And here we go again... down with the flu. Man... insane.
And as flu caught me alone in my second home, I have no
A sick person's meal, prepared by the sick person.
choice but to tend to myself. I have been cooking my meals even when I feel like I am unable to lift the spatula. I know I could just order food... but that's a lot of wrappers and wrappers and packaging and packaging, layer after layer - too much waste, I can't bare it... especially after enduring that 'parade of typhoons' that hit the Philippines over the last few weeks. No, thank you. It is time to take action and contribute in mitigating climate change... no matter how small the contribution is, it is still a step towards the right direction. So, yeah, I'll do my best to cook. So far, I am able to manage... without aggravating my health condition... I think... uhm, I hope! 😅 The effort is real, and the hunger that builds up while cooking progressed so very (very) slowly is like Smaug himself waiting to devour Bilbo Baggins!
One of the things that I really, really hate about coming down with the flu is that flu usually goes with a sore throat. And if one had been terribly abusive of one's health (hence, the flu in the first place), the sore throat can be so terrible that it goes with a 'shut-off vocal cords'. Air is blocked completely from creating sound waves... one can't make the smallest of sound no matter how hard one tries to scream. It is totally frustrating that I just want to stuff my mouth with food to compensate... but swallowing is a labor, too. So, yeah... did I mention frustrating? 'Cause it is!
***
The voiceless pain
Feverish, mightily uncomfortable from body ache and painful throat, dizzy and weak, watery eyes and no voice... that's me today. And I am very, very frustrated. 😞 As I write this post this very moment, I am binge-watching one of my ultimate favorite TV shows, the "Gilmore Girls" (GG) series, because I have been so bored staring at the ceiling in my bed. And I am extremely frustrated that I am unable to sing along with the show's theme song, "Where you Lead" by the brilliant Carole King (CK).
🎶"I always wanted a real home with flowers in the window sill.
Well, if you wanna live in Stars Hollow, baby, you know I will...
Where you lead, I will follow, anywhere that you tell me to...."🎶
I do enjoy singing the theme song. In fact, for hardcore Stars Hollow fans, it is one of the highlights of watching GG. Every episode begins with some sort of an overview of what the next 45 minutes will be about... and then just when you are about to say, "huh? What? Whaaat??", the theme song rolls in, and you know you are, indeed, at the right place. So, you cozy up with a bucket of popcorn on your lap, and all other concerns in life far, far away from your mind. Every episode also ends with some sort of an "aaaww" or an "oh, nooo" moment that made us want to speed up the week back in the early 2000s in order to see the next episode. These days, with Netflix stringing the episodes per season in a binge-worthy array, the "aaawww" or "oh, no" moment is followed real fast by the "whaaaat" moment. And something has to relieve a fan from such heightened emotion. I guess I do not have to emphasize that the relief comes from the theme song. A moment when one's sanity says bye-bye momentarily as one sings along with the fabulous CK while watching highlights of the show.
So, imagine how painful it is for an avid GG fan like myself when he/she is unable to get the smallest of sound to sing along with CK - argh, torture!
***
The sweetness of working from home
As I mentioned before, I have been appreciating my new surroundings in my second home, close to my new primary workplace. I have been realizing in the past days as I work from home
Through the sheer curtain at the window, it seems that something is 'on fire' outside. But it is just the sunset... in its glorious beauty.
that wherever I sit to work in my new home, I see the very green sceneries outside through the 'countless' windows we have. I have been complaining to my sister that I have no blank walls to hang paintings and pictures, and there are very few spaces where I can park my favorite art pieces. These days, I am beginning to accept... and appreciate the big windows that allow me to see my green surroundings. At the moment, that relieves my painful and watery eyes, and I'm grateful. The small lanai by the side of the house, or the small backyard, allows me to soak in the healing warmth of sunrise. Also, in many places where I can sit to work in the afternoon while I eat snacks before taking medicine (again), I have a view of the lovely sunset in this part of the world... and enjoying the sunset is one of my 'guilty pleasures'. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy these things... even if what afforded me to enjoy them is a health issue. There is always something good in any of our experiences. Sometimes the goodness is an immediate outcome that we can enjoy, other times, we need to dig deep to discover it. And the greatest gift is experiencing goodness without having to dig too deep. These days, I appreciate that enjoying sunrise and/or sunset does not require digging deep. So, again, I am grateful.
My 'voiceless pain'... or 'painful voicelessness' is kind of taken over by the sweetness of working from home... even when the reason for working from home is the 'voiceless pain'. And yes, I am grateful. Indeed, I am.
If you have gotten this far, uhm... I am so sorry but did I just waste three minutes of your life? I did? I knew it! I am extra-incoherent today. But, hey, I am grateful... to you for enduring my incoherence. I appreciate you.
*** Image credit: The photos in this post are mine. I took them, they belong to me.
Train: "Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken...?"
Me: Yeah, I can... and
JK: ..."it's a hard pill to swallow...."
***
The Grammy award-winning "Drops of Jupiter (Tell me)"is one my favorite songs by Train (of the "Marry Me" fame)... maybe, one of my favorite songs ever, too. I just love the lyrics... the melancholy that it imparts but sang so beautifully in masked sadness by the brilliant Pat Monahan in a backdrop of easy, uncomplicated, and yet, terrific music that has everything - from dramatic piano to romantic violin to a thumping rhythm section. Here, have a listen...
"Now that she's back in the atmosphere with drops of Jupiter in her hair... she listens like spring and she talks like June..."
