My first memory of the song was that of or waitress in my grandmother’s restaurant who used to sing along to the jukebox. She said it was a song for her crush who was in love with another woman.  

Patsy Cline  (1961)

Allison Young (2018)

BEYOND THE SEA

The song was written in 1945 and has been recorded by many artists, but Bobby Darin's version is the most popular one. There was a Navajo version in the movie Finding Nemo.

Bobby Darin- (1960)

Reneé Dominique (2017)

 

HAPPY TOGETHER

A song by American rock band the Turtles. The groovy folk- oriented song was featured in several tv shows and movies: Big Bang Theory, King of the Hill, a Stephen King movie, and the Super Smash Bros.

The Turtles (1967)

REO Brothers - (2020)

IMAGINE

John Lennon wrote his biggest single of his solo career, apart from the Beatles. The song was quite controversial but for me, it was a hymn of comfort, a promise, and an encouragement to imagine a world in peace. Ironically, I remember sobbing in the movie theater as the music played in the end credits of  “The Killing Fields” of the war in Cambodia.

John Lennon (1971)

Davina Michelle (2018)

REO Brothers (2020)

THAT'S LIFE

Written in 1963, Frank Sinatra recorded it later. The song's uplifting lyrics told us to pick up ourselves from any setback whether you were just a "puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn, a king".

Frank Sinatra (1966)

Dennis van Aarssen (2019)

The Best of Renee Dominique Cover Playlist

 

REO Brothers' Top Favorites (compilation)

 

As an Oldies fan, I am happy to discover young ones preserving this beautiful music. There is still hope for this world. These songs will stand the test of time, and hopefully, the profane and demeaning rap songs will just die a natural death, forever consigned in music hell. 

 Update: 6/21- Because of my new-found enjoyment of K-pop BTS music, I am now enamored of 'some" rap songs. Who knew that this Oldies fan will bop along the rapid-fire raps of the BTS. Consider me part of Army nation now, hahaha!

 

Family Memories: Laput-Cerrudo

 

My Auntie Remy passed away on March 5^th, 2021.  She was the last one of the Laput-Cerrudo siblings; five children borne from the union of Olympia Laput from Zamboanga and Jose Cerrudo from Aklan. I have mourned them when they died, but now I would like to remember the beautiful memories they left behind.

I am certain that I was my aunt’s favorite niece, although my youngest sister would probably dispute that. I am thankful that I saw Auntie Remy via Zoom when several of our relatives celebrated my mom’s 90^th birthday. Looking gaunt and in pain, she watched silently but with a smile on her face as the cousins chatted with each other, from different countries, different time zones, sometimes talking over each other. I think Auntie Remy, Uncle Pat, Auntie Zeny enjoyed watching the banter.  We also had a few relatives on my mom's side on the Zoom call. That was the only reunion we could afford during these pandemic times; we could only blow kisses to each other.

I am paying homage to the Laput-Cerrudo siblings, even if it is too late. I never had a chance to honor them in life, but I hope I am able to convey my love for them. Theirs is a legacy of love for family, of supporting each other through life's challenges. 

Auntie Sol was the eldest of the five. Married to Uncle Tito, a lawyer with a big personality, children Bobong, Boboy, Bing Imelda, and Bebot. She was the reason why I was able to start nursing school. She financed the early years and told me that she wanted me to be a nurse so I can help my family. I remember her always sitting on her rocking chair reading a book. I must have gotten the love of reading from Auntie Sol.  I can never thank her enough.

My Tatay Cezar came next. Married to Neneng/Marina, children: Nenet/Jo, Toto, Edwin, Allan, and Bheng. He was the joker of the family. He loved to dance; he loved to tickle all his children and chase us all over the house, even my mother. My Tatay was an OFW and worked in Laos, Iran, Angola, among other places. When he came home from his contract abroad, he loved to spend a lot of time with the kids. He used to tell stories of super heroes and supernatural beings, just so we can play hide-and-seek.

My Auntie Remy was the tall, statuesque one. Married to Uncle Pat, children Baby/Charlotta, Jun, Cladys, and Charlie. She was always made up, her lipstick perfect. She was always on the go, so active, always dancing.

Uncle Toto/Romeo- Married to Auntie Zeny, children Efren, Erma, Nelson, and Earl. This Cerrudo branch settled in Los Banos, Laguna. Uncle Toto used to stop by at our house in Baclaran just to check on us kids. I loved our trips to Mt. Makiling and Nagcarlan. 

