One-week Challenge: Simple Joys

 

I always looked at my glass half-full, believing with all my heart that there are so many things to be joyful of. It would be easy to wallow in despair with all the horrible and sad news permeating the news headlines. But as I learned over the years, that defeatist attitude will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Dan Rather, American journalist, and former national evening news anchor tweeted two weeks ago, “There's a lot of pain and sadness in the world. And Twitter can be an endless doomscroll. So here's a challenge. Share a picture of something that brings you joy – a place, a person, a pet, a hobby, a favorite book. The more diversity the better.”

Doomscrolling is “the practice of obsessively checking online news for updates, especially on social media feeds, with the expectation that the news will be bad, such that the feeling of dread from this negative expectation fuels a compulsion to continue looking for updates in a self-perpetuating cycle.”

Thankfully, many people still find joy in simple things and Mr. Rather received hundreds of positive tweets in response. So, here’s my one-week challenge to myself. I collected pictures of my simple joys. I refuse to be a doomscroller.

 

INC Holy Supper

Last week was a holy week for the Church of Christ. The holiest day in our church is the Holy Supper where we celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ’s supreme sacrifice and our Almighty God’s benevolence and forgiveness. Food for the soul.

Cherry Blossoms

Roosevelt Island, New York, is where I started my nursing career in the United States. The cherry blossoms framing the skyline of Manhattan are so beautiful to behold.

 

Zoom meeting

A call with some of our college classmates to discuss our May 2023 reunion.

Amazon book ranking

My book ranked #15 last week and was a featured ad on my Facebook feed.

Jo Koy comedy show

Comedian Jo Koy brought his “Funny Is Funny” World Tour to a sold-out show at UBS Arena. His repertoire is filled with raunchy jokes and profanities, but it cannot be denied that Jo Koy is a proud Filipino American. The diverse audience learned about chicken adobo, tabo, and our love for karaoke.

BTS comeback

A new album coming. June 10, 2022. I. Cannot. Wait.

Shopping

I’m at home with Home Goods.

 

Anticipating my Vacation

Counting down the months until I can hug my Nanay again.

Why I like BTS and My Top 10 Favorite BTS Songs

If you didn’t know that BTS is known worldwide and that they had transcended the barriers of language with their music, then you’re living under a rock. If you think you’re too old or too cool to appreciate these global superstars, you are totally wrong. If you believe the BTS fans are just screaming and emotional females, then you will be shocked by the many YouTube male reactors who are as effusive and vocal about their fandom.

The BTS Army is comprised of a wide spectrum of ages, genders, and ethnicities, from 15-year-olds (and younger) to 70-year-olds (and older) from all over the world. The BTS’ universal appeal is reflected in their sold-out concerts, blockbusters, and record-breaking sales, even breaking Michael Jackson’s and the Beatles’ records. The exponential growth of BTS can only be described as phenomenal, and in fact, they are much more than just K-pop.

BTS is its own genre. Their 300-plus song discography guarantees that even the most skeptical listener will find a song or two that they will like. Their songs are diverse and versatile: pop, ballads, hip-hop, rock, R&B, soul, rap, electronic dance music, and even some jazzy elements. My niece was shocked that I now like rap. I corrected her that I only like BTS rap, especially RM’s “Look Here” verses. The BTS dance choreographies are complex, mind-boggling, and mesmerizing. Their music videos can either be bombastically epic or head-bopping fun, or aesthetically enthralling. No wonder these videos have amassed billions of views.

BTS comprises 7 young men from South Korea: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook (4 vocalists and 3 rappers); all can write and produce their own songs. Since their debut in 2013, BTS has delivered a kaleidoscope of uplifting and hard-hitting songs covering socially-conscious commentaries on social justice, self-love, cyber-bullying, antiracism, child and female empowerment, and mental health.

