Saturday Photo...

 ...and a little bit of BTS, er, I mean, A LOT of BTS!

==============================================================

by PAM

'Home, Sweet Home' at last!

Finally, I am back into the 'swing of things' - fully recovered from jetlag, eating some of my favorite Filipino delicacies that I missed while away from home, enjoying our little 'urban garden' with our beloved but camera-shy Lab, Bono, and just being my 'bakya' self.  

I have been working regular hours, too... although still working from home as I do not have a physical office yet.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I am starting a new and more challenging job at the University.  Of course, I am quite anxious... but I am not letting anxiety beat optimism.  So, everyday, I commit.  Everyday, I do something to ensure a win over anxiety.  Everyday, I do something 'small'... 'crawling' my way to getting 'in the zone'.  I try to pick the 'low-hanging fruits', filling my 'basket of confidence' with them.  At the end of each day, I try to 'look at' my basket... and admire my 'little pieces of ripe fruits'... and I get excited!  

I haven't been brisk walking/running yet, though.  It's a shame because that is my sure-fire stress-buster!  Ahh... I'd love very much to get my new running shoes on 'break-in'... but it's been raining here in Metro-Manila, and I am not exactly thrilled about running on wet pavement.  So, to avoid stress, I try to still play simple online games everyday... after work, and while on a short break.  I choose games that sharpen the mind... targeted at getting the mind to be more strategic; sometimes with a little competition to get the adrenaline pump going, and always on a 'fight mode' over anxiety and pessimism!  So, yep, we're good!

***

Feel Good = BTS + Pied Piper

And because we're good, let's go and feel 'super good'!  How?  Well, with the help of our ultra-awesome friends, of course: BTS!  Alright, what do we listen to today?  Hmmm... I think I'd like to listen to "Pied Piper" today for this post... although, I listen to this song, at least, five times a day - no kidding - I love it!  I love the melody, and the way the singing and wrapping mix in a non-linear progression. At some point, the rap line drops to intercept the beautiful singing of the vocal line, or move from behind to blend with the singing... in another, they go hand-in-hand as they build towards the chorus of the song... and as they ride the chorus wave, they circle the vocal line as the vocal line circle each other, too, until it was impossible to recognize where all the lovely sound is coming from... and yet, the blend is so, so beautiful!  Perfect, in fact!  They make our hearts beat on double time, triple time, quadruple time... and then one of them (or, was it all of them?) declared, "I'm taking over you!"  And, that was it, they just sent us flying!  And, the rhythm section puts a beautiful 'lace' around the vocal-rap/vocal-vocal blend, and it just makes the BTS voices explode in a beautifully sounding song that leaves you wanting for more and more... and more!  And this is why, when you listen to this song, it has to be on repeat... trust me!  In their live performances of this song, one can concentrate in the beauty of the song and the singing, just like the boys themselves can concentrate in pouring their souls into the song, because the choreography is simple enough.  

I remember, when I heard this song for the first time, I realized that 'the Bangtan boys' have become 'grown-ups' - they sounded grown-up, they sang with grown-up emotions... and there's sexiness in the way the vocal line projected and focused their voices to sound like they were directly talking to each of their listeners... they sounded very up-close, and very, very personal.  The rap line did not rap with their usual 'muscular rapping'.  Instead, there was caress in the softness of their voices... in Tagalog, we call it 'lambing'.  We say, 'may lambing'... sweet - very sweet, indeed.  And when SUGA raps with 'lambing', ya know you gotta hear it, yeah?  YEAH, for sure!

So, yeah, today is a "Pied Piper" day.  But, I think I want to see them perform it live.  So, here they are...

"Come here, I'm your paradise...

follow the sound of the pipe... follow this song... 

it's a bit dangerous...

I'm here to save you, I'm here to ruin you..."

So, whether you want to be 'saved' or be 'ruined', these young men are your 'wing men'!  Tae is on fire in this song - on fire! Did you hear me?  I said, ON FIRE! I won't say more, otherwise, uhm, it'd be unwise! For sure, I'd make a fool of myself... if I haven't already, that is. Haha... And Jin is a revelation - you just want to revel over his voice and admire the emotions that he revealed in the sound of his singing with that matching gaze that melts us like... uhm, like 'buttah'.  And then just cry because it's too much!  When Jimin said he is "cutie, sexy, lovely", he was not lying!  This song proves that he is all that... and more!  He just did it again here... the swag!  How does he do it - cutie, sexy, lovely with a swag??  It's not mathematically solvable, I tell ya! But, who's solving when everyone has passed out from listening and watching our Jimin?  JK... ah, JK!  When I saw them perform this song the first time, I realized that 'the kid' has grown, and he is g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s!  He matched Tae and Jin's romantic singing - note for note, and Jimin's seductive singing - note for note and sideway glance for sideway glance... but keeping his limitless voice range on steady display - experimenting, mixing it up... and succeeding with vocal ferocity.  The result? KILLER!  Did you survive?  No?  At least you tried.  Here's a purple heart for your courage, ARMY! 💜

