Has it really been a year since I last wrote about International Women's Day in 2009? It seems only yesterday.

If I have to,
I can do anything.
I am strong.
I am invincible.
I am woman.

Every year, we go through this process when we pause for a moment and think about how our lives have been touched one way or another by a woman. It may range from a simple, comforting smile to an entire life changed forever by one woman's courage or strength or love.

Photo by *Zara

Everyday, we see them walk among us -- women just being themselves, doing what they do best -- serving and protecting, nurturing and loving, giving and inspiring...

Their selfless acts have become as natural to them as breathing, their show of support as ubiquitous as a tap on one's shoulder just when you need it.

It's an overwhelming experience -- to be loved selflessly and tirelessly by someone so strong yet so fragile, so sweet yet so dangerous, so innocent yet so knowledgeable. So sensitive yet so strong.

It is precisely these very same contradictions that make women so unique. Whether it's a mother's touch, a friend's embrace or a lover's kiss -- a woman's inexplicable capacity to take in so much and give the same without losing anything in the process but instead gaining more and giving more is almost magical if not unbelievable.

The love of a woman is fierce -- like a double-edged sword too dangerous for the faint of heart and too pure for the opportunistic soul.

Oftentimes, a woman's capacity for great love is downplayed as nothing more than a dutiful fulfillment of her mission, as if everything she does must have a reason, otherwise she is but a lost soul, whose existence becomes devoid of meaning and purpose.

In truth, she needs no validation nor recognition. She seeks none of those. For to her, everything she does is a labor of love, born of her immense drive to put the other person's happiness above her own -- always. To her, that is reason enough. That is reason itself.

It's a pity that while we claim that the world has become more tolerant and accepting of women, the exact opposite is true for most of them in many countries.

With the exception of a few Western countries, more and more women in the East suffer in silence in the face of maltreatment and abuse -- most times through no fault of their own.

In stark contrast with men, society finds it hard to separate a woman's achievements and contributions from the personal life she leads. This is probably one of -- if not the biggest discrimination women face. When a male political figure commits blunders and unthinkable sins for example, the world easily downplays, forgives and forgets.

But when a woman of the same stature does the same, she is eternally doomed and haunted by past mistakes -- never to fully recover from her foibles. It is as if she is not at all allowed to be human.

(Case in point: Bill Clinton vs. Sarah Palin; Tiger Woods vs. Northern Ireland's Iris Robinson)

I'd like to think that the world, after years of struggling with feminism has changed. But the glaring truth is that it hasn't changed a bit. It just wants us to believe it has just so we'd stop whining and complaining about it.

***

International Women's Day is also a celebration of women achievements. And for this year, I choose to honor a great woman writer, Lualhati Bautista who embodies the strong and stubborn woman who refuses to sit down and take it. Her strength shines through in her writing and her life and works serve as an inspiration to aspiring women writers. Lualhati Bautista -- all talent, all woman.

Today, as we celebrate the many ways a woman loves and the many wonderful ways we have benefited from such love, let us not forget the many forgotten women all over the world -- unrecognized, abandoned and unloved.

On this day, may God touch them in the night as they fall asleep weeping, may they wake up to a more caring world the next day. May they walk without fear among the crowd. May they speak without reservations of their feelings and fears. May they find comfort in the thought that they are remembered every year.

This is for all the faceless women of the world. One day, all will be rectified. One day, they will get what's due to them. One day soon.

Today is International Women's Day. Remember all the wonderful women in your lives. Let them know they are appreciated. Let them know they are loved.

Suggested Further Reading:

• Today is International Women’s Day
• Bloggers Unite: International Women’s Day – March 8, 2009
• Blog Action Day 2009: Climate Change
• Earth Day 2009: More Than A Pledge, We Need A Radical Lifestyle Change
• How the Haiti earthquake shook us up out of complacency

Bloggers Unite: International Women’s Day March 8, 2010 is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
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As usual, giving in to requests for the lyrics of LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD's standard bearer, presidentiable Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro's latest TV commercial/informercial/jingle/campaign song "Lipad" written and performed by the band Rivermaya.

You know it breaks my heart when you Googlers get to my blog not finding what you're looking for. So here it is, for your viewing and listening pleasure (or disgust -- whichever applies).

**The way I've been exerting effort transcribing lyrics for these campaign jingles, looks like I should just resurrect my long time dead lyrics blog. **

***
No copyright violation or any other violation intended. This is published here for public service. I invoke "fair use" law. Uhm, wait, do we have that here? :) Aw, heck, we don't?

Lipad
by: Rivermaya

Harapin ang hamon ng pagasa
Harapin ang hamon ng bagong simula
ohhhhhhhh....

Kay tagal mo nang gustong lumipad
Ngunit pangarap mo'y bihag ng kahirapan
Matagal mo nang gustong umangat
Handa ka na pero napabayaan
Hindi mo kasalanan...

Panahon na, gumising
Hawak mo ang susi sa mundo
Sumama...
Para sa lahat ang byaheng 'to

Harapin ang hamon ng pagasa
Harapin ang hamon ng bagong simula
Pangarap mo'y kusa na lang matutupad
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad

Lumipad...lumipad...lumipad...
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad

(Ahhhh...Sulong Gibo, sulong Gibo...)

Panahon na,lumaban
Hawak mo ang susi sa mundo
Manalig
Kasama si Gibo
Ligtas tayo...

Harapin ang hamon ng pagasa
Harapin ang hamon ng bagong simula
Pangarap mo'y kusa na lang matutupad
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad
Ngayong handa ka ng lumipad

Lumipad...lumipad...lumipad...

Sulong Gibo
Lipad tayo!

***

This song of the same title however, from the movie "Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia" -- "an all-digital, full-length animated film entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival" sang by no less than Ms. Lea Salonga would have been a better choice. :) After all it has all the elements of "galing" and "lipad" and it's  both inspirational and meaningful.. Well, just a thought.

Suggested Further Reading:

• Gibo Teodoro’s “Sulong” informercial aka “Posible” lyrics
• The Day My Country Stood Still: A Typhoon “Ondoy” Aftermath Video by: Glenn Omanio
• It’s Gibo-Edu in 2010 for Lakas-Kampi CMD
• Gibo should bolt out too
• Manny Villar’s “Naging Mahirap” / “Hindi Bawal Mangarap ang Mahirap” TVC Campaign Lyrics, Videos, Free MP3 download

“Lipad” lyrics and video: Gibo Teodoro’s new TV commercial is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
If you are not reading this blog post via an RSS reader, this content is stolen. Please contact the site administrator at stolen@adayinthelifeofrj.com. Thank you.

Click here if you're looking for lyrics and video of the new "Lipad" commercial performed by Rivermaya.

Surprised that since its Youtube upload yesterday, January 7, 2010, this "Sulong" infomercial/commercial/TVC/campaign ad barely had 500 views. Pretty much shows how "unpopular" he is compared to cousin Noynoy Aquino.

Looks like the coming election is becoming more and more a "battle of the bands" than a "battle of brands". Don't be surprised. The electorate is mainly "young" with over 70% of voters aged below 39. This my friend, is how you connect to the young and hip crowd.

This one's from Rico Blanco's "Posible" song and apparently, Gibo failed to ask permission from Blanco that this original composition of his will be used for Gibo's infomercial. While Gibo's camp insists that there was no violation of intellectual property rights the issue just  refuses to die.

As another public service of this blog, I'm publishing the words (narration/lyrics) here and of course, the video.

"Sulong"

Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro's latest infomercial

Gibo:

"Mura at masaganang pagkain para tuluyang mapawi ang gutom..

College graduate sa bawat pamilya...

Libreng gamot para sa mahihirap...

Sulong Gibo
Wag uurong

Pakinggan sa yong puso

Ang sigaw na dati'y bulong...

Narrator: Ang mabilis na pag-ahon, posible lang kay Gilbert Teodoro

Posible!

Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement.

Suggested Further Reading:

• “Lipad” lyrics and video: Gibo Teodoro’s new TV commercial
• Manny Villar’s “Naging Mahirap” / “Hindi Bawal Mangarap ang Mahirap” TVC Campaign Lyrics, Videos, Free MP3 download
• While You Were Busy Bickering
• Gibo should bolt out too
• It’s Gibo-Edu in 2010 for Lakas-Kampi CMD

Gibo Teodoro’s “Sulong” informercial aka “Posible” lyrics is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
If you are not reading this blog post via an RSS reader, this content is stolen. Please contact the site administrator at stolen@adayinthelifeofrj.com. Thank you.

