So, what's your desert island album?

There's this old situational question - if you would be stranded in a desert island with no other access to music, which album/s (limited number - let's say five or ten) would you bring with you? The idea is that you could only listen to these album/s while being stuck wherever that island is.

Before I choose the albums from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Radiohead, Florence + the machine, Norah Jones, The Moldy Peaches, Belle and Sebastian, Damien Rice, The Velvet Underground among others, an album will stand out and will surely be part of the list. It is a personal choice and I wouldn't say that that album is the greatest of all. That album will be Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill. And if greatest hits albums could be chosen, I would be good with her The Collection album. I believe I would also thoroughly enjoy my husband's chosen desert island albums.

Jagged Little Pill

Jagged Little Pill was Alanis Morissette's first album released worldwide in 1995. My earliest memory of discovering her music was chancing upon her song Ironic on the radio and later seeing its music video. As a child, I found the song catchy and I would make up words while singing along to the chorus when I heard it on the radio (because it was frequently played if I remember it right and I didn't know the lyrics at that time). Fast forward to many years after that when I finally got to listen to all the songs in the Jagged Little Pill album, I fell in love with it. It's one of those albums where all the songs are great (all killer, no filler - in my opinion) - unlike some albums where you'll probably just like two or three songs. There are songs in the album apt for different emotions that you may feel - joy, hate, frustration, resentment, or hope.

Nueve

Happy 9th anniversary, Michael! I love you. ♡

Al-Janadriyah Festival Experience

"Takusa?" a Saudi man carefully holding a cup of tea whispered to my husband while we were looking at displays in a booth in Al-Janadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival. I thought we misheard what he said but then he spoke further upon seeing our confused faces, "Takusa - takot sa asawa." (Takusa is a Tagalog slang, meaning someone who is afraid of his wife.) We burst out in laughter and the rest of the night had been relaxed and fun. I couldn't imagine how the locals learn that much of the Filipino language.

It was a Thursday night when we went to the 31st Al-Janadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival. There was a heavy traffic going to the venue and fortunately, it did not rain that night. The parking spaces were almost full but we chanced a spot near one of the gates of the festival. We lined up to enter the gate and the security was pretty tight. Entrance was free and there was so much to see inside.

We actually didn't know where to start - the first thing we saw was the sea of people walking in different directions. Women were wearing head accessories and jewelries and men had different kinds of canes. I couldn't remember what we first checked out but I think we almost toured the whole place. Some of the exhibits have English translations while most were written in Arabic. I wished that we went there with someone who understands Arabic. Anyway, there were people in some exhibits who gladly explained their displays, while some even gave away freebies. Some exhibits showed different cultural dances while some had live musical performances.

The locals were generally friendly that night. Someone even asked if we needed help to take a picture of us.  A lot of walking was involved to tour the festival and at the end of the night, we were quite exhausted but overwhelmed with all the things we have seen and learned about the Arab culture.

We wish to visit again next year and hope to learn more about their heritage! Here are some photos I took at the festival:

 Inside one of the provinces' exhibits

Happy five years!

I just realized today that this blog has been going on for five years already! I started this blog in June 2011 and had my first post in August 2011.

It is nice to read the things I posted here and be taken back to previous occasions in my life. Nothing much has changed with how I write and the themes that I'm writing about. I still do not want to post too much negative stuff here, simply because I do not want to remember those unpleasant things whenever I read back - so I'm still sticking to writing about the good stuff and sharing some good music from artists who deserve more love.

Kudos to the readers and one-time visitors of this blog and to the experiences that inspired five years of blogging. Also, please take some time to listen to the song below. Cheers! :)

Guitar and ukulele wall hanger ideas

My husband and I were looking for wall hangers for our guitar and ukulele since last week because they were just lying around in a corner. We thought that these musical instruments deserve more love so we were really glad when we found the right items to hang them properly.

