We waited for one whole year, anticipating the return of the last Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker, to "active duty", and it's after the demise of Han Solo, too - last year's most tragic outcome in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. What we have in our hands is not a ticket to see Skywalker swing that phenomenal lightsaber of his again. Instead, we have a "flashback" to connect the future with the past. This year's installment by the Galaxy, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", is the first of the planned 'stand alone' Star Wars films. These films will be comprised of a collection of stories happening in the 'vast universe' that dawned upon us through the very first film in the George Lucas franchise, "Star Wars: A New Hope", in 1977. Nearly four decades later, we find ourselves, "Jedi Knight wannabes", still tingle in anticipation of this new installment to thicken the Star Wars plot.
We are kids all over again... and it feels awesome! Alright then, "do or do not, there is no try." And do "aim for the target... and don't get cocky, kid"!May The Force be with us all! ***
...is 'the man from Mars'! =========================================================================== by PAM With a 24K pinky bling, our man, Bruno Mars, is back with a magic that's making babes fling their Versaces on the floor! And, it's about time, too, as his last album came out three years ago. Although we're not exactly BM-starved these past years as he has been coming up with awesome songs in collaboration with other artists, naturally, we want the 'whole package'. And, we're finally here with BM's new 24K Magic album. And it's nothing but awesomeness, of course! The first song out of the album, "24K Magic", is a 'classic BM' sound with a dash of freshness-with-a-zing thrown in - an irresistible catchy dance tune that leaves even the most 'principal-ish' among us absently allowing his/her body be moved by the music. Man, what a party! So, so cool! Watching this video made me realize just how much I've missed BM... his voice, his moves, his attitude...
"I'm a dangerous man with some money in my pocket... keep up!"
I dare you to resist playing the video - for at least 24 times. I tried, I failed... and I'm HAPPY! Hah! Sooo good! Woo-hoo!
And then he pulls some romance galore on us, and we can't do anything but 'unzip' our Versace, assuming we have one, of course... and listen with all our hearts.
"Girl, you're perfect from your head to your heels...
Ooh, love that dress but you won't need it anymore...
Versace on the floor."
Oh, boy! Isn't that 'delicious'? It's like living in the '80s now. And, this is what I love about BM, he sings with a mix of an '80s romantic with a bit of '90s angst and beat; he performs in a choreography that a 'retro' superstar would perform to but pumps around on stage with the vibe of a true millennial gangsta. You have many eras radiating from that little musical frame of his... and a cocktail of happy Latino and Filipino genes oozing out from his sound and moves, too. What a treat, indeed! Yep, I'm from planet earth, and I do love 'this man from Mars'! Mabuhay! *** Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video links. ***
...in all fronts. #ElectionNight ========================================================================= by PAM It's the proverbial 'calm before the storm'. Or, is it the 'calm morn after a stormy night'? In the blue corner, Sec. Hillary Clinton - the 'veteran' of US politics; the potentially first woman President of the United States of America (USA)... and yet, she talks and brawls like a man. In the red corner, Mr. Donad Trump - the eccentric 'Washington outsider' and business mogul who had no qualms about expressing his racist, sexist and anti-semitic views, among many other vile opinions. People all around the world - whether they admit it or not - are biting their nails as they stare at the poll figures in the race to the White House. The world holds its collective breath... not exactly knowing what to hope for. Not that the White House is anything significant to all, at least, no more than what it represents for the longest time: power, influence, and all sorts of opportunities reserved for the 'most powerful' country in the world. Yes, 'for the longest time', indeed. The incumbent US President, Barack Obama, changed that. President Obama has been hugely criticized by many Americans for being "weak" and making the USA slump to all-time low since its climb to become a 'superpower', allowing "new powers", such as China and the "new" Russia, to rise and rival USA's global leadership. They have risen to almost equal footing as the United States of America, economically (for China) and in political influence. And yet, that
There is light at the end of the dark tunnel of bitter campaign.
