My Top Eleven Favorite Duets

“Perfect” is my latest LSS (Last Song Syndrome). Like pudding in my brain, this earworm has taken a special place in my cerebrum, helped as well by the constant rotation in radio airwaves. It is the latest hit from British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. My obsession with the song grew when I saw the video of an orchestration of Sheeran’s duet with Italian tenor THE Andrea Bocelli.

Wow, simply "Perfect". Pop blended with opera in a magical rendition of a love song. The look of awe on Ed Sheeran's face as he listened to greatness- Precious. Just like Andrea’s wife who closed her eyes to listen to the Great One’s voice soaring up to the heaven above, I was transfixed. Andrea sang in Italian but I understood the emotions behind the words. ""Tesoro, sei perfetta stasera". I was dreaming I was the woman dancing in the dark with someone’s arms around me. Sigh.

Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli- "Perfect" (2017)




I am fascinated by song duets. There is something special when voices blend in harmony, when singers become one. Even though some celebrity pairings are unexpected and surprising. Sometimes from different genres, and even singing in a different language, and yet the singers connected to each other on a different level.

In no particular order, here are some of the duets that resonated with me and had even been my LSS at some time:


Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake- “Love Never Felt So Good” (2014)

The King of Pop with a hugely talented dude named Justin. The song was written by Michael Jackson with Paul Anka. It was released posthumously and Justin gave it an airy, sweet, and funky sound. I found it nostalgic and quite sentimental watching MJ’s dance moves. Justin is a heck of a dancer himself. No wonder the song was a huge hit.





Bette Midler and Wynona Judd- “The Rose” (1997)

Pop diva meets Country Diva. A powerful duet that gave justice to a great song. I have always loved these lyrics from Amanda McBroom.

Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger
An endless aching need
I say love, it is a flower
And you, its only seed





Lea Salonga and Brad Kane- “A Whole New World” (2015)

In 2015, the original singers of the “A Whole New World” reunited on Good Morning America. Twenty-three years after Aladdin’s magic carpet ride, Lea and Brad sounded incredibly the same. It’s a different world now, but their crystal-clear voices still soared, tumbled, free-wheeled, still with excitement and youthful exuberance.



Here’s the original recording session in 1992. I dared to close my eyes, and Wow! Still the same magic.





Tina Turner and Cher- “Proud Mary” (2008)

Okay, what excuse does anybody have not to be as fit as these two ladies? In 2008, they were already in their 60’s. I guess all that rolling and shaking do wonders to the abs. Living legends, indeed. The Ultimate Divas. Showmanship at its best.





The Voice Teens Philippines Battle Round: Christy vs. Mica – “Ave Maria” (2017)

This will not appear in any music professional list, but I love the raw talents of these two young contestants from Voice Teens Philippines. Their coach, my favorite Lea Salonga, was beaming with pride as her two charges sang pop and opera flawlessly at their young age. The future looks bright for Mica and Christy. A few years from now, they will meet again, in a bigger stage, no doubt about it.





Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers- SuperBowl XLVIII half-time show (2014)

I admit I know nothing about football. Sorry, but I only watch the SuperBowl for its halftime show (and commercials, too). When I joked on Facebook why there is a sports game in Bruno Mars’ concert, I was almost stoned /bashed to death. But Bruno Mars gave an energetic, sweaty performance with the hyper-active Anthony Kiedis.





Harrison Craig And Tim Moxey- “You Raise Me Up”, The Voice Australia Season 2

Breath-taking duet. Two beautiful voices. Just watch the rapturous faces of the judges. So worth it to see Seal in ecstasy.





Charice and Celine Dion- “Because You Loved Me”, Madison Square Garden (2008)

In 2008, Charice Pempengco from the Philippines shared the stage with THE Celine Dion to sing a beautiful and heart-felt tribute to her mother. Oprah paved the way for her to sing with the international superstar. It was a goosebump-inducing moment for the audience as we saw the young singer hold her own with Celine. It was a masterful performance; something that her fans will always remember, even though Charice is now known as Jake Zyrus.