As we shelve memories of 2009 and resolve to start anew in 2010,  forget not "the good times and the bad you've seen and all the others in between..."

Happy New Year everyone! Let us remember each other and look forward to tomorrow with faith in love and in God.

Times of Your Life

by: Paul Anka

Good morning, yesterday
You wake up and time has slipped away
And suddenly it's hard to find
The memories you left behind
Remember, do you remember?

The laughter and the tears
The shadows of misty yesteryears
The good times and the bad you've seen
And all the others in between
Remember, do you remember
The times of your life (do you remember)

Reach back for the joy and the sorrow
Put them away in your mind
The mem'ries are time that you borrow
To spend when you get to tomorrow

Here comes the saddest part
The seasons are passing one by one
So gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life

Gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life
Of your life
Of your life

Do you remember, baby
Do you remember the times of your lifeSuggested Further Reading:

• This Is A “Declaration” of “Doing All Right”
• Fire and Rain
• Let Me Tell You A Story (Pass The Hat, Please…)
• Thoughts that keep me awake at night
• I Live on Raw Emotion.

Let’s start anew is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
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Update: March 18, 2010

Added lyrics and video of Villar's NEWEST informercial called "Hindi Bawal Mangarap ang Mahirap".

Ipinanganak kang mahirap

Patuloy na nangangarap

Magsipag at magtiyaga

Balang araw aahon ka

Hindi bawal mangarap

Ang mahirap

Bastat maaabot ito

Sa malinis na paraan

Si Villar ay nangarap

Kahit mahirap

At nagtiwala sa Maykapal

At may paninindigan

For those looking for the "Naging Mahirap" video, lyrics and free mp3 file, those are still here (check below).

****

Because everyone's been bugging this blog about it, here you go...

This is for you guys looking for the lyrics of Manny Villar's "Naging Mahirap" TV commercial/informercial campaign theme song/jingle.

Click here to download Manny Villar's "Naging Mahirap" mp3 for free

Naging Mahirap

Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura?
Nag-Pasko ka na ba sa gitna ng kalsada?
Yan ang tanong namin,
Tunay ka bang isa sa amin?

Nalaman mo na bang mapapag-aral ka nya?
Tutulungan tayo para magka-trabaho?
At kanyang plano'y magka-bahay tayo?

Si Villar ang tunay na mahirap.
si Villar ang tunay na may malasakit.
Si Villar ang may kakayahan
At gumawa ng sariling pangalan.

Si Manny Villar ang magtatapos
ng ating kahirapan.

Disclaimer:

1. This is not an endorsement and has been posted here as public service.

2. This blog post has not been paid for by the Friends of Manny Villar nor Villar himself.

3. I did not get paid for posting this. This blog and blogger is not for hire.

4. If you still prefer to believe otherwise, that's not my problem.
Suggested Further Reading:

• Nacionalista’s Manny Villar kicks off campaign in Calamba, Laguna
• “Lipad” lyrics and video: Gibo Teodoro’s new TV commercial
• Withdrawal of Support to “Manny Villar for President in 2010″
• That abstract concept called “poverty”
• It’s Manny for Manny

Manny Villar’s “Naging Mahirap” / “Hindi Bawal Mangarap ang Mahirap” TVC Campaign Lyrics, Videos, Free MP3 download is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
If you are not reading this blog post via an RSS reader, this content is stolen. Please contact the site administrator at stolen@adayinthelifeofrj.com. Thank you.

Photo by alicepopkorn ( in and out

*****

I Like Endings (by: RJ)

I like endings.

They're very kind.

They wake you up from a dream

And take you back to reality.

They make you realize that some things

Aren't meant to begin in the first place.

While endings can't undo things that you screwed-up,

It gives you another chance to start over and forget.

While endings can't mend a broken heart,

It rewards you with a clear mind

And makes you look forward to the future

Without fear or prejudice, without delusions.

I like endings.

They're indeed very kind...

****************

Loud and Clear ( The Cranberries)

I hope that you miss me

Put me down on history

I feel such a reject now

Get yourself a life

I hope that you're sorry

For not accepting me

For not adoring me

That's why I'm not your wife

People are stranger

People in danger

People are stranger

People deranged or

I remember there was

Nothing I could ever do

Never could impress you

Even if I tried

Tell somebody who cares

Fill the room with empty stares

Go to bed and say my prayers

Keep them satisfied

People are stranger

People in danger

People are stranger

People deranged

Loud and clear I make my point my dear

I hope that you never

Get the things you wanted to

Now I cast a spell on you

Complicate your life

Hope you get a puncture

Everywhere you ever drive

Hope the sun beats down on you and

Skin yourself alive ...

Loud and Clear (The Cranberries)Suggested Further Reading:

• Dear Visitor from Mountain View, California
• My Son’s Nanny
• Now Well and Never Better
• Waiting For My Real Life To Begin: A Personal Reflection In Anticipation Of Year 2009
• I Live on Raw Emotion.

I Like Endings is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
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WARNING: Long and boring post/podcast ahead. Get yourself a pillow, some popcorn and chips before you read/listen to this. Or better yet just exit this window and spare yourself the torture. You can always come back when you're ready.

Full text below. For the lazy reader, download/listen to the podcast and bore yourself the same way. :)

Note: Actual podcast may have been slightly altered during recording. Rest assured that it's no big deal.

_________________________

[display_podcast]

These past few days, I've been surprised at what I have become. Knowing how I tend to instantly react to almost anything, for days, I have miraculously managed to read instead of write, to listen instead of speak, to watch instead of show off and well, to think instead of just "absorb".

My model of brevity, youngest daughter of the late Sec. Blas Ople, the ever-amiable Ms. Toots Ople, President of the Blas Ople Policy Center and Training Institute wrote that we are "living in interesting times". Indeed we are. The turn of events have been so "life-changing" in a way. It's as if the heavens itself have conspired to bring us to this moment in our Philippine history where we are once again called upon to "heed the call of the times". (She has written an article about "how wrong Mar was" back at FilipinoNewsNetwork.com. I suggest you go over there and read it, it's an interesting take from the perspective of someone who has worked closely with Mar for a long time.)

But as the Pedestrian Observer put forth, it is critical we don't go all giddy and romantic at this time because we may well be wrong and end up disappointed. Let us not set aside objectivity for drama. Why yes, drama is so tempting a choice, I know. One look at the TV on prime time would tell you how many of us has already given in to that pleasurable temptation.

Such is the case we have been presented with at this historical moment in our socio-political story. Once again, we see people slowly stepping-up to the challenge of a so-called "social revolution" of sorts. Of course, it may be such a sweeping generalization and probably not a sentiment shared by 100% of the population.

The fact remains, however that this opportune time is not something orchestrated by a few influential people -- unlike similar revolutions of the past. Here, we have deaths that nature and not man, has dictated. They say deaths are indeed profound events for it heralds the birth of another -- in this case, the death of Philippine democracy's icon President Cory Aquino "is" giving birth to renewed hope, renewed optimism and renewed trust on our most-valued resources -- our people. Notice that I write "is giving birth" instead of "has given birth". Obviously, I wrote that to stress a point.

As of this time, events are unfolding as if it were a grand plan designed for success -- like an artistically laid out "SUCCESS AT LAST" domino design. One flick is all it takes, we watch in awe and then, boom! "Success!". I can already imagine the spectators scratching their heads, mouths agape, mind all twisted, heart frozen, spirit jumping out of their stiff bodies -- all of them, screaming with their mouth shut -- "That's it? That easy? Why then did it take this long?".

Cut to reality.

Wishful thinking, folks. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Drama -- we are so absorbed in it that we fail to see past what is under our noses. Do you get that? I don't either. Point is, here we are again, back to where we were years ago, at this crossroad, only that, the circumstances are no longer the same. The options available are no longer the same. The political climate. The economic climate. The social climate. Heck, even the literal "climate" is different.

Hence, it begs two questions: Do we decide now based on how we decided years back? Do we bank on history to salvage what is left of our present and what we hope for in our future? Maybe we should ask ourselves that.

