The sound of my youth

Still browsing through the net, I’ve come across several videos. But the one that’s struck me the most is this music video of Metallica. Suddenly, I was transported back to my younger and angrier days. Don’t we all go through that phase in life, filled with rage and existentialism was at the core of every thought? Looking back, I have a feeling it was brought about by hormones and just the mere fact that you’re in that Britney Spears’ stage: “not a girl, not yet a woman,” or, at least, in respect to my life. (Although for some guys, I suppose “not a boy, not yet a woman” might apply? lol).

The music of Metallica has been a big part of the soundtrack of my life. I’ve always imagined life to be a movie with the appropriate musical scoring. If an album of the songs of my youth were to come out, Metallica would definitely have a track or two…or three, in it. Wolfgang, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam and Beastie Boys would probably complete the album, along with Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill. Now that I’ve come to think about it, one album would probably be insufficient to cover the tracks of my youth.

Anyway, here’s Metallica with All Nightmare Long.

{From MetallicaHD}

 

I Heart Doogie Howser, M.D.

It’ something that goes way back into my childhood. The Friday nights I spent before the tv, tuned in to ABS-CBN, waiting for Neil Patrick Harris’ show. I’m really not so ashamed to admit that I had a big crush on him.

Fast forward to today.

It’s the Emmy’s and my crush has gotten older…and a lot funnier! Not to mention that wonderful singing voice he showcased as he opened the program. It was a smart move on the part of CBS and the Emmy’s to pick him as the show’s host. In my opinion, hosts of such award shows should be relevant. I love Billy Crystal and/or Whoopi Goldberg and I think their totally funny. But frankly, I don’t think they capture the interest of all the different generations that watch these award shows. Even though I love their style, I think I’ve had one too many Billy Crytal/Whoopi Goldberg hosted award shows.

But what I’m really trying to say is that I think Neil Patrick Harris did a really, really wonderful job hosting the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards. There wasn’t a boring moment, his punchlines delivered with perfect timing. Come to think of it, he would probably make a good host for a late night tv show. He could probably do a better job than Jimmy Fallon at the Late Night Show.

 

True Confessions

As I grow older, the more I realize there’s more I don’t really know about myself. Revelations come one at a time and, sometimes, at the most compromising situations. At times, it requires a strong sense of self-restraint to hide the sense of surprise as the truth hits me.

Confession no. 1: I’m a softy at heart.
Ever since I’ve gained consciousness, I’ve always thought of myself as a tough girl. Not much could bother me. I’ve once stared at an accident victim whose brains were being scooped up into a plastic bag. I can still remember the distinct smell of blood and brains. But it didn’t even bother my stomach. As for emotions, I used to wonder how actors/actresses can summon tears at a moment’s notice. I could think of the worst and tragic scenes but my tear ducts wouldn’t even flinch. I remember being amazed by my college classmate at how he (yes, it’s a real guy) could shed tears as I asked him if he could cry.

But yesterday, as I was visited by one of my students who came to apologize for unbecoming behavior in class, I realized I’ve got unreasonable emotions, the kind that could probably earn me the nickname “cry baby.” She had begun explaining what moved her to do what she did and her voice was cracking. I looked in her eyes and sure enough, tears were welling up. All of a sudden, it was as if something was summoning up my own tears. I had to stop her before I started bawling right then and there.

Confession no. 2: I can’t hold grudges (even if I want to).
This could be good…or bad. Remember the saying “forgive and forget?” It’s not necessarily right all the time. I mean, mistakes are part of the learning process. If someone has offended you, it’s good to forgive. But to forget that he/she has done that to you would mean you didn’t learn a thing.

Confession no. 3: I actually like Pop Songs
Darn it! I’m thirty years old and I can’t believe I’ve begun to like pop songs. You see, when I was younger, pop songs were acceptable. As I got into high school, I had gotten into the whole punk/rock emo thing, songs with deeper meaning. I used to laugh at a friend who thought the Backstreet Boys were heaven sent — and that friend was a guy. But recently, I’ve found myself tapping my foot to “Nobody.” Hell, now I’ve even downloaded it as my message alert tone. Aside from that deadly song (yes, there has been a reported casualty: one person killed because he sang that song), Lady Gaga’s songs have also found their way into my Ipod. God help me.

The list does not end here. Self-discovery goes on.

 

Back from vacation

To celebrate our third year wedding anniversary, the husband and I went on a short vacation. We spent four marvelous days in Bohol. It was our first time to see the scenic chocolate hills and the hypnotic eyes of a tarsier. It was during the countryside tour that the husband confessed that since he’d learned about chocolate hills in grade school, he longed to see it. At such a young mind, I wouldn’t be surprised if he thought he could take a bite out of it, seeing as how he loves chocolates.

We spent half a day at the Panglao Island Nature Resort and vowed we’d visit it again soon. The clear blue ocean and the white sand was exquisite. The husband and I were so enthralled by the beauty of the beach that we almost didn’t notice our skin baking in the sun. Sure, we ended up with our backs slightly sunburnt but it was a small price to pay for a wonderful experience.

On our trip back to Cebu, I couldn’t help but notice just how clear the waters were even at the pier. I had the strong urge to stop and take pictures but my SLR was already safely packed in my bag. Besides, I had a nagging feeling that the people lined up behind me would be mad if I were I held them up any longer than was needed. So, I just took out my trusty 2-megapixel cellphone cam instead and took this itty-bitty photo. Too bad I can’t enlarge this one, though.

In any case, that’s not the last Bohol has seen of me and the husband. I’m pretty sure we’ll be back there soon, seeing as how easy it was going there and getting around. Hopefully, the waters will stay clear, the sand untarnished and the people as warm as ever.

 

Pacquiao happens

In just the span of two rounds, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has effectively knocked out Ricky “Hitman” Hatton.  It was the third time he fell after experiencing Pacman’s punch. The first time Hitman met Pacman’s punch, you could see in his eyes he was already wondering why he was even fighting. By the second round, after receiving Manny’s left hook in his right jaw, with two arms raised, Hitman fell on his back, could not even open his eyes. By the time he was seated upright, he looked like he didn’t even know where he was or what hit him. That ought to shut him up and his coach.

Perhaps, having been humiliated so soon in the fight, Hitman has refused to be interviewed. Meanwhile, in his imperfect English, Pacquiao basked in the victorious glow while talking to Mario Lopez, who can’t help but drop that he had trained with Manny at the Wild Card Gym. What is it with winning that other people suddenly feel like they have something common with you?

Pacquiao is the only one I know to whose performance Hollywood stars (read: Mariah Carey, Mark Wahlberg, P. Diddy!) had come to watch. He’s the real superstar. Charisse Pempengco should learn something from him, not the least of which should be the humility.