seeming 'weakening' of USA brought 'global balance' - a term always used by President Obama... although, admittedly, most of the world was not used to such balance and didn't know what to do with some power being handed over by President Obama to be shared with the world. And, by sharing that power, I'm sure President Obama also expected that the global community would share the responsibility of taking care of the world and its citizens. Others are just too thankful to receive this power and take this responsibility with much humility... and yet, others who covet absolute power grabbed the 'gift' like an entitlement without a care of the responsibility that goes with it! I'm sure President Obama knew what a precarious ledge he walked as he makes these concessions - although, he, with all sorts of good intentions, I expect, believes that there is not a single country that should possess such enormous power that puts it above all others. And that any sort of huge global influence should be rooted on values... and compassion to humanity, rather than on military and economic might. And, one's love for one's country does not necessarily mean amassing excessive amount of wealth fro itself in a world where many go to sleep hungry, and lording over the whole population as a hulking power. The Obama administration put its money where its mouth is as far as its international commitment is concerned. In my own country, especially in the education sector where I
Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Alumni Association, making a difference in the local agriculture sector.
belong, I feel the positive impact of his view of American leadership. I see how the aid/assistance extended to the education sector by the USA has been making a world of difference to the quality of education in my country... making the road to self-sufficiency visible in the horizon. It's a wonderful way to forge friendship built on true equality between two sovereign nations. But, of course, not all of us in my own country view President Obama's action in the same way I do. Obviously, many Americans do not share President Obama's views either... many feel that the concessions have been compromising their own welfare, dropping them behind from the progress caravan. They could be right. And yet, President Obama insists that progress does not necessarily mean not working as hard as the Americans' ancestors for privileges that they wish to enjoy. Then again, he is a "global citizen" who actually experienced first hand the plight of people from countries not as progressive as the USA... and he might be forcing his values to a country so wrapped up in its own greatness - inherited from hardworking immigrants that the man in the red corner seems to despise; a country that is not ready to embrace the 'flattening' of global power and the interdependencies of nations that render the world upright. In a few hours, when the election returns stop moving, and freeze to put a stamp on history books, the world will know which parts of the USA, and which fraction of American population, think in the same way, or differently, as President Obama. That is, assuming that President Obama's still reliable popularity is transferable to the woman in the blue corner. And, yes, in the near future, we shall see which belief is best for the world. In the meantime, we narrow our eyes towards the light at the end of the tunnel, and watch as a country in conflict with itself decide how it wishes to lead itself as it pushes through the dark tunnel of bitter and divisive campaign. ***
...I am speechless. ===================================================================== by PAM Therefore, let me try to find songs to help me express what I am actually feeling right now. Almost immediately, this comes to mind...
"Out of the darkness and into the sun...
...I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change, and breakaway...
...gotta keep moving on, fly away, breakaway."
...just because it's the closest song to describe what I am feeling 'at the moment'. I'm very sorry if that sounded like being 'self-important'.
There are many interesting opportunities (to serve) in front of me right now. While they make me quite happy, and just a bit flattered, I am utterly blown away by the excitement they entail. It seems that these opportunities were rolling on different flashy streets when, all of a sudden, they met 'detour' signs somewhere... making them roll down my little alley, and stopped serendipitously at my doorstep. Ah, what luck, indeed!
But yes, all said opportunities are, indeed, very attractive - and by 'attractive', I mean every single one is absolutely challenging and exciting; they have the potential to effect radical' change of lasting and positive impact on areas and advocacies that I care about very much, and it seems that there's plenty of help if one tried to turn them into positive change; and they have the potential to bring personal happiness
Praying to attain depth and grace - in age... through a maze of opportunities that sprouted and grew from the daily sprinkling of committed, honest and selfless service.
and incredible sense of fulfillment as well - whichever way the cookie crumbled. So, I have one very tough decision to make. So help me God.
