Isn't today the saddest?

For Filipinos it is. But for the citizens of Heaven, today is a party.
An Angel has come home.

An Angel who can "rap"

He is a Filipino. A very proud one.
He loves the Philippines. (With all his heart and soul --his songs are "living" proof)
He loves the flag. (In fact he got "3 stars and a sun" tattooed on his back)
He is a song-writer...A prolific writer. (He's like a singing historian)
He is the Master Rapper (I don't think there is anyone out there yet who can better rap than him)
The Father of Philippine Hip-Hop Music
He is the "Mouth"
He is smart. Very witty.
He is cool.
He is funny.
He is child-like
He is naughty
He is good looking. Very young looking. (Anyone would have a hard time guessing his age)
He is well loved by the youth. Children imitate him. Teenagers idolize him.
He is well-respected and adored.
He is a role model. A perfect example of who a Filipino should be.
He is a good father and a loving husband.
He is one of a kind.

He is FRANCIS MAGALONA.
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For me, Francis M. was part of my fondest childhood memories. I grew up listening to his songs on the radio. Who is out there who does not know "Mga kababayan ko." I knew every word on that song. I find myself singing along with it whenever it's on the radio. I consider it as a song of our "Filipino pride." Unintentionally or intentionally I know all of his songs. And again, who hasn't? All are very popular. His songs are not those type who fades in and out. It stays. I would be a hypocrite if I would deny that I didn't know the words of "I am the man from Manila", "Girl be Mine", "Love for Life", "Friends", "Cold Summer Nights" (one of the few love songs I like) and "Kaleidoscope"

and speaking of "Kaleidoscope world." my friends knew how special that song is to me. It played a very big part in my "struggling first year of high school".

Did you have those times in high school wherein your Music teacher would give you his final requirement for passing the subject and that crucial final requirement has to be done in front of 300 people? And if you didn't...well you didn't have a choice. Either perform or flunk the subject. And that's not the only dead end. You could not dance. You could not play an instrument. You had to sing. You could dance and sing. You could play a piano or a guitar and sing. "Do anything, just don't forget to sing"--that's his requirement.

Everybody knows I don't sing. I sing...but it's a rare event. Very rare. Only during "for my ears only" occasions.

But I didn't have a choice. And It's such an embarrassment if I had passed Mathematics but not Music.

My classmates settled themselves on popular loves songs such "Will of the Wind" and "Dream about you"

Those who were gifted with "singing voice that could reach the peak of Mount Everest" picked the songs of Celine Dion and Whitney Houston.

I was left with....

a throbbing heart, wet palms and an aching head.

It was my best friend who suggested that I should just sing "Kaleidoscope World" which at that time was a radio hit.

I loved the song but...but I was not confident with myself. I didn't have the courage to sing inside a room with 30 students...let alone in front of 300 people inside an Auditorium.

But it was a dead end.

So with a borrowed guitar, a baseball cap, funky t-shirt, blue jeans and Nike running shoes (I had to look hip-hop), I sang "Kaleidoscope World" with my eyes closed half the time.

Now, why did it become a big part of my high school life?

I won 3rd place.

I didn't even know it's a contest. I thought it's just our oral examination for Music.
I should have known since the sophomores and juniors were there too.

Anyway, since then I had become the object of teasing in our class.

But I strongly believed that it's not because of my "singing voice" but it's because of the song itself. Of its message.

I would love to share it all to you:

G  Am
So many faces, so many races
Bm     C
Different voices, different choices
G      Am
Some are mad, while others laugh
Bm        C
Some live alone with no better half
G  Am
Others grieve while others curse
Bm     C
And others mourn behind a big black hearse
G       Am
Some are pure and some half-bred
Bm       C
Some are sober and some are wasted
G     Am
Some are rich because of fate and
Bm   C
Some are poor with no food on their plate
G   Am
Some stand out while others blend
Bm           C
Some are fat and stout while some are thin

G   Am
Some are friends and some are foes
Bm   C
Some have some while some have most

Chorus:

G           Am
Every color and every hue
Bm       C
Is represented by me and you
G       Am
Take a slide in the slope
Bm   C
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
G      Am
Spinnin round, make it twirl
Bm   C
In this kaleidoscope world

(Do Stanza Chords)
Some are great and some are few
Others lie while some tell the truth
Some say poems and some do sing
Others sing through their guitar strings
Some know it all while some act dumb
Let the bassline strum to the bang of the drum
Some can swim while some will sink
And some will find their minds and think
Others walk while others run
You cant talk peace and have a gun
Some are hurt and start to cry
Dont ask me how dont ask me why
Some are friends and some are foes
Some have some while some have most
(repeat chorus)

-----------------------------------------------------
To Francis M.