Auntie Fe was the youngest. Married to Uncle Billy with the most children- Vener, Vernie, Arthur, Gemma, Junior Gamatoy, twins Mar and Leo, and Dennis. I remember Auntie Fe as always humming, with a song on her lips. I wonder how she managed all eight kids? 

I love my big, crazy, fun-loving Filipino family. The Laput-Cerrudo siblings spawned the new generation, and we, in turn, expanded to an even bigger group who somehow managed to come together to reunions, at least every two years.

Growing up in Davao, the Cerrudo/Gallardo/Calvo/DelaSerna cousins were a rambunctious bunch, always getting in trouble with the kids from the squatter near the river. Not that we were brats to those kids, but those kids were truly mean and loved to bully my brothers and cousins, so Baby and I usually swooped in like superheroes, like Darna and chased the kids away. We were the vanquishers of those snot-nosed kids. However, when we were caught doing some mischief, our grandma lined us up, from oldest to youngest, and spanked our butts. By the time our grandma was halfway down the line of kids, she was tired.

Mama, the matriarch

The cousins lived with our families with our grandmother Olympia who we all called Mama in a 5-story building in Magallanes St, Davao City across the RMC school. Mama operated the Oro's Refreshment & Restaurant on the first floor which catered to the school crowd. After school hours, the restaurant was often crowded with some dancing to the latest tunes on the Jukebox, The cousins would often line up the stairs behind the cashier and our Mama would sometimes shoo us away with some hot Mami noodles, bread, and Coke.

But during class time, the wait staff gathered in front of the restaurant as they waited for the throng of high school and college kids to finish school and to come rushing to the restaurant for their snacks and to play the jukebox. It was also Mama’s siesta time. So after our maids slept themselves as they tried, unsuccessfully, to get the kids to do their nap time, the kids crept down to the first floor-restaurant. Behind the display counter, with my younger cousins acting as sentry, and a few others distracting the wait staff, Baby and I swiped/stole a piece or two of the durian cake. Then, about ten kids shared our bounty, bonded by our little thievery.

My sister Bheng always reminded me that she almost choked because Baby and I shoved a banana cake down her throat when we heard our grandma leave her room and come down the stairs. My sister also reminded me that the kids used to slip to the kitchen to beg the cook to give us bowls of hot mami and pancit canton. My grandma probably wondered why we always ran out of food.

We also spent some time in Matina when our Gallardo cousins bought a house there. The bravest of the cousins climbed up the manzanitas tree and fed the fruits to the younger cousins, much to the consternation of Mama who worried about broken bones. And then there was the unfortunate, but oh-so-much-fun, incident when one of the pigs escaped the piggery and the cousins chased the pig around the yard. We were chastised by the maids who had to wash all our muddy clothes.

Later on, my family moved to Manila. The Calvos and Dela Sernas followed suit. But as life would have it, we were caught up in the demands of life and school, and we drifted apart as we moved places and raised our own families.

Reunion

Now, as we await for this Covid-19 scourge to finish its course, I cannot wait for our next family reunion. The second cousins may not know everyone in this generation; they don’t have the bonding experience we had in our childhood years, but I am sure they will form their own memories with their own first cousins. 

 

Love letters to my Nanay

 

Feb, 14, 2021- 

It is my mom’s 90^th birthday today. Last night in the Philippines, we celebrated with her and with other relatives and friends via Zoom. She always wears pink on her birthday, my Nanay with her grey curled hair and her favorite necklace. She reigned over the food fest that my sister and I arranged for and my family prepared for her. Balloons and decorations proclaimed her special day, with only the immediate family allowed in the house, but with a few other guests invited to come later to collect their “pabaon” in a socially-distanced way.

I cannot hug her, I can only content myself in singing along to her birthday and in watching her get a kick out of her money cake. A month ago, she cried during our FaceTime calls; she was frustrated because we could not travel back home. It was rough seeing your mother cry, at whatever age. Damn this pandemic scourge.

 

As I scrolled down on my Facebook posts, I came upon all my love letters to Nanay on her special day. 

Last year on Mother’s Day, I wrote:

My heart belongs to the one person who can bring me down to my knees with a single look when I was naughty as a kid; the one person who can lift my heart with a sweet smile; the one person who can make me giggle until I jingle when she starts her chicken dance; the one person who inspires me with her resilience and quiet strength; the one person who can make me open my wallet with just a little wink; and the one person who can get me bawling like a baby with a single tear.

