October is here.

October.

There’s always a sense of anticipation and urgency whenever this month comes around.

October.

Time to let it all hang out.

"This is what I wanna do"

We were both laughing inside the coffeeshop.

From her love of books and writing then to my career goals in the field of media and entertainment, the talks shifted elsewere…

“Erwin, December is coming,” she says. “Time flies.”

“Hehe,” I chuckle slightly, looking at my coffee cup.

“Can I share to you something?” I then ask her.

“Sure,” she says, listening intently. “What’s up?”

“Have you like, had an experience or some circumstance that made you firmly decide ‘this is what I want to do’ ? ”

“Not that I recall,” she replies in deep thought. “What is it that you want to do?”

I smile at her differently.

“I want to bungee jump. Very soon. Want to come?”

She smiles back.

That Wet Wet Wet reunion

Oh man, is this another sign or what?

I chanced upon watching a DVD of the band Wet Wet Wet, the group known for their hits “Love Is All Around” and “Goodnight Girl”, and once I pushed the play button I felt like I was visited by an old friend.

Twenty-six music videos. I sang along and felt their feel-good vibe and romantic mood all around.

Instantly, creative inspiration came over.

All of a sudden, December 2007 holds the promise of another interesting event.

Broken

The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time
I am here still waiting though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best, like you’ve already figured out

I’m falling apart, I’m barely breathing
With a broken heart that’s still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on
I’m barely holdin’ on to you

The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded, I’m an open book instead
I still see your reflection inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose, they’re still looking for life

I’m hanging on another day just to see what you will throw my way
And I’m hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will be ok

The broken lights on the freeway left me here alone
I may have lost my way now, haven’t forgotten my way home

I’m falling apart, I’m barely breathing
With a broken heart that’s still beating
In the pain there is healing
In your name I find meaning
So I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on, I’m holdin’ on
I’m barely holdin’ on to you

I’m holdin’ on
I’m holdin’ on

I’m barely holdin’ on to you

*

Lifehouse has done it again.

Some birthday thoughts

For those reading this entry right now, let me ask you this:

So what do you usually do during your birthday?

I celebrated mine with less fanfare yesterday. And yet, the saying that “less is more” was what happened.

Got bombarded with text messages of birthday greetings though. Hahaha.

There’s this basketball court at the back of the house where I stayed, and as I shot the ball to the net, images of what is to come based on my future plans flooded my mind.

The anticipation felt great.

As the night rolled by, I got a final text message from someone special.

She told me about waiting for this special event to come, and we know that this finally coming true for both of us may now be getting closer than ever.

I smiled at the thought before finally calling it a day.

Reading at Powerbooks

As a creative person, it helps to be exposed to anything that could stimulate the imagination, and in my case at the onset of the main development of this upcoming major project conceived during the last quarter of last year. So yesterday that’s what exactly I did.

Watching The Bourne Ultimatum and its endless chase scenes and shaking camera shots was one way, and reading at Powerbooks was the other.

Reading at the place, specifically at the Greenbelt branch where there are seats strategically placed around the area for you to relax and read your book of choice, was a welcome rediscovery after weeks of work. It really opened up my thinking on a lot things and what I wanted to do on the next months to come.

When creative people meet

As I write this blog, it’s raining outside, and great music is being played at the background.

It’s always great whenever I get the chance to talk and hang out with another fellow artist. The discovery of learning that she/he does the same interests as you do, sees life in the same light, maybe even own some nice sense of humor or spark of inspiring enthusiasm or gentle warmth coming from within; the simple things we take for granted sometimes.

So yes, I look forward hanging out with creative people, to learn something from them, appreciate their works, laugh with them and share with them these God-given abilities.

Makes this ride all the more interesting.

Whatever It Takes

Moving.

This is how I describe the song “Whatever It Takes”, the second song I listened from the newest album of alternative rock band Lifehouse.

In the midst of my work as a film critic and music album reviewer, here’s a song which would help me go through the challenges of the week to come, right after an intense three hour business brainstorming meeting last night.

