posted by GHV2 on
July 1, 2009 at
10:54 AM
as a
favorite post
I don't have an addiction with maps, but I have maps under my possession. I've got two maps of the Philippines, and two world maps. I also have three Philippine maps printed by the Department of Tourism (the WOW! maps).
The thing is, I don't know how to read maps. I enjoy though looking at the particular shape and size of a country or a province (Italy is boot-shaped, Corregidor is a butete, and the Philippines being tagged as the "sick man of Asia"), and that vast blue spaces called oceans. Of course, I never fail to trail the dots of islands (Macquarie, Prince Edward Is., Cochon Is., Andaman Is.).
I have discovered these maps when we held a general cleaning of our house, and found these inside a worn-out bag my youngest sister used in high school. I straightened these maps, then neatly filed them in a folder, and stored them in my plastic storage. Once in a while I take them out from storage, then peer at them to find if the lines have changed, or if a country grew larger overnight (I think maps should automatically reflect if one country absorbed a smaller one, or owned one in aggression.).
The Philippine maps I have are both classified as a political map. It shows the various provinces of the country, the provincial capital, population, land area, density, date when the province was established, climate, municipalities, barangays, cities, major dialects, and the zip code. The newer map states that the current president is Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Tenure of office: 2001 - Forever. What! It actually says 2001 - Present. Hmmm... Does present equate to forever?
I remember that we used an economic map in our Economics class in high school. This one shows the economy of the land, the products each province produce or manufacture (barrel man in Cebu?).
This website listed the different types of maps available:
Planimetric Map. A planimetric map presents only the horizontal positions for the features represented. It is distinguished from a topographic map by the omission of relief, normally represented by contour lines. Sometimes, it is called a line map.
Topographic Map. A topographic map portrays terrain features in a measurable way, as well as the horizontal positions of the features represented. The vertical positions, or relief, are normally represented by contour lines on military topographic maps. On maps showing relief, the elevations and contours are measured from a specific vertical datum plane, usually mean sea level.
Photomap. A photomap is a reproduction of an aerial photograph upon which grid lines, marginal data, place names, route numbers, important elevations, boundaries, and approximate scale and direction have been added.
Joint Operations Graphics. Joint operations graphics are based on the format of standard 1:250,000 medium-scale military topographic maps, but they contain additional information needed in joint air-ground operations. Along the north and east edges of the graphic, detail is extended beyond the standard map sheet to provide overlap with adjacent sheets. These maps are produced both in ground and air formats. Each version is identified in the lower margin as either joint operations graphic (air) or joint operations graphic (ground). The topographic information is identical on both, but the ground version shows elevations and contour in meters and the air version shows them in feet. Layer (elevation) tinting and relief shading are added as an aid to interpolating relief. Both versions emphasize airlanding facilities (shown in purple), but the air version has additional symbols to identify aids and obstructions to air navigation.
Photomosaic. A photomosaic is an assembly of aerial photographs that is commonly called a mosaic in topographic usage. Mosaics are useful when time does not permit the compilation of a more accurate map. The accuracy of a mosaic depends on the method employed in its preparation and may vary from simply a good pictorial effect of the ground to that of a planimetric map.
Terrain Model. A terrain model is a scale model of the terrain showing features, and in large-scale models showing industrial and cultural shapes. It provides a means for visualizing the terrain for planning or indoctrination purposes and for briefing on assault landings.
Military City Map. A military city map is a topographic map (usually at 1:12,550 scale, sometimes up to 1:5,000), showing the details of a city. It delineates streets and shows street names, important buildings, and other elements of the urban landscape important to navigation and military operations in urban terrain. The scale of a military city map depends on the importance and size of the city, density of detail, and available intelligence information.
Special Maps. Special maps are for special purposes such as trafficability, communications, and assault maps. They are usually in the form of an overprint in the scales smaller than 1:100,000 but larger than 1:1,000,000. A special purpose map is one that has been designed or modified to give information not covered on a standard map. The wide range of subjects that could be covered under the heading of special purpose maps prohibits, within the scope of this manual, more than a brief mention of a few important ones. Some of the subjects covered are:
* Terrain features. * Drainage characteristics. * Vegetation. * Climate. * Coasts and landing beaches. * Roads and bridges. * Railroads. * Airfields. * Urban areas. * Electric power. * Fuels. * Surface water resources. * Ground water resources. * Natural construction materials. * Cross-country movements. * Suitability for airfield construction. * Airborne operations. Foreign Maps. Foreign maps have been compiled by nations other than our own. When they must be used, the marginal information and grids are changed to conform to our standards, if time permits. The scales may differ from our maps, but they do express the ratio of map distance to ground distance and can be used in the same way. The legend must be used since the map symbols almost always differ from ours. Because the accuracy of foreign maps varies considerably, they are usually evaluated in regard to established accuracy standards before they are issued to our troops.
Atlases. Atlases are collections of maps of regions, countries, continents, or the world. Such maps are accurate only to a degree and can be used for general information only.
Geographic Maps. Geographic maps provide an overall idea of the mapped area in relation to climate, population, relief, vegetation, and hydrography. They also show the general location of major urban areas.
Tourist Road Maps. Tourist road maps are maps of a region in which the main means of transportation and areas of interest are shown. Some of these maps show secondary networks of roads, historic sites, museums, and beaches in detail. They may contain road and time distance between points. The scale should be carefully considered when using these maps.
City/Utility Maps. City/utility maps are maps of urban areas showing streets, water ducts, electricity and telephone lines, and sewers.
Field Sketches. Field sketches are preliminary drawings of an area or piece of terrain.