 

2020

Happy birthday to my dearest mother Marina Segovia Cerrudo, Feb. 14th. Love you to the moon and back, mader. I just love your light spirit, your joie de vivre, and your ready smile which shines even brighter when you see Jordan on the call.

 

2019

It's February 14th in the Philippines now. Happy birthday to my dearest Nanay. I hope you enjoy your special day with your grandkids, complete with a pizza party, chicken joy, spaghetti, or whatever you want. Just say the word, Nay, and we will send you anything your heart desires. You deserve the best, only the best for a woman with a heart of gold and strength of steel. I can never say No to you because you've given us your all. The only woman who let me get away with not learning to cook because you wanted me to concentrate on my studies. You know me oh-so-well. I love you to the moon and back.

 

2018

Nanay, on your birthday this February 14th, I am most grateful for everything you've done and sacrificed for us. We didn't have much growing up but you've always placed your five kids first and foremost. We are rich because we are loved. Of all the things you have passed on to me, I think I have your resilience and your capacity to enjoy the simple things in life. Of all our pictures together, my favorite is just last November when you held Jordan and me close to you. Then, you just burst out laughing uncontrollably so I just hugged you tighter. Forgotten was the long pressure-ulcer-inducing hours on the plane. So, I guess I have to save up to see you next year so I can feel your warm hug again. I love you so much. Mother dear. You have my heart.

 

2017

What can I say to the most loving Nanay ever? On your birthday, I feel you in my heart. I love you to the moon and back.  Sorry that I am not there to celebrate with you on your most special day, but I am glad you are surrounded by our family and friends. Enjoy, Mader. Miss you so much. And as your eldest,  I  have first dibs on your heart.  🙂

 

2016

February 14th- today is my mom's 85th birthday.  How blessed we all are for still having her in our lives. May God continue to surround her with love and bless her with good health. She remains a source of inspiration for all of us; a fount of great love. She is simply amazing. I am glad that she enjoyed her birthday party a few weeks ago. Bongga pa rin si Mader.

 

2015

Happy birthday to a wonderful mother!  I wish you the best of health, more loving people around you, more tong-its, more vitamin Bs (SMB), and birthdays to celebrate. Thank you for your love.  Happy hearts day!

 

2014

With her unconditional love and her selfless heart, she shaped my character, guided me through life's ups and downs, and gave me the confidence to live my life to the fullest. As the matriarch of the family, she is our strength and our moral compass.

I can never thank her enough for all that she has done for me. I love you, Nanay.

 

2013

Happy birthday to my mom, Marina Segovia Cerrudo. No matter what we've achieved in life, you've given me the greatest gift of all - your unconditional love. By your quiet strength, you made us strong. Enjoy your special day, mader. And when I see you in June, I promise you more Barbies than your heart desires.

 

2012

February 14 is special to me because it's my mother's birthday (Marina Segovia Cerrudo).  With her unconditional love and her selfless heart, she shaped my character and guided me through life's ups and downs. I can never thank you enough. I love you, Nanay.

"May hihigit pa ba sa isang katulad mo

Inang mapagmahal na totoo

Lahat nang buti ay naroon sa puso

Buhay man ay handang ialay mo

Walang inang matitiis ang isang anak

Ika’y dakila at higit ka sa lahat."

 

2011

Happy birthday to my dearest Nanay. How can I say thank you to the woman who exerts the most influence in my life? She did not have a trail-blazing career, but she showed us quiet strength and an unyielding spirit despite adversities.  Hers was not an easy life, and so I wish that in her later years, all five of her children can shower her with the love that she so richly deserves. We love you, 'Nay.

 

Happiness is...

 

"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have." - Karen S.Magee

It goes without saying that our family and friends are dearest to us. We are happiest in the presence of our loved ones. But as this COVID-19 year (thankfully) careens down to its end, there are a lot more things, both big and small that fill our hearts and keep us sane. I started to keep a gratitude journal to reduce my stress, to fight off depression. I felt that maintaining the right emotional balance and seeking my joy-triggers would lower my cortisol hormones. I count myself blessed because I find happiness in the simple things, no need for grandiose and material possessions to keep me happy.

