Namaste, 2015

In my quest to regain peace of mind, inner strength, fitness, and balance in life, I started the new year with a new hobby. Literally on the first day of 2015 I rolled out my yoga mat—one of the best Christmas gifts I've ever received—googled basic/beginner stretches, and began my journey as a yogi (dare I call myself one this early).

That day I finally understood what it meant to "find exercise that works for you" because not only did I feel good after the session but I found myself actually looking forward to the next. Although a full work schedule has not made it easy to practice regularly, I try to squeeze some basic stretches and poses in whenever possible, with youtube as instructor. (We'll get to joining a class later.)

Finding fellow practitioners among friends and family who I can talk to is encouraging, too. I discovered Yoga with Adriene through a friend. It's a great youtube channel for beginners like me to follow. She has over a hundred videos for pretty much whatever one needs yoga for—weight loss, headaches, stress relief, insomnia, etc—all properly labeled and simple enough to understand. Plus her energy rubs off on you.

Today I decided to take advantage of the 5-day weekend in Manila take my yoga practice up a notch. By a happy accident, I had also just discovered Adriene's 2015 30-day Yoga Challenge so I went with that. Day 1 is called Ease Into It, but it was a lot more difficult than all the basic stuff I've been doing so far. Today I actually put my muscles to work. I planked, did some shape shifting, core poses, and found myself actually shaking and sweating. Nonetheless, I still ended the session feeling light, satisfied, and peaceful. Excited to move forward in this practice and write about it along the way.

To write more, you see, is another goal I have set for myself this year. I trust it will help me in abovementioned quest. But more importantly, I trust that practice makes perfect.

See y'all soon!

Thank You, 2013

New Years always excite me: so many opportunities and possibilities open up, the promise of new experiences and adventures to come, and people to meet - nothing quite like it.

Looking back now, I find that 2013 overall was a good year. It was one of general contentment in and enjoying the present. Had loads of fun. Personally, I feel that it was a real coming-of-age period for me, too, in that I was able to take time to learn and understand things, and grow in the process. I look forward to continuing this in the year ahead. My dreams and goals remain the same, though, and so I hope that 2014 is also much more eventful. Can't wait to start making things happen.

I must also say this past year was particularly fun to look back to. It was so colorful... and musical! Below, some of the best moments of my year (I never want to forget):

Turning 22
Best birthday celebration yet. Totally made up for my not-so-eventful 21st. On our drunken drive home that evening, with Snow Patrol's Crack the Shutters playing in the background, my brother and his girlfriend Trish said 22 would be "the best year of your life." I think there is some truth to that.. it definitely has not been boring. So far so good!

The Script #3 World Tour Manila | March 31, 2013
My favorite band in the world came back to Manila this year and there was no way I was going to miss their show. Nearly threw a fit when rumors of tickets selling out 2 weeks since they were released spread. Got side seats, but hey they were still in the Patron section. Next time I promise I'll be quick enough for front row :)

The concert fell on Easter Sunday evening, and was the perfect end to a much needed break. Almost cried when they came out on stage and screamed "Manilaaa" to the intro of Good Ol' Days, their opening song.

The night before the show, I ran off to EDSA Shangri-La in the hopes of scoring a photo op upon their arrival. Sadly, I was unsuccessful. I did see their bassist Ben Sargeant, but he ordered a beer and clearly was trying to relax so I decided not to bother him anymore. Haha.

It was such a good show The Script played an encore after the encore for the first time ever!

Wanderland Music Festival | May 18, 2013
The day my flower-child dreams came true. My first music festival experience was made all the more special by great company. Plus, Temper Trap closed the show with a great, larger than life live version of Sweet Disposition. SWEET!

The Killers Live in Manila | September 26, 2013
This show blew my mind. Since their last show here was postponed, I think everyone was just really happy and excited to be there, when it was finally happening. The Killers opened with the electric Mr. Brightside. From the get go I think everyone knew it was going to be a good show.

The show fell on a Thursday, which happens to be my favorite day of the week. Spent most of it in meetings outside the office, and had only 1 meal for the whole day. Then met Marielle at the MRT Ayala Station and squeezed our way in and out of the trains on our way to Araneta Center, and stood for another 3-4 hours during the show. But we didn't mind. Not at all. Loved this Thursday! I was hungover for months.

