Today's Soundcheck: Magical by Girls Love Shoes

I did a marathon of Jersey Shore last January and finished 4 seasons in 2 weeks! Now they are back for Season 5 and heard this song. Quite a beat! <3 Nice happy Friday song! :)

we were meant to be magical 

we were meant to be free

see the sunlight upon our faces

how amazing it could be...

Today's Soundcheck: Get Away by Yuck

This is my 'On-Repeat' song for the day. I like how scruffy Daniel Blumberg's voice is and how rough the guitar mash up sounds. Mariko Doi - one of my top girl crushes. The fringes...that fringes! Haha! The album rocked my socks. Sorry, brain dump! Happy Tuesday, loves!

Summer sun says get out more

I need you, I want you

But I can't get this feeling off my mind

I want you, I need you

Mariko Doi also covered Happy End's Natsu Nandesu! Cool beans! Summer songs everywhere! Natsu Nandesu actually means 'Tis the Summer'. It was originally included on the Japanese release of Yuck.

田舎の白い畦道で
On a white country road
埃っぽい風が立ち止る
The dusty breeze stands still.
地べたにペタンとしゃがみこみ
I drop down to the floor with a bump,
奴らがビー玉はじいてる
as some kids play marbles.
ギンギンギラギラの
Shine-shine, glitter-glitter
太陽なんです
Well, it’s the sun
ギンギンギラギラの
Shine-shine, glitter-glitter
夏なんです
Well, it’s the summer

Spring Awakening

And you say what dreams are

Wake me in time to be out in the cold

And who can say what we are

This is the reason for dreaming

Things happen for a reason. Probably one of the most used quotes in this lifetime. But yes, it's not by chance what we make life out of. I guess there's really no such thing as coincidence. The choices we make lead us to some divine appointment with someone or something. This is perhaps the biggest takeaway I had when I saw the Spring Awakening musical. There were a lot of social and political stirrings that made it a radical work which challenged the norms and defied social laws and morality. But for me it's fairly simple: whatever you do - love, dream, hate, live or die...it's a continuous journey we choose for ourselves.

The musical was set on the late 1890s. It was of course the time when the 'corruption' of the mind was not acceptable. People were defined by what was taught to them which was just a piece of the whole truth. It tackled a lot of recurring issues which had existed before I was even born - suicide, academic pressure, sex, undefined sexuality, violence and pregnancy. It was actually an eye opener. These issues have long been existing and till now - we haven't had the proper solutions. Nowadays, people tend to blame consumerism and technology on what has become of our youth but in reality, it brings us back to the choices we make.

On a lighter note, I really enjoyed it. It was progressive and real. The thespians at their young age were really astounding! Hands down, they are a talented bunch of young people. Pinoy represent for the lead actress Julia Abueva who played Wendla. The guy who played Melchior, Nathan Hartono has a very lovely voice and an eye candy too. Haha! Their renditions of the original hollywood musical songs were really good. Their voices were a mix of alternative and classical. Their acting skills were really good too. *clap clap*

 The stage was well built. It morphs into a different look :)

 Watched it with Makz

 The guide book

Just love this photo. I find it haunting, creepy and beautiful all at the same time.

The cast

Click here for Nathan's version of Spring Awakening's The Guilty Ones.

He also did a cover of one of my favorite City and Colour songs. Nice!

Catch them on their last week!

Bonne Saint Valentin!

Today is probably another busy day for flower and chocolate shops, restaurants fully booked and people go crazy. Perhaps for two main reasons:
(1) You are in a relationship/married and you don't know what to give your other half or your date is ruined by some random incident.
(2) You are single and you are stressing about it because this is the day where it seems that you have a label in your forehead - SINGLE!

For the lucky ones who are not feeling antsy or giddy, you are blessed. Cliche as it seems, this day can result to some serious damage to anyone. This day is extra special and some people are at their most vulnerable state.

I must admit, I am a sucker for any occasion. In a year where there are 365 days, you can only count the days when you know something big/weird/special is coming up. These are the marked holidays where everyone else in the world is celebrating, rejoicing or even crying. This day matters. As much as we want to escape the fact that Valentine's Day is nothing....it's really something. You look forward to something good happening today. Isn't that a blessing? It means that hope still sparkles in your heart.

I can't vouch for anyone but myself. Each one of us can deal with this day depending on how we want it to be - a cynic, an optimist or just plainly being happy. It's your choice. So fret not my loves, this is supposed to be a happy day.

This day is a constant reminder that your heart still beats and you are alive. :) Celebrate! Enjoy!