December 19, 2020

HAPPINESS is basking in spiritual blessings during our Year-end Thanksgiving worship service. The Church of Christ Year-end Thanksgiving service is on Webex. We have been doing virtual worship services for several months now. But despite the circumstances, challenges, and adversities, it is gratifying to see that the work of the church forges on. I am thankful no matter what. Happiness is knowing that I do not walk alone and that God is always with me.

December 17

HAPPINESS is getting my COVID-19 vaccine today. Finally, the Pfizer vaccine is here. I have been waiting for this. Now that we’re on the Second Wave of this horrific pandemic, I am confident that we have what it takes to fight back with a vengeance. I am joyful that this is the beginning of the end of this disease that has gripped us in a chokehold for so many months. The healthcare workers went through a heart-wrenching period, of personal losses, profound sadness, fears, and anxieties that continue to haunt us to this day. But now there is hope. I must confess that I was teary-eyed because I could see the light at the end of the long tunnel. The vaccine is a game-changer. This will allow all of mankind to get back to the new normal. Thank you to the scientists and the volunteer research subjects; they are heroes themselves. When I told my son that I was vaccinated, he echoed the same sentiment, RELIEF. He was relieved for me.

Happiness is hoping that maybe, a few months later, I will be able to travel and hug my mom again.  #Let'sBeatCOVID19 #Havefaithinthescience

December 16

HAPPINESS is that first snowfall day of the year. There is something magical, and cleansing with the fresh-fallen snow. In this Covid year, I can almost fantasize that the snowflakes will neutralize the evil of this coronavirus. The world was blanketed in pristine white, the howling winds had died down, and the world was quiet and serene. There is a sense of wonderment at the beautiful picture that one can forget that the next day will yield to slush and ice. That first snowfall day is for young ones and the young-at-heart (like me).

I always remember my first snow ever on Roosevelt Island in my first year in the United States.  As I waited at the bus stop, my heart fluttered in excitement as the white fluffy crystals came down from the sky. I raised my face up to the heavens up above, uttered a simple "Thank you" to God, opened my mouth, and caught the snowflakes on my tongue. 

Happiness is plopping down on the virgin snow and doing snow angels, even as your dog wonders if you lost your mind. This picture was with our dear departed Brownie. I need to get one picture with Boomer.

November 15

HAPPINESS is... finally getting my Fall photo shoot in Astoria Park. I did not get the full vibrant foliage that I was hoping for, but at least the red, orange, and yellow leaves are on the ground, with the trees barely and defiantly holding on to their leaves despite the winds. 

Fall is absolutely my favorite season. The  Autumn colors and the crisp air bring a sense of calm and relaxation, even a sprinkle of magic with the change of seasons. I love how the chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins reveal the true colors of the leaves. Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, the bright hues just fill me with such joy that one can (almost) forget the bad things that happened in 2020.  I love the sweater weather, partly because it covers the body's imperfections. 

My fascination with autumn started many years ago as a young nurse at Coler Hospital in Roosevelt Island, I used to marvel at the glorious beauty around me, even as I skipped merrily on the ground covered with carpets of leaves. The Fall foliage reigned supreme with its riot of color that framed the hospital building like a Monet. Nature in majestic splendor. Albert Camus said, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower".  Because I lost out on a colorful photoshoot, I resolve to do better next year, and plan my autumn vacation in Vermont or anywhere before winter claims the colors away.

Oct. 25

HAPPINESS is the unexpected but joyful discovery of a Barnes and Noble Store across my doctor's office yesterday. I could not pass by a bookstore without going in to smell the books. I am a self-confessed Bibliophile. I adore the written words that make me feel and imagine. I would happily spend all my time reading. I was like a kid in a candy store. The dilemma is: what would I start reading first?

September 2

HAPPINESS is indulging in exquisitely presented and overwhelmingly delicious food that I do not have to cook myself. Outdoor dining is actually cool and convenient. I am hopeless in the kitchen, but I have a healthy appreciation for all kinds of cuisine, as long as I don't have to chop, mince, and stir over the hot stove. Foodgasm. Disclaimer: I did not finish my portions in one sitting; I always have leftovers. Promise.

July 25

HAPPINESS is those simple joys that come cheap. Who says you cannot enjoy the flowers from somebody's garden? We were considering dining out but the air was hot and muggy on one July afternoon. We opted for enjoying Crepe with Nutella, strawberry, and banana in air-conditioned comfort in my Honda Pilot with my son and sister as we people-watched in Astoria. 