In a way, there is a more profound reason why I push for BTS. In these times of Asian hate (and other racism), I would like other people to diversify their interests to something other than what they’re used to. By accepting different cultures and other music, maybe all of us will be more respectful of each other, celebrate diversity and shatter the cultural divide. By appreciating other people, we may even treat each other well.

So, before you write them off, listen with an open mind. And maybe just as I became an instant fan when I heard Kim Seok-Jin sing “I’m the One I Should Love,” you will be too. Prepare to be sucked into the rabbit hole.

MY TOP 10 FAVORITE BTS SONGS as of this moment:

My list varies from day to day, not in any particular order.

 

1. BUTTER (2021)

This is their 2^nd English-language song. To complete their global dominance, they started to produce English songs too.  Finally, after Dynamite and Butter, BTS songs are getting radio play. They are certainly smooth like butter. I must admit that I love their Korean songs (with subtitles) just slightly better.

 

2. ON: Kinetic Manifesto Film Come Prima (2020)

This video was set at the Los Angeles' Sepulveda Dam with pulsating dance choreography, a marching band, and incredible drone camera work. The dance break is captivating and unbelievable and holds true to its kinetic energy of bodies twirling, gyrating, and flipping to a delightful harmony of the drumbeat, trumpets, saxophone, and whatever instruments were called for.

When the camera panned to the sky and suddenly dropped down to the dancers, my heart palpitated when BTS unleashed an amazing display of dancing prowess. You can't help but sing along to their rallying cry to “Bring on the pain” because, as they say,  you cannot hold down a fighter. There is also another version where BTS performed this at the Grand Central Station.

3. HOUSE OF CARDS (2015)

The 4 vocalists took center stage for this sultry and haunting song about a toxic relationship built on shaky foundations. Like they cannot let go, and they are trying to save the moment until their last ounce of strength. We were witnesses to their hearts breaking for a love that was doomed, and yet we cannot turn our eyes away. Because some of us were in the same place, at our most vulnerable point.

The song hits the heart. Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook (who did a little scatting) delivered powerful and emotional performances. A vocal masterpiece. Beautiful voices. Bravo!

4. SPRING DAY (2017)

Most critics regard it as one of the best songs by BTS, Spring Day has stayed up on the Korean charts even today. This ballad evokes a sense of loss and nostalgia for those people missing in one's life. The song has also been used to remember the tragic Sewol ferry disaster in April 2014, which claimed 304 lives (mostly teenagers) when the ferry caught fire. 

This song is a tear-jerker, an emotive paean to life and death. Check out another version with the NPR Tiny Desk concert.

 

5. AIRPLANE PT.2  (2018)

The Latin-pop influence in this video is quite fascinating, with the amazing dance solo from J-Hope on top of the bar straight out of Havana. It is about traveling artists enjoying life on the road with mariachi bands. Such a light-hearted vibe, and what swag. The best visual, of course, for the female fans is in the Rain part, lol. Imagine clear skies, then the drenching rain and the wet hair.

 

6. 'MIC DROP: Steve Aoki Remix (2017)

This hip-hop song is a scorching response to their “haters.” They celebrate their trophies, thumbing their nose at those who doubted them. And that’s what you do when you are successful, leave them in the dust with your bag of money and awards. This group is a run-away train on the railroad of global dominance.

Let the "haters" stew in their own envy while you celebrate. Let the haters hate (who cares about them?), and let the lovers love. Just drop the mic. I like the attitude.

7. BLACK SWAN (2020)

The contemporary dance choreography is impassioned, intricate, and simply a masterpiece. The video was filmed in a majestic and cavernous theater and is breathtaking for its play on shadows and mirrors, and of course, the vocals are just amazing.

8. DIONYSIUS (2019)

The music is loosely based on Dionysius, an Olympian god with a mortal mother. Although it may sound first like a party song, it was really just the group’s celebration of their success, like “getting drunk” in the creative process.

The spectacular choreography is energetic with a frenetic stage set movement and dance transitions. It is exhilarating to watch. In the end, it was nice to see the Kings on their thrones.