Claire Ryann and Dave Crosby- “You've Got a Friend In Me” (2017)

A heart-warming father-and-daughter moment as they shared their love of music. And to think that Claire was just four years old when their video went viral. When dad Dave joined the music contest The Voice, Adam Levine recalled how he connected to their video after the birth of his own daughter. Define adorable.





Marcelito Pomoy- “The Prayer” (2016)

Technically, this is not a duet. Just listen and pick up your jaw from the floor.

Here Comes the Sun: My Beatles' Musical Tribute

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Even my 19 year-old niece loves the Beatles. She must have been influenced by the good taste of her aunt.

On February 7, 1964, from across the pond, the Beatles started the British invasion. Moptops became the rage as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr charmed the women (and men) of America.

My fascination with the Beatles’ songs started much later, during my college years when some of the patients in the military hospital sometimes played songs like “Hey Jude, “Get Back” and “Yesterday”.

Fifty years after the group's first US televised live debut on the Ed Sullivan show, Grammy presented a tribute to the Fabulous Four from Liverpool. Only two of the Beatles, Paul and Ringo, survived, but the sons of John and George joined in the celebration of the musical act that had influenced countless musicians.

Beatlemania is still alive and well.

The producers of “The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute To The Beatles” assembled a diverse group of musical performers who both dazzled and confounded me (hello, Katy Perry). The sight of Yoko Ono with her trademark huge sunglasses as she danced/swayed/flailed was quite entertaining. I was thrilled to see my teen idol Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh from the Eagles with their guitar solos.

And finally, the irrepressible Ringo Starr and the musical genius Paul McCartney brought the house down and proved to one and all why their group the Beatles is considered pop's most influential musical act of all time. They made everyone (even those watching on tv) sing along with "nananana, nanana". Love it, love it, love it!

But if I were to put together another musical tribute, I would have chosen an altogether different group of presenters. Critics may accuse me of being bland or musically-gauche, but I really don’t care. To them, I say: make your own tribute. There.


Here are some of my favorite Beatles songs:


HERE COMES THE SUN - written by George Harrison for 1969 album Abbey Road (1969)



Sheryl Crow- on the “Bee Movie”



Bon Jovi-





COME TOGETHER - written by John Lennon, the opening track on the album Abbey Road, and was released as a double A-sided single with "Something", their 21st single in the United Kingdom and 26th in the United States.



Aerosmith- appeared in the movie and on the soundtrack to the film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,





I WILL- written by Paul McCartney



Allison Krauss





"HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE written by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon–McCartney), recorded for the Beatles' 1966 album Revolver.



Clay Aiken





OH, DARLING composed by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon–McCartney) and appearing as the fourth song on the album, Abbey Road.



Arnel Pineda When the band Journey was searching the internet for their lead singer, Neil Schon found this clip of Arnel singing this Beatles' song. And the rest is history.





IN MY LIFE – on the 1965 album Rubber Soul written mainly by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney.



Aiza Seguerra-



Charice-



Bette Midler-





LET IT BE - written and sung by Paul McCartney. McCartney said he had the idea of "Let It Be" after he had a dream about his mother during the tense period surrounding the sessions for The Beatles (the "White Album").



Ray Charles



Adam Levin and Tessane Chin on “The Voice”.





References: Wikipedia ( they’re useful)

Rainbow

Driving home from Brooklyn on the Belt Parkway, I was thankful that I witnessed the magical display by 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 is 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 sun light 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 with 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 where 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.

All I know is that I am grateful for the simple joys of a rainbow. As Maya Angelou wrote, “God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us- in the dreariest and most dreaded moments- can see a possibility of hope.”



King James Bible- "And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth".