Whatever It Takes has the formula of a successful song: a catchy and refreshing midtempo melody, smooth vocals from Lifehouse singer Jason Wade, and of course lyrics that people like me could relate; as the song says that we all make mistakes, but once we acknowledge it, we could always turn things around, “Whatever It Takes”.

I posted the lyrics of the song below. Read it and then listen to the song. I’ll bet afterwards you will understand what I mean when I say that this song rocks. ;)

“Whatever It Takes”

A strangled smile fell from your face
It kills me that I hurt you this way
The worst part is that I didn’t even know
There’s a million reasons for you to go
But if you can find a reason to stay

I’ll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what’s at stake
I know that I’ve let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I’ll keep us together
Whatever it takes

She said if we’re gonna make this work
You gotta let me inside even though it hurts
Don’t hide the broken parts that I need to see
She said like it or not it’s the way it’s gonna be
You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me

I know you deserve much better
Remember the time I told you the way that I felt
And that I’d be lost without you and never find myself
Let’s hold onto each other above everything else
Let’s start over, start over, start over

I’ll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what’s at stake
I know that I’ve let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I’ll keep us together
Whatever it takes

Fudge magazine

Check out the August issue of Fudge Magazine. It’s a magazine that features topics on movies, music and tv.

It has the band Bamboo on the cover and has very interesting articles which includes an article I wrote on the debut album of Pinoy Dream Academy finalist Chad Peralta.

Walk The Line

Watched the movie Walk the Line last night, starring Joaquin Phoenix as rock & roll hall of famer Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as his fellow musician and love interest June Carter.

It narrated the story of Cash from his very humble beginnings, his meteroic rise to success, the trials he had to overcome, and the undying love he felt towards fellow singer June. It was a moving film brought about by brilliant acting from both Phoenix and Witherspoon.

Watching the movie provided the following life lessons:

1. Go after your dreams and pursue your passion
2. Remain true to yourself
3. Everybody makes mistakes and if given another chance, make the most of it
4. If you love someone then let her know.

About the end of the world

In the midst of this rainy Wednesday, having one of those sleepless nights because of the interesting events about to come, I decided to discuss things apocalyptic.

So how will the world end?

Ever since I got the thrill of watching Transformers the movie animated version and read books about the subject matter, stuff related to an apocalyptic theme usually catches my attention. One of the poems I wrote that got published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer site carried the same mantra as well.

I have thought about what if the world will end, and I will be there to witness it. For me, such a moment brings out feelings of fear, yet still having hope and faith at the same time.

Which is also why I am interested in the following sights and sounds:

1. Millenium tv series
2. Independence Day movie
3. Heroes tv series
4. Goo Goo Dolls song Before It’s Too Late
5. Ryan Star song Back Of Your Car
5. X 1999 anime tv series

This is not to say that I like this theme because it will end as such. I always believe, that despite the doom and gloom, there will always be light at the end of the fog.

Before It's Too Late

The timing has never been great that music from my favorite alternative bands have been going strong lately, led by the newest single of the Goo Goo Dolls entitled “Before It’s Too Late” which is part of the Transformers Movie soundtrack.

This and the constant listening of Daughtry’s “Home”, along with music from Toad the Wet Sprocket, Lifehouse and Splender helps balance the busy month of August and further helps move towards the music goals set.

And record we did

We successfully recorded another song I wrote for the band at Major 7th recording studio last night, and the experience was nothing short of a blast.

For me, studio recording is one of the high points of the creative process and the excitement continues to build as this became a major step towards achieving our music goals.

I anticipate a very busy but productive and bodacious week ahead.

This ride is getting all the more interesting.

Sunday mornings with Garfield

One of life’s little pleasures during Sunday mornings is reading the paper and checking out the comics section to read Garfield. The punchlines are one of the funniest I’ve ever read for a comic strip, and so nothing really beats out a hearty laugh on a weekend.

