Fish Talk

Bayside of a small barangay in a top-classed municipality west of Batangas province

Where the common folks' main livelihood is fishing and the daily routinely conversation of old folks is how the catch for the night was.

Somewhere in the town proper, the millennials in their motorbikes drive to their hangout for meat binging and hard drinks.

Where on February 2020, temperature at 23.0°C (ow of 22) and the wind chill of 20 km/hour (low of 7) blowing the cold air of the bay to the roof deck tells you, the Christmas season got extended.

The days are shorter and nights are longer in the province. Time appears slower too.

The shift in pace from wild and frenetic of urban Manila  to idyllic and laid-back is a mere three hours away.

Changing Career? Not pursuing your Dreams?

On YouTube, I was exposed to a young Singaporean who excels in sports and in the performing arts. Already a champion swimmer in his younger days, he rewired himself for a 360 degree career change. Starting from scratch he shifted from athletics to the performing arts.

Now he is seen on social and mainstream media, playing the keyboard, strings, composing, writing, singing, acting, performing the spoken word. He also enlightens as a celebrity speaker.

Benjamin Kheng in his spoken word act talked about “Rich.”
-Is rich being wealthy, having a great of assets or money?
-Or having a high value or quality?
-Or deep and vivid in colour, sound or smell?
-Or is it the one that makes you whole?

Find out if making peace with the heart is the one that makes you rich.

https://youtu.be/BhHAV1z4v28

Ben shared to TEDxYouth@Singapore complex concepts on how to be competitive and to excel through rewiring, creating the movie soundtrack of one’s life, writing one’s script and filtering out the noise of discouragement and fighting the demons.

Catch the concepts of
-Relative pitch, comprehend the complexities of a sound hearing it for the 1st time
-Synesthesia, associating notes with emotions and colors and putting them in the right place.
-Negative Splitting, a competitive tool to piss people off, pacing yourself on the 1st and 2nd half of the race and going for the kill

Noise exists. How to handle them by making music with the noise, associating it with a chord and putting the noise in the right place through the heart.

In walking with the mind, one knows himself, the strengths and weaknesses and the environment he is in.

In running with the heart, it is deciding and acting at full speed the direction to pursue.

The secret is in his talk "Walk with your mind Run with your heart." (It needs patience to complete the 21-minute lecture. The key to success is there to the keenly interested.)

https://youtu.be/04-JxYnzcq0

Ben sings. One of my favorites is "The Fight Song" in collaboration with Kurt Hugo Schneider.  I quote the lines which resonate “Like a small boat On the ocean Sending big waves Into motion Like how a single word Can make a heart open I might only have one match But I can make an explosion”

“Starting right now I'll be strong I'll play my fight song And I don't really care if nobody else believes 'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me”

https://youtu.be/2kR3hmaikGI

Ben closes his Ted Talk with the question, “What about you? What do you want to be? What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Find the color and the noise. Know who you are and what you are made of. When the stars are aligned, let go.”

Parasite The Rich and Me

 Parasite is a Korean movie commenting on the disparity in lifestyle and culture of families at the extreme ends of the social class, the top rich and the bottom poor. Theme is anchored on social stratification to dramatize dissatisfaction, discomfort, unfulfilled needs and materialism of both social classes. The rich have the goods, skills and the cash to afford almost anything including exacting service and loyalty. The poor yet skilled family only have services creatively misrepresented deceitfully to be compensated at a premium.

Movie directed by award winning Korean director Bong Joon-ho successfully set up the lifestyle and residence of the affluent Park family to contrast agianst the hand-to-mouth survival of a poor, opportunistic yet talented Kim family in their cramped semi-basement quarter. With the stage set, the story and the drama of the social commentary unfold linearly, logically. Treatment is light, amusing and not depressing as the distressing theme was dealt with in a humorous way.

From the start, Parasite already established the class differences, gaps and the forthcoming racketeering to be committed against the privileged. Spotting opportunities for a get-quick-rich scheme, Kim family taps forgery, manipulation, schematic staging and almost anything without remorse and justification though discretely respecting the kindness accorded to them by the Park family.

