Immortal

Today, I woke up to a very sad news: Michael Jackson, The King Of Pop, died. I know the whole world is now very shocked and grieved with his sudden demise. Michael Jackson is a person that words may fail to describe. He is an icon, a superstar, a person whose following and appeal transcended the boundaries of race, gender, age, music preference and many more. He is the superstar. His music is liked by almost everyone, even people who are not fans of pop, love, or at least found something to like in his songs. Rock fans think he and his songs rock, even though the genre is different. Classical musicians and listeners acknowledge his genius and listen to his songs. People who aren't even born before his peak love him, adore and idolize him. His influence is indescribable, incredible, frenzied, unlike any other.

Whenever Michael makes an appearance, the crowd is sure to get wild. There is that something in him; whether its an appeal, a powerful charisma, an aura, no one can exactly grasp. People are just drawn to him. He's had so many ups and so many downs but through it all, his following never wavered. I pray that wherever he is now, he find true happiness in our Creator. In Him, he will always be that kid he longs people like us to see and understand.

I grew up listening and loving Michael Jackson's music. My family loves him and his music, just the way he is. One of my fondest memories is listening to The Jackson 5 Christmas Album. I love their rendition of those songs. Christmas for me is not complete without hearing their album. Through the years, and through the many playing, I have even memorized the order of the songs from the album.

I don't think I can go on any longer with today's blog entry. No words can describe what Michael Jackson is.

I have heard from the news that one of his wishes is to become immortal through his music. He is already.

A fan commented on the CNN post and I find no other ways to express it better:
Dead or alive, he still will be and will always be: The King!

Happy Birthday Dr. Jose Rizal!

Today our Filipino nation celebrates the birthday of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. If he were alive today, he would be 148 years old! Dr. Jose Rizal was born at the province of Calamba, Laguna. He died for his revolutionary and nationalistic ideas. His death was the ultimate straw for sparking a much unified revolution of our nation under the hands of the Spaniards. Dr. Rizal is an extraordinary hero. During those times when many brave Filipinos wanted to engage in a bloody revolution, he was the man of patience, logic and reason. He cautioned the revolutionary heroes from engaging in a bloody war, not because he did not share their hopes for the nation, but because he is realistic and wise enough to note that our people do not have the necessary resources like money and firearms to succeed. He never wanted them to lose their lives in a battle where they would be obviously overpowered, without a chance of succeeding. He urged them to bid their time; to wait and plan for the right time.

Dr. Jose Rizal's war was of a different kind. Through his novels and stories, he reawakened the nationalistic spirit of the Filipino nation. He exposed the people to the cruelties of it's Spanish oppressors: the corruption of the government and the church, the outright discrimination of Filipinos in their own country and many other injustices. His 2 masterpieces: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo was a brave testament of the sufferings of the Filipinos. Back then, the possession and distribution of any material which exposes the suffering plight of the Filipinos from it's conquerors were strictly prohibited. The possession of those kinds of materials, which may turn the Filipinos from their conquerors are considered grounds for execution. It was to be considered a suicidal act for Dr. Jose Rizal to write and publish his 2 masterpieces and many other works. However, our national hero was prepared to face death in his mission to serve as the Filipinos' voice of truth. For his love of country, he was sentenced to death on December 30, 1896 through a firing squad. He died at a young age of 35.

Dr. Jose Rizal is not only a man of revolution but a true genius. It would be really hard for me to enumerate his achievements so instead I am posting these extracted passages:

Rizal's multifacetedness was described by his German friend, Dr. Adolf Meyer, as "stupendous." Documented studies show him to be a polymath with the ability to master various skills and subjects. He was an ophthalmologist, sculptor, painter, educator, farmer, historian, playwright and journalist. Besides poetry and creative writing, he dabbled, with varying degrees of expertise, in architecture, cartography, economics, ethnology, anthropology, sociology, dramatics, martial arts, fencing and pistol shooting. He was also a Freemason, joining Acacia Lodge No. 9 during his time in Spain, he became a Master Mason in 1884.- Wikipedia

Having traveled extensively in Europe, America and Asia, he mastered 22 languages. These include Arabic, Catalan, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Malayan, Portuguese, Russian, Sanskrit, Spanish, Tagalog, and other native dialects. A versatile genius, he was an architect, artists, businessman, cartoonist, educator, economist, ethnologist, scientific farmer, historian, inventor, journalist, linguist, musician, mythologist, nationalist, naturalist, novelist, opthalmic surgeon, poet, propagandist, psychologist, scientist, sculptor, sociologist, and theologian.- joserizal.ph

I remember that as a kid at school, me and my classmates used to have a really hard time in memorizing the languages Dr. Rizal mastered. Aside from his long name, José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, we were also asked to memorize his many achievements, professions and even the many countries where he traveled and resided, all of which gave me and my schoolmates a really hard time.

I am proud and happy that our country has a national hero like Dr. Jose Rizal. He and our other heroes gave their lives for our freedom. I hope that all of my fellow Filipinos around the world continue to give them the honor they forever deserve.

To Dr. Jose Rizal, we pray for you, and we thank you with our hearts! You are truly the Pride of the Malay Race! Mabuhay Ka!

"He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination."
(in Tagalog: "Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinangalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.")- Jose Rizal

"He who does not love his own language is worse than an animal and a smelly fish."
(in Tagalog: "Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop at malansang isda.")- Jose Rizal

"I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native land. You who have it to see, welcome it -- and forget not those who have fallen during the night!"
-- José Rizal, Noli Me Tangere (translated by Charles Derbyshire as The Social Cancer)

Mabuhay ka Dr. Jose Rizal! Mabuhay Pilipinas!

