dear bono,

i don't like coffee but...

 

i'd like nothing more than to have a cup of coffee with you.

words of the apple man...

Just what quarter life needs... 

 

"Believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart."

"You've got to find what you love."

"Stay hungry. Stay foolish."

(Stumbling on Steve Jobs at Stanford. A big T.Y. to Daphne O.).

Amazing TRAVELER...

You know how it is when once your life you encounter random people who leaves distinct impressions on you? An impression that could either vary from "hmmm... he's cool" or to "ugh! what a bozo!" That's why when it comes to impressions and memories there's no such thing as "he's okay..." for what it really means is "which one was he again?." So there it is, of the billions of people in this world, thousands of people you encounter and a handful of people you chose to surround yourself with, there will always be that passerby in your life who will leave you amazed and inspired even for just a minute or two.

You must be wondering where this sentimentality is leading to, well, it leads to the start of the spicing up of this blog. Every now and then I will be featuring random strangers who I think leads an amazing life or are just simply naturally born amazing (if that is even possible, we'll find out). Appropriately, I shall name this feature the AMAZING ____________ feature. 

As I'm doing an imaginary ribbon cutting, I formally welcome you all to the beginning of my Amazing _______ feature (applause for myself and by myself.. hahaha)

***

Remember when we went to Cambodia and met this group of foreigners who requested for a jumping shot at Angkor Wat?  Well let me refresh your memory with this.

Meet Gilad Bonfil, 

Amazing Traveler.

I never really got to talk to him except for the usual chit chat of "where are you from yada2x". But from then on I knew that he totally belong to that "hmmm... he's cool" impression. Thank God for Mark Zuckenberg and his invention of Facebook because my impression sealed the deal that I definitely, was right!

Gilad is an Israeli who is currently on pilgrimage to the here and there of the world. He has trekked in the beautiful mountains of Nepal, dinned with a village chief in Laos, toured around Mongolia, fell in love with the country of Thailand and etc. etc. An amazing traveler who has taken the off beaten trails and embraced every experience offered . A man wizened by experience and travel is yes, younger than me. Read on his answers to my questions and get to know WHY he's an Amazing traveler.

1.) What made you decide to embark on this very long journey?

emmm. that's a good question. I think one of the reason is the lack of freedom I felt during my military service. After 3 years in the army, I felt I want to escape, to explore the world, to see different and interesting things I've never seen before. After 3 years of people tell me what to do , I felt I want to be the king of myself, do what my heart tell me to do, whenever and wherever. 

another reason for going traveling: We're young and we should have fun now and get to know about ourselves more and more. Don't be in rush. First experience and then make your life serious. I wanted to go traveling because I felt I haven't known myself very good and I need something that would open my mind. So I said "why not go traveling?"

2.) What are the 3 things great things about traveling?

1. get to know the most unusual people. During my travel I met really great and interesting people from all over the world. sharing stories with them and experience traveling together was good to me. Also, I met friends for life.
 

2. to see things that you've never seen before. You have the chance to see different lifestyle, different culture, different nature. But the most good experiences are when you dom't plan them. John Lennon said once: "'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I really believe in that. For example: in Nepal, I went trekking with 3 other Israeli guys. One day, It was too late to continue the hike so we stay overnight in a random village. it was amazing. They were dancing for us and put flowers in our necks. and we even didn't plan to stay in the village.
 

3. the last thing great about travel is that you realize there is entire world out there. Traveling defenietly open your mind and you realize our world isn't just black and white. The whole my way of thinking has been changed because of traveling. Before, I felt rage and hate about people, especially muslims because of the terrorists. But now, I understand not all the muslims are terrorists and want to kill. Thay just want to live. Also, traveling made me hate polititians cause they don't want peace. They just want power and money. I fucking hate them.

3.) What are your 3 do's and don'ts when traveling?

*open your mind to experience new things that you didn't plan to experience. Be spontenian. You may have your great experience while you don't think of them.
*when traveling, you'll found yourself most of the time with people, especially other travellers. I think it's great to find a partner and travel together. Be patient. Listen to the other person. Share your ideas and ask what his ideas. Trust him. You're not alone in this boat.
*be independed. You can only help to yourself. traveling is kind of surviving. If you experience bad times, don't let it low your morale.
 

now for the don'ts:
*your bagback is your home. Don't take more than you need. during my travel, I sent many things back home cause I realize I don't need them. Bfore you start traveling, you should think for a moment what kind of traveling. When you figure it out, suitable the things you bring to your traveling. For example: if you know you don't want to plan everything and just want to see what's happend, bring a tent with you so you won't stuck in the middle of a cold night without a place to sleep.
*don't go trekking alone. It's dangerous and you noght get lost of injured. Find partners.
*and the most important thing: YOU ARE A GUEST. don't judge the culture of the country you visit. Be polite. Have a respect. Have the willing to ask questions. Be curious. The locals would only respect you more.

