A New Year Letter From My Future Self (The Perks Of Using White Flower Lesson #2)

Lesson #2  On Shaping Your Destiny

Happy New Year My Old Self,

Here I am, a 65 year old man in the company of friends and family waiting for the clock to reach 12 and usher in 2037.  Yes, we've reached this far.  What a big contrast it is from where you are right now in New Year's Eve of 2013.  But let me tell you something about a very important realization in your life as you go through these difficult times.  You are now shaping your destiny.  Every decision, every spoken word, every course of action sets you closer to where I am right now.  And once again let me assure you that I am happy on where we have come to be.

So like a diamond being polished, being perfected by a craftsman, you need to go through stress.  You need to shed yourself.  You need to transform yourself.  And as I recall, the year 2013 did changed us.  These series of events from the start of the year until the last month have changed the way you see things.  And right now, you are starting to LIVE YOUR LIFE...again.

Ronald Narciza ‏@inunad Protected Tweets15 Aug

3 Steps To Live Life: 1. Wake up 2. Breathe 3. Repeat... #Ronaldo'sMusings

Speaking of which, in 2013 you started posting in your twitter feed with that #Ronaldo'sMusings and if there was one recurring theme in that hashtag it was LOVE.

Ronald Narciza ‏@inunad Protected Tweets28 Oct

If someone would ask me what I have done all my life then I would say "I have loved." #Ronaldo'sMusings

Ronald Narciza ‏@inunad Protected Tweets26 Jun

One does not choose to fall in love, one simply chooses to stay in love. #Ronaldo'sMusings

Ronald Narciza ‏@inunad Protected Tweets24 Mar

The only failure in life worth worrying upon is the failure to do good things to yourself and to others. #Ronaldo'sMusings

Ronald Narciza ‏@inunad Protected Tweets21 Mar

The most precious thing to spend is TIME, the most important thing to share is a SMILE and best thing to give is LOVE #Ronaldo'sMusings

And when you give out love there is no way that you can lose.  Because love begets love.  So continue to give out love.

Another lesson learned in 2013 is about LETTING GO.

Ronald Narciza ‏@inunad Protected Tweets12 Dec

I resolve to stop wasting my time on things that don't matter and just focus on the limited time given to me in this world #Ronaldo'sMusings

Ronald Narciza ‏@inunad Protected Tweets31 Jul

The moment you let go is when the story really starts to present itself #Ronaldo'sMusings

Ronald Narciza ‏@inunad Protected Tweets3 Apr

All things would have to come to an end eventually, whether we like it or not. #Ronaldo'sMusings

Ronald Narciza ‏@inunad Protected Tweets27 Mar

Every change in plan has a reason. It takes trust and optimism to believe that it is always for the best. #Ronaldo'sMusings

Letting go allows yourself to learn a very important thing that you need to realize - Trust.  Trust that this is happening to you right now for a good reason.

So to summarize, in order for you to reach your DESTINY -  LIVE LIFE, GIVE LOVE and LET GO.

Hashtag that :)

Chin up kid, things will get better eventually.

From,

YOU @65

P.S.  Time for you to shave...

The Perks Of Using White Flower* (and other things you need to know by the time you reach 65)

*White Flower - a traditional oil based Chinese medicine used to treat body aches.  It is normally associated with old people (go figure.)

**This would be a continuing series of the message from my future self.  It is in no way related to the novel "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." (Yes, there was novel before the movie.  Just like that Hunger Games films. You learn something every day now don't you?)

Lesson #1 On Being Alone

Hey me,

This is Christmas Day 2036,  I am celebrating with our family and friends.  I remember 23 years ago, for the first time in your life, you were spending Christmas Day alone in a cold, far away place.  You feel miserable, you want to give up, you want to go home.  Everything is not going the way you wanted it to be.  Yeah, to you it was time to give up, time to quit.  But you didn't, you kept on.  You picked yourself up and had an epiphany after receiving this post.  And it is that very reason why I am writing you now.  I am writing you once again to tell you something about living alone.

Being alone is good.  Being alone gives you time to think.  It lets you realize what is important in life.  It lets you focus on what was the reason why you decided to move out in the first place.  Don't get distracted by the unimportant things.  Always remember the reason why you are there.  On why you need to make this sacrifice.  Yes, sometimes you need to be alone.  So value the opportunity that you have right now.  Empty yourself out in order for you to appreciate the presence of those who really matter in your life.  Of those you love and loves you back.

