What I like most about listening to music is I can pretend I’m in a different world, where there is only the vastness of the night sky and deepness of the sea. And I’m right there in the middle, just floating away, aimlessly, not really giving a damn where the waves would take me.
My favorite part is when the sea would swallow me up and I would drown in submission.
Over coffee and numerous cigarettes, I chatted away while he listened, occasionally nodding or giving out remarks of contradiction. He wanted to go home as soon as dinner was over but I managed to drag him to a nearby coffeeplace. It was early and I didn’t want to go home yet. For him (and probably for a lot of people), sitting for a long period of time without anything real to do but sit, talk, sip coffee and inhale smoke is a waste of time—being idle like that is nonsensical, but I wanted to convince him that it’s not. Because of my new job, my schedule has now allowed me to be part of the normal work hours. It goes like this: work, dinner, a time to clear my head before heading home, then a restful slumber for more than six hours every day. I wake up without feeling groggy or tired because I lack sleep. That moment of clearing my head acts as my de-stresser, it usually involves having dinner or coffee or a quick, aimless stroll at the mall. And I don’t consider it a wasteful use of time. Perhaps doing it everyday does seem extravagant. I must admit I don’t have that luxury, but I grab the chance as much as I can. I look forward to sharing how my day went to another person and listening to what transpired on theirs. Or perhaps simply using that “idle time” to just think about anything other than “I have a deadline on ___ and have to finish it by ___”.
Conversations like what happened this evening is important to me. I value conversations in general—over ym, coffee talks, or inuman sessions (back in college, I looked forward to having long debates with my classmates over bottles of beer or rounds of tagayan). It gives me a chance to voice out any idea or opinion I have to another human being, and in turn, also learn something from them. It helps me have a better grasp of what’s happening around me. People have always interesting things to say, no matter how seemingly trivial some stories are. Serious or comical, thought-provoking or fabrications, these stories are still theirs, and I always have something new to discover from them. It’s a symbiosis kind of thing, really.
These stories are like documentaries happening right in your face, it just depends on how you’ll make it useful as your own. Do you simply dismiss them? Maybe, if they seem irrelevant. Or perhaps you treasure them if you find them profound or inspiring. Why do we even read books, watch movies, listen to music, or get awed by amazing artworks? These all stemmed from a story, an experience from a person who’s willing enough to share it. And I think we all have this certain need, a yearning, to be part of this loop: the sharer and the receiver.
But more often than not, these stories are revealed during a particular “idle time”. It would be hard to imagine a great piece of literature or a phenomenal film done in haste. It takes a moment of reflection and remembering, dismissing the insignificant and dwelling on the essential. It’s filtering the story before revealing the end product. These things are rarely slaves of speed.
Most people would shun the idea of being indolent, and would gear on having everything fast-paced. There’s nothing wrong with this. After all, we are living in a modern world where everything is immediately accessible. But there’s also something sweet about slowness, those small talks on coffee breaks, those casual, unmonumental conversations, endless debates, swapping stories, leisurely musings. You’ll never know when something extraordinary might come out of it.
I’ve been stalking http://www.stevemadden.com/ for quite sometime now, and have amassed a folder full of pictures of shoes that I want to have here in my closet. Some of them are ridiculously expensive for a lowly peasant such as myself, but for the love of shoes, I can sacrifice anything–including a few paychecks. :p
So the million-dollar question is, are there Steve Madden stores here in the Philippines? :-/ I’m particularly in love with the open-toe boots and the gladiator heels, but not very fond of ordering things online (shipping fees will only cause more damage in my credit card bill :p).
the weather report is on TV
whatever the weather
I will pray
for blue skies and sunny days
for good things to come my way
chase those clouds away
good things will come my way
Cynthia Alexander, The Weather Report
Article taken from http://www.rakista.com/viewtopic.php?f=923&t=27803
On September 5, no other than popular American alternative rock band Third Eye Blind will join Filipinos in welcoming San Miguel Oktoberfest, said to be the biggest, grandest, “fiesta ng Barkada” in the country to date.
Third Eye Blind, known for its hits Semi-Charmed Life, Graduate, Losing a Whole Year, Jumper and How’s It Going to Be, will be the highlight of more than 40 of the hottest bands that will play nationwide during the simultaneous opening celebrations of this year’s San Miguel Oktoberfest in Ortigas, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Laguna.
“Our Filipino patrons, young and old alike, only deserve world-class entertainment from a world-class beer like San Miguel Pale Pilsen.This year’s Oktoberfest is our special way of making the world know that the Philippines is not just a beer drinking country but a country that values and nourishes friendships like no other,” explains Group Brand Manager San Miguel Beer, Charmaine C. Bautista.