One more thing to read:   Happiness Project

Gretchen Rubin is a writer who relentlessly explores human nature to understand how we can make our lives better. She states, "I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for becoming happier, healthier, more productive, or more creative; when we know ourselves and what works for us, we can change our habits and our lives. Through my bestselling books (The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, Better Than Before, The Four Tendencies, Outer Order, Inner Calm), my award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, my video courses, and my app Better, I share insights, strategies, stories, and tips that help people understand themselves and create a happier life."

SONG CHALLENGE (PART TWO)

With quarantine fever brought by COVID-19 lockdowns and the slow return to near-normal, the 30-day Song Challenge is back on Instagram.  Users are invited to list the song as per the prompt for that calendar day. It is quite interesting and entertaining to go through the musical bibliography of our life stories to answer this song challenge. Certainly a great diversion from the worries of this 2020 scourge.

Back in 2018, I did an abbreviated version of the 30-day song challenge: https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2018/07/musical-challenge.html  Like with my 2018 post, I decided to do a shorter list and added a few things on my own. 

   A song that is funky with swag moves

“Uptown Funk” - Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

I like (but do not understand) the Michelle Pfeiffer reference; the lyrics are (sorry) atrocious, but the music is delightfully infectious. There is abundant charm, cheekiness, and raucous energy in the song. Bruno Mars can do no wrong with that choreography; his moves confident and graceful. The groovy and retro swag dance moves with the Hooligans on the city streets have inspired “euphoric dancing” whenever or wherever it is played. No wonder this song is such a big hit here and abroad and had topped the Billboard 100 for several weeks.

 

1. 

2.     A song I never get tired of

“Save The Last Dance For Me” -Bruce Springsteen

The song was originally recorded by the Drifters in 1960, with versions later by several artists like Michael Buble, and recently by the REO Brothers. Here with my 80’s crush Bruce Springsteen is the sexiest version of this song.  I sit here with a huge smile on my face as I live vicariously through that woman. I am that woman in this video, totally overwhelmed by the song and the man. It is such a sweet, sweet song and I can just imagine myself self-combusting with happiness if the Boss danced with me, sweat and all. I don't know if I would have survived that kiss. Oh my! If it was me, I would have probably thought, "I died and went to heaven."

3.    A song that reminds me of someone I’d rather forget

“That Don't Impress Me Much”- Shania Twain

I like empowered women who are not easily impressed by men who get by on brains, looks, and brawns but are too self-absorbed to provide women with the emotional connection that we all crave. And I have seen a fair share of men like these. I may not be able to pull off a leopard print coat like Shania, but I can be haughty and disdainful with men who mistakenly think they're all that, even if they look like Brad Pitt.

 

4.    A song that I did not expect that I will put on repeat

“Ordinary Song”- Marc Velasco

Marc is a Filipino acoustic/folk-singer who is so unassuming but has totally surprised me with how the song hooked me. It is not really just an ordinary song; it is an earnest, romantic song.  Cannot explain why.

5.    A song I like from the 70s

"Hotel California"- The Eagles

The song lyrics has been misinterpreted in many ways, but I just love the Eagles particularly Glenn Frey and Don Henley, so I don’t care. Maybe it was because my brother played their songs almost non-stop back then in Manila. He used to jam to Eagles songs with his friends. It’s only later when I recognized the exquisite guitar solo between Felder and Walsh which has been the standard by which all guitarists were judged. 

 

6. A song I like that’s a cover by another artist

“All By Myself”- Charice

The song was written by American artist Eric Carmen in 1975 and subsequently covered by the great Celine Dion herself. But it was Charice’s powerful version that gave me goosebumps as she pulled no stops in singing her heart out. She shattered the roof and brought the house down. Charice was poised for superstardom when, out of nowhere, we learned that she transitioned into a man and is now known as Jake Zyrus.  I know he had to do what was best for him and that he is happy with the decision. 

 

7.     A song with a person’s name in the title

“Fernando”- ABBA

"There was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Fernando.” The song by the Swedish group is a nostalgic toast to old memories. The group seems to have a predilection for persons’ names as titles in their songs like Mamma Mia and Chiquitita.

8.     A song that moves me forward

“Climb”- Miley Cyrus

Long before I got turned off by her gyrations and twerks, Miley performed this country pop song as the lead single off the soundtrack of her movie Hannah Montana. The song is about pursuing your goals no matter how hard the journey, no matter how high and arduous the climb is.