Aerial Photographs. Aerial photographs can be used as map supplements or substitutes to help you analyze the terrain, plan your route, or guide your movement.
Still, I have the difficulty of reading maps. Maps for me are useless when I travel. Landmarks become obscure, names of places become foreign to me. Hay, bobo talaga ako.
When my high school classmate told our class one day that she planned to take up something about Geography in college, I just said "Wow!." Heavy nun, tsong! Almost 70 percent of our class failed to pass this test by our History teacher on which we needed to identify the countries (and capitals) using a blank map. She always got the highest marks.
Well, she eventually took up Broadcast Journalism, and currently works for a shipping company. I wonder if she forgot how good she was in tracing those lines on the map, those lines almost invisible, those lines almost.
A butterfly has visited us last night. It was July 1, and we thought Daddy would like to remind us that it is his month. His birthday is on the 30th. There are 4 chimes hanging, but the butterfly chose to rest on the chime given by Daddy's inaanak sa kasal (who's also our cousin). We wonder: did Daddy get tired of being a moth?
Glad I went to a Multiply site I bookmarked, where some downloads are up and available for free. I was able to download Mandy Moore's new album, Amanda Leigh.
Amanda Leigh is Moore's first and middle name, respectively. The album is a collaboration with Mike Viola: songwriter, singer, pianist, and guitarist.
Mandy Moore talks about her new album in her website. She says that:
I'm fully aware that when some people hear my name in a musical
context, it's not often equated to anything earth-shattering. Yet, in
many ways, this new record finds itself in a similar vein to the
previous one, "Wild Hope." While “Amanda Leigh” was recorded in a much
more concise period of time, both albums just feel like a real body of
work, more connected to each other – both personally and musically.
When
starting to really brainstorm about where the next musical venture
should live, I decided to reach out to a few favorite artists of mine
to see if they'd be interested in collaborating. I met Mike Viola
through a mutual friend, Inara George, and within minutes of our first
encounter, the mere mention of my love for Paul McCartney’s “Ram” set
our working relationship in motion. Before I knew it, we were sitting
around a microphone in his home studio writing a song. I quickly
realized that Mike and I shared a love of so much of the same music and
he innately understood the direction my music was taking me and where I
wanted to take the music. Although it was immediately clear in my mind,
I'm not sure I even asked Mike to produce the album; I just assumed he
would…thankfully our collective assumptions and hopes prevailed.
Suffice
it to say, our common admiration (or perhaps, obsession) for the likes
of Todd Rundgren, Joni Mitchell, CSNY and Nilsson, among many others,
ran amok throughout the writing and eventual recording experience
together.
From my perspective, the process of
co-writing is rather vulnerable and can often be fairly hit or miss. It
really takes the right partnership to allow honesty and comfort to
reign. What worked so well with Mike and I was that we obviously
brought different things to the table but worked from the same
place.... we had one common interest in mind. We pushed one another and
never thought twice about fearlessly stepping up to the plate with any
and all ideas.
We toyed with a number of ways to
record the record….turn my house into a recording studio, go the
conventional route of finding a great space in L.A. and even the idea
of combining these two avenues. Mike had often talked about including
his friend, Ducky Carlisle, who was not only an encyclopedia of music
but also a kick-ass drummer with a super cozy studio in the basement of
his home outside of Boston. Sure, it was a deviation from the way I've
recorded music in the past, but it felt like the only way to go about
working on this record.
Reception about the album stays positive:
Entertainment Weekly gave the album a B+, stating that it was "much more fun" than Wild Hope and praised the songs "Merrimack River", "Pocket Philosopher", and "Song About Home." The CD also topped the website's Must List the week it was released.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of allmusic wrote the album is a "clean, classy collection of AAA pop." He also went on to say that, "[Mandy] has successfully dropped all the tacky accoutrements of her past and turned into a sweet, classy singer/songwriter whose charms are readily apparent here, her best adult pop record yet." (3.5/5 stars)
IGN wrote, "With Amanda Leigh, Moore has succeeded in crafting a personal record that is entertaining, even compelling at times, but isn't weighed down by heavy themes, misguided irony, or complex arrangements."
The Dallas Morning News noted that, "Amanda Leigh turns more compelling with each listen...How great that she left the Britney Spears factory behind."
My Crazy Music Blog also gave a positive review, declaring, "Amanda Leigh, overall, is a throwback to an earlier time but a successful throwback. Moore effectively adds a fresh perspective to her music & solidifies her folk/country/singer-songwriter sound with ease, grace and style.
posted by GHV2 on
July 3, 2009 at
10:35 PM
filed under Ilang Tula
Ang Kaligrapo
Gabi-gabi niyang isinusulat ang pangalan ng pag-ibig.
Sa gamay na sining ng kamay, Buong hinahon niyang binubuno Ang pagbuo sa mga guho ng alaala: Lawa, gubat, araw,
Buong ingat na inilalapat sa pergamino Ang pinsel na dumudugo sa itim na tinta, Tinatalunton ang di-nakikitang padron Ng koi, kawayan, apoy.
Lagi ay hangad na maging detalyado.
Ang bawat kumpas ng kamay ay para Sa pagkamalapit ng balat sa tubig, Sa nagkubling katahimikan sa luntian, Sa masidhing lamuyot sa liwanag.
Ganito rin noong may isang nag-abalang Taluntunin ang mga di-nakikitang padron ng koi Sa kaniyang mga pisngi, ang kadawagan ng kawayan Sa kaniyang dibdib, ang dakilang apoy sa kaniyang pusod,
Isang pergamino itong katawang minarkahan Ng mga simbolo, na kagaya nitong gamay Na sining ng kaniyang kamay, Ay hindi kailanman magawang malimot.