Nov. 2013- A rainbow after Typhoon Yolanda

The Cyber-bullying of Charice

There is no excuse for cyber-bullying. Especially if it is directed at someone who had struggled through a life of poverty and discrimination from her own people. Who had, time and time again, proclaimed the pride of her heritage even as she is celebrated outside her own country.

Charice had garnered the admiration of Oprah, Ellen, David Foster, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, and many more. Watch her on YouTube for her mind-blowing rendition of "All by Myself" and you should be amazed at the full standing ovation she received.

For making it through sheer determination despite her humble beginnings, she earned my respect. For always professing her love of country while facing her international audience, Charice earned my loyalty.

I was/ am still proud of her achievements. I was elated by the inroads she made on behalf of Filipino talents who dream of making it on the world stage. I was born and raised in the Philippines, so even after making the US my home for almost half of my life, I had always rooted for local artists who had succeeded to break the glass ceiling and to shatter expectations.

The competition for international attention is stiff; many had tried before her. Charice's successes are awe-inspiring and should be a source of national pride and respect. Just like Lea Salonga who continues to bring honor to the country.

Why the hate? What made her fair game? The bashing is vitriolic, cringe-worthy, and totally unnecessary. And sad.

Long before X-Factor Philippines, the local Twitter world had been abuzz with negative tweets about Charice, criticizing her unfairly about trivial things, from her looks to her accent to her sexuality, and even her love of her country. The microscope was upon her, ready to magnify the simplest indiscretion.

She had somehow become an easy target. Even at her most vulnerable, when her estranged father died, many questioned Charice's sudden change of heart. Her detractors did not show respect to a daughter who grieved for a reconciliation that never happened. I cringed at the lack of sympathy, at the utter disregard for common decency.

The local media had no problem portraying Charice in a most negative light, while at the same time fawning about the foreign artists who flock to the Philippines for adulation. Even her own godfather had used his mighty pen to accuse Charice of not being Filipino enough because of her Americanized accent and her colored hair.

How many of us had colored our hair? How many of us practiced our pronunciations? How many of us had copied American fashion, even Korean hair? How many of us bragged about our foreign-made bags, shoes, and clothes?

No wonder, Charice's own business manager, Courtney Blooding, a blonde American, questioned the support that Jessica Sanchez from American Idol received. For all intents and purposes, Jessica is an American who just happens to have Filipino blood. That Jessica loves her lumpia and pancit is well and good. I truly want her to succeed, she of the Filipino-Mexican-American pride.

But Ms. Blooding's statements had unleashed a torrent of denials, insults, of counter-arguments from the haters. They say that Ms. Blooding has no right to criticize her host country. She had offended the haters.

It needed a foreigner to ask a legit question. It was borne out of frustration. It exposes a fundamental wrong in our psyche. The truth hurts.

Of course, we can all like who we want. We are free to dislike anyone. But there is a huge difference in just stating a preference (or a non-preference) without being mean. Crossing the boundaries with disrespectful remarks and vicious lies should not be tolerated. Bullying is hurtful. Plain and simple.

But there is no excuse for cyberbullying; it is wrong (and criminal) at all levels to inflict hurtful and malicious insults through words. Just because you don't like how Charice transformed herself?

The tweets about Charice's physical appearance and actions had bordered on the ridiculous. Her transformation may not appeal to other people, but why can't she experiment with her look? How did the public claim the right to dictate what she should look like? It's her hair, it's her body. It's nobody else's business.

Charice is passionate about her team of singers at the recent X-Factor Philippines singing contest; if she cries, the haters call her dramatic. She had invested her emotions because she believed in her proteges. Damn if she does, damn if she doesn't.

Charice conducts herself with confidence, and she is perceived as "mayabang". She was supposed to remain meek and diffident.

Charice speaks English with a new accent. And why not? Does it mean that if she's in the Philippines, she can only speak with the Tagalog accent; and then she can easily switch to the American accent when she's out of the country? So, why is it that some Filipinos ignore many celebrities who speak English ALL the time, and yet, Charice is sent to the stake for the same transgression?

