the week that was...so far

Before I go on to write about my first day of school, I mean, my first day back at work, let me first rave about my trip to the CD/DVD sale last weekend.

Sure, Francis and I promised ourselves to be more careful with our spending especially now that we'll soon be paying for our new unit's equity (down payment). But who in their right mind can resist a sale where original CDs and DVDs sell for as low as Php20 (CDs) and Php150 (DVDs)? Definitely not us.

And so we went crazy and went home with these:

This isn't our first time to hoard. Last year, we went to the same sale by Universal Records and got home with loads of CDs. Majority of my selection were CDs of indie Brit bands, most (if not all) of which I'm not familiar with, but I did not regret buying them. This time was the same, though I bought more DVDs (last year had less good choices) than CDs. So now Francis and I would listen to new albums every night, or watch a DVD that we feel like watching (as of writing, Massive Attack is playing).

If you're envious (haha!) and are raring to go, wait until this weekend (and until this weekend only--Friday, Saturday, Sunday, from 10am to 7pm; the sale has been ongoing since the first weekend of June) then rush to the 10th floor of Universal Tower along Quezon Avenue (that's near Parco). But if don't have time, don't despair; Universal Records usually holds a yearly sale (sometimes even twice a year!), so there's still another chance to hoard. Just be on the lookout for an announcement in newspapers or check out their Facebook page. I'll also post here as soon as I got wind of another sale.

Now on to my return venture into the work force. After two months of leave, I got back to work yesterday. I actually sneaked back in without most of my co-workers noticing me, in the hopes that I can remain unseen so I can pretend I'm not at work yet. But of course this isn't a fantasy world so they noticed. Sure, I was touched when they told me they were glad I'm back. Still, I can't help but feel a tad sad that I'm already back to the grind.

If there's one thing I realized during my "vacation", it's that I'm ready to leave my desk job. I wouldn't be saying this if I were writing this entry three years ago. Back then, I didn't feel ready yet to be a freelancer; I wanted to belong to a team and be able to have summer outings and Christmas parties. It's a funny reason to want an office job, I know; but since there are really no summer outings and Christmas parties have become rare, then what's the point right? Or maybe, I've already grown mature enough to embrace the idea of having all of my time in my own hands. That way, I can control the stress level in my life. Now, I can imagine myself working on a deadline in our cozy pad, without me running like a headless chicken (answering emails, entertaining AE requests, printing documents, replying to a supplier's text message and conceptualizing special executions in my head--all happening at the same friggin' time).

But in life, mature people have to make choices according to their priorities; so I chose to go back to work and try my very best to still put my best foot forward; nevermind if I'm wincing while doing so. I know it's not the best attitude, but that's the least I can do to prevent myself from going jobless and broke (hello, monthly amortization!). And if there's anything I've gleaned from self-help career guide articles I've read, it's this trick to keep one's mind sane at work when mulling over printing that resignation letter: find something you really like to do to distract you from the stress and distress. In my case, that would be photography, music and writing. Staying in my job got me closer to opportunities related to these three (photography and writing, especially). If only for that, I am very thankful. So yes, Imma stick it out a little bit more and wait and see. I've waited for the past three years already, so what's a year or so? Like I have written in a previous entry, I shall grab every opportunity that comes my way and let go of things I have no control of. I'm tired of hearing myself whine without me really doing anything; this time, I will do something and just see what happens next.

On a lighter note, I found it funny when Francis and my mom asked me how my back-to-work day went yesterday, as if it was my first day in school. Where's my allowance, mom?

coffee dew (acoustic) at 9 Mile

At the Songwriters' Night last Sept. 30, 08

Coffee Dew (acoustic)
Lyrics: Sunshine Selga
Music/Arrangement: Francis Funa

after we fall (acoustic) at 9 Mile

At the Songwriters' Night last Sept. 30, 08

After We Fall (acoustic)
Lyrics/Music/Arrangement: Francis Funa

japanese boy guitar prodigy yeah!

Oh my, this kid is amazing!!!

a night of reunions

Just one of my very few decent photos of the concert.