After some tour and search in IKEA, we found the Betydlig wall/ceiling brackets and Grundtal hangers. They worked perfectly fine with the guitar and ukulele and didn't cost us much. Here is how they looked like after Michael fixed them on the wall.

They look neat!

Wonderfully melancholic

Penny Dreadful Season 3 finale was also the series finale. Sadly, the series won't be returning with a new season, leaving some audience asking for more. The Blessed Dark (the last episode) showed us how the characters who we have followed since Night Work (first episode) embraced, fought for, and claimed their destiny.

There were some ways I would have wanted to change the choices made by the characters but in the end, I understood that the creators of Penny Dreadful would want to show that the characters could not do so much to escape their fate.

The opening scene of the last episode was utterly moving, preparing us for the ending we would not want to come. The lullaby was a warning that it wouldn't be a happy ending. But who was actually expecting for a happy ending when we knew from the start that the characters are doomed and scarred by their own sufferings? Part of the lullaby was from an old bedtime prayer for children.

When I was young

And scared of the world 

My mother would sing me a song 

A tune that I keep in a sacred place

Because I know that my life won't be long

It tells of the place where you go

When your time here on Earth is through 

A beautiful place we call heaven

Is it true? Please God I pray that it's true

'Cause once this land was heaven on Earth 

Green hills were all you could see

But now it's soot and steel and brick 

So it looks more like hell to me

And each day brings more and more suffering 

And each night is silence and fear

And I wake to the sound of your voice 

But you're not here, why aren't you here?

So now I lay me down to sleep

 I pray the Lord my soul to keep

Please let me die before I wake

So the Lord my soul, can take

Then maybe I'll finally find you

'Midst the beauty of paradise

And you'll sing not of dying but living

Wouldn't that be nice?

Wouldn't that be nice?

Some of the scenes that I love from the finale are as follows. Dorian Gray and Lily conversed about the consequences of immortality and losing the passion to live as time wears one out. In the end, Lily chose to leave Dorian and claimed her independence from men.

The team fought against Dracula to save Vanessa Ives.

Ethan and Vanessa finally met after being miles apart for a long time.

 Sir Malcolm asked Ethan if he wishes to stay. Ethan acknowledged his family in London.

Speak again, speak like rain *

Writing poems seemed like an effortless hobby when I was in college. I felt good when I wrote something down, even when no one would have the chance to read them. The poems I write are quite short but enough and are usually inspired by particular situations.

I love reading poetry that speaks to thyself. So when I stumbled upon videos of people reading out their poetry aloud and famous verses read by some people, I began to appreciate the words more, spoken out with proper intonations and emotions. I attended a journalism seminar when I was younger with a session on poetry reading, but it did not strike me more than the videos I have watched. I supposed that spoken word isn't so famous when I first heard about it. Nonetheless, spoken word as an art has been going on for a long time, even before printing presses evolved. When I saw clips of performances by different artists especially Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye, I enjoyed them very much that I would want to personally see and listen to spoken word performances. When Love Arrives is a great piece about savoring each moment we encounter love. I wished I knew them before they came to the Philippines.

I also found about the Anima community, and they are producing clips sending messages and verses from the bible. Their messages are both empowering and inspiring. It's pleasing that their community is able to use this kind of art for their missions. The video below entitled Who You Are: A Message To All Women spoken by Jon Jorgenson is one of my faves. Loads of spoken word artists make pieces with positive messages and advantages of personal relationship with Jesus. These pieces are especially appealing to visual and auditory learners.

Michael + Jillian

I encounter millions of bodies in my life; of these millions, I may desire some hundreds; but of these hundreds, I love only one. [1]

Some music on the road

As a member of an astronomical society back in college, I loved the stargazing nights and meteor shower observations we had to attend to. I learned how to set up a telescope the fastest that I could, but I guess I've forgotten that skill by now. 

One of those stargazing nights, a friend told me that when she finally gets a car in the future, she would love to have road trips with me. She said I would choose the music to play while she drives to somewhere. She liked the songs that I like, the music artists that I follow. She was glad when I suggested that she listens to Baz Luhrmann's Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen. Few years forward, we haven't had road trips together and almost lost connection, thanks to social media, we're able to communicate once in a while.

