a life with music ...

Batang-bata ka pa by Apo Hiking Society

2011-06-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

I was reminded of this song again from a post by its composer, Jim Paredes, who also sang it with his band.

Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, Inc. (PEBA): A Prayer for OFWs

2011-02-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, Inc. (PEBA): A Prayer for OFWs

Don Moen Concert in Bangkok

2010-08-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Before the concert began

We went to Don Moen's concert in Impact Muang Thong Thani last 3 August. We had been looking forward to this event as this was the first time for us to attend a DM concert. It is also the first time he was performing here in Thailand. So we were there a couple of hours before the time. As it was rainy season and the road to the venue is always heavy with traffic, rain or shine, we gave ourselves a good head start so that we would not be late. We left the university which was just about 10 km away or so at around 530 pm. It took us a little more than an hour to get there due to the heavy traffic.

We had dinner at Subway restaurant before we proceeded to the concert hall. We had lots of time to spare. Many people also arrived early. Everyone seemed excited! We met a couple of friends who are from another church in Bangkok. There were a couple of radio stations there to promote their programs, and some other groups who were sponsors of the events to provide information to people.

There was also a group which came with some banners to protest about the concert.

Half hour before the scheduled start, we decided to go in just so we could sit. Outside in the waiting hall there were no seats and standing for a long time was so tiring.

Around 820pm they played the Royal Anthem and everybody stood up to pay their respects.

After around 20 minutes they started to present the safety measures and also the list of things that were prohibited to bring in or use during the performance. It was not allowed to use any recording device and even cameras. It was tempting though to take the camera out especially when we saw others taking photos while DM was singing. But I did not give in to temptation. We took photos only before and after the concert.

After about another 10 minutes, the musicians went to the stage to adjust their musical instruments. When Don Moen appeared on stage at around 850pm, the crowd was ready to welcome him. He greeted everybody in Thai. His "sawatdee khrap" was very clear.

And the praise and worship began...

Here is the list of the songs he/we sang that night in worship to our living God:

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Thank You, Lord
Your steadfast love
Be glorified
Lord, I offer my life to You
Mi Corazon
The greatness of You
How great is our God
I just want to be where You are
Oh God of Abraham
Be magnified
You make me lie down in green pastures
He never sleeps
Be praised
I believe there is more
Hiding place
Think about His love
I will sing
Still/Be still and know
God will make a way
God is good
Celebrate Jesus Celebrate
When it's all been said and done
Shout to the Lord

After the concert

Charice P in Bangkok

2010-07-24T05:25:00.000-07:00

I first learned that Charice Pempengco would be in Bangkok through the Siampinoy forum a few weeks ago. Since then I have kept myself updated of the news and even FB-liked Charice Thailand and checked out the Charice Mania website. I was not disappointed with the updates and pictures I received from these sites.

Charice Pempengco was in Bangkok from 22-24 July 2010 to promote her album Charice and especially her hit single Pyramid. She guested at several radio stations and held interviews with many groups. She had a mini-concert at Siam Discovery on 23 July organized by Singh, entitled, Charice "Dreams Come True" Showcase @Siam Discovery.When I first heard about this event I decided right there and then that I should attend it. I have heard lots about her before through the internet especially You Tube, and also from my sisters.

So there we were yesterday, Friday, arriving at Siam Discovery before 5 pm, the time they announced the concert would start. When we arrived many people were already there, stationed at the prime spots and it was difficult for us to find a place. We passed by first at the reception desk and bought her CD at 399 baht. We were told that the show would start at 6 pm. We then walked around to find an empty spot by one of the big posts so we can lean on it while waiting. We stayed on that spot as the placed filled up. By the time the show started we could not see anything except people's heads and cameras held up and the widescreen monitor.

I was looking around to see whether there were people I recognized. I saw lots of young people, students still in their uniforms, teenagers, young professionals, adults, elderly. There were Pinoys among the Thais, as well as other nationalities. All were eager to get a glimpse of Charice and hear her sing.

When Charice finally appeared, the cheering was so deafening and it was amazing to hear it! I could not clap my hands though coz I was holding my bag as well as my camera. With lots of people one had to be careful of one's belongings. I was not really able to see her close-up. I had to tiptoe just to get a glimpse of her on the stage. Most of the time I watched the widescreen monitor above the stage.

It would have been nice to interact with her but the venue did not make it possible. Anyway, it was enough that I was able to hear her sing live, and to be there to show my support as a Filipino.

She will be back in October to take part in another concert entitled David Foster and Friends. Hope to be able to join that again, and that the tickets will be affordable.

Philippine National Anthem as sung by Charice P.

