Movies, Art and Music (Last Part)

MUSIC

Music is my life. Way back in college, I would always tune in to MTV. Daily. I never missed a day without watching MTV. I thought I would get sick if I don't get to watch MTV (babaw college problem).

Whenever a new album is released in the market, I automatically dash to the nearest music store to buy a cassette tape. Yes, i grew up in an era where cassette tapes were the medium of music. I still have them in my room in Davao City. I don't know if they still play as I don't have a cassette player anymore.

This year was packed with concert scenes, both by international and local artists. I watched Tears for Fears last August.

theultimatefan.blogspot.com

 Hail to the duo: Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith!

Opening number: Everybody Wants to Rule the World.

Believe me, Araneta Coliseum was full to the brim. Old and old alike were everywhere, mga batang 80's. That night was like a big videoke party, as everyone was singing with the duo. I think most Filipinos are familiar with their songs.

Eager audience and fans.

 
One of my favorite songs from the group is "Sowing the Seeds of Love". Just imagine my singing voice rafting through the coliseum walls when they actually performed the song, lol.

They still have the IT.

These guys were amazed at how well the Filipinos received their songs. For a little country like ours, they couldn't believe that their music has reached our islands. They have been coming back for concerts, and in all instances they were warmly received, and concert tickets were always sold out.

There was too much audience participation that I left the site with a sore throat from too much singing, lol.

Neon lights flashed all through out the night.

I went to a street party months ago, for a tribute to The Beatles called Fete de la Musique. It happened right in Kalayaan Ave. The street was closed for the night where a mini stage was set up.

Photo owned by Tiger Lila

I didn't hear a single Beatles song that night. Mostly were raps by local artists, like "Kung ikaw ay Pinoy sumigaw ng Hoy!"...mga ganung songs. Songs were patriotic as well. We left right after Megan Aguilar's stint.

One Friday night, I spent it with Side A Band in Baga Berde. I just love their songs! I was in high school when I first saw them perform live. I was ecstatic for weeks, haha.

With good friends, Mike and Kittycat.

 
Then there was this very good local singer in Sea Slugs Bar, El Nido. She was very Adele. She can sing Adele's songs effortlessly. I was impressed. We spent 3 nights in this bar (I already memorized her repertoire), and she was the performer. 

Some kinda Adele holding her glass of iced tea =)

This week is extra special, as 2 of my favorite artists are set to perform!

Artist No. 1:

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The City Hunter. Gu Jun Pyo. Lee Min Ho.

This handsome Korean will be at the Araneta Coliseum on November 16, 2012, courtesy of Bench. Invite is free. All you have to do is purchase some Bench items:

INVITE	MINIMUM PURCHASE REQUIREMENT
PATRON	PHP 1,500.00
LOWER BOX	PHP 1,000.00
UPPER BOX A	PHP 800.00
UPPER BOX B	PHP 500.00

Click/copy the link for promo mechanics in detail:  
http://www.bench.com.ph/news.php?benchsetter-fun-meet-lee-min-ho=62

Artist No. 2:

Ely Buendia, the lead singer of the bands Eraserheads and Pupil, in a rare performance with a 15-piece orchestra on November 17, 2012 at the Music Museum.

*Jumping up and down*. I just love Ely Buendia! I love him most during his time as the front man of the Eraserheads. He is one of the brilliant composers I know, with music that's swak na swak to my liking.

The last time I saw Ely perform live was during his birthday show in Republiq, Resorts World way back in 2010. He turned 40 then, and celebrated his day with a mini-reunion show with the rest of the E-heads members.

Ely is XL. Taken during his birthday show.

 I'm a fan! Always will be...

I have all the albums of the Eraserheads. Never a day goes by that I don't play any of their songs.  I was in high school when this band was introduced, and until now, I never grew tired of them.

Their songs are the theme songs ng buhay ko =) 
 
Cheerios!

The Hands of My Father: Update

I wrote about my dad's condition last January. It wasn't that bad or alarming. He could still walk normally and use his hands normally. We only worried about his diet so as not to further trigger his arthritis attacks.

Hard-headed as he is, he kept eating those food not recommended by his doctors. When I went home last June, i was shocked to see him walking with crutches. His leg was hurting, he couldn't use it due to excruciating pain. He didn't see a doctor, actually doesn't want to see  a doctor, because he is okay with taking painkillers from time to time.

A week after that, he couldn't walk anymore. There was just too much pain. And he was left with no choice but to see a doctor. The doctor immediately recommended surgery so as to remove the gout/uric deposits that have been causing the pain. However, he would have to get clearances from his cardiologist and pulmonologist to ensure that he is physically well to undergo surgery.

My mom panicked with all the lab tests that my dad will be going through. That time, my dad had cough and colds that went on and off for days. My mom worried that dad might be ill with pneumonia, and if ever, he wouldn't be operated on.

Thank heavens, my dad passed all his lab exams. He was actually healthy and strong as a stallion, sans the arthritis. We couldn't believe it! Sugar level, normal. BP, normal. Lungs, clear. Liver, clear.

And so the surgery was pushed through. My dad was in the Operating Room for more than 4 hours, attended by 4 doctors. The surgeon was my cousin's husband, who called on the help of his interns upon seeing the numerous gout to be removed.

Most joints were inflamed, especially the joints in his feet and hands. This was his right hand last January:

Not all those bulges were removed. Some uric deposits already hardened like stones and are embedded in the bones, and removal was not advised. The doctor said it will be dangerous to scrape everything, as the possibility of hitting the nerves/muscles is high, which could lead to paralysis. Those deposits are now part of his bones, and my dad will just have to live with that.

This is right hand after the operation last July:

Big improvement, right?

 And this is his left hand:

 

Arthritis is hereditary. I am becoming more conscious with my food intake. I don't want to go through what my dad went through. I need healthy hands and legs for my mobility. 

You are what you eat.

I must stay healthy. We must stay healthy. All the time.