G'Bye 2008, Hello 2009

2008 was fun.

It was dynamic, in every sense of that word. It was fair (read: fair share of ups and downs). It was a challenge. It was a blessing. It IS blessed. It made me stronger (again, in every sense of that word; be it physically, emotionally, but most importantly, spiritually).

2008's gonna be done and over with in an hour.

As much as I want to stay and linger and bask in my 2008's glory, another year coming is undeniably inevitable.

So here I am wishing, hoping, and praying that my 2009 will be at par with, or better as compared to my 2008.

I know it will :)

I just want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has been with me throughout the years, and to those I've only met recently. Let's not fret that another year's over. Let's be glad that we have yet another year to spend with each other and build up memories.

Happy New Year y'all!
God Bless :)

From The Barkada With No Name.

Happy New Year, y'all!

Review: Charlie Green's self-titled Debut Album

Category:	Music
Genre:	Blues
Artist:	Charlie Green

I was actually surprised to see a copy of Charlie Green's self-titled debut album on top of my desk. Turns out my Mum saw/heard Charlie earlier in ASAP 08 and went out and bought his album. Mum fell in love with Charlie Green, being the blues lover and big band aficionado that she is. Plus she thinks Charlie Green is cute. Haha.

I'm now officially a fan of this kid. He's one of a kind, literally because how many eleven year old children sing Sinatra and Bennett and fancy the sound of saxophones and trumpets? Haha.

He's amazing. The album's amazing. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time listening (and maybe even grooving) to his music.

Favorite track/s: What a Wonderful World and Dahil Sa'yo (yes, he can sing in Filipino).


Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars


Get your copy now! Be sure to get the original :)

Review: Spongecola's Sponge Cola

Category:	Music
Genre:	Alternative Rock
Artist:	Spongecola

I finally got a copy of Songecola's third album entitled, err, Sponge Cola. And I believe I got my money's worth with this album. I've been a fan of Spongecola ever since their "Crazy for You" days. They're one of that bands that I actually wouldn't mind listening to the whole day, alongside Sandwich and Eraserheads.

"Sponge Cola" has 14 tracks, each of which has a unique flavor added to it. It's Spongecola. What would you expect? Their albums are almost always "chopsuey" which makes it more interesting and less sucky to the ears.

I might have to (oh wait, I already did) take away one star just because some of their material in this album are reminiscent of their other songs from their previous albums (Palabas and Transit). Parang narinig ko na.

But then again, Spongecola is Spongecola.


Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars


Get your copy now! Be sure to get the original :)

Review: Richard Poon's I'll Take Care of You (Platinum Edition)

Category:	Music
Genre:	Blues
Artist:	Richard Poon

I'm an old soul. I grew up listening and singing songs from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Matt Monro. I love songs arranged for big bands. I love jazz. I love soul. So it's actually not a surprise that I got Richard Poon's debut album, I'll Take Care of You (the Platinum Edition), given the he is, as of time being, the country's Big Band Crooner.

His debut album's Platinum Edition has a second disc included that contains minus one tracks of all his singles. But that extra disc is just a cherry on top of the cream, or whatever idiomatic expression you may think of. The whole album's a treat. From the first song to the last, listeners will surely appreciate Poon's music even if they don't usually dig such genre of music.

In this time of strong bass hip-hop music and cringe-worthy (and heart-breaking?) punk/screamo music fillin' up the airwaves, it's nice to sit in a comfy chair and pump your iPod's volume to the fullest and let your self be filled with classic tunes with fresh arrangements.


Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars


I highly recommend this album if you want an hour's worth of sweet and easy listening.

Go get your own copy now! Be sure to get the original :)

Reviews.

I'm gonna be posting reviews of stuff here now. I've been doing reviews for quite some time now, only I post them on my Multiply and not here. I'm gonna be transferring all of them here. And I'm gonna start now. Haha.

Edit: I'm not gonna transfer all of them na lang pala. Nakakatamad. Yung mga bago na lang. Haha.

Happy, Indeed.

Holiday Season's far from over yet I'm already labeling Christmas 2008 as the Best Christmas Ever (in my book, at least). And no, it ain't about the material gifts I've received (so far). I'm just enjoying life more right now, I guess. I've been spending quality time with my family lately and surprisingly, we've been enjoying each others' company. And yes, if you know me and my family, the idea of unity is undoubtedly far-fetched. Okay, I may have exaggerated a little. Haha. I thank the Lord for giving us this time to bond and strengthen family ties.

Ang gastos lang kapag nalabas kami. Haha.

Anyway, something's not really expensive when you enjoy doing it or enjoy the company of people you do it with. Besides, in my family, times like these (Holidays, spontaneous mall hoppings, etc) are a rarity, and thus considered as luxuries.