Proof that we are fueled by drama: Days before, the web was abuzz with news about the possibility of a Aquino-Roxas tandem. September 1, the moment news broke out about an "important" announcement of Sen. Mar Roxas, everyone (myself included) was agog at Twitter and Facebook and was frantically texting everyone in their phone book that an "important" announcement was to be made in that small Gabaldon room of Club Filipino. It was the hottest intrigue of the day, I even postponed going out in the afternoon to pay bills. Who wouldn't want to miss that, right? What's he gonna say? Will it be Roxas-Aquino? Aquino-Roxas? Will he withdraw completely? When the news finally came out, there I was teary-eyed and broken-hearted. Mar Roxas, that presidential aspirant I never liked in the first place, took my heart for a full hour or more. He suddenly became my "man of the moment" -- the self-sacrificing hero of 2010. Lost in this drama, it was as if I was ready to bleed for him. Such a statesman. Praise here. Praise there. Praise Mar.

(Manolo Quezon writes a compelling article about Mar Roxas post-withdrawal  --  Statesman.)

But then, after the emotions waned, I asked, where did my 30mins. go? Of course, the objectivity returned. The rationality came back. And then I thought, well, isn't that the most logical and safest thing for Mar Roxas to do anyway? Given that he hasn't really gained as much popularity in the surveys as he hoped for? By doing this, rallying behind Noynoy Aquino, backing somebody already backed-up by the people's clamor for a "messiah", Roxas redeems  himself and poises himself anew as a "reformist" candidate, making us all nostalgic, back to the times when "Mr. Palengke" swept us all of our feet and when DTI and Mar was synonymous with public service and results. By withdrawing his bid for presidency and reinforcing his reason for doing so by saying he is doing this for our country, Mar manages to salvage whatever it is that's left of his reputation. Now, is it all a strategy? Is it really too early for him to do this, hence raising doubts of a double "change of heart"? No one knows for sure.

I don't intend to downplay the "sacrifice". Mar Roxas is as human as humans get. He has dreams and we are all silent, probably uninterested witnesses to that dream. But anyone who has ever dreamed in his/her life knows how devastating it is to sacrifice "your dream" for "someone else's". It tears your soul apart and sometimes, there's no mending it.

Here was a man, ridiculed for his "Ramdam ko kayo. Lalaban tayo!" line and his seemingly oh-so-pretentious "padyak" TV ads, who have already spent millions for his bid, announcing in public that he is withdrawing his presidential ambitions in favor of Noynoy's. Kumbaga sa movies, what a completely unexpected twist!!! You didn't see it coming, did you? Huh? :) I know I didn't.

Let's go back to that point I want to stress about deaths "giving birth" to renewed optimism. The verb is in the present tense because in this country, politics is as good as "now" -- this moment, this time -- the present. We see mass "actions" everywhere now, and these are actions not necessarily taken to the streets but within the walls of small offices, houses, institutions, organizations and the like. It is a silent action to pursue unity and coalition -- an action that they hope will ultimately lead to a "united opposition" where only one candidate, supported by all other political parties and independent groups will run against the "anointed" of the Palace -- against the "power of the incumbent" and the power of what pundits call a "well-oiled political machinery". LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD is not to be underestimated. It is highly probable that their candidate's win will be a walk in the park under a multi-candidate/multi-party race. The Palace says, "the more, the merrier". Of course, that's what they hope for. They know their Math. And if there was anything laudable (if you can even call it that) about the Palace, it's their being "consistent" all the way. They are "in it to win it" says the party spokesperson, and I believe that to be true.

So this "rebirth", knowing how short-sighted we Filipinos have become, and how short our attenti0n span is, will probably not last that long. There is a small window of opportunity here that needs to be seized. Otherwise, all concerted efforts will be lost to oblivion, maybe in just a matter of months if not weeks. Then we'll all go back to our old selves, cursing and whining like a sore loser. I hope I am wrong.

What difference then does this decision of Mar Roxas make in light of the 2010 elections, you ask?

Well, frankly not much. To my mind, we can all just dream of salvation. Dream of progress. Dream of a good government. In the same way that we didn't get to this pitiful situation overnight, one man's "sacrifice" or another's "courage" won't make much of a difference overnight. But hell, it's not so bad to dream. So let's.

What will save us all? A sweeping social revolution will. Is that possible? Well, "in your dreams, pare!". Dream with me while we sing this song... I say, "Wake up everybody!". Because unless we all wake up, roll up our sleeves and "work it", we could all say goodbye to this "lost chance". And all these sacrifices --  Mar's, Ninoy's or anyone else's -- would all be in vain.

It is time to work.

But of course, why would we? Drama is oh-so-tempting and yes, a lot more gratifying. :)

*******

Wake Up Everybody ( by: Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes)

Wake up everybody no more sleeping in bed
No more backward thinkin' time for thinkin' ahead
The world has changed so very much
From what it used to be so
there is so much hatred war and poverty
Wake up all the teachers time to teach a new way
Maybe then they'll listen to what you have to say
Cause they're the ones who's coming up and the world is in their hands
when you teach the children teach them the best you can.

Chorus
The world won't get no better if we just let it be
The world won't get no better we gotta change it yeah, just you and me.

Wake up all the doctors make the ol' people well
They're the ones who suffer an' who catch all the hell
But they don't have so very long before the Judgement Day
So won'tcha make them happy before they pass away.
Wake up all the builders time to build a new land
I know we can do it if we all lend a hand
The only thing we have to do is put it in our mind
Surely things will work out they do it every time.

********

Suggested Further Reading:

• 10 Reasons Why I’m Not Voting Noli de Castro for Philippine President in 2010, and Why I Think You Shouldn’t Either
• Jose De Venecia III is running for senator after all
• The Day The Philippines Rocked Twitter Trends
• Withdrawal of Support to “Manny Villar for President in 2010″

Podcast: A MARvelous Day for Liberal Party: Roxas withdraws presidential bid in favor of Aquino is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
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Two songs to reinforce and re-establish the "personableness" of this blog against the backdrop of politics and technology.

Photo by Frederic della Faille

Disclaimer: The songs and lyrics are the property of the respective authors, artists and labels, and are provided here for informational and entertainment purposes only.

*****

Declaration (Words and music: Jon Black)

The Bonus track on Jon Black's newest album, "Goodbye Golden Age".

He wrote this song after having a fire drill at his office job, and, as he stood outside the building, decided that a cubicle wasn't for him. That night, he went home and wrote this song, the next day, he quit his desk job to pursue his love for music.

You've got to be kidding me
This can't be what I'm made for
To wake up and fall in line
Never feel or taste more

So I'm staring at the ocean tide
With this wind surrounding me
Let the restlessness inside
Lead to life abundantly

We're living in a land
where we go through these motions
just like fools, just like slaves
bound up, and shackled in these chains
this is a declaration

We want more
we want more
we want more
than this world can give

It's routine that's robbing us
it's routine some live for
'Cause routine is safe and calm
Ah, but we could ride this storm
but we're buried here alive
and we've got ourselves to blame
and we'll never feel the sun
and we'll never feel the rain

We're living in a land
where we go through these motions
just like fools, just like slaves
bound up and shackled in these chains
this is a declaration

We want more
we want more
we want more
than this world can give

We want more
we want more
we want more
than this world can give

We want more
we want more
we want more
than this world can give

We're living in a land
where we go through these motions
just like fools, just like slaves
bound up and shackled in these chains
this is a declaration

This is a declaration

We want more
we want more
we want more
than this world can give

We want more then this world can give
We want more then this world can give.

***

Doing All Right (by: Queen)

Words and music by Brian May and Tim Staffell

"Doing All Right" was written by Brian May and Tim Staffell while in the pre-Queen band, Smile. The song changes many times throughout, from light pop music to acoustic guitars and even contains a section that could only be referred to as heavy metal. This is one of the few Queen songs to feature Brian May on the piano. (source: Wikipedia)

Yesterday my life was in ruin
Now today I know what I'm doing
Got a feeling I should be doing all right
Doing all right

Where will I be this time tomorrow?
Jumped in joy or sinking in sorrow
Anyway I should be doing all right
Doing all right

Should be waiting for the sun
Looking round to find the words to say
Should be waiting for the skies to clear
There ain't time in all the world

Should be waiting for the sun
And anyway I've got to hide away

Yesterday my life was in ruin
Now today God knows what I'm doing
Anyway I should be doing all right
Doing all right

Doing all right

*******

Where words fail, music triumphs.Suggested Further Reading:

• Turning 30, Turning Inward
• It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over
• I Live on Raw Emotion.
• Here’s to You, My “Crazy Love”
• Waiting For My Real Life To Begin: A Personal Reflection In Anticipation Of Year 2009

This Is A “Declaration” of “Doing All Right” is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
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Photo by gmaresigEdit: You can get the SONA 2009 full text / transcript here.