4.) If you have 1 best song to describe your experience what would it be and why?

Can I change from song to a movie? "Into the wild"!

5.) What is the great thing you've learned about yourself during this period of travel in your life?

the great thing I learned about myself: I learned to be independed. I learn how to survive. I learn that I can only help to myself. I learn how to know in a short time if this person is suitable for me or not. If not, I say politely "good bye" and walk to my way. I learn to open my mind, to try new things and I fucking live it.

***

Need I say more?...

*** 

Gilad, as my honorary Amazing feature, I will be selfless and give you this track that I have been saving for myself for future use. No one deserves this more than you.... 

blog track:

Universal Traveler by Air

little passionates...

For someone who makes You Tube her glorified TV, I stumbled upon this amazing choral group by typing in Anne Hathaway Oscars.  So instead of catching up on the celebrated Oscars, I ended up spending the entire day gawking at the incredibly inspiring young talents of PS22 or Public School 22 from Staten, New York. Just gotta love that "suggestions" slide on the right corner.

Look at those faces, have you ever seen pure unadulterated passion like that? They are just sooo adorable to look at that it's A-mazing. Considering their economic backgrounds and varying races, it makes me feel like I'm watching a true to life version of the movie Sister Act, minus Whoopie Goldberg and older students. Anyway like I always say, there is nothing greater accomplishment in life than finding one's passion, and doing it, and they are just exactly what I'm talking about. These kids have no idea how fortunate they are to encounter a teacher like Mr. B (Greg Breinberg) in their life. Dude! that man is the definition of not cool but coolest!

Mr. B, or shall I be bold and say Greg, is exactly the kind of teacher I wanna be like, if ever I finally decide to become one. haha. Seriously though, I think it's very important for teachers to recognize the individuality of every student and encourage them to embrace that individuality by not imposing too much restrictions. That's why if noticed there isn't much to nil choreography involved.

I love that Greg lets the kids do their own thing. I love that Greg's enthusiasm is contagious. I love that Greg chooses the coolest songs. From the inspiring Stevie Nicks, to the fast beats of Jay Z and Passion Pit, to the laid back alternatives of Phoenix and Coldplay, to the pop hits of Katy Perry and Rhianna and to the etc. etc. They've covered it all. For all that and Greg's long hair, I think I've fallen for Greg. So Greg Greg Greg whatchatink? marry me? wink! ;)

With everything that is happening in this world lately, it's great to see inspiring people sprouting out every now and then. Loads of goodness, a splash of artistry and an overflowing passion is what we need more in this world. Or maybe just a 'greg'arious teacher to influence the many.

The standing ovation from Lady Gaga and Beyonce, the happy tears from Tori Amos,

the publicity from Perez Hilton, the adoration of the internet world and now this blog, you kids and teacher deserves it all and more.

To PS22, you made me not regret missing what he or she wore to the Oscars, and to Anne Hathaway, I'll make a raincheck on our Youtube date! ;)

****

By the way there's a 2nd part when Tori Amos gave an impromptu performance with the kids, it's amazing. It's gonna make you love her even more. There also more great covers and amazing moments from PS22, just check out youtube for that or their site at http://ps22chorus.blogspot.com.  

bally is berry...

You know how it is when you just can't help but sigh and knock some sense into some gifted people for making the wrong career choice in life?. Meet Bally. That's exactly how I feel about her...

For someone who's as colorful as the glossy pages of Vogue magazine, she could do waaaaay better than that dull white nursing uniform. But let's not be selfish, coz on the other hand those patients could need a little color to perk up their weakened state. Let's just hope that this stylist/artist/why-oh-why?!-nurse would be hired to revamp the monochromatic fashion sense of the hospitals. And only then will I say that finally you're putting your nursing to good use. ;)

Seriously Bally, I wish for the time to come when you'll finally be able to put your talent to good use. Don't worry, when I become super duper rich (please wish and pray for that as well), I will hire you as my stylist and this time shopping will done in the real UK and to add to that sweet promise I'll flash your calling card to all my amigas, coz I'll be that sosyal (but I have a feeling we'll still have the same set of friends then.) However, as of the moment, I'll gladly go UK2x hopping for new arrivals with you. Who knows, someday we'll look back at our humble beginnings while sipping tea at some cozy cafe in Paris.

Libre lang ang mangarap,

but tightly crossing my fingers with eyes closed.

haha.

***

P.S. Gayle Opsima, I know you feel the same way about me, but atin2x nlng yun ha, you don't have to make a blog. wink!

***

blog track:
Be Yourself by Morcheeba

between talent, plugs and ifs...

