Travelogue: Priceless- My 2019 Philippine Vacation

I wrote this as soon as I returned to New York on September 7th.

The jetlag is real. My brain is a little addled with lack of sleep; no thanks for my body’s inability to discern the difference between two times zones. My circadian rhythm is messed up, still synced to Manila time. I need to go back to work tomorrow so I have to come out of my zombie-like trance and get back to New York time.

The vacation is over. But even with all the jarring reality of the return to the challenges of work, I am energized with the memories of my two weeks (and two days) of vacation. Even with the 15-hour flight. Thank God I have my son assisting me with my luggage and encouraging me to walk beyond what I’m used to in New York.

It's more fun in the Philippines. The memories are PRICELESS.

Here are the highlights of my August trip.

1. NANAY- My beloved 88 y/o mother cried when my son Jordan and I finally arrived, apparently overwhelmed with emotions, after two years of communicating via Facetime. Thanks to my sister Bheng (who arrived two weeks earlier) for capturing this moment.

I hugged my mother close to make up for those times when I had to content with blowing kisses on video. I hugged her often, just trying to memorize her sweet scent. I love her quick smile and her sharp wit. My mother will always be the most important reason why I endure the long plane ride. I cherish the times I spent with her. Priceless moments.

2. FAMILY REUNION- August 25, 2019, Las Pinas, Manila, Philippines.
The Cerrudo-Segovia reunion with all the branches from the tree joining together- Calvo, Gallardo, DelaSerna, Tano-an, Momoy, and Enalpe. Attendance was 80+ strong. It was great to reconnect, to forge new bonds, to celebrate family. It was also a reminder that time passes so quickly and life is uncertain so it is most important to tell our loved ones that we love them.

Talent runs in the family with great singers and dancers, notwithstanding the amateur dancing (trying hard) from the 50 y/o + ladies fumbling to the steps of “Dahil Sa Iyo” and to the inimitable duo of Charlie and Edwin with their wild gyrations, all in good fun.

3. HIGH SCHOOL REUNION OF CLASS 1975-
There were twelve of us who were classmates at the Generosa De Leon Memorial College (Centro Escolar University) who met at Dr. Cheryl's beautiful residence. Cheryl, Leny, Asuncion, Monica, Bessie, Eileen, Nancy, Helen, Minda, Irene, and Ana. My classmates from 44 years ago. This is my first time since our graduation to see them again. I was pleasantly surprised with the easy camaraderie between all of us. We shared high school life remembrances and we all joined in singing the school songs, "Sampaguita Interlude" as well as the music we grew up on.

Thank you for the combined August and September birthday celebration for the four of us. Sooo much fun. I never thought I will see them after all these years or that they will even recognize me. Thank God I am no longer that gangly, skinny, and awkward teen with skin darkened by my ROTC years. My classmates have turned out to be good-looking ladies who are successful in their own right.

4. BORACAY-
Boracay is just one small island (3.98 sq. miles) out of the 7,640 other islands that comprise the Philippine Archipelago but it has clearly been the country’s top tourist destination. After a 6-month rehabilitation, Boracay is now open to the public. We spent our second day island-hopping and my son enjoyed his snorkeling and helmet-diving. I enjoyed having to navigate the floating empty gallons of water that we stepped on as we swayed on our way to the boats.

My most favorite moment was just sitting in the sun on White Beach early in the morning before the tourists woke up and littered the beach to do their selfies. At about 6am, Boracay was at its most peaceful. White sand, blue waters, cool breeze, invigorating air, and flip flops. No calls from work, no emails to sift through. God is good!

Time stood still in this beautiful and tranquil paradise. It was time for reflections on what a beautiful world it is, that it energizes the soul when you just let go of the stresses of your non-vacation world. It was like a yoga moment. Breathe in, breathe out and forget that vacation will soon end.

5. BATAAN- LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR
Our day trip to this resort in Bataan is a cultural enrichment. The collection of restored Spanish-Filipino houses is a testament to the richness of the Filipino heritage and the ingenuity of Filipino craftsmen. The spectacular Hotel Oriente brings you back to the world of Filipino elite during the Spanish colonial area. The carvings on the walls and on the staircase and on the massive doors were impressive.

We enjoyed the tour around the property through cobblestone roads and the fluvial balsa ride along the Umangol river with the marvelous houses and arched bridges, even through the downpour.

