Dilemma On Quaresma: The Modernized Pabasa

Posted on March 28, 2013 by heavenliner

Its Maundy Thursday today and the traditional Pabasa Ng Pasyon (Chanting of Christ’s Passion) literally kept me up all night. Not because I joined the bandwagon this year of chanting in monotonous tone the narratives of the life, passion, death and resurrection of Lord Jesus but because a community right beside the building where I live chose to chant the Pasyon in loud and proud manner utilizing a microphone with humongous sets of speakers.

I know Pabasa Ng Pasyon is considered to be a unique Filipino communal tradition which would run during the whole span of the Holy Week. But do devotees today really have to use a microphone to fulfill this religious meditation? What about those who opted to follow the tradition of shutting their mouth and ears to find peace and serenity during the observance of the Holy Week?

I am not saying that Pabasa should be stopped in all corners of the land what I am trying to point out is that this tradition should be kept and observed in the traditional manner, that is, speaker-less, microphone-less with merely raw, genuine and unprocessed chants.

In my personal opinion, using microphones and speakers in Pabasa denotes artless, insincere and contrived expression and profession of the Catholic faith. It no longer sounds the way I used to hear it – exotic, bizarre and mysterious. For me, using these modern technological equipments turns the “modernized” Pabasa into nothing but a thoughtless, vain and immodest show.

It’s the Holy Week no one should be playing or making loud music for Pete’s sake! I just hope the ear fatiguing sound from the nearby colony of human beings would stop while I write this post otherwise this week is turning out to be one unholy week.

Mataimtim na kwaresma para sa lahat…

Panlakad

Posted on February 20, 2013 by heavenliner

I don’t know what’s the English translation for the Tagalog word panlakad. Maybe there is no single English word for it. With my limited English know-how, the best translation I can give is that panlakad are social clothes and apparels worn for an occasion, an event or by simply being out of the house and in a public place.

sporting my nengkoy shirt. di ko pa napang simba yan!

Back in the days when table salts are not yet iodized, inhabitants in the Philippines would make sure that their newly sewn or purchased panlakad must first be worn to attend a Holy Sunday Mass. Although this rare custom and tradition has long been gone, I can still remember people’s line of questioning to folks they saw sporting new clothes. They would ask, “Pinang simba mo na ba ‘yan?” (“Have you worn those in a Mass?”) It’s as if wearing new clothes that has not initially been worn in a Sunday Mass celebration is such an abomination and is a wicked habit of the devil.

The socio-anthropologist in me dictates that this not-so-ancient unorthodox yet dissipated belief may be a progeny of Filipino’s robust Catholic faith that owning and wearing new clothing is a gift from heaven, thus, it would be most appropriate to first wear it inside the house of God. Or this belief has been generated from Filipino’s long running tradition that they should wear new clothes during Christmas Day and it is a must to go hear a Holy Mass during this Holy day.

I don’t know if I should be thankful or resentful that this tradition is no longer observed. Thankful because with the volume of clothes I own, I cannot imagine how many times in a year would I be required to attend the Holy Mass. Resentful because this tradition could have at least given me another reason to attend and hear the Holy Mass.

‘Yang suot mo ngayon, Pinang Simba Mo Na Ba Yan?

They Found Their King Richard III While Our Warrior Lapu-Lapu Is (Still Missing) Our Dinner

Posted on February 10, 2013 by heavenliner

The skeleton of a man who lived, reigned and died more than 500 years ago was found and just this week (after comprehensive research and study) has been confirmed to be the remains of Richard III, King of England and one of the last Plantagenet.

Finding the remains of King Richard III buried underneath a parking lot is extra-ordinarily mind-blowing yet true. His colorful life story and his remains are actually older than the recorded history of my country (Philippines).

I have read quite a number of things about Richard III in the past. He has been badly represented by history being crooked power-hungry hunched-back notorious killer. However, due to the unearthing of his remains historians of Great Britain has started to re-evaluate for a more accurate depiction on the life and personality of Richard III.

As for my country, the first recorded warrior-hero is Lapu-Lapu. He is believed to have lived a couple of decades after Richard III was killed. But unfortunately, biographical accounts and chronicles about Lapu-Lapu remain blurred, dazed and vague.