CRAB MENTALITY is the answer. INSECURITY may be another reason.

Crabs do not like others to succeed; they want everybody else to stay where they are. The claws come up, ready to pounce and punch holes in her balloon.

Insecure people could not believe that one of their own can actually be better than other people with fairer skin, mestiza looks, and taller stature. Did the years of foreign domination make some people forever mired in a mindset that only those with superior physical characteristics deserve to be idolized?

Is it against the law of nature that someone like Charice can actually be talented and worthy of emulation? Why can't we promote our own?

So, if the haters are not crabs or insecure, why do they bash Charice? There is no rhyme or reason in life sometimes, so maybe some people are born to hate. Maybe, some people are just shallow and superficial. Maybe, they just find joy in spreading their negative vibes. Maybe, they are just cruel.

But most of all, how can you really sleep at night when you intentionally defame or maliciously hurt somebody. just because you don't like him or her? How can one hide behind the excuse of freedom of expression; there is an inherent responsibility in the freedom of speech- that is, express yourself responsibly.

Cruel words leave a deep scar. It is so unnecessary. Why do it?



Addendum:



June 2, 2013- - Today, Charice had finally admitted a long-held secret. In the past year, rumors about her sexuality abounded, fueled by changes in her appearance that were considered too drastic by the public: boyish hair and clothes, and tattoos. On Philippine national tv, she faced her interviewer Boy Abunda and ended all speculations. She finally breathed a sigh of relief and admitted that she is a lesbian.

It may not have been a surprise to some who had witnessed her physical transformation from a sweet long-haired teenager to an adult who had freed herself from the constraints set by other people. And yet, it had sent the Twitter world on fire.

I was disappointed, yes, because I was afraid for her. Life was difficult enough before. If she had struggled through all the hatred and the bullying before, she probably would get more of the malicious, indignant, and self-righteous vitriols. In our society, there had always been intolerance for what was perceived as out of the norms. It was a courageous revelation. Charice bared her heart to the public, even asking forgiveness from those who were disappointed by her confession.

I am a Christian and my religion prohibits practicing homosexuality, but I firmly believe that God will be the final voice. I would never ever impose my religious beliefs on someone else. My spirituality does not interfere with my respect for every person's right to live the life they want it to be, as long as nobody gets physically hurt. To each his own.

Charice had spoken from her heart. It is her body, her life to live. Her sexuality did not diminish her talent. Let Charice be herself, once and for all.

The Survivor and the Rocker in Me

Excuse me, Marie Osmond. I'm not country but I'm more rock and roll. The Soft rock and roll, still with the head banging and the fist thumping, but no acid hard rock. More Journey and Eagle than Metallica and Kiss. There's actually more spice (and probably repressed rebellion) in me than what you'd expect.

Hey, I'm not always in the mood for Easy Listening; there's always a time and a mood for those melancholic melodies of the Carpenters and Aiza Seguerra.

But sometimes the mood calls for angst-relieving, blood-pumping, hey-what-are-you-looking-at, middle-finger-alternative and stress-reducing songs that are perfect entertainment for a solo drive with my Pilot along the highway. With no one to remind me that I'm out-of-tune.

I love rocking survival songs by women singers. I'm more Kelly Clarkson than soft bubble gum pop Taylor Swift. More Pink than Katie Perry.

Long after the tears had dried, long after the pain had gone, long after I have uncurled myself from a fetal position of feeling sorry for myself, I realize that I am much stronger because I have survived against all odds.

I am a survivor! And if I may say so, I rock!

Somewhere over the rainbow, there's an elf with an armful of my newest Nursing Vignettes book and my friends and co-workers are planning more book-signing events.

Beyond the dark clouds, there are thirty shades of the silver lining.

