It Doesn't End in Baguio...It Begins There (part 1)

Up until February 26,2009 my life has been somewhat sitting on a standstill. Work has been less than fulfilling and more disappointing, some friends have been less than a friend and more of an emotional burden, and to top it all off, I have been feeling less worthy and more of a nuisance as I go about my everyday routine.

I was told by my brothers and sisters from the SFL (formerly Singles for Christ) late last year that 2009's World Singles Congress will be held at Baguio City and they've encouraged me to join. I, thinking that it would be a great time to spend with them in a vacation place like Baguio, immediately agreed and even assured them that I would be there, as money would be no problem to support for transportation and registration. I basically had an idea of what the Congress would be about, but little did I know that it would create a titanic impact on my life.


And so I went on with the daily grind that was called life. Weekdays was spent working at night, sleeping during the day, and the weekends out with friends or lazing the day away in front of my computer, mindlessly reading through short stories written by people from the other side of the world or if not, writing my own or browsing through the web for anything that might deem itself interesting. You see, it wasn't that I didn't have a life, it just felt like I've established a routine and I didn't dare venture out of it. I didn't realize if it was fear of some sort, all I know is that I had something to do, and I just kept on doing it.


Hours, days, weeks and months passed and 2009 slammed into my face. I swear it's totally different now than when I was younger that I would wish that time would move faster, and now that it does, I sort of wish for it to slow down a bit so that I would have to see what's going on. But as they say, life doesn't wait for anyone, so like everybody else, I tried my best to set new things for myself for the new year.

February rolled around without me realizing it. Vacation leaves have been approved, registration paid for and transportation was settled and so I just had to wait until the 26th came around. Days leading up to that, I was feeling a bit apprehensive of joining the trip at all for reasons I can't really point my finger to. It even came to a point where I almost did not begin packing up until three hours before we left. I was that unsure.

My parents took me to the church where we'd all meet up and wait for the vehicles that'll take us to Baguio. I was almost speechless when I got out of the car to greet the guys and girls. It felt like I didn't belong to their group, being away from so long and not even showing up in so much as a weekly household (prayer meeting). I paid my contribution to the transportation and pretty much tried to mingle as little as possible. I remember desperately wishing that Dhina, one of my childhood friends who invited me to join the SFC two years before, would show up already so that I'd have someone to talk to.

After sometime when everyone was already complete, we said a small group prayer before we left and the proceeded on to board the van that was to take us to Baguio. I got to ride with the girls and our Couple Head, Mommy Leah and most of the guys took the Fiera. I was still feeling apprehensive at this point, but I popped on my iPod and tried to listen to the music to block out those thoughts.

In less than six hours, we finally arrive at Teacher's Camp to a typical cold Baguio morning. We came in earlier than usual so we had to wait about three hours or so before we got to check in to our quarters.

We took a few hours' rest and then headed out for lunch at about an hour past lunch time. We shopped at Mines View before heading back to the Camp to take some rest before the evening's events began.

Pure Passion...Right Here in Manila!

Pinoys got an ultimate Christmas treat when American Idol Season 5 grand champ Taylor Hicks decided to drop by and do a trio of shows at the Ayala Malls last December 18 to 20 at Greenbelt, Glorietta and Trinoma.
Geez, do I sound like a reporter! But anyways, it's the innate writer in me, but never mind. I wanted to put up my photos, but turns out all of them were blurry, so they will just be in my collection, who knows, if I get enough editing savvy, I'll have it up on my Photobucket site.
Anyways, I got to attend the TriNoma show last December 20, and Taylor made sure that he put out the last one with a bang, and just by watching, you can feel the energy he put in each song.

As early as Thursday last week (12/13), I had already made arrangements with my cousin to go with me to TriNoma since this will be my first time to go there. Thank goodness I had enough money saved up to cover for expenses, you know, fare and food and all that. Thursday morning came and I was racing to get out of the office to get some sleep and prepare to see Taylor in the evening!