I am so sad because you had to die so early in life. 44 is very young. I am kind of expecting you would reach 94.


I am sad also because the next generation would not be able to see you anymore. Well, of course they could still hear your music. I believe your music is the greatest memory you have left behind. It would be nice if they could still see you so they would have somebody to imitate and listen to as their role model.

I am sad because I am trying to find a counter attact to the saying: "Bad grass die last"
Why do good people have to go to heaven soon?

Well, I guess the answer is: You are an Angel and God lent you to human kind only for a time and you have to come home now.

Thank you so much.

God bless your family.

Photos from: francismagalona.multiply.com





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They think Dolphins are yummy

I still haven't gotten over the news that about hundreds of Dolphins are getting killed in Japan almost everyday for the purpose of making them a part of their delicious delicacy. (read it at www.savejapandolphins.org).
Then now here's another shocking news:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/03/09/bfar-dynamite-fishing-may-have-killed-two-rescued-dolphins
and it happened right here in my country. Not to mention previous reports about dolphins and whales getting stranded in provinces like Quezon and some heartless fishermen killed, chopped and sold them in public markets. The killing of these mammals is already a horror thing. Eating them is unforgivable. Are these humans that ravenous to eat dolphins? To be honest, I think it's already improper to call them "humans." The word "savage beasts" is more appropriate.

Well, I am not making a general statement here. There are still few good people remaining...
Read here: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/network/about-100-dolphins-stranded-philippines-1105-am

And how I hope these good people will be cloned or copied or anything that would increase their number.

Very appalling because for 20 years I have believed that the wild beasts are only roaming in jungles and that humans should be scared of those places. The forests hold dangers too which most of it are still unknown to men. Even the ocean deeps are said to be perilous to our lives for it holds some mystery- sea monsters and huge creatures perceived to be threats to human lives. The ocean itself is feared for countless lives it has already taken. How many stories have I heard and seen...how many of them have convinced me to stay in the city or any place that is open and where there are many humans who can always offer rescue and other forms of help.

But with all the "bad news" going on and when I say "bad news" it is not limited to the killing of these mammals, it also pertains to other gruesome stories such as a massacre of a family, child-abuse, rape and more - makes me think that being in the city is a lot more dangerous than being in a forest or a jungle. Even living under the sea (If I happen to be a mermaid) sounds promising.

I have some theories as to why these things are happening:
- They are not really humans. They are demons in disguise.

If they happen to be "real humans"
- Their brains have been fried as effect of global warming
- Instant noodles and canned goods make their brain smaller and the MSG hardens the heart that's why they can't feel any compassion anymore.
- This is the effect of poverty. They are hungry. They can't think straight. All their thoughts are focused on "how to survive poverty by any means" without thinking anymore of what is right and moral.

If you have other theories, share it to me. I am trying my best to understand these creatures before I pack my things and move with Tarzan or Ariel.

I have some ironic thing to share.

Read this article: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081217-178401/Dolphins-save-Palawan-fisherman

Why ironic? Seems that the table has been turned. The dolphins are acting like humans. And the humans are acting like animals.

It will not be shocking anymore if someday a dolphin becomes a President of a country...








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SLUMDOG WHO?

My grandparents came to Manila just a few weeks ago to celebrate my Aunt's birthday. I did not see them and that made me go home with a guilty feeling. I got stuck on some daily routine and obligation-not possible to leave unless I could divide myself into two so I could be at two places at one time. But my mom came to see them and my guilty feeling was replaced with "envy." I only get rare chances of quality time with my "Tatay" and "Nanay"(as I call my grandpa and grandma) because of the 6 hour- drive difference between our home and their home.

Anyway, my "grampa" gave me a call telling me about a movie he just watched which according to him is really awesome. It teaches so many lessons and values. I feel happy just by listening to him...I gave him some "ahs....uhms....ohs...."

Then my mom came home and told me to look for the DVD of that movie my grampa was talking about. To be honest, I did not pay attention on the title...as it did not "ring a bell" and grampa could not remember the lead actor's name so I just kept that fact in my invisible file folder which I would care to open when I have "got-nothing-to-do" day. I asked my mom if she remembered the title. She said it got some "slam" word on it. And I said: "oh yeah...slam...like slammer?" My mom said: "uhuh, yes slammer." "A hip-hop prisoner movie?," I answered back. Mom said: "not sure, sounds like it...just find that DVD maybe it's something worth watching." I just shrugged my shoulders as an answer.