Midway, the struggle expands not just between the rich and the marginalized family but by two poor families serving the rich, the Kims and Moon-gwang and husband Geun-sae. The fired cook displaced by the maneuvering of the Kim family returned stretching the stratified story with sub plots, surprises and interesting violent twists.

While simplistically, Parasite is about the poor family infiltrating and creeping into the rich's house; the rich dependent on the labor of the poor, parasitism is more appropriately applicable to them. The rich man's wife needed someone to do household chores and a sounding board, their daughter needing a tutor and a sexual partner, the young son, artistic coach and the husband, a driver.

Parasite leaves you devastated with senses assaulted thinking the rich are different from you and me. Parasite is a story told well, movie crafted well and portrayals acted well by Koreans with a universal appeal of what being human is. Each human being has talents with burdens to bear. Common between the rich and the poor is a family to care for. Collectively it is the family that binds the individuals, father and mother concern for their young son and daughter, son and daughter finding opportunities for their mother and father and the mother looking after the welfare of her partner.

Regardless of stature though, the family has shared struggles. The struggle which initially was light and amusing evolved into a dark, bloody, tragic state without any clear closure.


What is clear though is life is more painful for those at the lower strata of the society.

-------------

I got jolted by the movie Parasite, scared by the two marginalized Parasite families and amused with one scheming Korean family especially when initially I was the only moviegoer in the 100-seater cinema house.

I left the room devastated with my senses assaulted thinking are the rich different from you and me? Or do the yous and mes face more exciting lives?

A story told well, movie crafted and portrayals acted well  by Koreans with a universal appeal of what being human is. Each one of us has talents with burdens to bear. Collectively it is the family that binds but the unit too has shared struggles regardless of stature.

Penta. The 5-week Learning Curve

It happened so soon. Searching for Christmas songs this 2019 on YouTube initially led me to Hallelujah. Further recommendations exposed me to their Christmas songs too many to count.

Even the transition from bass singer Avi to Matt was chronologically traced which hooked me eventually to the Sound of Silence.

Sometime this January 2020, I was told that as part of the world tour, "Pentatonix The World Tour Live in Manila", Araneta in Cubao would be their final destination for the leg.

Initially not that interested but constant reminders from social calendars, FB and prompting from colleagues increased the probability of watching. Eventually work schedule allowed. Even the Corona Virus epidemic allowed a mass gathering.

Just on the concert date 8 February, I bought tickets assured that the artists have arrived and the concert is pushing through. I watched initially for the sound to compare studio recording and live rendition and secondarily for the live concert experience.

I was glad that halfway, the sound system improved after Kevin's solo cello performance capturing better the nuances of the 5 singers’ vocal renditions in harmony.

From zero knowledge in December to a deeper familiarity on their group and personal lives in January is 5 weeks, a short learning period span. Credit that to technology for global linkage and a rich source of reference.

The 2020 concert was their 2nd in Manila. From the repeat goers and the crowd's chanting for their favorite singers and songs, the group has clearly established a fan base. For me, from zero base to attendance to a live concert in 5 weeks which put me relatively at par with them is a feat.

I wished that even in February 2020, Pentatonix devoted a segment on Christmas. They too were silent on the Simon and Garfunkel cover. The concert listening to 5 talented singers in accapella live supported by technology  for a visual illusion was an enriching and a lightly enjoyable musical experience.

Mitch delivered the high notes as tenor. Matt did a run and danced a lot with Kevin. Not much beat boxing done by Kevin but he sang, moved and played the cello and did beat box simultaneously. Scott led most of the time. Young mezzo-soprano Kirstie harmonized providing the feminine touch.

After the well-attended and appreciated live concert of the a cappella group, I am now back to YouTube watching in a HD set-up without a face mask to check on the PTXperience-Pentatonix: The World Tour 2020 episodes for additional learning and appreciation of multi-Grammy awardee singing group.

