“U R not alone” by GReeeeN (2018)

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.

Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle) by Limp Bizkit (2000)

Song evokes memories and images of 9/11

I cannot remember if this song was one of the nu metal tunes recorded by my classmate in the December of 2002. I cannot also recall the date or day when I first heard this song. All I know is that it was almost six years after this song was first released that I would get to watch the music video in one of my most memorable summers ever.

Why “Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)” by Limp Bizkit? Right now, it is the morning of September 11. This song comes into mind.

Front man Fred Durst gyrating with a group of dancers. Image from zh.fanpop.com   

The date evokes memories of the 9/11 attacks in New York. Though the US-led coalition had successfully toppled down the terrorist regime in Afghanistan responsible for the tragedy, terrorism persists.

Look at the Islamic State (ISIS), Hamas, and Hezbollah in the Middle East, the Boko Haram in Nigeria, the ISIS-inspired Maute group in southern Philippines, and the lone wolves in America and Europe.

Even with the death of terrorists, the ideology lives. Osama Bin Laden is long dead (and could be enjoying his 72 virgins in paradise now) but the spirit of terrorism and the ideology/theology that inspires it live on in his supporters, from the remaining Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants in Afghanistan to radicals in America and Europe.

The world has yet to tally win the global war on terror.

The former Twin Towers at night

Watch the music video and you will see the Twin Towers in the background. Most people know what happened to New York’s former iconic buildings – they now serve as a memory of the tragic event that brought the world to its knees.

The Twin Towers are also a symbol of uprising against terrorism, against the cowards that espouse it. In no time, the terrorist regime in Afghanistan went down, flatter than the two buildings.

Limp Bizkit fooling around New York in a Bently Azure

Songs like that of Limp Bizkit will usher in our minds memories and images of the past, of historical events we can never forget, the lives lost that we mourn for, and the heroism of the people we will immortalize.

The world will never bow down to terrorists, whether jihadists, Christian fundamentalists, alt-right, leftists, whatever their political and/or religious persuasion.

Of course, music fans will never forget this song.

Our prayers go to the victims of terrorism and to those who put their lives on the line to serve and protect society against all forms of terrorism.

Image from https://susanfreeman.net 

#NeverForget
#September11
#NYC
#911remembrance

“Somewhere I Belong” by Linkin Park (2003)

My Definitive Song of the Summer of 2003

It was weeks or days to go before summer vacation. People wondered what to do or where to go after the school year ends. (I later learned that the classmate who introduced me to Linkin Park took a summer job, a former crush got pregnant out of wedlock, and another crush had a crush on a guy in another town.) Me? I was stuck in my village because I had no options. I just stayed at home and waited for a new song to come out.

I thought the last days of my junior year at secondary school would be boring. I was wrong. Thanks to Linkin Park.

Returning home after a heartbreaking day at school, the scene of my brother placing his ear near the radio greeted me. What caught his attention, I asked myself mentally. He told me Linkin Park just released a new song. I arrived home late that time, so I was only able to listen to the last lines, but man, it sounded great to me, especially the rapping parts.

A few days later, I got the chance to listen to “Somewhere I Belong” in full. My assessment was right: it was a great song. It helped me get through the gloomy summer of 2003. I got no places to go and no friends to hang out with (because they went places). I stayed in good mental health, thanks to this song, plus hits from Evanescence and .t.A.T.u.

Making (Failed) Plans for the Future

Linkin Park’s “Somewhere I Belong” inspired me to consider a music or performing arts course in college, a dream that was never materialized. Back then, I had in mind to pursue computer or teaching, but when the song came out, BOOM! I immediately changed my college plans. I wanted to be like Mike Shinoda. I want to be like Chester Bennington. I wanted to play turntables.

In other words, I wanted to become famous and tour the whole world. However, things did not turn out well for me.

It took years for me to realize I was never cut out for music and performing arts. I had to admit I can’t sing, I can’t rap, and I can’t play instruments no matter how hard I tried. I took guitar lessons and music classes and even tried to learn the keyboards and bass guitar, but I never got anywhere, despite help from a few friends.

I auditioned for school plays in order to boost my confidence before the crowds but I was never chosen for parts (I was only ordered to make accessories for the plays, which I did begrudgingly). I felt hurt and envious at the attention, praise, and rewards the lucky ones received.

Because I found no luck in performing arts, I tried sports but I was not lucky too.

