I wasn't born yesterday

Today is April 30. It is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. And this day is so much important as for me, because it is the day a ROCK STAR was born. Simple pero rock! Isang frustrated musician, writer, film-maker at movie critic. A person who is not easy to please pero mababaw ang kaligayahan. Liberal, pero hindi hinahayaang ma-kahon ang sarili sa isang ideolohiya. Bagkus, handang makinig sa suhestiyon ng karamihan. A leader but knows how to follow as well. As weird or as obscure as he may be, people still like him because of his amazing and incomparable sense of humor. A future defender of the oppressed, an advocate of peace, justice and change! Ang inyo pong lingkod!! Bow!! Palakpakan naman dyan!!

I researched on the net some famous people who were born the same day, thought I'd share it with you guys.

THE FOLLOWING FAMOUS PEOPLE WERE BORN ON APRIL 30th:
1245 – King Philip III of France (d. 1285)
1651 – Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, French educational reformer, Catholic saint (d. 1719)
1777 – Carl Friedrich Gauss, German mathematician (d. 1855)
1923 – Al Lewis, American actor (d. 2006)
1938 – Gary Collins, American actor
1938 – Larry Niven, American author
1940 – Burt Young, American actor


1961 – Isiah Thomas, American basketball player



1973 – Akon, American R&B Singer


1973 – Jeff Timmons, American singer (98 Degrees)


1982 – Kirsten Dunst, American actress

And these are the famous people who were born the same day and year I was born..



Tatjana Hüfner is a German luger who has competed since 2003. She won the bronze medal in the women's singles at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. Hüfner won three gold medals at the FIL World Luge Championships, winning two in the women's singles event (2007, 2008) and one in the mixed team event (also 2008).

She also won two silvers in the women's singles event at the FIL European Luge Championships (2004, 2006).

Hüfner won the overall Luge World Cup title in women's singles twice (2007-08, 2008-09).

On February 2, 2008, she became the first woman to win five straight FIL Luge World Cup events with her victory at the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton track in Altenberg, Germany.


Troy Williamson is an American football wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings seventh overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at South Carolina.



And Yamini, an Indian Singer-Actress.

Sources: Wikipedia and Famousbirthdays.com

It's a rich man's world

Masarap maging mayaman! Lahat pwede mong makuha. Gusto mo ng bagong bahay, kotse, alahas, branded na damit, name it! Isang dukot lang sa wallet. Isang swipe lang ng unlimited na credit card. Konting tinta lang ng ballpen para sa pirma sa cheke.


Masarap maging mayaman! Yung mukha mong gula-gulanit, yung binti mong puro varicose veins, mga bilbil sa katawan mo! Lahat ng yan, sa isang iglap lang mawawala sa tulong ni Belo o ni Calayan. Salamat na lang sa sensya at sa iyong pera at kamukha mo na ang paborito mong artistang si Michael Jackson.


Masarap maging mayaman! As they say 'Money makes the world go round!' And for a rich man everyday is a holiday and he can go tripping around the world when he wants to! Magising ka lang siguro at trip mong pumunta ng Bora, Amanpulo, Caramoan, El Nido, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, USA, o Europe eh makakapunta ka at mabibigyan ka ng executive class na flight o di kaya'y may sarili kang jet plane. Siguro kahit planet Mars kaya mong puntahan, kasi may pera ka nga diba!?


Masarap maging mayaman! Maging producer ka lang ng isang pelikula o di kaya'y nanay mo ang producer nito, pwede ka ng magkaroon ng starring role! Di mo na kailangan pang sumali sa Pinoy Big Brother o ano pa mang reality-based TV show para maging artista. Nang dahil sa pera mo o ng nanay mo, Instant Star ka!! Good Luck na lang sa'iyo kung makabuo ka ng fan base or may manood ng pelikula mo!



Masarap maging mayaman! Yung mga gusto mong ‘maging’ nung bata ka, abot kamay mo na! Pera lang ang katapat! Totoo naman diba?! ‘Education has become a luxury in our country!’ Kaya naman hindi ko minsan masisi yung bumibili ng mga pekeng diploma sa Recto. Hindi ko minsan makita ang pagkakaiba nila sa isang mayamang kayang bilihin ang diploma sa isang sikat na unibersidad.

Kung may scholarships man ang gobyerno, ito ay napupunta lamang sa iilan. Kung meron mang mga state universities dito sa Pinas, hindi naman nabibigyan ng sapat na budget ng gobyerno para sa magandang kalidad ng edukasyon. Minsan pa sa ibang unibersidad na dapat lahat ay iskolar ng bayang matatawag, ay makikita mo minsang pinaparada ang otong bagong palit ng mags sa campus.


Masarap maging mayaman! Gusto mong maging Mayor, Congressman, Senador o Presidente!? Madali lang! Pera! Pera! Pera! Iisa lang naman ang ‘line of thinking’ ng mga politico eh. Tuwing eleksyon, eto lang naman ang lagi nilang sinasabi: “Hayaan mo ng malaki ang magastos ko, doble o triple naman ang balik nito sakin! [with matching, evil smile, wahahahaha!!!] No doubt, ‘PERA is POWER!’

Hindi nako nagtataka minsan kung bakit mas nasusuka pako sa pinaggagawa ng mga nakaupo sa gobyerno natin kesa sa isang babaeng mababa ang lipad na pati kaluluwa pinagbibil. Unang-una ang gobyerno din naman ang dapat sisihin kung bakit may mga katulad nila eh. Kawalan ng trabahong dapat sana ay gobyerno ang nagbibigay sa mga mahihirap, pero nang dahil sa puro bangayan ang inaatupag nila dahil mas malaki siguro ang nakuha ng kumpadre nya, hindi na nabigyang pansin ang mga pambansang problemang tulad nito.





