As promised from my post turntable is love, here is an image of our 2 turntables together. The following day, after posting the article to this blog, my husband surprised me with a Satchmi Motorino Mk. II and a vinyl of Taylor Swift's 1989 album. Love!love!love!
I thought that it will take weeks or even months to get a Satchmi Motorino, I mean, we still do need to save up for it. But here it is...
I won't go into details for now. I'll make a separate post about this product, it's specifications and include a video as well. I'm still trying to get a hang of it because even if it's new, just the idea that turntables and vinyls are sensitive or fragile, extra care is a must. Once I'm fully comfortable handling it, I guess that's the only time that I'll be able to discover more of this music player.
My very first vinyl is Taylor Swift's 1989, I just love it! Now saving for the next worthy one.
I grew up listening to vinyls because my parents had a 1980s VTG SONY TURNTABLE CASSETTE PLAYER RECORDER COMBO EX-2K (photo to follow). It's still with them but it's not working anymore because it was mistakenly plugged in the wrong outlet.
Here's what I get for having a husband who's a musician. Early last year
we purchased a second hand turntable. As planned, we've been itching to
buy one for our new condo. Anyway, having a turntable brings music to our home on a different level.
The vintage sound makes everything peaceful and calm.
We got our turntable from a collector who just happen to be my husband's office mate. He chose to sell his turntable to my husband because he knows that he is a musician. Well, somebody who's expected to appreciate these things and will really spend time on anything related to music. This office mate of his is a collector of turntables and vinyls. Aside from entrusting one of his priced possessions, he also shared some thoughts on how turntables and vinyls work.
Turntables are back. Vinyl shops, thrift stores are making some noise for old and new record albums. We buy our vinyls from The Grey Market Records. From Jaco Pastorious, Pat Metheny, Nat King Cole, Stan Getz. They have a wide selection for a very reasonable price. We still go to some shops that sell second hand vinyl records, but one should be patient while going through piles and piles of vinyls.
Well, the old ones are considered vintage and should be handled with great care.
Moving forward, having an 1980s Sony turntable is a great start in
knowing what this machine can artistically do. When I was a kid, all I
hear was plain sound. It comes in one ear and comes out to the other.
Now, I can really appreciate the music that vinyl records can produce.
It is indeed a timeless materpiece.
We plan on expanding so that we can preserve the 1980s turntable we have and that's when Satchmi Motorino will come in. It's sleeker, stylish, it's modern but once it starts playing, it will automatically take you back in time whether you're listening to new music or not. My husband took me to Satchmi, 4F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall so that I can choose the Motorino I like. It's perfect, because I intend to buy a much newer set of vinyls like Taylor Swift's 1989 album and Adele's.
I'll post a photo of the 2 turntables together once we have the Motorino.
This has got to be one of the best Rock n' Roll album I've ever listened too. Contains the greatest mashups ever recorded. Rock of Ages is originally a musical. Broadway has been featuring this hit since 2009 up to the present. The music goes around the 80's glam rock up to the early 90's. This year, Rock of Ages was brought to the big screen with an all-star cast ready to bring the house down with awesome music. Tom Cruise played as Stacey Jaxx went through rigid training five hours a day with Axl Rose, Keith Richards and Jim Morrison. Catherine Zeta- Jones, well we all know the splendid job she did with Chicago. One of my favorite songs in the movie was from Catherine Zeta- Jones: Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
Julianne Hough played Sherrie Christian, her voice was spectacular. And I got familiar with Julianne Hough through the Rock of Ages. This lady will make it up there.
Since the featured songs and genre were the songs I grew up with, it was pleasing to hear how some of my favorites was liven up with new versions or call it mashups. My ultimate favorite in the album is the More Than Words/Heaven mashup (Diego Boneta and Julianne Hough). It's the greatest! Got the full album from iTunes too ;D
Even if downloading is just a click away, my husband and I still prefer buying original cds of our favorite artists. My latest finds are copies of the people who made a great impact in the music industry both abroad and here in the Philippines. I accidentally found The Essential Michael Jackson in line of the other music legends such as: Miles Davis and Whitney Houston.. Michael Jackson is indeed a true legend.
The 2*in*1 Series FRANCISM was an extraordinary find. We weren't expecting that it was for a very cheap price of Php180 and it wasn't on the sale rack. So I was like: "what? they're giving it out just like that?" I'm talking about original compositions with the best sessionists to play the music and of course the cool sound of Francis M's voice to relay the message of the songs. We don't get this kind of music nowadays. All I hear on television, over the radio and in music shops are cover songs.