And the rap line... man, do we really need to talk about the rap line... 'cause I am barely breathing here!  Yes? Alright then... RM is not fair.  He knows we admire how he strings those brilliant words with his 'fantabulous' rap voice... but to string something coy, and then throw us a fingers heart and a be-dimpled smile with a wink, too?!  Aw, man, how in the world is that fair to all the girls who wish to be his Mom's daughter-in-law?  It beats me!  Go figure because I can't! And, speaking of in-laws and marriage and all that... Yoongi... tsk, argh!  "Maybe I'm a bit dangerous..." was what our little genius said.  Uh, yeah, tell us something we don't know, Min Yoongi!  If you must know, we have been hanging on dear life here because... seriously, who can survive that rapping? Like, RM, no fair, Yoongi!  And then, his royal awesomeness, J-Hope, who quadrupled the power of the rhythm section with his raspy voice and well-timed improvisation, mocked us with, "you can't escape, never!"  And we just surrendered because we know he is right! Right? Right!  Uhm, wait, are we even attempting to escape? No, right?  Right again!  Haha...

If you must know, I am laughing out loud in the middle of the night while writing this post.  But that is BTS, they are a good company in this life... they make us laugh, cry, dance, sing, think... they just make us feel good - so, so good!  With "Pied Piper", they just proved that a song and the performance can be ooh-lala sexy without using obscenities and/or showing flesh. This is good time... BTS music is good time! And we thank God for these seven wonderful souls.  

Alright, anxiety, crushed!  Optimism is victorious once again!  So, let's go!   

         

***

Photo credit:  All the photos featured in this post belong to me.  I took and processed them for the purpose of this Blog.  They may not be used for another purpose.

Video credit:  The owners of the videos featured in this post are indicated in the video themselves.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

*** 

Wednesday Nostalgia + Namjooning + Fangirling...

 ...because I feel the need to look back before moving forward.

===================================================

by PAM

After work: Enjoying a little portion of Cayuga Lake

in Aurora, Upstate, New York, halfway between Ithaca and Geneva.

About New York State

When people think about New York, perhaps, what comes to mind are the towering buildings in the urban jungle that is New York City... and mostly the sights and sounds of Manhattan... a little bit of Brooklyn, some Bronx and Queens, and just a tiny bit of Staten Island.  In other words, people usually think of Metropolitan New York, and they hardly ever think of Upstate New York.  And yet, most of New York State (NYS) is Upstate New York.  This includes the Capital District, including Albany where the State Capitol is located; the Mohawk Valley Region, Central New York, the Southern Tier, the Finger Lakes Region, Western New York, and the North Country.  

The scenic drive between Ithaca and 
Geneva make the 45-minute travel time
like a time for Namjooning!  It leaves me
breathless every time!

The main campus of Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY, which is located in the very lovely Finger Lakes Region.  Other people who are used to living in huge and very busy metropolitan areas might find the Region to be too secluded, "in the middle of nowhere", too quiet... like nothing much is going on except the quaint small town vibes.  If you give it a chance though, it can grow on you.  Well, it did to me. And soon, most days have become perfect days for Namjooning, where you just watch the beautiful day roll towards the evening, leaving a promise of a new day to keep you dreaming peacefully through the night.

***

About Cornell

Cornell has three other campuses in NYS.  One is the Cornell Agritech, located in Geneva, also in the Finger Lakes Region.  The AgriTech is formerly known as the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES), which is under the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) - the College where I did my PhD in the early to mid 2000s.  It is one of the very best in the world, and some of this is due to its huge Extension Programs that cater to the agriculture and food industry of NYS, and their highly internationalized population and engagements.  I am very proud to be an alumna of CALS.  The professors in CALS, and all of Cornell for that matter, are very supportive of their Alumni.  They keep track of our progress, and they support us in the various stages of our career. Case in point, they supported me in my Humphrey Fellowship.  I worked between the Ithaca and Geneva campuses... and the drive between these two campuses is absolutely beautiful - especially during springtime and summer time.  

