the sound of the South

And proud to be, I must say.

I love Urbandub. This is one of my favourite Filipino bands that is currently streaming on the Philippine tv and radio. They became popular at around 2006, when Original Pilipino Music (OPM) became the mainstream sound. Which is great, really, because these artists finally have the ability to release their creations and be appreciated by the masses. Back then, in the late and early 2000s, foreign artists were making waves on the radio. Music videos that were shown on MTV had a few of those which were OPM. Looking back, I think it was quite tragic, to think that we don't appreciate the artists who speak the same language and who understand us better than these artists who live in another land and have a different culture.

But enough of that. I’m here to discuss about one of my favourite bands, and even though I’m away from that country, they’re still making waves not just on the national radio but touring around Asia for their concerts as well. Last I heard, they went to Singapore to promote their new album.

Anyway. Just what does this band have that’s got me talking like an idiot? Heads up, I’m not really a music expert to know these stuff. So expect me to not mention the guitar riffs and drum beats because I know nothing about those. I would add some facts as well, which would be mostly taken from their Wiki page, my ever-reliable source (pfft). Although I have to say, their music is always changing, and it’s very addicting. At least for me, that is. But I know I’m not the only one. But why would people actually like their music and last this long? Well, because it’s different. And the writing is awesome, for Gabby Alipe is able to convey the feelings that a normal being feels, not just emotionally and physically, but he talks about a person’s internal dilemma as well.

So as of now, they have five albums under their name, and I'll give a bit of description on each (because I have nothing to do even though I do).

Released under Lighter Records in 2001, Birth was the start of this fresh band. Seeing as they're independent, the sound quality isn't exactly what your top-notch player would like to play. But I guess it's safe to say that this is where and how everything started. This album was how it was supposed to be, a 'reggae' band, thus the name of the band, but because of the line-up changes and their contrasting tastes in music, they weren't able to be what they were supposed to be (and this is according to Gabby Alipe himself, the vocalist and composer). Looking back, this album compared to others was fresh and heavy.

Three singles were released in their debut album, but didn't exactly hit it off strong yet in the music charts. In 2003 this struggling band released another album called Influence. The album took a 180-degree turn from the first. Still under the same independent record label company, but with a better sound quality and more experimental melodies. Tracks such as Soul Searching and A New Tattoo were taken notice by some people, the former garnering an award as the 'Best song of the year of 2003' in the NU 107 Rock Awards. Despite not knowing them yet, they were able to win an award as the 'Best Album of the Year' in 2004 from the same awards show. While I was enjoying some other Filipino artists during these days, little did I know that this band who will greatly influence me has already started making noise in the undergound scene.

I was a working and responsible citizen in 2006 when I did a favor for my brother who asked me to buy the Embrace album that was released in 2005 by EMI Music Philippines. Being the kind sister that I was (and still am), I bought it for him without an having an inkling of what this band was. I didn't mind listening to the heavy riffs and rock music, I was used to it. I grew up hearing different genres of music, so hearing them the first time didn't give me that 'I-hate-listening-to-rock-music-because-they're-loud' look. Instead, I listened to the lyrics, like I usually do when I listen to an artist, and when the last track hit its final note, I was in awe. I wasn't that excited at first, but when I started inserting them in the player every now and then, I didn't realized that they've already made an impact on me. By this time, they were already making waves in the mainstream radio and television. A few were starting to take notice of these Cebuanos whose sound is better than the other band who hail from the south who was already making it to the music charts at that time probably due to popularity and *ehem* face value. It's not really all about the looks in order to make it big in the music industry. What counts is their album's shelf-life, or their appeal not just to the masses, but to the music buffs, geeks and mostly their fans as well. Give it a few years down the road, and where are they now? *pause* Alrighty, it seems I've digressed a bit and got distracted for a second.

By the release of their fourth album in 2007, Under Southern Lights instantly became a hit with their first single 'Guillotine'. This time, they were heading the charts with each released single. This album took another turn from their last, which raised a few eyebrows (including myself), but it was nothing huge that would make me change my mind and forget this band that has greatly influenced me by that time. Listening to it the first time would make a person wonder what happened to their music, but after clicking a few repeats, one by one, I began to appreciate them all over again.