It was also an incredible experience to watch a short historical play about the national hero “Jose Rizal” as he bravely marched to his execution place. When he turned his body as he was “shot”, it was his one last stance of defiance against the Spanish guards. It was an emotional moment.

Then came “Andres Bonifacio” as he called for the revolution and asked his supporters to tear their “cedulas” (registration cards). "Andres" was so intense as he exhorted the audience to join the revolution. Earlier, the production staff gave our group replicas of the cedulas. Andres Bonifacio, "atapang na tao", I remembered an old joke. But it was surreal when Andres stood before us as if we were in a secret cabal trying to save our nation against the Spaniards. I felt a shiver run down my body as I raised my hand in support of the Filipino heroes. I was also pulled out to join the cast at the finale. I learned that I still know the lyrics to the Philippine National Anthem.

6. RAK OF AEGIS
This original Pinoy musical was in my to-do list. So, it was well worth the long ride to Quezon City to see a fabulous group of talented singers belt out the powerful hits of the OPM icon musical band Aegis. The production was well-staged with actual flood waters right in the middle of rickety-looking wooden walkways and stairs.

“Rak of Aegis” is a musical about big-voiced Aileen who dreams of viral fame on Youtube in the hopes of securing a spot on the Ellen DeGeneres show as well as to provide help to their flood-submerged barangay. The stars were impressive as they sang “Halik,” “Sinta,” “Basang Basa sa Ulan,” and many more.

The musical is about hope and resilience but also showcases the Filipinos’ sense of humor against adversity and their love of music. Kudos to the stars Shaira Opsimar, Bayang Barrios, Renz Verano, and the hunky gondola driver Tolits (Joshua Bulot), and the rest of the ensemble cast.

7. FOOD TRIP
As the new Jollibee commercial claims, "EATS more fun in the Philippines. There are more flavors than islands in the Philippines". We brought our family along as we explored the different restaurants in Las Pinas. More than the food trip, it was our chance as a family to bond over food with my brothers Allan and Edwin and their families, and my cousins Tess, Baby, and Cladys. It was also so much fun to watch my mom and my aunts enjoying the food and each others' company while we feasted on Chicharong Bulaklak after they took their anti-hypertensive meds. I purposefully chose the exotic-sounding names that could not be seen in New York Filipino restos. Ngohiong, Daku pochero, Sisig in a pouch, tinapa rice, pasta adobo, lechon belly roll, sizzling kangkong ala pobre, pinaputok na tiyan ng bangus, even "dirty ice cream".

My son voted the Chowking halo-halo as the best of them all. The neighborhood taho was just what I needed. And my Nanay’s cooking is the best not only because she really is a good cook but because it was served with love. I just love the grin on my mother’s face as I closed my eyes and proclaimed all that she cooked as heavenly.

8. COFFEE PROJECT
Filipinos love selfies and they love posting their Coffee Project selfies on Instagram. To be honest, I just wanted to see why the Coffee Project also has been hailed as the most “Instagram-able” coffee shop.

Look for yourself. I hardly noticed the coffee and the cake but I was bemused with the brilliant interiors with flowers, greens, comfy sofas, and unique knick-knacks that gave this garden cafe a homey and so-relaxed-you-can-spend-hours-in-it vibe.

Now, it's back to the grind of daily work. I can't complain because I do need to save for another vacation.

GUILTY PLEASURES, Part 3- Audio books, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Jigsaw puzzles, Videos, and Cartoons

Living life to the fullest means you should take pleasure in everything you do. The term Guilty Pleasures no longer mean to me as something to be hidden or to be guilty about, for who cares for others' opinions anyway. It just means exploring the things that make you who you are, someone unique and interesting. I am my own person, someone who’s comfortable in my own skin and my own eccentricities. I am celebrating all my flaws and imperfections.


1. AUDIO BOOKS-

I once said I will never ever do Kindle because I would rather smell my books and dog-ear the pages. Well, not only did I do Kindle, but I switched to Audio books. As I drive to and from work, I switch on the Audible app on my smartphone and listen along to versatile narrators bringing my favorite books to life. I have listened to Watchers by Dean Koontz, and although I have read the book many times before, I thrilled to the spoken words. I laughed, I cried, and I squealed in suspense. What would have been a trip of road rage against reckless drivers turned into a pleasant stress-reducing journey, I did not mind the vagrants crossing the streets against the traffic lights along 125th Street in Harlem.

