Jason Castro - Somewhere Over the Rainbow

It's been a while since I last posted a video from the American Idol performances. I feel that my blog is turning into one of those I-Will-Post-Anything-Popular type of blogs. But tonight, after watching Jason Castro's performance, I really had to post it...even if its very similar to the remake by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, I still loved it.

Again...

You were the happiness I can never have.
What do I need to give to have you in my life?
I guess it's something I can't even afford.
Happiness really has its price.

You're all that I wanted.
You're someone I can't even have.

I guess all that I can hold onto right now is myself.
Because I can't fall for you. Again.
I dont' want to.
If there's one thing I would deny right now, it would be my feelings for you.
Because I can never have you.
Even before, I never did.

Thank you.
For the happiness that you made me feel when I'm with you. For giving me the chance to embrace you when I feel lonely. For the smiles that you bring when I get to hear your voice.

I just don't want to lose you.
I'm just here for you.

It's long been overdue.
I have to go.

I don't want to fall. Again.

Aristeromani

A Note from the Universe

Don't be afraid. You needn't slay the beast nor scale the entire mountain. That's not how it's done. You only need to move through today, Francis. Think of the distance you've already covered. Focus on your strengths. Let each new step remind you of your freedom. Let every breath you take remind you of your power. Seek out friends and guides; they're anxious to help. You're not alone. You're understood. This road has been walked before. Dance life's dance, just a few steps at a time, and in the wink of an eye you will wonder to yourself, "What beast, what mountain? Was I having a dream?"

Semi-Colon;

90 Day Challenge - 12 Weeks of Training!

Week 2 - April 7, 2008

This is Funny!

90 Day Challenge - 12 Weeks of Training!

WEEK1 - March 31, 2008

44 Years in the Closet

Lorraine Barr's essay in the "My Turn" section of Newsweek is called "The Love that Will Finally Speak Its Name." Lorraine writes about how growing up she always knew she was different, and how she met the love of her life, only to have to keep it hidden:

"Now I write this after living for 44 years with the most loved and loving, giving, understanding and delightful partner imaginable. For all our time together, we were 'in the closet,'"

Lorraine and her partner, Mary Frances Piercey, lived in California together where they kept up the charade of being roommates, even when Mary Frances was on her deathbed in 1999.

For Lorraine to feel lucky that she had this time with the woman she loved, despite them being in the closet for years and never feeling comfortable enough to acknowledge their relationship, it seems so difficult. Most of the time we hear about people coming out it’s to their loved ones as they are coming of age; in fact, many gay films are based on this sometimes-difficult task alone. Lorraine’s story makes me feel so grateful and lucky that in this time we live in, where our rights are still being acknowledged as less than, and "coming out" is still a task at hand, the most important thing is that you know for yourself what and who is right for you and your happiness.

Lorraine ended the essay saying she hopes people might congratulate her in her accomplishment that is a long time coming. There are some that might think at 88, why bother? But at 88, living in her Orange County retirement community, Lorraine Barr is finally feeling free and that’s all that matters. If only Mary Frances were here to join in the celebration.

A big Congratulations to Lorraine!

Quotable Quotes

”The secret of life is to have a task, something you devote your entire life to, something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for the rest of your life. And the most important thing is, it must be something you cannot possibly do.”

- Henry Moore
internationally acclaimed sculptor

It Could Happen to You

Pick a movie. Any movie. Well, any movie that constitutes one person meeting another person and they fall in love with each other at the perfect time, perfect place, saying the perfect words and living the perfect life happily ever after. Perfect huh? I guess that's why its called a movie. Some romantic fool, living in his or her fairytale land sat in front of the computer one rainy night, with the full moon shining and the stars twinkling above and just decided on a whim to write that wonderful story. I bet the writer is single.

And same shit goes with fairytales. I mean what are we teaching our children. It could be a sense of being hopeful that the world is indeed perfect. But clearly it isn't. Aren't we just setting them up with a whole bunch of pain and suffering since they are expecting some perfect setting as soon as they leave the house and fend for themselves? It's right what Carrie Bradshaw did in the trailer of Sex in the City trailer, when she was reading to the little kid. She wanted the little kid to know that "happily ever after" doesn't really happen everyday. It might. I'll give you that. But not to everyone.

Definitely not to me.

A couple of times, I've heard music playing. I saw amazing fireworks. I even heard the philharmonic orchestra bust out their awesome rendition of one of Mozart's work. But where did it lead to? Nothing. I am still moping around watching cheesy romantic flicks that never fails to make me cry at the end of the movie when they finally share their one magical kiss and say..."you had me at hello!"

