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.

Jose Mari Chan- A Musical Poet

JOSE MARI CHAN


“Each song is a story....each story has a song”. Jose Mari Chan is a musical poet. He is a Filipino-Chinese singer/songwriter who weaves the stories in his songs. He is a musician, lyricist, and performer who started his career in the 1960’s. His triple-platinum and Double-Diamond albums are full of songs that have withstood the test of time. He is a multi-awarded genius whose compositions range from romantic ballads to commercial jingles to theme songs to motion picture scores. How come he is not a National Artist yet?

Chan's musical poetry is something I always come back to, its beautiful melodies and eloquent lyrics are soothing to the soul. Especially today, I needed to clean my ears after I caught snippets of ugly rap music from a passing motorist (ugh!). The beautiful lyrics of Afterglow is an antidote to the nonsensical/disgusting prose of Kanye West.

Growing up in the Philippines, I sang along Jose Mari Chan's many songs, secretly dreaming of someone writing a romantic ballad, just for me. The songs remind me of simpler but joyous times, when the lyrics of the songs paint the picture vividly and fill you with emotions. As there are comfort foods, Constant Change and Love to Last a Lifetime are among my comfort songs. Chan’s compositions are definitely part of the soundtrack of my life.


Afterglow - First Single 1967

We're at the afterglow
Of what we both do know
Known as the spring of our youth.
We've loved and shared the dawn
And hoped that we'd go on
'Cause even that dawn had to go.





Constant Change

We're on the road
We move from place to place
And oftentimes when I'm about to call it home
We'd have to move along
Life is a constant change...






Can We Just Stop And Talk Awhile - Lea Salonga version

Fancy meeting you alone in the crowd
Couldn't help but notice your smile
While everybody else around us is going about
Can we just stop and talk awhile? I've been often told our world's growing old
And that friends are harder to find
Do tell me more about yourself
We could share a thought or two
Now who would mind?





Sing me a song again, Daddy

Sing me a song again, Daddy
Sing me a happy verse.
Teach me those clever lines you sang
As you carried me on your shoulders.
Sing me that hymn that you so loudly
Sang in church with mom.
Sing it again to me and fill me
With all your words of wisdom.






Beautiful Girl

Beautiful girl, wherever you are
I knew when I saw you, you had opened the door
I knew that I'd love again after a long, long while
I'd love again.






Please Be Careful with My Heart - Sarah Geronimo and Christian Bautista version

If you love me like you tell me
Please be careful with my heart
You can take it just don't break it
Or my world will fall apart

You are my first romance
And I'm willing to take a chance
That 'till life is through
I'll still be loving you






Can't We Start Over Again

All through my life of seasons
No matter how far I roam
Always there's something missing inside
Yearning to come back home

You are the one I return to
Love. Only love leads the way
Give us this chance to start over again
Darling, I'm coming home to stay.






My Girl, My Woman, My Friend - featuring Janet Basco

When my work is through at the end of the day
There's nothing else that I'd rather do
Than to be with you at the end of the day
To be right by your side makes me feel brand new
'Cause you're my girl, my woman, my friend
And that's how it's gonna be till the end.
Loving you is what I live for
And I can't ask for anything more
You're my woman, my girl, and my friend
Rolled into one.






Afraid For Love To Fade

I can't let you pass me by
I just can't let you go but I know
That I am much too shy to let you know
Afraid that I might say the wrong
Words and displease you
Afraid for love to fade
Before it can come true




Lea Salonga version






A Love To Last A Lifetime

We're all just merely passing through
Doing what we can do in a lifetime
We have more than one adventure to take
More than one dream to make in our lifetime
As for me there's only one dream
And that's to love you, my love
With a love to last a lifetime





Mamang Sorbetero (from Mr. Songwriter)

The melody of Celeste Legaspi's folk hit 'Mamang Sorbetero' was actually derived from Chan's 'Mr. Songwriter.'

Kids Have Talent

Lyca Gairanod



In the blind audition of Voice Kids Philippines, a diminutive nine-year old girl from Cavite, Philippines confidently belted out her own version of pop rock group Aegis’song “Halik”. It was her voice, just six words into the song, that made her coach Sarah Guillermo turn her chair. It was her voice that brought the audience to their feet and propelled her video to become a viral hit.