"Magkahawak ang ating kamay at walang kamalay-malay, na tinuruan mo ang puso ko na umibig nang tunay..." - Ang Huling El Bimbo by the Eraserheads

Though one of my favorite Eheads songs, Ang Huling El Bimbo, was not played due to an emergency (Ely Buendia, the band's front man, was rushed to the hospital after the first set, hence cutting the concert short. Hope he gets well real soon), being in the midst of a Pinoy music phenomenon with other thousands of fans is an experience that would make it to my personal history. In fact, I am not surprised that by now, just a day after the much anticipated reunion concert, a lot of blog entries have already been written and read, professing of how the event turned an ordinary night into something extraordinary, and what the band/their music meant to the authors.

I wasn't much of a fan, not in a sense where I would follow every single detail of the band's life. But there is no denying that my generation has been greatly inspired, if not influenced and shaped, by the music of the Eraserheads. Eraserheads, for me, means high school and early college, and everything that comes in between those years. Songs like Sembreak, Torpedo, Minsan and Pare Ko (the three latter songs weren't performed, unfortunately) conjure up memories that in a way define what my life was as a geeky high school student and a hopeful college freshie. It was particularly nostalgic to see clips of my dear alma mater, UP Diliman, being flashed in the big screen--not really just a mere part of the visual effects for the concert but because those four cool guys actually hailed from the same university, were my seniors, and first met in the Kalayaan Residence Hall (a dorm for freshies).

Yes, it was indeed unfortunate not to see Eheads perform more songs that would've made everyone, including me, jump, bump and sing out loud with glee and pride. But seeing them and hearing all those nostalgic melodies once again--live--and bumping into old friends who share the same admiration for the music is an experience worth cherishing.

P.S.
Photos to be uploaded in my multiply soon.

cover: falling slowly from the movie "Once"

Vocals, Backing Vocals: Sunshine Selga
Acoustic Guitar: Francis Funa

I miss times like this--when music strips off everything and we're just left with the passion to
play it.

once

When I heard the second song performed by Glen Hansard in the movie (that original song he sang that night when he first met Marketa Irglova's character), I knew I would fall in love with the movie and the soundtrack. And I did. I still am.

Go watch it!

(The video above is the signature song of the movie. And I love it!)

counting my blessings

Things seem to be good lately. They may not be totally good (what could really be good when a friend passed away), but I’m happy that they’re looking up.

First, I’m all excited about Monday, the 26^th. It’s our 9^th year together, and I can’t thank God enough for giving us nine blissfully blessed years. Francis and I plan to head to Tagaytay and see what other new places it has to offer. Every year, we try something new as much as possible (though we spent our 7^th also in Tagaytay, but I’m cool with it). Francis promised me an out-of-town celebration because he knows how badly I need to escape from my job’s inhumane demands and chaotic work sched. I was actually looking at some place farther than Tagaytay, but I’m so desperate to get out of town I’d probably be happy just to go to Laguna. (Well, no, not really). So yeah, Monday is something to look forward to, and that rarely happens because I don’t usually get excited over the first day of the workweek.

Second, this project I’ve been working on is extending for next year. Let’s just say that it’s this one project (let me call it The Project) that I get worked up and happy with—perhaps this is that one project we’re advised to keep close to our hearts so we can all be sane and not resign. Haha! During our recent seminar, we were blatantly told that yes, there are indeed crappy projects; but we have to find this one, golden assignment that we’d be so proud of it could save us from insanity. And I really think this is the one. In the two years that I’ve spent in this pseudo-ad agency department, I’m surprised to see myself waking up very early in the morning despite only three hours of sleep just to make it on time for an early morning shoot. Last week, when I was told that there’d be a meeting to plan for next year, I got excited—never mind if it’s a four-hour brainstorming session.

There are actually a lot of things about The Project that makes me feel perky about, but suffice it to say that it has given me the chance to do what I really want to do and make me want to, um, stay. I would want to get into more details but I don’t want to preempt things, so let’s just leave it at that for now.

Third, I’m constantly being bombarded with blessings (in the form of the written word) that not only allow me to make regular trips to the bank, but also makes me feel fulfilled. Even though at times the load seems overwhelming, I really can’t complain. I only have to worry about my deadlines because I think I’m already lagging behind. Gah!