Being alone is not entirely that bad as it sounds.  Think about it, you have the toilet all by yourself.  You can get out of the shower naked without anyone noticing.  You can sing and dance like crazy without any remorse.  And not just that think of Kevin of "Home Alone" having the house all to himself.  And by the way, do stay away from that movie during this season.  It wouldn't help.

Here is a list that you do need to do while being alone:

1.  Don't go overboard eating the stuff that can affect your health.

2.  Go easy on the alcohol.

3.  Don't start to smoke (again.)

4.  Go get some more sleep.

5.  Do more exercise.

6.  Give your brain some much needed rest and start by not thinking too much about the future.

7.  Just breathe.

I will not tell you what would happen in the future (you hear that internet police! I am not giving out any future information to myself.  So go away you snoops!)  Now where was I?  Ah yes, you would need to experience by yourself the things that would happen next.  But just to give you a sense of comfort, everything is going to be alright.  Remember, you are never truly alone.

Merry Christmas!

From,

You

A Letter From My Future Self

Prologue: The year is 2036, while scientists are still trying to create a working time machine the internet has evolved in creating websites that would allow anyone to send a message to somebody in the past.  This feature however was moderated as to not to divulge information or prevent important events and in the process alter history.  This is what is commonly known as the grandfather paradox.

Dear Me,

This is you from the future.  I am writing this letter as I am celebrating my, I mean, our 65th birthday.  I decided to do this not to warn you of anything but to assure you that you are doing a good job.

Don't let recent setbacks change the way you are.  By the time you have received this letter you are saddled with a lot of issues at work while being away from home.  Yes, 23 years ago when we have started working abroad.  These are the times when you are questioning why you are there.  You are angry and sad.  These are the times when you wanted to go home.  You wanted to give up.  Let me remind you that this is not how Papa and Mama raised you.  You are always calm, slow to anger.  You think straight, your emotions guide you and not overpower you.  Always remember our mantra "this too shall pass."  Just breath and everything will be alright.

At times you beat up yourself about leaving home to work abroad.  You feel that you are not seeing your daughter grow up and that she needs a father.  But don't worry, she will be fine, no let me correct that she will be great.  The love that you give is enough even while you are away.  Do not underestimate her, she is a bright kid.  She will grow up to be a beautiful person inside and out.  At times she needs to learn the lessons in life without you being there.  She will  learn embarrassment, she will know frustration, and sad as it seems, yes she will feel heartbreak.  But this will make her stronger, this will help her grow up.  This I assure you, you will be beside her when it matters the most.

And you know what?  She will get married despite her telling you at her aunt's wedding that she will be forever single.  She's funny thinking about that when she was 9 years old.  And she will get married to (portion deleted by internet authority)  OK, I'll stop there I still can't get over the shock myself but do treasure that moment when you walk her down the aisle.  

And speaking of that little bringer of joy don't forget to thank your wife everyday for guiding her and molding her.  For the sacrifice she does to keep it all together.  Much of your daughter's personality comes from her.  Don't forget to encourage her.  Don't forget to assure her like I am assuring you now that everything would be fine.  It is really difficult to raise a child by yourself but always remind her that she is not and will never be alone.

I got to go, they are calling me now to blow the candles in the cake.  And by the way, appreciate your family and true friends both here and abroad they are still with us right now.  I'll leave it up to you to determine who they are.  Good friends are like durable pairs of shoes, no matter what the situation is they keep on walking with you.  So enjoy the journey and don't forget to smell the flowers along the way.  This is just the start of the rest of our life.

From Me

P.S.  I don't think the internet police would mind this but do keep yourself healthy.  It is not fun to have a bad (portion deleted by internet authority) at age 65.

Internet HOT: Giving is The Best Communication - A True Commercial

From Thailand, to Mongolia, the Philippines, the USA and the rest of the world.  This commercial from True Corporation Public Company Limited of Thailand has become viral over internet and has been shared dozens of times over my Facebook timeline in the past couple of days.  It tells the story about giving without asking for anything in return, paying it forward and how it goes full circle.

Even if the ad is a bit predictable (I can already sense where the story was going half way through the three minute video) it is still very moving and one can't help to feel a lump in his throat by the end of the commercial. The message is universal and no pun intended - True.