Visiting Cornell Tech at Roosevelt Island
in NYC with friends.  The campus has
the fascinating view of Manhattan on one side
and Long Island on another.

Cornell has two campuses in NYC: (1) Cornell Tech at Roosevelt Island, which is a partnership with the Israel Institute of Technology, or simply Technion, and the (2) Weill Cornell Medicine, which is only some steps away from the tram station, coming from Roosevelt Island.  It was in 2017 when I first visited Cornell Tech.  It is strategically located where it is to cater to tech-based industry and businesses in NYC.  That time, they were just starting operations.  This year, I visited again to speak with their Chief of Administration, and I was very impressed by their progress and the ensuing expansion.  I usually drop by the Weill Cornell Medicine, too, just to visit and appreciate how advanced the research works are in Medicine.  This time around though, I did not get to visit because of a rather hectic schedule.

This is what I love about studying, or working as a visiting scholar, at Cornell.  The quality of education is, obviously, excellent, and its campuses in the Finger Lakes Region and in NYC are beautiful!  When stressed out from working hard, there is always a way to 'recuperate' and 'recharge'... right inside the campus!  And, when you need to get away from it all, roaming around the immediate vicinity of the campuses give respite, too.  When there is more time, traveling around the Region is physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually rejuvenating.  And, when there are official University break, it is always great to enjoy the City... for as long as one saved up sufficiently, that is, because enjoying the City can be very expensive.  One of these days, I shall write about my most recent visit in the City.

***

A little about me... and BTS

In the meantime, let's enjoy the official music video of BTS's "Life goes on": in the forest, which is set in a place that is quite similar to the Finger Lakes Region of NYS.        

Beautiful song... beautiful young men singing to a multitude of beautiful souls

around the world from such a beautiful place.

Indeed, life is beautiful... and it goes on.

The last nine years that I've been Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas (there, I said it... for the first time, I think, in this Blog) were some of the most remarkable years of my life... not because of the 'prestige' of the position because I don't think I ever enjoyed the 'perks' of being Dean.  In fact, I don't even know what the perks were... and I never cared to find out!  I cared more about something else, the most essential thing in my leadership goals - SERVICE.  The whole time, I was extremely busy trying to cultivate a 'new' culture of excellence in the Faculty.  It was humbling... and I've given up so many things to do this.  Looking back, I do believe that the sacrifices were so worth it. I can say with confidence, and humility, that my Team and I have achieved our goals... and so much more.

In a few days, I will be officially handing down the reins of leadership of the Faculty to my successor.  I am proud to turnover the leadership of a Faculty that is completely transformed from how it was when I took over about a decade ago.  And, I mean that in a very positive way, and many can attest to it, too... including history itself. I do believe that it is also accurate to say that the whole University was positively influenced by the transformations that the Faculty of Engineering has undergone.  I do believe that the bigger impact of my previous service in the University as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering will be continuously felt in the coming more years, including the brilliance that my successor is about to impart.  This is not to demean any of my predecessors though.  In fact, I have so much respect for them... especially knowing what I know now about leadership.  Still, I can proudly say that, when I was called to serve, I responded to the call wholeheartedly. I did my utmost best, leaving nothing and taking nothing for myself.  In the end, I am very proud of what we have accomplished!       

While I am very happy with the fruits of my service, I have been EXTREMELY EXHAUSTED, too!  In the last three years, I was just 'running on empty'. There were too many MAJOR undertakings, transformations, and coping with the pandemic, including the loss of my father and my own bout with COVID-19 that I almost lost.  I did not give up... but, sometimes, when life is moving about too fast and we're out of breath, we just need to get away for a little bit, to breathe fresh air to gain fresh perspective, and renew the fight in our spirits.  I did that recently in Cornell... and I am no longer out of breath now.  In fact, I am now getting ready to take on a bigger challenge in my workplace as I transition from the Office of the Dean to another Office... which, from what I understand is a lot bigger.

The 'new chapter' is not just about cultivating a culture.  It's about cultivating a culture and setting up the 'farm' in which such culture can bloom and flourish.  It will be about maintaining a fertile ground, lots of sunshine and water, the right seeds... and the right 'farmer'.  I know of wonderful beautiful 'farmers' who own an incredibly flourishing 'global farm'.  There are seven of them... and they are called BTS.  I will need their inspiration... and I'm gonna avail it!  Then I know that the best is "yet to come".  And this beautiful life goes on....

Alright, let's start getting inspired now...

Man, goosebumps!  They keep outdoing themselves.  Too good!  

Alright, I'm ready... leggo!  💜

***    

Photo credit:  All photos featured in this post are all mine, and I processed them for the sole purpose of this post.  They may not be used anywhere else.