 

9. LOOK HERE (2014)

I love this song for RM’s rap at around 1:15 of this mini-concert, "yo my genie lambhorgini, be my teenie weenie mini...bikini, martini". Because I cannot find an official video, here is the BTS Room Live FESTA video from 2021, where the rest of the group also sang their earlier songs, including some other favorites, "Save Me" and "Telepathy." I love to see their different personalities and their camaraderie.

 

10. LIFE GOES ON (2020)

The group’s gift to their fans during the pandemic. It is their “message of healing” in these challenging times. And in the darkness brought on by violence and discrimination, it is an inspiring call to stay hopeful. BTS released the song to provide comfort and hope to their fans. I got the message. Just persevere. Life goes on.

 Finally, so many more songs are a constant repeat on my playlist and can easily take their place on my top 10 list. There are Fire, Idol, Save Me, Telepathy, Blue and Grey, Boy in Luv, Bulletproof, Fake Love, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Pied Piper, Mikrokosmos, Love Myself, Dimple, Anpanman, Dynamite, DNA, Zero O'clock, I Need U, The Truth Untold, Epiphany, Singularity, Bicycle, Euphoria, Serependity, Airplane 1, and the amazing Daechwita by Suga. The list goes on. 

Really, how can one limit themselves to just a top 10 #BTS songs list? My faves list had expanded to a top 50 at this point. Down the rabbit hole, I go deeper and deeper.

Besides their songs, I admire the BTS members for their wholesomeness, brotherhood, and undeniable appeal to fans all-over. They are getting some xenophobic hate just because they are Asians. On the other hand, those who love them will certainly open new doors of understanding and acceptance from those who never thought they would even listen to a non-English song. 

BTS stands against racism, donated money to Black Lives Matter and other charities, spoke in the United Nations as global ambassadors, and broke down many barriers and ceilings. God bless them.

Update: May 31, 2022

The past month of May was the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The phenomenal group BTS was invited to the White House and met with President Biden to raise awareness around the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination, especially after Covid-19. BTS showed the group's relevance and their massive power to represent Asians in our fight for inclusion and diversity. President Biden signed the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act last year. If anyone can move the needle against Asian hate, it would be BTS.

 

For a crash course on BTS:   

Favorite Music Soundtrack from Non-Musicals

 

What is the soundtrack of your life? In moments of self-reflection or melancholic exercise, I remember those songs at certain milestones in my life. If my life is a movie, this playlist reflects the ups and downs of a life marked by challenges and disappointments and triumphs and resilience. Songs like "You Are" by Lionel Richie and "Have I Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart are musical counterpoints in my life.

As Carole King wrote: "My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue. An everlasting vision of the ever-changing view". Perhaps one day, I will elaborate more on my life's playlist; not as colorful as a celebrity's, indeed not as scandalous.

Favorite musical soundtrack from non-musicals

Over the years, some movie and tv theme songs have captured my attention, sometimes mutating (no pun intended with the current Omicron problem) from their original issue. The songs below achieved their fame or notoriety. They have become my personal playlist of soundtracks from non-musical films.

THE ENTIRE "SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE" SOUND TRACK

I enjoy movie musicals, but I also love when great songs emerge from non-musical films. Sometimes, the musical soundtrack defines the movie or tv show. The story becomes richer and more powerful because the music provides the backdrop to one or more scenes in the show. The cinematic experience is enlivened by melodies that speak to the soul.

About ten years ago, I found my old VHS tape of the Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan romantic comedy "Sleepless in Seattle" that I bought in 1993. I rediscovered Louie Armstrong, Jimmy Durante, and the rest of the gang. I plopped myself on my most comfortable chair and sang along with the music, even chuckling at the song, "Making Whoopee." Twenty-eight years since the movie about Sam, Annie, Jonah, Dr. Marsha, and the Empire Street Building, I am still watching. This has been an annual tradition for me during the holidays.