Along the stretch of San Miguel Avenue in Ortigas, four stages will be set up to showcase different music genres where merrymakers can choose to watch live performances of pop, reggae, acoustic and alternative music.
Over 40 bands, including Third Eye Blind plus some of the biggest names in the local music industry like, Rivermaya, The Dawn, Afterimage, Nyoy Volante, Paolo Santos, Jimmy Bondoc, Nina, Rico Blanco, Reggae Mistress, Guarana will set the mood for partying at the San Miguel Avenue during the opening party.
To heighten the excitement, San Miguel Pale Pilsen will also bring its well-loved sports personalities to interact with the crowd in the “Beat the Champs” corner. Partygoers will be given the chance to play face-to-face with Efren Bata Reyes and PBA hardcourt stars, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that sports aficionados can’t afford to miss.
What makes San Miguel Oktoberfest, this year extended to 120 days, larger-than-life is not just the opportunity to outscore sports giants but the collective desire to break world records.
“This year’s Oktoberfest is also an attempt for the Philippines to make it to the Guinness World Records. We are looking at garnering the highest number of beer-toasting crowd and having the longest bar. We invite every Filipino to make our country proud and be part of history” adds Charmaine C. Bautista.
Simultaneously in the provinces, Brownman Revival, Itchyworms, Kamikazee, Parokya ni Edgar and Sugarfree will lead the kick off in Mactan Economic Zone 1, Lapu-Lapu City (Cebu), Capitol Grounds, Iznart Street (Iloilo); Victoria Plaza Parking Lot, JP Laurel, Bajada (Davao); R. Magsaysay Drive, East Tapinac (Olongapo) and Paseo de Sta. Rosa Activity Center (Laguna), respectively.
San Miguel Oktoberfest is supported by the Department of Tourism, Converse, Toshiba, Focus Media, Cricket Lighters, and San Miguel Properties Inc. residential developments Bel Aldea and Maravilla.
Limited edition San Miguel Oktoberfest Beer to be unveiled
San Miguel Pale Pilsen’s 2008 Oktoberfest celebration, set to become the biggest, grandest, and longest in the world, will be made even more unique with the grand unveiling of a limited edition San Miguel Oktoberfest brew.
San Miguel Brewery Inc., the company behind the 118-year old, iconic Philippine brew, will release limited numbers of San Miguel Oktoberfest Beer, to show merrymakers a different facet of SMB.
Exclusively brewed for this year’s 120-day celebration of one of the world’s most famous festivals, the limited edition beer will be a pale lager with malty notes, balanced with floral and citrussy hops.
Made of 100% malt, it promises to be full-flavored yet light-bodied, sweetish in taste, and smooth on the finish. It is a refreshing and satisfying beer without the inebriating effect of alcohol.
This once-in-a-lifetime brew will make its debut at the grand kick-off of San Miguel Oktoberfest on September 5, at a special venue at the Coyuito parking lot, along San Miguel Avenue in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, in front of the San Miguel head office complex, Gate 1.
The event itself promises to be one for the record books as San Miguel Pale Pilsen attempts to set two Guinness World Records for the Philippines: for the biggest beer-toasting crowd ever, and the longest beer bar.
Be a part of San Miguel Oktoberfest history and get a chance to land in the Guinness World Records—while enjoying great music, great company, and the unique flavor of a truly great beer: Come to the San Miguel Oktoberfest Siento Bente, a celebration certified to be walang katulad!
Buy your OKTOBERFEST tickets in advance!
This year, as we celebrate a quarter of a century of San Miguel Oktoberfest, we will be serving up fun and friendship to the barkada over 120 days beginning September 5 (Friday). The SAN MIGUEL OKTOBERFEST SIENTO BENTE is the grandest and biggest party of the year with a bid for Guinness World Records for the longest beer bar and the most number of people toasting.
Plus! A lineup of exciting events:
> Parade of floats, dancers and musician to open the event at 2pm
> Grand fireworks display to kick off the night activities at 9pm
> Beat the Champs game in boxing, billiards and basketball
> Jam with your favorite local Filipino bands (all 20 of them!)
> Watch THIRD EYE BLIND Live in concert
> Be part of the team to beat the Guinness World Record
> Be the first to taste the San Miguel Oktoberfest Brew in the Special Oktoberfest Marquee
General Admission (Longest Bar) Ticket
Longest Bar Venue: Php 120.00 per head inclusive of 2 San Miguel Pale Pilsens
Note! A General Admission Ticket gains entrance to the longest beer bar section along San Miguel and Julio Vargas avenue ONLY to be able to watch the events happening in any of the four (4) stages and take part in the numerous booths, games & activities in the main area. Entrances are at the intersection of Julio Vargas Avenue & St. Francis Road and intersection of San Miguel Avenue & Lourdes Drive. Tickets to enter the Special Viewing Section for the ThirdEyeBlind concert and Special Oktoberfest Marquee sections are sold separately.