I guess it all depends on what is most important and, given my age and my remaining productive years, with which opportunity can I make the biggest positive impact, and make my borrowed time really and truly productive time. No, money is not a factor 'cause with me, it's never about the money... and never about personal ambition either. And that is easy because the opportunities that come my way do not bring riches nor fame and glory anyway... but they make the soul sing, they make one glow from inner happiness - even when they usually bring me down to my knees first. Then again, isn't that wonderful... they bring me down to my knees - and pray? They make me more aware that, up there, someone way mightier than any of us all is looking down upon us - with loving and merciful eyes, but with the impeccable sense of justice. And yet, He has an abundance of hope, too, when we are down on our knees - in frustration, and in desperate search of inspiration. Therefore, why bring burnt offering? This awareness is my inspiration to commit to the tasks in front of me - with diligence, honesty and compassion, and everything else that make the greatest of offerings that I am capable of. It's not always perfect, but I am always blessed with equally committed co-servants - colleagues, co-workers and bosses. They make every second in service wonderful and meaningful. And we are always blessed with a refreshing sprinkling of little gifts that make us proud, joyful, and always spiritually refreshed. And yet, on some days, this is how it feels...
"I feel like the window closes oh so quick
Hopelessly, I'm taking a a mental picture of you now
'Cause hopelessly... the hope is we have so much to feel good about."
And we hold on to our seats, close our eyes, dream wonderful dreams, and let them calm us down. And when the panic subsides, hope creeps in - in cottony soft little steps... and settles inside the heart. Hope makes the heart plump of beautiful things to look forward to, and beat with the rhythm of a calming breeze. We open our eyes... and then we begin again. No, it's never easy... but we do it anyway - always hoping for the very best, always dreaming of a beautiful ending when our borrowed time runs out, and we are reunited with the mighty but gentle One above.
***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
...because it's been a grueling week. ============================================================================ by PAM Oh, boy, what a week! I can't even begin to describe how incredibly stressful the week has been, seriously. And it goes on... the week continues to hammer me on the head with lots of things to do still - with another day of lecture in the Graduate School tomorrow. Therefore, in case I perish from exhaustion - physically, mentally (thank God, I am not spiritually exhausted!) - let me, at least perish with joy. In case I drop dead in six seconds, let me be 'remembered' as that woman who perished from making bad choices in life, except for her choice in music... which was outstanding! It's a 'dying wish for kindness', therefore, you have no right to object! :) And, here's a sampling of that outstanding taste in music, and may the angels above help her...
"I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me, I'm only one call away."
...and keep her - from swooning, in death! :)
Boy, that was good! It's "One Call Away" by the genius kid, Charlie Puth. Definitely a 'legit' artist, that's for sure. I love it that CP is not intimidated and, in fact, he seem to have very little 'love' for the Man of Steel! :) Sounds like this kid is a "bat boy", which works wonderfully for me, obviously! :) Aw, don't get me wrong, I do love the red-caped hero, too. Just because he has an insane sense of humor... the exact opposite of the 'brooding' dark knight. Let's just say that I am Superman by day, and Dark Knight by, uh, night kind of a girl.
Alright, going back to music... while we're admiring CP's music genius, let's have more of it,, this time blended with the genius of Wiz Khalifa...
"It's been a long day without you, my friend... We've come a long way from where we began Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again."
...to soothe our mind and body from bone-breaking stress from work. While it kind of makes us sad to watch the video, seeing the smiling face of the late Paul Walker, let's just allow the memory of him warm our hearts, and appreciate the music.
And because the night should end with some feel-good music, let's cap the evening with this...
"if you like to do whatever you've been dreaming about, baby, I'm perfect...
so let's start right now."
...and call it a night. Uh, well... a night before doing more work - for tomorrow.