Since we're tired of hearing our dear President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tell us many sugar-coated lies --- exaggerating on small progress made, bombarding us with impressive video presentations and ramming so-called impressive statistics down our throats while at the same time downplaying the many important issues that hound her administration to this day, why not, for a change, hear her sing instead?

Beauty, eh? :) Lovely idea, if you ask me. But what song? What song would an honest PGMA would have wanted us to hear? If there was only "us" -- the Filipino people and God to listen to her minus her allies (that seem to put so much pressure on her excellency), what do you think the song would be about?

I got a song for you, PGMA. And I would love to hear you sing it to all of us.

Something To Say
by: Harem Scarem

Yesterday I had it all worked out to a "T"
But now something's wrong between you and me
I was wrong, so wrong
To think that I would stay
Seasons come and seasons go
And today is another day
I wanna say now's the time
To go our separate ways
I don't know I might be wrong
Could we find the strength to say
That our love, our love's seen some better days
And who's to say if I had the chance
That I'd make the choice to stay
If you ever had something that you wanted to say
You better start talking before I go away
I wish that I could say I've been feeling okay
That I'll be bringing on the better days
But I wouldn't feel right
Knowing I was lying to you

Am I wasting all my time, will we try to make amends
I try to read between the lines
But all I see is the end

***

Yes, PGMA. In today's 2009 State of the Nation Address happening at 4PM, the last of yours, how I wish you sing this to us. (and if you could also play us the kick-ass intro, that'd be so cool!) And how I wish you digest every line. I have something to say. Everyone has something to say to you.

I used to like you PGMA. I actually voted for you as VP in 98 and as President in 2004. Now, I grieve at such a mistake that have cost me and my country so much suffering.

But you know, you don't really have to sing it. You can just tell this to us, as sincerely as you can. Tell us the truth -- as it is, no lies, no games, no pretense. Tell us that you've had shortcomings, tell us you fell short of our expectations, tell us, that you, high and mighty as you are, have also made countless mistakes that steered us into the wrong direction. Then maybe, just maybe, we can forgive you. Because only then can we see the good side of you and your brand of leadership. Stop forcing us to see things through your rose-colored glasses. We both know we are deluding ourselves. In your last hurrah, the last few months of your Presidency, come down from your mighty throne, throw those glasses and let's see reality together. If you ever wanted to leave us a legacy, leave us a legacy of contrition, of making amends. It may be too little now, but dear President, I tell you, it is never too late.

****

Dear countrymen, there you go. If you ever have something that you wanted to say, you better start talking before she goes away -- that is, if she ever goes away. #Suggested Further Reading:

• Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of
• Here’s to You, My “Crazy Love”
• How I Could Just Kill A Man
• I’m Amazed: A 2008 Year-End Reflection
• Fire and Rain

Something to Say: A PGMA Song for The Philippines on the Occasion of Her Last SONA (2009) is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
If you are not reading this blog post via an RSS reader, this content is stolen. Please contact the site administrator at stolen@adayinthelifeofrj.com. Thank you.

Photo by enggul** My apologies to my foreign friends/readers: I had to write this entire post in Filipino in honor of our 111th Independence Day. Please use Google Translate widget at the rightmost side if you need a rough translation. Thank you. **

Ngayong ika-111 taon ng kalayaan ng mahal kong Pilipinas na kumupkop sa aking mga ninuno at kukupkop sa susunod pang salinlahi, ipinahahayag ko at pinagtitibay ang mga biyayang angkin ng aking kalayaan:

Ako'y malaya, (I'm free)
Sa anumang uri ng pang-aalipin -- ng dayuhan man o kapwa Pilipino (free from slavery)
Sa pang-aabuso ng makasarili at mapag-imbot na tao (free from abuse)
Sa anumang uri ng pananakit -- pisikal, mental, emosyonal o pulitikal
Sa pang-gigipit ng taong nasa kapangyarihan (free from threats of power)
Sa pananakot ng kapitalistang mapagsamantala (free from economic threats)
Sa pagpili ng nais kong relihiyon o paniniwala (freedom of choice)
Sa pagboto ng ninais kong lider (right and freedom to vote)
Sa panloloko ng mapanlinlang na mga pulitiko (freedom from political "swindlers")
Sa kagutuman, sa kahirapan, sa krimen. (free from hunger, poverty and crime)

Malaya akong ipahayag ang aking saloobin sa anumang paraang hindi nakasasaklaw sa kalayaan ng iba (freedom of speech). Malaya akong alamin ang nangyayari sa loob ng gobyerno,
Na alamin kung paano ginagasta ang buwis na kinokolekta
Malaya akong magtanong, magsaliksik, makialam (public disclosure)
Malaya akong mamuhay ng ligtas at walang pangamba na malingat lang ako, ang karapatan ko'y ninakaw na.

Kalakip ng pahayag na ito ay ang aking pagtalima at pagtugon sa kaakibat na responsibilad ng aking tinatamasang kalayaan. Dahil dito, sisikapin ko:

Na sa anumang pagkakataon na manganib ang aking kalayaan, ito'y aking ipaglalaban ng kahuli-hulihan kong lakas.
Na sa pagtamasa ng aking kalayaan, hindi ko kailanman sadyang tatapakan ang kalayaan ng iba.
Na hindi ako magbubulag-bulagan o magbibinghi-bingihan sa harapang pagtapak ng ibang tao sa karapatan ng iba.
Na susuportahan ko ng buong pagmamahal at pagmamalaki ang anumang proyektong nagtataguyod ng kalayaan.
Na ipapamana ko sa aking anak ang pagmamahal sa bayan, sa bandila, sa Saligang Batas at sa kapwa Pilipino.

Pero ang tanong, ramdam mo ba ang kalayaang sinasabi ko? 'Wag na tayong magbolahan. Alam natin pareho na hindi naman talaga
tayo ganap na malaya. Marami sa nabanggit, mistulang pangarap na lang yata. Marami pa ring pagtatangkang pang-aagaw na nagaganap sa kasalukuyan. Hindi ko na kailangang isa-isahin.

Nakalulungkot isipin na hanggang ngayon, pilit pa rin tayong sinasakop. Pilit pa ring inaagaw ang kalayaang tangan natin.
At ang masakit pa nito, iba na ang istilo ng pananakop ngayon. Iba na rin ang anyo ng mga mananakop, hindi na galing sa ibayong-dagat. Andito na mismo nanggagaling sa sarili nating bakuran -- sarili nating lahi -- sariling dugo. Marami sa kanila, iba na ang gamit na sandata -- nakahahalinang pangako, personalidad o presensya. Napakadaling matangay.

Kaya marapat lamang na paigtingin natin ang pagbabantay ng ating kalayaan. 'Wag malilingat. 'Wag kukurap. Maging mapagmatyag.

Kalayaan, hindi na ko papayag na mawala kang muli. Hindi na ko papayag na muling mabawi. At hinding-hindi ako papayag na muling dungisan ang kalayaang pinuhunanan ng sariling dugo ng mga bayaning Pilipino. Taglay ko ang dugo nila. Ang pagyurak sa kalayaang ipinaglaban nila noon ay pagyurak sa parehong kalayaang tinatamasa ko ngayon.

Pilipino ka rin di ba? 'Wag ka ring papayag!

Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo
(Words by Jim Paredes/APO Hiking Society; Sung by: Various Artists)
written for  EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986, known as "the revolution that surprised the  world")

If the embedded music doesn't play, click here to listen (opens a new window)

'Di na 'ko papayag mawala kang muli.
'Di na 'ko papayag na muling mabawi,
Ating kalayaan kay tagal nating mithi.
'Di na papayagang mabawi muli.

Magkakapit-bisig libo-libong tao.
Kay sarap palang maging Pilipino.
Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain.
Kailan man 'di na paaalipin.

Ref:
Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta't magkaisa tayong lahat.

Masdan ang nagaganap sa aming bayan.
Magkasama na'ng mahirap at mayaman.
Kapit-bisig madre, pari, at sundalo.
Naging langit itong bahagi ng mundo.

Huwag muling payagang umiral ang dilim.
Tinig ng bawat tao'y bigyan ng pansin.
Magkakapatid lahat sa Panginoon.
Ito'y lagi nating tatandaan.
(repeat refrain two times)

Coda:
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan.
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.
Basta't magkaisa tayong lahat!