Fastforward to 2009. Signing up with their new record label MCA Music, The Apparition was released. As if the former album wasn't 'Urbandub'-ish enough, this was considered their most experimental album yet. Their first single 'Gravity' has that trademark, so it wasn't much of a shock, but the others took a 360-turn from all their past albums. But I won't say anything more about the change. I've just started listening to this album yesterday, and actually, at this moment, I'm listening to the album again, specifically 'A Call to Arms', which is now one of my favorites. I could listen to this song again and again, for it still has that distinctive Urbandub music. I don't know why, but the lyrics reminds me of Influence, with Soul Searching coming to mind. The tune reminds me of the first two tracks in Under Southern Lights. But back to the album. Don't ask me how I got this, despite me being on the other side of the world, with no access to a cd at the local Music store. I used different means, but once I step on the lands of my forefathers this summer (my most awaited homecoming), this band would earn another $8 (or PHP 350. Just a guess. I have no idea how much OPM cds are nowadays.) for their album. Another satisfied and excited fan, another reason for them to be inspired and work even harder.

And to show you how much I love Gabby Alipe, John Dinopol, Lalay Lim and JanJan Mendoza, I'll post my copies with their signatures except for the fourth album that doesn't have one yet (and yes, I am a fangirl. You should have figured that out by now.):

Three days ago the band celebrated their 10 years of influence in Cebu, their hometown. With 10 years and five albums under their belt, is it that much of a change? Well, yes and no, because what this band does with their music is experiment and at the same time continue progressing, making each and every album different from one another, but have that same attribute that makes it an Urbandub song. To have a clue on who the heck they are, you can visit their Facebook fan page. But since you can't play any music on that site, you can visit their official Myspace page, and after listening to some tracks and begin to like them, you can then add them to your Facebook page and buy their original albums. 

Left to right: John Dinopol, Gabby Alipe, Lalay Lim, and JanJan Mendoza

Detective Conan: episode 3

I said to myself that after doing the second episode, I would move on to the first case Mouri solves without Conan's help. But after seeing this episode again, I realized that this is also important, for this is an introduction to what I said earlier that I would discuss later on. So as much as I would like to move on to the next one, I have to do this first.

Detective Conan episode 3: And Idol's Locked Room Murder Case

Homecoming Part I

A few months more and once again I will be back to my hometown, the Philippines. This is exactly why I named this blog "Homecoming" for I long to go back to the place where I was born, and where the roots of my heritage came from. Where my forefathers shed their blood, sweat, and tears to be free from the hands of the Conquistadors. To once again explore places that I have never set foot on, reminisce the past and cherish every single day God has given me. 

I may not have all the time in the world when I get there, for I would be touring the city and visiting some sites, refreshing my history once again. But of course, the most important agenda for me is to spend time with my family, the relatives who have seen me grow up for a number of years, and friends whom I shared my life and soul with.

No one could argue when I say that there is no place like home. Although I have already considered Canada my home, nothing could still take me away from the place that I spent most of my entire life. And what's more, coming from a third world country to a much better and developed place, comparisons are inevitable, flaws and disappointments are felt most of the time. But I think what's different about me is how I view my hometown, now that I'm in an unfamiliar country where not everyone speaks my language, where I need to speak another foreign language despite learning it at school back then. It is true, the Philippines is lucky to have English as their second official language, for they have an advantage when they travel to english-speaking countries such as here in North America.

To live in a country that is rich is multiculturalism can be a blessing―especially for the person who has just set foot in a strange territory. It would be an advantage too, in the long run, for that person would be able to appreciate the culture he has once he sees himself unique from everyone else. If from before, he took his ethnicity and nationalistic identity for granted, coming to a new country would be a change from the norm, adapting with the new lifestyle, but unconsciously preserving his heritage, proud of who he is.

I'm sure some feel the same way as I do, but for those who haven't yet, I say to you: it is a very satisfying feeling to know that you are different from others which makes you honored to come from such a country and history.

And this is why homecoming means a lot to me.

Look Ma, no bruise

I've been thinking on whether to write something about the Olympics, as it's held here in Canada, and it is one of the main events this year (or month). This is also a part of history that would be read and learned by students every year as well (By the way, I congratulate all the winners in the competitions, most especially the Canadian athletes.). But then again, I wanted to remind myself that in February 1986, Filipinos gathered at one place to free themselves from the terror of the late and former President Marcos.