Happy Vday to Mi Love Bu! i<3u 

I'm feeling the French vibe today so here's today's soundcheck:

Le Ciel Dans Une Chambre

The sky in a room

When you are close to me

This room hasn’t got any walls

But trees, yes, an infinity of trees

And when you are so close to me

It’s like this ceiling here

Didn’t exist anymore, i see the sky leaning towards us, who remain like this

Abandoned like this,

There is nothing more, no nothing more from the other world

I hear the harmonica, but we would say an organ

Which sings for you and me

Up there in the infinite sky

And for you and for me

When you are here with me

This room hasn't got any walls

But trees, an infinity of trees

And when you are close to me

This ceiling, not purple

Doesn't exist anymore, and i see the sky above us

Who remain here, abandoned like this,

There was nothing more, no nothing more in this world

The harmonica plays, it seems an organ to me

Which sings for you and me

In the immensity of the sky

And for you and for me

And for you and for me


*Hope you'll all have a lovely day today :)
xx

Black Friday - And Some Other Random Stuff

Since it's a Monday, I'm here to reminisce on how my Friday went. It has always been the day to look forward to! Just thinking about it is an instant pick-me-upper! But the wait is terribly excruciating. Hey, 5 more days...

So like any usual Friday, it was a Jeans Day in the office so we can dress down and do away with our usual formals. This day, we never really talked about it - but we all wore a shade of black in one way or another. Black is the friendship color of the day. Cheers to Friday!

 It's BLACK Friday...can you spot who's not in for the friendship color? *Peace B*

We've been lunching out consistently for the past few days but M was craving for something Pinoy so we decided to eat Pinoy food in the caf. See the red plastic bag I'm carrying? That's Turon! Weee! Friday is just awesome!

Completely out of the Friday topic - I've been playing with hairstyles lately. Apart from the bun dream I have, I also wanted to do some braids. But it's rocket science for me. :( So my good friend M is there to rescue me on this dilemma. She's a natural! Thanks M!

 Outfit: Top - from Greenhills | Belt - from BKK | Pants - Zara | Watch - Casio | Shoes - Melissa

I was also carrying my C&K bag that day and here's a random post to give you a peek on what's inside my bag. :)

1. Charles and Keith bag (not really inside the bag - this is the actual bag lol)
2. Smiggle 2012 Planner
3. Clinique Powder and Lipstick Compact
4. Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner
5. MAC Fascinating Eye Kohl
6. Pen
7. Disney Hand Sanitizer
8. iPhone 4s
9. iPhone earphones
10. Agnes B slim wallet
11. Keys
12. Card Holder

To inspire you and at least ease the pain of waiting for the impending Friday, here's a track from M83. Oh how I wish I was there at the Laneway Festival today, but I'm not - boo hoo. I'm just gonna enjoy their music right here..right now..in my room. :)

Happy Monday Y'all!

xx

Hunger Games

January was such a blast! Remember my Train Man post? New year's resolution to read more books this year is working out for me! I finished my second book for this year last January 27. I'm serious on keeping track so I know the date by heart. :)

I have heard good reviews about this book 2 years back and the trilogy was mostly compared to the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. Being a Twilight fan (GO Team Edward), I didn't pay much attention. Didn't even try to know what was the story line. I thought it was just the same vampire, werewolf, supernatural plot. BUT, I.WAS.WRONG! 

I have to admit - I became curious and most of my friends started reading it. Plus, I saw some clips of the upcoming movie and it was exciting. Aside from the fact that this will be my birthday movie as it will be shown on the actual day of my bday - I cannot discount the fact that my friends told me it was good. They didn't lie! Oh how reliable my friends are! More reasons to read and watch it!

Suzanne Collins is totally brills! Her inspiration coming from the invasion of Iraq and a reality show created a whole new vision of how the next century will look like. With the story happening in the future, her creative genius played with young minds on what to seek. The story is uncertain and progressive which makes it even more exciting. I just finished book 1 and I have 2 more to go. The suspense is actually killing me! 

I love Katniss! She's such a bad ass! I also like how Suzanne made the protagonist a female hero. No more damsel in distress angle. Hooray! And for the movie, they chose Jennifer Lawrence to play the part. A good choice I must say. Trailer looks good and the girl can act. You probably remember her for her role in the movie Xmen First Class. She played Mystique there. Peeta and Gale are going to be played by Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth respectively. I am so excited! :)

Click here for the trailer and the official website.