*I have said before na hindi ako magpo-post ng mga tula ko dito sa blog ko, but I guess it's time na palayain na ang mga ito.
Ayos ang movie, na may pamagat na "Always: Sunset on Third Street" (Always: San Chome no Yuhi). Kwela, heart-wrenching ang pelikulang ito. Pareho kaming nag-cry ever ng Lola Xam nyo sa ilang eksena. Hehe.
Ang plot ng kuwento ay ito:
The plot takes place in a small community in post-war Tokyo, and follows the interweaving story threads of a number of the community's residents over the course of a single year as Tokyo Tower is being built.
Norifumi Suzuki, consistently called "Suzuki Auto" by several of the other characters, runs a small auto repair shop, where he lives with his wife, Tomoe, and son, Ippei. Mutsuko Hoshino, a young girl from Aomori prefecture, comes to live with them and work as Suzuki's apprentice, having applied for the position as a one-year work opportunity. Though Mutsuko is initially shocked and upset at finding Suzuki Auto to be nothing like her expectations - a small auto repair shop where she's expected to do manual labor rather than a large company where she would be doing white-collar clerical work - she soon comes to enjoy her new life. Consistently called "Roku" (an alternate reading of the character for "Mutsu") by the Suzukis, she quickly becomes like a family member to them. Later in the film, she is given train tickets back to Aomori for the new year as a Christmas present, but she does not want to go back believing that no one in Aomori wants her to return. However, Tomoe reveals to her the letters she has been receiving from Mutsuko's mother and have kept secretly in accordance with the mother's wishes. Touched, Mutsuko chooses to return home to Aomori excited to be seeing her family again. She happily waves to the Suzukis, whom she thanks for a great year while leaving.
Ryūnosuke Chagawa is a dried-up novelist who lives across the street from the Suzukis and runs a small toy and candy shop out of his house. He writes a series of serial novels called "Shōnen Bōken-dan" (or "The Young Boys Adventure Club"). Though proud of his profession, he seems to be rather down on his luck (or talent) whenever he submits his works to be published or writing contests. Meanwhile, Hiromi Ishizaki, Chagawa's love interest, newly opens a bar nearby and is unpleasantly surprised one day when a man brings a young boy named Junnosuke to her shop. He tells her that his mother abandoned him and since Hiromi and the mother were friends—though Hiromi protests that they were hardly that close—Hiromi should take care of the boy. Hiromi reluctantly takes Junnosuke in for the time being, but is determined to find him another place to stay at. Later that same evening, Chagawa, comes to the bar to drown in his sorrows and Hiromi decides to give Junnosuke to him. Unable to resist Hiromi's charm and persuasion, Chagawa ends up taking charge of Junnosuke. In return for his allowing Junnosuke to stay with him, Hiromi would come by and visit them.
At first, Chagawa is very cold to Junnosuke since he does not really know how to be a proper parent to the boy, but he begins to warm up to him when he discovers that Junnosuke is actually a big fan of his work Shōnen Bōken-dan and the boy is equally awestruck and delighted that the author to his favorite series is right before his eyes. Over the course of the film, both become quite close and Junnosuke begins writing and even ends up having one of his own stories published in the Shōnen Bōken-dan serial.
The relationship between Hiromi and Chagawa also develops over the course of the film, as Hiromi suggests that she could move in and help raise Junnosuke. He eventually proposes to her on Christmas Eve, albeit with an empty box as he cannot yet afford a ring. Touched, she accepts his proposal, but then disappears the following day, seemingly gone from the neighborhood, and thus from Chagawa's life, forever. Her shop is put up for rent and it is revealed that she's "sold" herself off due to the inability to pay off a huge debt.
Somewhere along the way, Junnosuke gets a hold of his mother's whereabouts and tells Ippei about it. Both boys set off to find her, but their attempt ends in failure. Despite this, a wealthy businessman appears one day and claims to be Junnosuke's father. He tells Chagawa that he plans on adopting Junnosuke into his family and reclaim him as the heir to his business empire. Chagawa sends the boy off, thinking that Junnosuke would be much better off with his real father in a wealthy home than with him. After all, Chagawa is quite poor, and does not consider himself a good parent; he feels particularly lost in this matter without Hiromi. Junnosuke escapes, however, and returns to Chagawa, insisting, despite the writer's violent protests, that he would much rather stay with him.
The film is also filled with light-hearted moments which evoke a sense of romanticized nostalgia for 1950s Tokyo, a sub-genre or aesthetic which is quite popular in recent years in Japanese media. Though the Suzuki auto shop is quite small, the family earns enough money to obtain a modern electric refrigerator, and a black-and-white television, which is first switched on in front of the entire community, which has gathered in and around the house. Despite the serious and dark elements of the plot lines, and the overall difficulties of the characters' lives, episodes such as these give a feeling of the nostalgic idea of life in an easier time, a post-war Japanese "good old days".
Kung may time ka, try to watch a film or two na kasama sa Eiga Sai 2009 ng Japan Foundation. All films will be shown with English subtitles. Free ang admission. Screening venues are at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3 (July 2 to 12) and UP Film Institute (August 14 to 20). “Eigasai ‘09” will also have provincial screenings that will commence in Gaisano South City Mall, Davao (July 18 and 19); Ayala Center, Cebu (July 28 to Aug 2) and Baguio Center Mall, Baguio (August 7 to 11).
For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please access the Japan Foundation, Manila website.
Pinoypoets, in partnership with National Book Store, presents "That's My Type: Poetry and Intermedia," a lecture by poet Angelo Suarez. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be held on August 22, Saturday, 3:00 PM at the recently-opened National Book Store Glorietta 5. This event is the third of a series of lectures celebrating Pinoypoets' fifth anniversary.