#PTXManila2020 #PTXTheWorldTourMLA

Planong Naputol. I Grieve for the Loss of a Stray Cat

Magaan ang dating ng gabing Ito tulad ng dati. Sa paglalim ng gabi, naiba dahil sa biglaang pangyayari.

Maliban sa mga kaibigan, dalawang tropa ang madalas bumisita sa akin, ang mga ibon at gala na pusa. Araw-araw, nasa bahay ang mga lumilipad at gumagapang na mga bisita. Para ko na ring ampon sila.

Ang nagiba sa gabing iyon ay ang kawalan ng isang ampon sa bahay. Siya rin ang kumakain sa mga tira tirang tinapay at laman ng pangang tuna din kinakain ng mga bisita.

Malinis ang balat, malusog at mabait. Siya din ang bantay ng ihawan pag tulog ako at wala sa bahay. Nakikiupo din siya sa silya. 

Pero pag namasid niya ako, tahimik siyang umaalis. Siya ang pusang puti may itim at kulay abo sa balat. Di niya kinakakalkal ang basura tulad ng mga ibang salbaheng at gutom na pusa. Tahimik lang siyang sumisimot sa lupa para sa tapon na makakain.

Ngayong gabi, 29 Jan 2020, habang nanood ako ng You Tube Channel, tahimik siyang dumaan galing sa pader, naghanap ng pagkain pero walang nakita. Tinignan niya ako at unti unting tumalon sa pader palabas.

Pagkatapos ng eye-to-eye niya sa akin, pumasok sa isip ko kung bilhan ko kaya siya ng pagkaing pang pusa sa supermarket.

Nang gabing iyon, balak ko rin kumain ng hapunan sa labas. Di gamit ang kotse at maglalakad dahil mahangin naman at medyo malamig.

Maya't maya pa, habang nalilibang ako sa mga pagcover ng mga paborito kong singers, may malakas na hiyaw akong narinig. Isip ko, siguro nakakita ng daga sa labas o nakipag away sa mga asong gumagala kasama ng amo nila.

Pag labas ko sa kalye, may nakita akong pusa na nakabulagta sa kalye. Iyon pala ang iyak, iyak ng namamatay.

Napatigil ako sa paglalakad unti-unting di maintindihan ang emosyon. Nasaktan dahil sa pusa.

Sa paglalakad, may nakasalubong akong village guard. Sabi ko sa guard na hindi pinapakita ang kalungkutan ko, "Paki tignan nga ang isang gala ng pusa na mamatay sa kayle malapit sa amin. Parang nakipag away o nabangga."

Habang patuloy akong naglalakad, naguguluhan ako. Di ko malaman kung tumatakas ako o nagpipilit idedma ang trahedya.

Sa bawat hakbang, sumsariwa sa alaala ko ang titigan namin, ang pagtalon niya sa pader. Nakaraang munuto pa lang balak kong iresearch at bumili ng tunay na cat food. Sa ilang saglit, wala na siya. Wala na ang pasisiyahin ko sa aking balak.

Naiyak ako dahil naramdaman ko ang pagkawala ng isang buhay na di ko man inampon ay naging bahagi na ng buhay ko. Sa isang pusang unti-unting napalapit sa akin na nagawan ko ng plano kung paano siyang mananatiling malusog at malinis. Planong di na matutupad.

Pusa siyang di ko man lang nabigyan ng pangalan. Tulad din siya ng tao, nakikiramdam at ginagalang ako. Di man niya nalasap ang magandang plano kabubuo ko lang ng gabing iyon bago siya tumalon sa bakod.

Ganoon pala ang ramdam ng isang trahedya. Nalulungkot ako at di ko man lang makumbinse ang sarili ko na ganyan talaga ang buhay, may katapusan. Kasi kahit sa maiksing panahon, naging bahagi na siya ng buhay ko.

(Pagbalik ko sa paglalakad, nagkita kami muli ng guard. "sir, basag ang bungo. Nasagasaan. Bukas na lang namin lilinisin. Ililibing namin aa bakanteng lote. Mabait siyang pusa di po ba?" huling tanong pa niya.)