Video credit:  The first video featured in this post belong to me. The owner of the other two videos is indicated in the videos themselves - Hybe Labels and BangtanTV.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

*** 

Something old, something new...

 ...and how sentiments change over the years... but not the love for music.

======================================================

by PAM

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.

***

Saturday photo, er...

 ...I meant video!  Okay... and some photos, too.

========================================================

by PAM

Beyond the backyard...

The horses at the stable located at the 

Baker Institute for Animal Health

of Cornell University

One of the things that I love about living in Ithaca in Upstate New York is how one can be very close to nature.  There is always an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature whatever time of year... although winter can be truly harsh.  

An assortment of blooms in the 
Cornell campus in Ithaca, NY
during spring time.

This is the beauty of studying at Cornell University, too, specifically in its Ithaca campus.  Aside from it being an Ivy League... and, therefore, the quality of education is topnotch, the Ithaca campus is surrounded by nature in its unadulterated beauty.  The campus itself is beautiful:  dramatic in Autumn, surreal in winter time, deliciously pretty in spring, and totally smashing during summer time.  More than anything else though, the company of brilliant and fun students, and awesome mentors, was totally wonderful and unforgettable.  I spent five years in the Ithaca campus of Cornell as a PhD student in the mid 2000s.  I thank the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture scholarship program endlessly for the opportunity... because those were some of the very best years of my life!      

So, in AY 2021-2022, I had the opportunity to return to Cornell.  This time, I return as a Hubert H. Humphrey (HHH) Fellowship grantee.  The HHH Fellowship Program is under the Fulbright Scholarship Program of the US Department of State.  It is a highly competitive program that is usually awarded to professionals in their mid-career or leaders who are ready to move up to more influential leadership roles in their field of work.  In my Humphrey Fellowship, I was primarily hosted by the Penn State University in State College, PA but I chose Cornell as the venue for one of my two six-week non-local Professional Affiliations. The other one is Boise State University in Idaho.  I couldn't be any happier! 

Enjoying a lovely spring time
evening, walking around East Hill
area of Ithaca, NY.

In Ithaca, I stayed at the eastern side of the campus... up a hill, towards downtown. The house where I stayed this time was the same house where I lived on my last year as a PhD student in Cornell.  Its location is adjacent to that of the Baker Institute for Animal Health of the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, which is recognized as one of the very best Vet Schools in the world.  The house has among the most beautiful views of Ithaca sunset, which gets dramatic during spring time because of the usually thick dark rain clouds that contrasted with the burning red-orange color of the sun as it sank in the horizon among the tall trees on the hills. It is absolutely lovely!  

Every single day, I was motivated to start the day well by the cheerful tweets of birds outside my window... and the gentle fingers of the rising sun that knocked on my window with its comforting warmth.  They brought smile to my lips as I prayed for that beautiful day that beckoned.  All day long, the horses at the stable of the Baker Institute grazed around the hills, and they usually wandered at the house's backyard.  I enjoyed watching them, especially the two most active ones who loved to run around.  They are the ones featured in the video above.  

Towards the end of the day, I put all my concentration on my work so I can eat dinner early with the kind family who owns the house... and relax as I watched the beautiful sunset at the backyard.  In the evening, I put on my walking/running shoes, put on my earphones, and pull down my favorite playlist on Spotify - mostly BTS music, of course!  I then joined some of our neighbors as I walked/ran a minimum of 4km, chasing the colors of the sunset fade into the night.  Perfect day for Namjooning, indeed!  

I usually went to bed every single night satisfied with my day... and happy that I got to rest well as I anticipated another lovely day to come my way in the morning.  Looking back, those days that were full of hope reminded me of my favorite line in one of the newest BTS songs, "Yet to come".  The line went, "dream and hope, and go forward - we're so about it!"  Yes, I am so about it, too!

Ahhh... Ithaca!  Take me back!  

***

Video credit:  The video featured in this post belong to me.  I shot it for the sole use of this post.

Photo credit:  All photos used in this post belong to me.  I took and processed them for the sole purpose of this post.

***

Wednesday Nostalgia...

 ...of a Duranny who is also an ARMY.

=========================================================

by PAM

When one goes through a 're-integration' process in one's community after being away for a considerable period of time, it can be quite a struggle.  I know this for a fact because I am going through this right now.  Exactly ten days since I got back from a whirlwind 10-month sojourn in the United States (US), I am still ambling around, digesting what I hear around absently... like a 'buffering Jungkoook' (JK)... although not as cute, of course.