Visit www.pinoypoets.com for details, or contact Pinoypoets through mail@pinoypoets.com or 0916-6390640 for inquiries.
***
Angelo V. Suárez is the author of three books: The Nymph of MTV, else it was purely girls, and Dissonant Umbrellas: Notes Toward a Gesamtkunstwerk.
He has won prizes from the Carlos Palanca and Maningning Miclat Foundations, and the National Book Award from the Manila Critics Circle and the first Bridges of Struga International Poetry Prize from UNESCO and the Republic of Macedonia for Nymph.
I was super fuckin' late for the Hands On Manila volunteers' scheduled visit at the Kanlungan ni Maria in Antipolo City. Blamed Eat Bulagasister's adobo for lunch the traffic. Very terrible.
Still we had a blast, with the elders and volunteers playing Bingo Galore. Thanks to Fe for bringing prizes. Hehe.
***
When we arrived at Kanlungan, some members of a painters' group were busy mounting some paintings on the walls. These would be on sale, with proceeds going to Kanlungan ni Maria.
I love these paintings of Jesus and Mother Mary, tagged at 15,000 pesos each. I was not able to get the name of the painter, though.
***
We went to Ms. Avic Alcantara's house after for Aries and Lhet's post-wedding party. This also served as bonding time for the volunteers. Over Gatorade+The Bar tagay, we talked and brainstormed about next Kanlungan ni Maria activities.
***
At mabuti't nakulit ko si Fe na kuhanan ako ng kuhanan ng solo. Pictorial ba. Hehe. Sapagkat wala naman si Kuyatot, mega-emotera ako sa harap ng kamera ni Fe.
May TV guesting kasi ang ilang kasapi ng Pinoypoets para i-promote ang mga gawain ng grupo, partikular na ang pagka-launch ng Obverse Journal at official website. Pati na rin ang August lecture ni Angelo Suarez.
Sa SHEKA Show sa NBN Channel 4 magge-guest ang grupo. 8 AM to 9 AM. The show is hosted by Monica Llamas and Issa Litton.
May nakita akong isang episode ng show sa Youtube:
Everyone complained they woke up too early for the TV guesting at She-Ka over NBN Channel 4.
Xam and Ergoe were able to read their poems on camera. The host assigned to our segment, Issa Litton, was very friendly. She actually coached us na "chika-chika" lang ang gagawin namin. Nothing to be afraid of.
And yes, the experience came like a breeze. Sobrang bilis, actually. Hehe.
Kainis! Ang labo ng pic! Wah!
***
Guests din today ang owners ng Shirts.ph, sina Carlo at Glenn. Sobrang game at kalog ng dalawang ito! Hehe!
Update: The guys agreed for an interview with me! Yipee! Coolness!
***
Pag-uwi, I received a text message from Kuyatot, na papunta siyang National Kidney and Transplant Institute. Mag-volunteer daw siya to child patients. Nandun si Ms. Dianne of the Kythe Foundation. Siyempre, sama naman ako.
The kids were soooo kulit, one would think they are not suffering from kidney disease/s. They had drawing sessions, read-along sessions with Kuyatot (thanks Ergoe for the Adarna books), and I helped them build robots/castles/tikbalang/airplanes using Lego bricks.
Walang pictures ang mga bata habang naglalaro. Bawal kasi. Mag-imagine na lang kayo kung gaano kakalat ang play area namin after the session. Haha!
Saktong paglabas namin ng Out Patient Department, nakita namin ang kinawiwilihan naming si Jan Cena, together with his father. Kuyatot and I found attachment to this 3-year-old, named after the wrestler. He is so adorable! A quiet kid, but the most helpful among the kid patients we had to entertain that time.
Hay, nadurog na naman ang puso ko. Sana wala na lang mga sakit ang mga batang ito.
Can't help it. I'm disposing some books over at Ebay.ph, but still, I can't stop myself from acquiring more. Here are the books I have bought two days ago:
And thanks to Xam for the tip on the paperback availability of this one:
Meanwhile, hindi muna ako maglalalabas at naubusan na ako ng budget. Haha!
Thanks to Pol, for his pasalubong of a Furoshiki cloth.
I have always wanted to own one, so I can practice the art of wrapping cloth. The art uses the techniques similar to origami.
A former officemate effortlessly Furoshiki-ed her lunchbox. Nainggit ako, actually. Very chic and classy.
Pol told me that an original Furoshiki cloth costs more than 50,000 yen!
With the Furoshiki cloth, you can do these:
Photos from Wikipedia
***
Cuberic got me interested with dragon boat racing. I am actually toying with the idea of attending the training of his team. Mukhang masaya, kahit nakakapagod.
Ang tanong: kayanin ko kaya ang training? Maybe I should tag along with Fe muna. Kuha muna kami ng inspiring photos ng team nila Cuberic.
***
PAHABOL: Launch pala bukas ng Crowns and Oranges (Bautista and Ishikawa, editors) ng Anvil Publishing! Kasama sa mga na-publish ay miyembro ng Pinoypoets!
I promised Xam that I will attend to support the group. 6PM sa Megamall. I'm not sure kung sa Powerbooks. Malamang doon ang book launch.
In the past few years, many young poets have
enlivened our literature with their fresh voices and unique
interpretation of the human condition. Mostly products of the various
writing workshops in the country, they respond to social and personal
realities with exciting and well-informed facility. Their reflections
vibrate with a taut understanding of common virtues and falsities, with
deft handling of poetic surfaces and undertows.