The audio book also doubled as my pronunciation tutor. I learned to pronounce words like “brusque”, and “Worcestershire” and finally learned the difference between “Bon Mot” and “Bon Appetit”. However, I gave up with “Otorhinolaryngologist” and just called it as ENT.

I have enjoyed other Dean Koontz books like “Lightning” and “From the Corner of His Eye” and they sounded as fresh as when I read them years ago. My next audiobooks will be the Harry Potter series; I have read all of JK Rowling's books but it would be magical to re-imagine them again through the narration. Then, I will get the “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. I cannot wait!!!!


2. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE

Brooklyn Nine-Nine found its second life in NBC after Fox canceled it. The show continues to thrive in its new environment with a raucous cast of characters set in an NYPD police station in Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct. Who knows that goofy detectives can be also amazing in their job? The ensemble cast is quirky and irreverent. I love Jake, Amy, Rosa, Terry, and the inscrutable Captain Holt with his deadpan reactions.

I would love Brooklyn Nine-Nine even with this one line-up episode. I sang the chorus with Andy Samberg with the same gusto. I really like it that way.




3. JIGSAW PUZZLES

After a hard day’s work, I wind down the day with the online jigsaw puzzles. Much more convenient than the 500 or 750 tile pieces that used to litter my dining table. About twenty years ago, I spent countless of hours assembling the tessellating pieces, while my son was contentedly singing along to Barney.

Now, the online jigsaw puzzles are my de-stressor. I forget about work and just concentrate in moving the classic-shaped tiles around, as the full picture emerges. I visualize my neurons working, making their stand against Alzheimer’s. A research study actually confirmed that “lifelong jigsaw puzzle experience might be one out of many cognitive activities that may contribute to a delayed clinical manifestation of neurocognitive disorders” (Fissler et al, 2017).

Hmmm, not bad as an inexpensive way to protect the brain.



4. VIDEOS OF CAKE DECORATIONS, SEWING HACKS, AND NAIL ART-

I confess that I get mesmerized with videos that I have no plans of doing. I don't bake since I almost burned my eyebrows, I hate sewing, especially since I cannot thread the thread into the needle, and I would rather pay money than mess up my cuticles again. Maybe, it’s what I do in an alternate universe, but not in this reality. Maybe I should stop making fun of my friend who loves watching chess moves online; maybe the chess master’s droll voice is his own guilty pleasure. Like watching paint dry.

https://www.facebook.com/tastemade/videos/479403805941590/
https://www.facebook.com/5min.crafts/videos/887066671625257/
https://www.facebook.com/yatinaildesigns/videos/1971710606465956/


5. DRAWING CARTOONS

I would love to publish a Nursing Comics Cartoons book. I dreamt of having a panel of comic strips showing a nurse in her milieu. Sadly, I am not any near as good as I want to be, so I just draw for pleasure. Maybe someday?





Guilty Pleasures Part 2- https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2012/12/guilty-pleasures-part-2.html
Guilty Pleasures Part 1- http://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2010/12/on-not-feeling-guilty-about-guilty.html

Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Lives On

Original Pilipino Music (OPM) lives on.

When I left the Philippines in the early ‘80’s, the country was awash with nationalistic fervor and government protest actions. I eschewed the more political folk songs and preferred pop songs, especially ballads. Singers like Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Marco Sison, and Nonoy Zuniga appealed to my romantic heart. In my apartment in New York, I surrounded myself with cassette tapes of Tagalog music and listened to them when I was feeling homesick.

Soon I gained a more eclectic appreciation of all genres of music in my new home in the United States. Life happens and I did not have much time to indulge in music except for the easy-listening music on 106.7 as I drive around and kid songs that my young son loved to sing over and over again. Thankfully, my son outgrew Barney (You love me, I love you...) and I was able to listen to regular music again.

The wide reach of the internet and the social media have finally exposed foreign music to those who may not even understand the words but do appreciate the universal appeal of a good melody. Non-English songs in the worldwide music directory? Not really unheard of because we did have French songs like La Vie en Rose and C’est Si Bon and Italian songs in the international market before. However, the dearth of non-English songs in popular media is pitiful.