These days, listening to "Shot Glass of Tears" (SGOT) from Jung Kook's debut solo album, "Golden"... I have these nostalgic feels that take me back to 14 years ago when "Drops of Jupiter (Tell me)" (DOJTM) was released. Although the songs are completely different in terms of music, tempo and general appeal... lyrically, there are similarities. The lyrics of SGOT and the way JK interprets it is in-your-face melancholic. And it's amazing how JK can make even the lowest register of his voice can sound so melodic... and beautiful, even when he is singing live. So gifted! His singing is quite different from Monahan's powered and nicely controlled screeches in DOJTM that show his mastery of his craft. Here, have a listen...
"She got some dangerous hobbies like chasin' after the sun and making me fall in love."
Both songs talk about one's fascination... and love... for an incredible woman. And it's beautiful... both. The lyrical genius of DOJTM is subtle and sweet, "And tell me, did Venus blow your mind? Was it everything you wanted to find? And did you miss me while you're looking for yourself out there?" So loving and indulging of one's subject of affection... and yet so tenderly longing for some affection, too. It's like a precarious balancing act between selfless love and the quiet desperation for just the smallest hint of reciprocation of one's deep affection. One can tell that whoever wrote the lyrics (and I'm quite sure it was Monahan), possesses a love that is tamed by maturity.
SGOT is a bit more juvenile in its hurried desire to let the subject of his affection know of his desperation to be healed by being loved, too: "Need something strong for the sorrow, something strong for the pain so I can wash it away. I was cold, now I'm freezin'. Stuck in permanent season, and we both know you're the reason. I'm not the same as before, I don't feel anymore."
Both songs are worth spending a Friday Night of music... lovely music - a "soul vacation".
***
Video credit: The owners of the videos are indicated in the video themselves. Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.
...country music and many more! And by 'more', I mean, 'Jungkookie more'!
===============================================
by PAM
Ah, it feels like a lifetime ago since I last wrote a 'nostalgic' post here. I have been preoccupied with so many things - important, unimportant depending on whose perspective... big things and small things, imagined and real... fun and agonizing, and everything in between... 'this and that'. Yep, I have been totally buried six feet below 'grown-up stuff'... including stuff that makes grown-ups appear irresponsible to some... such as sleeping. Ah, well...
There are so many things about the debut studio album by JungKook (JK), "Golden", that inspires musing and nostalgic feels... the most surprising of them all are the country music-sounding songs, "Yes or No" (YON) and "Too Sad to Dance" (TSTD), especially TSTD.
I am mostly a 'rock chick', and I listen regularly to pop music. I have soft spot for R&B. Uhm, actually, I am a sucker for R&B. I never thought of myself as a fan of country music... but having lived in the US for several years in three separate decades and in three different States (and visited a whole bunch of other States), too, without knowing it, I developed some leanings towards country music... okay, 'country pop' is probably the more accurate description of the songs that I like in the country genre, and definitely a lot of 'country rock'. Then again, even Taylor Swift is, first of all, a country music artist, too! But if you take a listen to some country songs, you gotta admit, they do have their distinct charm, and they make you suffer from "last song syndrome (LSS)...
"In case you didn't know, baby, I'm crazy 'bout you..." and I'd be lyin' if I said that I could live this life without you."
Hmmm... 'distinct charm', and that pinch of 'Americana' flavor. You would think that it is an exclusive 'American thing'. But then, even that beautiful New Zealand-born Aussiecountry music phenomenon, Keith Urban, who sings with such soulful depth can give justice to this country con Americana music. After all, he lived in Nashville for a chunk of his life. This is one of my favorite songs of his: his first Grammy award-winning song from more than 10 years ago, "You'll think of me".
"I went out driving trying to clear my head
I tried to sweep out all the ruins that my emotions left
Now, came "Golden"... it is astounding how JK - a S. Korean singer who is not an english speaker with a brain that is "hard-wired K-Pop" could sing a song that is quite obviously written for a country singer, or a country pop singer, in a way that sounded authentic country, or country pop. The song TSTD is a formulaic country: all that acoustics complete with whistling, the narrative way by which the lyrics are written, the melancholy but romantic words, and that bit about an older and more experienced person imparting wisdom to a younger person foolishly in love, etc. - it has 'country' written all over it. And yet, JK took it on... wore it, and slayed it!
"So last night I went to the club
Had a couple too many, threw up
Now, everybody's laughing at me
'Cause I'm way too sad, way too sad to dance
I'm way too sad to dance..."
See? C'mon, you can say it! It's good, right? It is. I love it! Some friends of mine in the US who hailed from country music-inclined rural America cannot believe that this country pop song, TSTD, that has thin slices of 'Americana' meat, was sang by a K-Pop artist who is unable to guest on American talk shows without an interpreter in tow. That is not a bad thing... it a great thing, and I'm so proud of JK! 💜
Here, this is one of those country songs (well, country rock, to be exact) that I like... I even sang it live with a band on stage at some point in my crazy life! My band and I prepared hard for it... and we did quite well (c'mon, a girl can dream!). 😉😅 It's "Play It Again" by Luke Bryan - a 10-year-old song that I only discovered about six years ago while on a roadtrip in rural Idaho, USA.
"She was like, 'oh my God, this is my song
I've been listenin' to the radio all night long
Sittin' 'round, waitin' for it to come on, and here it is.'
She was like, 'come here, boy, I wanna dance.'
'Fore I said a word, she was takin' my hand
Spinnin' me around 'til it faded out
And she gave me a kiss."
That was fun, right? Ah, I love it... and singing it live on stage with a full band and a big crowd was one of the highlights of my craziness! Uhm... I did sing "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift live on stage, too, at some point in this crazy life of mine! Haha... I had so much fun!
And then I heard JK's, YON. I knew right away that, after "3D", YON will be my biggest favorite from the "Golden" album, but I do like all songs. YON isn't country, it's really a pop song... and yet, the lyrics do give a 'country feels', and the beautiful way that JK sang it can actually compel hardcore country fans to add it in their playlists, and it's great! Here, have a listen...