Like Richard III, I hope someone would surprise us and be able to unearth Lapu-Lapu’s remains. This seemingly impossible feat will certainly solidify the foundation and cultural substance of my countrymen. My country’s past and history before the Spanish colonization seem fallacious and illusory we inadvertently named a reddish grouper fish Lapu-Lapu.

lapu lapu in sweet & sour sauce

I guess no Filipino today will try to search for the remains of the great warrior because we already often see it deep-fried with sweet and sour sauce on our dining table.

Malay n’yo anak pala sa labas ni Haring Ritsard III si Lafu-Lafu…

Incorrigible Donald Trump Jr.

Posted on February 1, 2013 by heavenliner

“Hopeless Idiot” that is what I unconsciously uttered when I read in the news about the cruel tweet posted by the son of the estate mogul Donald Trump.

So for Mr. Trump Jr. the 277-million-dollar ship that can’t properly navigate is more important (that’s why it got lost and eventually stuck on the reef) than the Tubbataha. He doesn’t want the ship dismantled. It is so sad to know that this son of a magnate who would soon be one of the forerunners and major stirrer of a conglomerate has gone numb and insensible about nature.

I totally agree with FranceFluxing when she tweeted this.

Yeah, the Trump Organization run by Donald Trump and his family can develop hotels, resorts, golf courses and residential towers in various parts of the globe. But one thing is for sure their organization cannot construct a natural wonder like the wondrous Tubbataha Reef.

If Donald Trump Jr. and his supporters will try to challenge or get critical about this post then my middle finger is ready to rise…

Ignoramus…

Himig Handog Song Finalists: Review (Final Part)

Posted on January 29, 2013 by heavenliner

According to news Himig Handog finals night will be held on February 24, 2013 at SM Mall of Asia Arena. Also, all song finalists are now available in iTunes and Amazon while the album CD is now for sale in local record bars. Anyway and without further ado, here’s the last batch of songs I reviewed so as to conclude my pre-Lenten Season penitensya.

Sana’y Magbalik words and music by Arman Villarta Alferez sang by Jovit Baldovino. It’s a power ballad without much power. Baldovino’s pipes were very good but the lyrics and arrangement were simply corny. The song is too typical and too common. There’s nothing unique about it. It’s an archetypal kantang pang-ayuda in which anytime within the song an ago-go dancer will appear and start strutting his or her stuff. This for sure will be a big hit in dingy beerhouses of the land.

Scared To Death music and words by Domingo Rosco Jr. sang by KZ Tandingan. I personally don’t like the point of the song. It’s the song for the wimpy, the sissy and the wussy. For me this song is nothing but a bland pop song. I think KZ sings better when she performs live than in a recording.

Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa words and music by Jovinor Tan performed by Aiza Seguerra. It’s a slow, sleepy, melancholic and melodramatic song bordering to painful boredom. Nevertheless, Aiza’s hushed voice provides the song’s center of gravity. She undeniably knows how to breathe her syllables over a rhythm. Aiza sings with grace that makes it hard to keep your tears in their ducts. She’s good. But the message seems too gloomy. It feels downright lonely.

Tamang Panahon words, music and performed by Wynn Andrada. It’s fresh. It’s simple and it’s easy to the ear. The singer’s charming voice is perfect for the song’s message. What I like most is that he sounds so sincere. No drama no histrionics. It’s cool yet it’s warm in a compelling way. It’s light-hearted and reliably comforting. The song can be applicable for the young and the young at heart. This is the type of song that you wanted to be sung to you and also the song you want to sing to somebody you adore. I think the song is even adjustable since it can easily be converted into a duet.

For me, the finest track and this year’s Himig Handog WINNER is Tamang Panahon…

Tamang tama ang timpla ng kantang ‘to.