It's a shame that I haven't been born when this event took place. I could only savor the feelings through books, videos and stories of my parents and the elders who were a part of this revolution. 

Being the dictator and the former President of the Philippines for twenty years, Ferdinand Marcos ruled the people and kept them in fear through arrests and assasinations one after the other. Those were very dark times. The citizens had no choice but to follow orders for their family and themselves can disappear all at once. Marcos controlled the country just like how a master controls his puppet. For his first term in 1965 though, he was able to establish the Philippines as one of the richest countries in South East Asia. Unfortunately, power prevailed in him when he tried to run for the third term, thus declaring Martial Law in September 21, 1972. However, when Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. went back to the Philippines in August 21, 1983 after a three-year exile in the US, he was assasinated after stepping out of the airplane. Aquino was the only person brave enough to fight back that caused his imprisonment and banishment from the his beloved country, so his death was a huge impact to the people, losing more of their faith on the Marcos administration. Snap elections were held in early February 1986 to see if Marcos still has his 'loyalists' who support his regime. One result had him winning against Corazon Aquino, Ninoy's wife, while the other result favored the latter. People were appalled; and in the 22nd a resistance started where hundreds of thousands of Filipinos from all walks of life gathered at EDSA (Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue), protecting the military officers who rebelled against the government. Masses and prayer vigils were held everyday. Unarmed civilians kept coming in, supporting this massive revolution that would hopefully oust the dictator. There was no trace of any violence except for a soldier that was accidentally killed due to a discharged gun. Hours turned into days. Young women handing out flowers to the soldiers in tanks as they were about to pass through them. People flashing the "L" sign using their thumb and index finger (L means laban or fight in english).

And then, at the night of February 25, a miracle occurred. The first family and his allies left for Hawaii. Earlier that morning, two inaugurations for Aquino and Marcos were held. A nationwide celebration was about to happen.

Here's a video that I'd like to share with you regarding the EDSA revolution in 1986: 

Twenty-four years sure feels long, but for those who were a part of it, it is definitely a memory worth reliving for.

And in the words of Ninoy Aquino (who will never be forgotten and forever remembered),

The Filipinos are worth dying for. 

I hope everyone would make a wise decision this coming election in May.



First image was taken from People Power: An Eyewitness History, The Philippine Revolution of 1986. © 1986 Monina Allarey Mercado, Manila, Philippines

Really?

I was browsing a realty magazine my mom took after stopping by a bank, and when I reached this page, I scoffed. Seriously? They're actually selling these t-shirts? So let me show you what it looks like so you can understand what I mean (Please pardon the feeble attempts, whatever you think they are.). 

So the advertiser is a local radio station, and I have nothing against them, for the record. Red Cross is also one of the best organizations in the world, so contempt for them is not felt either. But what irks me is the shirt. I mean, really. Whoever thought of designing the shirt like this must be joking. I ♥ Haiti? I HEART HAITI? Are you serious? Why would you even print something like this, when most North Americans (okay, probably the world, as it's applicable) don't even know what their situation was before the earthquake. I admit, I have never even heard of Haiti in my whole life, but I do have some knowledge in geography that some people don't (no offense, but that's true). I think this is a very good cause of course, selling clothes with the money proceeding to the Canadian Red Cross. But selling it with this design? It's just stupid. Like what I blurted out after seeing this ad, "This is BS. This is complete and utterly BS.". Pardon the language, but that's what I feel. Okay, for me, I would never wear this shirt, even if someone paid me a hundred dollars, or if someone bought it for me, for it would make me a hypocrite. A country I've never heard of before in my whole life undergoes a terrible ordeal, and for helping them, I get to wear this shirt that proclaims my love for them. *sigh* To you, whoever thought of doing this, I'm disappointed. Another print could've been better, like, "Let's help Haiti", "Give some love to Haiti", "Haiti needs you", or "Stop saying FML, think about Haiti", that sort of message. It doesn't come as patronizing and hypocrisy, which I think is what the message "I ♥ Haiti" implies, especially if you're not a Haitian.