"Everybody in this club so faded, I'm trippin' over getting lost on you
If we forever started out as strangers, I think my ever after just came true...
...and I gotta know, are you feeling the rush?
If so, then I think I know what's goin' on.
Are we falling in love? Say yes or no..."
I definitely know what's goin' on here. JK just won the world over. Are we falling in love? Damn, do you really need to ask? But if you insist, the answer is a definite and a huge, huge "YES"! So, yeah, let's keep listening... going back and forth between nostalgia and what is fresh and current - JK's music, that is.
***
Video credit: The owners of the videos are indicated in the videos themselves. Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.
I've been asked about my 'bias' many times. Honestly, I am not sure if I have one. I've always been just about their music and phenomenal talents. I am about their rapport and synergy as a group, which shine through in all their features onBangtan TV and their other activities - inside and outside BTS. As they grow and evolve, we see the depth of their artistry, and the growing breadth of their personal interests and colorful characters, which are all fascinating and impressive. I cannot begin to explain how proud I am that these wonderful young men hailed from 'my side of the planet'... not that they ever put boundary to their musical influence because they are all about inclusiveness. So, yeah, I feel that I do not have a 'real' bias. Is that possible? Perhaps....
Admirable young men who hailed from 'my side of the planet'.
I have to say though that JK is like 'the son that I never had', therefore, he is very special to me. 💜 Watching him do what he does as a BTS member and as JK, the person, warms my heart. From his younger days when he was that incredibly cute-as-a-button kid with a load of raw talents that he slugs around patiently and enthusiastically while he stares with his expressive eyes... and to these days where he has evolved to this wonderful young man with tons of talents that are manifested inside and outside BTS... it is always a delight to watch him. He seemed to have grown in wisdom, too. He chooses his words wisely these days, and when he speaks, the words are good and well-spoken, too. He remains athletic and fun-loving, well-skilled in his favorite sports and other activities that calls for athleticism, and enviably smart in using logic when dealing with practical things and highly complex things alike. I imagine that if he was a family, he would be that one person whom you'd call when you're in a great danger... because you know, he can figure a way out for you... and would execute the plan himself in the most impressive knight-in-shining-armor way! He continues to surprise us with maturing artistry everytime he resurfaces from 'mini social media hiatus' that he takes every now and then. He becomes more and more of a man's man with that 'take-charge' confidence minus the attitude. He remains polite, cute,
JK - he, himself... the one and the only - the closest being to perfection. 💜
funny, and with that laid back stance that belies his competitive spirit. These make his sweet gestures towards ARMY all the more special... and, I imagine, very swoon-worthy to young ladies. He continues to spread his wings as an artist, and soars high with his mega talents, the level of which keeps becoming more and more unreachable for other artists. As his 'pretend Mom', I am very, very (very, very, very) proud of him! And, if I could talk to him, I'd say what that song by NSYNC says, "(God must have spent) A little more time on you", because he is the closest being to perfection - and my dearest and one and only son, therefore, fave young man in the history of the universe! 💖💜
And, what about the fantabulous, RM? Ah, Namjoon is like a favorite nephew who is intelligent, well-mannered, loving, and so talented... but fierce, too, when provoked - typical of a self-made young artist who went through so much, and came out victorious... therefore, he knows his worth, and is confident about it. 💜 His confidence makes him all the more good-looking. He is someone that I am so genuinely proud of, and it is always a delight to watch him grow so gracefully as a person and as an artist. To me, he is like that nephew that you spent time babysitting, and therefore, saw him grow up; that nephew with whom you swap books with; that nephew that you wish your son would emulate as a role model; that nephew that you hope would become your son's best friend; that nephew whose photo you carry in your wallet together with that of your son's; that nephew whose visits to your home are something you always look forward to because you know it would be a treat to listen to his stories, the new books that he read and the new art pieces that he's seen; that nephew whom you hope would introduce you to a girl that he loves and adores who is as perfect as him... who is perfect for him. He is that nephew for whom you have been saving up to buy that fabulous work of art that you know he'd love... and give it to him as gift on his inaugural as President of the country. Aawww... I'm tearing up! 💜💗
Back in Penn State University while waiting to travel to Las Vegas to watch "PTD on Stage - Las Vegas".