Where do I belong anyway?

Moving Forward as a Linkin Park Street Soldier

I can’t sulk throughout my school years. I had to move on and adjust my life’s plans. I believe I could do my part for music listeners in some ways so that my love for music would not become insignificant in my growth as a person.

By listening to Linkin Park, I was able to release my fury and frustrations in life. I found strength in their lyrics, in their melodies, and in their performances. I realized I could contribute to music even without performing it.

I need to stay alive not just to preserve the memories of music but also to live to the music.
May the late Chester Bennington consider my contribution and my sacrifice pleasing to his ears. Thank you very much for keeping hope alive in my life. One day I will go to “Somewhere I Belong”.

Viva Chester Bennington!

Long live Linkin Park!

#RIPChesterBennington

"Faint" by Linkin Park (2003)

Memories of Chester Bennington (1976-2017)

Even after two days, the death (possible suicide) of Chester Bennington still shocked me. I feel #Numb up to this day. Of all the people to die that day, why him? Why not the terrorists, pedophile clergymen, corrupt politicians, slave traders, cheating merchants? Why him, of all people?

Chester Bennington came into my life 15 years ago, when I played "Papercut" and "In The End" on the player. Two years later, he cemented into my life at the release of Linkin Park's second album Meteora. (Bennington, if what I read is right, is an Orthodox Christian and the album title happens to be the name of a monastery somewhere in Greece. Fellow Orthodox Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave, is a close friend of his and a godfather to Bennington's daughter. Cornell also committed suicide earlier this year.)

Image from Wikipedia

Being a newbie to the nu metal sound, I was blasted right away by Bennington's vocals in "Somewhere I Belong", "From The Inside", and "Faint", which for me is the best and the most powerful song on the record - and also the most aggressive of all Linkin Park and all nu metal songs. This is a nu metal anthem in the year 2003, the peak year of the genre. "Faint" is one of the best and most memorable songs of 2003. Linkin Park helped defined the 2000s. This song help define nu metal.

Bennington was a dreamer before he was a nu metal icon. He would visualized himself as one of the members of the English electronic band Depeche Mode. The dreamer would later send his demo to what would become the biggest nu metal acts of all times and demo-ed over the phone. Iconic, that's what I call it.

The dreamer would later become a music icon who would define the sound of my generation. Meteora defined my existence in 2003. “Faint” defined the person I was 14 years ago. I wanted to be like him. I wanted to get into music, but the heavens got other plans for me: rather than perform music, I preserve the memory of music (good music, I mean).

“Faint” helped me get through the rough year 2003 was. Onwards, it made me recall a dream I used to dream, an aspiration I held onto until college graduation. I wanted to be like Chester Bennington. Now I want to preserve his memory.

Thank you very much, Chester Bennington! You will live forever in my life. Consider me worthy in the task to preserve your memory.

Image from Alchetron

Viva Chester Bennington!

#RIPChesterBennington

"This I Promise You" by Shane Filan (2017)

Double memories: Westlife lead singer belts out NSYNC hit

I stumbled upon this track hours ago. I forgot how, but I think I didn't forget the feeling I experienced: I was immediately blown away. This is an LSS hit, I mentally told myself as I kept hitting the replay button multiple times.

World record-breaking pop vocal group Westlife and its singers were out of my radar for the longest time now. I was surprised to know Shane Filan keeps himself active in the music scene. I believe he has released a number of materials over the year, but fame has already eluded him. Nevertheless, I was just happy there's someone from my glorious generation to keep the flame burning... with an oldie that has not been played by FM stations in the Philippines for the very long time.

Shane Filan (Image from https://www.hotpress.com)

If memory serves me right, Westlife once covered a song from O-Town, who shared the same creator with the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. With Shane Filan covering NSYNC's #1 Billboard Adult Contemporary Hit of 2000, everything's coming back into my mind: the first time I saw the song's video by the original artist, a Westlife VCD given to me by a classmate, O-Town's lack of radio airplay for their second album... and how great the oldies are.

I'm listening to this song as I write this post. I really can't say much. Just listen to this song. This version is more soulful, more touching, and more of a love song than the original version. Don't you agree?

Westlife during the good old days (Image from http://www.independent.ie)

Now I wonder, what if the band is back to cover this song? Will it be a better version? But the question is: will Westlife ever reunite? Only time will tell.