One thing that I admired about this commercial too is the impeccable likeness of the young version of the daughter and the doctor to the adult versions.  Good job on the casting!

So back to the main message of this ad "Giving is the best communication"  I don't think what they meant is that they want to give out their services for free but it reminds us that that even with the fast paced development in technology doing good deeds still speaks louder than words.  If only everybody lives by this attitude then the world would be a better place to live in.

Listening to: Jay Z's Holy Grail featuring Justin Timberlake

Warning: The song contains explicit lyrics.  Parental Guidance is advised.

Fresh off the success of their monster hit collaboration "Suit and Tie" Jay-Z and JT brings us "Holy Grail"from Jay-Z's album entitled Magna Carta... Holy Grail.  The song contains a sampling of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and also references Kurt Cobain in the lyrics.

While many has mixed feelings about the song, I personally like it for JT's smooth vocals and the cool beat.  Listening to the first part with just the piano really is very cool.  It then drops the beat after the first chorus and just before Jay Z starts to say "uh" for about a hundred or so times in the song I guess.

Instead of the whole lyrics let me just place the chorus here for you guys to appreciate:

And baby, it's amazing I'm in this maze with you
I just can't crack your code
One day you screaming you love me loud
The next day you're so cold
One day you're here, one day you're there, one day you care
You're so unfair, sipping from your cup 'til it runneth over, Holy Grail

Listening To: "Latch" By Disclosure Featuring Sam Smith

This song by the British duo Disclosure has been hitting the charts in the Philippines for a few couple of weeks even though it was released more than 10 months ago in the UK.  As the lead single in their album "Settle" this song has a great beat that's makes you sway while listening to it.

But what is more amazing is the acoustic version done by the song's writer and featured artist Sam Smith.  As I have been hearing Disclosure's version of Latch for quite some time now it was a welcome surprise to hear this version.




The acoustic version makes you listen and just focus on it's awesome lyrics:

You lift my heart up when the rest of me is down
You, you enchant me even when you're not around
If there are boundaries, I will try to knock them down
I’m latching on, babe, now I know what I have found

I feel we're close enough
I wanna lock in your love
I feel we’re close enough
Could I lock in your love

Now I got you in my space
I won’t let go of you
Got you shackled in my embrace
I’m latching on to you

Now I got you in my space
I won’t let go of you
Got you shackled in my embrace
I’m latching on to you

I’m so encaptured, got me wrapped up in your touch
Feel so enamored, hold me tight within your clutch
How do you do it, you got me losing every breath
What did you give me to make my heart beat out my chest

I feel we're close enough
I wanna lock in your love
I think we’re close enough
Could I lock in your love, baby?
I feel we’re close enough
I wanna lock in your love
I think we’re close enough
Could I lock in your love, baby?

Now I got you in my space
I won’t let go of you
Got you shackled in my embrace
I’m latching on to you

Now I got you in my space
I won’t let go of you
Got you shackled in my embrace
I’m latching on to you
Latching on to you
I won’t let go of you
Latching on to you
I won’t let go of you

Listening to: Maroon 5's Love Somebody

Maroon 5 - Love Somebody from Jeff Dotson on Vimeo.


Still off from Maroon 5's album "Overexposed" the song "Love Somebody" is considerably more of a dance track.  Proof that the album is really something worth buying over iTunes.  The video catches my attention too as it is very interesting how they shot this one which used a lot of blue paint!

For faster loading see the official video on You Tube.  Here is the link: Maroon 5 - Love Somebody

And of course those killer lyrics are here:

I know your insides are feeling so hollow
And it's a hard pill for you to swallow, yeah
But if I fall for you, I'll never recover
If I fall for you, I'll never be the same

I really wanna love somebody
I really wanna dance the night away
I know we're only half way there
But you can take me all the way, you can take me all the way

I really wanna touch somebody
I think about you every single day
I know we're only half way there
But you can take me all the way, you can take me all the way

You're such a hard act for me to follow
Love me today, don't leave me tomorrow, yeah
But if I fall for you, I'll never recover
If I fall for you, I'll never be the same

I really wanna love somebody
I really wanna dance the night away
I know we're only half way there
But you can take me all the way, you can take me all the way

I really wanna touch somebody
I think about you every single day
I know we're only half way there
But you can take me all the way, you can take me all the way
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

I don't know where to start, I'm just a little lost
I wanna feel like we never gonna ever stop
I don't know what to do, I'm right in front of you
Asking you to stay, you should stay, stay with me tonight, yeah

I really wanna love somebody
I really wanna dance the night away
I know we're only half way there
But you can take me all the way, you can take me all the way

I really wanna touch somebody
I think about you every single day
I know we're only half way there
But you can take me all the way, you can take me all the way
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

You can take me all the way, you can take me all the way, yeah.