------------------------------------------------------------Suggested Further Reading:

• Winners and Losers
• While You Were Busy Bickering
• Post-SONA 2008 Sentiments
• “Don’t You Know Me?”: The Question To Fear Or The Question To Loathe?
• Because Every Filipino Just Needs A Break

Pilipino Ako: Malaya. (A 111th Philippine Independence Day Post) is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
If you are not reading this blog post via an RSS reader, this content is stolen. Please contact the site administrator at stolen@adayinthelifeofrj.com. Thank you.

This resolution filed last November 2008 by Congressman Luis Villafuerte of Camarines Sure, who happens to be a kababayan (both of my parents hail from Camarines Sur, Bicol) which was not intended for any other purpose but to ask the Supreme Court on voting procedures by the Senate and the House (how to vote — separately or collectively?) is now being fashioned in a way that may serve the purpose of a select few and  not the benefit of the whole Filipino nation. As of this time, he has declared withdrawal of support to the resolution he himself authored and consequently withdrew from the party as well so he’s now independent, so to speak. Are we seeing moro-moro style tactics here? 

I have heard of countless reassurances from the President’s men that this ChaCha is not to be feared or despised on account of  a possible power perpetuation of GMA. Rep. Villafuerte himself assures this, adding that a resolution/pledge/covenant has been explicitly stated on the bill that they will not tinker with presidential term extension or anything similar to that.

But I refuse to be led astray. Is everything happening according to plan? Are we being played here? I don’t know about you, but I think something’s amiss. They used to employ cloak and dagger attack back in the days, that I’m aware of. But now, it’s totally different. Everything happens “in-your-face” like an attack “in broad daylight” now that if you still feel nothing, I’d say you have a malignant case of denial. Better get yourself checked.

Is your Congressman/woman part of  this wholesale pambabastos of the Filipino people’s sentiment over HR 1109 at Bastusang Pambansa?

Check the list below and check it twice, find out who’s naughty and who’s nice. If your representative is up for re-election, I suggest you think it over -- a million times if possible, before voting for him/her.

See if your district representative has shamelessly sold you out!

*Note: Let it be known that I’m proud and happy of our good Congressman Justin “Timmy” Chipeco of the 2nd District of Laguna for NOT SUPPORTING HR 1109. Hats off to you, sir!

LIST OF SHAMELESS SUPPORTERS OF HR 1109:

NAME, DISTRICT/ AREA

ABANTE, BIENVENIDO M. “BENNY” 6TH District Pandacan

ABLAN, ROQUE R. JR  Ilocos Norte, 1st District

AGBAYANI, VICTOR AGUEDO E. Pangasinan, 2nd District

AGYAO, MANUEL, S Kalinga Province

ALBANO (III), RODOLFO T. Isabela, 1st District

ALFELOR, FELIX R. JR. 4th District, Camarines Sur

ALMARIO, THELMA Z. Davao Oriental, 2nd District

ALVAREZ, ANTONIO C. Palawan 1st District

ALVAREZ, GENARO RAFAEL M. JR. Negros Occidental, 6th District

AMANTE, EDELMIRO A. Agusan Del Norte, 2nd District

AMATONG, ROMMEL C. Compostela Valley, 2nd District

ANGPING, MARIA ZENAIDA B. Manila, 3rd District

ANTONINO, RODOLFO W. Nueva Ecija, 4th District

APOSTOL, TRINIDAD G. Leyte, 2nd District

AQUINO, JOSE S. (II) 1st District Agusan del Norte

ARAGO, MARIA EVITA R. 3rd district, Laguna

ARBISON, A MUNIR M. Sulu 2nd District

ARENAS, MA. RACHEL J. Pangasinan, 3rd District

ARROYO, DIOSDADO M. Camarines Sur, 1st District

ARROYO, IGNACIO T. 5th district Negros Occidental

ARROYO, JUAN MIGUEL M. 2nd District of Pampanga

BAGATSING, AMADO S. Manila 5th district

BALINDONG, PANGALIAN M. Lanao del Sur, 2nd District

BARZAGA, ELPIDIO F. JR. Cavite, 2nd District

BAUTISTA, FRANKLIN P. Davao Del Sur, 2nd District

BELMONTE, VICENTE F. JR. Lanao del Norte, 1st District

BICHARA, AL FRANCIS C. Albay, 2nd District

BIRON, FERJENEL G. Iloilo, 4th District

BONDOC, ANNA YORK P. Pampanga 4th District

BONOAN-DAVID, MA. THERESA B. Manila, 4th District

BRAVO, NARCISO R. JR. Masbate, 1st District

BRIONES, NICANOR M. AGAP Party list

BUHAIN, EILEEN ERMITA Batangas, 1st District

BULUT, ELIAS C. JR. Apayao Lone District

CAGAS (IV), MARC DOUGLAS C. Davao Del Sur, 1st District

CAJAYON, MARY MITZI L. Caloocan, 2nd District

CAJES, ROBERTO C. Bohol, 2nd District

CARI, CARMEN L. Leyte, 5th District

CASTRO, FREDENIL H. Capiz, 2nd District

CELESTE, ARTHUR F. Pangasinan, 1st District

CERILLES, ANTONIO H. Zamboanga Del Sur, 2nd District

CHATTO, EDGARDO M. Bohol, 1st District

CHONG, GLENN A. Biliran, Lone District

CHUNG-LAO, SOLOMON R. Ifugai, Lone District

CLARETE, MARINA C. Misamis Occidental, 1st District

CODILLA, EUFROCINO M. SR. Leyte, 4th District

COJUANCO, MARK O. Pangasinan, 5th District

COQUILA, TEODULO M. Eastern Samar, Lone District

CRISOLOGO, VINCENT P. Quezon City, 1st District

CUA, JUNIE E. Quirino, Lone District

CUENCO, ANTONIO V. Cebu City, 2nd District

DANGWA, SAMUEL M. Benguet, Lone District

DATUMANONG, SIMEON A. Maguindanao, Lone District

Dayanghirang, Nelson L. Davao Oriental, 1st District

DAZA, NANETTE C. Quezon City, 4th District

DAZA, PAUL R. Northern Samar, 1st District

DE GUZMAN, DEL R. Marikina City, 2nd District

DEFENSOR, ARTHUR D. SR. Iloilo, 3rd District

DEFENSOR, MATIAS V. JR. Quezon City, 3rd District

DEL MAR, RAUL V. Cebu City, 1st District

DIASNES, CARLO OLIVER D. (MD) Batanes, Lone District

DIMAPORO, ABDULLAH D. Lanao Del Norte, 2nd District

DOMOGAN, MAURICIO G. Baguio, Lone District

DUAVIT, MICHAEL JOHN R. Rizal, 1st District

DUENAS, HENRY M. JR. Taguig, 2nd District (2nd Councilor District)