In Want Of Sherlock Holmes

Our world is filled with cries of injustice and we are in so much need of someone who can hold high the torch of equal justice. I do wish that Sherlock Holmes is here and of course, Watson. I love reading his stories and I do symphatize with Watson for suffering over Holmes's usual scathing wit. Be that as it may, Holmes is a genius and he is someone who cannot be swayed from his values, as too many people are these days. The world would be a much better place if Sherlock Holmes was here. I bet if Holmes were alive today, he would also be a computer genius, aside from being an active crime specialist.

Speaking of the world's most celebrated fictional detective, it has been announced that a new movie about him starring Robert Downey Jr. is due on December in the US. Jude Law will be playing Watson. Now, that is exciting! I am sure more than a few critical brows will be raised but at least Holmes's fans, including me, will be happy to see him personified once more.

I must admit that Robert Downey Jr. did not match Holmes's physical description. I have also seen the movie trailer and I am surprised that some of the scenes were quite comic and they depicted Holmes having a romantic connection of some sort to Irene Adler, played by Rachel McAdams. Of course, I would have preferred that they stick to the original character portraits, but it is interesting to explore other options for their personality. I can just hope that they retain much of what is original. As it is premature to pass judgement, I suffice to say that I am looking forward to the movie. It has been a long time since Sherlock Holmes had a successful adaptation. I also don't think it is wise to judge the success of this new movie by comparing it to the Basil Rathbone or Jeremy Brett adaptations.

I am sure this new movie will bring interest even to non-readers of Sherlock Holmes. Surely, more people would want to read his stories. I thank Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for Holmes and the faithful Watson, who has recounted much of Holmes's exploits. See you all in the movies!

Congratulations Roger Federer!

Hello! So Federer won Roland Garros! He now has 14 grand slams like Pete Sampras!

Congratulations! I am writing this just minutes after the match ended.

Great game...Soderling may have been beaten in straight sets but not just by any other player...

Congratulations! We all know you deserve this! =o)

There Will Never Be Another...Elmer Bernstein!

Hello! Today, my thoughts turned to the great composer Elmer Bernstein.He is an unbelievable musical genius. His works are timeless and he will always be one of my most favorite creatures who ever lived. I adore his music and I want more people to discover him.

I know Elmer Bernstein for his excellent movie soundtracks. His music takes us to the heart and soul of the film. He has this rare quality; he doesnt override or overpower the scenes, his music just weaves throughout the movie. I don't know, but great composers have this power to appeal to everyone's emotions...quite a deep statement.

My top 3 Movie OSTs composed by Elmer Bernstein are:
1. To Kill A Mockingbird
2. The Ten Commandments (Cecille de Mille version)
3.The Magnificent Seven

There are so many others that he composed. Scroll to the bottom page...I added some great compilations of his music which I found on Youtube. Many thanks to the people who uploaded those!

BTW..about the Roland Garros, the final is almost here.
I must confess the shock I felt when Rafael Nadal was ousted by Robin Soderling on the 4th round, but hey, its a sport and everyone always has a fair chance of winning and of course, losing.

Also, I am impressed by Juan Martin Del Potro. I didn't get to watch his semi-final clash with Federer but it was a five set match. Last time I watched him fight Federer, he lost in straight sets; now he made him risk his chance at a final! I do believe Del Potro has got what it takes to be number one someday. He's improving a lot and he is now able to challenge the top players.

Now its between Federer and the surprising, but deserving Soderling.
If its Federer, he'll tie up with Sampras' record..
If its Soderling, he'll make a great proof that tournaments aren't always dominated by the people at the topmost rank.

At the women's side, its between Safina and Kuznetsova.
I am guessing its Safina..its her time now...she must not let this pass.

Bye for now and enjoy the music!

I Love Birthdays!!

Hello! Tomorrow my Grandma Kulay is celebrating her birthday!!! Don't we all love birthdays? Its a day of remembering how lucky and blessed one is just to be alive. Yup, many times life seems less than stellar perfect but c'est la vie!!! Before anyone of us can complain, I suggest we all look at the lives of the people around us. Yesterday, Vincent, one of the 'kid-regulars' (or so, I'd like to call them) dropped by our house to yet again ask for plastic bottles. He sells those bottles and whatever other things he could gather to a nearby junkshop. One time, I asked him how much he earns, he replied saying it all depends on his collection. If he is lucky enough, he'll manage to earn about 2o Pesos ( a very meager sum). He also told me that he uses the money for his school allowance.

I sometimes get sad just thinking of this children and how hard they have to work for their needs. I mean, their just kids! They are supposed to be living carefree and happy lives. They should be provided for, but due to poverty, they have to fend for their own. I'm not saying that parents aren't doing their jobs, it's just that things are very hard for some of us. It's not for any of us to judge how much of an effort a parent puts through, I do understand that sometimes, poverty leaves many of us with no other choice.

Many times, I tend to diregard or take for granted the things that I have, like education, school allowance, clothes and food. I sometimes feel that those things come on quite automatically. However, I do need to open my eyes! Life is not as easy for so many! So many people have nothing! I may feel discontented and wish for much success and luxury while other people want nothing more than food to eat! Millions of people do not even have the necessary stuff. What little money they have goes for food that everything else are no longer a priority. If they don't even have money for food, how else can they provide themselves with education, or join other activities like sports, or especially, look after their own health.

Whew, how did my writing ever got that far? Hahaha..I guess I believe its just that we should not forget other people even when we are celebrating. We should always pray for them and help them anyway we can. I myself, need to do just that.

Here's a quote from Billy Mills:
"Your life is a gift from the Creator. Your gift back to the Creator is what you do with your life."

Happy Birthday celebrants!!! Smile and be happy, just be happy!!! Don't take life too seriously!!!

Advance happy bday to my cousin Gelo, he's clebrating his bday on Independence day, June 12!!!