Listening To: Jason Mraz's The Woman I Love

The latest song from Jason Mraz's album entitled LOVE is a Four Letter Word.  The song is about a man pouring out his heart about the state of his relationship with his partner but in the end the narrator is resolved to make the relationship work.

In the music video, real tweets were flashed based on a Twitter contest that was conducted for the release of the single.  The contest asks followers to answer the question "What does The Woman I Love mean to you tweeting it to Mraz with the hashtag #MrazingTheVideo.  Here is a video from the man himself announcing the Twitter contest



As usual, I love posting the lyrics of songs I like to sing along to so here it is:

Maybe I annoy you with my choices
Well, you annoy me sometimes too with your voice
But that ain't enough for me
To move out and move on
I'm just gonna love you like the woman I love

We don't have to hurry
You can take as long as you want
I'm holdin' steady
And my heart's at home
With my hand behind you
I will catch you if you fall
I'm just gonna love you like the woman I love

Sometimes the world can make you feel
You're not welcome anymore
And you beat yourself up
You let yourself get mad
And in those times when you stop lovin'
The woman I adore
You can relax
Because, babe, I got your back
Mm, I got you

I don't wish to change you
You've got it under control
You wake up each day different
Another reason for me to keep holdin' on
I'm not attached to any way you're showing up
I'm just gonna love you like the woman I love
Yeah I'm gonna love you, oh, yeah
I'm gonna love you
You're the woman I love

Listening to: Bruno Mars' Treasure

Another great song from Bruno Mars entitled Treasure still from the album Unorthodox Jukebox.  The song has that Motown-feel into it that if it's the first time you hear it you would swear it's a 70's disco song.  Also, you can sense some MJ influence into this song.  Try muting the video and play MJ's Rock With You and you will see that the choreography they have on the video fits :)  I can't wait to see the official video which would come out soon.  A true Bruno Mars fan will simply treasure the song Treasure.

You can catch the official video from here:
Bruno Mars - Treasure [Official Music Video]

Listening To: Passion Pit's Carried Away

Passion Pit - Carried Away from BREWER on Vimeo.

Here's a neat song and video from Massachusetts Indie band Passion Pit.  Out of their album Gossamer, the song Carried Away has this catchy pop tune to it reminiscent of a 70's dance song.  But what I really like about the song is the concept of its video which features the lovely Sophia Bush.  It shows Sophia and Passion Pit lead singer Michael Angelakos as a couple with a constant love-hate relationship.  In the end, the hurtful words that they have said to each other and have been kept overwhelmed them.

On this topic I have tweeted the following a few weeks ago:

Words are very powerful. They can hurt, heal, push back or pull someone closer. One must learn how to use them carefully. #Ronaldo'sMusings

and I found this picture on Facebook a few days ago:

The Mongolian text in the picture means "weigh one's words."

So moral of the song/video: be careful with your words as they may haunt you someday.

It Takes An Iron Man... And A Woman!

*WARNING* Severe nosebleed may occur in reading this geeky movie review from a comic book fan boy.

I just watched the third and probably final installment of a great movie series.  No, I was not talking about the John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah G movie but of Iron Man. So after that blockbuster movie The Avengers one would think how can it still keep up with the momentum? Well the answer is yes it is still that good though there are still hits and misses.  I honestly believe that The Avengers was actually an Iron Man movie as the others were not given the same screen time (except for Black widow of course but then since it was Scarlett Johansson who would complain right?)  But if you have an ensemble of "Superfriends" (pun intended) then you would certainly choose who to feature best in the movie.  And they have chosen the biggest box office draw among the franchise which is Iron Man.

Now back to Iron Man 3, I will try my best not put any spoilers here but I think one of the best things that the writers did was to prominently feature Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) in the movie.  No longer the "damsel in distress" type of character as in the earlier movies and comic book she basically... well, kicked ass.  But no, we won't see the Pepper Potts in a specially made Iron Man suit called Rescue in this movie (or would we? Well that's for you to find out by watching it.)  Pepper Potts really needed to come out from her shell as it has been asking for in the first two movies and in The Avengers where it seems to be more of a cameo.  However, in this movie Pepper is hot (literally! oops let that one slipped.)