Fourth, a sweet “accident” recently happened: last Sunday, 18 November, was Sing!, a mini-concert prepared by our church’s Young Adults/Praise team (photos are on their way). I was only supposed to perform a solo number in that event; but one of the praise team members had an emergency so she couldn’t make it. Her role was passed on to me, and I didn’t really mind. What I did mind was the fact that I didn’t know the songs in the lineup, and I barely had a day to practice. I only got to actually learn the lineup on the night before the event. But thank God I was able to pick up and there I was, gladly leading a congregation on that night of musical worship service together with my co-Young Adults. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful feeling to have actually worshipped our Maker through the talents He’s given us. Indeed, music is one great instrument that can bless other people.

Fifth, it’s almost the end of the month, which means that Francis’ contract in Cavite will expire. He’d be back here in Manila, and we’d be back to normal. Though I know that in the future, he’d most likely be assigned to some place else, I’m taking things one day at a time. Might as well enjoy bus trips together before another assignment takes that away.

So this is how it feels to actually count your blessings. Happy sigh.

when you float like a cannonball

Lately, Francis has been into Damien Rice. To be precise, he's into Lisa Hannigan, Rice's accompanying vocalist. My boyfriend can't help but rave about her. And for a couple of days, he also raved about Rice's Cannonball. We would be talking over the phone during the weekend and all I would hear playing in the background is that song. Or, we'd be chatting and his stat message would read "Damien Rice-Cannonball", or some other song of the dude.

I'm not complaining. Usually, he's the first one to "discover" this artist and his obsession rubs off on me. When he had his Tori Amos phase, I soon followed; and for weeks, my iPod would be churning out Amos songs one after the other, especially when we're on the road driving. Then came Jeff Buckley. Now it's Damien Rice's turn.

So when the opportunity came, he begged me that we cover Cannonball. Because it's been a while since we've had a recording date, I gladly obliged--even if it means I had to memorize the lyrics on the spot.

A video was even recorded, originally intended to be uploaded on YouTube; but realizing that we didn't record it in a nice park with matching falling leaves in the background and the camera panning at dramatic angles, we just opted to put the audio recording up in Imeem.

So folks, hope you enjoy our rendition of pareng Damo's Cannonball.

i get to sing for Him again

Just came from church a couple of minutes ago. I was feeling a bit of under the weather due to colds, but nothing really serious that would make me want to stay in bed.

Anyway, the Young Adults planned a hangout stint at church, which required us to pitch in a100 bucks each. I arrived late, and I already ate dinner before hitting the road, so I just feasted on fluffy marshmallows and half a stick of barbecue. Then after a couple of chitchat, some of us proceeded to practice the song I'm assigned to sing this first Sunday of November.

I admit, it's been a long time since I've actually sang in church. So I got excited when I was asked to do a number together with some of my co-YP: Aerol on keyboards, Kuya Ryan on guitar, my sis on percussion, and Lew doing the second voice.

It was a good practice. Now I'm looking forward to Sunday.

With this, I share the piece we're performing. I do hope and pray that this song, Amazing Love, be a blessing to everyone who's reading this entry.

mandy moore-ing

Because I'm finally done with my Gensan article for Masigasig, I'm treating myself to one of my girl crushes, Mandy Moore (the "treating" part doesn't sound right, though. Oh well...). I guess her choice of not baring her skin just to sell albums made me admire her. (I forgive her my-lips-have-their-own-lives-apart-from-the-rest-of-my-body days; she's improved a lot now.)

Last weekend, I stumbled upon the latest video of her latest single from her latest album, "Wild Hope". Found the MTV cute. Man, I wonder how many outfits the stylist had to think of for that video! Top choices would be: Mandy wearing a belted, white, knee-length dress with boots as she's climbing a ladder (there's actually 2 Mandys); then she in a long, white dress with vest (following that white dress-boots ensemble); then the succeeding one where she's in a hippie top, bandana, and jeans; and lastly, Mandy in a long, red dress climbing another ladder. Now those are four inspirations for four days of not knowing what to wear! Perfect!

So anyway, here's the video.



I just wish "Wild Hope" will be released here soon. Anyway, as a bonus, found another video of her where she covers Rihanna's Umbrella. I didn't like the song when I first heard it (Rihanna's version, that is), but I guess it just grew on me. But I like Mandy's version better (forget Marie Digby!).

counting down the days

Because I was tasked with reviewing Natalie Imbruglia's latest album, Glorious, The Singles, I had the chance to revisit her songs that I've since liked. And because of being away from him for three weeks now, one of the songs in the album came to life and hit home. Verbatim. Even if it sounds a tad too mushy.