Tegan And Sara Live in Manila | November 25, 2013
I'm still intensely hungover from this show. It was my good friend Via who introduced me to Tegan And Sara in High School. I liked some of their songs back then, but it was their 2012 album Heartthrob that got me hooked. And so I was so in the moment their Manila show was announced. Totally did not know what to expect come concert day, but was not disappointed - it was definitely money well spent.

Went with Marielle and Berna. Out of all my friends, Berna and Via are the biggest T+S fans I know (I'd always say "The Script to Nikki is Tegan And Sara to Berna/Via"). I just became the 3rd biggest fan. I am a total "Quinner" (see: their surname is Quin), too, now! Haha. Came out of that show a bigger fan. Am currently discovering the rest of their discography (which I had acquired back in High School).

I am still intensely hungover from this show - can't stress that enough. I bought a shirt on the night of the show itself, and bought another 2 online soon after. And I can see myself supporting this duo for more years to come :)

The great many opportunities to work on amazingly inspired, unique projects and build relationships with amazingly creative and passionate people. Genuinely picked up a lot this year from the different people I have met and worked with. Sometimes, it also helps to fail, because, as I have been told "the more we fail, the faster we learn" also "difficult situations build character." Have personally found these to be very true :)

Wishing the same and more for 2014!

30 Day Song Challenge @ 22

Trying this 30 Day Song Challenge out again. The music we listen to says a lot about ourselves and our feelings and thoughts at any given point in time. And a lot can happen in a year or two. Fittingly, I'm starting this challenge the day after I turned 22 to sort of gauge just how much (or little) I and my life perspective/s have changed in the last 2 or 3 years.

I was 20 the first and last time I tried this challenge out, and had just seen my favorite band live for the first time. I started it during what I like to call my summer of love, just about a month before my final semester in college started. I was an idealistic girl preparing for graduation and "the real world" then. Not that I'm not that idealistic girl anymore, nor do I know my way around the real world now. But as I said, a lot can happen in a year or two. Since that time, soon as I was released from the still relatively sheltered institution that is college (sheltered = bells to remind you of schedule, guide questions, free cuts) and got my feet wet in the working world, I believe I've developed new perspectives/ideas about the world and life in general. 

And now I'm 22--it just strikes me as such a grown up age (compared to 20 and 21), like the start of "real adulthood" and the past 2 years were just practice. Haha. Anyway, I also tend to think-slash-reflect a lot. Obviously. It comes naturally, and anyone who knows me well understands this. So now seems like a good time to try this out again. I usually make playlists for my birthdays, and/or pretty much any event or day I feel like. But this time I'll do this instead. It's also a personal effort to kick-off the year and make the first 30 days of my 22nd year a little more interesting. Because I also want this to be an interesting, eventful year. Lastly, I'm interested to see how my music preferences have changed (or not) since college.  

This challenge requires one song to be posted everyday for 30 days. Each day, one song that makes you feel a certain way. Pretty exciting to see what I'll come up with.

xxx

15-June | DAY 1: Your Favorite Song | Glowing - The Script

Starting this with something from a band no one would question I picked. Haha. If there's one thing I'm sure hasn't changed since the last time I did this, it's my love for The Script.

Glowing has such a good energy, a nice steady build up, and a simple message expressed in a profound way. Classic The Script. Also, who wouldn't fall in love with Danny's lyrics and passionate vocals on this track.

xxx

16-June | DAY 2: Your Least Favorite Song | Glad You Came - The Wanted

This is a tough one. I just don't listen to songs that I don't particularly like, but I guess I'll have to go with Glad You Came by the Wanted. Just not my cup of tea.

xxx

17-June | DAY 3: A Song that Makes You Happy | 22 - Taylor Swift

Yes. Now, especially. Happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time.

xxx

18-June | DAY 4: A Song that Makes You Sad | Fix You - Coldplay

The good kind of sad. I listen to this when I (feel I) need a good cry.

xxx

19-June | DAY 5: A Song that Reminds You of Someone | In My Life - The Beatles

Because out of all these friends and lovers, no one compares with Dad.

xxx

20-June | DAY 6: A Song that Reminds You of Somewhere | Every Teardrop is a Waterfall - Coldplay

We played this first on 99.5 RT! Farmer pride!!!!!

xxx

21-June | DAY 7: A Song that Reminds You of an Event | The Age of Worry - John Mayer

The day I got my four-leaf clover (and those leading to it), John Mayer was on repeat.

xxx

22-June | DAY 8: A Song that You Know All the Words To | We Cry - The Script

I'm proud about this. I can rap this like a boss! Haha.