Congrats sa mga poet na kasama dito! Pa-cheeseburger naman jan! Hehe!
Looking back, it was exactly 4:26 p.m. on Monday, 16 July 1990, that a killer earthquake
unexpectedly hit and extensively devastated the City of Baguio. As reported, the powerful
temblor measured 7.7 in the open-ended Richter scale and lasted for 45 seconds. It was said
to be the most destructive earthquake on record within the Cordillera Region. There were
numerous aftershocks that followed and the strongest, which occured at 3:15 a.m. of July 18,
lasted for eight seconds ... and measured 5.3 on the Richer scale.
I pray for those who perished on this day, 19 years ago.
Sulit naman kasi nakasama pa namin ang mga dating tagapagtaguyod ng Pinoypoets: sina Jun dela Rosa at Marie Bismonte. Nandun din ang ilang miyembro ng grupo: Edz Padillo and Andrea Duerme (sumunod daw si Ani Diaz, pero di ko na siya nakita).
Nakasama rin namin ang ka-Sidhay kong si Jason Tabinas. Pati ang dati kong ka-opisina sa OPM/PHILSTAGE na si Dinah Remolacio.
Nakita ko na rin sa wakas si Rodrigo dela Peña, na nakasama kong nalathala sa Corpus 7. Ilang beses din kaming nag-usap tru email, dati kasi sa La Union siya naka-base.
Naulan man ng malakas, nasulit din and pag-attend ko ng book launch. It is indeed more than crowns and oranges.
posted by GHV2 on
July 17, 2009 at
10:58 AM
filed under Ilang Tula
Sa Ayat
Sadyang ipinipilit ang hapdi. Humigpit lalo ang kapit Sa katawang humuhulas Sa pawis. Pinili naming gawin Sa buhanginan, isang araw Ng Mayo, kalat na kalat Ang dilim.
Sa mga halik na nagpapalimot At mga haplos ng pagsuyo, Isang paghulo: sa mga naunang Humantong sa ganitong pagkakataon, Ilan ang hindi natakot Sa matitinding daluyong, Sa madidilim at makakapal na ulap, Sa gaspang ng buhanging Makasusugat sa balat.
Dalawa kaming kay higpit Ang pagkakakapit sa isa’t isa, Manghang-mangha Sa nasumpungang dagat Sa kaniya-kaniyang mga mata.
In this quick interview, find out how music shaped the life and dreams of this young Tsinoy.
Rhodge: Can you tell us more about yourself.
Alden Tiu: I am Alden Lim Tiu, 24 years old.
Filipino-Chinese, I grew up in Taiwan during my childhood days, that's where I got my Mandarin from. I studied Hotel and Resto Management in Les Roches Switzerland. I'm currently back in the Philippines, hoping to be able to put up my own food business soon.
I am very much into music, and I mean very much. I love to sing, dance, play the piano, little bit of guitar and violin, arranging music and DJ-ing, which I have just recently learned.
Rhodge: Have you really wanted to become a DJ? When did you start doing this DJ stuff?
Alden Tiu: When I was a kid, we used to have Christmas parties in the auditorium of our school. Back in the days, we only had casette tapes as you well know, so what I did, I held the microphone in front of the radio, and the whole room is just filled with the music I'm playing. I also play at my schoolmates room parties back in my college days. Seeing people enjoying and dancing to the music I play made me realize, I think I know what people like and what makes them dance. DJ-ing is not just about playing the music you like, it's about having the power to make people's feet start grooving to the beats.
Rhodge: Aside from music, what are your other interests? Do you still have any hidden talent?
Alden Tiu: I love sports, I swim, play badminton, well those are the only things that I can do for now, not having enough free time. Hobbies, I have mentioned that earlier, but something I would like to add, I also do poi spinning, you know the stuff that you spin around, that you mostly see during the summer in Boracay. I have been a wedding singer to my brother's and best friend's sister's wedding.
Rhodge: Who are your musical influences?
Alden Tiu: I mostly got this musical blood from my mother-side. Pero kung sa artists, I got my piano influence from Jim Brickman and my violin influence from Lucia Micarelli. Sa singing, I usually admire artists who can sing high and low, Tenor and Bass, like Martin Nievera.
Rhodge: What frustrates you most with regards to your craft?
Alden Tiu: Being gifted in this form of art makes you a perfectionist, so I consider myself a perfectionist. Everything's not perfect until you feel that this is it, this is the one you want.
Rhodge: Tell us more about the first time you have guested on Dare Duo (over at QTV Channel 11, hosted by Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez). I believe that this was the first time you have performed as a DJ. Was it life-changing?
Alden Tiu: I met a lot of people definitely, nice and warm people. Yes, I became more confident talking especially in front of the camera. I was able to do things I didn't expect that I can do, so yes, it is life-changing.
Rhodge: Lastly, what is your mantra in life?
Alden Tiu: Mantras are so cliche nowadays. Just be a good person towards yourself and other people.
Sonny Sendon is one of the major forces promoting Filipino and Bikol/Iriganon poetry. In this interview, he shares his memories of Iriga, his poetry, and his passion to serve his kababayan in the future.
Sonny Sendon: Sorry at natagalan. May tumawag kasi.
Rhodge: Ay, walang problema. Binabasa ko din kasi ung blog mo na Vertigo. Puro tula ang laman?
Sonny Sendon: Yep.
Rhodge: Ang alam ko, may tula kang Vertigo na na-publish sa Dapitan. Tama ba?
Sonny Sendon: Oo. Yun sana kasi ang thesis ko pero naiba na.
Rhodge: Bakit naman naiba?