DUMARPA, FAYSAH MRP. Lanao del Sur, 1st District

DUMPIT, THOMAS L. JR. La Union, 2nd District

DURANO (IV), RAMON H. 5th District, Cebu

ECLEO, GLENDA B. Dinagat Islands, Lone District

EMANO, YEVGENY VICENTE B. Misamis Oriental, 2nd District

ENVERGA, WILFRIDO MARK M. Quezon, 1st District

ESTRELLA, CONRADO M. (III) Pangasinan, 6th District

ESTRELLA, ROBERT RAYMUND M. ABONO Party List

FERRER, JEFFREY P. Negros Occidental, 4th District

GARAY, FLORENCIO C. Surigao Del Sur, 2nd District

GARCIA, ALBERT S. Bataan, 2nd District

GARCIA, PABLO JOHN F. Cebu, 3rd District

GARCIA, PABLO P. Cebu, 2nd District

GARCIA, VINCENT J. Davao City, 2nd District

GARIN, JANETTE L. Iloilo, 1st District

GATCHALIAN, REXLON T. Valenzuela City, 1st District

GATLABAYAN, ANGELITO C. Antipolo City, 2nd District

GO, ARNULFO F. Sultan Kudarat, 2nd District

GONZALES, AURELIO D. JR. Pampanga 3rd District

GONZALES, RAUL T. JR. Ilo ilo City

GULLAS, EDUARDO R. Cebu, 1st District

GUNIGUNDO, MAGTANGGOL T. Valenzuela City 2nd District

HOFER, DULCE ANN K. Zamboanga Sibugay, 2nd District

JAAFAR, NUR G. Tawi-Tawi, Lone District

JALA, ADAM RELSON L. Bohol, 3rd District

JALOSJOS, CESAR G. Zamboanga del Norte, 3rd District

JALOSJOS-CARREON, CECILIA G. Zamboanga del Norte, 1st District

JIKIRI, YUSOP H. Sulu, 1st District

KHO, ANTONIO T. Masbate, 2nd District

LABADLABAD, ROSENDO S. Zamboanga del Norte, 2nd District

LACSON, JOSE CARLOS V. Negros Occidental, 3rd District

LAGDAMEO, ANTONIO F. JR. Davao del Norte, 2nd District

LAPUS, JECI A. Tarlac, 3rd District

LAZATIN, CARMELO F. Pampanga, 1st District

LIM, RENO G. Albay, 3rd District

LOPEZ, JAIME C. Manila, 2nd District

MADRONA, ELEANORA JESUS F. Romblon, Lone District

MAGSAYSAY, MARIA MILAGROS H. Zambales, 1st District

MALAPITAN, OSCAR G. Caloocan, 1st District

MAMBA, MANUEL N. Cagayan, 3rd District

MANGUDADATU, DATU PAKUNG S. Sultan Kudarat,

MARANON, ALFREDO D. III Negros Occidental, 2nd District

MATUGAS, FRANCISCO T. Surigao del Norte, 1st District

MENDOZA, MARK LEANDRO L. Batangas, 4th District

MERCADO, ROGER G. Southern Leyte, Lone District

MIRAFLORES, FLORENCIO T. Aklan, Lone District

NAVA, JOAQUIN CARLOS RAHMAN A. (MD) Guimaras, Lone District

NICOLAS, REYLINA G. Bulacan, 4th District

NOGRALES, PROSPERO C. Davao City, 1st District

OLAñO, ARREL R. Davao Del Norte, 1st District

ONG, EMIL L. Northern Samar, 2nd District

ORTEGA, VICTOR FRANCISCO C. La Union, 1st District

PABLO, ERNESTO C. APEC Party List

PANCHO, PEDRO M. Bulacan, 2nd District

PANCRUDO, CANDIDO P. JR. Bukidnon, 1st District

PICHAY, PHILIP A. Surigao Del Sur, 1st District

PIñOL, BERNARDO F. JR. North Cotabato, 2nd District

PUNO, ROBERTO V. Antipolo City, 1st District

RAMIRO, HERMINIA M. Misamis Occidental, 2nd District

REMULLA, JESUS CRISPIN C. Cavite, 3rd District

REYES, CARMELITA O. Marinduque, Lone District

REYES, VICTORIA H. Batangas, 3rd District

ROBES, ARTURO G. San Jose Del Monte City, Lone District

Rodriguez-Zaldarriaga, Adelina Rizal, 2nd District

ROMAN, HERMINIA B. Bataan, 1st District

ROMARATE, GUILLERMO A. JR. Surigao del Norte, 2nd District

ROMUALDEZ, FERDINAND MARTIN G. Leyte, 1st District

ROMUALDO, PEDRO Camiguin, Lone District

ROMULO, ROMAN T. Pasig City, Lone District

ROXAS, JOSE ANTONIO F. Pasay City

SALIMBANGON, BENHUR L. Cebu, 4th District

SALVACION JR., ANDRES D. Leyte, 3rd District

SAN LUIS, EDGAR S. Laguna, 4th District

SANDOVAL, ALVIN S. Malabon-Navotas, Lone District

SANTIAGO, JOSEPH A. Catanduanes, Lone District

SANTIAGO, NARCISO D. (III) ARC Party List

SEACHON-LANETE, RIZALINA L. 3rd district of Masbate

SEARES-LUNA, CECILIA M. Abra, Lone District

SILVERIO, LORNA C. Bulacan, 3rd District

SINGSON, ERIC D. Ilocos Sur, 2nd District

SINGSON, RONALD V. Ilocos Sur, 1st District

SOLIS, JOSE G. Sorsogon, 2nd District

SOON-RUIZ, NERISSA CORAZON Cebu, 6th District

SUAREZ, DANILO E. Quezon, 3rd District

SUSANO, MARY ANN L. Quezon City, 2nd District

SY-ALVARADO, MA. VICTORIA R. Bulacan, 1st District

SYJUCO, JUDY J. 2nd Dsitrict, Iloilo

TALINO-MENDOZA, EMMYLOU J. North Cotabato, 1st District

TAN, SHAREE ANN T. Samar, 2nd District

TEODORO, MARCELINO R. Marikina City, 1st District

TEODORO, MONICA LOUISSE PRIETO Tarlac, 1st District

TEVES, PRYDE HENRY A. Negros Oriental, 3rd District

TUPAS, NEIL C. JR. Iloilo, 5th District

UNGAB, ISIDRO T. Davao City, 3rd District

UY, EDWIN C. Isabela, 2nd District

UY, REYNALDO S. Samar, 1st District

UY, ROLANDO A. Cagayan De Oro City, Lone District

VALDEZ, EDGAR L. APEC Party List

VALENCIA, RODOLFO G. Oriental Mindoro, 1st District

VARGAS, FLORENCIO L. Cagayan, 2nd District

VILLAFUERTE, LUIS R. Camarines Sur, 2nd District

VILLAROSA, MA. AMELITA C. Occidental Mindoro, Lone District

VIOLAGO, JOSEPH GILBERT F. Nueva Ecija, 2nd District

YAP, JOSE V. Tarlac, 2nd District

YU, VICTOR J. Zamboanga Del Sur, 1st District

ZAMORA, MANUEL E. 1st District, Compostela Valley

ZIALCITA, EDUARDO C. Parañaque, 1st District

———————————————————————-

Eight years strong and counting. We are being dragged to hell (as if this isn’t hell enough). Remain vigilant my dear countrymen. Even fallen angels pray, so pray harder. Even lameducks run, so run faster.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mamatay ang corrupt!

And oh, hey, here’s to the plotters of constitutional rape, a song for you. See, I’m not so bad. :)

Note: If the embedded music doesn’t play, click here (opens a new window).

If She’s Here, Who’s Running Hell? (Four-Year Strong)

Take it or leave me behind because you know that you never did care at all.

My poor ears have had it, you’re coming in static.

Face down on the floor, tuned out across the board like a million times before.

You’re living it up now, just wait until it goes down.

How did you get everything you want

When you never did a thing to deserve what you got?

You’ve got it made, got it all for yourself because that’s the only thing

You really seem to care about.

Something tells me I’m in for something good, then the bottle opens

And here we go again.

I won’t let you drag me down, no

Not one bit to get yourself back up.

I hope that, for your sake, you make it out in time.

So leave the light on or you’ll never make it out alive.

Save it for someone who cares.

You should know that I never did care at all.

And now my sore eyes have had it, I’m kicking this habit.

So pick it up just like you said you’d do, because you’ve always got a point to prove.

It’s win or lose, it’s time to choose

You play it like you’re hard, but I think I’m on to you.

YOU’RE BEARING LIES ON YOUR CHEST!

THE BOTTLE OPENS AGAIN AND HERE WE GO AGAIN!!

Something tells me I’m in for something good.

Tell me how you like it.

Something tells me I’m in for something good, then the bottle opens

And here we go again.

I won’t let (won’t let) you drag me down, no

Not one bit to get (to get) yourself back up.

I hope that, for your sake, you make it out in time.

So leave the light on or you’ll never make it out alive.

Won’t let (won’t let) you drag me down, no

Not one bit to get (to get) yourself back up.

I hope that, for your sake, you make it out in time.

So leave the light on or you’ll never make it out alive.

All you have has been falling down around you

And I found a way, found a way, to get along without you

———————————————————————

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If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!Suggested Further Reading:

• It’s Manny for Manny
• Time to Awaken The Rizal in All Of Us
• It’s Gibo-Edu in 2010 for Lakas-Kampi CMD
• Typhoon Ondoy Helplines: Who You Gonna Call?
• Choosing the Palace Successor: Philippine Presidential Elections 2010

Eight Years Strong: If She’s Here, Who’s Running Hell? is another original post from: adayinthelifeofrj.com
If you are not reading this blog post via an RSS reader, this content is stolen. Please contact the site administrator at stolen@adayinthelifeofrj.com. Thank you.