SUGA is like that nephew who has always been 'your favorite project' as an aunt. 💜 You know that he is a genius but it frustrates you that he gets bored in school because what he learns in a 'traditional' education system is just a little drop in his massive reservoir of brain power... and the drop jiggles and makes a lot of noise when it reaches the surface of the massive self-discovered and self-thought knowledge in the reservoir, and it hurts his ears! And so, he yawns, he rolls his eyes... and rolls out of the classroom! Hahaha... It exasperates you that he always takes numerous catnaps during family gatherings. So, very often he is left out in family portraits, and you always have to photoshop him in it! Hahaha... But everytime you find out that his band is playing at his school, you drop everything and go... even if he did not invite you! Hahaha... and you buy a roll of tickets and give them away to his band's fans, and you hide in the shadows while you dance like a crazy woman to his songs as he sets the stage on fire... uhm, no, not literally setting on fire, just figuratively! Haha... he might be a 'rebel' but he is not an arsonist... that's Jack-in-the-Box Hobi! Hahaha... Yeah, the great Yoongi is 'an acquired taste'... but once you enter his web of spell, there is no way out. Trust me, you will erase the word 'exit' or 'out' from your dictionary once you become a Yoongi fan. 💜
Hobi is like an A+ student to me. 💜 No, he is not a typical 'favorite student' because it is wrong to have favorites in school, but he is 'that student' who always comes to mind when there are major tasks in school. Hobi is like this highly talented student who works so hard, organized, diligent, and highly disciplined. And, he is so humble, supportive and friendly that his classmates always run to him for help. As such, his peers would love to see him succeed, too. When there are big events and projects at school, as a teacher, you would love Hobi to be a part of your Team because you know that, with him in the Team, you will get the job done, and done very well, too! He will use his charisma and sense of humor to encourage everyone (including the likes of Yoongi. Hahaha...) to work with the Team, and he will run the 'extra mile' to exceed expectations. And after he graduates, Hobi would be that former student of yours who becomes a family. He would be that alumnus who would always be happy to 'give back' by sharing his blessings and words of wisdom with struggling students. Hobi is a great role model for students... and because I am an educator, I'd love me a lecture hall full of Hobis! 💜
Work (Penn State U) + 'ARMY duties' = joy
Jin is like a favorite young cousin. 💜 He is this young cousin whom you'd love to have around in the kitchen when you cook - filling it with laughter and good cheers. He is your source of the perfect ingredient for the best homecooked food: LOVE. He is this young cousin who'd drive you to the farmer's market on weekends to buy ingredients for the weekend family meal... and would sweetly carry your basket for you. And because he is so handsome, you'd enjoy all the attention from girls as they secretly ogle on this handsome young man who walks alongside you, carrying your basket like a gallant prince straight from a fairy tale. In your head, you keep telling the girls, "hmmm... just you wait until you hear him sing!" And you walk with such pride... and, smugness - admit it or not. He is also one of your trusted persons because he is that responsible young cousin with whom you can leave your only son, and he'd guide your son through teenage life including enrolment at school... although sometimes, he'd lead your son to boys' 'crazy adventures', too. That's alright because, you know, he will be responsible, and your son will be in good company. In fact, he gives your son a lesson in tennis regularly... and what a relief because you always fear that your son would hurt himself doing competitive boxing. Wouldn't it be great to have Jin as a young cousin? For sure, it would be! He is already my young cousin... in a parallel universe. 💜
Jimin is like your best friend's son, and is your godson ('inaanak' in Filipino), too. 💜 As the bond is 'spiritual', it is as good as a blood relationship, and it is lasting. He is that boy whom you bought Christmas and birthday presents for all his life... and he is so thoughtful that he values them like treasures even when he already earns 100 times more than what you earn... and it makes your heart swell with pride and love. He was that boy with whom your only son played with while you and your best friend 'gossiped' about your favorite artists... and your little boys' screams, shrieks and giggles will always be music to your ears... and shall resonate in your heart for the rest of your life. And now that that boy is a successful grown-up, you enjoy the regular visits from him... the sweet messages that he sends every now and then, asking how you are doing, and telling you to always take care. Aww... that made me tear up, too! Jiminaaaaah, saranghaaaeee!! 💜
V (Tae): the prettiest face you'd ever lay your eyes on in this generation.
Last, but totally not the least... ah, Tae. He is like your long-time neighbor's only son who was your only son's playmate. 💜 They wrecked havoc in the neighborhood all their naughty-boy's lives that it's a miracle the neighborhood survived all this time! They were these boys who ran around your Christmas tree, almost knocking down the tree each time! As the boys grew up, they would sneak out to shop together in the nearby Mall on their own as they disliked the outfits that you and your neighbor buy for them with Tae being the 'mastermind' of sneak out plans. While you grimaced at their choice of outfits... when they are already wearing the outfits, one wink from Tae gets you in his spell, and you nod your head in approval... and you surprise yourself because you actually meant the approval! And now that they are grown-ups, Tae is like this handsome and very talented young man who paints every town red that he sets his prettily shoed feet unto. But you know when he's home because he never fails to honk his fabulous car until you draw open your front window curtain so he can say hello to you... with his killer wink that has become so 'deadly' that it never fails to make your heart flutter with the joy of just knowing this wonderful young man, who, over the years, have become like your own son, too! 😍
Ahhh... I have a third family, and it's BTS. How awesome! 💜
***
Back to 'ARMY duties'...
Today, we are commemorating the 2nd anniversary of the release of "Dynamite". So, let's celebrate with this...
🎜 "I'm diamond, you know I glow up. Let's go!" 🎝
***
Photo credit: (1) Collage of BTS photos during their attendance at the 2022 Grammy's were grabbed from BTS Big Hit official IG account and Bangtan TV - thanks for the loan. (2) JK - grabbed from the "Butter" video by Hybe Labels. (3) Collage of my own photos and BTS "Permission to Dance On Stage - Las Vegas" from the IG accounts of J-Hope, JK and RM - thanks for the loan. (4) Collage of my own photos and those grabbed from BTS Big Hit official IG account, and from Jimin's and JK's IG accounts. (5) Tae's photo grabbed from SBS K-Pop Inkigayo video - thanks.
Video credit: The owner of the video is indicated in the video itself, Hybe Labels. Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
Among many activities in the coming week, I am currently preparing for my 'debriefing' tomorrow with the Executive Director of the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), which is the Fulbright Commission of the Philippines, or simply, "Fulbright Philippines". This is the second time that I will be doing this as this is my second time to receive a study grant from one of the Programs administered by PAEF on behalf of the Philippines and the United States of America (USA). Somehow, it feels different than how I felt 15 years ago when I returned to the country after five years of studies in the US as a Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship grantee. Although that wasn't my first time to study abroad then, it felt different because of the expectations attached to being a Fulbright scholar and earning a PhD even when the experience was extremely humbling. It was a life-changing experience though and that was why it was a challenge to be re-integrated to my work's community. This time around, it is even more different because of the expectations in the workplace, primarily due to my age, experience, and the more challenging work that awaits me.
The same University, the same person...
two moments in time, twenty years in between.
