how quickly the glamour fades

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

day 16 - a song you used to love but now hate

Florence + the Machine - Rabbit Heart

There's that word again... hate. I don't hate hate this song... it's just that I liked Florence + the Machine better when they were fresh and not so commercial. When they won the Critics' Choice Award at the 2009 Brit Awards, I knew they were going to be massive. In fairness, I do understand that their songs will have a following because they are actually brill. I still like them now, but I hafta admit, when Lungs is on my playlist, I always skip this one and Dog Days Are Over. =)

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she acts like summer and walks like rain

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

day 15 - a song that describes you

Train - Drops of Jupiter

I've had much difficulty picking a song for this one. A song that describes me? Wow. As if I'm not complex enough. 

When I heard this song for the first time, I loved the tune but didn't really understand the lyrics so I had to Google the song with what few words I remembered. I found the lyrics and felt as if I could answer the questions myself. Some with a yes, the others... well. I guess I'm still in search for the answers. As most of us. =)

Pat Monahan said this song was about his mother and I think it's such a beautiful, beautiful tribute.

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drifting away i'm one with the sunset

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love

Nicki Minaj feat. Drake - Moment 4 Life

Nicki is vajayjay power personified and I love her. I don't think she's trying to be controversial and gimmicky *coughLadyGagacough* at all. And I've always enjoyed Drake.

I'm loving the hiphop/RnB scene these days. Fair enough I still haven't found an album as epic as The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill or as relatable as 8701 or as punchy as Illmatic. There was kinduva downwards movement with hiphop/RnB somewhere between the late '90s and early noughties. Thank God it's picked up since. 

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i can be the treble baby you can be my bass

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure

Britney Spears - Big Fat Bass

It's Britney, bitch!

I was never a fan of her music, but I've always been a fan of her dancing. Quite enjoying the tunes on her latest album, Femme Fatale because my Scottish housemate was blasting it in her room the other day when she thought nobody was home, haha! I heard this beat and it's such an awesome catchphrase, don't you think?

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so tell me darling, do you wish we'd fall in love?

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 12 - a song from a band you hate

Owl City - The Saltwater Room

Hate is such a strong word, don't you think? I don't really hate hate Owl City... I just find it slightly ridiculous how some one-man bands have to have a band name instead of just being the artist. Fair enough, I know he tours with a band etc... plus there's artistic justice and all that. I'm just not really much of a fan. But I kinda like this song. =)

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She likes to look at the pink sky just before the day turns dark

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 11 - a song from your favourite band

Stereophonics - Bright Red Star

It was difficult to choose this song because there's heaps of bands that I love. However, I fell back to the Stereophonics because, despite them being more commercial than everyone else, I just love love love Kelly Jones' raspy voice. I couldn't find a proper decent video for this song, but chanced on a One Tree Hill montage which was quite fitting in a way, as I remember the scene they scored Bright Red Star with. Haha, I cried. 

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we could dream this night away

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep and feel relax

Cassandra Wilson - Harvest Moon

I like jazzy covers but this one takes the cake. Cassandra's version is such a nice one. Better than the original, her voice never fails to soothe. =)

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oh the things I'll do to you

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 09 - a song that you can dance to

Afrojack feat. Eva Simmons - Take Over Control

Janet Jackson - If

I don't get to do street dance anymore - the only form of street dance I get these days happens in my room, when I'm in the mood to break a sweat. Other than that, it's the usual dancing in clubs, dancing with mates, or dancing to faff about. I do miss dancing proper routines and being in a group doing a choreographed set but while I juggle stuff to make time for that, I'm happy just dancing to the beat. In fairness, that's the beauty of dance - you don't have to be absolutely good at it for it to make you feel better.

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steady breaking me on down

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE
Day 08 - a song that you know all the words to

Mariah Carey feat. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony - Breakdown (Mo Thugs Remix)

There's a heap of songs that I know all the words to, but this song is one of my favourite songs to sing to (I can't sing properly but anyone can sing, right?). First heard from MC's Butterfly (which is my favourite of her albums) I loved this song so much I had to buy the single. That's where I first heard the Mo Thugs' remix. I love it  It was a great time for Gen X R&B and this song was one of the few songs that never got old. At least in my book. ;)

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watch us flying over the streets tonight

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE
Day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event

Fiona Apple - The First Taste

Kaskade - 4am

I'm being madaya with this one because that was actually an epic time, with two things happening in one weekend.