xxx

23-June | DAY 9: A Song that You Can Dance To | Call Your Girlfriend - Robyn 

xxx

24-June | DAY 10: A Song that Makes You Fall Asleep | Dawn - Pride & Prejudice (2005) OST

Here's the signature/first track from my favorite movie's soundtrack. I love falling asleep to this.

xxx

25-June | DAY 11: A Song from Your Favorite Band | Crack the Shutters - Snow Patrol

Tough one. I have too many favorites... The Script tops it all, I believe. But one other band I love just as much would have to be Snow Patrol. And this particular song is just so smooth.. like Tequila on that drunken night on my birthday weekend. Hehe

xxx

26-June | DAY 12: A Song from a Band You Hate | Lil' Wayne 

I don't hate the band/artist.. just that I don't appreciate his lyrics and mega manipulated music. Haha.

xxx

27-June | DAY 13: A Song that is a Guilty Pleasure | Touch My Hand - David Archuleta

xxx

28-June | DAY 14: A Song that No One Would Expect You to Love | God Save the Queen - Sex Pistols

Still this. Because I think most people perceive me as really prim and proper, like I wouldn't listen to punk. Well... surprise!!!

xxx

29-June | DAY 15: A Song that Describes You | People are People - D'Sound

xxx

30-June | DAY 16: A Song that You Used to Love But Now Hate |  Poker Face - Lady Gaga

Tough one. Can't think of any song I've only recently grown to hate.. so I'll stick with this. For the same reason--she's just become too weird for my liking. Used to like her (circa The Fame).

xxx

1-July | DAY 17: A Song that You Hear Often on the Radio | Clarity - Zedd

Signs of the times.

xxx

2-July | DAY 18: A Song that You Wish You Heard on the Radio | Send It Up - Vertical Horizon

Only so I can get excited, and sing out loud while I (or a friend) drives...

xxx

3-July | DAY 19: A Song from Your Favorite Album | The A Team - Ed Sheeran

xxx

4-July | DAY 20: A Song that You Listen to When You're Angry | Your Biggest Mistake - Ellie Goulding

Lately, most especially..

xxx

5-July | DAY 21: A Song that You Listen to When You're Happy | Drove Me Wild - Tegan and Sara

xxx

6-July | DAY 22: A Song that You Listen to When You're Sad | Re: Stacks - Bon Iver

xxx

7-July | DAY 23: A Song that You Want to Play at Your Wedding | Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran

xxx

8-July | DAY 24: A Song that You Want to Play at Your Funeral | I Miss You - Aaliyah

This song is pretty sweet.

xxx

9-July | DAY 25: A Song that Makes You Laugh | Boom Boom Pow - The Black Eyed Peas

But only because it reminds me of a friend... who loves to sing it. And she does so... beautifully! Haha.

xxx

10-July | DAY 26: A Song that You Can Play on an Instrument | Fallin - (there are so many versions of this song, someone please tell me who sang the original version)

One of the few I know and can play on the piano by heart.

xxx

11-July | DAY 27: A Song that You Wish You Could Play | Before the Worst - The Script

This is probably really easy to learn but I know nothing haha. Listen to that intro!

xxx

12-July | DAY 28: A Song that Makes You Feel Guilty | Free Fallin - John Mayer

I don't know why, there's just something about this song.. 

xxx

13-July | DAY 29: A Song from your Childhood | The Beat Goes On - Britney Spears 

xxx

14-July | DAY 30: Your Favorite Song at This Time Last Year | Open Your Eyes - Snow Patrol

Six Degrees

While I would love to tell everyone about the wonderful events that transpired last March 31st, and the days leading to it, I do not think my words would give it justice. Frankly, I don't even know where to begin. Let's just put it this way: The Script were brilliant - passionate and charming as always; the night was perfect - one is never enough; and we felt infinite. I wish every day were March 31st.

You know how Chiropractors put your health back in order by a simple re-alignment of the spine? This show was like that - only it was chiropractic for my soul.

The days and weeks after the show, I found, brought about a kind of "process" and epiphany for me. Put me back on the right frequency/wavelength, if you know what I mean. It put me back in the right mindset, and brought back the inspiration and the urge to do all that I've always wanted to. In Six Degrees or steps.

FIRST
For a while after the show, I could not listen to The Script alone (and through my earphones) because I would get so overwhelmed with emotion it felt like I would burst. For one I was euphoric after having seen some of my favourite people live again, and after having just experienced one of the best nights of my life. But at the same time I felt heartbroken over the thought that it was done, the source of so much joy and excitement over the past few months had finally passed.