Only God knows why he didn't give me the talent for singing and only him knows why I try too hard to have that talent. But for whatever it's worth, at least my lack of talent was compensated by some hardcore GUTS to sing my heart out without any sense of humiliation and with complete disregard to the bleeding ears of the sympathetic people around to me. In short, call it happiness at the expense of others. ;)

Since I know that I am helpless and beyond repair in that aspect of my life, I could only wish to have that voice stealing power of Ursula in Little Mermaid. I wouldn't steal Ariel's voice coz it's just way too Disney for me and reality is, nobody sounds that way (or maybe I just haven't met them yet). Anyway these are the voices that I would definitely steal...if ever...

1. PINK

It's not just the hairstyle. I soooo wanted to be like her in high school, but I only succeeded in the badly maintained hair cut. My Pink-ish attempt failed because I didn't have the voice and the stamina to keep up with her pop-rap kinda style. I could barely catch up with the lyrics of her songs that 75% outside the chorus, I just mumbled my way. Good thing others weren't into her coz I'd be like a total "pa cool cool" wannabe, which embarrassingly is half the truth. At least am past that stage.
I love that edginess in her voice, and how it can blend with rock, pop and rap. She's my teeny bopper idol who is the only cool one worth mentioning, while the others, I strongly deny.
~~*~~

2. JANIS JOPLIN


Iconic. She just blows me off. Her voice would definitely take you back to the flower power Woodstock era. AMAZING. She's so rockin' effortless and her pleasantly raspy voice is just distinctly unique and very sexy. If only I sounded like her I wouldn't be blogging this moment, I'd be out doing gigs or better yet, have others blogging about me. hehe... silly wishful thoughts.
But there can only one rockstah and a fan between us, and I don't have to say where I belong in that picture.

~~*~~
3. ADELE

How can she be younger than me and sound like that?!!!! I hate her! kidding... I love her. She's my current fave and my LSS. There's just something soulful about her raspy voice that makes her songs heartbreaking. Unfortunately, I just discovered her lately so I didn't know that her singing chops was already old news to the world. But I was born yesterday so forgive me if I go gaga over her.
Big talent and still young. Haaaay... kids these days! how fast time flies that I suddenly became the talentless tita.
~~*~~

Just a little bit of edge, a little bit of raspy sound. That's all I prefer for me to sing with my head held higher than where it is now. But since I was designed for another purpose, I just hope for God to bless those people with ear plugs, because for as long as I am here and is still trying my hardest, they are really gonna need those plugs.

Lil' V....

I think i just discovered another Regine Velasquez in the making. hmmmm?....

Like some proud talent hunter, I discovered this kid a few months back when my father and I went to Bohol for a family affair. On the way back to Cebu, by some management reasons at the port of Tubigon, all passengers were forced to stay inside the passengers' lounge, to keep us from hopping on the boat ahead of others. I don't know if that made sense but Bohol's very own "Von Trappe" family certainly did.

The father, mother, daughter and daughter tandem were all belting it out for the waiting passengers. The father, though blind, is the jack of all trades, he does the talking, singing and strumming of the guitar. And the rest... well, they just sing. They pretty have good voices, typical Filipino belting out/ shouting (to make up for the absence of mic) style. But who I found so adorable is the youngest kid named V.... errrrr... na?da?... anyway I suck with names, so let's just call her V.

V, despite the size, packed alot of air in those diaphrams. And as the frustrated singer that I am, this is probably the only instance when I'm finally not bitter over someone else's musical talent. Instead, I just resigned to the fact that the world is indeed not equal. And that though God has given others the talent I, on the other hand, just got the confidence.

Anyway going back, this kid is A-MAZING! seeing and hearing her perform could only make you wish that the future be kind to this tiny kid and lead her to great heights.

On the second thought, didn't Regine Velasquez started out this way? hmmm... should I put myself to good use be a talent manager instead?.. watchatink?... do i have the eye for a real talent? or is it just my confidence getting in the way again?... hehe... anyway just check out Lil' V.

BOBOTic job...

And I thought her job was glamorous....

but I have to admit she still got the best job there is...

Not only is she paid to doodle her working hours away, she also get to have her designs printed for nationwide consumption. And must I add that she also get to keep a lot of shirts!...how unfair is that?!

Anyway, I'm just happy to finally see people wearing bobot. I'm also glad that bobot is going places with his friends. He's gone quite far you know, considering his humble beginnings at the pages of the dog eared high school notebooks his owner. Haaaay.. how time flies...Going back, I am sooo irritatingly proud that his owner is working in a place that suits her best. I can't imagine her working in a another place, but if she does, I can only picture her grumpy face. haha.

Hey ARTWORK hire me! I may not be the best doodler in town, but I have talents, and Jea can give you her word that I can do a pretty good dirty job with that hammer. wink !-) But if by any chance you can't find a spot for me, well at least give some shirts! And no it's not a demand... just a wishful thought from a fan who is dying 50 to 60 years from now! mercy please? :)

***
J... gimme a ring when you're gonna do another store set up here in Cebu akie? If I still don't get to bring a hammer, at least be assured that I'll always be bringing the best chismis in town.. hahaha

by basti artadi

"Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there are footsteps on the moon".