The ESSENTIAL: MICHAEL JACKSON: a 2-disc cd composed of the very best of the Legendary Michael Jackson.
The 2*in*1 Series FRANCISM: a 2 disc cd---hits of our very own Legend Francis Magalona.
Both artists passed away in 2009. It was a sad event, but they left us with a unique blend of music filled with amazing songs and compositions.
Dirty Loops covered Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back in an extraordinary way. Reminiscent of Jamiroquai mix with Stevie Wonder and a dash of rhythmic complexity. It's hot!
The kids are still sleeping on this summery Wednesday morning, I'm all by myself preparing breakfast...I just love it when I start my day with some music... listen to the beat of the Far East Movement and have a great day ahead!
Here we go, come with me
There's a world out there that we should see
Take my hand, close your eyes
With you right here, I'm a rocketeer
Let's fly... Up, up here we go, go Up, up here we go, go
Let's fly... Up, up here we go, go
Where we stop nobody knows, knows
Where we goin' we don't need roads, roads
And where we stop nobody knows, knows
To the stars if you really want it
Got, got a jetpack with your name on it
Above the clouds in the atmosphere, phere
Just say the words and we outta here, outta here
Hold my hand if you feeling scared, scared
We flying up, up outta here
Here we go, come with me
There's a world out there that we should see
Take my hand, close your eyes
With you right here, I'm a rocketeer,
Let's fly... Up, up here we go, go Up, up here we go, go
Let's fly... Up, up here we go, go,
Where we stop nobody knows, knows
Baby, we can stay fly like a G6
Shop the streets of Tokyo, get you fly kicks
Girl you always on my mind, got my head up in the sky
And I'm never looking down feeling priceless, yeah
Where we at, only few have known Go on the next level,
Super Mario I hope this works out, Cardio 'Til then let's fly, Geronimo
I was 13 years old when I started to like dancing. I was attending a traditional school, an all-girls school before my parent's noticed that I wasn't blooming in an old- school environment. I was transferred in Montessori and there, I was able to come out of my shell. Since there's only a bunch of students in Montessori, I was able to take leadership in most activities, especially on small performances. I embraced the moment I had and yes, I did had dreams of performing on a big stage in big events with people cheering.
One group that inspired me throughout this journey was The Manoeuvres. Of course I got familiar with them because they were the famous dance group of Gary Valenciano. But before anything else, I also got inspiration through an old friend of mine (you know who you are) thank you...
High school, I was at my peak. I was choreographing my own dance group. I was leading every school performance and our dance was always one of the much awaited. But as I was approaching the path towards a heavier goal in school (college) I decided to stop.
Now, as I watch my sister open herself 100% just for the love of dancing, it made me think a little:
1. I might just made the wrong decision to stop dancing 13 years ago.
2. Why didn't I open myself, both body and mind to support my ♥ for dancing.
3. Come to think of it, I really didn't have a clear reason why I stopped.
If high school was full with opportunities to grow in the field of dancing, college has more to offer and I've let it go just like that.
My Sister Fulfilling My Dream
My younger sister Les has been active with dancing since first year high school. Like me, she's been joining school activities and even dance contests. This summer, she thought of enhancing her skills by attending a dance workshop. When my sister asked me to accompany her with her dance lessons with Dance Planet Studio, I didn't hesitate anymore. I was very eager to witness on what has become of the trend in dancing.
Dance Planet Studio was born last October 10, 2010. It is located at the G/F Broadway Centrum, New Manila Quezon, City. Dance Planet Studio is managed by Senior member of The Manoeuvres Jon Supan. Where the present members of The Manoeuvres are the dance instructors.
I really didn't know that my sister will train under the group Manoeuvres. When I saw Jon Supan, I said to myself: I know this guy. I've seen him before. That's when my sister told me that she will be training under The Manoeuvres. I got pretty excited because I have always dreamed of taking serious dance lessons when I was her age and it just so happen she chose the dance group that inspired me when I was into dancing myself.
May 22, 2011 was my sister's dance recital. She trained for Teen Street Dancing for more than a month.
I'm very proud of her. She pushed on fulfilling what she truly loves and she continued on believing with the talent she have. After her training, she is now preparing for a big dance contest with her dance group.
Here are the geniuses behind my sister's recent achievement and success of Dance Planet Studio.
The Manoeuvres
The Manoeuvres
With Jon Supan (Jon-jon Supan)
Manager, Senior member of The Manoeuvres
(choreographer / administrator) The Maneuvers celebrated their 25th Anniversary last year with a grand performance in Party Pilipinas with both new and senior members.