Other good thing in this movie are the insertion of portions of Extremis story arc and the Iron Patriot makes an appearance.  However, Iron Patriot would not worn by Norman Osborn (aka the Green Goblin) in this movie but by Col James Rhodes.

But if you are a comic book purist you would not like how The Mandarin was portrayed here.  He looks like a cross between a popular terrorist and Austin Powers.  But he was portrayed by Gandhi himself Sir Ben Kingsley so 3 stars out of 5.  Another thing is that Nick Fury and SHIELD is not in this movie so I hope it doesn't jinx it in some way as this is the first time Fury is not shown even by name in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Although the Avengers was heavily referenced in the movie it doesn't really show a real continuity with how the Avengers ended (example, no Thanos reference as shown in the end credits so I guess it would have to wait until the Guardians of the Galaxy film then.)  Speaking of the Guardians, the 2013 comic book version also includes Iron Man as a member so it would be interesting if they would do the cross over in the film version.

All in all, I still would say that this is a great movie.  I do hope that they still do another movie if not then Iron Man should still be part of Avengers 2 and not to be replaced by the Iron Patriot as what reports are saying.  If they do that then better replace Captain America with Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier, yup spoiler alert you now know the probable storyline arc of Captain America 2.)

BTW, I also got a free poster for it watching on the first day :)

Listening To: Michael Bublé Does A Bee Gees Classic

Just launched this week, Michael Bublé sings The Bee Gee's "To Love Somebody" a song which was also covered by another Michael (Bolton) 20 years ago (geez, now I feel old thinking I have that Michael Bolton album.)  Bublé's accompanying music video is picked up from the 60's genre with an all female band.

This song is a part of Bublé's upcoming album entitled "To be Loved" which also includes cover versions of "Have I Told You Lately", "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "Something Stupid" with Reese Witherspoon.  The album comes out on Monday April 15 so Bublé fans (like me) should watch out for it.

As always...


There's a light
A certain kind of light
That never shone on me
I want my life to be lived with you
Lived with you
There's a way
Everybody say
To do each and every little thing
But what does it bring
If I ain't got you?
If I ain't got you?
Baby you don't know what it's like,
Baby you don't know what it's like

To love somebody
To love somebody
The way I love you

In my brain
I see your face again
I know my frame of mind
You ain't got to be so blind
And I'm blind, Yeah I'm blind
I'm a man, can't you see what I am
And I live and breathe for you
Oh But what does it do
If I aint got you,
If I aint got you
Yeah you don't know what it's like,

Baby you don't know what it's like

To love somebody
To love somebody
The way I love you

Listening To: One Direction's One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks)

One Direction - One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks) from Eduardo H. Merino on Vimeo.

OK, I'm going out on a  limb here and probably a lot of girls will hate me for this.  I am not a One Direction fan.  But a girl who is very dear to me is a big fan.  She is the love of my life - my one and only daughter.  And since it is the start of her birthday month this week's post is about... One Direction.

Actually, One Way or Another is a song originally done by the group Blondie.  It has been covered and featured in multiple TV shows including a version by Alvin and Chipmunks which you could see here:




Back to One Direction's version, I just find it very nice that they made this video for a good cause and what struck me was that they were able to convince the British Prime Minister David Cameron to make a cameo.

So my dear Tricia, the biggest One Direction fan that I know, advanced Happy Birthday and enjoy this post.

Listening To: Maroon 5's Daylight (Play For Change)

Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change) (FULL... by emreorhan_1997

Playing for change is a multimedia music project that brings different musicians together from around the globe.  The objective is to record a particular song with each musician's interpretation.  The result is a collaboration of different vocals and musical instruments.

One of their collaborations is Maroon 5's Daylight off their album "Overexposed."  I personally like the Play for Change music video over the official music video of Daylight which was dubbed as the Daylight Project.  Although the song's story line is about a lover who will separate from the one he loves when the morning comes, both videos are not related to the song's theme.  A pity since the song's theme for me is strong and it would have been an interesting video to make.

The lyrics are presented below.  You know the drill...


Here I am waiting, I'll have to leave soon
Why am I holding on?
We knew this day would come, we knew it all along
How did it come so fast?