My cousin (really bless him for going with me!) and I arrived at around five p.m. at the TriNoma and I decided to scout up the place to see how the show will take place. The activity area was already set up with band equipment and seats for the audience, I gather it was around 300 seats set up. Having no seating stub in hand after trying to call the TriNoma concierge for days, I tried my luck to ask if they had anything left, unfortunately, the lady said there were only 350 tickets given out and they were all out (what the hell was I thinking, there would be any left?!). That was a bit of a letdown and I had to think quickly, I tried to scan my phone if there's anyone who might be able to help. I suddenly remembered Belle Marquez who just recently signed up for TOSP and tried to look for her number. I got her number from some Yaminoy (where we were both members) and tried calling her. By some stroke of luck, she was also there, with her folks and some friends. I can't recall how I had the guts to ask for an extra ticket, but one of her companions had one and was kind enough to give me one.

With ticket in hand, my cousin and I decided I get my place in line in case the guards allow early entrance. And they did allow people in as early as 5:30 p.m. I dashed to get a best possible seat for my photos and I scored one in the second row nearest the stage.
The band started past seven already and after a few seconds, Taylor emerged from the dressing in a black striped long sleeved polo and jeans. Man, he is truly gorgeous in person, and I can't believe I am seeing him live, performing in Pinoy shores. This was shaping up to be a great evening.

He first performed The Runaround and from the booming drums, I was in a trance, bopping my head, moving to the beat and just singing along, I was so into his performance that I think he noticed and acknowledged and just pointed at me and flashed that sweet southern smile. He then proceeded with Heart and Soul and the performance made me a fan of the song. Next up was Used Me Up then he slowed down to The Right Place. Here was the rest of the set that he performed:

1. The Maze

2. Just to Feel That Way

3. Takin' It to the Streets

4. Do I Make You Proud

5. Heaven Knows

6. White Christmas

I wish they switched up DIMYP with HK, since this is the song that most people know from him. That way, since DIMYP was the only single released in the Philippines, it would have made stronger impact and people would have a better recall of him. Generally, the show was fantastic, and I am totally and utterly convinced why people go in droves to see him perform live. When he's singing, you can tell he's feeling each song and you just want to join him in. I had to restrain myself from standing up and blocking everybody's view just to join him dance and sing along as well.

Though the Ayala Mall shows were last minute, there was a reasonable number of people still who came to see him live, after all, he is the first AI winner to come and visit the Philippines. I just hope that with this visit, it would have provided him a chance to have his music heard and be circulated on radio stations like Elliott, Katharine and Daughtry.

Sidebar: A small group started to organize on the Trinoma show and has plans of expanding Taylor's fanbase, starting from the grassroots, here in the Philippines. A Yahoo! group has been set up though I will be trying to have our own sub-thread here at TOSP as well, since it's kind of hard to maintain a Yahoo! group. If there are Pinoy Soul Patrollers reading this one, please do not hesitate to PM here or email me at: shina_marih@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Bringing Spice Back

This is the latest blog I've written for theofficialsoulpatrol.com as one of their main contributors, I am republishing this here for those who can't access the site. As always, comments and reactions are very welcome.

Pop music saw its boom with acts from the late 90's such as the Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, Britney Spears and probably one of the most hyped up, talked about, the Spice Girls. No doubt they all gave birth to a new era in pop music. And though some have gone on their own ways, some has definitely gone back from their long hiatuses and recorded new music and are enjoying moderate to excellent success.

This brings me back to the newest comebacking pop group as of late.

The Spice Girls swept the world by storm in 1996 with their monster of a hit, Wannabe, with the girls asking what guys really, really want. (had to put it in there...) Theirs was an in-your-face attitude, screaming and emphasizing what girl power was all about. It was all about female empowerment, an equality of the sexes type of encouragement for all women, old and young. Ginger (Geri Halliwell), Scary (Melanie B.), Baby (Emma Bunton), Sporty (Melanie C.) and Posh (Victoria Adams-Beckham) became the voice and inspiration of all women around the world, as each girl embodies a different personality that everyone can relate to.