Some critics may dismiss this rom-com as cheesy and simplistic. Honestly, I don't know what I love more, this story or the music. Still, I love it for its quirkiness, its whimsy and magic, its unrelenting message of romance, and love the second time around with the melodies perfect for every scene. This is an anomaly in itself because I love every single song in this movie. Most of the time, only one song in a film would appeal to me.

. 

“YOU DON'T OWN ME” from the movie First Wives Club

This was a triumphant declaration of Women Power; a female anthem, if you will, of overcoming rejection and betrayal and of living life to the fullest.

 

“OLD TIME ROCK AND ROLL” from the movie Risky Business

Tom Cruise in his boxers. Enough said.

“I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER” from My Best Friend's Wedding

Just a giddy sing-along in a restaurant. Karaoke heaven. I can easily envision myself joining in. Can somebody start this in my key, please?

 

“TWIST AND SHOUT” from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Imagine taking over a parade float and having everybody bopping along to a beautifully lip-synced version of the Beatles hit. Sway your hips, flail your arms with wide abandon, just twist and shout.

Sounds good to have the whole crowd just enjoying the music. Way before Covid-19 pushed for physical distancing and masks.

“UNCHAINED MELODY” from Ghost

 A love so strong that it protects even from beyond the grave. The pottery wheel/ceramic-making scene has become steamy and seductive. I must confess that I started laughing uncontrollably when I attended a clay pottery class during a vacation in Ilocos. It was awkward because my mind went to the gutter.

“HOW DID YOU KNOW?” from the movie All My Life

 “How did you know I needed someone like you in my life?”

 Knowing that there is a sad ending, wouldn’t it be still worth it to spend precious time with the one you love? Would it be better to save up on beautiful memories while you can? This was a tear-jerker Filipino movie that could rival "The Notebook."

 

“IKAW AT AKO” (You and I) from the movie Hello, Love, Goodbye

A promise for a forever love between two overseas foreign workers (OFWs) in Hongkong. I am impatiently waiting for a sequel. 

My favorite quotes from the movie:

Ethan: Kung mahal mo ako, bakit hindi ako ang piliin mo, Joy? (If you love me, why don't you choose me, Joy?)

Joy: Kung mahal mo ako, bakit pinapapili mo ako? (If you love me, why do you ask me to choose?)

Cue in the music, and the tears (mine) fall.

“YOURS” from the Korean TV series Jirisan

 There are much more memorable original soundtrack (OST) from tv shows. but that's another list. The theme from Voltes V and Hawaii 5-0 will surely be in the Top 10 list.

Here's my new LSS (Last song syndrome) from my bias Kim Seok-Jin (WWH) from BTS. Jin's voice is emotive and draws you in. He had me at the first note. His "Latatata" went down several octaves, down to just a piano accompaniment, and Wow!

Fangirling aside, Jin infuses his songs with emotions; his voice telling a story. I am mesmerized.

 

OPM Music and Beyond

Even before BTS produced their last 3 English-language songs, this South Korean supergroup had already crossed over to global superstardom. Their 300-plus discography was in Korean, and yet, that did not prevent them from exploding into the international scene. Thousands of international fans are now learning to speak this Asian language. 

Over the years, several non-English songs managed to capture the world’s attention. Aside from the 4 BTS songs, “ON,” “Boy with Luv,” “Fake Love,” and "Life Goes On," other non-English music infiltrated the much-touted American mainstream. Yes, beautiful music transcends language barriers. 

These non-English songs placed on top of the American pop charts: 

1. "La Bamba" (1958 & 1987), Ritchie Valens & Los Lobos 

2. "Despacito" (2017), Luis Fonsi feat. Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber 

3. "Gangnam Style" (2012), PSY 

4. "Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)" (1996), Los Del Rio 

5. "The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)" (2002), Las Ketchup 

6. “Guantanamera” – (1966), The Sandpipers 

7. “Dominique”- (1963), The Singing Nun 

 It is my wish that Original Pilipino Music (OPM) will finally claim its place on the global stage. The following OPM songs broke through some of the barriers, with some songs translated into other languages, and other songs actually being sung in the Tagalog language. It is a matter of time.