So far, I'm digging my presents but still, I consider December 5-7, 2008 as the best Christmas gift ever :)

This post is for updating's sake really.

Happy Holidays!

God Bless y'all :)

Droppin' By.

Christmas is in a few hours and man, am I excited. I'm excited to go to the Vigil Mass later at 10:00pm with the family. I'm excited to distribute my gifts. I'm excited to recieve gifts (if there are any). I'm excited for tomorrow morning's Mass. I'm excited for our Christmas Day Tagaytay Trip with other relatives. Basta, I'm excited! Haha.

I can't think of anything decent to post here so lemme just greet y'all a Happy Christmas and may you all have a Prosperous New Year!

P.S: I'm really proud of myself (as well the other SGers) for completing the 9-day novena/ MIsa de Gallo. I hope He grants my wish. Haha. Sgers, let's do it again next year, aight? :)

Tis The Season To Be Jolly.

Oh yes. I am definitely feeling the Christmas Spirit already. Kinda late huh? But then again I sure would've felt it earlier if it weren't for exams and papers and other academic what-nots. Anyway, my 2008 academic year ended earlier and I'm really looking forward for the rest of the semester next year.

I've so far attended 2 Misa de Gallos, and I'm really hoping (and I'd be doing my best) to finish all 9 early (not to forget, chilly) morning Holy Eucharist services. Thanks to the GMers, specifically the SGers for constantly sms-ing me up every morning. Haha. Thanks to the after-mass-kape't-pan de sal-tapos-photoshoot around campus mornings.

(Misa de Gallo Day 1)



(Misa de Gallo Day 2)

Looking forward to seven more days spent with you, guys. Haha.

Anyway (again), I received an early Christmas gift from Cafe Antonio. (The following text was originally posted in my Multiply.)

December 16, 2008

Patrick and I were waiting for the Kithara Guitar Quartet Concert to start so we killed time by going to CAnton, hoping that we'd get to see Alfred (who recently came out of the hospital), who as of that time was in LBDH havin' his bandages changed. Unfortunately, we couldn't wait for Al because we wanted to queue in line early to be able to get good seats.

A few minutes before we left CAnton, Jabez handed me this photo which he told me was the Greeting Card for this Holiday Season from Cafe Antonio Staff. I believe I got the first one, while Ronilo got the second copy. Haha.

Thanks Jabez! Thanks Padeys! Thanks Neil! Thanks Tracy! Thanks Retz! Thanks Ate Marisse! Thanks Ate Joyce! And thanks to all the other staff na hindi ko pa kilala. Makikilala ko din kayo.Haha.

So, I guess that's all for now. I hope I'd be able to post more worthwhile stuff here during the Christmas break. Haha.

Happy Holidays, y'all!

Random.

I've just finished reading the first chapter which is included in the exam that I'll be taking later this afternoon. Two more chapters and three laboratory exercises to go. I'm feeling sleepy but I seriously can not sleep.

I need to study. I need to pass this exam.

I will study. I will pass this exam.

Nice mind set eh?

On a lighter note, I've updated my iPod. I've downloaded (more like stole) 5 albums of Hillsong and Hillsong United and the songs are fillin' up my ears (and heart, and spirit) since early this morning. Natural high, y'all know what I mean? Haha.

Anyway, have a good day y'all!

P.S: Misa de Gallo (Simbang Gabi) starts tomorrow. I hope I'd be able to finish all nine days of early morning Holy Eucharist services.

Home Same.

Home same.

I actually had fun. The party turned out to be better than what I expected. But then again, some things will never be the same again. I'm not gonna be emo about it (them) though. Things work (and will work out) for the better.

I'm tipsy. I need to study. But I'm really sleepy. And tired. So I guess studying would take a back seat this time. I need to wake up by 6:00am to study. As in really study. Wish me luck.

I'll Post Something More Worthwhile Later.

Right now I'm just waiting for 6:00PM so I could finally go to the Clan's Christmas Party and get it over with. I ain't excited or anything. Really. I'm not even in a very festive mood. It's just that I need to go home early, thanks to the 2 exams I'll be taking tomorrow. Sarap eh.

Hallelu- YE! (Youth Encounter 10 experience)

"If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me, I will do the same for him in Heaven."
- Matthew 10:32

I seriously can not top the whole experience I had just this last weekend. I was fortunate enough to be one of the participants in BLD Youth Ministry's Youth Encounter 10. Believe me when I say I had a blast. For a person who loves telling stories, I'm finding it hard right now to relate to all of you dear readers (if there are any) of what had transpired this past weekend.

The point is I had fun.