Everytime I feel like I passed a milestone in my profession, or in my personal life, I offer a 'special' prayer to God... to allow contemplation. And, just when I thought that I have experienced the best in my current profession already, therefore, I am done, and I am ready to diminish into retirement... a 'new chapter' opens up. Then I realized that the milestone that I just passed is 'the best' in the previous chapter... while the most beautiful moment in my life is yet to come. 'The best is yet to come', indeed - thanks, BTS for the reminder. I think that when we adopt this way of thinking, this attitude, then life will always be exciting for us... and it will always be worth living for, and living to the best of our ability, too.
This generation is very lucky because they have BTS to keep reminding them about these things. When life throws us a curve ball, and we struggle to hit it, missing it most of the time, sending us to the darkest of moods and bleak vision of our future, BTS reminds us in "Mikrokosmos" to just 'shine, dream, smile' because someone else might be finding inspiration in us. If we keep smiling no matter how much we're hurting, we shine our light upon them... and they glow, and shine their light upon us, too. And then, through our lights, we create our own constellation, our own cosmos... our very own mikrokosmos where there is nothing else but wonder and beauty. Through their songs, BTS built 'that door in our hearts' that opened to the "Magic Shop", where all the answers to our questions await us, comforting us, assuring us of our life's significance, our relevance, our place in this world... just waiting for us... there in our hearts. And, when we pray, the answers become clearer, more meaningful, make so much more sense. And, when the 'new chapter' feels more intimidating than the previous one, in "Life Goes On", BTS offer their hands so we can 'run away to that future' where all the sufferings and anxieties fade into just an 'echo in the forest'.
Physically older but wiser (gosh, I hope!),
less stylish but more comfortable (I swear!)...
less years in the future ahead, but happier...
much happier (it's true!)!
I am no longer young... and I am not complaining either! I've gone through so much in this life already... thankfully, with very little regrets. And yet, I, too, bump into seemingly insurmountable challenges once in a while. And, every once in a while, I need a sweeping inspiration, too, to keep going. BTS provides some of that needed inspiration... the reason to laugh through their hilarious antics; the reason to get up and move about, shake about, and rid myself of the negative energy by trying to move like them. Of course, it is impossible to move like them (well, for me! Hahaha....)... but as I try, the momentary distraction makes my heart swell with glee. It gives me time to re-think my priorities, what is most important to me... and then, as I settle down to reflect, I hear the door knob to my heart clicking. And then, I find myself walking into my "Magic Shop" in my very own "Mikrokosmos". As I watch the stars glow so beautifully, I get convinced that, indeed, "the best is yet to come". In the meantime, "life goes go on"!
If people in my generation doubt about BTS's ability to make sense out of life through music the way our favorite artists in the past did, then I recommend that they listen to this...
2021: BTS ("I'll be missing you")
Isn't it as good as this...?
1983: The Police ("Every breath you take")
I rest my case. 💜
***
Photo credit: The photos in this post were taken by various individuals for me. As such, they belong to me and, therefore, I have the freedom to do as I wish.
Video credit: The owners of the videos featured in this post are indicated in the videos themselves. Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.
There are many important occasions today, and it's good that it's Saturday, too. Although it is a thoroughly busy day for me... as I am traveling from the US to the Philippines as I write this blog post. In fact, I am currently standing on a loooong queue that is snaking around the Tom Bradley International Terminal of LAX... that is not moving! There's a huge variety of anxiety-triggers along the queue: "late again?", "when do they start checking us in?", "can we make it to boarding at this rate?", "man, I have a connection in Manila! Will I make it at this rate?"... and what have you!
After missing a flight the day before... and after walking (thrice! Long story... not worth discussing.) from Terminal 7 of LAX to Tom Bradley with three pieces of huge check-in luggage balanced on a squeaking cart (well, can you blame it, given the weight of my luggage?), a carry-on, and a backpack, and with that heat outside, and the LA smog that made my eyes water, plus I am really hungry... I cannot listen anymore to all the complaints around me. So, after conversing and commiserating with my fellow frustrated passengers, I decided, I have to do something productive... and happy.
So, I switched on Spotify, opened my ever-reliable favorite Playlist... put on my wireless earbuds... and voila, here I am... in this safe virtual haven of mine. Let's go!
***
Everything happens for a reason
Yep, I missed my flight the day before because of that Health Pass online Form that one person insisted I needed to fill out before I can be checked-in and be given a boarding pass. Apparently, she was misinformed... but, by the time someone made a clarification, my luggage did not have enough time to reach the plane even if I can still sprint to my gate! So, I returned to my sister's home, and spent most part of the morning getting re-booked for my flights today. Thankfully, the Department of State's Travel Agency that was assigned to handle the travel plans of Humphrey Fellows like myself was very efficient that everything was taken care of in only a couple of hours. I then spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon taking delicious catnaps... and listening to music in between.
The truth is, I wasn't feeling too well yesterday as I had my COVID-19 second booster shot last Wednesday evening. I wasn't feeling well the following day, Thursday, but I couldn't take a
rest because I had to pack and re-pack my luggage. Ten months of being in the US had me 'amassing' stuff - mostly books... and shoes - lots of them! Nope, I do not plan to make excuses... 'cause I have none! Anyway, the extra day of stay gave me time to recuperate... and be ready for the long journey home today - a blessing in disguise.
It was a beautiful day, too! It was a bit warm, but it was sunny, and the sky was clear and very blue - pretty, and perfect for some Namjooning! And so, in the late afternoon, as my brother-in-law went to play golf, my sister and I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood so I can admire the place one last time. I love the old huge trees that lined the streets, almost forming a natural canopy above our heads as we walked. The shade they provided made the warm air a bit cooler, keeping the heat radiated by the asphalt road in check. So, it was quite a comfortable walk.