Since I came here in KSA, I've been liking road trips - however short or long they are. They are escapes from routines at home. As I can see, music is essential in every road trip. It sets the mood, especially during long drives when you need to stay awake even when you are just in the passenger seat, simply to give your driver some company. My husband drives and I feel guilty when I fell asleep at times during travels. I find it fun to update our playlist for road trips - looking for old and new music to sing, shout, or hum along to. We made this one favorite folder of music from Filipino bands with female vocalists - and all these songs can be found in Youtube! I think these songs are one of my precious finds in the internet. I'm sharing the songs below, in no particular order.

Belinda Bye Bye by Barbie's Cradle. Barbie Almalbis, the frontwoman, has such a quirky voice and a sweet face that boys can't get over with. The band had many hit songs until Barbie decided to go on solo. This upbeat song is my fave.

Call Center by Cambio. Half of the disbanded Eraserheads joined a new band back in 2002, Cambio. Kris Dancel takes the lead in this song, which represents the graduates' choice to work in a call center while waiting/ preparing for a better career.

Pagbalik by Fuseboxx. I didn't know about this band and was glad to watch them in Youtube. This song has some heavy feels in it.

Hiling by Paramita. Ria Bautista was the drummer and the vocalist of this band. What I like about the songs that they released was their poetic lyrics that do not sound too cheesy. It was also a plus to see a female drummer in a band, which is pretty rare.

Torpe by Hungry Young Poets. This is another song with Barbie Almalbis in it. I remember the time when a friend and I sang out loud to this song while in a taxicab. The driver was cool with it anyway and wished he had a longer ride jamming with us. Ha ha!

Rainsong by Imago. I think only a few knew about this song. And I think these few understood what this song meant. The lyrics is incomprehensible when you hear it for the first time, but when you found out about it, you'd be amazed and would try as much to sing along to it.

'Wag Ka Nang Mambitch by Keltscross. My husband heard about this band before. They are a girl band with post-punk styles. Their lyrics may sound harsh especially to the audience back in the 90s, but funny and creative to those who appreciates their music. I wished I knew this song sooner back in college.

Sulat by Moonstar88. This song was a hit when I was in high school. Aside from being a time of adjustments and stress, I think high school was also a time to like love songs like this, even when you're too young for love.

High by Save Me Hollywood. When I heard this band from a local radio, I thought they were a foreign band, they even sounded like Paramore. Anyway, it was nice to hear they were actually from the Philippines. "How do we get so high?"

Hey hey!

"I don’t know who we’ll become

in the days ahead, she said.

I only know the quiet voice in my heart 

that says 

we’ll become it together..."

                                - Brian Andreas

This day always reminds me how I should be grateful for your life. It has been both fun and challenging growing with you through the years, and I would not want my recent six years to be different from what we exactly had.

Happy birthday, Michael! I hope that in each and every day, you would remember and know how I appreciate and love you. I pray that you get better in your profession and that you choose to be kinder. And please keep in mind, that I am with you, despite the times that I am mad and moody. Please bear with me. :)

I hope that the coming years will bring you more blessings and happiness. I pray that your plans and dreams (aside from ours) materialize soon. Happy birthday and I love you! :)

Four years ago | © Wally

Our story (in photographs and poetry)

If I had known everything I know about who you are back when I didn't know a thing about you, I would’ve pulled you aside sooner and said Thank You for being one of the most incredible people I will ever know.

In that moment, our eyes met and I remember thinking This is what it is like to be struck by lightning, knowing I would never be untouched by you again.

Tied together by stuff too difficult to explain to someone new.