Himig Handog Song Finalists: Review (Part 2)

Posted on January 28, 2013 by heavenliner

Unlike the past year’s Himig Handog, there is no group or band performing this year. I wonder why. Anyway, here’s the second part of my review for this year’s song finalists:

Kahit Na words and music by Bojam De Belen and sang by Toni Gonzaga. The song’s beat and lyrics are age inappropriate for a 29-year old Toni Gonzaga. This song could have been fine if it was sung by a singer in her youth. It is in the same genre of Urong Sulong Ka sang by then 17 years old Regine Velasquez and Mambobola by Zsa Zsa Padilla when she was just 22. What was Toni thinking when she accepted this assignment?

If You Ever Change Your Mind words, music and vocals by Marion Aunor. It is an impressive song. This may be the dark horse among the roster of finalists. Marion (not Nora) Aunor’s vocal technique can be equated to that of the great Regina Spektor. Her voice has poignant soul that gives life to the soothing rhythm and spunk of the lyrics. Moreover, the song has international appeal since it is in the English language. This high caliber song has universal sentiment which can cross cultural borders. The song actually can be a potential international hit.

One Day words and music by Agatha Morallos and sang by Angeline Quinto. The song is simply forgettable. It’s a typical song of the sawi (disheartened). This is another case of including the song in the finals so as to boost the sales of the CD compilation because of the star power of the artist. Quinto sings great with Tagalog songs but for me she needs to train on proper diction and annunciation of English words. I can hardly comprehend the lyrics of the song she’s singing. Good thing the song was in lyric-video form when I saw and heard it on YouTube.

Hanggang Wakas words and music by Soc Villanueva and performed by Juris. Juris has sweet affecting voice but the lyrics seem old. “Pag-ibig ko’y wagas”, does this statement still being spoken by the people of today? This song must have been composed 20 years ago. Moreover, the lyrics of the song has specific notion and/or subject matter which may not be applicable to some listeners (I perceived it as a certain terminal disease or illness). For me the song is too sad and too tragic. In which, you would immediately turn off your radio and shy away from listening to it especially when your suffering from a terminal disease. It’s too dreadful, this song may fast-track your being tsugi (dead).

For this batch my personal pick would be If You Ever Change Your Mind…

Yan ang perst raner ap! Abangan ang Part 3 at ang winner para sa ‘kin…

Himig Handog Song Finalists: Review (Part 1)

Posted on January 27, 2013 by heavenliner

I already accomplished my pre-Lent Season penitensya (penance & self-sacrifice). I achieved it by successfully listening to the roster of songs announced as finalists in this year’s Himig Handog, the Philippines’ biggest and premiere songwriting competition. I was able to carry it out because all songs in its lyric-video form were posted on YouTube by Star Records Inc. Here’s my review for the first 4 songs I listened to.

This Song Is For You music and lyrics by Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc performed by Erik Santos. The rendition is the usual Erik Santos in histrionic mode. After listening to this more-than-four-minute song, I wonder what succeeding song Erik would sing. This tune I thought is merely an introduction for a supposed good song. Because usually, singers when they are introduced to sing a great song they would initially tell the audience, “This song is for you” then proceeds with his/her singing. Whatever that song is, listeners will forever wonder. It’s actually some kind of an idiotic composition.

Alaala words and music by Fe Mechenette Tianga, Melvin Huervana and Joel Jabat Jr. performed by Yeng Constantino. Prolific songwriter herself, Constantino’s past songs which she herself wrote, composed and sang were way better than this one. It’s too dry and too ordinary making it so forgettable.

Pwede Bang Ako Na Lang Ulit words and music by Jeffrey Cifra sang by Bugoy Drilon. Overall, the song was actually good. It’s an okay of a song. I can listen to it for a couple of times in a day but the rendition seems to lack the required sincerity. The singer’s rendition was fine but he seems to be deficient in sending the correct affection of the song.

Nasa Iyo Na Lahat words and music by Jungee Marcelo and sang by Daniel Padilla. It sounds like a low-class and artificial impersonation of Jason Mraz. The score is amateur-ish and the lyrics are dizzyingly redundant. There’s nothing great about the song. It’s actually diabolical. I suspect that this composition was included not because of the song but because of the artist. Daniel being a popular celebrity today can be a great sales booster of the CD compilation. Besides, one explicit measure for this year’s Himig Handog to be considered successful is if it reaches the multi-platinum status.