Ten months, seven States, twenty cities and towns, and three universities of affiliation, and two more that were officially visited... indeed, there is so much to write regarding my latest US sojourn although I did post a few things about it in this blog already, and yet, the best parts remain in my 'memory box'... waiting to be chronicled here.  Sometimes, the memory becomes too vivid in my head, it's like watching it on a screen in front of me, forcing me to 'zone out'... hence, the 'buffering'.  This is why I completely understand JK... except that, in his case, I am sure that it's due to his being a genius artist - visions of perfection keep flashing in his head, and they fascinate him... hence, the usually 'euphoric' look in his eyes when he zones out. Or, perhaps, it's just an aftermath of a video game... all of a sudden, he realized a better tactic for winning!  Don't ask me why I know... because if you ask, I'd lie!  Hahaha...     

Anyway, as I continue to struggle to slowly reintegrate in my community even when I hit the ground running at work, let me speed up the process by 'looking back' and 'looking (very) far back'... in this nostalgic post.

***

Looking back

One of the most remarkable songs of BTS, for me, is "ON" from the album, "Map of the Soul: 7", released in the first quarter of 2020, just a few months earlier than the 7th debut anniversary of BTS... and just before the COVID-19 pandemic wrecked havoc worldwide.  

The song was not meant to inspire resilience against the pandemic as it was created prior to the pandemic.  Rather, it is BTS's reflection and self-affirmation, given the challenges that they surmounted as a group that brought them to where they were on the eve of their 7th anniversary.  As it happened, BTS is truly destined for something great, and the words they chose in creating this masterpiece find significance in any form of human struggle.  The timing of the release of "ON" couldn't be more impeccable, too, because, heaven knows that, that time, the world needed an uplifting 'anthem' to keep it afloat, which "ON" generously provided!  In terms of lyrics, it is inspirational.  It is like a battle cry of a generation robbed of supposedly the most significant days of their lives by a brutal virus that claimed many lives - literally and figuratively.  

The song acknowledges the uncertainties around, and submits to vulnerability. "Is it the shadow that's shaking, or is it my feet that are trembling?  Of course, I am not unafraid.  Of course, it is not all okay..."  And yet, it is encouraging one to soldier on, no matter what, "but I know, awkwardly, I flow.  I fly together with that black wind."  And when times became tough... really, really tough, BTS looked COVID-19 in the eye and stared it down without blinking, "Can't hold me down 'cause you know I'm a fighter.  Carried myself into this beautiful prison.  Find me, and I'm gonna live with ya!"  And, the world stood behind these magnificent seven young men to fight for its existence against the pandemic!

𝅘𝅥𝅱𝆕 "Bring it, bring the pain, oh, yeah.

Come up, bring the pain, oh, yeah.

Rain be pourin', sky keep fallin'

Everyday, oh, na-na-na

Find me, and I'm gonna bleed with ya!" 𝅘𝅥𝅮𝅘𝅥𝅯

"ON" is not just your 'regular' fight song. It's a bold defiance against defeat... a refusal to lose, a refusal to bow under the harshness of life in general... and the punishing bitterness of the pandemic in particular.  RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V and JK stood their ground, stared pandemic in the eye, and dared it to move them where they stood.  Considering how a multitude of our young generation stayed strong throughout the pandemic by just listening to BTS songs, and watching their old BTS Run episodes, interviews and MVs, BTS completely carried their generation to a decisive win!

In terms of music, this song is bound to become one of the most remembered songs of this generation.  It bears the signature BTS multi-layer quality with the vocal line and rap line alternating, and sometimes coming together on top of each other faster than a bullet train, to assault the sound wave with beautiful blend of sweet vocals - feathery and thick; and muscular rapping - so bold and daring. This is why it is very hard to beat BTS.  The vocal line sing so beautifully, indeed, with such thick, impenetrable quality; but the rap line make the BTS music quality absolutely 'airtight' - hard to copy, hard to match... one of a kind!  The accompanying music goes from sway-worthy to hip-hop and break dance-worthy... to just totally explosive!  It just grips the listener.  The song changes tempo all throughout its 4 minutes and 6 seconds length without losing its grip on the listener.  Yes, the song is meticulously produced, indeed, and it's bound to be a classic from this generation courtesy of these extraordinary seven young men from South Korea.      