Date Night is also considered as Me Time. Friday, my husband and I considered it as date night with a little parenting duty on the side. At 6pm in the evening we attended a Parent's Orientation at The Piazza, Mckinley Hill Bonifacio Global City. Would you believe, one of the branches of my son's school is located along side with restaurants. Anyway, it was quite surprising for a school location. But that's not really the case, because my son's going to a campus 5 minutes away from our home.
After attending our orientation, my husband had to go back to work. From work, we had dinner at Sandwich Guy then off to the main highlight of the evening.
Friday Night Jam at Pete's Place.
On date night, my husband would often take me to a restaurant for dinner then, if not a movie, we hop in a bar for the rest of the evening. Personally, I like hanging out in a bar and have some beer while listening to cool music than watching a movie.
Friday Night Jam At Pete's Place is an open jam session for musicians. We landed at Pete's through an invite from a very good friend. My husband told me that the last time he set foot at Pete's Place was back in 1998 or 1999. Pretty long time, no wonder he was very excited. Early that evening, we made plans of heading to Mercato Centrale for Midnight Mercato. I didn't mind if we didn't proceed with the Mercato plan, because I also wanted to hear my husband jam again.
The moment we arrived at Pete's Place, we knew that we made the right decision. Because that night, Sir Nitoy of The Jerks was also present to rock the rest of the night away.
One thing we enjoyed at Pete's Place was the Self Service Only policy. Pete has a bar. You pay and get a stub for your drink, and you get to be the bartender too.
Our date night was spent with friends, our favorite food, good music and in the warmth of each other's arms.
We seldom go out on a date, but when we do, we make sure to make every minute of it fun, extraordinary and memorable.
This was one of my favorite cartoons I grew up with, not to forget Superbook (stories from the Old Testament). I was browsing on a bunch of Dvds on sale from Astroplus when I saw this lost set of Flying House collection. I wasn't able to get the last copy of Superbook, but it's okay, better than nothing at all... and I was told that Astroplus will sell more copies, so Superbook will follow soon.
I was literally jumping for joy. I have been looking for this set for a very long time. I did several research on possible sellers, I even looked online if I'm lucky enough to download it.
We were having fun, playing hide and seek, when a summer storm appeared
Corkey got afraid, when it started to rain
Then we came upon a house, should we go inside and hide
Come on and go with us, Lord who knows where
It’s so fun to fly through time in the flying house
Oh, it’s great to fly in the flying house
I just want to get back home again
It's such a big deal on having a copy. I'm able to share a part of my childhood with my son. When I was a kid, I never missed an episode. I would always ask my mom if I could eat my snack in front of the television while watching and promised to finish my food. Of course she'll agree to that because it's all about Jesus and I always finish the food on my plate everytime I watch it.
It's so nice to bring some old memories back. I'm watching it again in full color, on a bigger screen and with my little boy.
*This Flying House Set contains 4 volumes with 8 episodes. It holds stories from The New Testament.
In some far off place
And it causes you to rethink some things
You start to sense that slowly
You're becoming someone else
And then you find yourself
When you make new friends in a brand new town
And you start to think about settlin' down
The things that would have been lost on you
Are now clear as a bell
And you find yourself
Yeah that's when you find yourself
Where you go through life So sure of where you’re headin' And you wind up lost and it's The best thing that could have happened ‘Cause sometimes when you lose your way it's really just as well Because you find yourself Yeah that’s when you find yourself
When you meet the one
That you've been waitin' for
And she's everything that you want and more
You look at her and you finally start to live for some one else
And then you find yourself
That’s when you find yourself
When we go through life
So sure of where we're headin'
And we wind up lost and it's
The best thing that could have happened
‘Cause sometimes when you lose your way it's really just as well
Because you find yourself
Yeah that's when you find yourself
This is one achievement I am very grateful for. I'm very supportive of what my husband is very passionate about. At his gig last Saturday, the crowd at The Penguin Bar loved his music. And with that, every time my husband was asked on how he manages to play music and work , all he answered was: I have a very supportive wife.
I learned to open myself to all kinds of music because of my husband. And it was very fulfilling to appreciate the core of each genre.
Through His music I met new friends and I also learn from this people. His music brought out the best in me. It gave me an open mind, it's very liberating and knowing that my husband is the one giving me the music to my ears, it boosted my confidence. From the moment he started playing again, I made sure that I will be present not only to give support, but to inspire him more.