***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.
...reflection. ============================================================================ by PAM A few years ago, I was rebelling from myself, casting out my appreciation and love for a place that's embedded in my heart. Just when I was ready to move on from said place, leave it all behind, and see what else is out there, I was inspired by two women - to re-consider my decision, and give our 'good old place' a chance. They were a bit successful... I actually 'looked back', and I got sucked in - but only temporarily. A year later, the restless 'rebellious' streak came back, and I was ready to let go. One of the inspiring women who cared enough to pay attention at how 'crazy' I was being went one step further than just pay attention. She 'coaxed' me to dream with her, and it was, indeed, a wonderful dream for the place we both love... and then 'talked' me into taking on the challenge of making that dream come true... through heartfelt service. It kinda frustrated me 'cause I hate recognizing a challenge... and then not taking it! I know, I'm such a freak like that. So, I gotta admit, she's indeed one clever 'rebel whisperer'! So, I took on the challenge... and the rest is history. I really plowed into that 'challenge' stuff like there was no tomorrow... like I didn't know I could actually plow, really! :) I can just imagine that the 'rebel whisperer' was having fun watching me fight and beat my own rebellious streak... discovering so many things about myself in the process, my formidable edgy self, for instance. I gotta admit it was truly fun! I've never felt so blessed... just discovering all the blessings that God so astutely wrapped with self-doubt and shyness. It was an incredible feeling to discover the blessings, one after another. The 'rebel whisperer' smirked each time I did discover something underneath those layers of self-doubt. Sometimes, when she thought I wasn't looking, I'd caught her beaming everytime I celebrate with my Team with a little swag after hitting a target - bull's eye. So, yeah, it's been a truly exciting ride... and the 'rebel whisperer' never stopped being that - a 'rebel whisperer'. She kept my 'restless being' in check... with a little arch of the eyebrow, a not-so-discreet clearing of the throat, a roll of the eyes, or a downright disapproval with a shake of the head. It was our little secret... a mentor-mentee natural dynamics. It's exciting sometimes, it's frustrating other times... but it always felt like a wonderful gift... somehow. Today, the wind that blows in my face feels strange. Something is changing, and it did not feel right. The 'rebel whisperer' began to sing a song of farewell... and it's a truly melancholy song. I feel that all my edge is slipping away, too, as the song hits its melody. In its place, the self-doubt is crawling in... and it's scary. It's the worst time to feel scared. I feel like I'm in the middle of a fierce battle, and I lost sight of my General... someone took my General away. And, I feel lost... swinging emptily in thin air, almost making me feel defeated. The 'rebel whisperer' was sunshine...
...and the day is darkening as she sang a song of farewell.
I wish for a new day to come... and yet, as far as I'm concerned, there's only one sun for this earth.
***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
Lyrics credit: Thanks, www.azlyrics.com, for the lyrics of "Sunshine" by Gabrielle.
...just because it's been a while, and it's been utterly dull. ======================================================================= by PAM I was watching the replay of "The Voice Season 11" blind audition while finalizing my slides for my Lecture the following day - yep, Saturday! This usually works for me because, just like the judges at The Voice, I don't need to pay attention to the TV screen, I just need to listen to the voices of those auditioning. I sometimes glanced at the TV screen when something extremely interesting came up... especially, when the banters of the four judges became extremely hilarious... which, in this Season, is almost everytime an artist is being interviewed. The outrageously indomitable Miley Cyrus just kept bringing out the funniest side of Adam Levine and Blake Shelton - extremely enjoyable! And, Alicia Keys is just wonderful... it's too hard not to love her - the great artist that she is, and that adorable, sincere and warm personality that shines through when she speaks... more so when she sings. Aaaw! But I digress... so I was (not really)watching The Voice when something played - a background music for a new series on Star World channel. It made me snap my head to attention as it was a tune and tempo that I'd recognize in two seconds, a song that I love... back in the days. I gotta say, I still love it now. It was "Two Princes" by Spin Doctors...