9.   A song I like by an artist no longer living

“I Will Always Love You” - Whitney Houston

Gone too soon.  I know this was originally Dolly Parton’s song but Whitney whipped this song into the stratosphere with a tour-de-force and bombastic performance.

Stephen Holden of the New York Times wrote: “Houston transforms a plaintive country ballad into a towering pop-gospel assertion of lasting devotion to a departing lover. Her voice breaking and tensing, she treats the song as a series of emotional bursts in a steady climb toward a final full-out declamation. Along the way, her virtuosic gospel embellishments enhance the emotion and never seem merely ornamental.”

10A song that breaks my heart

"Tears in Heaven"- Eric Clapton

This is a most tragic song about Eric Clapton’s 4 y/o son who fell to his death from a 53^rd-floor window. The anguish and profound sadness in the song breaks my heart every time I hear it. 

11A song by an artist whose voice I love

“Iingatan Ka” (Taking Care of You) by Carol Banawa

In the late 1990s, I was obsessed with Carol’s voice. She had that airy, melodious golden voice that just rendered the song a sweet, poignant homage to mothers. This song is a grateful daughter's promise to the woman who gave her life; that she will always take care of and watch over her mother. She left Philippine showbiz in 2003 to migrate to the United States to start a family. Now, I like her even more because she is a nurse like me.

12A song I like that’s a cover of another band

“In My Life” | The Beatles- cover by the REO Brothers

Here’s my new obsession, the REO brothers. They’re a band of 4 Filipino brothers (sometimes five) who have astounded professional musicians all over the world with their musical instrumentations and tight vocal harmonies. They are a versatile group who can switch from the Beatles to the Bee Gees, Beachboys, Cliff Richard, Hollies, Critters, Dave Clark 5, the Turtles, Earth Wind and Fire, Eagles, Simon and Garfunkel,  etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. "In My Life" evokes remembrance of people and places in life, with the lead vocalist Raymart sounding Lennon-ish. I discovered them during this COVID-era, and I am pleasantly surprised that these young men can actually do much more than the Beatles.

13A song from a favorite musical

“On My Own” (Les Misérables)- Lea Salonga

Lea is a famous Filipina singer and actress who conquered Broadway as “Miss Saigon” and later sang the voices of Disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan. She even managed to star as Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables. She transcended the color barrier on stage and became the first Asian Eponine. She is hands down, the best Eponine. The song is about unrequited love for Marius, and Lea infused the song with such emotions with her crystalline voice. What did Marius see in Cosette anyway?

In the rain the pavement shines like silver
All the lights are misty in the river
In the darkness the trees are full of starlight
And all I see is him and me forever and forever

 SONG CHALLENGE PART ONE:

Song Challenge, Part 1

 

A Few of Jo's Favorite Things

As New York City slowly adjusts to the new normal after the frenzied apex of COVID-19, I have become more grateful for the simple things that make life lighter and easier. My mantra in life: counteract those stress triggers at work with my joy triggers in everyday life. For my well-being, I seek out those things that release my “happiness neurotransmitters”.

A few days ago, a song from a long time ago played on the radio. Julie Andrews crooned about her favorite things in “The Sound of Music”. As the governess to Von Trapps’ children, Julie/Maria sang of “raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens” as those things that soothed and comforted her.

Disclaimer: I don’t have the talent of Rodgers and Hammerstein with their genius lyrics. One of these days, I will be able to decide what rhyming pattern to use: alternate, enclosed, couplet, or mono-rhyming. Maybe, my lyrics will somehow flow naturally. For now, forgive me for my inadequate writing skills but I tried my very best. 

Here are some of my favorite things:

Crunchy mango peach pie and purple ice cream
Music from the Reo brothers, they’re a dream
Ceramic mini-cows and Bob Ross paintings
These are a few of my favorite things

My mother’s hugs and “taho” from a passing vendor
White sands, cool breeze, Boracay in full splendor
College classmates fumbling in our Zoom meetings
These are a few of my favorite things

Humans of New York make me both laugh and cry
Fall colors and glorious rainbows in the sky
Getting lost in my sketches and my writings
These are a few of my favorite things




HUMANS OF NEW YORK (HONY)

Who would think that a photoblog of New Yorkers with their own fascinating stories would captivate us and the world beyond. In 2010, photographer Brandon Stanton somehow convinced ordinary, non-celebrity New Yorkers to reveal something special and intimate about themselves.