Behind the curtain, there's my son belting out "Amore" and "L-O-V-E" to a roomful of people who laughed good-naturedly when I blurted out "He's my son."

And at the end of the day, there is hope.



STRONGER- Kelly Clarkson





ROLLING IN THE DEEP- Adele





SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE- Kelly Clarkson- she's just fabulous!! All those angst!





FIGHTER- Christina Aguilera





SO WHAT?- Pink





I WILL SURVIVE- original by Gloria Gaynor, but like this version by Charice which she performed at the 8th Annual Woman's Day Red Dress Award in New York in Feb. 2011.





But there is another song that needs to be included. Lee Ann Womack is a country singer who crossed over to pop with this beautiful song. With the song in full blast, it can also be a rock song.

I HOPE YOU DANCE

A Letter from My Son and Reflections on My Mom on Mother’s Day

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!!!





My son would probably not appreciate it that I will share his letter with you. TMI, Too much information, he would say. Since he’s not my friend on Facebook, I doubt he will know anyway that I kind of “violated” his confidence. I hope you'll not blab that I blabbed. But I’m sure he’ll understand.


Because I am a proud mother. On this Mother’s Day, I do not need a gorgeous bouquet of flowers nor any fancy dinner (not yet anyway until he's done with school). I don’t need any ostentatious display of affection. His letter, written in a ruled student paper and sealed in a plain envelope, with the admonition to read it after he left the car, said it all.

He wrote:

Dear Mom,

In these past years, our relationship has changed. You’ve become more than a mom to me. We bond over silly things like venting about ridiculous people and we laugh at things until our heads fall off. I can come to you for advice whenever the overdramatic people start crazy drama. We can tease each other freely without feeling bad because that’s just what friends do. I’m so glad that I can feel this comfortable around you, and even more glad that it has morphed into a friendship. For these and many other reasons I know I’m blessed to have you as my mom.

Love,

Jordan

My Mother

And now, I am thinking of my mother in the Philippines. My still vibrant mother. She still dances her ‘chicken dance” when she’s happy. She still drinks her San Miguel beer at night to relax.

I wish I make her as proud of me as I am of my son. I wish I have shown her how much I love and appreciate her. She had given me much more that I can ever thank her for.

My Nanay, Marina "Neneng" Cerrudo, beautiful in her costume as a young lady in her native Aklan and beautiful still in her favored housedress today. She weathered all the storms in her life and had remained strong after all these years. She is a fireball of energy and humor.

With her unconditional love and her selfless heart, she shaped my character and 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.

And when things were rough, her unwavering support held me up. Through the years, she remains the ideal of what is grace under pressure, of quiet strength and fortitude.

I can never thank her enough for all that she had done for me. Happy Mother's Day. I love you, Nanay.

On this Mother's Day, I would like to share the songs that say the sentiments I cannot articulate enough.

The Twins

July 30,2011.

The twins would have been 23 today.

July 30, 1988. It was a day that began with hope and ended in despair. Every day thereafter is a struggle to bury the memories of the pains, the heartaches. Twenty-three years ago, it felt that the world stopped, she wondered, "What is the point of it all? ".

They died as soon as they were born, too premature. The clinical diagnosis was fuzzy in her mind; it did not matter anymore because they were dead. She had premature rupture of the membranes, which at six months of gestation did not give the babies any chance. Just before her husband signed the consent for an emergency cesarean section, she felt the gush of fluid signaling the end, and heard the nurse's frightened whisper, "It's meconium."

When she woke up in the hospital room, she knew immediately what happened and she felt the visceral pain of losing a part of her. She held her babies for the first and the last time, touched their small feet, and kissed them; hoping that she can preserve their memories forever. The pain was unimaginable.

One week after that fateful day, she walked to church with a heavy heart, not really understanding how she can go past the pitying stares and the empty words of condolences. All she wanted was to curl up in bed in a darkened room. Her world ceased to matter. Even though the tears had run dry, she could not imagine ever smiling again.