'Tease' (a body-painting show with free flowing booze, pictures here and here) was one of UP JMA's major events during my time. The venue turned out to be a gay bar in recent years but in fairness, I think it's the only one not hit by the Ad Hoc curse (they close down a few months later after our event). I was part of the team who organised it and it was a great experience being there from the beginning (conceptualisation to getting corporate sponsors) to the end (actual day prep and post-event documentation). The team was sexy, the theme was sexy and the event was actually quite.... heated. =D

The event turned out a success and we were still buzzing after packing up; we weren't ready to leave just yet. So at around 4am, sleepless and restless but bursting with an energy that only the craziness of youthful spontaneity can bring, we trekked it to a beach about two hours away from the city. Shotgun, I was in the car with P and T (we had to haul P's ass off from his condo to drive). It was an amazing moment, watching the world sleep while we raced to catch the first rays of sun. We got to the beach at around 6am and after a few minutes of snooze time, we made it safely to shore. An awesome, awesome feeling - the feel of sand beneath your toes. Pictures here and here.

Definitely one of the weekends I'd love to get back to, if only one can travel back in time.

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Mixed Tape Series: Porkchop

I wish you weren't so beautiful in my eyes

I associate songs to a lot of things, events and to different people. I keep a handful of close people around and a handful of playlists for each one. T's playlist would involve some cheesy pop and old school blues. P's playlist would involve slightly emo/alternative stuff topped with Urbandub's First of Summer. Some songs may remind me of a couple of people depending on which part of the song's playing.

An old page from an old friend.

As I've said though, there's one song that I can only associate with one specific person - MG. He's been a musician most of his life and as most stories of get-to-know go (at least in my life), we've bonded through music. Sevendust's Licking Cream (feat the very sexy Skunk Anansie) was one of the many songs we've shared and it makes the whole thing ironic because despite the many records we've listened to together, this may be the only song that can epically remind me of him. It's the only song that transcends me back to our time together.

 

Beyond the high lies burning eyes

The funny thing is that despite spending almost two years with the dude, I don't really remember much about the relationship. I know it's been fun - we've had good times, been to awesome places, ate a lot and had really good banter. But somehow when I try to remember I can't scratch beneath the surface. Don't get me wrong, the relationship isn't as shallow as perhaps I make it sound. Truth is, us being together was a testament to the saying, 'things happen for a reason'. We were together for a reason and I guess he was the breath of fresh air I needed during the time. He was the person who made me realise that there's more to life than whining and pining about things that may never happen in the end. That life's not bad, that hearts heal and that I can be loved unconditionally. He was an absolute gentleman and an absolute dude. And though we didn't end up together (and perhaps we never will because we're way too awesome as friends), I know that we've made each other happy and that we were together during the time we were supposed to.

There's an old journal entry about our first proper chat under the cut. Read it for a flashback.

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gusto mo bang sumama?

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE
Day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere

Eraserheads - Alapaap

Some of the best years, the best friends and the best moments I've had (so far) brewed from UP Diliman and that's why the campus holds a dear place in my heart. I can't remember a time when I did not want to leave school at all. Til now, driving past the acad oval and seeing the new buildings and colleges pull my heartstrings and bring an awesome wave of nostalgia and, admittedly, a bit of jealousy. The kids there now are having some of the best times of their lives just like we have.

An epic place deserves an epic song by an epic band. This song, released in 1994 (waaaaay before I entered UP) comes from my favourite Eraserheads albums of all time, Circus. Oh the controversy! It's a bloody brilliant tune and it absolutely screams UP Diliman and everything we are. Matatapang at matatalino. ;)

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i wish you weren't so beautiful in my eyes

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone

Sevendust - Licking Cream

Possibly the only song I'll ever associate with one specific person - the only person I'll ever associate with this song. More on this later.

Hey, Chops. I'm glad we're still friends. =)

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is it too late to remind you how we were?

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 04 - a song that makes you sad

Snow Patrol - You Could Be Happy

This song never fails to make me feel.... nostalgic and emotional. =(

It's always sad when something right goes wrong and there's no other way to deal with it other than ending or giving it all up. Throwing in the towel is always a hard decision to make, perhaps because it feels like you've exhausted everything else and that everything you've hoped for can't happen anymore. And it's such a selfless thing to do - letting go of something you've held precious and loved for so long. =(

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and we won't stop until it's over

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 03 - a song that makes you happy

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

This song was such a festival anthem. Pretty much reminds me of the awesomeness of youth, the brilliance of good friends, the uplifting power of music and the greatness of love in all forms.