2010-07-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

Check out DON MOEN LIVE IN BANGKOK

2010-06-28T20:11:00.001-07:00

Check out DON MOEN LIVE IN BANGKOK

This will be an exciting and inspirational time ...

MY FATHER'S EYES

2010-06-09T01:06:00.000-07:00

they are disbanding

2010-03-07T23:01:00.000-08:00

APO Hiking Society's music has been part of our lives in the Philippines. This trio of creative musicians have brought inspiration, happiness, hope and humour to life, not only in the Philippines, but also abroad. For me, their music is one of the things I turn to whenever I felt homesick or lonely. Whenever it rains, I remember their song, Pumapatak na naman ang ulan. Whenever I remember my friends in school, I remember their song, Awit ng barkada. Humour in heartbreak? Listen to their Kaibigan song. And many more instances in which their songs can speak to us...It's because we grew up and experienced life listening to the Apo's songs.

When I joined imeem and youtube, their songs were the first to be in my playlist, so I could listen to them whenever I wanted. Recently they announced that they were disbanding. Forty years of creating wonderful music together. Sad to hear that but they have their reasons. At least we still have their songs which we can listen to anytime, anywhere. Thank you, Danny, Jim & Boboy, for the good memories you gave us through your music. May you continue to touch the lives of people through the talents you have been given. The only regret I have is that I was not able to attend any of their concerts. I just did not have the opportunity. Glad to have the internet which gives updates of their activities.

Goodbye Tita

2010-02-08T01:27:00.000-08:00

Vicky singing during her mom's (my aunt) funeral service

Very touching ...

2009-09-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

Linking from Glen Omanio's youtube entry.

Birthday song

2009-08-24T22:21:00.001-07:00

I read somewhere that some people esp. here in Asia do not sing the "Happy Birthday" song correctly. We are all familiar with the music. Usually we sing it like this:

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you.

So what is wrong with this? That book said that the words of the 4th line should not be "Happy birthday" but should be "Dear Name of one who has the bday", i.e. if it is Michael's birthday, it should be sung like this:

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Dear Michael
Happy birthday to you.

Yes, I think this is better than just repeating the same line. However, what if you are singing for 2 or more people?

At church we have a second stanza which goes like this:

May the Lord God bless you
May the Lord God bless you
May the Lord God
Bless you
May the Lord God bless you.

I guess it can be substituted with other words as long as it fits the measure. Such as this one which I learned since I was small:

Happy birthday to you
Ginamos kag monggo
Happy birthday
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you.

Of course we got scolded at home and at school whenever we sang this version!

Something from a freelance writer

2009-08-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

There are lots of interesting stuff to read in this blog called "The Ups, Downs and Sometimes Insane World of Freelance Writing". Today I opened it to read some stuff and to drop some ECs, and there is a post about one gospel song which I really like to sing. You can find it here. Hope you too will feel encouraged as you listen to it.

...Behold He comes riding on the clouds...

Reviewing music

2009-08-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

As I shared in my other blogs, writing reviews has become a way of life for most of us. Particularly in writing about music - songs, instruments, singers, choirs, and the like, I remember writing about them even when I was in grade school and high school. I studied in a school which was run by nuns. So music as a major part of everyday life. And so in this music blog of mine I hope I can be writing reviews on things related to music. An opportunity has arisen when I visited LinkFromBlog.

If you have a blog and interested in getting paid for your posts, why not head on over there and see what it's all about.

There Is None Like You

2009-06-08T18:39:00.001-07:00

There is none like You,
No one else can touch my heart like You do,
I can search for all eternity Lord
And find, there is none like You.

There is none like You.
No one else can touch my heart like You do,
I can search for all eternity Lord
And find, there is none like You.

Your mercy flows like a river wide,
And healing comes from Your hand.
Suffering children are safe in Your arms,
There is none like You.

There is none like You, (There is none like You, Lord)
There is none like You.

I can search for all eternity Lord,
There is none like You.
I can search for all eternity Lord,
There is none, (there is none,)
There is none Lord,
There is none like You.

Lyrics from here.

Only By Grace

2009-06-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

I first heard this song in the early to mid-90s. My two friends (bible study group mates), Yolly & Dovi, sang it as a duet in church. This song also touches deep into my heart, as we know that we have been saved by grace, through faith, so we could not boast that we did this or that to be saved. It is a gift of God.