Prophetic Omen

To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wild flower
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour
-William Blakes’ Auguries of Innocence

Ang makita ang kabuuan ng mundo sa isang maliit butil ng buhangin
Ang kagandahan ng buhay sa isang bulaklak

Mahawakan ang kawalang-hanganan sa kaliliitan ng palad ng kamay
Ang walang hanganang buhay sa kaiksihan ng isang oras lamang
-Interpretation mine

Auguries of Innocence written by William Blakes who died in 1827. The work was published in 1863. To quote the interpretation of Auguries of Innocence, “Auguries of Innocence is a collection of conflicting situations written as a kind of prophetic judgement. It pits the innocent against the mature, the rich against the poor, the elite against the underprivileged, and invites the audience to recognize the fragile beauty and balance found within nature.”

About Last Night or Early this AM

On his last rehearsal with UP Engineering Choir, a newly accepted member said goodbye to the group. He will physically leave the Diliman campus to pursue advanced studies for his doctorate in another country. Physically, he cannot be present for the rehearsals and shows.

In a post rehearsal social, which he and their conductor initiated, more than half of the members attended. Riding in a white Starex, the group raided the Ihawan 17 January Friday. Most of them were repeaters attending all three socials at the venue. There were new first timers. There were fall outs too. Like the previous gatherings, it enhanced their connections with each other strengthening their bonding.

Eto ang ganap.

• Gabi ni Kawi (Philip din ang ngalan). Engaged at unimon. Isa rin siya sa nangangalang Philip. Mainstay na si Kawi sa Ihawan. Present siya sa tatlong salu-salu at palaging galak makasama ang mga katropa.
• Engaged si Andrew na dumating na nakabisikyeta. Matino ang disposition kahit umiinon. Habang makikipagkwentuhan, pinapanood din ang palabas ng choir performance sa YouTube UP Engineering channel na mababa ang HD quality at ang views sa ngayon. Tumulong siya sa pagwalis ng bubog na mabasag na baso.
• Syempre gabi ni tatay. Bangkero sa games ang pasimula ng shot ng Johnny Walker Black sa mga game na choir members. Di ko lang mawari kung participant siya bilang choir member o bagong conductor ng choir.
• Ang sipag ni Rova. Parang nanay ng UP Eng Choir, tinitingnan ang pangangailangan ng lahat lalo na sa naglulutong kuya at si tatay. Pag lampas ng hatinggabi, kasama na siyang tumatagay at nakikipulutan. Bago nagpaalaman, naghugas ng mga gamit na plato, kubyertos at panluto.
• Paikot-ikot si Jude sa maliit na tambayan. Di naman umiinom pero nakikipagkulitan sa mga ibang myembro. Isa rin si Jude sa mainstays ng Ihawan na huling umaaalis. Pero ng gabing ito, maaga siyang nagpaalam.
• Game si Lemuel. Nakaupo sa prime seat. Harap sa TV monitor, birds eye view sa chess board at nakaupo tabi ni Thomas.
• Tahimik si Eunice pero nandoon siya. Low profile si Rochelle habang umiinon, kumakain at konting chikaan.
• Panalo si Philip sa chess. Tahimik ngunit pabalik-balik sa banyo.
• May sariling mundo naman si Thomas na naka online. Pero pag inaalok ni tatay ng shot, di tumatanggi hanggang tumanggi na din ang katawan niya.

Nagustuhan ang Post Modern Jukebox, Pentatonix sa YouTube. Masuring pinanood ang mga nakaupong UP Mads. Hinanhanap ang sarili sa UP Engineering Choir. Minsan ay nakikisabay sa koro.

Isang portion ng gabi, nagsing-along sa channel ng coverph ng You Tube. Di ako alam ang konsepto ng vocal harmony ng gabing iyon. Ang narining ko ay volume ng boses. Di pa naman nagreklamo ang mga kapitbahay.