These last month that I was in my sister's place in Boise City, ID, I walked almost everyday. First of all, I walked to the Boise State University campus... walked leisurely around the
campus and beyond after work, and then walked home. I typically complete more than 10,000 steps daily, which is usually equivalent to, at least, 7 km. The place is nice and safe, so I enjoyed every minute of my walk! Also, I loved looking at the houses around. They are most definitely not as HUGE as the houses in, say, Texas! However, they are dainty and lovely... making the village where my sister lives very pretty, indeed. People are so friendly, too. Many of them let me take a photo of their home, and even chatted a bit about the neighborhood, especially when they learned that I am a visiting scholar at Boise State. Perhaps, that is another thing that I love about this place - people's sense of community, and sense of pride of what their community has to offer.
My sister and I decided to eat dinner at one of our favorite Asian restaurants in the village. We took a different route on our way there just to explore the village. We saw interesting things
around the neighborhood. My favorite was a mini free library at the front yard of one house. There were a couple of comfortable seats provided, and there were a few more spares in the barn just directly at the back of the free mini library. Anyone in the neighborhood can come and read, and anyone can donate books as well. It is a very good idea, really. In fact, I've seen one like this at the Anne Frank Memorial at downtown Boise.... which I'll write about in the (near) future.
My sister and I did not have our 'usual' at the Asian resto... we ventured to something different. We usually ordered ramen or pho but, this time, I ordered their special noodles... which was truly special - lots of veggies, shrimp and beef. It was delicious... and I finished it all! The long walk gave me appetite, and I loved it! My sister opted for something with rice, and se loved it, too.
On our way back to my sister's house, we decided to walk some more at a park nearby. It was, actually, a dog park. So, there were many people walking and playing with their dogs... and there were some more playing tennis and basketball. It was quite busy... but not crowded - there was enough space for everyone. My sister and I decided to take camp at the
picnic area... I was so full and happy that I decided to lie down... and just enjoy the fresh air, and the peace and quiet while I bonded with my sister. We talked about our immediate and long-term plans... and things that we are not planning just yet. It was a very good talk, which I did enjoy. This is another thing that I love about this place... there are many amenities that are found in big cities, like New York City (NYC), for instance... MINUS the huge crowd, the noise, the stench, the security and safety threats, and the lack of privacy. Ah... perhaps, it's my age. I used to enjoy the sight and sound of NYC... but, these days, I go there primarily for business. Then again, times have changed tremendously... and so did NYC! Given the choice, I'd rather go to Boise or in Upstate New York... and even in rural Pennsylvania - hmmm... uhm, perhaps, I won't go that far! I do love Pittsburgh though! It's cosmopolitan and lovely with a fair amount of intellectual vibes about it... but not as chaotic as NYC, or Philadelphia!
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Oh, and about special occasions...
July is a special month for me because, uhm, its my birth month! CANCER month! Yes, indeed, I'm a crab! Proud of it, too! I can identify with many crabs in this life... such as the late Princess Diana
and his son, Prince William, as well as the brilliant, Tom Hanks, and the eternally youthful and innovative, Tom Cruise. Let's not talk about Elon Musk though... because we want to talk happy and good, right? He's a great engineer though... I give him that.
Anyway, speaking of Tom Cruise... I found out on Instagram (IG) a few days ago that he is an ARMY. Well, in the IG post, he sang the first two lines of "Butter" - and with gusto, too. Hahaha... and speaking of ARMY, the fandom make July even more special for me because the 9th of July is ARMY's birthday! Having officially joined the fandom lately, I feel happy that I can celebrate my own birthday with ARMY's birthday. Yaay!
So, when my sister and I reached home, at the suggestion of my brother-in-law, we went to harvest ripe raspberries at the backyard. And because, I didn't have cake to commemorate the special ARMY day, and it was too late to bake one, I opted for ice cream - Ben & Jerry's. Fortunately, I still had one of my favorite flavors, the Americone Dream, which was "vanilla ice cream with fudge-covered waffle cone pieces and a caramel swirl" (credit: description is from B&J's website). So, I had a proper ARMY birthday celebration commemorated with ice cream topped with fresh raspberries - straight from the backyard garden!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARMY! 💜🎊
And to celebrate this occasion, let's dance to one of my favorite 'old' BTS songs, "Anpanman"... because, heaven knows, I need a hero right now!
I chose this because this is one of the first BTS songs that caught my attention four years ago... the rest is history. Also, the graphics in their background has the most semblance to Hobi's Jack-in-the-box album cover, which we are also celebrating these days! Hobi is awesome in this video... and in this one, too, which is another live performance of Anpanman.
Alright... the queue is moving - FINALLY! Outta here... for now.
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IMAGE CREDIT: All photos in this post are mine - I took them, and processed them, solely for this post.
VIDEO CREDIT: The owner of the video is indicated in the video credit, BangtanTV. Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
Footnote:"Namjooning" - per BTS explanation, it is the "act of living as Kim Nam-Joon. This includes taking walks through parks, admiring nature, hanging out with crabs, and having fun with friends" (Reference: Click here.). Kim Nam-Joon, also known as "RM" (short for, originally, "Rap Monster"), is the leader of the South Korean group, BTS.
When the world-famous young men from South Korea that makes up the global phenomenon, BTS, announced in their yearly debut anniversary dinner, FESTA, on 14 June 2022, how they wish to proceed after the launch of their 'comeback' album, "Proof", there was a plethora of reactions. The most surprising of these 'reactions' was that of the stock market! There was a 28% drop in the market value of HYBE, the day after FESTA 2022 was aired via YouTube. HYBE is the Korean music company that represents BTS whose main revenue is the haul by BTS. In its US album sales and streams alone, a whopping 27% is comprised of those of BTS's while its earnings from concerts and tours are almost solely coming from BTS. As such, to continue being viable, they keep BTS on very tight schedule all year-round.