The official music video (MV) is also a work of art.  Obviously a humongous effort was put in creating it, and in actually making it.  But that's BTS... they never put out something that's half-baked.  The seven members put their best foot forward in acting their parts out, creating a mini movie that is both visually impressive and musically unforgettable.  Naturally, their dancing prowess were also exhibited, just making sure that they keep their hold of that coveted position - the artists that defined this generation.  Their live performances of "ON" were also nothing less than terrific, fabulous... awesome!

***

Looking (very) far back

The first time I saw the MV of "ON", I can't help but be reminded of one of my favorite Duran Duran songs, "Union of the Snake", released in 1983.  It is from their third album, "Seven and the Ragged Tiger".  There were no similarities in the songs but the theme of the MVs are somewhat related... well, for me, being both a Duranny and an ARMY.  See for yourself.

𝅘𝅥𝅯𝆕 "The union of the snake is on the climb.

Movin' up, it's gonna race, it's gonna break through the borderline..."𝅘𝅥𝅱𝆕

I don't think I ever understood the meaning of this Duran Duran song though.  Hahaha... and after all these years, I am still struggling to figure it out.  Simon Le Bon, the band's vocalist and song lyricist, attempted to explain a few times - seriously and jokingly.  He completely capitalized on his attempted British poetry impressionism. His vague explanation never did anything to alleviate my confusion.  Dang, Simon!  Hahaha...  In spite of that, I remained a Duranny until this day!  Yep, I am happy to share the fandom with the late Princess Diana, too.

Being a fan does not vanish with time, and with a song that is difficult to comprehend. Being a fan is about relationship with the music that the band created.  This is an unbreakable bond because they provided the 'music theme' of one's life. After all, if life is a movie, what helps it to become an obra maestra is a superb musical scoring, right?  I may not understood completely what Union of the Snake meant but I remember most of the moments when I sang along with it through junior high school days - the mood and the social debacle around me.  I do have history with Duran Duran and their music.  

I remember, it was also in 1983 when Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. was assassinated at the tarmac of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which was still called Manila International Airport (MIA) that time. I was in junior high school.  There was national grieving, political tension, and uprising, which later escalated to the first bloodless revolution in a very long time in the history of mankind, the EDSA Revolution in 1986 - a proud moment for the Philippines.  Throughout those times, Duran Duran music and the rest of the "New Wave" music of that generation were our companion in going through that unprecedented social and political debacle in our country.  That is history... and nothing and no one can change history.

Back to the Union of the Snake, the MV didn't help my confusion either!  Hahaha... but it's visually pleasing, considering how pretty every member of Duran Duran was.  Then again, isn't that one of the reasons for MV? It is supposed to aid listeners in song recall.  The song did pretty well though, peaking at #3 in Billboard Top 100 for three weeks.  Considering that that "New Romantic" era, a subpart of the "Second British Invasion" (the first one being the Beatles and Rolling Stones era), was peppered with SO MANY excellent bands back then such as Wham, Culture Club, The Police, Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, and Spandau Ballet, not to mention that it was the time of booming American pop music, too, where the likes of Prince, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, and Hall & Oates filled the limelight.  And, for this particular song, Duran Duran had to contend with the very much anticipated second collaboration of the late Michael Jackson and Beatles' Paul McCartney in that phenomenal song, "Say, Say, Say", a follow-up to their first mega collaboration, "The Girl is Mine".

***

Ah, memories... here I am again... *buffering*.  Hahahaha...

Alright, I have work to do!  I gotta go!  

Let me leave you with the live performance of Duran Duran's Union of the Snake at the famed "Live Aid" concert in 1984.  Let Simon Le Bon wow (or make you gag, whichever is applicable.  Hahaha...) you with his eccentric moves on stage, Nick Rhodes' genius on the synthesizers, Andy Taylor's pretty good guitars, and that very tight rhythm section care of Roger Taylor on drums and the very pretty John Taylor (my forever crush! *blush* Haha... ) on bass.  

Ciao!

***

Video credits:  The owners of the videos are indicated on the video themselves.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

References:  BTS and Duran Duran official websites, and Billboard Hot 100.

***

Saturday Photo + Namjooning

 

"Eternal Wind"

by Nobuyo Okuda

(Bachelor of Fine Arts,

Class of 1984, Boise State University)

Framing the Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge across the Boise River.

The Special Collections and Archives of Boise State University (BSU) keeps a data base of important materials and artifacts that make up BSU's history as well as that of Boise City, and the State of Idaho itself.  Among others, they keep a list of remarkable works of art that abound the campus.  One such remarkable work that catches attention when exploring the campus is the work of sculptor, Nobuyo Okuda, a graduate of the BSU School of Arts (BA Fine Arts, Class of 1984).