For this batch my personal pick would be Pwede Bang Ako Na Lang Ulit…

Yan ang sekond raner-ap! Abangan ang Part 2.

Harrison Plaza

Posted on January 27, 2013 by heavenliner

The Philippines boasts of its humongous shopping malls. Two of the biggest in the world can actually be found here (SM North Edsa and SM Mall of Asia). But there’s one mall I grew up going to. It’s Harrison Plaza. Growing up, this has been my family’s mall of choice during the 70s and 80s because of its accessibility since it is simply just at the borders of Pasay and Manila cities.

I am writing about this mall because I happen to bumped into a photo of how glorious Harrison Plaza was in the 70’s…

harrison plaza during the ’70s

This one-stop retail center is the first shopping mall in the country. It opened in 1976 and up until now is very much operational. Though it obviously needs some serious refurbishing to bring back its glory, Harrison Plaza is actually even older than the world’s worst airport NAIA Terminal 1 by 6 years.

harrison plaza today

Obviously, time has changed. It is no longer the mall of choice by the Filipinos. But going to Harrison Plaza does not entail and pressure a person to primp and gussy up (like when you would go to Rockwell, Greenbelt or Resorts World). You can simply go sporting your casual house clothes.

It is no longer the mall of the well-heeled and A-listers. Yet being so near to one of the Ivy-League-like universities of the land (De La Salle University), Harrison Plaza for sure has been visited at least once by these privileged souls. I suppose this is one place every Green Archer can’t inevitably get rid of during his fun yet busy college life – may it be a simple need for a cellphone fix, a school requirement purchase, a cheap lunch or a societal immersion to a lower to middle class bracket of the population.

Now that I am living 3 minutes away from Harrison Plaza, this mall has been my most convenient place in resolving my addiction to rash and unnecessary purchasing binges otherwise known as “shopping”.

Bakit walang estatwa o rebulto si Francis Burton Harrison sa mol na ‘to?

Kris Aquino Inspired My Breakfast

Posted on January 12, 2013 by heavenliner

Turning on my old bulky TV after rising from my bed each morning is one proof that I am a creature of habit. I do my usual morning rituals to get ready for work with the hosts of all the local TV networks’ morning shows.

But yesterday morning, I got stuck watching TV when Kris Aquino host of “Kris TV” guest-ed a chef who cooked Arroz Caldo. With Kris’ usual sosyal antics and the chef’s preparation of a somewhat high-end variety of Arroz Caldo – imagine a congee topped with crispy tofu, toasted long-jawed anchovies, slices of hard-boiled egg, crispy garlic, sesame seed oil and squeezed with lemon – I was drooling on my way to my office.

When my office mate asked if I already had breakfast, the words I uttered was “I want lugaw”. I ordered take-out delivery from the nearby Café Adriatico in Malate, and this is what I had…

i was half way through with this lugaw, but i had to take a photo for it was sooo good. btw, mine had quail eggs, freshly chopped leeks, caramelized onions, toasted garlic, calamansi with big chunks of chicken meat, YUMMY!

I may forever wonder how Kris TV’s ornate Arroz Caldo could have tasted but one thing is for sure Café Adriatico’s Arroz Caldo is so good I could cry.

Para syang manok na may lugaw, di na lugaw na may manok!

Rizal’s Mona Lisa Smile

Posted on December 30, 2012 by heavenliner

Today is Rizal Day. Let me then post my personal favorite among the numerous photos of the ultimate Pinoy henyo and hero, Jose Rizal.

This is one unusual photo of Rizal which bears his Mona Lisa smile. It is unlike the usual photo of Rizal which is mostly serious, tensed, unsmiling and oftentimes nondescript. In this photo he looks happy and seems to have done something naughty. I specially adore the hoity-toity vibe on his pretty face in this photo. He looks cool and definitely hip!

what’s on his mind…?

Another remarkable about this photo is that you can actually generate and formulate various thoughts and ideas (similar to the Mona Lisa) on what is on his mind while the shot is being carried out. It’s a simple yet mysterious smile that can conceive millions of interpretations.

Ampogi ng lolo mo!

Nengkoy

ruminations & travesties of the favorite yet naughty son of Nengkoy

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