The popularity of Luis Fonsi’s Despacito brought Spanish music into mainstream again. Hey, if Justin Bieber can sing in Spanish, so can everyone, right? K-pop (Korean pop) buoyed by massive support from their Asian fans, invaded America. Psy and the phenomenal Gangnam Style video achieved 3.3 billion views on Youtube, even though he was singing and rapping in Korean. BTS, a seven-man South Korean mega-group, looks like a reincarnation of the Beatles with their massive success among fans of all races and ages, although most of their songs are in Korean.

OPM lives on, now with a new breed of artists. These are songs written in Tagalog and sung by Filipinos, but now they have broader appeal and had reached the global audience. Their Youtube videos have garnered millions of views from Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike. In one of the reaction videos, four African-American males were belting out "Akin Ka Na Lang". I fervently hope that OPM will achieve the same success as K-pop and Latino songs. The OPM songs are beautiful, catchy, and can actually be pronounced if you try your best to roll your tongue. Baby steps. Since some Tagalog words have been derived from Spanish, surely, even Justin can sing "Buwan"?



BUWAN- by Juan Karlos Labajo
(English: “Moon”)

Juan Karlos started as a contestant in “The Voice Kids edition”. Now, as an 18 y/o rocker with his own band, he has achieved platinum status with the song “Buwan”. The viral music video which he wrote and released in September 2018 received 117,001,309 views, because “Buwan” is truly a beautiful and poignantly haunting song. The video is somewhat weird and confusing which had birthed many weird and confusing explanations, too.


.

Angeline Quinto - Buwan (Live Performance)
Out of the many versions that followed the song’s release, this is my favorite.

DAHIL SA ‘YO- by Inigo Pascual
(English: "Because of You")

Inigo emerged from the shadow of his immensely popular actor father Piolo. Inigo wrote this catchy melody "Dahil Sa’Yo," which dominated the Billboard Philippines charts for several weeks. This feel-good song has been featured in many local TV and movie soundtracks, and in dance videos. The dance steps are so challenging and definitely more complicated than Electric Slide. I really wish that I have the moves and easy rhythm of the Millenials and the Generation Z'ers. If only I can do the steps!







AKIN KA NA LANG- by Morisette Amon
(English: “Please be mine”)

This 2014 song, written by Francis Salazar, showcases Morissette’s incredible five-octave range and whistle that caused many of her video reactors’ jaws to drop. This “hugot” song is a love song to her former lover to return to her; not exactly what I would urge for strong women like me. But all is forgiven, because Morissette is an incredibly versatile and talented singer who is destined for a bigger worldwide audience. This song has been sang in Tagalog by a slew of foreign singers from Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and France.





IKAW- by Yeng Constantino
(English: “You”)

An accomplished singer-songwriter, Yeng penned this song as a wedding gift to her husband in 2014. It was the most played OPM song for that year and continues, to this day, to be a favorite wedding day song. This song is a heartfelt message of enduring love and the charming wonderment of the gift of love.



Ikaw ang pagibig na hinintay
Puso ay nalumbay ng kay tagal
Ngunit ngayo'y nandito na ikaw
Ikaw ang pagibig na binigay
Sa akin ng may kapal
Biyaya ka sa buhay ko
Ligaya't pagibig ko'y ikaw

You are the love that I waited for
My heart has grieved for so long
But now you are here
You are the love
That was given to me by the heavens
You are the grace in my life
You are my happiness and my love

Damn the onions: Okay, Those Commercials Make Me Cry

“Oh no, I will not cry, I will not break down”, that’s what I told myself before I sat down to view the latest Jollibee commercial titled Choice. And then I proceeded to bawl. What an ugly cry it was.


Choice
Team Paul or Team Jay?




I cannot blame the onions. I cannot even use my hormones as an excuse. I lay the full responsibility to the Filipinos’ penchant for love and drama, for knowing how to tug on the heartstrings, all these with not-so-subtle product placement. I guess I am a sucker for a good love story. I admit I am an incurable romantic, despite everything else that happened in my life.

Jollibee has just released its latest Valentine Day commercial. The omnipresent fast food giant, (the Philippines' answer to McDonalds) does not just offer yummy burgers, crispy Chicken Joy, sweet spaghetti, the scrumptious halo-halo, and the finger-lickingly delicious peach mango pie. Jollibee has embarked on a cultural tradition when it released a trio of videos that were beautifully-written and cleverly-produced. I hope that Jollibee continues with their annual Valentine tradition, just like the John Lewis ads for Christmas and the much-hyped, super-expensive SuperBowl commercials.