She stayed at the back of the church with her trembling fists clenched at her side. Darting a look at the closed door, she had resolved to bolt out of her seat as soon as the recessional was played. But the resident minister must have sensed her need and delivered one of the most inspiring sermons she had ever heard. The spiritual hymns worked their way into her heart and the Lord's promise broke through the dark chambers of her mind. She surrendered herself to God and believed that she will find a reason to live again.

"I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure."(Psalms 16.8-9 )

It was not easy. It will never be easy. Losing someone you love is a tragic moment that leaves its imprint in everybody's lives. Losing both her twins shook her whole being, seared her emotions, and left her scarred for life. She had mourned her loss but picked up the pieces again because there was no other recourse left for her.

The profound sorrow did not choke her as she thought it would, but instead, she found herself smiling again. Finally, her natural sense of humor resurfaced. And when her new son was born, she relished the simple joy of living. Time, family, and friends eased the way. Her God's embrace gave her the strength to carry on.

Life went on. The heart-rending pain of the loss had been numbed to a dull ache for what could have been. Somehow the human heart surprises us with its capacity to make room for more love to come. All it takes is patience, endurance, and faith.


Joseph and Jason remain as a reminder of the need to hold close to the faith and strength of God's enduring love.

The World Got Talent

It all started for me when Susan Boyle came on stage on the Britain Got Talent show. This frumpy, overweight woman walked up in front of a frowning Simon Cowell and a snickering crowd, then shamed all disbelievers when she brilliantly sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables.






In a society obsessed with fashion-model or movie star looks, it is an upward battle to shine with sheer talent alone. For all the ordinary people out there, those who are disadvantaged because of their looks and station in life, that moment with Susan Boyle was a promise fulfilled, a dream realized. It is also a reminder to us all to open our minds to all possibilities.

Thus so began my fascination with the underdogs who end up center stage because of their undeniable talent. Together we suspend disbelief when an armless pianist dared to show up on stage. I draw inspiration from the unlikely heroes; those who triumph against all odds. And I cheer on those who dare to reach for the stars.



Korea- Sung-bong Choi,"Nella Fantasia" His story moved everybody to tears as he recounted being on his own at 5 years of age. At the end,I just wanted him to win it all, to make up for his lonely childhood years.





Thailand- Bell Nuntrita, 2-voiced singer. Wait for the surprise. Enough said.





America- Kevin Skinner, "If Tomorrow Never Comes". A chicken catcher from Kentucky whose heart-felt rendition highlighted a beautiful voice.





Philippines- Jovit Baldovino,"Faithfully". Coming from extreme poverty, he had to sell "siomai" to help his family. Now he has two best-selling albums to his name, and a thriving career.





America- Cindy Chang, a 42 year-old Korean unemployed technical writer. Yes, she did not look like Susan Boyle but she overcame her shyness and came out of her shell.


Update: 7/5- Cindy didn't advance today on AGT :(



Philippines- Marcelito PoMoy sings "The Prayer" all by himself. He is a man of many voices.





Britain- Madonna Decena. Singing "I Will Always Love You", this single mother to two kids reminded us about the sacrifices we do for our loved ones.





China- Liu Wei - this armless pianist performed "You Are Beautiful". He is an inspiration to everyone.




The stage is for anyone with a dream...

We have our own stage to shine on. So imagine the spotlight on you. Oprah might be waiting for the new Charice.




Our stage might not come with a microphone. But we can still dream of something big and live the life we have always longed for. We just need to work hard and follow our passions. Be the next superstar. For our next group of students or our new audience of patients. You'll never know what awaits beyond if you don't even try. The impossible had just become possible.

We only need to believe in ourselves.

Dream. Have faith.



Nella Fantasia
In my imagination I see a fair world,
Everyone lives in peace and in honesty there.
I dream of souls that are always free,
Like the clouds that fly,
Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.