Some of the stories resonated with me and others gave me a glimpse of a life completely different from mine. The interviews garnered a lot of attention and pretty soon, Brandon traveled the world to share cultures and experiences of a different world, but in many ways, the stories also showed that all humans are also very similar. Humans of the world ache, bleed, laugh, suffer, and cry just the same. Humans are more similar than they are different, after all.

The stories tugged at the heartstrings and made me laugh and cry. Other stories opened my eyes to the atrocities here and abroad. And then, there are wonderful humans who inspired me and gave me hope that it’s still a wonderful world out there. HONY spawned hundreds of similar blogs; I must admit that I dream of having my own nursing HONY.

In 2015, a 14-year-old boy named Vidal from a Brooklyn, spoke about his school principal as his greatest influence, Mrs. Lopez did not give up on her students and persevered to bring hope and a chance for success for the kids in her poor neighborhood school.

https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/photos/a.102107073196735/865948056812629/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/photos/pcb.4575980015809396/4575971645810233/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/photos/pcb.4209069569167111/4209058372501564/?type=3&theater


REO BROTHERS

Music runs in their family. Out of nine siblings, four of them started to play and sing together the songs of the Beatles and other feel-good songs from the 60’s and the 70’s. Recently their youngest joined the band. The REO Brothers hailed from Tacloban City, Philippines. The band members: RJ, Reno, Raymart and Ralph. REO comes from their first initials and their middle and last names- Evasco Otic.

The REO brothers are a revelation. Check out their Youtube channel and you will be impressed by how many non-Filipinos have become their staunch and ardent supporters. Blame it on nostalgia; blame it on the love of the Beatles and the good old sounds of the Bee Gees, Beachboys, Cliff Richard, Dave Clark 5, the Turtles, Earth Wind and Fire, Eagles, Simon and Garfunkel,  etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Blame it on their tight harmonies and virtuosity in instrumentations. I believe that it this band’s reverent adaptations and mastery of the songs written way before their time that ensured their internet success and an ever-growing audience of admirers internationally.

It’s the Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda that caused them to lose their home in Leyte which then forced them to transplant themselves to Manila. Raymart spoke about swimming in seawater while the storm raged for two hours. The devastation and hopelessness of the post-typhoon wreckage must have horrified them.

 It is also the benefit/ concert for the same Typhoon that the boys wowed the audience in the music arena filled with big stars and yet, it's this band from Southern Philippines that brought the house down with the only standing ovation for the night. The calls for encores resonated throughout Araneta Coliseum. The boys were visibly touched by the clamor for "more"; the audience members were on their feet dancing and singing along. That is a milestone that will forever stay with the REO brothers.

RJ (Ronjoseph) serves as the leader of the group. The brothers were self-taught but by all accounts, RJ taught his brothers how to play the guitars, keyboards, and drums. In doing so, he established himself as a master of these instruments earning praises from professional musicians around the world for his dexterity, agility, and multi-tasking ability. He is the musical arranger of the band. A musical genius; what can he not do?

Reno is the king of falsetto. From behind his drums, he becomes Barry Gibb with his falsetto and Ringo Starr with his goofy, affable charm. Barry on drums is a surprise. His screams are melodious and exciting. He makes drumming looks easy, but don't be fooled. Many a drummer swears it's hard to sing and play at the same time.

Ralph on bass guitar is suave, cool, and the Rich Little of voices. He does Paul McCartney one day, then croons like Michael Buble with a swagger, sizzles like Elvis, then drops his voice really low like John Turner. He is a chameleon who can switch voices easily. He's an old soul, err, many souls trapped in that young man's body.

Raymart is the spokesperson of the group. He’s also the one with that incredibly chiseled sharp jawline that makes ladies swoon. As he plays his rhythm guitar, his face is so expressive and his voice impressive that you would probably forgive him for any and all sins. He is riveting to watch, his emotions on his face draws my attention every single time. Close your eyes, and you will hear John Lennon. 

Roymark is Brother no. 5, the youngest of the siblings takes the keyboards, probably to relieve his brother RJ from his multi-tasking. He just joined the group but is already showing great promise.

The REO brothers are gaining more fans every day. The band performed in Madison Garden, in Tokyo, Australia, Hawaii, the United States. I can just imagine the group's joy when they performed at the Cavern Club in the United Kingdom. The REO brothers are destined to greatness. They survived the typhoon, because they are meant to give joy to music lovers everywhere.


Beatles




The Ballad of John and Yoko




Your Man




BeeGees