The work is composed of two half circles made of stainless steel, joined at a single point and supporting each other where they are joined.  The two half circles then extend gracefully beyond the point of full contact.  As such, it is a remarkably minimalist number that shows how geometry and physics are used in artistic creations but seems insignificant the first time one sees it... at least, by those who prefer things from the perspective of pragmatism and functionality.  However, as one studies the origin of the sculpture, one can fully appreciate its significance.  

The sculpture was donated by Robert Hay to BSU in honor of his wife, Janet Hay, who

"Eternal Wind"
with the Administration Building
of Boise State University.

served for three terms in the State of Idaho Legislature, representing Nampa; championing education as member of the Idaho State Board of Education.  As such, the sculpture is also referred to as "Janet Hay Memorial".  To pay tribute to Janet Hay's advocacy, Okuda created a piece that symbolizes the "student-teacher relationship" in teaching-learning process. Each half circle, which represents either the student or the teacher, stands incomplete and insignificant.  However, as the half-circles are joined fully at one point - in an education institution where learning takes place - they stand beautifully, completing each other... taking flight to extend gracefully to reach the other end... until one can no longer distinguish where the structure begins and where it ends, hence, the "eternal" nature of the relationship that they symbolize.  And, as they seem to move to reach each other in a circular motion, they generate "eternal wind"... in the same way that the effective teaching-learning process in an excellent student-teacher relationship can eternally generate useful information that is cultivated to bear knowledge... and nurtured to shape into wisdom.  Indeed, it is a beautiful symbol of student-teacher relationship and that process of teaching-learning... not just in an academic institution setting, but in life itself!  After all, we all have most beloved mentors in our lives... and in what we do in our vocations and professions... who guide us, inspire us and keep us motivated to do well.

To me, it is an added point that the "Eternal Wind" is located in a place where, at an angle from one side, the circle frames the "Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge", which connects the campus with downtown Boise that are separated by the Boise River.  From the opposite side, the sculpture serves as a circular frame for the Administration Building, which is quite remarkable, too.  The sculpture is also installed in a circular plaza between the Albertsons Library and the College of Arts and the Sciences where students can hangout.  I spent many hours reading in that plaza... or simply, namjooning, waiting for the sunset so I can view it from the Friendship Bridge where the sun's fingers spread across the river one last time in a given day as it sinks into the horizon.  Again, beautiful!

***

Photo credit:  I took all photos in this post and processed them solely for this post. 

References:  Special Collection and Archives of Boise State University (news writer - Rachel Taylor, 2019); The Arbiter, 06 October 1999.

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.

***

Getting back to the rhythm...

 ...because I am back to the 'old territory' with some out-of-the-box J-Hope.

=========================================================

by PAM

HOME!  Yep, back to my very own room, very own bed... and very own desk at home.  And back to my senses, too, today... after ambling dazedly in the house... between sleep and half-consciousness, recovering from massive jetlag.  There's only so much studying and traveling that one could do... especially in this day and age... and in the middle of this pandemic, too.  So, yeah, I.am.back... and will be here for a long while!

My temple still hurts from all the sleepless hours.  I so love to go out and take a long walk outside... but it's been raining so much, and the rhythmic sound of raindrops on the roof had been lulling me to sleep in the middle of the day - not helping.  I need to unpack, too... and I feel daunted by the task of rearranging my stuff in my closet, throwing away some, or giving them away to who might need them... and making room for new stuff in my bookshelves, desk, shoe rack, and what have you!  

But, first things first... I need music!  I think that should speed up the process.  But what to play... BTS?  Hmmmm... I love them, but maybe not this time.  I need something more 'classic'... rock?  Yeah, definitely rock!  The honest-to-goodness rock chick in me has been struggling to stay quiet for the past ten months, and it's been waiting to let loose.  There was no chance to do that while being a Humphrey Fellow in the US... except that one time when the radio in the van played "Paradise City" by Guns n' Roses while we were on our way to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with our Coordinators.  I just automatically screamed my lungs out without thinking, "take me down to the paradise city where the grass is green and girls so pretty! Oh, won't you please take me home!" 

I was sitting at the back, and my colleagues turned to look at me in shock... and I froze. "What...?" is all that I can say, feeling strangely guilty.  One of my younger colleagues said, "whaaat?  You know this song? Damn, I love you!"  It was my turn to be shocked!  Ah, the power of music, it begets love!  Hahaha... 

***

'Old Territory': Let's rock, yo!

So, yeah, let's do alternative rock today!  Let's see, what can we play?  Hmm... let's go for Collective Soul!  Alright, let's begin with the CS song that got me hooked to their music... "The World I know".