It’s no surprise why Garfield stands as the world’s most widely syndicated comic strip. The bright and comic illustrations, character dynamic and most importantly, the funny punchlines are what makes this comic strip a keeper on Sundays.

Is Poetry Dead?

“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” - John Keating, Dead Poets Society.

A recent listening of an audio recording of my birthday bash done years back brought upon a realization of that other means of self-expression that I used to do, and that is write poetry. My last poems were published online at the Philippine Daily Inquirer site.

It seems that poetry has been lost in this day and age, but at this point could we very well say that it is not only dying, but dead?

No, poetry isn’t dead; it is still very much alive if only we could learn to see and feel its existence. In my case, it is found in the verses of the songs I have written and will continue to write.

Makes me want to watch Dead Poets Society again for some good old dose of “Carpe Diem”.

An outing in July

Post-summer out-of-town trips don’t happen that often, but being the travel enthusiast that I am, I try as much as possible to travel to new places regardless of the season, and so yesterday was one of those times when I went out together with former officemates to attend a town fiesta in Luisiana, Laguna (where coconut trees abound). The fiesta ambiance, good food, drinks, meeting new people and of course, good old videoke singing topped the day.

Afterwards we visited the grotto in Lucban Quezon and saw the cool overlooking view once we reached the peak of the place.

Definitely a worthwhile experience as I prepare to face the interesting challenges ahead.

Another Sign

Last night I dreamt that Depeche Mode member and songwriter extraordinaire Martin L. Gore took time to pay me a visit just to hang out as we talked about life and music. A conversation between two singer-songwriters expressing enjoyment for a similar passion.

Depeche Mode happens to be my all-time favorite foreign band because of their revolutionary musical ideas, clever lyrics and cool attitude, and so you could just imagine the thrill of hanging out with one of its members and main songwriter. And even though it happened in the realm of the subconscious, I treated it as a subtle reminder and another sign to just continue what I enjoy doing right now, and that is create music once again.

Woke up refreshed and looking forward to finish what I’ve started.

Smaller and better

The good thing about advancements in technology, notably in consumer products, is that it tends improve over its older versions.

Gadgets like digital cameras and digital video camcorders for instance, are becoming better in terms of quality and are more affordable compared in previous years. A decrease in size and weight also benefits the buyer when compared to purchasing the bulkier and heavier products of old.

If you’re a budding filmmaker or music video director for example, shooting scenes and editing them is much easier nowadays because of the availability of resources within reach. And the best part about that is having that extra cash to celebrate after a full day’s shoot.

And I definitely drink to that.

The listener's listener

I just printed out the lyrics and chords of a new song I wrote for the band, when the phone rang. It was a good friend who really needed someone to talk to and confide some secrets.

For two hours we talked and I listened and gave my advice. I even inserted some trademark jokes in between serious remarks, so as to lighten up the mood a little.

At the end of the conversation she tearfully thanked me, and I was just glad to be there for her as a friend and listen.

But even this listener has a female counterpart of his own, someone who would listen to all these lifetime goals and dreams.

Call her the listener’s listener.

Maybe by now you know who she is.

Well… let’s see.

A film critic's viewpoint

The recent movie blockbuster I watched, Michael Bay’s Transformers, ended with me commenting “It could’ve been better.”

Minutes before entering the movie theater, I was already humming the Transformers theme in eager anticipation, even imagining how Optimus Prime would whip Megatron’s metallic butt back to Cybertron. Needless to say, in the movie it was Prime’s ass that got whipped.

Damn!

I checked out Yahoo movies to see if veteran film critics felt the same way. They didn’t. So after two years writing as a film critic for a popular online portal, a features writing craft that started when I got featured in The Philippine Star’s “My Favorite Movie” column, what I can say is that, at the end of the day, I write it the way I see it. That simple.

Whether movie audiences agree with my views or not, important thing is that I help create awareness in the pursuit of quality films. I can’t imagine a world where no film critics exist to safeguard the quality of movies. Cinematic mediocrity would be rampant. Not worth the merit of your hard earned one hundred forty bucks.