So this is for him.

You were right
And I don't want to be here if you're gonna be there
Was that supposed to happen?

I'll hold tight
I'll remember to smile
Though it has been a while
And without you does it matter?

There's no room
No place to start
When our souls are apart

I want to travel through time
See your surprise
I'd hold you so tight
I'm counting down the days tonight
I just want to be a million miles away from here
I'm counting down the days

How've you been?
It's just the usual here
And days are feeling like years
And every day's without you

Now I cry just a little too much
When I think of your touch
And everything about you

I feel cold
I'm in the dark
When our souls are apart

I'm counting down the days
I'm counting down the days
I'm gonna be you surprise
I'm gonna hold you so tight

I just want to be a million miles away from here
A million miles away from here

coffee dew

Because:

1. presently, the metro (and other parts of the country) is being ravaged by typhoons one after the other
2. despite the fact that we're allowed to go home earlier than usual, most of us in the department are still working our arses off to beat deadlines
3. I'm pretty bored and busy at the same time...

I am posting this. I hope some coffee shop takes notice.

(And may I quote Francis : "It's William Wallace (yes, Mr. Braveheart!), Tori Amos, Cynthia Alexander and Dave Matthews spending an afternoon in Starbucks...")


--

Coffee Dew
Lyrics/Vocals, Backing Vocals: Sunshine Selga
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Rainstick, Drum Programming: Francis Funa
Copyright 2007


I was sitting at a café, one day
It was a rainy afternoon as people pass me by,
trying to get warm, the smell of coffee blends in the crisp, damp air.
It reminded me of you, making me feel like I’m home.

Like the rain, you fell in my arms
Like the sun after a storm, you have shone on my life.
Like a cup of coffee in this cold November,
an aftertaste of your embrace.

I wait for the rain to stop, as strangers seem to go on with their lives
And I recall how we once were strangers trying to paint our dreams in the sky.
Mem’ries of smiles, raindrop kisses from you
I can’t wait to say how much I love you.

leaving tonight

As promised, here's the girl's POV.

--
Leaving Tonight
Vocals: Sunshine Selga
Lyrics/Piano: Francis Funa
Copyright 2007


Thought I could hold on to the words
we've said, but I've moved on
to where the moon could hide.
And I am leaving tonight...

Caught between an open dream
and a hand to feel the sky
of silent waves.
It begins to fade
from my eyes.
I don't know why.

And I won't leave behind
sketches made with memories.
But I can't look back this time.
Tonight, I'd leave.

A walk in time, alone in circles,
and back to lose it all.
Too late to make things right
cause I am leaving tonight.

A word to take before it breaks
along these twisted lines
you had undone.
But there is none,
no words to give no rhyme.

No need to wait for the moment
the stars would close their eyes.
I can't look back this time.
I'm leaving tonight.

frozen visions

So this is one of the few songs I've written, topic of which is based on two friends' sad story. Well, after being together for quite sometime now (around 8, I think, but they're a few months older than Francis and I), they had to part ways.

This is the guy's point of view. Will soon post the girl's.

--

Frozen Visions
Lyrics/Vocals: Sunshine Selga
Arrangement/Keyboards/Synths: Francis Funa
Copyright 2007


All I see is black.
All I hear is the shattering of frozen visions I don't even want to see.

The moon is crying, dying with me every night
as I lay in this desert of fragmented pain,
half-broken by the empty words chasing each other from your lips.

All the why's and how's are now the ashes that the wind
blows away and you can no longer chase.
I am the horizon that you will never reach.

I let myself drown in this sacred prison.
Here I feel sanctified.
Far from your eyes, I feel sublime.
I can breathe again just for a fleeting while.

The moon is crying, dying with me now.
I want to lay laughing with the desert's pain.
Maybe you can finally hear this strangled agony I keep.

another sad story

Somehow, this song gets to me. It's probably because of the sad, sad lyrics. Oh yes, and Kelly Clarkson's voice, too.

Hmmm...maybe we can cover this, Francis? I'm just not so sure about the high parts. Hahaha!