The raw power and richness of her voice and her gutsy performance impressed me, but what captured my heart was that impish little smile and the twinkle in her eyes when she saw the audience’s response. She had me at the first growl.

Lea Salonga was so moved by her that she later drew comparison to Lyca’s story with Nora Aunor, the Filipino superstar who triumphed from her humble beginnings. Nora's train stations versus Lyca's junk shops.

Lyca had great competition, but at the end, after garnering the audience vote in all three categories in the final show, she was declared the first ever grand champion. The "madlang people" had spoken. Singing alongside Aegis, she held her own, rocked the stage, got a standing ovation from the audience and the coaches, and ensured her victory.

Her back story transfixed the audience; her father is a fisherman, and to help support the family, Lyca joined her mother and other siblings to scavenge for junk. This is a story of hope and resilience, but somehow, those who were unhappy with her win are trying to discredit this child, citing “sympathy votes”.

Sympathy can only bring you so far, it cannot win a title. Lyca triumphed despite/in spite the sob story because she is talented; it's not because of civic duty nor a moral responsibility.

The Iraqi teen who was deformed in the war and was adopted by an Australian woman did not win X-Factor Australia. The orphaned girl, the single mother who worked overseas, the mentally challenged teen, the bullied boy, the extremely shy man and the social outcast did not win their contests. Juan Karlos, another Voice Kids Philippines contestant, got his place as a runner-up because of his talent and charm, not because he lost his mother at a young age.

Lyca, with her untrained voice, is a “diamond in the rough”. There was so much more nuance in her voice, so much more untapped potential that it is so exciting what the future will hold for her. With proper musical training and professional guidance, she will achieve even greater triumphs.

She is a modern Cinderella, and we, her supporters, are her fairy godmothers.



Darren Espanto



This eleven-year old from Canada, if he won, would be also deserving of the title. His talent is immense that it really doesn’t need official confirmation to be declared a winner in his own right. He is not just a young Jed Madela, not just a young Martin Nievera. Darren Espanto is ready for stage, for his own path to glory.



Here are other amazingly talented kids.


Amira Willighagen, 9 y/o from "Holland's Got Talent"




Angelina Jordan, 7 y/o from Norway’s Got Talent 2014




Sam Santiago a Filipino American from Irvine, California. He had appeared in the Maury Show - Most Talented Kids 2013


http://www.samsantiagomusic.com/




P.S. This. Is. Not. Talent. but it is soooo much fun to watch.
I was compelled to put this together after being subjected to a horrible display of non-talent as seen below. Although I must admit that the Ken Lee version is one of the most hilarious and extremely entertaining auditions I have ever seen. This is a guaranteed belly laugh.

Musicals On My Mind

Fresh from the mind-blowing and astounding performances in the film adaptation of Les Miserables, I have been thoroughly enjoying the resurgence of film musicals.

If there is an alternate universe, I would probably be Cameron McIntosh’s sidekick as he spins out musicals after musicals. Who am I kidding, I will probably fight tooth and nail to be the ultimate diva on stage and film.

LES MISERABLES (2012 film adaptation)

As a fan of musicals, I have waited long for this film adaptation, and it's worth the wait. Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway both deliver Oscar-worthy performances. Colm Wilkinson, the original Jean Valjean (the original 24601), was featured in a surprise turn as the bishop.

My favorite songs are: "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Empty Chairs". And yes, I cried at almost every other song. :)

Anne Hathaway was mesmerizing as she filled the screen and reached out to the audience with a visceral and raw rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream.” She was not just a movie star just acting a part. Her hair badly shorn, her dress tattered and grimy, and her face splotchy… she was a mother bemoaning her fate and her lost dreams. She was Fantine, a woman beaten down, all alone, in despair. I believed her.



I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted.

This is a precious find. This is a video of an actual stage production of Lea Salonga as Fantine on her deathbed. A tear or two? No, I shed a bucketful of tears.



If only Lea Salonga have sung Eponine's "On My Own", the movie would have been perfect.





MARY POPPINS (1964)

My Auntie Sol had introduced me to Mary Poppins. I remember her singing along to Julie Andrews as our favorite nanny dispensed her medicine with a sweet song and a little magic. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!





SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

Every child should see this movie of Maria and the Von Trapp family. High up in the mountains of Austria, the free-spirited Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins, er, Maria brought music and happiness to the children.

One of these days, I will travel to the Austrian Alps, because of my determination (misguided it may be) to open my arms wide and sing the title song at the top of my voice. I promise to warn anyone within a hundred mile radius.

The musical contains many popular songs, including "Edelweiss", "My Favorite Things", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", "Do-Re-Mi", "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", and "The Lonely Goatherd".



Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things




CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (1968)



“Truly scrumptious as a cherry peach parfait”

Who would think that Ian Fleming of James Bond fame would write this engaging musical about a flying car with characters named as Caractacus Potts and Truly Scrumptious?

This video was a great baby-sitter for my son Jordan. At two years old, he managed to actually sit still for almost two hours so that I could do some household chores. I must confess that most times I sat by his side and sang along with him.

Great news that this movie is being remade by the British.



SINGING IN THE RAIN(1952)



Just to clarify, this was before my time. But after I saw the movie for the first time, I had seriously entertained the thought of being a tap dancer, maybe a female Gene Kelly or Donald O'Connor. Damn knees.



GREASE (1978)



This was John Travolta at his cutest. And here’s a group of friends who tried hard to sing like Sandy and the girls.

MISS SAIGON

The musical about an American GI and a doomed bargirl in war-ravaged Vietnam catapulted Lea Salonga to the international stage. According to Playbill, "Miss Saigon is still the eleventh longest-running Broadway musical in musical theatre history."



All is right in the world. The Heat is On. The helicopter is bearing down on stage. After Les Mis, Miss Saigon is coming on film.

The Soldier, The Nurse...TWO WORDS (Skyline Pigeon Part 3)

We kissed. It was twenty-five years later after we first met, and thankfully, it was not just a dream.

Sammy tenderly held my face as we kissed. I felt like precious china in his embrace. My tears continued to fall as I was overwhelmed with gratitude for this moment that had brought us together. I felt him tremble as he controlled his emotions.

We did not stay long at the restaurant. He brought me back to the hospital, and gave me a private tour at the hospital where we first met. My friend Althea, the Chief Nurse of the hospital who arranged the emergency preparedness symposium, was unreachable (by purpose, I'm sure), so Colonel Dr. Samuel drove around the huge campus to give me a funny and entertaining narrative of the changes in the landscape.

I used to be his student nurse, but I flew away to the United States to fulfill my American dream. He was my one-eyed patient; a victim of the wars in Southern Philippines. We never spoke of our feelings about each other until the last day of my clinical rotation; but there was an undeniable attraction, that just could not be fulfilled at that moment in time.

He went on to become a medical doctor in the army. He continued to serve his country and helped the soldiers that he is still is. Sammy recounted that I served as his inspiration to move to the medical field. Despite being devastated by my leaving, he took comfort in the fact that I cared for him, even for just a short time.

We spent the rest of the day together, driving through Makati and Intramuros. I ditched my blazer and bought some cheap sandals from a sidewalk vendor. Sammy changed into a simple t-shirt. Pretty soon, after Sammy had safely parked his Mercedes in a hotel parking lot, we opted out of fancy restaurants.

We were like any other couple strolling hand-in-hand along the boulevard. We sat closely on a bench and watched the famous Manila Bay sunset, and talked, argued about politics, and laughed at each others' jokes.

Dinner was Chicken Joy, fish balls, and halo-halo. Cheap date, but the best I ever had. Priceless.

I pushed back all the other concerns, and all that mattered was that moment. I went into his warm embrace willingly; basking in the upsurge of emotions. We just held on to each other; fearful of being brought back to the reality that in just three days, I would be going back home to New York.

But reality stinks. I had to go back home to New York, back to my 20 year old son who still needed my presence. Although he was preparing to go into medical school, I still needed to guide him as he transitioned to his own adult life. Sammy had thought that I was staying for a month as I had posted on Face Book, but I explained to him that my plans had changed because my son had to transfer to his new dorm in a week.

He drove me home and met my mother, who eyed him with suspicion.

"He looks like a movie star. Even with just one eye, and his grey hair, he would still get all the girls. Have you not learned from your no-good ex-husband.?", my mother asked right after he left.