Sonny Sendon: Hmm, actually hindi naman naiba, parang iniwanan ko muna yung thought.
Rhodge: So may chance na babalikan mo pa ito?
Sonny Sendon: Yes, siguro. Ganun siguro nagwo-work di ba? Minsan kailangan mong iwan panandali o kaya kahit matagal na.
Rhodge: Madalas kasi, madali akong mag- give up sa isang idea. Hehe.
Sonny Sendon: Sayang naman. He he he. Siguro, bigyan mo ng time yung sarili mo para ma-compose niya kung ano talaga ang gusto mong gawin o sabihin.
Rhodge: Ginagawa ko na yan, isinusulat ko na sa isang notebook ung mga idea para pwedeng balikan. May nagpapatanong pala kung tutuloy ka sa pagiging isang duktor.
Sonny Sendon: Yep, nasa FEU-NRMF ako, 1st year.
Rhodge: How close is science with your poetry? Or is it the other way around? Napansin ko lang kasi na parang madalas mo natatalakay sa mga tula ung siyensya.
Sonny Sendon: Ah. Nasa masining at masinsing mata ng makata siguro kung paano niya nakikita ang beauty among the mundane.
Rhodge: And that beauty is retained in your poems? Sonny Sendon: Oo.
Rhodge: Ngayon ko lang nabasa, may nag-comment sa isang blog entry mo about a poem na tungkol sa asthma attacks mo. Natapos mo ba ung tula?
Sonny Sendon: Yep. Pero iba na siya. Pumili lang ako kung aling karanasan doon.
Rhodge: At aling karanasan ung isinama mo sa tulang iyon?
Sonny Sendon: Kasi nung inatake ako ng asthma parang katapusan na ng mundo he he he.
Rhodge: Mula ba pagkabata ung asthma attacks mo?
Sonny Sendon: Hindi, recently lang, mga 4th yr college yung pinakauna. Rhodge: Nasa lahi ninyo pala ang may hika?
Sonny Sendon: Yep.
Rhodge: May gamot nga ba sa hika? Butiki daw?
Sonny Sendon: Ha ha! Hindi pa naman explained ng medisina kung may katotohanan dun pero malay natin.
Rhodge: Haha! So hindi mo pa nasubukang kumain ng butiki?
Sonny Sendon: No, ayoko nga. Hehe. Pero yung kuya ko ata oo, tinututong yung butiki.
Rhodge: Hehe. Ano ang pinagkakaabalahan mo sa ngayon, bukod sa pag-aaral ng medisina? Sonny Sendon: Ah, nagsusulat ng konti. Konti na lang production ko ngayon. May tinatapos akong short story collection pero Iriganon.
Rhodge: Tungkol sa Sarikaw?
Sonny Sendon: Alin, yung kwento?
Rhodge: Yung collection?
Sonny Sendon: Hindi, iba-iba rin. Mostly domestic na mga issue, relasyon ng mag-asawa, anak, ganun. Explore kasi sa lengguwahe ng Iriganon kung anuman ang itinuturing na taboo etc., kung alin ang mga hindi pinag-uusapan, alin ang mga pinag-uusapan kapag nagbubulungan.
Rhodge: How was it like growing up in Iriga?
Sonny Sendon: Iriga is a sleepy town. Parang pagdating ng 8 pm wala nang tao dun. Sobrang kakaiba kasi lumaki ako kasama ang Lola ko na albularyo/hilot. So exposed kaming magkakapatid at magpipinsan sa mga kuwento ng taong-lipod (mga taong hindi nakikita), aswang, etcetera.
Rhodge: Ang tawag ba sa Lola mo ay parasantigwar? Sonny Sendon: Yep. So parang nabuhay talaga ako noon na parang Lord of the Rings, kasi maraming creatures na feeling mo talaga they co-exist with you.
Rhodge: And those creatures shaped your poetry?
Sonny Sendon: Yes, masasabi ko yan, lalo na sa mga una kong tula. Parang pag nababasa ko natatawa ako kasi yung tone, parang nananakot. Parang laging nagbibigay ng babala.
Rhodge: Pero wala ka namang nakitang totoong aswang?
Sonny Sendon: Wala! Hahaha.
Rhodge: Did you feel, as a child, that it was inevitable that you would become a writer?
Sonny Sendon: No, hindi. Pangarap ko talaga nun maging doktor, scientist ganun. Pero as early as grade 6 ata ako nung nagsusulat-sulat na ako sa luma kong notebook.
Rhodge: Tungkol sa mga kuwento ng Lola mo?
Sonny Sendon: Poems na sinusulat ko nun. Pero tungkol sa sarili. Maganda na pangit kasi childhood ko. So ang outpour ng emotions ko feeling ko nun, na-express ko sa tula. Napaka-dark nga pag naaalala ko, sobrang laging may image ng death.
Rhodge: Dahil ba ito sa exposed ka sa panggagamot ng Lola mo? Paanong laging may image ng death? Sonny Sendon: Hindi naman. Depressed kasi buhay namin nun gawa nung pagkakaroon ng ibang pamilya ng tatay ko. Pero yung mga Santigwar days, lately na lang yun.
Rhodge: Influence ba ng Lola mo ung pangarap mong maging isang doctor?
Sonny Sendon: Hmmm... Hindi naman, baka unconsciously, oo. Nagtatawanan nga kami nun ni Kristian (Cordero) kasi kami ang second generation of healers. Gawa ng pagsusulat ng tula.
Rhodge: Sa paanong paraan?