The Jollibee kwentos (stories) were launched last Valentine Day in 2017. Filipinos and foreigners alike have reacted phenomenally and rendered “Vow, Crush and Date” to viral status within days of their showing. Just look at how many video reactors swooned, sobbed, and giggled with “kilig” (a feeling of exhilaration or elation caused by an exciting or romantic experience). Some video reactors have now joined the "Try not to cry" challenge, presumably to prove to themselves that they still look good on camera as they try to hold back the tears.

The stories are not all sad. Some are cute and romantic that leaves one smiling and uttering "Awwws". All are feel-good stories because the characters triumph over whatever adversities they are put through, with some help (magic maybe?) from the bumbling jolly bee. I think the Choice is the longest so far, but all the other videos run for just about less than 3 minutes. All are inspired by a true story, powerful mini-films with shocking twists that take less time than to finish a bucket of Chicken Joy.

In 2018, the advertising genius proved the first-year success was not a fluke and gifted us with a kilig-inducing and feel-good videos (albeit with some tear-jerking scenes) with Homecoming, Signs, and Parangal (Tribute).


Vow-
To all those who found joy in loving unconditionally




Crush-
To those who never gave up on love.




Date-
For love that never ends

John Lewis’ Christmas ads and the Thai masters


Thai masters

Thailand is not just known for its temples, beaches, and cuisine. It has produced a long list of commercials that are tear-jerkers and heart-wrenching even as they peddled phones, insurance, and restaurants. Just like the Philippines, love for family is of paramount importance in Thailand.

So if you’re a glutton for punishment and do not mind coming to work with puffy eyes, just sit down and watch these videos but prepare a box of tissues and a bottle of water to rehydrate. And if you're a masochist, you can binge-watch all these Thai commercials. I promise you, it is a catharsis.

Thailand 🇹🇭 Commercial - Teacher and Mother

“The Waiters’ Mom (warning: this will remind you of your mom, so prepare a whole box of tissues).






The British department store chain John Lewis & Partners started in 2007 an advertising campaign that turned out to be an annual tradition of Christmas ads. The commercials featured an assortment of characters from a trampolining dog, a forlorn penguin, and Moz the monster. The iconic ads heralded the beginning of the yuletide season, a time of great joy for the Brits.

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2018 - Elton John




The TNT boys also performed at the UK version of the “Little Big Shots” where they performed the same song, battling each other, hamming it up, sassing it up, and showing off their individual strengths, then harmonizing like no other young singers have done before. With the interview, the boys showed us a glimpse of their effervescent personalities.




Steve Harvey and the American audience could not get over the TNT boys. They could not even wait a year to invite the trio back. Their second appearance at the LBS show was met with fireworks as they sang their hearts out to Queens’ “Somebody to Love”. Francis belted, Mackie riffed, and Kiefer whistled out of nowhere. The performance elicited a shout-out from a former Queens band member Brian May.




GGV guesting (November 2017), “Listen” starts at 1:04

They did not even win the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” singing contest from which they once competed with each other. Kiefer Sanchez, 13 years old, came close when he placed second. Mackie Empuerto, 12 years old, came up third, and Francis Concepcion, 12 years old, claimed the 5th spot.

The group was “accidentally” formed at the Gandang-Gabi Vice show, a variety show in the Philippines where the top five kids from the recently-completed talent contest gathered. Vice Ganda saw something that we never saw. The host wanted the three boys to battle it out in a song and egged them on to be the fiercest they can be. And so, they took their fighting stance, challenged each other, and just bedazzled every one of us. That raw performance of “Listen” started the boys’ amazing journey to international recognition.The impromptu performance at GGV was serendipitous; it was meant to be.




Your Face Sounds Familiar

Today, August 19, the TNT boys emerged as the winners of the celebrity impersonation show called “Your Face Sounds Familiar, Kids edition Season 2” with an unprecedented 100% domination of the judges' and public votes. The group performed an explosive rendition of “Bang Bang” and channeled Jessie J., Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj in full costume, make-up, stiletto heels, and sound-alike voices. The 16-week show featured other talented kids but the TNT kids by virtue of their other international appearances and devoted video reactors elicited a lot of attention. Their most famous transformations were as BeeGees, Mariah Carey and the Boyz 11 Men, Supremes, ABBA, Destiny’s Child, and (gasp) as the Three tenors.