Tahimik ang papalis na choir member. Huling rehearsal na niya sa gabing ito. Tulad ng dati, nagluto, nagpaapoy, nang ihaw at nakiinom. Iniisip siguro kung tatanggapin pa siya sa pagbalik niya.

Masaya ang gabing iyon. Sandali lang daw sila puro umabot naman ng alas tres ng umaga. Nakapagserbisyo naman ang Grab noong madaling araw na iyon.

Ang naalala ko ay sana sa term ni Pres. Philip, nakapag recording ang choir. Para may karagdagang legacy at magkasaysay ang pag hohost ko ng sosyals sa mga iskolars ng syensa na mahilig kumanta.

Alaala ng mga gabing nagbigay buhay nitong paskong 2019.

18 January 2020

Agitated Birds

The birds appear to be under stress and agitated. They may know something we do not know. 


#TaalEruption2020 Latitude 14.676208 Longitude 121.043861

Post Holiday Party Pahabol

Post-holiday gatherings in the country which claimed to have the longest Christmas season have not been given as much significance as other parties associated with the holidays as office party, department party, family reunion, school homecoming etc. At best it is seen as merely a catch up.

Post-holiday parties are still seen as joyous moments because they ride on the infectious euphoria of the season where most (except the depressed) are in their elements. Thus like the gatherings post halloween, post all souls' day and the December socials leading to Christmas day up the new year, the mood is celebratory giving permission to temporarily set aside new year's resolution on food and liquor control.

Food and drinks are served unli. Seafoods (panga), sausages (beef), chicken (roasted) and beef (wagyu) are grilled from fire generated from fanned charcoal by an expert landing quickly at the table for immediate consumption while still steaming hot. Salmon sashimi served cold still remain cold mainly due to the comfortable weather. Drinks served by attentive server from familiar corporate ice box coolers even if several mLs are still waiting to be sipped seem to come from a bottomless box.

There was fun not from entertainment nor from presentation but from phoney talks on almost anything under the sun. Each one gamely contributed in pesos, jokes, anecdotes to create an amusing evening. As most are from sales, naturally each one has a dramatic story to tell.

Such is life in the company of friends. Unlike the December parties, post holiday parties are less stressful as there is no time limit and there is no next party obligation to think about. Party did not end because guests wished and knew there would be another post holiday party tomorrow (even if there was none.)

Ang bati sa okasyong ito ay maligayang pasko! Salamat sa lahat.

Larawan pinitik nina Lenard at Allan

Manigong

Starting the new decade 2020 right
New destination set can be reached with a roadmap, skills, tools, patience, action steps
It is the break that makes the difference
Timing, be on the lookout, proactiveness
That is why we ask for intervention in prayers that the events be kinder
Seeding kindness for destiny to be favorable to us
To realize our grand destination
Happy new year
Manigong bagong taon, translated bullseye to the target for the year (makamtan ang hinahangad)

Memories of the Past Decade

Here's to the ones that we got
Cheers to the wish you were here, but you're not
'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
Of everything we've been through
Toast to the ones here today
Toast to the ones that we lost on the way
'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
And the memories bring back, memories bring back you

Salamat sa inyo mga kaibigan ko

Maroon 5 Memories (of the past decade)

Christmas 2019

Max YouTube Cover Star

Max Schneider sings a lot of cover songs. He can carry a tune, any tune. He sings a lot of songs with angst. 7 years after, he still sings covers, thanks to collaborating with genius musician Kurt Hugo Schneider KHS and fellow vocalists Sam Tsui and Victoria Justice.

His channel Max has a base of over 1.7 million subscribers. Posts have been viewed by billions of YouTube visitors. At age 27, his net worth is estimated to be over $1M. (Kurt at age 29 in 2017 net worth is over $5M).

How he reached that stature is through YouTube.
What can’t Max, the incredible, young and talented singer not sing? What KHS can not play?