Masarap maging mayaman! Siguro kahit hindi ka naman nagbabasa ng dyaryo o nanonood ng news sa TV, kahit papano may konti kang naririnig sa mga nangyayari sa bansa natin. Siguro nabalitaan mo yung nangyaring pagpapalaya kay Daniel Smith na napabalitang nang-rape kay "Nicole" sa Subic. Alam mo naman siguro na na-convict si Smith ng Regional Trial Court at on appeal ang kaso sa Court of Appeals. Nang dahil sa ‘recantation’ o pagbaligtad ng testimonya ni Nicole, pinawalang-sala si Smith. I won’t go into more details na, pero isa lang ang teorya ko dyan, PERA!

Siguro di na din naman bago sa’yo na nakaka-burat ang justice system dito sa bansa. May ilang insidente na nabibili ang ilang pahinang desisyon ng mga judges, kundi naman ay ang testimonya ng ilang mga testigo sa kaso. Sobrang nakakalungkot! Nakakatakot! Ikaw, picture yourself in a situation na ikaw ang involved sa isang kaso! Paano kung nangyari sayo na nagkaron ng ‘under the table’ o suhulan sa pagdinig ng kaso mo! San ka na lang pupulutin nyan? Syempre sa kalaboso!



Ang sarap maging mayaman! Siguro ilan satin nangarap na yumaman at mabili lahat ng gusto natin. Ikaw? Bakit ka ba nagtatrabaho ngayon? Diba para kumita ng pera. Bakit gusto mong kumita ng pera? Para maka-ipon. Para maka-pag pundar. O di kaya’y matulungan ang pamilyang maka-angat sa buhay! Lahat naman tayo naghahangad na umangat sa buhay, pero sana ‘wag dumating ang pagkakataon na maging gahaman tayo sa pera. Oo, magandang mangarap ng mataas, but as they say, everything has its own price. Minsan unknowingly or unconsciously we are blinded by our dreams and ambitions that we sometimes forget where we started. ‘Wag sanang dumating yung pagkakataong pati kaluluwa mo pinagbibili mo na.

I’d like to end this post by an adage I heard from a speech in a movie, “Rich men may buy everything, but they can never ever buy backbone!”.

I know a man

I know a man. I know him more than he knows himself.

He tries to keep up to himself without knowing someone is watching his every move.
He walks with his shades on or if not he walks fast, without looking in any of the opposite directions, just straight to where he is going, even if sometimes he doesn't really have any specific route.

He hardly talk. He doesn't want to start a conversation. On any given day, he either talks only to a cab driver or to the waiter of a restaurant he always go to.

His days are monotonous. As early as 5:00AM he is up. He doesn't want to miss the chance to look at the sun gazing at him in his window, as if greeting him a good morning.

Taking up shower for 15 minutes is a routine. He shaves his face, puts on gel and combs his hair. He puts on his favorite white long-sleeves shirt. Tucked it in his black pants. Tied the knot and put on his coat. Lastly, he sprayed on him his favorite cologne. He always made sure that everything is perfect. He wanted to look good, and feel good. He doesn't take chances, that he might bumped into someone he has been waiting for a long time now.

At around 7:00 AM, he is ready to stroll in the streets again. He went and locked the door and started to walk. He felt the breeze of the morning air in his face, the weather is so inviting that he can't stop walking. He bumped into a lot of people, talking about politics, society, movie stars, music, school and everything else. He may not talk but he hears everything. All information are piled up in his brain that he can't figure out how to let it all out.

He decided to stop by his favorite restaurant and ordered steak. It was 12:00 Noon, the restaurant is full. Every customer is comfortably chatting in every corner of the restaurant that every word he hears seemed to be murmurs. He didn't finish his lunch. He started walking again. At around 3PM, the sky went cloudy and suddenly tiny drops of rain fell on his cheek. He continued walking. A few minutes after, the rain continued to pour and he just find himself soaking wet. He stopped by a waiting shed and decided to wait for the rain to stop.

It was almost 6PM, but the rain won't stop. He thought, he is running out of time, and so he continued walking. As always, he walked with all his head straight up. Ignoring everyone he sees at the sides of his eyes staring at him and seemed to be talking about him. He continued walking, despite all the whispers in his ears saying how stupid he is.

The rain finally stopped and his day is almost over. A few minutes left and the clock ticks to 11PM. He got one hour left before home. He wants to continue walking but he felt his feet are tired and need some rest. He saw a bench and sat on it. He felt his heart beat is faster than normal. He started gasping for air. He breathe, and breathe, until his eyes slowly closed.

11:11

I heard a classmate and another one talking about , 11:11 (eleven-eleven) phenomenon. I eavesdrop for awhile but can't helped it, so I decided to join them. The one talking about the 11-11 phenomenon told us that when a person has recurring sightings of the time 11:11 in his watch which one cannot argue a mere coincidence, it is a sign, it is a calling. She never elaborated on that, so I researched on it over the net. I just bookmarked a site but never got the chance to open it again since my desktop got corrupted. I never thought about it for awhile, until I noticed that I have been experiencing for quite a number of times the so-called 11:11 phenomenon which gives me jitters. So I researched again on the net.

I found out that the 11-11 phenomenon happens in various forms. According to phenomenon1111.com, you are experiencing it in the following instances:

(1) Whenever you glance at your watch, a clock or the little square on your TV screen containing the time remaining during many sporting events, you frequently notice the times 11:11, 12:12 or times of double digit minutes like 2:00, 1:44, 3:11, 4:33, 5:22, 6:55 etc.