SECOND

Come the first few days of April, still not able to listen to them alone without feeling like I was going to crack, I'd play them loud through my speakers instead. With them in the background I felt the urge to be productive so I started cleaning my room, and clearing my mind and finding a fresh perspective on things while at it. 

THIRD

With the fresh perspective came the realization that I've always known what I wanted to do with my life and that it was not impossible to achieve. I decided I was going to chase after it again, starting by opening myself to options I hadn't considered before.   

FOURTH 

I chose to believe again that my prayers were being answered and the Universe was leading me towards my dreams. I was in the right place at the right time, and anything happening at the moment was not there to confuse or trouble me but was actually presenting so many possibilities. 

FIFTH

A need to be more patient presents itself. Nonetheless, it's also another prayer answered. Things don't always go as we imagine, but they happen and, in this case, are happening right. 

SIXTH

Things are looking bright again. I'm not as anxious as I had been the last couple of months or so. In fact, I'm more excited about the future again. It's still a struggle to be patient sometimes, but I think about how I felt on March 31st and the few weeks right after that, and I feel better.

Yes, I got all that from one band, one show. Such is their effect on me. Seriously, it's like magic. Or again, just chiropractic for my soul. :)

Wishing yours some of it, too!

N

Appreciation Post: The Script of My Life

There is nothing in this world like seeing your favorite band live. And the anticipation and hype that comes before it is just incredibly overwhelming - in a good way. The prospect of seeing The Script live again has had me on the edge of my seat since the announcement of their 2nd Manila show was made last November. Ever since then, it's all I've ever thought and talked about. 

No, actually, The Script is all I ever think and talk about at any given point in my music-driven young adult life. Haha. I may say I have never gotten over seeing them live for the first time on April 16, 2011. That fateful day, still vivid in my mind. I had been waiting for them to come back since. Their songs are constantly on loop on my iPod. In fact, they're probably the only band I've ever really listened to in the last 2 years. I mean, I put other stuff on every now and then, but after a while I'd always go back to them.

Two photos from April 16, 2011.
Top: With Pre. "Pic was a blur but the show was unreal"
Bottom: Clearly I was happy. Haha 

Many a time I have put their Aviva DVD on to help myself / lift my spirits after particularly difficult days. They're my happy place. And many a time I have daydreamed about the day I finally meet them - and how and what I would do when I do! It's all too easy to think I would just blush and not be able to speak at all! Nonetheless, I'm excited for that. There's a strong feeling in my gut that it's destined to happen :)   

With this in mind, I joined Manila Concert Scene's Meet and Greet The Script promo. The mechanics were pretty simple: post a photo of yourself with The Script merch or anything inspired by the band, and in a couple of paragraphs explain why you deserve to win it, and in a 3rd share your favorite song of theirs and why. For days I "strategized" and thought about my concept until I arrived at what I thought was the perfect angle. As soon as I started writing, I decided to keep the entry short and simple. Concise. Witty. Easy to read, but strong. Shakespeare did say "Brevity is the soul of wit." 

My entry. The gist: receiving this postcard with
their autographs (real; there are ink blots to prove it)
gave me the sense that my dreams weren't so far-fetched.
I already got their autographs, albeit indirectly, surely
next up is to meet them. 

But this apparently was not the time to be brief and witty. I did not win. Those who did had longer entries (and great concepts for photos!). Great to think these guys' dreams are coming true! But I will be honest and say it's a little heartbreaking, moreso because I know I could have written so much more (one of the entries was exactly how I felt and what I thought, too). Now all these thoughts are coming to me. Nevertheless, I am seeing The Script live on Sunday the 31st and I am PSYCHED!

Everything's just so timely. While it is every day that I play their music - to wake up, get pumped for the day, and then to wind down in the evening - and it is very often that I watch their videos to lift my spirits, their part in helping me through difficult times was ultimately proven in October. That was when #3 came out, and a few weeks later my dad passed away. Needless to say, the album, particularly If You Could See Me Now as a single, could not have come at a better time. The track was like balm to my wounds. 

And now I'm spending the first long weekend and actual break I've had in a while in anticipation of their show - in 3 days! This is the first time in a long long time I'm actually feeling relaxed and myself again.  

Drama and cheese aside, I can't help but feel this band is heaven-sent.