In my imagination I see a bright world,
Even the night is less dark there.
I dream of souls that are always free,
Like clouds that fly.

In my imagination there exists a warm wind,
That breathes on the cities, like a friend.
I dream of souls that are always free,
Like clouds that fly,
Full of humanity in the depths of the soul.



Addendum: July 22, 2013

This was from the X-Factor Australia 2011 auditions. Emmanuel Kelly did not let the tragedies in his life deter him imagining better things. Wow!!!!






Addendum: November 25, 2013 Just because this world has many talents.

From X-Factor Israel- an unlikely surprise, an unexpected discovery. Another Susan Boyle. Rose Fontanes, is a 46 year-old Filipina caregiver in Israel who wowed the judges with her rendition of "This is My Life" in the first audition round. She received another standing ovation from her fellow contestants after singing Lady Gaga's hit "You and I" and she advanced to the second round.






Rose Fontanes won the X-Factor Israel edition.

A Father's Love

For most of my childhood and teenage years in the Philippines, my father worked abroad. He was an aircraft mechanic whose assignments had brought him to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Uganda, Angola, and Iran.

With five growing children, the separation was a necessity. He had always stayed abroad, only coming home for a month. He was the quintessential OFW (overseas foreign worker), long before that word became popular.

When I was about eight, Tatay came home for his vacation laden with gifts. My doll was taller than my baby sister, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and porcelain skin. My youngest sister had a similar, although smaller doll and my brothers had monster toy trucks. In an instant, he shone the spotlight on the Cerrudo kids and raised our importance among the neighborhood kids.

Even though the gifts were expensive (and excessive as per my ever-practical mother), the toys represented my father's amends for those days when he was not around to see our milestones, when my mom raised us by herself. He was not being materialistic; he was just overjoyed upon seeing our faces brighten up with the excitement of discovery.




His love was undeniable, the truth as unequivocal as life itself.

At times, he waxed philosophical about the lost opportunities when he had to drop out of college because of family responsibilities, but he encouraged us all to explore beyond perceived boundaries. My father envisioned the best for us and encouraged us to excel in this world. He didn't miss any chance to tell his buddies about our achievements.

He was a story-teller who regaled us with tales of his exploits in foreign lands, and when our lids started to droop, he switched to stories of vampires and in respect to our Filipino mythology, he loved to talk about the manananggal (who can separate their upper torso to fly into the night with huge bat-like wings in search of pregnant women) and kapre (tree -dwelling smoking giant).

Somehow, he managed to convince us that the manananggal and the kapre will also prey on children who do not like to take their afternoon naps or sleep early at night time.

The kids pretended to squeal in horror but we always asked for more. And so it went that we gathered around him as close as possible, seeking protection from evil creatures as he watched over us. His rich baritone as he sang gentle lullabies reassured us as we dreamt of adventures as Filipino superheroes- Captain Barbell and Darna. We were not traumatized by the stories, and never had nightmares. Because we were secure in his love for us. Perhaps, the smell of his Old Spice perfume warded off the evil spirits.

And then he always woke us up either by tickling our feet or playing with cotton balls in our ears. Tatay gave us butterfly kisses. He danced around the house and showed off what would later be his Rico Mambo moves. My mom became a target of his constant teasing and he would sometimes chase her around the house just to tickle her.

As we grew up, my father started to stay longer in the Philippines in between job assignments and eventually, he stopped his overseas work after I finished college. My father loved watching the ladies of the house as we were absorbed in whatever drama series was showing on tv. During the most dramatic parts, he usually started to sniffle and blow his nose loudly to annoy us. But as much as he was the teaser and the ultimate joker, his sentimental nature was legendary. He cried more often and much more quicker than my mom.

On June 20, 1987, he walked me down the aisle. He hugged me close and said that he would always be there for me, no matter what. When the marriage dissolved, my father supported me and told me that I deserve someone so much more.