(2) Whenever you glance at a license plate, the address on a building, an apartment number or anything else that has numbers for that matter, you frequently notice they end in double digits or add up to 11

(3) Whenever you must wait in some line and have to take a number, it is frequently a double digit number

(4) Whenever you go shopping, the receipt total or the amount of change that you receive frequently of the double digit variety

(5) Whenever you fill your car with gasoline, the number of gallons or the amount of your purchase frequently of the double digit variety

(6) You frequently find 11 cents

Now, I know a bell is ringing right now. But don't you worry, there's no way to find out the truth than seeking it.

As unbelievable as it may be, this phenomenon is one of the major indicators that our planet is in a state of ascension from the 3rd dimension into the 4th dimension (where we are now) and finally into the 5th dimension. Everything else pales by comparison.

What does this mean as far as you are concerned? It means change far beyond the scope of most people's comprehension and we all know that change is the one thing that everyone resists the most. As a result of that one fact alone, you might suspicion that our planet and its population are in for some rough times ahead.

Like it or not, believe it or not, you are mutating from your 3rd dimensional human body into a 5th dimensional Lightbody much like a caterpillar into a butterfly. The scary part of this phenomenon is there is no turning back or any way to stop it.

Now, you're confused I know. But where did or how did this 11:11 phenomenon start? Why is it called 11:11?

It seems that there is a type of spiritual entity, call it an angel if you like, which has been here on earth for about 37,000 years. If you remember the Bible story of Lucifer, the angel who rebelled against God, well it seems there might just be some Truth in that, amazing though that may be to many. After the rebellion, there were just 1,111 of these guys left.

These spiritual entities, as they say, want to help the one experiencing the phenomenon. Lucky are those who experience this phenomenon because as I put it, 'you or we are the chosen ones'. Now, how do these people experiencing the phenomenon chosen? According to some theories, it could be as simple as

a) because they can prompt you, and others are not receptive. It does seem that most contactees have excellent latent psychic abilities. This follows - if they can trigger your brain to look somewhere, or at a clock at the right time, then they can impress a wider range of thoughts into your mind too.

b) or because you have unique skills or abilites that they would like to utilize

c) or because you are either already in an important role, or will be in an important role. We are not suggesting you are running the country, but you might be a teacher, or a painter, or a musician - someone who will influence many people. The Correcting Time will be a time when orthodoxy fails, and folks will be looking for answers. And they will be fearful. They will need reassurance. You may thus be the leading edge - the early adopters of new paradigms.


I do not absolutely believe in the phenomenon, there are still doubts in my head. The spiritual dimensions of the phenomenon may prompt us to ask and investigate whether this is just something invented by some religious/spiritual orders, cults or groups who want to recruit members. But seeing the phenomenon into another perspective, we might see its underlying purpose, which I believe is to CHANGE. Maybe those who are experiencing the said phenomenon are the ones capable to lead others to change.

As I recall a few weeks now, and based from my posts as you may want to read, I am very much disturbed. Now, I realized that it's possible that the phenomenon is a WAKE UP CALL for me. Maybe I should be helping myself as much as these "spiritual entities" would want to help me. Maybe I should concentrate more on embracing change rather than sticking to what I always thought good for myself.

Well, changing the look of this site is one good start I think.. :)

DISTURBED

It's time. That's my last status message in facebook. What do I mean? Well, a lot of things. All the demons in my head just keep on eating me alive. I must admit I am on the brink of giving up. I just can't take the all the pain inside me. It paralyzes me and makes me numb. The apathetic me cannot anymore ignore the anger and not be affected by it. It's tearing me up into pieces.

I thought I wanted an escape through all of these. I wanted to go away. I wanted to leave that very night. I wanted to live the life I am living. I wanted to go some place where I am nowhere to be found. I wanted to start anew. But I didn't. I decided to lock myself up in my room for hours lay on my bed, turn the lights off and think. Thinking just makes me a little bit paranoid. A lot of things just keep on coming in and going out my head I just can't figure out anymore what is rational to a human person. Even the thought of suicide comes in once in awhile. But I still love my life to just let it happen.

When I typed the status message in my facebook, I thought it's time to leave for a moment everything I have been working for years now. I thought it's time that I live what I really want to do in my life. I am turning a year older in a couple of days, but here I am, pretty much dysfuntional. I haven't proven anything to my folks that I can be successful in what I am doing. I haven't shown I'd be able to stand up for myself. I always say to myself that I am certain of the path I am taking. I always say I wanted this. But the recurring confusion in my head contradicts everything I say. As immature as it may sound, I sometimes ask myself whether this confusion is a sign that I don't need to settle for the things I am doing and working for right now.

I guess its high time to jump into something that would alienate me from all these confusions. I guess it's time to do something that would make me more functional. Something that would fulfill every desire I have. Something that would heal every pain and suffering. Something more meaningful, something that would let me experience that there's really more to life. Something that would give me peace. But how would I get peace when everything's just seem so uncertain. I might be thinking something else by the time I end this post. Sometimes I feel like life is like a card game when you just take your chances. A lot of things might happen along the way which could really change everything you've planned and thought of would make you happy or give you peace of mind.

++++++

How funny how it's easy to put into words (well not vocally) your thoughts, but if you are faced with an encounter with the truth you just can't spit out every single feeling you have with some people, say your friend, loved ones or your family. I don't know if you experience this, but its absolutely true with me. It's hard for me to express what I feel inside. I don't know if all the issues when I was a kid have something to do about it. But that's just me.

Sometimes, so as not to complicate things I just resort to silence. Silence is peace to me. I am more of an Action Man, a man of few words so to speak. I only speak when it's necessary to speak. But I hope someone enlighten me when it is really the right time to speak, 'coz I do get careless sometimes.