"Communication"

For 27 years I've been trying to believe and confide in
Different people I've found.
Some of them got closer than others
Some wouldn't even bother and then you came around
I didn't really know what to call you, you didn't know me at all
But I was happy to explain.
I never really knew how to move you
So I tried to intrude through the little holes in your veins

And I saw you
But that's not an invitation
That's all I get
If this is communication
I disconnect
I've seen you, I know you
But I don't know
How to connect, so I disconnect

You always seem to know where to find me and I'm still here behind you
In the corner of your eye.
I'll never really learn how to love you
But I know that I love you through the hole in the sky.

Where I see you
And that's not an invitation
That's all I get
If this is communication
I disconnect
I've seen you, I know you
But I don't know
How to connect, so I disconnect

Well this is an invitation
It's not a threat
If you want communication
That's what you get
I'm talking and talking
But I don't know
How to connect
And I hold a record for being patient
With your kind of hesitation

Oh I need you, you want me
But I don't know how to connect

So I disconnect. I disconnect. #

---------------------------------------------------Suggested Further Reading:

• Lie To Me
• Here’s to You, My “Crazy Love”
• “Not now” Doesn’t Mean “Never”
• The Invisible Blog
• I Like Endings

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I won't be writing much on this blog for quite some time for personal reasons. However, I will still write posts once in a while but I won't engage you in thoughtful monologues as before (that means I wouldn't be writing much original content for a time). I hope I don't get to disappoint the few people who visit here (that's people like you) for whatever reason. I write crappy articles anyway so I'm sure my posts would hardly be missed.

I would like to stress that this "partial" blogging hiatus doesn't have anything to do with the Lenten Season or the fact that my birthday's coming up. It's just a natural course that people (and blogs) go through. Don't ask me why because there's no way I'd tell you.

The following song is "And I Love You So" by Don McLean -- whose voice I will always love and whose songwriting skills I will always worship (now, don't be jealous Rod Stewart -- you know you aren't my first love).

And I Love You So
Written and Performed by: Don McLean

And I love you so.
The people ask me how,
How I've lived till now.
I tell them I don't know.

I guess they understand
How lonely life has been.
But life began again
The day you took my hand.

And, yes, I know how lonely life can be.
The shadows follow me, and the night won't set me free.
But I don't let the evening get me down
Now that you're around me.

And you love me too.
Your thoughts are just for me
You set my spirit free.
I'm happy that you do.

The book of life is brief
And once a page is read,
All but love is dead.
This is my belief.

And yes, I know how loveless life can be.
The shadows follow me, and the night won't set me free.
But I don't let the evening get me down
Now that you're around me.

And I love you so.
The people ask me how,
How I've lived till now.
I tell them, "I don't know."Suggested Further Reading:

• Lie To Me
• It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over
• Here’s to You, My “Crazy Love”
• Let’s start anew
• Let Me Write You A Prose

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I've always wondered if this song was composed post-Twitter. My guess it that this song came first. But Uncle Cracker sure as hell was prophetic, wasn't he?

If Twitter had a theme song, this would be it!

Right now, I'm following almost 2,000 twitters so obviously I can't seem to keep up with their tweets. Adding more pressure for me to "unfollow" certain people is Twitter's new "followers" vs. "followed" ratio. Right now, I can't follow new twitters unless I "unfollow some". And I'm telling you, it's so damn hard to choose who to "unfollow". There's always this thought that I might miss something if I unfollow one or two of them. :) It's a continuing daily struggle -- this filtering mode I've been in these past few days. And right now, I hardly reduced the number of people I follow. Well, good luck to me.

By the way, you might want to follow me on Twitter, too! :)

Maybe part of me is actually a happy stalker after all... :) Meantime, enjoy my edited" version of "Follow Me" by Uncle Cracker.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow Me
by: Uncle Cracker

(edited by RJ)

Click here to listen to "Follow Me" by Uncle Cracker
You don't know how you met me
You don't know why,
You can't turn around and say good-bye "unfollow" me
All you know is when I I'm with tweet you, you  jump with free glee
And swim through your veins like a fish in the sea
I'm singing tweeting

Follow me, and
Everything is alright
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night (good night, twitter...)
And if you want to leave unfollow
I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me

I'm not worried 'bout the ring you wear thousands tweets that you read
just as long as no one knows you're updated
Then nobody can care
You're feelin' guilty
And I'm well aware
But you don't look ashamed
And baby I'm not scared (stalk me, it's okay)
I'm singing tweeting

Follow me, and
Everything is alright
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night (good night, twitter...)
And if you want to leave unfollow
I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me

Won't give you money
I can't give you the sky
you're better off unfollow if you don't ask why can't reply
I'm not the reason that you go astray can't hit the bed
We'll be alright if you don't ask me to stay just sign-out instead

Follow me, and
Everything is alright
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night (good night, twitter...)
And if you want to leave unfollow
I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me

You don't know how you met me
You don't know why,
You can't turn around and say good-bye "unfollow" me
All you know is when I'm with I tweet you I make you free smile
And swim through your veins like a fish in the sea
I'm singing tweeting

Follow me, and
Everything is alright
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night (good night, twitter...)
And if you want to leave unfollow
I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me

Follow me, and
Everything is alright
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night (good night, twitter...)
And if you want to leave unfollow
I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me
I'm singing tweeting

Follow me, and
Everything is alright
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night (good night, twitter...)
And if you want to leave unfollow
I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like meSuggested Further Reading:

• The Day The Philippines Rocked Twitter Trends

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Photo by ✮~ Katty ~✩

"..And she'll promise you more
Than the Garden of Eden
Then she'll carelessly cut you

And laugh while you're bleedin'
But she'll bring out the best

And the worst you can be
Blame it all on yourself
Cause she's always a woman to me..."

-- from "She's Always A Woman" by Billy Joel

(Click here to listen to this song.)

I woke up pretty late today -- a lot late than usual. Probably because it's a Sunday. But guess the first thing that came to my mind that evoked a wide smile on my face? Today -- March 8, 2009 is International Women's Day! It's my day. Ladies, it's our day! I'm sure by now, Bloggers Unite participating bloggers are churning-out posts and populating the web with "women's day" articles.

Having that thought in mind, I immediately logged in to my desktop and decided to start this day with really good "ladies music". I plan to have coffee after this post, shop for food, watch a movie, read a good book and savor every minute of this day. After all, I know that this day is being celebrated and commemorated the world over -- not just by women like me, but more so, by men who acknowledge, understand and appreciate the wonderful role that women play in their lives and society in general. Your mother. Your grandmother. Your aunt. Your niece. Your cousin. Your friend. Your classmate. Your officemate. Your boss. The world, with all its hassles and burdens, becomes a little more bearable because of that female that inspires you to go to work or that lady at the grocery store that's a little more helpful or that appreciative boss who recognizes your efforts for a job well done.

Women, as I've mentioned before in a previous post, have now become prime movers and shakers of society. Gone are the days when their task is limited to household chores and gone are the days when they were preferred to "be seen and not heard". Today, in a more tolerant and modern society, women have gone far beyond territories that their predecessors were allowed to roam in.They have exceeded expectations in the economic, social and even political arena. No longer can it be said that women are inferior by any measure. History is replete with stories of successful women in various fields.

But let it be said, for the purpose of fair discussion and display of gratefulness, that this so-called "girl power" generation has been successful partly and in by no means lesser, because of the fact that the men of our generation have been supportive of women. And for that, I would like to honor these men as well, who saw beyond the beauty of women -- men who saw that what lies within is far greater than what was evident in that disarming smile or that long, shiny pair of adorable, sexy legs.

I honor and congratulate women from all over the world, from the past to the present -- and yes, even to the women of the future, of the accomplishments they have made, are making and will make. Ladies, this is your day.

Today we celebrate International Women's Day -- officially. But to me, and to most people surrounded by wonderful women, Everyday is Women's Day!