Sonny Sendon: Ginagamot ng Santigwar ang hindi napaghihilom na kaugnayan natin sa kalikasan. Tapos hinihilom naman ng tula ang kaluluwa. Kasi ang paniwala, kapag nagkasakit ka, gawa yun na may naistorbo ka sa kalikasan, may nasaktan kang kabilang roon.
Rhodge: At pagkatapos? Paano "ibinabalik sa kaayusan" ng Santigwar ang lahat?
Sonny Sendon: Ipinagkakasundo ng parasantigwar ang nagkasakit sa kaniyang nasaktan sa pamamagitan ng dasal o kaya ng pag-aapag (paghahandog ng pagkain at sigarilyo). Pero naging thesis na yan ni Kristian. Hahaha! Rhodge: Oo nga pala. May mga trina-translate kang poems from English/Filipino into Bikol and Iriganon. Do you find translating and writing to be quite different disciplines?
Sonny Sendon: Nagsisimula pa lang pero parang mas mahirap ang translation para sa kin lalo na kung ibang lengguwahe.
Rhodge: Ah. Naisip ko lang, nao-obliga ka bang i-translate sa Filipino ang tula mong naisulat sa Bikol/Iriganon?
Sonny Sendon: Hindi naman. Depende kung kanino para ka nagsusulat.
Rhodge: Pero sa tingin mo, nalilimitahan nito ang audience/market mo kung ganun?
Sonny Sendon: Hmm... Hindi naman gaanong issue yun para sa 'kin lalo nang mas pinapalawak ng mga manunulat sa Iriganon/Bikol ang inaabot niyang mga tao. Gawain na ng translator kung paano niya nakikita ang gustong ipakahulugan ng tula sa ganoong panahon, kultura etc. So parang pag nagsulat ako sa Iriganon, sila talaga ang pinupuntirya ko, sila ang audience ko. Kaya todo campaign ng mga writers sa Bicol para sa pagbabasa ng literature.
Just got home. Feeling galante si Kuyatot lately, so nag-aya si Kuyatot ng dinner.
"Saan?"
"Sa Mall of Asia."
Hala, anlayo. Hehe. Effort pa naman pumunta doon.
Keri lang sapagkat 21st monthsary namin today, July 21.
Nag-dinner kami sa Gallenera, na nasa medyo kalayuang bahagi na ng mall. Kaya siguro wala masyadong kumakain sa restaurant na iyon. Keri lang para tahimik ang ambience.
We tried their specialty, pork sinigang. Panalo! Pati na rin ung chicken adobo nila. And I love the guava iced tea!
Siguradong babalik kami sa Gallenera. If you're interested, you can contact them at (02) 556-5077. It is located at the back of SMX.
***
May solar eclipse daw bukas ng alas-otso ng umaga. The solar eclipse that will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 will be a total eclipse of the Sun. It will be the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, lasting at greatest eclipse 6 minutes, 39 seconds, it has sparked tourist interest in eastern China and India.
Gudlak nga lang at maulan sa Pilipinas.
TALA: Hindi ko naabutan ang solar eclipse. Kay lungkot naman, kung kelan biglang mahimalang gumanda ang panahon. Mega-tulog ako dahil sa pagod. Nagkasya na lang ako sa paghahanap ng mga larawan, kagaya nito, na kuha mula sa India:
Mga tambay lang kami sawa sa babae May mga babaeng manloloko Pineperahan lang kami Kaya ngayon bakla na lang ang aming iibigin Masarap magmahal ang bakla Ohh kay sarap... damhin
Sinisubulan ang puso ko laging sugatan Sineseryoso ko bakit ako ang iniwanan Kaya ngayan nagising na ko sa Katotohanan na lolokohin lang kami Ng mga kababaihan
Kaya ngayon napagpasyahan Na bakla ang aking iibigin At ipapadama ko na himig na aking Damdamin sa kanya Oo nga! At hindi sa isang babae Dahil ang puso ko ay kanilang sinabutahe Para bang ako'y isang laruan
Na tinapaktapakan pagkatapos Pagsawaan kanilang tatalikuran It's so unfair kaya bakla na lang Ang iibigin kaya ngayon pakingan niyo Para sa inyo 'tong awitin.
Mga tambay lang kami sawa sa babae May mga babaeng manloloko Pineperahan lang kami Kaya ngayon bakla na lang ang aming iibigin Masarap magmahal ang bakla Ohh kay sarap... damhin
Hinanakit sa babae ang dahilan Kung bakit nagmahal ako ng tulad niya Kahit siya ay pangit At di niya pinagkait at sakin di lumapit Kyan hanggang ngayon virgin pa ang aking pwit At alam ko naming wala akong kahati
Di ko siya mabubuntis Pagkat pareho kami ng ari. Grabe! Buong buhay niya ay sa akin binigay Lahat-lahat kanyang inalay Basta wag lang akong mawalay sa kanya Di na kita iiwan kahit na ika'y bakla Basta tiwala mo sa akin sing kinang Ng tala at totoo. Relasyon natin ay parang ginto Mahal kita wag lang sana kong magkatulo.
Mga tambay lang kami sawa sa babae May mga babaeng manloloko Pineperahan lang kami Kaya ngayon bakla na lang ang aming iibigin Masarap magmahal ang bakla Ohh kay sarap... damhin
Na sulat ko ang kantang to dahil sa galit Pagkat sa tuwing nagmamahal Puso ko'y napupunit Ginawa ko naman ang lahat Sa kanya inilaan Binigay ang nais na luho Pati ang aking katawan.
Pero kapalit nito ay isa palang kataksilan At nagawa pa niya na ako'y pagtawanan Kaya ngayon si Len Jack Ay labis ang pag-iyak Puso ko'y parang nasagasaan Ng limang milyong truck.