What bothers me is, what if both people who need to communicate with each other cannot express their thoughts to each other. The other has plans which directly involve you but did not bother to lay it to you. Simply put, the other person just decided for himself, thinking that you would approve the plan. Now, that's where the problem arises. A clear case of misjudgment and miscommunication.

Gee! I've gone so far! I only started with my facebook status and here I am telling a lot of things about silence, communication etc. When it all boils down, to one person who is just absolutely disturbed.

The Power of Music

Ever thought how powerful music could be that every tune and words move us? No doubt every person in this world has a song he could say the 'song of his life'. Songs which he could relate to. Songs that truly define him. Songs that hit him through his core. Songs that one could put, 'the soundtracks of my life'.

I must say I cannot live without music. Who hasn't been a big fan of a singer or a band? Who hasn't collected any music albums or downloaded an mp3 of their favorite song? Who hasn't sing their hearts out when they hold the mic through the videoke?

Music is a way of life. A song is like a poem, only with some tunes and melody. Like a poem, we get to express our deep emotions without knowing we are sharing it to others. It's a form of connecting with other people through music.

I wanted to be a musician, but I landed on something I am not even quite sure I can handle. But this didn't stop me from appreciating music. The semi-disturbed me, finds escape through music. Music gives me an opportunity to vent out the angst which I can't even talk about with others. Music inspires me, it motivates me to do what a rational human being should be doing. It gives me strength from facing every disappointments and frustrations I have. Music is life, it gives life. It lets everyone breathe.

Now, I'd like to make a list of the songs that I could say 'the soundtracks of my life?'. Songs which kept me sane. Here it is, with some of the lines that hit me:


1. "In my Life"- The Beatles. - "There are places I remember, all my life, though some remain, some are dead and some are living.." [LYRICS]

2. "So far away"- Staind.- "This is my life, it's not what it's was before, all these feelings I've shared, and these are my dreams, that I'd never lived before, Somebody shake me 'cause I must be sleeping.." [LYRICS]


3. "Kanlungan"- Noel Kabangon- "Pana-panahon ng pagkakataon, maibabalik ba ang kahapon.." [LYRICS]

4. "Man in the Mirror"- Michael Jackson- "I'm gonna make a change,for once in my life, it's gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference.." [LYRICS]

5. "Seize the Day"- Avenged Sevenfold- "Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost. Its empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over.. " [LYRICS]


6. "I won't back down"- Tom Petty, (liked the Pearl Jam cover!)- "Gonna stand my ground, wont be turned around" [LYRICS]

7. "If it makes you happy"- Sheryl Crow- "If it makes you happy, then why the hell are you so sad?.." [LYRICS]

8. "Time of your life"- Greenday- "So make the best of this test and don't ask why, It's not a question but a lesson learned in time" [LYRICS]

9. "Basket Case"- Green Day- "Sometimes I give myself the creeps, Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me" [LYRICS]

10. "Drive"- Incubus- "Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, with open arms and open eyes.." [LYRICS]

11. "Imagine"- John Lennon- "Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy, it's easy if you try, no Hell below us.." [LYRICS]

And of course as a Kurt Cobain fan, the list is incomplete without my Nirvana favorite songs:

12. "Come As you are"- "Come as you are, as you were, As I want you to be, As a friend, as a friend, as an old enemy" [LYRICS]

13. "All Apologies"- "What else could I say, All my words are gray" [LYRICS]

14. "Something in the Way"- "It’s ok to eat fish, Cause they don’t have any feelings" [LYRICS]

Numerology/Tarot Reading online

I found a Numerology/Tarot reading on the net. Thought I'd try, and here's the result:


Tarot Card
(Equivalent of "4/30/1983")
The Hermit: Withdrawal from events and relationship to introspect and gather strength. Seeking the inner voice or calling upon vision from within. A need of understanding and advice, or a wise man who will offer knowing guidance. Personal experience and thoughtful temperance.


Rune
(Equivalent of "Homer xxx")
Perth is the rune of chance and gambling. Throw the dice, read your fate. Gaming is a fine way to pass the night...as long as one is careful. Games of chance have outcomes that are hidden from us, and as such Perth represents secrets unknown. Perth symbolizes enjoyment and wild abandon, but be watchful, for Perth is also the rune of mystery and the outcomes unexpected. You cannot lose if you do not play, but neither can you win...

Birth Mates
(Equivalents of "4/30/1983")

Adriana Lima, Alanis Morissette, Calvin Klein, Christopher Lee, Clyde Barrow, David Letterman, Doc Holliday, Eminem, George Clooney, H. P. Lovecraft, Henry Ford, Hugh Jackman, Jack Nicholson, Jerry Lewis, Jim Morrison, Karl Marx, Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Moore, Michael York, Natalie Imbruglia, Niccolo Machiavelli, Nicolas Cage, Nikola Tesla, Noah Wyle, Rachel Weisz, Ringo Starr, Sammy Davis Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Sean Connery, Shakira, Shaquille O'Neal, Sophia Loren, Steve Jobs, Tiger Woods, Tom Cruise

Public Role
(Equivalents of "Homer xxx")

Words that embody your presence are "Frontier, Harlequin, Internet, Solitude".

Words that embody people or things in your periphery are "Abandon, Battle, Canvas, Castle, Chronology, Communication, Conquest, Conspiracy, Demon, Desire, Diamond, Domination, Executive, Falcon, Feline, Forge, History, Holy, Inside, Isolation, Libido, Limbo, Mars, Metal, Orange, Order, Purgatory, Silk, Soft, Spy, Teacher, Urge, Wave, Wine, Word".

Private Persona
(Equivalents of "Homer")

Words that embody your presence are "Blues, Dragon, Finger, Island, Joker, Rook, Scream, Shackle, Slave, Tiger".