  ANAK (“Child”), 1978 

 Written by Filipino folk-singer Freddie Aguilar for the Metropop Song Festival held in Manila. The song is of remorse and apology by the son to his parents, like a prodigal son coming back home. The poignant lyrics were translated into 27 foreign languages and generated cover versions in Korean, Malay, Japanese, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Dutch, and several other languages. "Anak" is 43 years old this year.

 Freddie Aguilar (original)

 

Maria Fiselier

Korean band

Kang Jimin

J-Morning

Johnny Walther

IKAW (“You”), 2014 

 Written and recorded by Filipino singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino. This is a love song and was sung by Yeng in a pre-nuptial video to her then-fiance. In English, “You are the love I waited for” pretty sums up the romantic sentiments of the bride, which had made this song popular at weddings. 

 Yeng Constantino (original)

 

너에게 Noege ”IKAW” Yohan Hwang (2017)

 

Dave Moffatt

BUWAN, (“Moon), 2018 

 Written and sung by Filipino actor, singer, and songwriter, Juan Karlos Labajo. This rock/alternative song was released on June 22, 2018, through MCA Music. The song won several local music awards and became more popular through song challenges overseas. Local versions by Bugoy Drillon and Angeline Quinto are also worth listening to. 

 Juan Karlos (original)

 

Christo

Fanzi Ruji

Bugoy Drillon (What the heck, I'm including Bugoy's reggae version)

SAYANG NA SAYANG, (“What a Waste”), 2006 

 Performed by the Filipino pop-rock band Aegis. The group came together in 1995 and is composed of the 3 Sunot sisters on lead vocals, 3 other females playing instruments, and one male member Rey on guitar. The vocals are incredibly high, searing to the heavens, and emotionally charged. Most of the songs were composed by Rey’s brother before he passed away. The songs about love, loss, regrets, and pain are iconic, well-loved by the common people, and have become the soundtrack of many Filipinos’ lives. 

 Aegis (original)

Minje Kwon

Here’s another Aegis song “Luha” covered by J-Morning (who also covers several other OPMs)

 

PAUBAYA, (“Letting Go”), 2020 

Moira Dela Torre is a singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt lyrics and sweet melodies. In 2018, she was the No. 1 most-streamed artist on Spotify Philippines. She recorded the song "Paubaya" which she later released as a music video. It is a song about unrequited love where the couple let each other go to give in to true love to happen with somebody else. 

 Moira Dela Torre (original)

US Navy Band

Waleska Herrera- a well-known video reactor (also a singer)

AKIN KA NA LANG, (“Please Be Mine”), 2014 

 Written by Francis Salazar and performed by Asia's Phoenix Diva Morissette Amon. Morisette is known for her belting prowess, whistles, and signature voice “crack.” This phenomenal song garnered 137,177,234 views on Youtube as of August 2021. 

 Morissette Amon (original)

Piet Arion -

Indonesian Cover by Thalia Sharon

 

It is good to note that Filipino songs have captured the interest of chorale groups all around the world. In chorale competitions, the pieces on “Da Coconut Nut,” “Rosas Pandan,” “Paru-parong Bukid” and many more traditional Filipino songs are wildly popular.

Rosas Pandan- http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Rosas%20Pandan 

Da Coconut Nut- http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2017/08/da-coconut-nut.html

Top 6 Comfort Songs Playlist

 

On this dreary rainy August afternoon, I pulled out my Playlist of comfort songs. These are the songs that uplift me, like an earnest tug at my heart, like a cool breeze on a summer day, like a hug on a sad day, like a loving embrace, and at other times, like a warm blanket on a cold night

These comfort songs are an eclectic list and range from romantic to spiritual. The rest of my playlist is instrumental; others are head-banging and mind-clearing melodies. They calm and encourage; my list is an emotional first aid kit and a self-love exercise. They're not only for those times of melancholy or turbulence but mostly when I feel introspective and sentimental. 

