A visit to YouTube to check out Nogizaka46’s single “Synchronicity” and the single album’s coupling songs led me to GReeeeN’s “U R not alone”. Call it good timing.
By the way, “Synchronicity” could be the best post-Nanami Hashimoto single to date. I have yet to confirm if this is Ikoma Rina’s last single with the group.
I have been an avid listener of Jpop songs for years now, yet I have not taken any serious attempt to study the language. My bad! But my ears… or rather, my mind and heart know no language but sounds – beautiful sounds, beautiful harmonies and melodies.
I know, for sure, that “U R not alone” is beautiful but it’s not only beautiful but also inspiring and empowering. The title of the song alone speaks volumes.
What memories does “U R not alone” bring? What it made me recall in life? Lots!
Events 10 years ago
My college graduation
I graduated from college 10 years ago. I graduated without a clear plan or purpose in life. I was unsure what to do, where to go, how to move forward and enjoy life after college.
My college friends went to places and got jobs due to connections or sheer luck. Then I lost contact with them. I felt alone and, in some ways, abandoned.
I was stuck in my hometown for months, wondering what to do and who to approach for help. But I did not spend every day wondering. I did not choose indolence. There were house chores and gardening works to do.
College mates approached me for help
Four months after my graduation, a few schoolmates visited me. They asked if I could help them with some educational activities they were planning to do before they would apply for internship. I did not refuse them my assistance.
If it was not for them, I would end up without income in the second half of 2008, the year of recession. I was fortunate enough to land some short-term jobs.
High School Musical
2008 was also the year I watched the Disney movie High School Musical. Already out of college then, I was without Internet access, newspapers and literary magazines (I read Liwayway and Bisaya), and cable TV (at times, I watched MTV at the homes of rich classmates).
One day, I managed to borrow a few VCDs from neighbors. One of the VCDs was High School Musical. The movie was good to watch but the plot and the themes somewhat turned me off. I liked the songs, though. I have them on my Spotify.
Failed attempt at romance
I graduated from college without a girlfriend or a “conquest”, if you know what I mean. Think my college years were somewhat lame? Say what you want to say. I won’t be offended.
Weeks before my graduation, I met a girl from another school. To make a long story short, I attempted to win her affection. We did hang out together. We even went to places. No conquests, though.
After then, we lost contact in August. Weeks later, we met again in another town. There was an inter-school event taking place and I happened to be in the vicinity to visit a computer rental shop. I saw her – and she was with a man.
I immediately went out of the computer rental shop and ran to her. We exchanged pleasantries. She happened to be on her way to the home of a common friend (more about the common friend later). I went with her and the man she was with. At the home of our common friend, we made arrangements to meet at night after dinner.
When I returned to the place, I was told she left for home. I then learned that the man she was with was her boyfriend whom she reconciled with some time ago. I spent a few minutes at the common friend’s place to process my thoughts before leaving.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Two months after my college graduation and just weeks after hanging out with that girl from another school, I visited the common friend to bring her some roses. She wanted to plant roses in her backyard garden. Sunny afternoon it was then.
I went with her and her family to a nearby elementary school’s ground where a firesoft competition was taking place that time.
Before I left, I borrowed her Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, British edition. Back home, my family was excited to read it.
Helpful advice from a would-be pastor
I and an old classmate met again for the first time since our high school graduation in 2004. He sympathized with me being unemployed and lacking the connection and resources necessary to land meaningful jobs but he raised my spirits. He advised me to be patient. The right job for me will come at the right time, he told me.
Christmas dawn services
2008 was the year I completed the Christmas dawn Masses for the first time. I had the urge to attend all nine mornings of the Misa de Gallo since knowing in 2007 that completing them would make one’s wishes come true.
I admitted I attended the Misa de Gallo out of need but since I was unemployed (or underemployed) that time, why not something different? I had the time… all the time and the energy, so to attend I did. I completed all nine services and made a wish.
Events 5 years ago
GReeeeN, PASSPO, and Morning Musume
2013 was the year I was first exposed to the music of GReeeeN and Morning Musume.
From GReeeeN’s MV for “Sakura Color”, I learned that cherry blossoms are an important part of Japanese culture. By listening to PASSPO’s “Next Flight” and Morning Musume’s “Ren’ai Hunter”, I reaffirmed my taste for dance pop songs.
Of course, GReeeeN, PASSPO, and Morning Musume were not the only Jpop acts I listened to for the first time that year.
Days before leaving the company I worked for that time (more on that), I listened to Tomomi Itano’s “10nen go no Kime e”.
Employment
I left my first company, my employer of four years. I could have remained until Christmas but I was “forced” to leave by one of the managers, an illegal alien who talked too much but did nothing to help me and my workmates.
Days before my last day, I applied at what would be my best employer to date. I was hired the next day after my preliminary interview and application exam. Two days after my last day with my first company, I started at the new one.
Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda
2013 was the year super typhoon Yolanda devastated the eastern part of the Philippines, leaving thousands dead and millions worth of property and livelihood damages.
For many Filipinos, it was a difficult time to rebuild, much less move on as the people were financially broken and morally and emotionally affected. Many villages experienced blackouts and lack of food, water, fuel, and electricity. In some towns, looting and criminality were isolated incidents, which drove the local officials to implement curfew.
Thanks God, help from abroad poured in.
Reflection
Good songs such as “U R not alone” can help evoke memories, both worth remembering and worth forgetting… lots of them. One memory leads to another.
I may not understand Japanese. I cannot speak the language as of now, but I can feel the lyrics of “U R not alone”, its power and its intent. The lyrics are encouraging, the tune is empowering, and the storyline of the video is inspiring.
I can feel that GReeeeN is speaking to me, reminding me that I am not alone in life.
I may not expect my friends to help me and to be there for me and with me at all times, especially when I need them… when I am at my worst. But God will always send a few people and opportunities to help me live and enjoy life.
I may not be alone after all.