BTS Fandom 101
A huge player in BTS record sales and streams is its fandom, the ARMY. It is as phenomenal as BTS in that it is freakishly formidable in size, and in reach, which is inclusive and global, as in G.L.O.B.A.L.! Each ARMY's commitment in his/her patronage of anything coming from BTS is unheard of. Almost each ARMY has a 'bias', which is a BTS member that they favor a little bit more than the other six members. They sometimes switch favorites from their 'bias' to their 'bias wrecker' (another member who distracts an ARMY devotion to his/her bias, and draws attention by his talents or good looks or humor or all of the above)... and back again. Sometimes, they do this switching often enough until one becomes their 'constant', and the remaining member becomes or stays as 'bias'... while another member becomes the new 'bias wrecker'. I know this process very well because I've gone from having a bias to having a bias and a bias wrecker... to having a constant, a bias and a bias wrecker. I do remain a BIG FAN of all seven members, and adore them collectively as BTS.
One can become a 'card-carrying' ARMY by registering and paying annual membership fee via the fandom platform, Weverse. The are many benefits to being a registered ARMY, among them are getting advanced information regarding concerts and tours, BTS merchandise, and networking regarding one another's activities related to BTS, and activities of various ARMY groups scattered around the globe that celebrate BTS. While all seven members of BTS have their own Instagram accounts where they post photos and videos of their whereabouts and what they are up to, they often communicate real time with ARMY via Weverse. They either post their thoughts, photos and/or videos to communicate with ARMY. Sometimes, they post comments on ARMY's posts just to have their presence felt. The fandom platform has translation function that allows non-Korean ARMY to understand BTS members' posts and comments.
And speaking of real time communication, VLive is another platform utilized by BTS to communicate with ARMY via live video. ARMY can post comments real time, and the BTS member/s may respond real time as well. When there are collective BTS undertakings, they all go on VLive as a group. In some cases, individual members go on VLive to update ARMY on their individual undertakings, or just to stay in touch.
There are 'solo stans', too. They are those who loyally follow and support one member of BTS whom they consider their idol. They are different with ARMY in that they are 'extremely' possessive of their idol, and they care very little about the other BTS members, if at all. In extreme cases, solo stans even become 'haters' of other BTS members who they feel are competing with and taking away attention from their idol.
Proof
On the last night of their four-night "Permission to Dance on Stage - Las Vegas" concert held at the Allegiant Stadium on April 8-16, a teaser on "Proof" was released. This is a three-CD compilation album that charts the journey of BTS from the new seven-member boyband managed by a small Korean record level that was on the verge of bankruptcy to a global phenomenon that they are today. Among others, they started out singing angrily about strict school policies that put a lot of stress on students, unrequited young love, and other struggles and adventures of young people. They caught the attention of young people like them because of the theme of their songs, the distinct sound that they make, which is a combination of beautiful singing and skillful rapping, with song lyrics that represent the innermost thoughts of people of their age who were too insecure and lonely to articulate their feelings. In a way, BTS became the 'spokespersons' of a generation that was struggling to define itself amid a world that has gone insane due to bickering selfish adults who expected a lot from them but never gave them the support that they need!
The distinct sound that BTS make come from two lines in their seven-member group: (1) the "vocal line", and (2) the "rap line". The four-member vocal line is composed of: (1) Jeon Jung Kook (or "JK") - the youngest in the group, or, "maknae", referred to specifically as "golden maknae" because of his extraordinary talents that allow him to sing, dance and perform on stage with such enviable skills among many other things that he does so well inside and outside BTS. JK is also the lead vocalist because he can take a song to whichever direction, high or low, sweet or tough, happy or sad, due to a beautiful surreal-sounding voice of 'stretchable range' that does not seem to have a limit because he is so skillful in maneuvering it... and he gets better still. He is every record producer's dream, indeed! His good looks and athleticism give him an advantage as a performer in that he can always nail a well-coordinated move that pleases the eye; (2) Kim Seokjin (or "Jin", the oldest among the seven members, therefore, everyone's 'hyung', and splendidly lives up to this, too, by being good-natured, wise and gallant... when he's not being hysterically hilarious, that is) who is considered as the most effective balladeer of the vocal line (and, perhaps, in the whole K-Pop now) due to a wide-range voice that he can fill with tremendous emotions, matched by a handsome face that turns any song to an irresistible love song. With his skills, it is impossible to believe that he never planned to become an Idol as he is obviously cut for it; (3) Park Jimin, who is a singer with a unique voice timbre that balances the all-male sound of BTS, and yet, he can easily power his voice with a knockout punch. Being a trained classical dance performer, he is able to bring a dance choreography to a 'lifeform' that is unrivaled in K-Pop for its fluidity, grace, and daredevil quality. In that small frame of his, he has the biggest swag in the group that packs the wildest adrenalin pump. He is able to interpret a BTS song with his wonderful dancing and vocal prowess that leave ARMY and non-ARMY in awe; and (4) Kim Taehyung (or, "V"), the owner of a beautifully thick vocal that seems to emerge from a deep (deep, deep and deeper still) well, and unloaded in their songs either like a lovely garnish in a slow romantic whisper, or like a punch in the gut in a powerful rocking snarl, matched by a larger-than-life stylish image that he, and only he, owns, too. He projects his jaw-dropping handsome face in a certain angle, sings his part with mobster's confidence, winks (baaaad!), and turns to dance without missing a beat and without creasing his attire - very, very cool!