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my girls tell me that you're banging Tasha Suzie

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 02 - your least favourite song

Shardinay - Oh Boy

Oh, boy. How apt. *sigh* I dislike this song so much I don't know why I'm bothering to post the video.

Oh. Oh yes. Because.

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you wear nothing but you wear it so well

PART OF THE 30-DAY SONG MEME CHALLENGE

Day 01 - your favourite song

Dave Matthews Band - Crash Into Me

This is, hands down, my ultimate favourite song of all time. I do get a lot of banter about it because yes, it does seem like a song about er, physical outburst. However, Dave's husky voice makes it more meaningful than just that.

 

It's such a beautiful thing, to want something so badly it consumes the whole of you. Fair enough, there's always going to be the thrill of potential self-destruction but there's also the lightness of hope that you are wanted just as much.

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30 Days, 30 Tunes

Came across another 30-day-challenge thingymadoodah and I'm actually pretty excited about this. Not including this in the '50 posts before 27' so that it's not that madaya. =D

day 01 - your favourite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep and feel relax
day 11 - a song from your favorite band
day 12 - a song from a band you hate
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love
day 15 - a song that describes you
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
day 28 - a song that makes you feel inspired and creative
day 29 - a song from your childhood
day 30 - a song that makes you want to help the world

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if the shoe fits...

My shopaholic mother gets super frustrated when we'd shop together. She'd make me try on heaps of stuff and more often than not, I end up getting bored or losing interest as soon as she pops the third piece of clothing in the dressing room. It's not that I hate her sense of style (although I do remember how she never let me wear jeans until I was 12!!!), it's just that we're not the same; her style's more frills/frou frou and labels whilst friends often describe mine as 'quirky'. Saying that, I do love my mother and her persistence... and that I'm still her favourite shopping buddy.

It's not that I hate shopping because I actually enjoy it even when I'm not really shopping for myself (and like the rare perfect boyfriend, I'll tell you straight up whether it makes you look fat and I'm patient enough to wait around). I'm just really not much of a shopper for clothes, makeup and accessories. Unlike uberfashionistas who seem to update their wardrobes every month or every season, I normally just shop for clothes when I need to (ie emergency runs for spontaneous parties to not look like the boring cow from work) or when I'm in the mood for it or when I see something I like. However... like any other imperfect sould I do have a weak spot: shoes.

(WARNING: A wishlist under the cut! Have a look and feel free to make me happy! Haha!)

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falling in love in a coffee shop

I woke up at silly hour this morning with a massive headache following last night's shenanigans for a colleague's leaving do. I couldn't get back to sleep and I'm out of coffee and painkillers so I painfully faffed about til my yawns finally got the better of me. Thirty minutes later, before I fell deeper into slumber, my phone tells me it's time to wake up for work. I wanted to snooze some more but decided to just drag myself and my headache out of bed. It's Friday anyway, and things should be cruisy.

Legged it to central London with the absolute goal of grabbing extra strong coffee to kill this bloody hangover before stumbling into work. I hurried to a cafe close to the office and asked for a vanilla cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso. Strong and sweet is what I need. Barista looks at me and smiles. 'Hungover?'

Either I look that bad or I look THAT bad. But hey, cute smile. 'Er... yes.' I say semi-conscious of my dress-down Friday appearance and out-of-the-shower hair. Maybe I should reacquaint myself with the untouched blowdryer and never used hair brush.

Barista winks and tells me he knows the perfect cure. 'Okay then. I'll sprinkle your coffee with extra chocolate. And for you I'll use my heart. I'll give you my heart cos it's Friday. And I'm in love.'

KILIGERS! And just like that, the hangover's gone.

27 before 27 blog countdown: 42

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FUPF

T & I / Ponti / April 2010

T’s my first UP friend (FUPF). I met her during freshie induction day and immediately dreaded the sight of her. We were wearing the same outfit (plain white shirt, flared denims and white sneaks) and looked like high school students who bunked off Citizen Army Training. Totally uncool for the first day of your university life. She spotted me too, smiled broadly, and shrieked that YES! We’ve got the same outfit! Slightly dying of humiliation, I hoped she wasn’t in my college but when she jumped in the same carpool heading towards the College of Business Ad, I groaned inwardly. So much for the cool freshie factor. She babbled on with her introductory spiel in the car and I thought, ‘This girl will either be a friend for life or a nightmare.’ She turned out to be both.

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