Last Saturday, when we arrived, as he was setting up his guitar, he noticed that he was missing a guitar string. I don't know how to play guitar but I felt the pressure. I told him that: I know you're a good guitar player, you can make it sound like you're not missing a string. I just know that he can work his magic. And he did, he blew the audience away. He played perfectly, better than having all the strings attached. Nobody noticed, but we told sir Richie Quirino after the gig.
Dolf: Hey Richie, I was scared to tell you earlier, but the whole time we played, I was missing a string.
Sir Richie: I didn't noticed. As long as you play from the heart, it doesn't matter.
Which is true. My husband enjoyed his play, his improvisation was great, it was one of the highlights of our evening.
His been there, loved the spotlight, took the time off, and now... It was the night when my husband, Dolf Cruz to his fellow musicians officially came back and embraced his love for music. Held at the Penguin Bar Makati City, Franky and I showed support. The most important thing that happened that night was our son being able to watch his father play on stage for the very first time.My husband stopped playing when we got married. Well, he believed that he was at the moment of discovering his purpose in life. Family came first. He slowly moved from being an active jazz guitarist to a private jazz music teacher. Teaching jazz became one of our source of income when we were still starting. Through it , he gained support from friends that eventually gave him more students to teach. And one of them is a professional airline pilot. I just couldn't believe the no. of young professionals who wanted to learn jazz. Just the thought inspired my husband not to let go of something he already have.
After 6 years, he was able to play again. Richie Quirino a famous musician in the industry looked for him. And to tell you, a person who took his time and went out of his way just to look for my husband was truly a great honor. It was the sign he needed to get back on track. Thank you Sir Richie Quirino for this rare opportunity, we are truly grateful. One of the things I keep on telling my husband is to embrace the things he is very passionate about. Always remember, that there are ways, even the smallest ever to find and pick up those lost pieces that binds us with the things that inspires us the most. Letting go totally will only give us frustrations and never-ending questions of why?, what happened?and how come?
And when I thought all is also ending for my love for taking pictures...
July 3 marked another wonderful event for our family. Aside from my husband's come back, our son, enjoyed his dad's music, I was able to take random portraits of my man in action. He asked me if I can shoot him. Of course the answer is Yes. One opportunity opened another.
It was an eye-opener for us as a person, as a couple and as a family. "May blessings na naman kami" those blessings may not come in material form, but it's the ultimate moving factor to complete us as individuals both mind and heart.This last photo was taken by our son Franky. A perfect portrait symbolizing true passion and love for music and for family. Life has always been very giving to us. I pray for it to continue... we will never forget to be thankful.
For one whole day or 2 I can listen to one song over and over again. May it be old or new, as long as it's part of my favorites list. Today (Tuesday) Sting kept me company.
Seven Days lyrics
"Seven Days" was all she wrote A kind of ultimatum note She gave to me, she gave to me When I thought the field had cleared It seems another suit appeared To challenge me, woe is me Though I hate to make a choice My options are decreasing mostly rapidly Well we'll see I don't think she'd bluff this time I really have to make her mine It's plain to see It's him or me
Monday, I could wait till Tuesday If I make up my mind Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind Friday'd give me time, Saturday could wait But Sunday'd be too late The fact that he's six feet ten Might instill fear in other men But not in me, The Mighty Flea Ask if I am mouse or man The mirror squeaked, away I ran He'll murder me in time for his tea Does it bother me at all My rival is Neanderthal, it makes me think Perhaps I need a drink IQ is no problem here We won't be playing Scrabble for her hand I fear I need that beer
Monday, I could wait till Tuesday If I make up my mind Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind Friday'd give me time, Saturday could wait But Sunday'd be too late
Seven days will quickly go The fact remains, I love her so Seven days, so many ways But I can't run away
Monday, I could wait till Tuesday If I make up my mind Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind Friday'd give me time, Saturday could wait But Sunday'd be too late
Do I have to tell a story Of a thousand rainy days since we first met It's a big enough umbrella But it's always me that ends up getting wet
One of the presentations that captured my heart was Mariah Carey's song number of I'll Be There. She was joined by Trey Lorenz, who recorded with her a duet of the song, which became Mariah’s first worldwide number one.
I wasn't a big fan of Michael Jackson. I heard about him in the 80's, but I was just a little girl back then. The 90's era that consist of my generation, was also Michael Jackson's peak. I am very grateful that I was still given the chance to know him even more. I love his music.
Many have asked, why now? why wait for the person to die in order for you to listen to his music again? I listen to his music every now and then.
New ones come, the old ones go.
I am listening to his music right now because I want to remember him, I want to revive the excitement listening to his legendary music.