Suggested Further Reading:

• Bloggers Unite: International Women’s Day – March 8, 2009
• Bloggers Unite: International Women’s Day March 8, 2010
• Bloggers Unite: Today, October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
• Earth Day 2009: More Than A Pledge, We Need A Radical Lifestyle Change
• Lights Out Tonight: My Present for the Future

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Fire and Rain
by: James Taylor

Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
Susanne the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just cant remember who to send it to

Ive seen fire and Ive seen rain
Ive seen sunny days that I thought would never end
Ive seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that Id see you again

Wont you look down upon me, jesus
Youve got to help me make a stand
Youve just got to see me through another day
My bodys aching and my time is at hand
And I wont make it any other way

Oh, Ive seen fire and Ive seen rain
Ive seen sunny days that I thought would never end
Ive seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that Id see you again

Been walking my mind to an easy time my back turned towards the sun
Lord knows when the cold wind blows itll turn your head around
Well, theres hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things
To come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground

Oh, Ive seen fire and Ive seen rain
Ive seen sunny days that I thought would never end
Ive seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that Id see you, baby, one more time again, now

Thought Id see you one more time again
Theres just a few things coming my way this time around, now
Thought Id see you, thought Id see you fire and rain, nowSuggested Further Reading:

• I Always Thought That I’d See You Again
• This Is A “Declaration” of “Doing All Right”
• Let’s start anew
• And I Love You So
• I’m Amazed: A 2008 Year-End Reflection

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There are no words for this post. The song says it all for me. Every line is my life spelled-out.
I thank you for the inspiration while I sit here in anticipation of the year ahead... While I wait eagerly for my real life to begin. If only you can be there with me when it happens...

"Let me throw one more dice.
I know that I can win.
I'm waiting for my real life to begin."

I have high hopes for 2009.

But if I ever die this year, let this song play endlessly while I'm taken to my resting place, for if my life doesn't begin here and now, I'm sure there -- where I will nourish the grass above me -- is where my life begins.

Waiting For My Real Life To Begin
Performed by: Colin Hay

Any minute now my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
And I'll stand on the bow
And feel the waves come crashing
Come crashing down, down, down on me

And you say,"Be still, my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in"
Don't you understand?
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

When I awoke today suddenly nothing happened
But in my dreams I slew the dragon
And down this beaten path
And up this cobbled lane
I'm walking in my own footsteps once again

And you say,"Just be here now
Forget about the past
Your mask is wearing thin"
Let me throw one more dice
I know that I can win
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

Any minute now my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
And I'll check my machine
There's sure to be that call
It's gonna happen soon, soon, oh so very soon
It's just that times are lean

And you say,"Be still, my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in"
Don't you understand?
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

Hey heyeyeyeyey
Hey yeeeeeee
Hey heyeyeyeyey
Eeh eeh eeh eeh eh x5

On a clear day
I can see, see for a long way

On a clear day
I can see, see a very long way Suggested Further Reading:

• Waiting In Vain
• I Like Endings
• And I Love You So
• This Is A “Declaration” of “Doing All Right”
• Apprehensively Yours

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Click here to listen to "I'm Amazed" (plays in a new window).

As the year draws to a close a few hours from now, allow me to reflect on the things that happened in the year that we will leave behind. Never has there been a time more challenging than these times. Never have we been faced by such pressing issues such as war, global warming, oil supply problems, social and political turmoil, incurable diseases, technology dilemmas and moral degradation -- all at the same time.
I pray that we don't lose hope. I pray that despite of all these seemingly insurmountable challenges, we resolve to forge ahead -- march with courage -- and press on. We survived years of evolution. We've been through worse and came out victorious. If we did it then, we can do it again.

Diamond may be the hardest material on earth, but even that shimmering, mighty piece of stone will shy away from the true champion -- the toughest of all -- the human heart.

In remembering the good and the bad of the year that was, indulge me on this dedication:

I make this post for all those who've been victims of injustice, in any form.

I make this post for all the politicians who seek nothing but more power and wealth and forget the higher purpose of their existence.

I make this post for the media, new and old, print, TV and radio that sensationalized news in the interest of business instead of the general public.

I make this post for our armed forces and police who, despite of the dire conditions they are in, remain steadfast in their commitment and thrust -- serving our country and its people.

I make this post for the hungry, the forgotten, the weak, the abused, the exploited.

I make this post for the entire Filipino people, who, despite of ourselves and of the circumstances that subvert our otherwise sound judgement and well-meaning conscience, I hold dear to my heart and whose future I worry about and pray for.

I make this post for our brothers and sisters the world over of any race or color, on the brink of a feared global recession, may they be strong amidst all crises they're about to face.

I make this post for you who come back to read my blog for any reason. It is for you that I pray earnestly to God that I do not lack words to put together, that somehow, I get to convey exactly how I feel, and that somehow you feel it and see the world from where I am, from my perspective -- so I don't watch alone.

With everyone talking Charter Change, term extensions, graft and corruption cover-ups and trials by media, one has to be deaf, mute and numb to not care at all.

Of all that's happened in the past, I only have this to say: "I'm amazed." And no song aptly puts this into words than one of the same title by My Morning Jacket.
Happy New Year Everyone! May you never cease to be amazed -- and not stop there, but do something about it.

Click here to listen to "I'm Amazed" (plays in a new window).

I'm Amazed
Performed by: My Morning Jacket

I'm amazed in the quiet ocean
I'm amazed at your wrong devotion
I'm amazed at what the people saying
I'm amazed by a divided nation
Like the middle of the earth
I get disrupted
I'm amazed at all that has been
I'm amazed at all who be
I'm amazed at the tv stations
I'm amazed what they want me to believe
After all is said and done
Now lets seek justice

I'm amazed at the evoltion
I'm amazed at the lack of faith
I'm amazed at love we are rejected
I'm amazed that we accepted this place
Like the middle of the earth and the middle of the ages
Like a river I get disrupted

I'm amazed

I'm amaaaaaaaaaazed...

I'm amazed

The year 2009 is coming with its own bag of good and bad.

I say, "Bring it on!".Suggested Further Reading:

• Waiting For My Real Life To Begin: A Personal Reflection In Anticipation Of Year 2009
• This Is A “Declaration” of “Doing All Right”
• Here’s to You, My “Crazy Love”
• Let’s start anew
• Fire and Rain

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Photo by Maxime DodinetI've always liked Lenny Kravitz and most of his songs. But this one is definitely my favorite of his. Until now, I'm bowled over each and every time I listen to it. I wonder why. Maybe you know.

This song tells you two things:
1. Never ever give up on love.
2. Always be in love.

So, to you reading this, I say: It ain't over 'til it's over!
Click here to listen to this song now!

It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
Written and Performed by: Lenny Kravitz

Here we are, still together
We are one...
So much time, wasted,
Playing games with love

So many tears I've cried
So much pain inside
But baby it ain't over 'til it's over
So many years we've tried
To keep our love alive
But baby it ain't over 'til it's over

How many times
Did we give up
But we always worked things out
And all my doubts and fears
Kept me wondering, yeahhh
If I'd always, always be in love

So many tears I've cried
So much pain inside
But baby it ain't over 'til it's over

So many years we've tried
And kept our love alive
'Cause baby it ain't over 'til it's over

So many tears I've cried
So much pain inside
Baby it ain't over 'til it's over

So many years we've tried
And kept our love alive
'Cause baby it ain't over 'til it's over

So many tears I've cried
So much pain inside
Baby it ain't over 'til it's over

So many years we've tried
to kept our love alive
'Cause baby it ain't over 'til it's over (over, over)

So many tears I've cried
So much pain inside
Baby it ain't over 'til it's over

So many years we've tried
And kept our love alive
'Cause baby it ain't over 'til it's over (over, over, over)

So many tears I've cried
So much pain inside
Baby it ain't over 'til it's over (over...fade out)
Suggested Further Reading:

• Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of
• Waiting In Vain
• The Invisible Blog
• How I Could Just Kill A Man
• Here’s to You, My “Crazy Love”

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Note:

I didn't write this. These are lyrics from the song "How I Could Just Kill A Man" by Charlotte Sometimes.

How I Could Just Kill A Man - Charlotte Sometimes

Go get your ribbon box
Go get your wounded heart
Seeing spiders, I'm told they never lie.

Go get your brother love
Go get your losing head
Seeing fire, I'm told it never burns.

I want it all, I pull you back. I want it all.

Cry baby, cry baby, cry. Soaking down your face.
Cry baby, cry baby, and you can't understand how I could just kill a man.

No to your letters love
No to unsturdy hands
Sleeping eyes, I'm told they never lie.

No to your key of rust
No to your raging words
Sleeping tires, I'm told they never drive.

(prechorus and chorus repeats)

If I wanted to stay, you won't stand in my way
But I'm choosing to leave with your heart on my sleeve
It feels too good without you

(chorus outro)Suggested Further Reading:

• It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over
• The Invisible Blog
• Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of
• Waiting In Vain
• Waiting For My Real Life To Begin: A Personal Reflection In Anticipation Of Year 2009

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