For now, here's a track from the movie: 

Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift feat The Civil Wars

*Photos taken from the official Hunger Games website.

today's Soundcheck: Dreamin' by Feldberg

Good vibes song :) Happy Tuesday y'all!

Will you be my everything?
And treat you like a real king
I'm dreaming
Dreaming of you...

To the love of my life B <3

Fun City Boys: The Album

Finally got my hands on Fun City Boys' first album and I am HAPPY!

I have known this band since 2007 and it's great that their music is now out there for everyone's taking. The perks of having the guitarist (Arts Cabuay) as my previous work colleague - free album and first listen to their unreleased tracks! Thanks to our common friend M for bringing it to Singapore all the way from Manila *hearts*.

It's pure bliss listening to their tracks. My personal take on it? Dreamy.Punk-ish.Awesome Beats.Amazing Vocals.Definitely Indie. It's something I can listen to over and over again. The rarity of its quality which can sound like a lullaby and makes you want to jump or even dance at the same time is like the yin and yang of their tracks.

If I were to describe this band and their music...it's definitely an oxymoron! The contradiction of beats in my head makes it unique bringing me to a totally different trance.

The album has 12 tracks but my top 5 would be...
(1) An Epic Joy
(2) Sharing Secrets
(3) Reception
(4) Believe it (Diego Mapa Mix)
(5) Expo and Sunshine

Congrats FCB (Vj Chua - Vocals & Guitars, Arts Cabuay - Guitars, Gian Rambayon - Bass, Kimboy Marano - Drums)! More!!!

Get to know them more by visiting their Facebook and Myspace accounts.

Here's my favorite track. Enjoy listening :)

Today's Soundcheck: All About Us by Here is We ft Owl City

Cause lovers dance when they're feeling in love

Spotlight's shining it's all about us, it's all about us...

Good night my love B <3

Today's Soundcheck: Stereo Hearts

my heart's a stereo, it beats for you so listen close.

Today's Soundcheck: Sugarcoats and Heartbeats

These days everything is a blur. It has been going on for a week now. I don't know whats happening. I felt that I needed a break. Im suffocated, restless, bored and uninspired.

Very much like this song. I'm feeling I'm breaking inside. Emo mode :P

Today's Soundcheck: Star Guitar by Shinichi Osawa feat Au Revoir Simone

You should feel what I feel...

You should take what I take...

Today's Soundcheck: All Is Good by The Vaccines

This could be an end of an era...I know it's hard...but it's all goooood!

Smile like you mean it. :)

Good vibes loves! Happy Sunday! :)

Today's Soundcheck: Changing by The Airborne Toxic Event

I like the beat and the girl with the fringes playing piano. But I kinda didn't like what it's all about.

All these things that you say, like I’ll forget about the mind-numbing games that you play.

I am a gentleman, didn’t I pay for every laugh every dime, every bit every time and then you feed me some line.

I won’t hear one more word about changing.

Guess what I am the same man, same that I’ve always been.

It talks about a woman trying to change his man. I'm pro change so this song doesn't do the women of this planet justice. :P We like to change the men in our lives for the better so I have to disagree with this song.

I enjoyed it though despite the man/woman differences.

Meow! Super feminist Sunday!

Today's Soundcheck: 9 Crimes by Damien Rice

For some reason I missed playing this song and I couldn't find it on my playlist. Weird. One of my favorites. It's haunting and it's beautiful.

Today's Soundcheck: Techno Fan by The Wombats

Following my dubstep post, I remembered this song by The Wombats. :) Suits my mood today, excited, happy and more confident.

Lyrics chopped off sums up my whole day.

-- Shut up and move with me move with me or, or get out of my face Just thought it was funny. No to haters! :)
-- I never knew I was a techno fan! :p Straight up for dubstep beats! woot!
-- We are the 1980s! Represent!

Today's Soundcheck: Weightless by All Time Low

Today it has been announced. It's official! *all smiles*

Maybe it's not my weekend, but it's gonna be my year. And it's definitely my fucking year, bitch! :P Just kidding haha. I'm just so happy. It's like everything's falling into place. I've never worked this hard for something I wanted so bad. Next goal - number 3 and letters V A P. You do the word play :)

Dubstep!

I'm crazy over dubstep these days! I've known about it since last year but I kinda didn't like it. Techno wasnt my thing - that 'ughs ughs' sound now it add up with 'ughs....ngiaw..ughs' haha I think thats how it sounds. But it grew on me. It's like the brits have gone techno crazy! Oh well. Who cares? I like how it pumps up my heart these days.

Try googling it. It has a whole wiki page of history. You'll be surprised. Here are some of my dubstep picks.