In two days, he had totally charmed my mother. Sammy came back the next day, and brought all of us in the family to his house in Tagaytay. He was a humble man, despite the opulent surroundings and his well-furnished mansion.

Up there in the mountains, away from the teasing eyes of my family, Sammy spirited me away to another secluded place. We shared sweet kisses and fierce embrace.

He pulled out an old picture; it was a group picture of me and my classmates looking towards the make-shift stage when the patients in Sammy's group gave us a short program. I was at the center of the picture, in profile, my long hair pulled back in a pony-tail and my lips curled up in smile.

"I took this picture, and it has been in my possession for twenty-five years." he sighed. "I knew you had your dreams to follow. That's the only reason I did not pursue you after you left."

He said, "Last November, I woke up from a deep sleep, and as if somebody was calling me and touching my face. For whatever reason, I remembered the picture I have of you."

I gasped. I told him, "It was November of last year on Veteran's Day, when I was watching a Sam Milby movie. I paused the film, covered Sam's left eye, and thought of you."

Sammy hugged me close, and we both shivered at the strange coincidence. I believe that it was Divine Providence. Running his hands on my hair, Sammy confided that he prayed and asked God to help him find me.

"I found you; I will never let you go again."

And yet, I went back home to New York, back to my son. Sammy could not come to the airport because of a hospital emergency. On the phone, I said goodbye to him, my voice cracking with emotion. He was trying to tell me something but the sounds of the planes flying overhead drowned out any more conversation. I never even got to tell him that I love him.

Today...

I walk down the aisle with my handsome son escorting me. He tells me that I have never looked better. All around me, my friends and family smile and applaud; all sharing in the joy of this blessed moment.

I am marrying Sammy, twenty-six years after I met him.

Unbeknownst to me, Sammy and his two sons followed me to New York after my vacation, and met up with my son to ask for my hand in marriage.

My son arranged for me to meet him at the Roosevelt Tram station on Roosevelt Island, only to surprise me when he arrived with Sammy and his two sons. And there we were, just the five of us, up in the air in the tram when Sammy proposed to me.

Just as I have written in another blog post (where Sammy took the idea), the glorious orange, red, and purple colors of the sky over the East River on one side and the Manhattan skyline on the other side provided an awesome backdrop to the proposal.

I jumped in delight and the tram swayed in agreement. The four men all paled and grabbed the siderails inside the tram. Just after I said a resounding "Yes", all four men had tears in their eyes. It was perfect.

And here we are, back in the Philippines for the grand day. The chapel is bedecked with flowers. My friends had gone crazy; they've been waiting for this as a payback for those wacky bridal showers I have thrown before. So, why are they all wiping tears as I march under the outstretched swords of the military guards?

My groom, the colonel, the chief medical officer, my one-eyed soldier is waiting for me at the front of the chapel. Although we had only been together for a short time, I am certain that he had never looked better. Tall, and fit with salt-pepper hair and his left eye patch. My handsome Sam Milby/ George Clooney soldier. His full-dress white military uniform commands attention; his insignia gleaming on his shoulder board. He is a prince. Mine.

His beautiful smile makes my heart sing. I want to run towards him; he's just a hop-scotch away but decorum insists that I march along with my handsome son. Besides, haven't we waited all these years already, so I can wait for just a few more minutes. We have the rest of our lives to spend with each other, but would one lifetime be enough?

The minister delivers a great sermon. I try to hold back my tears. But then I see the choir members crying.

Now, it's time for the wedding song by the soloist. To my surprise, the minister hands a microphone to Sammy.

My eyes widen in alarm that Sammy will sing "My Skyline Pigeon" here on our wedding day. It is a special song for us, and will always be "our song", but even I feel that it would not be appropriate for a wedding song.

Sammy winks at me, and as he holds my hand, he makes a promise with this song.

"I Do." Two words that seal the deal. And on this hour, I am being wed to my prince charming, who had held me in his heart and in his mind all these years.

I say "I do" for all the right reasons, for all the beautiful things that have happened to me since we've found each other, for these wonderful feelings of being cherished for who I am today.

I do want to spend the rest of forever with my soul mate. To discover more of the man that I love. I do want to make up for the lost time, not really regretting the years in between because I am today for what I've gone through. I do, because he makes me deliriously happy.

And so we will love each other, for all eternity, more than twenty-five years.