C                    Am
Only by grace can we enter
Dm7                  G     G7
Only by grace can we stand
C                  Am
Not by our human endeavour
Dm7                     G
But by the blood of the Lamb

Em7                         Am7
Into Your presence You call us
   F          G
You call us to come
C                      Am7
Into Your presence You draw us
Dm7             G        C
And now by Your grace we come
Dm7         G        C
Now by Your grace we come

Am           G               F
Lord, if You marked our transgressions
G         C     Bm7 E7
Who would stand
Am             G            F
Thanks to Your grace we are clensed
      G            Am   Dm E
by the blood of the Lamb
Am           G               F
Lord, if You marked our transgressions
G         C     Bm7 E7
Who would stand
Am             G            F
Thanks to Your grace we are clensed
      G            Am   Gsus G
by the blood of the Lamb

©Public Domain
Words and Music by Unverified

With Hope

2009-05-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

WITH HOPE

This is not at all how
We thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you
We had so many dreams
And now you've gone away
And left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say
And nothing we can do
Can take away the pain
The pain of losing you, but ...

(Refrain)

We can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again

And never have I known
Anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more
The wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears
I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you
Where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true
'Cause now you're home
And now you're free, and ...
(Refrain)

We have this hope as an anchor
'Cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true ...

So we can cry with hope
We can say goodbye with hope
Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no

And we can grieve with hope
'Cause we believe with hope
There's a place by God's grace
There's a place where we'll see your face again
We'll see your face again

So we can cry with hope
We say goodbye with hope
We wait with hope
And we ache with hope
We hold on with hope
We let go with hope …

This song by Steven Curtis Chapman is so true...it really gives hope to the bereaved despite the grief, only because it is founded on God's word and promise of heaven and eternal life...for those who believe in Him. As our family grieves for the passing away of Daddy, this song touches the very core of our beings.

Filipino singers go Hollywood

2008-07-14T02:14:00.000-07:00

Filipinos are well known for their good singing, and more. So it is not surprising that they should go compete outside the Philippines. As some people have said, the Pinoy talent is world class! Here's the Breaking News from Inquirer.net about Pinoy singers competing in the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, CA.

Go, go, go .. all the best to the group!

Madonna Decena

2008-04-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

I am joining the bandwagon of blogging or commenting on this amazing Pinay! My brother sent me this youtube link and I was curious what it was all about. Yes! She is indeed great! Even without her story. Many are skeptical that maybe she is using her story to get votes. Well, as I have said, even without her story, she can still be a winner. If not in this contest, hopefully in her career as a singer, and those in the music industry will notice her and give her the break she needs. I know that in the Philippines she is just one of the many who can really sing very well, excellently. Even I myself am amazed at how music is really in the heart and mind of the Pinoys, and there is real talent - in singing, playing instruments, dancing, anything musical ... Of course, at different levels.

Shayne Ward

2008-03-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

When we were in the UK in 2005, we were able to watch the X-Factor TV series. The winner that time was Shayne Ward. He was very popular among the viewers and even now he continues to be popular. He has really gone a long way. Back here in Asia I am sometimes amazed to see how far this singer has gone. Radio stations play his songs; even when shopping in the malls we could hear him singing. Listening to his voice and his music transports me back to that time in the UK. I reminisce the times I was there with my husband, the (mind boggling/breaking?) work we had to do, the struggles with heavy clothing due to the cold weather, walking hand in hand to keep warm and to keep going ... and so many things. Music has that power to bring back memories. And it is good to go back sometimes to those oldies and be reminded of the things past, as long as they are good memories. As for sad ones, mostly love songs that are associated with past loves ... hmmm.

Hawak Kamay (Holding Hands)

2008-03-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if the correct translation of the song's title, Hawak Kamay, is really "Holding Hands". But based on the lyrics, it seems like that. The song is about encouragement. The singer tells her friend or loved one that some times life can be very difficult but he/she should not lose hope or give up, but to be assured that there is another who can help. The singer assures her friend that she is always there to hold his/her hands and together they can journey through life...in the midst of life's difficulties and ambiguities. As well, she encourages her friend to keep looking up to heaven, for divine intervention. The music/melody is also very good and her voice is so wonderful. Listening to the song really pulls at the heartstrings. No wonder it has become very popular. It speaks to the very heart of people. I have a video somewhere of my nieces singing this song when we went home to visit last April 2007. There are many links that can be found on the internet and here is one:

Another nice one

2008-03-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

Here is another link to a very good singer. I know this family through my brother. I heard that he has a state of the art recording studio at home. I think thats' where they do most of their recordings.

http://www.youtube.com/user/nivenguitar

Of music

2008-03-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

I am not a musician but I love music. I remember way back in high school my music teacher gave us an exercise. We had to write just one sentence about what music meant to us. Or what we thought about music or anything about music. I wrote this: Music soothes and gives peace to my soul. That was like 30 years ago. And I still think the same. The music that I like, that is. This blog will feature some of the music and videos that I like especially those of my family members. And of my friends if they have and if I can get hold of them.

First off, please check out my brother's youtube link - http://www.youtube.com/user/SimpleHarm