The Girls had a string of number ones in a span of about 3 to 4 years, and in this short amount of time, they became one of the biggest selling girl group of the 90's, moving in with the ranks of the Beatles, Elvis Presley and Madonna in terms of records sold. Indeed, in that short span of time, the girls have established themselves as one of the most influential groups in pop music.

But like in all groups, problems and issues are bound to arise. For the girls, it began when they fired their manager, Simon Fuller and the girls had to manage themselves. Of course, personalities clashed, ultimately leading to Geri Halliwell leaving the group eventually. The girls forged on, finishing a big world tour as a foursome, an album followed but the same spark that ignited the world in 1996 was slowly dying out.


Fast forward to late 2007. The girls announce that they will return to perform in a multi-continental world tour marked as "The Return of The Spice Girls". Fans, including yours truly, cannot hide surmounting excitement, as evidenced by lightning fast ticket sales, selling out in mere minutes, with fans scrambling for it like crazy. To further build up anticipation, the Girls release a new track, called Headlines (Friendship Never Ends).

I have never been so engrossed in a pop act like I have with the Spice Girls, as I feel they were the reflection of my teenage years. Cheeky, impulsive and inspired. The girls, cliche as it may sound, made me want to be a more assertive and confident person, and those two traits has brought me to where I am now. I'm very glad that they decided to reunite this time and show another generation of young girls what the 90's was about and what Girl Power is.

I just hope I can score tickets to see them here when the tour stops at Asia. Gosh, I'd pee my pants if that were to happen.

The Return of the Spice Girls

Tags: Music, Pop, Bubblegum Pop

12 Thoughts From Life (part 1)

I orginally intended for this to be a 2 part 24 piece series, but I decided to do two-12 item article. I just would wanna share a bit of what has been going on with my life for the past twenty four years.

1. I realized, "Taho" and Ques-O we're the only two foods that have remained a staple in my diet my whole life.

2. Everything has a time of their own, everything fades, but they somehow manage to surface back and make you happy again. (like the Spice Girls)

3. I can be as bad or as good as I wanna be, it's just a matter of choice.

4. Contrary to what people think, I love to talk to people.

5. Though it may be a cliche, First impressions NEVER lasts.

6. Friends, no matter how close you may become, will still find a way to say bad things behind your back.

7. I still have trouble balancing what I should give to my friends and family and keeping something for myself.

8. Most of the things that you want will not come to you, you have to do something to get it and keep it yours.

9. My smarts have kept me afloat in some sticky situations, but it doesn't hurt to actually prepare something; a draft or an outline to help me out.

10. I still can't change my habit of being a bitch even at the silliest situations.

11. Though they may say bad things about you, there are still friends who will stick by you at the toughest times in your life.

12. At the end of the day, your family will STILL be the ones who will NEVER leave you behind. No matter what.

Another year, another beginning...my 24th birthday

I had so much fun during my birthday last Saturday, September 29, 2007, I just thought I'd like for all y'all to see the photos to see the action that transpired. Enjoy! More thoughts coming later...

picture show 1:

The Elliott Experience

Once I heard on the Yaminoys Yahoogroup that Elliott Yamin is coming to the Philippines for a 10-day tour, I hardly could contain my excitement in knowing that one of the best AI contestants ever to come off the show is visiting my country!!

I immediately checked out the schedules and luckily enough, I found out that he was doing one at the Alabang Town Center on the 29th of September. I was so stoked to find out that it had fallen on my birthday, I already thought to myself, what a fabulous birthday present to meet Elliott on my special day!


There had been some minor changes in the show date at the ATC, but thankfully it was moved just a day back so I just thought, well, I'm just destined to see this guy sing live!