Special Oktoberfest Marquee Ticket > SOLD OUT!
Oktoberfest Beer Marquee: Php 300.00 per head inclusive of 3 San Miguel Oktoberfest Beers & food
Note!: A Special Oktoberfest Marquee Ticket gains entrance to the air-conditioned tent and longest beer bar section along San Miguel and Julio Vargas avenue. The Special Oktoberfest Marquee Section is located at the Coyiuto Parking Area along San Miguel Avenue beside Metrobank & in front of the main gate of San Miguel Corporation Head Office Complex’s Gate 1. Tickets to enter the Special Viewing Section for the ThirdEyeBlind concert are sold separately.
Gold Ticket
Special Viewing Section: Php 1,500.00 per head inclusive of 2 San Miguel Pale Pilsens at General Admission Section and 3 San Miguel Oktoberfest Beers & food at the Special Oktoberfest Marquee Section
Note!: A Gold Ticket gives access to the privilege few to a Special Viewing Section to be the closest to watch ThirdEyeBlind perform live. In addition, the Gold Ticket gives access to all other sections specifically the Special Oktoberfest Marquee with three (3) San Miguel Oktoberfest Beers plus food and the General Admission (Longest Bar) Area with two (2) San Miguel Pale Pilsens.
The following group packages are also available:
Oktoberfest Package 1:Php 6,000.00
General Admission tickets x 52 pcs.
(Longest Bar)
Oktoberfest Package 2: Php 10,000.00
General Admission tickets x 105 pcs.
(Longest Bar)
Oktoberfest Package 3: Php 15,000.00
General Admission tickets x 150 pcs.
(Longest Bar)
Buy these tickets now to be assured entry to the biggest, grandest San Miguel Oktoberfest. Contact Ms. Angie Carlos at 632-2218 and/ or email at acarlos@smg.sanmiguel.com.ph.
Song at the moment. :)
An Invitation
Meet me after dark
We’ll go against the weather
We’ll fight, well they can’t decide for us
Their minds are cynical
Their ordinary eyes can’t see through it all
Don’t be afraid cuz I’m here
Meet me half-way, I got you now
I got you now
Cuz when we go just so you know
I’ll be right here to carry you
Erase the traces
Restart everything, everything new
With wounds to mend
Hearts break but it can rebuild again
It’s safe to let go I’m right here with you
It’s you trust that I need to believe
That I’m not in this thing alone
Would you run away with me if It’s tonight?
Leave everything behind
Come on, come on
I got you now.
Have a listen. Download this song.
Can’t get this song out of my brain. I keep playing it over and over for the last two days. The perfect “come elope with me” song. Haha.
Urbandub is one of the few local bands I listen to the most (I have all their albums). Their new one, Under Southern Lights is starting to grow on me, though I still like Influence the best.
A quick sketch of Ms. Heidi Klum while pondering on whether i should get the same heavy bangs or not. Hmm.
The ‘Yabang Pinoy” campaign was founded by a group of young, active and nationalistic Filipinos who realized that one of the gravest problems faced by the Philippines today is Filipinos not believing in their nationality and doubting their identity.
The goal of the “Yabang Pinoy” campaign is to unite the Filipino people in believing in themselves and in fellow Filipinos.
- - - -
Kung gusto natin ng pagbabago, simulan natin sa ating mga sarili. Stop pointing fingers. Mahalin natin ang bansa natin at ipagmalaki na tayo ay Pilipino.
Ang ganda ganda ng Pilipinas! Nawi-weirduhan ako sa ibang tao kung bakit hindi nila ito nakikita.
So, click the link and support the Yabang Pinoy cause! :)
Song at the moment :)
. . .
Check the waves
Crashing down right by the sand
Feel the water go through my empty hands
Cuz today is mine
No troubles in my mind
Out this cynical world
Today we ride the waves
Riding on the curl
Straight into the shore
Take it easy, take it easy
Under the sun
Having fun cuz life is easy
Life is easy
I don’t really care what people say
Cuz they really don’t know me anyway
Cuz today is mine
No troubles in my mind
Out this cynical world
Today we rule the waves
My mind is free today
The tides they center my soul
Time and time and time and time again
Life is easy
Life is Easy - Urbandub || Under Southern Lights
I represented Weewilldoodle for Meg magazine’s Young Achievers below 25 for 2007. Grab a copy! Haha :p
Thanks so much to Akira for the scanned images :)
More photos here.
ANIKANIK || onebighappymess
Copyright 2008 © all rights reserved.