 Here are my top 6 comfort songs. I listen to them quite often, even during happy times. I put my headphones on and let the music wash over me, ease my mind, and lift my spirits. Just me and my music.

HAVING YOU NEAR ME

Bugoy Drilon - (cover)

An original song by Air Supply. Written by Rex Goh, Clive Davis & Graham Russell and released in 1980. I love Bugoy Drillon’s cover of it. He’s one of my favorite Filipino singers and he infused this love song with some swag and a sexy twist. “Tagos sa puso”. Although a romantic love song, this song appeals to me on a higher level. When you have your loved ones close to your heart, that’s being content and at peace. Sometimes, knowing you're loved is enough. Or it could be as mundane as your dog snuggling up to you. It will be alright.

 

FIX YOU

BTS Performs 'Fix You' (Coldplay Cover) | MTV Unplugged Presents: BTS

This is a Coldplay original song released in 2005. This British rock band collaborated on this song, started by Chris Martin, to comfort his then-wife Gwyneth who was grieving her father’s death. There is something especially romantic when someone offers to fix your broken heart. My new obsession, the supergroup BTS, performed an MTV unplugged version. They said that this song comforted them during the pandemic isolation. Coldplay tweeted their approval and praised the BTS cover with this: 아름다운 (which means beautiful).

 

 

YESTERDAY

Reneé Dominique-  The Beatles (cover)

 Although "Yesterday" was written by Paul McCartney as a heartbreak song in 1965, I never thought of it that way. Maybe this song is just symbolic to me of the Beatles' genius and greatness. As sung by Renee Dominique, another Filipino musician, this song is an aesthetic eargasm.

 

EPIPHANY

BTS (방탄소년단) LOVE YOURSELF 結 Answer 'Epiphany' Comeback Trailer

Okay, I confess, my “bias” ('favorite' in modern lingo) in BTS is Kim Seok-Jin, Mr. Worldwide Handsome. But I love Epiphany for its beautiful melody, its anthemic celebration, and its inspiration of/for self-love. In live concerts, the Army fans sing along to the chorus, “I’m the one I should love,” their purple lights swaying to Jin’s emotional performance. 

This epiphany is an unapologetic discovery of the importance of loving yourself first. You cannot give when you're running on empty. I can listen to this song continuously in a one-hour loop.

 

3 THINGS

Jason Mraz - 3 Things (Official Audio)

Simply put, the lyrics explain why it’s a comfort song.

 

There are three things I do when my life falls apart

Number one I cry my eyes out and I dry up my heart

Not until I do this will my new life start

So that's the first thing that I do when my life falls apart

Oh the second thing I would do is I close both of my eyes

And say my thank-yous to each and every moment of my life

I go where I know the love is and let it fill me up inside

Gathering new strength from sorrow,

I'm glad to be alive

And things are looking up

I know above the clouds the sun is shining

Things are looking up

Love is still the answer I'm relying, oh right

Three little things

Things are looking up

Oh, the third thing that I do now when my world caves in,

Is I pause, I take a breath, and bow and I let that chapter end

I design my future bright not by where my life has been

And I try, try, try, try, try again

Yes I try, try, try, try, try again

 

HOW GREAT THOU ART

 Josh Turner - How Great Thou Art (feat. Sonya Isaacs) (Official Audio) ft. Sonya Isaacs

Sam Santiago

This Christian hymn started as a Swedish traditional melody and a poem. It was translated from Russian to English and is now considered the second most favorite hymn after "Amazing Grace" of all time. This song was covered by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Anne Murray, Carrie Underwood, Pentatonix, Home Free, and then 9-year-old Sam Santiago (now 19 y/o).