The rap line is, in my humble opinion, what makes BTS the group to beat worldwide. They add a variety of musical textures to the beautiful sounds that the vocal line makes. Together, they put BTS in a level that is just too difficult to rival. The rap line is composed of three extremely talented music artists who have a lot to say... and can say them with such eloquence and unabashed confidence. They are: (1) Rap Monster (or "RM"), whose real name is Kim Nam-Joon. He is the leader of BTS, although younger than three other members. RM is the intellectual in the group who might be responsible in hauling fans who are 'seasoned' in their respective professional practice. He is not only a creative poet who can compose a rhyme that a multitude of ARMY can relate with and respected rappers can clap their hands to, but he can also recite them with beautiful enunciation and deep rhythmic voice, creating a rap concoction that makes for a distinct BTS sound; (2) Min Yoongi (or "SUGA", short for "shooting guard" - his position in basketball), who has become a prolific record producer over the years, is arguably the genius of BTS. He composes verses that are both in-your-face relatable and enigmatic, and recites them with incredible skills that leave the listeners breathless and just about enough amount of sarcasm and attitude - with a sassy facial expression, and a tone to match; and (3) Jung Hoseok (or, J-Hope, or Hobi) who is a unique rapper in that he can sing well, too... and an awesome performer who can slay the heck out of any death-defying dance choreography! He writes his verses in a way that's relatable, and drawls them huskily with his raspy powerful voice in a way that gives life to the mere words to become the voice of a generation! Like JK, he is an extremely versatile artist with such high-level and reliable quality that, "when Hobi is on it, consider it done, and done well!"
With such a load of talents, BTS is a music powerhouse like no other! All members can dance very well, so that, when they are altogether on stage, their dancing skills, and their personalities that blend so well due to deep rapport, they bring their songs to a level of performance that hits the listener so hard, it's never possible to recover! It's an instantaneous baptism to become an ARMY. As such, they are the most sought after artists, not only by fans and large companies that are seeking effective endorsers, but by their fellow artists around the world who are looking to gain access to their undeniable 'magic' for collaboration.
🎜 "There were a lot of changes, but
I'm still the same, a new chapter
every moment is my new best...
...dream and hope and goin' forward
We so about it..." 🎝
"Proof" embodies all of the above. The songs were selected to represent the various stages of development of BTS. However, there are three new songs: (1) the emotional retrospective of a song that is both melancholy and hopeful, "Yet to Come", giving the listener, especially ARMY, the feeling that BTS has reached a fork in their career road, and making a decision which path to take; (2) the touching song of reflection and camaraderie between the members, and between BTS and ARMY, "For Youth"; and (3) the upbeat song that is both reflective and sassy, "Run BTS", which gives the members the chance to look back to their humble beginnings, how much they have accomplished, and how they are shaking themselves off dusts of criticisms from non-believers.
'Hiatus'? 'Break'? 'Focus on individual undertakings'? 'Limited group activities'?
At the 2022 FESTA where the BTS members had their annual dinner where they celebrated the 9th anniversary of their debut in 2013, per their FESTA tradition, they looked back to what has been, and look forward to what's to become. The event was pre-recorded at their old apartment where they lived together as a group. Their lease was ending this year, and they wanted to re-visit the place to rekindle memories. The event was streamed on YouTube on 14 June 2022. As usual, the members bantered over dinner, and it was hilarious!
At some point in the celebration, the conversation among members turned from laugh-out-loud funny to sober... emotional. ARMY assumed that it was only because of old memories triggered by their old place, and the prior release of "Proof". And then SUGA mentioned "hiatus" casually, at least, what he said was translated to "hiatus" via close captioning/translation function on YouTube. And then, RM gave each person a chance to speak... in which everyone spoke emotionally. There were consistent mentions of getting mentally, emotionally and physically tired, and the need to take a break from BTS to do their own thing for the time being. When his turn to speak came, RM spoke so emotionally that he broke down. As that was so out of RM's character, each one broke down then... including the usually devoid-of-emotion SUGA. JK had to cover his eyes with napkin as he was crying so much. It was obvious that the gentlemen have been contemplating a much needed break, and when the opportunity to speak about it with ARMY came, the floodgates of emotions just gave way... and a true ARMY can only empathize.
There were a variety of emotions from ARMY worldwide. It was like the whole world was going on a collective spontaneous meltdown! At the height of the FESTA 'chaos', it was the maknae, JK, who categorically clarified right there and then that "it's not like we're disbanding or something," and such straight-forward pronouncement was where ARMY hinged their hopes on. JK went on VLive soon after that to stress his point.
Surprisingly, after the initial shock... there was a flood of support from ARMY to the boys, encouraging them to do whatever they feel was best for them with a promise that they will wait until the young men are ready to return to pick up where they left off. It was a thoroughly beautiful moment. It was like ARMY shutting the door to shield BTS from the outside world, protecting them, allowing them a moment of private grief... giving them time to reflect, contemplate their individual and collective future, and decide where they wish to take BTS and ARMY next. With such fandom maturity, once again, BTS was elevated to another level of superstardom... and with the stock market going on meltdown by the mere mention of "hiatus" unofficially, there was no doubt what impact they made on the world - it was phenomenal, and definitely, never-been-seen-before. RM's leadership reached a new height as well, proving that strength in character and leadership can also be expressed in openness to vulnerability... making himself even more accessible to ARMY now.
BigHit since clarified what the members plan to do, which is to pursue individual projects. They made it clear that BTS will not be on 'hiatus' as they will still be working as a group on some projects. They denied any plan of disbanding. Currently, the members are pursuing individual projects... still related to music, visual arts, and the music industry. Their fandom remained engaged and supportive, and BTS continue to dominate the global music industry.
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Video credits: Thanks to Bangtan TV for the videos, and to YouTube for the video links.