Siya ay simpleng tumatak Ang sakit ng natamo Kaya nagdesisyon tuloy ang puso na laging bigo Na bakla na lang ang iibigin ko Di na ko masasaktan nagkapera pa ako.
Mga tambay lang kami sawa sa babae May mga babaeng manloloko Pineperahan lang kami Kaya ngayon bakla na lang ang aming iibigin Masarap magmahal ang bakla Ohh kay sarap... damhin
Isang bakla ang iibigin habang buhay Sa kanya ko lang inalay ang puso kong makulay Siya ang nagbigay ng tawa at saya Pag-ibig kong ito sa kanya lang Lumigaya kesa sa GF ko Na wala namang pake
Nagmahal ako sa kanya ng wala ng silbi Kaya sa isang bakla ako ay nagmahal Kahit sa ibang girl pag-ibig ko ay matumal Kahit karumaldumal pa ang kanyang pagmumukha Basta wag niya lang akong gawing kaawaawa Kaya sa bigo, sa mga babae diyan Umibig ng bakla nakakalat lang yan diyan
Mga tambay lang kami sawa sa babae May mga babaeng manloloko Pineperahan lang kami Kaya ngayon bakla na lang ang aming iibigin Masarap magmahal ang bakla Ohh kay sarap... damhin
Ayoko ng umibig ng kahit na sino pa Kasi ako sa'yo ay okey na At ako'y sa'yo na Basta yung responsibility ay wag limutin Wala kang ibang gagawin Kundi ako'y pasayahin, ako sa'yo ay happy Kasi lagi akong busog Hindi mo ako ginugutom
'Cause takot kang mabugbog Sa buhay ko ikaw ang pumapapel na yaya Pero kahit ganun hndi pagpapalit sa iba Pero wag kang umasa na sa'kin ka maka-isa Bago tayo magtabi sa kama magpa-opera Oh di ba hi-tech? Tayo ay modern na lover Pag dumukit ka sa'kin sisigaw ako holdaper!
Mga tambay lang kami sawa sa babae May mga babaeng manloloko Pineperahan lang kami Kaya ngayon bakla na lang ang aming iibigin Masarap magmahal ang bakla Ohh kay sarap... damhin
Mga tambay lang kami sawa sa babae May mga babaeng manloloko Pineperahan lang kami Kaya ngayon bakla na lang ang aming iibigin Masarap magmahal ang bakla Ohh kay sarap... damhin
Nakabalandra ang mga libro ko sa daanan papuntang kusina.
Inilabas ko ang maruruming unan, pinaarawan ko sila, nilabhan ang mga nagungutim na punda.
Pinagpupunasan ko ang mga maalikabok na candelaria, ung bulol na noon pa inaarbor ng kapatid ko't paglalagyan niya daw ng cellphone, ung "picnic basket" na ang laman pala ay --- sorpresa! --- libro ni Freud, ni JRR Tolkien, ilang Charmed pocketbooks, ung Coraline na hindi ko na pala naisoli sa officemate ko sa HTMT, at ng Laro sa Baga ni Edgardo Reyes.
Araw ng paglilinis ko ng kuwarto ngayon. Kaya pala ako nahahatsing lagi pagpasok ko sa kuwarto dahil pinutakte na ako ng alikabok. Ung buo-buo na. Tambak na din ang mga librong binabasa ko. Nasita ako ng kapatid ko kanina kasi ikinakarton ko ung mga libro pero maya't maya labas naman ako ng labas ng laman ng mga iyon. Depende kung ano ang mood ko sa pagbabasa, sino ang trip kong basahin.
Andami ko rin dapat itapon na. Natambakan na ako ng mga papel, mga lumang tula, mga tulang isinabmit ng batch namin sa LIRA noon. Kailangan ko na siguro itapon ang mga iyon. Kailangan na mag-move on mula sa mga iyon.
Pinunasan ko ang mga dingding, hinugasan ko sila n tubig na me sabon. Gusto ko sana magpapintura ng mga dingding pero magastos iyon. Dapat panatilihin ko na lang na malinis ang mga ito.
Nag-alala ako na baka me nakapasok na daga sa mga karton ko. Buti wala naman. Kawawa naman sina Doty, Samar, Remoto, atbp. kung magkaganun. (Lalo't ung kay Samar, ngayong posible siyang manalo ng Man Asian Literary Prize.)
Marami ring files na dapat nang itabi, lalo ung mga file na related kay Daddy. Kailangan isaayos ko ang mga ito. Dapat yatang bumili ako ng bagong lalagyan na parang treasure chest, para hindi dagain ang mga papeles na ito.
Okay, alas-tres na. Oras na para ibalik muli ang lahat sa dati.
posted by GHV2 on
July 28, 2009 at
11:34 PM
filed under Hay! Notes
High school pa lang, kaibigan ko na si R. Hanggang ngayon.
Early last year, nalaman ko na may sikretong relasyon pala siya sa isa niyang officemate.
Pareho silang babae.
*
Ako itong bading pero biglang-bigla ako sa pagtatapat na ito ng kaibigan ko. And I hate myself for reacting that way.
Nalungkot ako lalo nang napag-isip ko na kawawa ung kaibigan ko kasi wala siyang mapaghingahan ng kalagayan niya that time. When she told us about the relationship, she admitted that it had just ended.
*
I saw how she suffered so much about this first love. Nanjan na halos nakatulala na lang siya madalas, or laging wala sa sarili. Madalas na din siya magkasakit. She has not been normal since then.
*
It has been almost two years, and she is still suffering. Physically and emotionally. I told her, this should stop.
Siguro, affected ako na andali niya ako napalitan...