Last night I watched Michael Jackson's Memorial live on television. It was the most intimate memorial I have ever seen. It was heart-warming and it brought tears to my eyes.
Everybody who loves Michael were there. Including the 17,000 fans who were randomly picked. From the bottom of my heart, I thank his family for sharing his memorial to the whole world. Even if I was viewing it miles away from Staples Center, I could feel the sadness of losing a loved one and prideful for the dignified person who passed away.
I started with Diamond Crevasse Entry Here. A Japanese love song sang by May 'N for the Macross Frontier OST. In fact I listened and sang along the whole album, with lyrics on hand. Its a good thing that most have English translations.
Listening to a song of different language made me discover 2 things.
1. The lyrics is heart-warming.
2. I know the singer sings the song from deep within, even if I can't understand a single word.
Since I'm hooked at this series called Boys Over Flowers (I'm sure you've heard of it), I looked for their OST and found out that it has 2 parts. One of the songs that I truly adore is the song Love U by: Howl.
Lyrics: English translation after each verse...Hope you'll like it!
Love U geudael tteoollimyeo ije dasi kkok nuneul gamjyo
Oooh… Ohhh… Ohhh…
VERSE 1: It’s strange how we can get along so well You must have been my other half At times, I’d think what if I had not let go Oh oh… But deep within my heart I just want you to let me stay here by your side I’d be so thankful if I could just see you smile Love U You’re so precious to me Just once… I want to shout to the world
Chorus: Saranghae geudae du nun chaeul su itdamyeon Saranghae geudae naege useum boyeojundamyeon Jeogi byeolbitmajeodo modu gajyeoda jultende ohhh... Saranghae ireon nae mam jeonhal su itdamyeon Saranghae geudae geu mam gareuchyeo jundamyeon Na modu darmagalkkeyo Love you, Love you, Love you yeongwonhi
CHORUS: I love you like the sun that shines brightly in the sky I love you like the moon that sparkles each and every night Even if just as a friend Yet I don’t need anything more Ohhh…I love you and I promise you I will never change I love you and I promise you I will watch over you Can’t help but to treasure you Love U Love U Love U For always
Geudae ttaraseo geotgo isseoyo jeogi dalbit dwie sumeo Geuri nunchi eobseumyeon eotteokhaeyo Birado naerige gureumege tto hanbeon butakhalkkayo Jeojeun geudae maeum ana jul su itge
VERSE 2: You know that you can always run to me When things just seem to get too tough I know you love someone else, what can I do? Oh oh… It’s too late to regret If you let me, I just want to be close to you Without you, I don’t know how to live anymore
Love U geudael tteoollimyeo ije dasi kkok nuneul gamjyo [Repeat Chorus]
Love U Having you is enough Just once… I want to shout to the world (Repeat Chorus minus last line) Only U
I was in shock when I found out early this morning about Michael Jackson's death... I was expecting for a comeback if not this year maybe within the next 2 years. Knowing that the come back would be sooner (scheduled for July 13 2009), I was greatly saddened.
There were times when I would think if Michael Jackson would release another album.
Being part of The Michael Jackson generation, I look up to him as an icon, a legend in the music scene. He stood as an inspiration to singers and song writers in order to create music of true value.
If They Say -Why, Why,
Tell 'Em That Is Human Nature
-Human Nature-
He died young but fulfilled.
He made the world a better place through his genius talent...
Im gonna make a change,
For once in my life
Its gonna feel real good,
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
I'm starting with the Man InThe Mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world
A better place
Take a look at yourself
And make that change!
-Man In The Mirror-
A few years back, I bought this DVD full of his music videos...Right now, I am fully regretting the fact that I gave it to someone else. A friend from the province wanted to watch something, so we lent it to that friend of ours. I don't know if I will be able to find an original copy at the moment. This DVD kept me company while taking care of my little Franky then. The One is a DVD release of the CBS special that aired in January 2004. Released by Michael Jackson, it has been certified Gold in the US.
I haven't been sharing anything about my love for music. I listen to everything. I give those 'everything' a try. So far, I learned to love each song. The music that's been keeping my ears alive is a soundtrack from the Macross Frontier full version anime series. Sheryl Nome starring May'n. My husband introduced it to me.Half-Filipino, half-Japanese Megumi Nakajima also took part in the series as Ranka Mei .
After listening to the song, I wanted to learn Japanese :D Its a good thing that they also have the English (top) translation available in the video. And singing along, made me realize how emotional this song was. Best lyrics I have ever read. Talk about pure inspiration and reason.