Words that embody the people or things that you interact with are "Ancestor, Grotto, Halloween, Martyr, Mustang, Neptune, Unholy, Virtue".

Words that embody things that you may be a part of are "Constellation".

Words that embody people or things in your periphery are "Civilization, Entertainment, Illumination".

Try It! Here's the link.

Norton's Moving Roles

I wonder why I am into people who are either suicidal, delusional or disturbed. Even hollywood actors who portray these types of individuals make me a fan of them. I guess if you happen to read my older posts, you know that I'm a big Kurt Cobain fan. I won't go on the details of Kurt Cobain's life right now, just read my previous posts.

I want to talk about another fan of mine. I guess one of the greatest actors today, none other than Edward Norton. One thing I've discovered is that Kurt Cobain and Edward Norton have in common. Aside from the fact that they are in a way similarly situated when it comes to the way they live their lives, well at least in the characters Edward Norton plays or had played, both of them have been involved romantically with Courtney Love. Now how cool is that?!

Another thing, I've read in Wikipedia that Norton is generally known for his reluctance to embrace his celebrity status, and has said, "If I ever have to stop taking the subway, I'm gonna have a heart attack. I said to myself, is Kurt Cobain's soul somehow in Edward Norton's body?! As we all know, Kurt Cobain himself did not like too much fame and was tired of being a celebrity as have been told by some writings.

Edward Harris Norton was born in August 18, 1969. He was a graduate of Yale University with a degree in History. His dad was an environmental lawyer who works in Asia.



His first major role was in Primal Fear(1996), which gave him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the Academy Awards. A lot of good films followed after Rounders, American History X, the top grossing and most popular Fight Club, 25th hour, The Illusionist and the list goes on.

Edward Norton has a gift of conversing with the audience through his monologues. There's something in him that catches one's attention and makes us listen. He is undoubtedly one genius actor.

Aside from Edward Norton's acting ability, which I often admire in other celebrities are his advocacies and ideals. I admire him for having a firm belief in changing the nation. I am inspired by him when he takes time to stand up for whatever he believes in.

Beyond Edward Norton's characters in his films, is a person motivated by the realm of society's problems. Beyond his status as a celebrity, lies a person moved by his desire to help as part of his responsibility as a citizen. A responsibility to move everyone to get up and stand up for every issues our society is facing.

Edward Norton's roles in his films are not only entertaining but they are thought provoking. I felt every word he says when he speaks. But his role outside film is one that absolutely deserves applause and a standing ovation.

Here's Edward Norton's fimography.

Everyone Says I love You (1996)
The People vs. Larry Flynt(1996)
Primal Fear (1996)
Out of the Past (1998)
Rounders (1998)
American History X (1998)
Fight Club (1999)
Keeping the Faith (2000)
The Score (2000)
Death to Smoochy (2002)
Red Dragon (2002)
Frida (2002)
25th Hour (2002)
The Italian Job (2003)
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Down in the Valley (2006)
The Illusionist (2006)
The Painted Veil (2006)
The Indcredible Hulk (2008)
Pride and Glory (2008)

Click this link for the synopses.

AIM HIGH, SHOOT LOW

Aim High, Shoot Low. These were the last words of Senator Chiz Escudero when he guested in IMo(In My Opinion) on ANC with Mo Twister a while ago. Senator Chiz doesn't fail to inspire me when he starts to talk. His eloquence and brilliance are impressive and one cannot even feel any arrogance in him. Lucky for us one good fellow has a seat in the Senate and I hope he gets the chance to continue his advocacies in the Malacañang Palace.

"Aim High, Shoot Low" is an archer’s creed. The bow and arrow are scientifically designed. Archers learn that wind resistance, trajectory, weight, and obstacles all come into play when making an effective shot. Arrows are agile. A well aimed shot can slice through a minuscule target. Knowing you can hit a target, despite constant variations of uncontrollable elements, requires a degree of skill and faith.

The same is true when we set our goals in life. We should set our goals high even if we aren't certain of success. Accepting disappointments when we fail would be easier because it's not a bad fall having set high aims. Don't get me wrong but I am not patronizing mediocrity. We still need to work our asses off to get everything done, maybe not as perfect as everyone did, but something that would give us contentment and a feeling of self-fulfillment. We need to muster enough courage, strength and faith to accomplish these goals, because along the way we will be facing a lot of obstacles. We don't need to be perfect. We don't need to be masters. We just need to believe. Believing that we are special or that we have something special in us that would help us achieve our goals.

We might have failed a few times or more but this should not be the reason to quit. When we start something, we actually have accomplished something. Starting alone is an achievement. It's part and parcel of accomplishing your goals. The books or the the vast resources in the internet would give us a list of people who have failed a lot of times but have become successful in their fields eventually. Truly, everything has its own time.





The Paper Chase. I thought I needed to get inspired again so I watched "The Paper Chase", a 1973 film based on John Jay Osborn Jr.'s novel, about a struggling law student(Hart) at Harvard Law School. He tries to balance lawschool and his relationship with a girl (Susan), who happens to be the daughter of his terror professor, Professor Kingsfield. He joined a study group which helped him to impress the strict professor. The group's objective of sharing notes and outlines weren't achieved as the other members of the group cannot go along. But this did not stop Hart from taking the exams seriously and even getting an A.

An incoming law student should watch this film. Aside from it being inspiring, it could give him a glimpse of how one should face law school. The Socratic method which is the method used by almost all law professors in the conduct of the recitations is shown and explained in the film. The crucial point in the study of law is to analyze, and this is likewise depicted in the film. In fact, one student in the film (Brooks) who has a photographic memory dropped out a week before their final exams, because he just cannot excel and catch up with their courses.