This is our last night but it's late
And I'm trying not to sleep
Cause I know, when I wake, I will have to slip away

And when the daylight comes I'll have to go
But tonight I'm gonna hold you so close
Cause in the daylight we'll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close

Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah
Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah

Here I am staring at your perfection
In my arms, so beautiful
The sky is getting bright, the stars are burning out
Somebody slow it down

This is way too hard, cause I know
When the sun comes up, I will leave
This is my last glance that will soon be memory

And when the daylight comes I'll have to go
But tonight I'm gonna hold you so close
Cause in the daylight we'll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close

Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah
Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah

I never wanted to stop because I don't wanna start all over, start all over,
I was afraid of the dark but now it's all that I want, all that I want, all that I want

And when the daylight comes I'll have to go
But tonight I'm gonna hold you so close
Cause in the daylight we'll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close

And when the daylight comes I'll have to go
But tonight I'm gonna hold you so close
Cause in the daylight we'll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close

Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah
Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah
Oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah)
Oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah!

P.S. I tested the embeded video above and it seems slow.  Here is an alternate link via YouTube:
Maroon 5 - Daylight (Playing for Change)

Update: For those wondering the girl who sang the first verse is Chelsea Williams she is a Los Angeles based  street artist/performer.

Earth Hour 2013

Today the whole world would be celebrating Earth Hour once again.  I personally believe in this crusade and has been participating in Earth Hour for the past couple of years.  Two years ago I posted a video blog regarding Earth Hour http://azicran.blogspot.com/2011/03/luchadors-vlog-earth-hour-2011.html

Earth Hour is celebrated by turning off your lights and other non-essential electrical items for one hour beginning at 8:30pm.  This is to reduce electricity consumption and use of fossil fuel.  This is actually the 7th year of Earth Hour which the WWF started in Sydney, Australia back in 2007.  And for one whole day as Earth Hour passes from one time zone to another Mother Earth can breath easily.

This year, I know my family back in Manila would be joining Earth Hour while I would turn off my lights, my computer and TV here in Mongolia as well.

To learn more about Earth Hour visit http://earthhour.org/

Listening To: Justin Timberlake's "Mirrors"

I posted the official video of this song by Justin Timberlake on my Facebook account a few days after it was released.  The song is called "Mirrors" and it is the second single off his new album titled "The 20/20 Experience."  According to sources the song is actually about his wife Jessica Biel (lucky guy, eh?)  The song is very reminiscent of his sound in his FutureSex/Lovesounds album 5 years ago.  This song is so smooth, soulful and sexy.

Instead of providing the full lyrics of the song though I'll just share with you my favorite part of the song:

Baby you're the inspiration for this precious song
And I just wanna see your face light up since you put me on
So now I say goodbye to the old me, it's already gone
And I can't wait wait wait wait wait to get you home
Just to let you know, you are
You are you are the love of my life

OK, so apparently this part was not sung during the Brit Awards performance above but for the full track you can see it in this video link which VEVO is not allowing me to embed (argh!!!)

Justin Timberlake - Mirrors (VEVO)

Hiroshi Takahashi's Letter from the Movie "Restless"

Restless is 2011 British-American film about the love story of Enoch and Annie.  Annie is terminally ill with cancer.  Enoch who attends funerals of strangers has befriended a ghost of a Japanese kamikaze pilot named Hiroshi Takahashi.  I will leave you to see the movie as I don't want to mention any spoilers here.   But one of the best lines in the film is Hiroshi's letter which is quoted below:

"As I write this letter, the ocean breeze feels cool on my skin. 

The very ocean is soon to be my grave. 

They tell me I will die a hero, that the safety and honor of my country 

will be the reward for my sacrifice. I pray they are right.

My only regret in life is never telling you how I feel. 

I wish I were back home. I wish I were holding your hand. 

I wish I were telling you that I have loved you and only you since I was a boy. 

But I am not. I see now that death is easy. It is love that is hard. 

As my plane dives, I will not see the face of my enemies. 

I will instead see your eyes.  Like black rocks frozen in rain water. 

They tell us that we must scream Banzai!!! as we plunge into our target. 

I will instead whisper your name and in death, as in life, I will remain forever yours."

This part of the movie has tackled two different kinds of chances that people usually don't take.  First, to take a risk even if you do not know what the outcome would be.  And second, telling somebody how you really feel about them.  I am normally not a risk taker myself but I have been telling myself all the time that life is too short and rarely one gets any second chances when the moment has already passed.