Counting the days to September 28 was hard, especially when I read of the fabulous preparations being done by the Yaminoys. There were days when my heart literally just wants to pop out with excitement because Elliott is only the second 3rd place finisher from AI (as far as I know, aside from Jasmine Trias-AI3) to come and visit the Philippines. Plus, he was one of those guys who's voice you just have to love, so pure and mellow, the kind that you wouldn't get tired listening to.


So anyhow, then came September 28, I got off work, as fast as I could (of course, I had to endure first a meeting) to head out to ATC to get seating stubs. I was with my officemate who likes E as well, so we made a dash once the mall opened at 11 and were lucky enough to score tickets because I seriously thought we weren't gonna get one because of the long line. After getting the tickets, my friend and I roamed around a bit to see if there's still anything we can find like a possible M&G pass or something else that can let us meet E in person. Finally after about 15-20 minutes we come back to the stage area, and we find a mini-booth set up by Odyssey. Seeing an Elliott poster, we approach it and find that it sells E's CD. I asked if they were the ones issuing M&G passes and told us that the passes just went out. Turns out they gave it after the seating stubs were handed out, that by the time my friend and I came to them, the last M&G pass was already given out. I was like, dang it, we shouldn't have gone right after the stubs were given out.


We then decided to head back to get some Z's to prepare for the show later on. I suddenly remember that I wasn't able to bring my camera to take pictures and videos and so that let me down a bit. Anyhow, I tried to sleep so that I can have energy to shout for E come show time, but I guess out of excitement, I only got three hours of sleep, and I was awake every hour.


Finally decided to wake up and prepare for the show. The excitement was building up since it finally hit me in the face: I WAS GONNA BE WATCHING ELLIOTT YAMIN, it seemed so surreal to me even when we finally got to the seating area at the ATC. On the side, I was also excited because I'll be getting to match the faces with the Yaminoys, with whom until the previous night, were all just a bunch of names to me exchanging emails about Elliott's show. But I don't know what took over me, the only ones I was able to know were Yam and Patrick. I got too shy to approach all of them because they all seemed so close already.


Then after an hour or so of waiting, E's band finally came out, all of them looked great, and you can tell that they were excited to play for Elliott as we are all excited to see and hear him sing for the last time before he heads back home. ATC was his last stop and so it was natural that the venue was packed with fans and admirers. After a few seconds, E steps out and we all went crazy, never mind if I lost my voice in screaming out for him, I was just so psyched up to see him, in my country, and that I am watching him sing LIVE.

The hour went by in a blur, and the only thing I remember during the set was when he sang his first single, Wait for You. I know the lyrics by heart of the song, but somehow, when Elliott was singing it, stripped down, guitar and piano accompaniment only, I got tongue tied and found myself at times gaping at how good his voice sounded to my ears. I suddenly realized why he went so far on American Idol; aside from that voice, he sings purely from his heart, and he pours all of it into each and every note, word and line so that you can feel the emotion of the song as well without sounding dragged. With him, it was all so natural, relaxed and pure.

After Wait for You, I believe they got down the stage. Then everybody went and chanted his name for a good 5 minutes and before we knew it, he was back with Joonie (pianist) and he was giving us an intro to the last song he's singing. He did sing A Song For You, the song that really pushed him into the final three on Idol, and everybody just went wild, including yours truly. (I don't think I was ever calm that evening)

And then he left again, and by that time I couldn't move for a while, I was just, like I told my friends, truly, truly mesmerized by him. I thought he sounded great on TV, but I was thrown for a loop because he sounded excellent live. Thank God He gave Elliott that precious talent and I just pray that he continues to make use of it really well, and continue to mesmerize more people in the process as well.

A beautiful montage from KMF member a3boymom

I just wanted to share this very heartwarming video done with "Ordinary World" by Katharine McPhee. It's dedicated for all the troops still out there in Iraq and to all our other brothers who are still there because of the ongoing disturbances. I hope you like it...

Video Tribute to our Troops-Katharine McPhee "Ordinary World"