"Said if you want to call me baby, just go ahead now.
And if you want to tell me maybe, just go ahead now.
And if you wanted to buy me flowers, just go ahead now.
And if you like to talk for hours, just go ahead now..."
That is a rather catchy tempo right there... so enjoyable! And that glib just-happy-who-cares lyrics is just very endearing. After all these years, it's hard not to smile whenever I hear this song... and I gotta admit it's been a while since the last time I heard it. That drum beat is just so recognizable... and that intro guitar alone is enough for one (at least 'this one') to want to just throw away whatever it is one is doing and just... dance without a care in the world. Too good! :)
Guess what... why don't I pull out my Spin Doctors CD... and dance the night away? Oooh, but I have a Lecture to prepare for tomorrow. Arrgh, the (dull) life of a grown up... bummer!
Surely, I can be excused to listen to another song? Yeah? OK! So what about this...
"Better things will come our way No matter what they try to say you were always there for me Someway When the sun begins to shine I hear the song from another time..."
Oh, boy, that is so good! Ah, Sugar Ray, what a talent you are! When I listen to you, "I just want to fly"! :)
Alright, I feel good... time to get back to (serious) work now. My goodness, I am the worst sort of workaholic! Please save me! Make me (want to) enjoy life - I dare you! :)
***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
You know you're an overworked workaholic... ======================================================================= by PAM
Rain, rain, go away Come again another day.
...and hopelessly and miserably so when...
1. ...you "crashed" again merely four days after your most recent recovery from illness, just because you "sprinted" to make up for lost time even before hitting the ground. 2. ...you can hardly move from all the agonizing physical pain, and your work remains paramount in your head rather than feeling better. 3. ...your physical limitations frustrate you, and you feel guilty for not being on your "100%" and unable to deliver "100%". 4. ...you're gritting your teeth from all the horrible pain from everywhere where pain could be felt, and all you could think about is how 'left out' you felt from all the exciting challenges at work because you are once again 'tied up' to sickbed to take them on. 5. ...you can't sleep, but you're not counting the sheep jumping over the fence, but you're imagining the documents piling up on your desk, and the queue of the unsatisfied owners of the documents growing longer by the minute outside your office; and it makes you groan - more so than the pain that your illness is inflicting upon you. 6. ...you can't keep your hands off of your laptop and your mobile phone and struggled to punch in something with the keys even when your eyes watered from scalding fever. 7. ...you were convulsing from fever on your way home on Uber in the midst of heavy traffic, but all you can think about was the time you were losing, unable to work on a report that's due in seven days while stuck in traffic without your laptop. 8. ...you can't stop apologizing to your students for being unable to come to work even when you knew you're liable to collapsing, and worse, throwing up all over them if you tried going to class. 9. ...you have forgotten caring about your own health. 10. ...you have forgotten caring about your own happiness. Oh, well... Speaking of happiness, here's a little 'slice' of shallow happiness... but happiness nonetheless...
"Running at the speed of light
Wanted to protect myself and hide away...
I've found my ground
Now I can breathe."
Ah, younger days... but they do fade. And what do you know... a new tapestry of colors appear from all the faded fabric of youth; and in this tapestry those beautiful grains of wisdom are woven, and the tapestry is never as beautiful... so beautiful it makes one happy. :)
*** Photo: I took this photo at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, on my way to General Santos City to attend a Fulbright conference. Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link. ***
...I crashed. ========================================================================== by PAM I actually did - from illness... and it's sad. Sad because I'm unable to do the usual things that I do, and the Lord knows there's plenty of things that needed hard work, many of them urgent, many of them extremely important, many of them... a pain in the you-know-where! :)
It makes me sad that I do 'welcome' being sick just because it gives me 'valid excuse' to take some rest. Although, I'm not sure if lying down weakly and miserably from a terrible headache and awful fever that makes one's eyes water deserve a 'welcome'. Then again, what choice do I have? O-kaaay, let me not answer that question lest I choose the right answer... because there is a right answer... a fair answer, a wise answer. Then again, we do work hard... because it makes us happy to realize our dreams. I do believe that anything that our minds can conjure is possible to achieve. Anything that we can dream of, we can achieve - through hard work... and love - love for service. And such service is 'invaluable' because... because 'love is free'. Therefore, those who try to put value to a service that's inspired by something from the bottom of one's heart are mistaken. There is nothing in this world worthy as a reward for such service. And when hard work pays off, it feels heavenly. Therefore, watching this makes me happy, illness notwithstanding...