Sing along

I was trying to find the lyrics of Peryodiko's Tayo Lang Ang May Alam. There was none available yet so I decided to put it here. I listened carefully to the song and wrote the words. I remember doing this to The Jerks' Bitterly. Here it goes:

Tayo Lang Ang May Alam

Peryodiko

Tayo lang ang may alam

Nando'n sa pagitan ng paalam at pahiram

Tayo lang ang may alam

Tayo lang

Sige lang

Sumayaw sa hinihingi ng pagkakataon

Umindak sa kumpas ng kabog ng dibdib na hindi mahinahon

Hindi niya mapapansin

'Di ka man tumingin

Dinig ko ang bawat patak ng luha mo pero...

Tayo lang ang nakakaalam

Nando'n sa pagitan ng paalam at pahiram

Tayo lang ang may alam

Tayo lang

Sige lang

'Di mo naman kailangan pang magpaliwanag

Nandyan ako, nandito kayo sa pagitan ng mga mundo

Hindi niya mapapansin

Kung saan ka nakatingin

Abot kamay, abot tanaw pero 'di makagalaw...

Tayo lang nakakaalam

Nando'n sa pagitan ng paalam at pahiram

Tayo lang ang may alam

Tayo lang

Tayo lang ang nakakaalam

Nando'n sa pagitan ng paalam at pahiram

Tayo lang ang may alam

Tayo lang

At tayo lang (tayo lang) ang nakakaalam (tayo lang)

Tayo lang (tayo lang) ang may alam (tayo lang)

Tayo lang (tayo lang) ang nakakaalam (tayo lang)

Tayo lang (tayo lang) ang may alam (tayo lang)

On gigs and music

After university, I think I wasn't much interested to look for and listen to new Filipino bands. I guess it's a thing about growing up - you don't care much about what's in and what's new. But once in a while, when I come across a pretty song, I would search about the artists behind it and listen to their every song available.

I always go back to the artists that I loved back in college. Growing up in a university where there were plenty of rock gigs and music fests all year round, I got to explore and knew which music I liked, and didn't. I remember that there was a free concert to welcome the freshmen back in 2006 in Bahay ng Alumni, and my favorite band played. It's Up Dharma Down! Most of the crowd at that time did not give a damn when the band played. Along with my friends, we were able to squeeze in the small crowd until we're near the stage. Armi had a long hair back then and didn't communicate much to the audience. I was in awe when they played their hit Oo.

I went to the UP Fair from 2007-2012 and I chose the gigs when UdD, Sandwich, The Jerks or Sugarfree would play. It was fun watching all types of bands. I was able to see Tanya Markova and Silent Sanctuary when the crowd didn't seem to bother when they play (I am not a fan of these bands anyway) way before they got their taste of fame. There was also that time when The Wuds played, and there were only at least thirty people watching because most had gone home already.

Oh, I missed going to gigs! Good thing that I can watch recorded videos from different gigs through Youtube. But it is still nothing compared to jumping with the crowd and drowning yourself in noise and loud music amidst the danger of strangers.

Anyway, I'm glad that UdD is still active in the music scene and still produces songs that will speak for you when you are out of words to say especially when you are on the edge of emotional breakdown. I am actually waiting for the music video of their song Indak.

I love listening to this song. The words, the rhythm, they were all just right. It became even better when Peryodiko wrote a song somewhat in response to Indak. Plus, they will also release a music video for their song Tayo lang ang may alam (a line taken from the song Indak.)

I hope these kinds of music lives on. Those that feel like feeding your soul. Those that after listening and absorbing the music feel like some emptiness have been somewhat filled and you would feel okay. We need more songs like these. Cheers to good music! :)

Of learning and playing

On the night of our wedding, my then-boyfriend-now-husband gave me a new instrument - a ukulele! I never thought that he'd be able to pull a surprise as such since during our wedding preparation, we're almost always together. Great job! I was sorry that I got no material gift for him that night - but hey, the blessings we had that day were overwhelming and unexpected!

Anyway, I am very glad that I have yet another instrument to know! Well, maybe when I get some free time and the urge to learn, I'll get to know the ukulele. I already scanned the chords for it and it looks easier than the guitar. I haven't fully studied the comparison between guitar and ukulele, and I hope I won't get confused! I hope I'll have the time.