Maybe being a law student all boils down to the words of Senator Chiz Escudero. Aim High, Shoot Low. When we chose to enter Law School, we started to aim high, and that is to be a lawyer. We may not be as brilliant as everyone else, but when we set our mind to our goal, we will reach the finish line.

So why am I posting this? I don't know, maybe I just want to inspire myself by my own words when I get to read this again, and try to think back when I first stepped law school and realize where I am right now, and hopefully resolve this confusion in my head. Oh!, I guess you get inspired too.

LAST DAYS

Here's a video from the 2005 film "Last Days" by Gus Van Sant as inspired by Kurt Cobain's last days alive. Background music is "Death to birth" performed by Michael Pitt who also played Blake, the main character in the film. Here's a quick synopsis from imdb.com

Introspective artist Blake is buckling under the weight of fame, professional obligations and a mounting feeling of isolation. Dwarfed by towering trees, Blake slowly makes his way through dense woods. He scrambles down an embankment to a fresh spring and undresses for a short swim. The next morning he returns to his house, an elegant, if neglected, stone mansion. Many people are looking for Blake--his friends, his managers and record label, even a private detective--but he does not want to be found. In the haze of his final hours, Blake will spend most his time by himself. He avoids the people who are living in his house, who approach him only when they want something, be it money or help with a song. He hides from one concerned friend and turns away another. He visits politely with a stranger from the Yellow Pages sales department, and he ducks into an underground rock club. He wanders through the woods and he plays a new song, one last rock and roll blowout. Finally, alone in the greenhouse, Blake will look and listen--and seek release.



Here's the lyrics to the song "Death to birth":

From ripe
To rotten
Too real
To live

Should I lie down
Or stand up
And walk around again

My eyes finally wide open up
My eyes finally wide open shut

To find the found(fount) of sound
That hears the touch of my tears
Smells the taste of all we waste
Could feed the others
But we smother each other with the necter
And pucker the sour
A bittersweet weather

It blows through our trees
Swims through our seas
Fly's through the last gasp we left
On this earth

Ohh Ohh Ohhhhh

It's a long lonely journey
From death to birth
It's a long long lonely journey
From death to...
It's a long lonely journey
From death to birth
Oh It's a long lonely journey
From death to birth

Yeaaah...

Should I die again
Should I die around
The pounds of matter
wheeling through space
I know I'll never know
Until I come face to face
With my own
With my own
With my own
With my own cold dead face
With my own wooden case

Yeaaah...

Pucker the sour
Sugar sweet weather
Blows through our trees
Swims through our seas
Fly's through the last gasp we left
On this earth

Ohhhhhh

It's a long lonely journey
from death to birth
It's a long lonely journey
from death to birth

What should I die again
Should I tell you when
The pounds of matter
wheeling through space
I know I'll never know
Unitl I come face to face

It's a long lonely journey
from death to birth
It's a long lonely journey
from death to birth

ANG HULING EL BIMBO

This post is soooo long overdue, but I want it to be sort of a tribute to the Eraserheads. And I thought I won’t have the chance to write anything about them anymore, so I want to exert a little bit more effort and make it special.




Eraserheads has been the band which truly defined the ‘90s. Every teenager grew up with them, who didn’t? Who wouldn’t relate to their songs. Their songs tell a story, which every individual teenager or adult could relate to. Their songs reach every individual from all walks of life.

Mapa-anong klaseng tao ka man, mahirap, mayaman, payat, mataba, suicidal, bading, tibo, sawi sa pag-ibig, torpe, best friend, syota o asawa. Mag-isa ka man kasama ang iyong gitara. Ka-jamming mo man ang barkada kasabay ng ilang shot ng beer. Hindi mawawala ang songhits o lyric-chords ng mga kanta ng eraserheads. Mga kanta ng eraserheads na sapul-sapol, swak na swak, tamang-tama sa kung anu mang nararamdaman mo sa isang partikular na sitwasyon. Ang sarap tugtugin, ang sarap kantahin, ang sarap pakinggan ng mga kanta ng Eraserheads. Parang habang kinakanta, tinutugtog or pinapakinggan mo, part ka nung MTV na nag-peplay sa utak mo. Ang sarap ng feeling, parang ginawa talaga para sayo yung partikular na kantang yun!




It was my elementary days when I first had the taste of E-heads sounds. My cousin and some of her male friends are jamming in our grandma’s house. The song was “Pare Ko”. I was kind of hesitant to hear it at first because I just can’t relate to it, and I can hear some cursing in the song. But that didn’t prevent me from hearing other E-heads songs. I saw an Eraserheads cassette tape in my cousin’s room and started playing it. The album was ‘Cutterpillow’. I just played it all over and over again until I memorized some of the lyrics. The album featured, I think their most popular song ‘El Bimbo. The songs also featured in the album, ‘Huwag Mo Nang Itanong’ and ‘Torpedo’ truly hit me.



Sinong teenager ang hindi makaka-relate sa song na ‘Huwag mo nang itanong’? Sinong teenager ang hindi naka-experience na magkulong sa kuwarto at pansamantalang iwanan ang ingay ng mundo. Sinong teenager ang hindi nakaranas ng problema na minsan gusto nalang nating sarilinin.

Kahit gaano ka siguro kaguwapo. Kahit gaano ka ka-simpatiko. Kahit gaano ka kalapit sa mga chicks. Tatamaan ka pa din ng pagka-TORPE pag nagsimula ka ng manligaw. “TORPEDO” truly made those young gentlemen sing their hearts out when they hear the song. Intro pa lang ng song, pambihira na. “Pasensya na, kung ako ay di nagsasalita… Di ko kayang sabihin ang aking nadarama..” O diba? A torpe guy who can’t even express his feelings, is now expressing his feelings through this song when he sings it!