"And we're overwhelmed by it....
From the bottom of our hearts, this means the world for us.
And we don't care about next Sunday now."
Congrats, James Corden and everyone in the "Late Late Show with James Corden"! *** Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link. ***
...it down, down, down! And let the pressure down! ========================================================================= by PAM I'm really tired. I am. I kid you not, I'm serious. I really wish that we had more days in a week, and that we had more than two days to call "weekend" because Saturday is still a work day for me... and then, it goes on and on until evening, too. So, on Sundays... I'm just "dead", I can't even begin to describe how tired I feel. :( And, you know what, when we can't describe how tired we feel, chances are we're on the verge of catastrophic 'mental break down' - and that is never good, it's beyond 'bad' in fact. Therefore, I need to re-charge a bit... 'cause the last five weeks were EXTREMELY hard. I worked like a 'madwoman' every single minute of my extended days - seriously! Through it all, I kept chastising myself what a terrible and merciless brute I was to myself, whipping myself to labor like a slave horse 24/7 in those five looong weeks! And I am done for. I am completely exhausted that when I move one finger, it feels like lifting a 10-lb weight - it's just too hard, my tank is completely empty! I'm on the verge... therefore, I must STOP! So, yep, I need to 're-charge my batteries'! I need something to remind me how beautiful life truly is... and not as bleak and dreary as the tiresomely boring schedule and work load I am so unfortunately stuck with at the moment. I need help - quickly! A shot of happy sunshine... some 'sugar rush', a rush of happiness! So, let me begin with this...
Graham Norton: "Guys, I know I'm paid to chat, but I think it's fair to just put
all the cards down, and we all stare (at) Henry for a while." (5:19 - 5:30)
Russell Crowe: "They pay you so well but they treat you like s**t." (14:15 - 14:20)
Hahaha... I expected to be wowed by the legendary Russell Crowe's wit and humor and the extremely talented Amy Adams' wit and humor, and be awed by Henry Cavill's wit, humor, and, ahem, absolute beauty... but I didn't expect to end up teary eyed from all the laughter. :) These guys were brilliant in this show's episode! Graham Norton is just amazing, he is. And, yes, I am only three years late, too! Graham looks a lot younger in this video than he does now... but better late than never! :) But if you happen to be interested in the 'updated' version of the video above, click here. Now, that is funny, too. Henry Cavill is as beautiful as in the first one, but Ben Affleck did his best, and Amy Adams is funny without even trying. So, it's all great! :) And what is 're-charging batteries' if it doesn't include something from James Corden? I say, it isn't truly re-charging batteries - seriously. Therefore, here's the man whose show "The Late Late Show with James Corden" just won its first Emmy Awards: Outstanding Interactive Show and Outstanding Variety Special:
"Where's my jacket, guys? Where's my Danny Zuko?
I can't! I can't go on without my f***in jacket, guys! Where is iiit?" (1:11 - 1:25)
Hahaha... oh, gosh, don't you just love this man and the creators of this Show? So creative, so hilarious, I tell ya! Hahaha... but James Corden is not just funny, he's a warm big bear.
Alright, time for some snack. Uh, what? I'm 're-charging batteries' here, of course, it involves midnight snacks! ;)
*** Video credits: Thanks, YouTube, for the video links. ***