Learning to play instruments has always been a fond experience for me. Back when I was in elementary, I joined the Drum and Lyre club.  I remember how good it felt learning to play Twinkle, twinkle little star on my own. I attended afternoon practices with our strict teachers, Kakang Pilo and Kuya Boy. They gave us song pieces to practice at home and in school. When I was in 6th grade, I was assigned for some time to signal and lead the other players when and what to play. It was a happy experience. I was sad when I found out that my lyre was lost. Someone stole it.

I also remember having a harmonica toy (green and white in color, I guess) when I was young. I would blow it as hard as I could while trying to make up a happy birthday tune. It was one of our favorite toys and I don't know what happened to it.

Finally, back in high school, we were taught three basic chords in guitar and piano. With the powerful combination of D, G, and A, we could already play different songs. Well as for me, I learned Leaving on a jetplane in guitar, and As the deer in piano. And when I graduated from high school, my grandfather bought me a guitar in Cebu as his graduation present. It was with that guitar I learned to play! I struggled with fretting notes, basic strumming, and plucking (which I haven't really learned well.) I would look at our old song hits magazines to find songs. My favorite songs to play were Gary Jules' version of Mad World, Marty Casey's Trees, Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here, Coldplay's The Scientist and Yellow, and of course, The Cranberries' Linger.

My first ever guitar

I tried playing the piano, too. I would spend good number of hours trying to learn a song or two. I think playing the piano was harder. I actually recorded two songs and uploaded them. They were messy records, to be honest, plus I don't have such great voice. One was Cat Power's I Found A Reason, and the other was Bright Eyes' First Day of My Life. Whenever I listen to those records, it's fulfilling to know that I learned them with hard work and patience.

A good friend also gave me a harmonica but I never get to learn it. So now, with our new ukulele, I've been thinking of what to play first since my original choice, that is, Crystal Fighter's At Home seems difficult yet lovely! 

Looking at all these musical instruments in our room, I can't help but smile, and realize that music is a big part of my life and it makes me feel alive. And, it feeds my soul. Ah, grateful! I think we can make a room for a drum set next time! Haha

And you're still here

"I can be an asshole of the grandest kind..."

There were times that I had hurt you when we have petty or big arguments. Sometimes unknowingly, sometimes not. But then you must have realized that you could not always win against me. You are always the one who understands. You are always the one who gives in so I can finally shut up. I sometimes apologize for those times I've been selfish, and you forgive me because you know me too well by now. How grateful I am for having you.

"I can be the moodiest baby and you've never met anyone who is as negative as I am sometimes."

I can be easily turned off by unpleasant situations. I hate change of plans, if there were any. You easily feel when I don't feel good anymore, when I don't like certain things. It's like you have a mood radar made for me, and you sometimes know what to do exactly. But sometimes, you're clueless. It's alright, because I sometimes don't know what to do with myself either. I love how your words affect me like no other, like those times when you told me over and over that what I have done was nice because you know how much I worry. When I thought my plans have failed, you are the assurance that I need to calm me down. Oh, how grateful I am to be with you.

"You see everything, you see every part"

Almost one month with you as your wife, life has been blissful. We discover a lot about ourselves and I bet there are still more to know, you from me, and I from you. You are written in my thoughts, in my system, in my expressions, in my works. I love how we mature each day, how we like our childish ways, how we understand each other when others won't. I love you for sticking around, for seeing your face when I wake up, for all the love without conditions. Oh, how grateful I am for taking you as my partner.

"You see all my light, and you love my dark.

You dig everything of which I'm ashamed,

There's not anything to which you can't relate"

You are my greatest fan. And, I am yours. You took the time and effort to understand the things that I do. Your patience with me is incomparable. You understand how hard-headed I can get, how I turn away easily. You believe in my strength. You help me make my dreams, as if they are yours, too. You hope for me, and I love that about you. You simply accept me for all that I am, from best to worst that I can get. Oh, how grateful I am to have found you.