Ugh!

Kids, it's not true what you read. The movies are all figment of some lunatic writer's imagination. Julia Roberts won't be coming into your small bookstore one day and fall in love with you. Jerry Maguire isn't real. Proposals made on top of the Empire State Building could mess up your hair and it's just really cold up there in the winter and overly hot and humid in the summer. No one would exert an effort to learn your language so that he can ask your dad for your hand in marriage in your native tongue.

Amidst all these angst. Maybe, just maybe, who knows, it could happen to you.

*sigh*

Damn...Gerald Santos!

Gerald-1118
by chuvachorva

NYC's National Chorale & Leo Leal

The National Chorale is New York's premier professional choral company. The Chorale was founded in 1967 as a company of solo-quality singers. 2007-2008 is the Chorale's 40th Anniversary Season in Avery Fisher Hall, where it brings a unique repertory of choral masterworks, including well-known, seldom-performed, and new music to New York concert audiences.

Tonight would mark Leo's second concert with the National Chorale. His second time as well to perform at the Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. It is amazing how far Leo has gone. From the solo performances at the Don Bosco Makati Gymnasium, to touring Europe with the De La Salle University and then winning the Grand Prix with the Philippine Madrigal Singers! There's just no stopping someone with such an overwhelming talent! Break a leg Leo!

West Goes East

I forgot how or where I first saw John Peter West's video of "Loved You Tonight". I just remembered that I was hooked instantly and I just have to buy his album right away. And I did. After going on iTunes and purchasing the entire album, I posted the video on my blog and my friends instantly fell in love with him as well and bought his album. In a way, I was a bit possessive. I wanted to keep him as my little secret. But I guess someone as talented as him would never be kept a secret. It will just be a matter of time where he would be filling up ginormous concert venues all over the world!

So, as soon as I found out that he's going to New York City, i acted like some crazy fan and purchased tickets to his show. He'll be performing at the Canal Room on April 7 to open for Tyrone Wells. A bit disappointed that it aint his show, nevertheless Im thankful that I'll have the chance to see him perform.

Check him out on his Myspace Page!

John Mayer on being Beautifully Unspectacular

A Re-post from John Mayer's Blog

"But what I want to do is to shed a little light on why we're all in the same boat, no matter the shape of the life we lead: because every one of us were told since birth that we were special. We were spoken to by name through a television. We were promised we could be anything that we wanted to be, if only we believed it and then, faster than we saw coming, we were set loose into the world to shake hands with the millions of other people who were told the exact same thing.

And really? Really? It turns out we're just not all that special, when you break it down. Beautifully unspectacular, actually. And that truth is going to catch up with us whether we want to run from it or not. The paparazzo following me to the gym ain't gonna be Herb Ritts and the guy he's following ain't gonna be Bob Dylan. It's just a matter of how old you are once you embrace that fact. And for me, 30 sounds about right.

What now, then? I can only really say for myself: Enjoy who I am, the talents and the liabilities. Stop acting careless. In fact, care more. Be vulnerable but stay away from where it hurts. Read. See more shows. Of any kind. Rock shows, art shows, boat shows. Create more art. Wear hoodies to dinner. Carry a notebook and hand it to people when they passionately recommend something and ask them to write it down for me.

Root for others.

Give more and expect the same in return, but over time.

Act nervous when I'm nervous, puzzled when I don't know what the hell to do, and smile when it all goes my way. And never in any other order than that.

And when it's all over, whether at the end of this fabulous career or of this life, which I hope takes place at the same time, I should look back and say that I had it good and I made the most of it while I was able. And so should you."

*sigh*

Restlessness

I have been feeling restless (as defined: characterized by or manifesting unrest especially of mind). Although there are a lot of good things that are happening in my life right now, I still have that feeling of emptiness. I don't want to sound corny or baduy, but its definitely not because I'm single. No really.

I recently got promoted to head our Creative Department. I no longer have to go through all the samples and make sure that the style numbers of all 800 million styles and cartons match the excel spreadsheet that we send to the customs department of Moscow. I will now focus on making sure that all the designs that we order are in line with our company's look for all the seasons. Hopefully Fall/Winter 2008 will be awesome!

My parents and my brother back home are doing great. My Dad is actually turning 60 this April. He's feeling much better and my Mom is just ecstatic with the amount of clothes I send her. My brother has a new job at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City.

I have an awesome apartment, shared with my best friend of over 18 years. I have great friends in New York and Los Angeles. I have a super sweet cat named Pumpkin.

Lots of things to be excited about, and be thankful for.

Still restless.