Also, I was able to conquer my fear of sharing (see my new life verse on the top of the entry). I learned how to listen, and listen well. Actually, I learned a lot, but I'm not gonna write all of 'em here. Dapat mag- YE din kayo! Game!

I've been a member of the ministry for over three years now, but I only had my YE last week. My December schedule for the past couple of years did not permit me to attend the Encounter, but thankfully, all my efforts payed off and I was able to free my schedule for the weekend encounter. Sabi nga sa Ecclesistes 3:1

"Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses."

He made sure that I'd be able to attend this time. For that (and everything else), thanks, Kuya JC.

Thank You for a wonderful YE experience. I wouldn't trade it for anything else :)

To BLD Youth Ministy SP: Congratulations guys! Thank y'all for the hard work each and every one of you put in just to make this year's YE possible. Keep serving the Lord. Keep inspiring :)

To the YE10 Class Shepherds: Worth it ang dugo at pawis niyo (Madamba, 2008). The YE10 was not only fun, but also blessed. You guys did very well!

To the Team Faci Accredited (TFA): You guys were awesome. As in. No words can amount to the greatness that the Lord has bestowed upon you so that you can share with us His word and your experiences. Mag TFA din kami someday! Haha!

To the Sponsoring Class, Auxies and others who served: Salamat sa pag snob sa'min. Joke. Haha. Thanks for always (as in always) praying for us and looking out for us. Mami-miss ko ang "lights out" and "gising na" moments. Till next year, alright? :)

(Tama si Patrick, nakaka-inggit kayo kapag naririnig namin kayo nag wo-worship sa Vigil Room. Nakaka-high!)

To Team Hippo (Alyssa, Avram, and Jenelyn): I thank the Lord for you guys. Thanks for all the sharings we had. Thank you for listening. You're an inspiring bunch of kids (Oo na, ako na pinaka matanda sa group). Keep the faith burnin' y'all. Kuya's always here to listen :) Text-text ha.

To Team Blue (Patrick, Kai, Joem, Bernard) and our Muses (Gen and Ekay): Wala. Walang makakapalit sa inyo. Salamat kasi kahit sa sasandaling panahon na magkakasama tayo eh naramdaman ko yung pagiging totoo ng pagkakaibigan natin. Yihee, dramarama. Minsan lang to. Haha. Salamat sa tawanan at lalung lalo na sa iyakan. Walang iwanan :) Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord at nakilala at nakasama ko kayo. CAnton sa Thursday ha. Haha.

***Brief background kung bakit Team Blue

Noong second day namin sa YE weekend (December 6, 2008), by accident eh ako, si Patrick, Nard, Joem at Kai ay lumabas ng cr pagkatapos maligo at lahat kami ay nagulat dahil lahat kami ay naka blue. Astig no? But wait, there's more, pagbaba namin sa Mess Hall, naka blue din si Gen at Ekay. Ang bangis no? Haha.

Last but not the least, to JC: Thank You for gracing us with Your presence the whole weekend. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. You deserve all praises and honor, seriously. Haha. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. It's amazing how You work with and through people. Lord, use me as your instrument. Than You for the gift of listening and sharing and courage and confidence. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Hallelu- YE!

Christmas 2008 Wishlist

In the spirit of Christmas (and of wishful thinking), I proudly present to you, my 2008 (Materialistic) Christmas Wish List! More like, Wish Cube, actually.

Nokia N78

• Because I don't need very high mega-pixel count and an 8GB hard drive. It's simple, and weird. Haha.
  

JanSport Big Student Backpack

• Because you cannot have too many backpacks, especially if they're from JanSport.
  

Skullcandy Hesh Headphones in Black and White

• It's Skullcandy. Nuff said.

Nike Dunk High Premium: Trigger Fish

Nike Dunk High Premium: D.U.N.K.L.E

Nike Dunk High Premium: Back to School (Crayons)


Neil Gaiman's American Gods

• Recommended by a good friend, so what the hey. Haha.
  

Nicholas Sparks' The Choice

• Powerbooks' preview said it was about love found and love lost. Game! Haha!
  

Pablo Neruda's Intimacies: Poems of Love

• I've been a Neruda fan since high school, so go figure. He's my "emo" influence. I kid you not.
  

Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood

• It's Murakami, come on.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez' Love in the TIme of Cholera

• Now you can't go wrong with a classic.

James Frey's My Friend Leonard

• It's just that I enjoyed his first book, A Million Little Pieces. And I believe this is a some kind of follw up story on his friend from rehab, Leonard, hence the title of the book.

Moleskine Notebook/Journal

• The best writers/artists (or in my case, pretending to be a good writer) deserve to write on a Moleskine.

The Big Question Mark

• Alam na! Hahaha! UCC.
  

So, there you go. I included links in case you guys might want to check them out.

Happy 1st of December y'all.