The impersonations are spot-on. With just one week to prepare between shows, the trio studied their characters and showed their fans that they are not just singers, they are also dancers, actors, and comedians. To jump so easily to one genre to another- from pop, hip-hop, to opera, what can they not do?




When Tomorrow Comes...

The winners took home a grand package- trophy, house and lot, a whopping 1 million pesos, and a gadget showcase. The TNT boys came from humble beginnings. Both Mackie and Kiefer lived simple lives with their parents, somehow making the effort to sing at every concert they can find. But it was Francis who struggled the most; he collected garbage to recycle so that he and his family could eat. One of nine kids, his parents were so poor that his aunt had to adopt him to give him a better life. At another interview, he had to hold back his tears when the clueless host asked about the mother he had to leave behind.

But more than the monetary rewards,their future in the music world is secured. Now, all three boys are poised for more fame and success. And we are hungrily devouring the videos of the boys who stole our hearts. We are an obsessed nation of wanna-be mothers and fathers who cheered on every vibrato, every melisma, every "birit" and every whistle note.

Their recent success is a testimonial to the hard work, discipline, resilience, and dedication by these boys. Their performances are well-polished and it is evident that they practice their craft with the same intensity of their song delivery. The fire in their eyes showed of their passion to follow their dreams of making it to singing world in the Philippines. But they probably did not even consider international success, all beyond their wildest imagination.

Their stories are inspirational to all, young and old, who dared to reach out for the stars. For all the kids who dared to dream of a million dreams, all they have to do is just look at the group. There are many similar kids in the far-away provinces who try to sing their way out of poverty. For some, their singing gives them a respite from the hard times, as well as give them hope for a reasonable chance of survival.

The future looks bright for the TNT boys. I am confident that the boys will overcome the challenge of puberty and will emerge even bigger. This is just the beginning.

Song Challenge

I could not keep up with or commit to the 30-day Song Challenge so I settled for 15 songs (16 if you count The Carlton). So, here's my 15-songs-in-one-day challenge.




1. A song that reminds you of yourself: 

“Stronger”- Kelly Clarkson

This is a song of empowerment, of surviving through all the trials in our lives. It's a reaffirmation that we just have to carry on, no matter what. I believe that even when life's challenges seem to be weighing me down, all I have to do is look around the many blessings that came from up above. I just pick myself up, dry my tears, with head held high. I am so worth it, so just have to keep fighting, for my own survival and for those who believe in me. I am strong, I am woman, I am a child of God.






2. A song that you remember from your childhood: 

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”- Julie Andrews

I am dating myself. This was my first movie experience and it was magical. Julie Andrews was a wonderful Mary Poppins in this 1964 Disney musical. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is a 34-letter mouthful that just means "something to say when you have nothing to say". I was a young child who was enamored (for life) with movie musicals. I went around the house singing the song until my mother finally told me to stop with my incessant bragging of my mastery of the word. She told me that I was even singing the song in my sleep.

A bigger challenge is: Can you spell the word?






3. A song that makes you want to fall in love:

“And I love You So”- Perry Como

“And I Love You So” was written and first released by Don McLean in 1970 for his Tapestry album. Perry Como recorded the song which reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. No surprise there, the song achieved No. 1 status on the Easy Listening chart. Perry Como's voice warms the heart and promises all those wonderful feelings, and evokes memories of those sweet moments of tenderness. The song (and the voice) can make you fall in love, even if you have sworn off it.






4. A song by a band that you wish were still together:

 “Take It Easy”-  Eagles

Well, they're still kind of together, with Glenn Frey's son replacing his father in the band after Glenn passed away. The song was written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey. Rolling Stone’s Bud Scoppa wrote that Take it Easy" was "simply the best sounding rock single to come out so far this year (1972)”. The song is catchy, danceable, calming, and such a feel good song. So much so that I envisioned myself standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona on a flatbed truck flirting with Jackson Browne or Glenn Frey look-alikes (when they were much younger).