In July 2001, he died of a stroke in the Philippines. My sister and I went home. It was heart-wrenching to realize that we would never see him again... that he would not dance with us again.

If I could freeze-frame any moment for posterity, I would love to see him dance with my mother again.

If I could get another chance, I would join my father as he teased my mother until she blushed. I would hug my father to breathe in the scent of his Old Spice cologne again. I would sit at his feet to listen to his stories, anything just to hear his voice once more.

If I could steal another moment with him, I would have said "I love you" over and over again, not just on Father's Day. And if I could go back in time, I would like to see the contented look on his face as he proudly and joyfully watched his young daughters playing with oversized dolls.

And when I started on another journey on June 20, 2011,  with a new work environment, I knew that my father had given me the strength to shine and the spirit to persevere, in spite of the kapre and manananggal. I can almost see him giving me two thumbs up.

I have learned all those years ago when I was eight, that he loved us all with that consuming and unconditional love.

Luther Vandross- Dance With My Father




Cat Stevens- Father and Son




Charice was estranged from her father, but in the end, she still expressed her love for him, probably regretting the time they had lost.




Bob Carlisle- Butterfly Kisses
For all that I have done wrong, I must have done right.





Jose Mari Chan featuring Cherie Gil- Sing Me a Song, Daddy

http://definitelyfilipino.com/blog/2011/07/20/a-fathers-love/

Music: Simple Joys

I am a frustrated singer. As a Filipino, not being able to sing is a disadvantage during Karaoke time. Such a shame since I'm not known to be shy. My sister-in-law's beautiful voice is wasted on her because she would only sing at home and here I am just waiting for my spotlight. As a firm believer in using the talents God gave us, I thought that He played a joke on me. Oh well.

Here are the songs that I would have on my IPOD if I have one. They don't necessarily define me, but rather I choose them for the simple joys they bring. The songs range from the sweet, haunting melodies to the head-banging and who-cares-if-they-see-me-rocking kind of songs.


One August day, I was rocking to Bob Seger's "OLD TIME ROCK AND ROLL" on the way to work minding my own business and singing at the top of my voice. Then seeing the look of amusement on the faces of two young men in the car next to me. It was a sight to behold, lol. I didn't know who was more embarrassed. Then at the end of the day, finding this in my inbox...just the funniest version with Niles from The Nanny rocking in his skivvies. Move over, Tom Cruise.







Karen Carpenter died too soon. I thought of the song "I HAVE YOU" when I saw an elderly couple walking hand in hand. And then I thought of lost loves and of what could have been.






"HOW DID YOU KNOW"- by Gary Valenciano. The lyrics say it all. The poignant melody in a tear-jerker of a movie just rips into your heart. Fair warning, you can end up the next day with swollen eyes.

How did you know
I needed someone like you in my life
That there was an empty space in my heart
You came at the right time in my life








"BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY" by Queen was made more intriguing by its ground-breaking promotional video. According. to Wikipedia," the song has no chorus, instead consisting of three main parts: a ballad segment ending with a guitar solo, an operatic passage, and a heavy rock section." I don't care how weird Freddie Mercury was, but nobody can deny his genius. The audience just erupted into a massive sing-along. Talk about full audience participation.







"KUMUSTA KA" by Nonoy Zuniga. My favorite Pinoy balladeer.

This Filipino song is a whimsical take on that awkward moment when former lovers meet after years apart. The man continues to pine after the woman, but he becomes tongue-tied and all he could say is "Kumusta ka?" (How are you?)






"All By Myself" by Charice- big things come in small packages. Thanks for You-Tube. I just gave her a standing ovation at home, never mind that my son and nieces just rolled their eyes at me again. The power and the confidence just astounds me...boom...boom...boom. You just realize that you have to pick up your jaw from the floor. She will be a true global superstar.





Louie Armstrong and his trumpet... just sexy. "LA VIE EN ROSE" - oooh la la, sultry and hot.