In USA Today article published 2014, singing covers paid off for actor Max Schneider "LOS ANGELES — Singing his version of pop hits by Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars has paid off for actor Max Schneider. His YouTube channel has more than 700,000 subscribers and helped get his name out there. He co-stars in NBC's Crisis TV show, and is about to embark on a 24-city tour singing his own material, thanks to his growing online fan base. He told us about why so many folks start off singing other people's hits in a recent interview at USA TODAY's L.A. offices."

Here are some of his cover songs posted 5-7 years ago many of which are among my favorites.

Max in his Sugar post gives tips on how aspiring musicians can build a career in pop music.

Manila has both talentented vocalists and musicians. Online infrastructure is in place though unstable at times (internet speed of at least 50 Mbps to support 4K quality. 4K LED TVs available at local appliance stores). Studios can be built.

The template for success has been decoded and deconstructed. Can Manila replicate Max's story? Abangan.

Breakeven by The Script
Without You by Usher and David Guetta 
Demons by Imagine Dragons 
Counting Stars by One Republic 
Not Over You by Gavin DeGraw 
Try by Colbie Caillat 
Say Something by A Great Big World 
Love me like you do by Ellie Goulding 
Titanium by David Guetta 
Maroon 5 Medley 
It will Rain by Bruno Mars 
Payphone by Maroon 5 
When I was your man by Bruno Mars 
So Sick by Neyo 
Somebody that I used to know by Gotye 
Stay by Rihanna 
Hold on We’re Going Home by Drake 
Maps by Maroon 5 
How to Save a Life by the Fray 
Problem by Ariana Grande 
Bang Bang 
Bruno Mars Medley 
Give me Love by Ed Sheeran 
Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke 
Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s 
As Long as You Love Me by Justin Bieber 
Somewhere Only We Know by Keane 
Lean on by Major Lazer 
The Other Side by Jason Derulo 
Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran 
Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri 
Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis 
Take me to Church by Hozier 
Lights Down Low 
She looks so Perfect by 5SOS 
Sugar by Maroon 5 

Flavors Texture and Colors of Christmas

UPSAri-sari: MusicKasaysayan III

The UP Singing Ambassadors capped this academic 2019 year with UPSAri-sari: MusicKasaysayan III their flagship educational workshop with a choral clinic where invited choirs go through a 4-day crash course and workshop on choir history and singing enhancement.

Facilitated by Dr. Eduardo Manguiat, conductor of the UP Singing Ambassadors, 8 choirs were beneficiaries of their advocacy of raising the level of appreciation of music among choir and non-choristers through lectures, vocalization and other voice exercises, one-on-one coaching and demonstration.


Workshop culiminated with a grand concert where choirs presented a signature classical and popular contemporary OPM number with the UP Singing Ambassadors. Participating in this program were: UP Engineering Choir, UP Mania Chorale, UP Serenata, The Iglesia ni Cristo Sanctuary Choir, Lyceum of Alabang Sangtinig Chorale, Muntinlupa Chorus, Tagumpay Chamber Choir and Quiapo Chorale.

Staged at the UP Diliman David Consunji Theater at the Civil Engineering building this 20 December, the two-hour concert was a musical treat with the choirs performing with enhanced singing prowess.

Show ended with an excerpt from Handel's Messiah by the ensemble composed of all participating choirs closing the concert with a theme appropriate for the Christmas season.


The lead choir lived up to its name of promoting the interest of music through its music and unselfish sharing of skills and competency in choir singing execution.

Thank you UP Engineering Choir for the invitation and ticket.

#EnggChoirEncore
#IlangTulogPaba

Bird Watching and Difficult Documenting at a Gated Residential Area

Hope This Christmas

This Christmas, let me interrupt and surprise you with the message of hope

A hope that affirms our humanity with all its glory and brokenness

That we do feel the hope in our hearts and realize it in our actions

May we attain the joy and peace that comes with this hope

Merry Christmas!

Thought lifted from the homily of Fr. Nemy Que S.J. delivered on the 3rd Simbang Gabi at the Gesu 17 December 2019

Homily starts at 46:14