I now officially became a fan. I’ve found out that the first album I was playing was the third album so I tried to get the first album, well not really, I borrowed again from someone. Ultra-electro magnetic top was the first album of Eheads which featured the song ‘Pare Ko’, ‘Ligaya’ and Toyang.



I learned to appreciate the songs ‘Pare Ko’ and ‘Ligaya’ when I was in College. I guess it’s only when you get to experience love that you can relate to these songs. I proclaimed that ‘Pare Ko’ and ‘Ligaya’ were truly made for me. Literal talaga! The line, ‘Gagawin ko ang lahat pati ang thesis mo’ was given life in the 3 chapters of the thesis of the girl I am courting.

‘Sabi nya, ayaw nya munang magka-syota, dehins ako naniwala.. Bakit ba ang labo nya di ko maipinta, hanggang kelan ako maghihintay ako ay nabuburat na.. Pero minamahal ko sya, di biro TL ako sa kanya.. O Diyos ko ano ba naman ito diba Tang-ina! Nagmukha akong tanga…” Here are some of the lines of the song ‘Pare Ko’. Diba Tang-ina talaga?! Lahat yan na-feel ko during those times na akala ko the girl I’ve loved so much would give back all I ever did to her. But it just didn’t work out the way I wanted. Anyway, just read my previous post na lang “Suntok sa Buwan”. Hehe!!



The second album Circus was another favorite of mine. I was glad that my cousin had a copy. The song featured the controversial song ‘Alapaap’, which made them appear in the Senate I think because Senator Sotto attacked the lyrics of the song. It likewise featured the songs, ‘Minsan’, ‘Magasin’, ‘With A Smile’, ‘Sembreak’ and ‘Hey Jay’.


The song ‘Minsan’ made me appreciate more friendship. Dati I must admit I was a little bit a loner, a little anti-social. ‘Minsan’ made an impact on me. It changed my perspective towards the people I meet. I learned to share myself to others. ‘Minsan’ is an inspiring song to all the ‘barkadas’ out there. The lines, ‘Sa ilalim ng iisang bubong, mga sikretong ibinubulong… Sana'y huwag kalimutan ang ating mga pinagsamahan at kung sakaling gipitin ay laging iisipin na minsan tayo ay nagging tunay na magkaibigan..”, are brilliant! Whenever I hear those lines, I just can’t help but reminisce the times I had with my Kanlungan Family. The experiences I had with them under the same roof are irreplaceable and priceless.

‘Sembreak’ was a little bit naughty and some pun in the lyrics. It was funny yet the message is true. The bum in all of us when sembreak comes are highlighted in the song! Walang pera kasi walang baon, tambay sa kanto, at basketbol sa banyo! Haha!!!

‘Hey Jay’ signifies that Eraserheads is not homophobic. Can you think of any band which has any song about gays or homos? Wala ako maisip. Yeah you heard me right! The song is about a gay named Jay who is always beaten up by his dad. These are some of the lines in the song: “Bakit ba sila ganyan puno ng galit ang isipan, ba't ba tayo ganito, walang galang sa kapwa tao.. Alam mo namang may iba ka pang magagawa. Alam mo namang ang mahalaga ay nabubuhay ka. Jay what you are and wherever you go. Isip-isipin mo na lang na may nagmamahal sa'yo..”

After the third album, came the Christmas Album, ‘Fruitcake’ in 1996, and then ‘Sticker Happy in 1997, Banana Type in 1997, Aloha Milky Way (1998), ‘Natin99’, The Singles (2000) and their last album ‘Carbon Stereoxide’ in 2001. I don’t know what happened. After the third album, I kind of took a hiatus as an Eheads Fan. I don’t know if its because I just cant relate anymore with their songs or that I was just into something else. But I guess when you’re a fan you’re a fan all the way. Despite my so-called hiatus, I still make sure that when I get the chance, I hear their songs.


Here's a list of their album and the tracks in it:



POP-U!
Indie Release
Released: 1991

TRACK LISTING
1. Amen!
2. Dying Slow
3. Wishing Wells
4. Scorpio Rising
5. Sori
6. One Last Angry Look
7. The Fifth Moon
8. Tindahan Ni Aling Nena
9. Pare Ko
10. Milk And Money
11. Venus In The Country
12. Toyang



Ultraelectromagnetic Pop
Released: 1993

TRACK LISTING

1. Easy Ka Lang
2. Maling Akala
3. Pare Ko
4. Shake Yer Head
5. Ganjazz
6. Toyang
7. Ligaya
8. Tindahan Ni Aling Nena
9. Honky-Toinks Granny
10. Shirley
11. Walang Hiyang Pare Ko
12. Combo On The Run



Circus
Released: 1994

TRACK LISTING

1. Bato
2. Sembreak
3. Alapaap
4. Hey, Jay
5. Minsan
6. Punk Zappa
7. Insomya
8. With A Smile
9. Alkohol
10. Wishing Wells
11. Kailan
12. No Royalty Album Filler No. 9
13. Magasin
14. Butterscotch
15. Sa Wakas
16. Prof. Banlaoi’s Transcendental Medication After Every 6 Months or Punk Zappa 3
17. Waiting
18. Kailan Lounge



Cutterpillow
Released: 1995

TRACK LISTING

1. Superproxy
2. Back2Me
3. Waiting For The Bus
4. Finetime
5. Kamasupra
6. Overdrive
7. Slo Mo
8. Torpedo
9. Huwag Mo Nang Itanong
10. Paru-parong Ningning
11. Walang Nagbago
12. Poorman’s Grave
13. Yoko
14. Fill Her
15. Ang Huling El Bimbo