THE END



PART 1- href="http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2010/11/soldier-nurseand-skyline-pigeon.html">http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2010/11/soldier-nurseand-skyline-pigeon.html (Actually happened)

PART 2- https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/soldier-nurse-kumusta-ka-skyline-pigeon.html http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/soldier-nurse-kumusta-ka-skyline-pigeon.html (Absolute Fiction)

PART 3- Of course, like Part 2, not happening. :(
http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2012/05/soldier-nursetwo-words-skyline-pigeon.html

Love Songs I Enjoy All By Myself

The pitter-patter of the falling rain put me on a melancholy mood. Moments like these make me yearn for the days when I can snuggle up to the one I love. As the radio played the beautiful melodies , I started to sing along.

Then the mood was broken. The reality is, that loved one had gone away, and the pain is just a distant memory. Thankfully, I had emerged from the storm of life with the resolve to enjoy the little things that bring happiness.

I can still enjoy a beautiful love song, all by myself.

Just to show that I am still a hopeless romantic, I gathered some of my favorite love songs.



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





You are the one who makes me happy
When everything else turns to gray
Yours is the voice that wakes me mornings
And sends me out into the day.






I'll always love you for the rest of my days.
You have won my heart and my soul with your sweet, sexy ways.
You gave me hope when I needed someone near.
You bring me happiness every day of every year.






Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true, yeah







When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love






Grow old along with me
Two branches of one tree
Face the setting sun
When the day is done






I don't want to close my eyes
I don't want to fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you babe
And I don't want to miss a thing






If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way
To show her every day
That she's my only one







Facing you who brings me new tomorrows,
I thank God for yesterdays,
How they led me to this very hour,
How they led me to this place...






Have I told you lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness,
Ease my troubles, that's what you do.






Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the sun does not appear,
I will be here.

If in the dark we lose sight of love,
Hold my hand and have no fear,
‘Cause I will be here.





Through the years, you've never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... Through the years
I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you
Through the years





Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said & done
I just never took the time

But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind




Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin
You Are Everything To Me

Kahit ika'y wala sa aking piling
Though you are not with me

Isang magandang alaala
A beautiful memory

isang kahapong lagi kong kasama
a yesterday that's always with me

Dapat ba kitang limutin?
Must I forget you?

Paano mapipigil ang isang damdamin?
How can a feeling be suppressed?

ang panahon upang ikaw ay mahalin
the time to love you

Ako'y maghihintay pa rin
I'll still wait.





All by MySelf
When I was young
I never needed anyone
And makin' love was just for fun
Those days are gone

MUSIC: SIMPLE JOYS Part 2

My son and I bonded again today as we reminisced about our shared fondness for "My Favorite Things". Thank you Rodgers and Hammerstein for the "Sound of Music". Still cannot understand what gene pool gifted my son with a beautiful voice and an aptitude for piano playing. Seems unbelievable that he came from a parent whose alto try-out was such a disaster that it finally convinced the choir organist to abandon all efforts to change me from a passable (at least in my mind) soprano.

I am a frustrated singer. So gone are my dreams of setting the world on fire with my melodious voice. But I love music, even karaoke music (take that Simon).

These are some of my favorite songs:


There is no decent video of "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music but the "Lonely Goatherd" showcased the incomparable Julie Andrews and the puppets. It has now become my LSS (last song syndrome)





A mash-up of these two songs had been featured in the movie "50 Dates".
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole. It must have looked a little strange... a huge man with his ukelele, but it worked.






A sweet and poignant song. Perfect for a Daddy's girl and sure to be a tear-jerker in weddings.
"Sing Me a Song, Daddy" by Jose Mari Chan/ Cherie Gil





Watch how a future multi-awardee stage actress charmed the producers of Miss Saigon with her innocent ways and magnificent voice. Lea will soon be appearing in "Allegiance", an upcoming musical about Japanese-American interment during World War II.

Lea Salonga's audition for Miss Saigon, "Sun and Moon".









I thank my lucky stars that my son never got into rap and hip-hop like the teens of today, although I've been known to break into an apl.d ap (of Black Eyed Peas) song called "Bebot." Go figure. Don't get me wrong; I still don't approve of the the gyrations of the skimpy-clad girls but I love the colorful jeepneys and the display of Filipino pride.