5. A song that you think that everybody should listen to: 

"Akin Ka Na Lang"- Morisette Amon

A song and a singer that needs to be heard. Asia's Phoenix Diva Morissette, a Filipina singer, performed “Akin Ka Na Lang (Please Just Be Mine)" in a music studio bus and belted out the song effortlessly while sitting down with nary a strain on her face and in her voice. Her flawless vocal registry and unbelievable range inspires the question, "Why is she not a global superstar yet?" And that whistle? As the many reaction videos show, it is just a matter of time that Morisette will take her rightful place on the world stage.






6. A song that has many meanings to you: 

“Have I told You Lately That I love You”- Rod Stewart

At a vulnerable period in my life, as I was driving in my car, this song came up on the Delilah radio show. I started crying for all the lost chances and what it seemed to be a lonely life ahead of me. When I was grieving for my father, the song at first poked at my heart. I sobbed as I asked myself, "Have I told him that I love him?".

I have since recovered and had realized that life goes on, and in fact, has given me much more to be thankful for. The gift of Love comes from all the unexpected places and comes in many forms. I have learned to always tell my loved ones that I love them.






7. A song that makes you think about life: 

“Man in the Mirror”- Michael Jackson

This is a humbling reminder that one has to self-reflect and change within one's self before one can challenge and change the world. The mirror is truthful, and the person must accept the message loud and clear.


I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place




8. A Song that's a Classic Favorite:

O Sole Mio: Patrizio Buanne and Amira Willighagen (then 12 years old) 

Opera superstar Patrizio Franco Buanne, a Neapolitan-Austrian singer, was clearly impressed with the young singer when they performed together at a concert held in South Africa in July 2016. Goosebumps! Amira Willighagen won the sixth season of Holland’s Got Talent when she was just 9 years old.






9. A Song That Makes You Sad: 

“Goodbye To Love”- Carpenters

This plaintive song was written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis in 1972. Tony Peluso’s incredible fuzz guitar solo was just amazing. But the words tug at the heartstrings and you can only pray that someday, one can find peace and love in other ways.

So I've made my mind up
I must live my life alone
And though it's not the easy way
I guess I've always known
I'd say goodbye to love






10. A Song That Makes You Happy: 

“Happy”- Pharell Williams

With 265,078,848 views on Youtube, well, I will be ecstatic and deliriously HAPPY as I imagine Pharell is.






11. A song to drive to: 

 “I Want It That Way”- Backstreet Boys

BSB is back on tour. Darn, I missed their Las Vegas residency. Although I have not kept up with them over the years, I just could not help dancing and singing along in my car when this song comes on. Turn up the volume and groove to the music. People may stare and point at the woman (of a certain age) gesticulating inside the car. Nobody has to tell me why their song is such a good release song. Nobody has to tell me why the BSB is the biggest-selling boy band of all time.






12a. A song that makes you want to dance. 

 “Dancing in the Dark”- Bruce Springsteen 

Bruce!!!!!! I was a real fan girl back then, complete with a huge poster of his “Dancing in the Dark” pose. Bruce with the raw, rugged, masculine looks and that raspy voice and awkward dancing. Then he pulled a wide-eyed, short-haired Courtney Cox to the stage where she matched Bruce’s dancing with her unusual dancing moves.




12b. The Carlton Dance: Alfonso Ribeiro copied Courtney’s awesomely awkward moves and Eddie Murphy’s frenetic spirit to gift us with the iconic Carlton dance to Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual.”





13. A Song That Needs to be Played Loud:

 “Don’t Stop Believing”- Journey with Arnel Pineda

In his native Philippines, Arnel performed with his new band and showed everyone that dreams do come true. In a world of cynics, there is poetic justice when success lifts you up beyond imagination.






14. A song you like with a number in the title:

“Two Less Lonely People in the World”-  KZ Tandingan

KZ covered the Air Supply song and used it as official soundtrack for the independent film “Kita Kita” as the Philippine entry for an Asian Film Festival. Something finally went right, indeed.






15. A song that you will sing at a karaoke:

“Jambalaya”- Carpenters

This is an original song by Hank Williams in 1952, the song was re-recorded by the Carpenters. I have sung this at karaoke but only when most people have gone home and I was surrounded by loving friends who did not take offense of me butchering a perfectly beautiful song. They probably just value our friendship too much. Or maybe they just think that I sound like Karen Carpenter.






SONG CHALLENGE, PART TWO: https://jcerrudocreations.blogspot.com/2020/09/song-challenge-part-two.html