Listening To: P!nk - Just Give Me A Reason ft. Fun's Nate Ruess

Here's a very good song by P!nk.  She collaborated with Fun frontman Nate Ruess to come up with "Just Give Me A Reason."  It's theme is about a couple trying to make their relationship to work when the girl thinks they have a problem while the guy thinks that everything is OK.  In the end, they have agreed to fix their differences.

As usual here are the lyrics for some sing-a-long fun:

Right from the start
You were a thief you stole my heart
And I your willing victim

I let you see the parts of me
That weren't all that pretty
And with every touch you fixed them

You've been talking in your sleep
Oh oh
Things you never say to me
Oh oh
Tell me that you've had enough
Of our love, our love

Just give me a reason
Just a little bit's enough
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again

It's in the stars
It's been written in the scars on our hearts
We're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again

Im sorry I don't understand where all of this is coming from
I thought that we were fine
(Yeah we had everything)

Your head is running wild again
My dear we still have everything
And its all in your mind
(Yeah but this is happening)

You've been having real bad dreams
Oh oh
You used to lie so close to me
Oh oh
There's nothing more than empty sheets
Between our love, our love, oh our love, our love

Just give me a reason
Just a little bit's enough
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again

I never stopped
You're still written in the scars on my heart
Your not broken just bent and we can learn to love again

Oh tears ducts and rust
I'll fix it for us
We're collecting dust but our love's enough

You're holding it in
You're pouring a drink
No nothing is as bad as it seems
We'll come clean

Just give me a reason
Just a little bit's enough
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again

It's in the stars
It's been written in the scars on our hearts
We're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again


Just give me a reason
Just a little bit's enough
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again

It's in the stars
It's been written in the scars on our hearts
We're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again

Listening To: Make You Feel My Love

Make You Feel My Love is a Bob Dylan original that has been covered by such great artists like Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, Ronan Keating (love his version by the way,) Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson and Adele (yes, she made a version out of her album 19.)  It's a very lovely, easy melody song and that is why it is also a staple in reality singing contests as well.

With nothing to do on a Women's Day holiday I made a cover of the song:

This video was created using my JVC HD Picsio camera.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry I'd go black and blue
and I'd go crawling down the avenue
No there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

Instrumental

The storms are raging on the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love,

To make you feel my love

Women's Day

Today March 8 is Women's Day and here in Mongolia it is celebrated as a national holiday (good job!)  My colleague asked me yesterday if this was also celebrated in the Philippines.  Actually I didn't remember this day to be celebrated in this magnitude.  There is Mother's Day but that is only for mothers and not all women in general.  The Philippines though is predominantly matriarchal in its culture and is a champion of women's right and equality. So is the government doing something about it?

Apparently, there is a commission created named Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) pcw.gov.ph which was formed as a result of the enactment of Republic Act 9710 (Magna Carta of Women.)  According to the their website the PCW holds a month long activity to celebrate Women's month.  The PCW's activities can be seen here.

On an international scale, Women's Day theme is varies for each country yearly.  Most of tackles global or local women's problems such as economics, violence against women, right and equality.  One of which I personally support is to stop the violence against women.  This is in the wake of the shooting of Malala Yousufzai and the Delhi 2012 gang rape case.  Last February 14, 2013, women all across the globe participated to kick off the One Billion Rising campaign.  The event was marked by girls and women doing a flash mob style dance to express support to end violence against women.  Here's a video of that event in the Philippines.

And probably as a fitting tribute for Women's Day US President Barack Obama today signed the renewed Violence Against Women Act.

As for me I honestly believe that a real man loves and respects women.  Happy Women's Day to all women around the world!

Then and Now

There was a time when I have to beg "Please come with me? There's a nice movie to catch."
But now we hardly see the same movie unless it was appropriate for the little one to watch

There was a time when we talk on the phone all night, though we'll see each other the next day
But now the only words we say is "good night"; too tired to chat, had too many things to do today

There was a time when we dine at fancy restaurants almost every week
But now fast food, fries and pizzas are the ones we usually seek

But there was a time when I wake up in the morning not knowing what the future holds
Now I know what my purpose is for each day. It's clear, I don't need to be told

There was a time when I felt all alone; and in my life there was a hole
But now I know that even if we are not together my heart would always be whole

And there was a time all things seems to be lost and there was no "happy ever after"
But now with you and the little girl there will always be a life filled with joy and laughter

My life has changed since you came and I wrote this piece so that I can say
That I love you with all my heart even if I am 2438 miles away.