"And you're still here."

We have been through a lot, and there are more adventures in store for us as husband and wife. I thank you for all your love, in all its forms. I thank you for staying with me no matter what. I thank you for instilling hope and faith in me. I love you! Let's claim our plans and make exciting dreams! ♡

Pretty sad poems

I stumbled upon my old journal which I wrote on from June 2008 to July 2009. It's a journal full of doodles, songs, poems, lines, topic outlines, and excerpts from books I read. It's also where I kept some tickets of concerts and films that I went to (yes, I like keeping souvenirs for memories' sake before.) When I was keeping that journal, I realized that I wanted to write a book of poems and have it published. That dream still lives. 

One of the sad poems that I wrote on that journal is one of my favorite. I am sharing it here because I thought it's one of those beautiful things I have written. Or, maybe not. Haha. I, sharing this, is just one step to being less selfish. Some friends knew that I don't share or talk about to everyone the things that I like. I thought that if many people would like them too, the beauty of those things would be corrupted. Anyway, here's the poem that I wrote, dated April 30 - May 1, 2009. Cheers to life! ♡

Five

Four plus one

The fingers in your hand

The pentagram

The pillars of Islam

Vowels in the alphabet

The little monkeys jumping on the bed

The third prime number

Iambic Pentameter

Mysteries of the rosary

Elements of Alchemy

Platonic solids

The stages of grief

Torah

Pentatonic Scale

The basic tastes

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Sacred wounds of Jesus

Every good boy does fine

Jakson 5

A Song of Ice and Fire

How long we've gone?

Those things have told

Five is just a number

For we're counting until forever.

Homecoming

I went to a grade school reunion, organized by the school as a fundraising event. I hesitated to go at first, but at second thought, it would not hurt to catch up with some old acquaintances.

(c) Alona

(c) Alona

Almost twenty of my batchmates went to the reunion, too. Most of them I remember and few of them I grew close with but not for long. The common questions to each other were "Were you married already?" "How many kids do you have now?" and "Where do you live now?" I was not surprised to find out that some of  them have their own family already and some were doing good in their chosen field.

I was glad that I got to talk to some of them about how they're doing in their lives now. See, I did catch up and I really think that I'm good at listening. I tried to get something from what they're telling, hoping that I'd learn something valuable from them. A few asked about what I was doing in my life now and I would tell them "I teach. In a preschool. Kids. Small kids." Then, end of story.

When some asked me where I live now, I told them that I still stayed at the same neighborhood where I grew up just like most of them. Some gave an unbelieving look. And I thought to myself, it isn't so bad to still live with my family, after all, this town is my home. Plus, I've lived out of this town when I went to college and I kept on coming back, of course.

This town gave me some comfort that no other place can permanently give. I got my family here, friends and regular activities in here. I grew up with and in this town. And whenever I feel lost wherever I may be, I would recall a place like no other that holds these precious little memories, that would calm me, I think of this town because it is home to me.

After chatting and small talks over sharing foods, I said goodbye to them and went home, not knowing when will I be able to see them again. But those catch-ups were enough, I'll see them when I see them. :)

I'm sharing this song by Imagine Dragons from their album "Night Visions" since it seems fitting to listen to. ♡

Put that song on loop

Recently, I got hooked again at a particular song and played that song on loop for almost three days. I noticed that some of the songs that I put in my playlist are actually covers. I thought of making a list of songs that was interpreted by another artist, that sounds lovely and better for me. Here it goes.

1. Your Song - Ellie Goulding : This is originally sung by Elton John. I love this version more because it is simple and easy to listen to. I can sing along to this song without worrying to hit the high notes. My favorite part is "I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind that I put down in words how wonderful life is, now you're in the world."

2. Somebody That I Used To Know - Lisa Hannigan : I also loved the original version by Gotye, but there is something in this version that is very likeable. This is acoustic and how Lisa sung this one makes me feel like she really means the words of this song, like it's her own. Plus, I like that this is not so fast when she sung "You treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough."