Two days passed.

It was Monday and it was holiday...well holiday only for the students. But since my job often allows me to declare my own holiday, I stayed home. With my dad as my boss...I could be lucky sometimes. (Not subject for abuse)

Why? Well it was the "Oscar's Day"
I love watching Oscar's ever since the day I appreciated television.
My favorite is the "Red-carpet" walk-seeing those popular Hollywood celebrities wearing their designer gowns and suits.
Who is hot? Who is not?
I want to know.

Okay...

I will stop beating around the bush

Besides the "red carpet" walk
there was one particular celebrity that I wanted to see walking on that carpet of fame and glamour...

You are right...

It's Robert Pattinson.

Well, I was curious. I am so used to seeing him looking "sexy" and rugged all the time and I am not complaining. Seeing him in a Dolce and Gabbana Tux is "new" to me.

A day off from work was more than a good decision.

Why?

Here's why:




















One word: DEBONAIR
No wonder he got a pretty good feedback from some fashion experts. He got a B! This is really a high grade. I so love his hair!!!

I was wondering all the time where was Kristen? I was kind of expecting she would be his date for the night. They would make a lovely couple next to Angelina and Brad.

My cousin sent me an SMS. She's a huge fan of Zac Efron. She loves Rob too but Zac is her first love. She wanted me to keep an eye on her "crush". Out of obligation, I did keep an eye on him and his girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens. Perhaps something's wrong with my eyes but I just can't keep up with those girls going ga-ga over Zac. Maybe he's just not my type. The Highschool Musical movie itself did not appeal to me. My dearest cousin said I should give him a 5-second stare and I would fall in his magic. So I did...I gave him a 5-second stare...another 5 seconds...a minute...2 minutes...3 minutes. No magic. Nothing. Sorry. I tried. Not working.

Cousin...he's all yours!

He got a "D" by the way.

Ohhhhh...a bad grade huh?

haha just teasing you!

Back to my story:
So while watching the Oscars, I came to know all the movies that were nominated...

and then my grampa's voice rang in my ears

"Slumdog got several nominations from the Oscar's"

Ah yeah!

It's Slumdog Millionaire...now I remember!

And it's neither a hip-hop nor a jail movie. It's an Indian movie which makes it more interesting.
And it won A LOT OF MAJOR awards.

My curiosity couldn't be tamed. I watched the movie the following day.

and all my doubts were erased. Truly, that movie deserved every award.

I couldn't blame my grampa if he wasn't able to remember the names of the actors and actresses from the movie...they are not among the list of Hollywood big stars (maybe in their country they are big names) still, they could act. "Jamal is very compelling"

There were gory scenes but try not to close your eyes. It's part of the whole essence of the movie.

To be honest, Slum dog Millionaire could be very well made here in the Philippines. There were lots of familiar scenes. Too familiar...

Anyway, you want to be a millionaire?

you've got to have these:
-a good eye (be observant)
- a good memory
- a brave heart
- a feet that can run fast
- a bad brother who would save you at the last minute and be the hero
- a girlfriend or a boyfriend who would be in distress most of the time and would need your constant help.
- An autographed photo of your favorite actor

Watch the movie so you would know what I'm talking about :)

Lessons:
-Don't take for granted those things which you thought are insignificant and unnecessary. Someday, those things might lead you to good fortune.
- Learn to listen. It's more prudent to listen and get information. Rather than talk and give out secrets.
- You don't need to chase wealth. It will find you.
- Your future is already written. It is bound to happen. So let it be. Don't fight with fate.

And the most important lesson: Memorize the faces on every money bill. You might get rich by doing so.

Watch Slum dog Millionaire. Trust me. It's worth the time.

Oh yeah...the actor who played as Jamal is Dev Patel. (I made some research). I don't want to name him as the "unpopular" actor. Because by now, I think he already got some fans following him around asking for tips on how to be a millionaire.

More Oscar reviews:

Meryl Streep is soooooooooooo stunning. Even at her age, she can still make some guys swoon.

I am happy for Kate Winslet. Finally, she bagged that Oscar's trophy. I loved her "shampoo bottle" speech. A speech like that could very well fit a script designed for a movie about a struggling actress who after a long time made its way to the top.





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