Fruitcake
Released: 1996


TRACK LISTING
1. Fruitcake
2. Shadow
3. Flat Tire
4. Shadow Boxes Accountants
5. Gatekeeper
6. Old Fashioned Christmas Carol
7. Styrosnow
8. Trip to Jerusalem
9. Shadow Reads The News Today, Oh Boy
10. Fruit Fairy
11. The Fabulous Baker Boy
12. Lord Of The Rhum
13. Lightyears
14. Christmas Ball
15. Mono Virus
16. Shadow@buttholesrufs.com
17. Rise and Shine
18. Santa Ain’t Comin’ No Mo’
19. Christmas Party
20. Hitchin’ A Ride
21. Christmas Morning
22. Merry Christmas Everybody Happy New Year Too
23. Christmas Alphabet



Bananatype
Released: 1997


TRACK LISTING
1. I Can’t Remember You
2. Bananatype
3. Harana
4. Policewoman
5. Tikman



Stickerhappy
Released: 1997

1.Prologue
2. Futuristic
3. Kaliwete
4. Milk And Money
5. Bogchi Hokbu
6. Maalalahanin
7. Balikbayan Box
8. Andalusian Dog
9. Ha Ha Ha
10. Downtown
11. Kananete
12. Hard To Believe
13. Everything They Say
14. Spoliarium
15. Ambi Dextrose
16. Para Sa Masa
17. Sticker Happy
18. Tapsilogue




Aloha Milkyway
Released: 1998

1. Julie Tearjerky
2. Tamagotchi Baby
3. Saturn Return
4. Scorpio Rising
5. Milk and Money
6. Downtown
7. Trip to Jerusalem
8. Andalusian Dog
9. Hard to Believe
10. Fruitcake
11. Small Room
12. Ambi Dextrose
13. With A Smile
14. Ang Huling El Bimbo



Natin99
Released: 1999

TRACK LISTING

1. Sinturong Pangkaligtasan
2. Dahan Dahan
3. Kahit Ano
4. Sino Sa Atin
5. Maselang Bahaghari
6. Tama Ka
7. May Sumasayaw
8. Peace It Together
9. Salamin
10. Popmachine
11. Kilala
12. Huwag Kang Matakot
13. Southsuperhiway
14. 68 Dr Sixto Antonio Ave.
15. Game! Tama Na!




The Singles
Released: 2001

TRACK LISTING
1. Overdrive
2. Alapaap
3. Ang Huling El Bimbo
4. Ligaya
5. With A Smile
6. Harana
7. Kailan
8. Magasin
9. Pare Ko
10. Torpedo
11. Toyang
12. Minsan
13. Huwag Mo Nang Itanong
14. Fruitcake
15. Tuwing Umuulan At Kapiling Ka




CarbonStereoxide
Released: 2001

TRACK LISTING
1. Ultrasound
2. Maskara
3. How Far Will U Go
4. Bloodtest
5. Wala
6. Hula
7. Photo Synth
8. Palamig
9. Out Of Sight
10. Super
11. Vision
12. Paintstripper
13. Escalator
14. Alligator
15. Playground
16. Omnesia
17. Ok Comprende
18. Pula
19. Outside
20. Acid Eyes





August 30, 2008. Tang-ina! Reunion Concert ng Eraserheads. Pero nasaan ako? I’m at the house, taking a rest from a very stressful Saturday because of WILLS (my subject in school). Taking a rest so I’ll have the energy to read for CIVIL PROCEDURE the following day. O diba? How loser can I be?! Eraserheads once-in-a-lifetime-never-na-mauulit-for-the-rest-of-your-life-major-regret Moment! Too bad, the concert has to be cut-short because of Ely’s ailing condition.



March 7, 2009. Tang-ina! Eheads the final set! Sabi ko sa sarili ko, witnessed by a friend and yeah she did swear too!, that we’re gonna kill ourselves if we miss this concert! So as OC as we could be, we bought tickets as early as a month I think before the concert. We even invited some of our friends to join us.




The concert was unexpected for me, because Ely’s a little bit different on stage. He’s not that lively as what I am expecting. Nonetheless, the show was great. I understood perfectly why it has to be that way. I’m glad that the other members, like Marcus and Raimund had the chance to show how versatile they are and show their talent. Marcus’ reggae version of ‘Huwag mo nang itanong’ was unbelievable and the arrangement’s fantastic. Hats off to you Marcus! Raimund shows how good he really is. The man was amazing! He can really rap his heart out!










Singing ‘Super Proxy’ and a line from ‘Kaleidoscope World’ to pay tribute to Francis M, gave me goosebumps. I wondered at that moment how cool the show could get when Francis M got the chance to perform with the E-heads that night!



When Ely said the words, ‘Eto na, ang Huling El Bimbo..”, the fans get a little bit emo, and me too I must admit. The confetti then started to fall down the stage, which made me feel something I can't explain. Truly one magical moment!





The Final Set truly set free all the regrets I had when I didn’t watch the concert last August 30, 2008. It marked a closure for the Eraserheads and for the fans as well. A closure which I really felt when Ely started to put on fire the old piano as can be seen in the cover in their album ‘Sticker Happy’. A closure which only reminds us that nothing is permanent in this world. The show must come to an end. And when something or someone leaves, everything else is history. A history which one cannot put into existence again, but could only be re-told and cherished for the rest of our lives. I’m glad somehow I became part of the lives of four men who made us grow with them through their songs; Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro and Buddy Zabala. I am so grateful I was part of the history they made and the legacy they left, that was the Eraserheads.



Want to know how THE ERASERHEADS started? Click HERE

Thanks to www.pinoymusiclyrics.com for the track listings.