3. Fields Of Gold - Eva Cassidy : I love slow interpretations of songs especially if it's a song by Sting. This song is heartwarming. It sounds sad, but it reminds me to enjoy every day as I hear the line "I swear in the days still left, we'll walk in fields of gold."

4. Sweet Child O' Mine - Taken By Trees : An upbeat song by Guns 'N Roses. This version is slow and easier to take in. I particularly like to listen to this one while I'm on my way home from work, singing along and never minding if other people will hear me sing. My favorite part is the (kinda) humming part.

5. To Love Somebody - Ray Lamontagne and Damien Rice : The Bee Gees version is also lovely but I think this one gives depth. Aside from that, I also listen to Damien Rice and Ray Lamontagne, that's how I actually found this cover. The best part for me is "There is a light, a certain kind of light..."

Anyone else but you *

"You're a part-time lover and a full-time friend."

Seven years ago, we met and became acquaintances through a youth formation. You were in a band, and I saw you played at the town plaza that year, for the first time. Too bad that I only got to hear the last line of your last song which goes "I could be the man who grows old with you."

We became friends a year forward. We had these small conversations at Friendster back then. And when you learned that I write poems, I let you read my works. You appreciated them and promised me to make a music for that particular poem that you liked. I'm still waiting for that promise. Hehe! I started listening to bands and songs that you listen to. You even gave me a compilation of happy songs, sort of like a mixed tape only in CD. I lent you some of my favorite records and you loved them. That year, we became lovers.

  

"I kiss you all starry eyed, my body swings from side to side."

It all happened so fast. And I realized that you don't want me to get sad, that's why you always do your best to make us happy. There were times that you kept on asking if I was mad or sad, especially when I wasn't talking. That year, you gave me mixed CDs, with good songs I still love to hear even up to these days. When I want to be reminded of how WE began, I look for those songs and remember how each song meant to us. I wrote poems about you and let you read them. And I want you to know that I meant every part of each poem. I remember when I went with your band where you played Orange and Lemons' "A Beginning of Something Wonderful," you were looking straight at me when you sang along with the chorus. And I believe, that was exactly a beginning of something much wonderful.

When you had to go back to work abroad, we were both sad. That year had been challenging for us, but we learned to adjust. We had to schedule our chat time, beyond the distance, the time difference and crappy internet connections. We have learned so much about ourselves, relationship and friendship. And it's surprising that I got to know you better even when we're not physically together.

  

"We sure are cute for two ugly people."

When you took your vacation from work, we finally had time to catch up. We have changed and I was happy how we progressed. We could talk about anything, laugh about anyone, and argue about smallest things. And those things even made US more colorful. Our small fights had been often that time but they helped us on who we are today. I love US, not the Tom-and-Summer way, but in our simple ways. 

  

When you went back abroad, I enjoyed recording and playing songs. I sent them to you and you loved them. Of course, you should! Hehe. And you also sent me your records, including your original riffs. And I loved them, of course. We shared the music that we discovered, movies that touched us, and Wimpy Kid series that we both loved. Zoo-wee-mama!

"You are always trying to keep it real, I'm in love with how you feel."

When you opted to resign from work abroad, I was with you on that decision. I was happy that you won't be stressed anymore because of that work. We had the chance to celebrate together for the first time: Valentine's and our Anniversary. I gave enough time when you reviewed for the Board Examination for Civil Engineers and I celebrated with you when you passed it. I was so proud of you at that time, and still am.

 

We had more time to spend happy days together and planned trips. We went to concerts of your favorite bands (MxPx and The Ataris) for free. We attended music fair and independent films screening. We traveled to and ate (a lot) at different places and tasted anything that we could want. We even planned to make a food blog that never materialized, because we like eating more than writing. We climbed mountain, played together, and enjoyed our commitments to the Antioch community. I have grown up through you, through us.