Executive Lunch
February 22, 2013

Listening To: When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars

A few weeks ago I mentioned on Facebook that this one of those songs that kinda grows on you.  A very powerful ballad that's got a lot of soul.  When Bruno Mars announced the song via twitter and instagram   he said
"@brunomars - Soon you guys will hear a song I wrote called When I Was Your Man. I've never been this nervous. Can't explain it http://instagr.am/p/SwHf3Yu858/"

And he was right, the song is haunting and full of emotion.  There is also a part of the song that sounds like the coda/outro of his song It Will Rain (another personal favorite.)

On the video above he sings the song live on Jimmy Kimmel's show.  And here are the lyrics if you want to sing along:

Same bed, but it feels just a little bit bigger now
Our song on the radio, but it don't sound the same
When our friends talk about you all that it does is just tear me down
Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name
And it all just sound like uh, uh, uh

Hmmm too young, too dumb to realize
That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand
Should have gave you all my hours when I had the chance
Take you to every party cause all you wanted to do was dance
Now my baby is dancing, but she's dancing with another man.

My pride, my ego, my needs and my selfish ways
Caused a good strong woman like you to walk out my life
Now I never, never get to clean up the mess I made
And it haunts me every time I close my eyes
It all just sounds like uh, uh, uh, uh

Too young, too dumb to realize
That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand
Should have gave all my hours when I had the chance
Take you to every party cause all you wanted to do was dance
Now my baby is dancing, but she's dancing with another man.

Although it hurts I'll be the first to say that I was wrong
Oh, I know I'm probably much too late
To try and apologize for my mistakes
But I just want you to know

I hope he buys you flowers, I hope he holds your hand
Give you all his hours when he has the chance
Take you to every party cause I remember how much you loved to dance
Do all the things I should have done when I was your man!
Do all the things I should have done when I was your man!

Listening To: Justin Timberlake's Suit & Tie

Here's this week's guilty pleasure I can't help but bust a few moves whenever I hear Justin Timberlake's Suit & Tie featuring Jay-Z.  This is one sexy tune, which is a well blended slow tempo R&B song filled with horn blasts.  Three fourths into the song Jay-Z comes in dropping a rap that make it seems like a whole different song altogether  One thing noticeable though is that it is quite a long song (5 minutes and 30 seconds to be exact) but it would keep you wanting to hear it again and again.  How I wish I can move like JT in the video though. Oh yeah!

Listening To: Rihanna's "Stay"

Last Valentine's Day, Facebook fans were treated to a singing Vin Diesel doing his own "Barry White-ish" version of  Rihanna's "Stay".  The official music video of the song which can be seen at the background while Diesel sings shows Rihanna in a bathtub and feature's Mikky Ekko.  However, I like this version that she rendered in SNL better.  To see Vin Diesel's version check out the link below.

Vin Diesel Sings Rihanna's "Stay"

Here's the lyrics to the song if in case you want to sing along (the highlighted portion is my favorite line):

All along it was a fever
A cold sweat hot-headed believer
I threw my hands in the air I said show me something
He said, if you dare come a little closer

Round and around and around and around we go
Ohhh now tell me now tell me now tell me now you know

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
And it takes me all the way
I want you to stay

It's not much of a life you're living
It's not just something you take, it's given
Round and around and around and around we go
Ohhh now tell me now tell me now tell me now you know

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
And it takes me all the way
I want you to stay

Ohhh... the reason I hold on
Ohhh... cause I need this hole gone
Funny you're the broken one but I'm the only one who needed saving
Cause when you never see the lights it's hard to know which one of us is caving

Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
and it takes me all the way
I want you to stay.... stay....
I want you to stay, ohhh...

Executive Lunch Sings!

Rarely do I show off my hidden talent... in video editing.  But always, I try to show the whole world how much I love my wife and kid.  For them, I made this video with the song "Always On My Mind" rendered by yours truly.  Honestly I was trying to channel Bublé but my inner Elvis took over instead.

Belated Happy Valentine's Day everyone.  For all those who celebrated together with their loved ones, those who have loved once or those who just like me celebrated miles away from the one who shares my heart.