Oh well, there’s always the sequel to look forward to.

Entourage

The first week of August featured my completion of Seasons 1 and 2 of the HBO series “Entourage”. This viewing pleasure features the journey of an A-list actor living the life of Hollywood together with his two close friends and older brother.

In the beginning it seemed like everything is handed to them in a silver platter, until during the latter episodes of Season 2, when their friendship will be tested. The stories are riveting and offers some lessons on dealing with problems ala Jerry Maguire.

As I work my way into the month of August, I plan to start watching Season 3. Another show that I’m really excited to watch is the last episode of “Heroes” which will be showing next Sunday on RPN-9.

Filmmaking class graduation night

It was one great night, as I now officially graduated from filmmaking class at the Mowelfund Film Institute. Director Nick Deocampo announced that the night coincided with the celebration of over a hundred years of Philippine Cinema, and that our batch now heralds the new generation of filmmakers.

I got the chance to rub elbows with Direk Nick who personally congratulated me for a job well done, as well as MFI Chairperson Boots Anson-Roa, and Raymond Red, the only Filipino to have won at the Cannes Film Festival.

Looking forward to get started and pursue this passion for filmmaking.

Fulfillment in teaching Flash

Teaching Advanced Flash at the First Academy of Computer Arts has been fulfilling.

To share your expertise and experience to budding students is something great because it validates your knowledge in Flash and you become updated with the latest trends in the industry.

Knowing that you are able to educate people who share the same enthusiasm as you also makes it worth it.

Just like angels

The beauty of the female singing voice blows me away, as proven by my endless listening last night of Lori Carson’s song “I Want To Believe You”, a soaring and moving piece which I rediscovered again today after more than two years.

This is one of two major reasons why I love downtempo and chillout music; one is the sound of the strings and keyboard, and of course the beauty of the female singing voice; like angels coming down to hum their chorus.

Which is why one of my goals is create great music by means of recording songs with a female singer. Several times in the past did it almost happen, but hope springs eternal.

One of my goals later on is to produce such music, being in-charge of the production while recording it in my own music studio at home and doing the instruments, with a female singer of course doing the vocals of the song. That would be one great creative moment.

The singer could be a family friend.

Or, she could probably turn out to be my future lifetime partner.

My Pick To Win It All

When watching reality-based tv programs, we tend to pick our personal favorites to win it all. During the Rockstar series for example, I picked Mig Ayesa in 2005 and Ryan Star in 2006 as my faves. Though both guys did not win it all, they both influenced me with my music goals and that is what is important.

As I watched the ongoing show On The Lot, I am starting to enjoy the films made by Zach Lipovsky from Canada.

His first solo work “Danger Zone” really got me laughing out of my seat because of Zach’s clever filmmaking strengthened even more by his special effects expertise. Watching his second film “Sunshine Girl” also got me interested because of its cinematic narrative, subtle use of effects and sounds and camera shots.

As the show moves to Episode 8, it will be interesting how Zach would fare against the other filmmakers, but based on the judge’s feedback and the voters, things are looking good so far.

Cool music in the mornings

Have been enjoying lately listening to 92.3 xFM in the mornings and it provides a welcome audio pleasure as I begin my day at work.

I checked the Web and discovered this info bit from Wikipedia:

“On Easter Sunday, 08 April, 2007 at exactly 12:01AM, 92.3 bid goodbye to Joey and surprised their avid listeners with a new sound, returned its original call letters, and new station liners. The station introduced itself as “This is xFM. The New Equation for Good Music” before playing the very first song in its new format. Currently, xFM plays downtempo, electronica, ambient, chill out, lounge, house, trip hop, and indie music which are mostly played more in clubs than on radio 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - a first for the FM band in the Philippines.”

It’s about time that a music format such as this was implemented. Ever since Anton Ramos help open my musical taste for downtempo on his Chillout Project album series, this has already been part of my music catalogue and I look forward for more cool morning sound from 92.3