What kind of message does it convey when you wear a shirt that says " I ♥ a certain country or place" anyway? Doesn't it mean that you're showing your love for that country? That you're trying to be nationalistic or patriotic of your own country, that you're proud to be one of them, to belong in this race or nation? Or, if you're from a different race, you still have the freedom to wear a shirt about another country because you like it's culture, people, and history. That you're very interested, and would like to know more about them, to be a part of their people. You care for their welfare, and your love for the country is the same as how much you love yours. So for wearing this shirt that they're selling, you would like to know more about them, you're trying to be a part of their culture, a nationalist who appreciates the country of Haiti, when you've never even heard of them before in your whole life until the earthquake happened. I would understand if a person who's wearing (or buying) this is aware of Haiti, of their situation, and is concerned of them. But, if you really want to help them, there are millions of ways to do that as we all know, not just by adding another piece of clothing in your bulging closet. I just can't see the point in doing this, unless you really want people to think you're a humanitarian. 

Now, I'm done with this matter, I've released my rants and frustrations, so I can be at peace and get on with another. Oh hey, now that I think about it, they probably designed this just in time for Valentines day. It is after all, today, and it might just mean that you want to show your love for Haiti, with no underlying meaning whatsoever. Please. Who am I kidding. And who are you kidding. 

Kung Hei Fat Choi to everyone. Tigers, its your year. Dragon, I'll be waiting for you in two years. And Canadians, wasn't the Winter Olympics opening last Friday night awesome? 

very creative, indeed

So I was browsing the fan photos of a fanpage in Facebook, when I came across one of the funniest and creative pictures I've seen. You might probably not fully understand it if your not a Filipino, but if you are, I'm pretty sure these pictures will crack a smile in your face.

I now introduce you to the Pinoy Transportmers, designed and creatively thought by a Filipino under the name konserns (and this is his website, where he spoofs other movies as well). Now, obviously these are inspired from the movie Transformers, and if you ask me about what I think about this franchise, I think the special effects in the movies were executed very well, as expected of Michael Bay. However though, there are some things that I found disappointing, which I won't go further anymore, so I can proceed to these Transportmers. The word 'transport' (which I think you know what it means) is used because these vehicles are the usual means of transportation of a typical Filipino that you see on the streets. (So some of it may not be of interest to you, or you have no idea what it means, so please pardon the creative works if they don't make sense to you.)

The Auto-todas

holding on for dear life

How do you face forward when all you can ever see is the past? You want to look at the bright future ahead, but all you can think about is going back to the past that you were once a part of, wanting to belong to a place that you're not sure if you're still accepted. True, the past is what shaped you for who you are now, but you also have to accept that you can never go back to change the way things they are. That's that, and you have nothing to do about it.

Everyone knows that you can't really change the past, or furthermore, go back to the past to change it. People you meet come and go, and, if one day, you lose them and never get a hold of them, who's to blame? My guess is that time did it, for it just comes and goes, not caring in the world who they hurt or affect the most. Hmm, who else is there to blame? The person? I guess so, for time and experience has made the person for who they are now, not who they were before. And time shows up once again to change your life. Sure, the feelings and memories mattered a lot, but that was the past, right? No matter how much you think you know that person, once you've been apart from each other for a long time, when you meet again, everything will be different. Unless, you both held on to it. Not wanting to lose what you have gained, you hold on to it. Distance is one of the biggest factors for ruining a relationship (and not just for couples, I tell you), as some people know, but like I said, it really does depend on whether they want it to work or not. If, at some point, you never wanted it to happen, and things just happened the way they are, who is to blame? Destiny? Fate? His plans? Is that how it works, or the other way around?

Going back to what I was talking about, the past is what makes a person who he is right now. He is different from others because he saw, felt and experienced something that others haven't. He met people that others haven't met, and he thinks this is an advantage on his part, for this is what makes him happy the most. But when the time comes for him to let go of that memory, I guess that would be the time for him to look forward into the future. But he would struggle to retain those memories, for him to not lose his identity and his past. It's hard, but that's just how it is.

I love Paulo Coelho, and I've already read four of his works (which I might write about in the future). I just thought of sharing this quote that I came across when I read Brida a while ago:

Finding one important thing in your life doesn't mean you have to give up all the other important things.

However you want to interpret it. Hope everyone would have a wonderful year ahead.