🎝"Has all the kindness gone

Hope still lingers on..." 🎝

Hmm... that felt good, huh?  I heard this song for the first time in early 1995. I bought that CD in late 1995 while a visiting scholar at Ohio State University (OSU) using a hard-earned scholarship money.  Hahaha... those were the days!  Although that hasn't changed much lately.  Anyway, that song introduced me to CS music... and deeper into the grunge era with the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Matchbox 20.  CS remained to be one of my favorite Alternative Rock bands today.  Here's one of the most popular CS songs, which I love, too, "Shine". 

🎜"Teach me how to speak, teach me how to share, teach me where to go

Tell me, will love be there?  Will love be there? 

Whoa, heaven let your light shine down..."🎝

That sounds good and hopeful, right?  Just a couple of hours ago, I received an Advisory from the Philippine Consulate in New York City through our Philippine Humphrey Fellows Alumni Association.  It was about how a Filipino tourist was attacked and was very badly hurt.  The Advisory was asking all Filipinos to be careful and vigilant when roaming the City.  It made me feel sad... and I cringed a little bit because a few weeks ago, I was in NYC for business.  I then roamed the City with a friend.  We re-visited all-time favorite spots, and explored new ones. That line, "...teach me where to go... tell me, will love be there," resonated to me as I think about our visit to NYC and that terrible news.  It makes me want to pray, "heaven let your light shine down."  Anyway, my friend I participated in a Philippine Independence Day parade while in NYC, and checked out the Filipino Food Fair that followed.  It was awesome!  But, I digress... I will write about that at some point here.

In the meantime, let's go back to CS music.  I'd be a remiss if I didn't include this song that I do believe defines CS as a band to me and to many others, "December".

🎜"Just tilt my sun towards your domain, your cup runneth over again

Don't scream about, don't think aloud

Turn your head now, baby, just spit me out

Don't worry about, don't speak of doubt

Turn your head now, baby, just spit me out"🎝

That's beautiful, isn't it?  Ed Roland's voice is husky as a rock vocalist's voice should sound, but also sweetly soft, deep and calming - a rare combination that makes CS's music truly unique as well.  The lyrics of their songs are deep and insightful, too, without sounding 'preachy'.  The rhythm section though is quite 'perforated' in this song. The bass is lost in all that beautiful drumming, but Ed Roland's unique voice fills up the gaps, sealing them off... resulting in an 'airtight' sound that makes for a truly distinct Collective Soul sound.  I love it!  When they sang this live at the Woodstock in 1999, the sound was a bit more 'muscular'... and then rhythmic, and then just all-out loud - too good!  Click here, and see/hear for yourself.  Warning: it is addictive!

Rock music ain't great if it ain't 'loud', right?  So, here's a vintage CS rockin' sound, also at the Woodstock in 1999.  The (collective) soul-gripping, "Where the river flows".

🎜"Don't feed me sorrow, pain is a poison I digest

Find yourself another soul to hold (You think, you thought I know)

Off upon my journey I must go (to where the river flows...)"🎝

That started out rough and, perhaps, not as gripping as the recorded version.  But it did pick up, and hit the spot bullseye in the end - awesome... and remains awesome after more than 20 years!  I love it that their rhythm section picked up beautifully in this song, too - matched Ed's vocals to the tee... incredible!  

Here's a bonus song - a rock bomb (make sure you have your earphones on)... click here.  

***

Massive HOPE in J-HOPE

So, after listening to all these songs by CS, y'all probably know by now why, among many more reasons, I COMPLETELY dig and support J-Hope's "Jack in the Box" album, right?  The first track, "More", is AWESOME.  Indeed, it leaves you begging for mooore!  

🎜 "I'm in my element, soak up the music

Bring it all, I'm doing it all

Hah, shout out

I say, MORE!" 🎝

Hobi is an incredible music artist of this generation.  However, with the very thick 'multi-layer' quality of BTS music - song after song - his contribution is just one of the many layers no matter how significant it is.  As the main dancer of the Group, his dancing, which is incredible, too, is usually highlighted more than his music.  With his dancing, rapping and singing, he is undeniably one of the very best performers that K-Pop has ever produced... and yet, musically, he has so much more to offer.  I am so glad that, musically, he is taking the center stage with Jack in the Box.  The album separated Hobi's music from the BTS multi-layer mold... and what we have is a J-Hope music distilled in its purest and highly concentrated form... and it's very impressive, indeed.  

Among many others, he shows the range of his creativity and capabilities in making music that is so out-of-the-BTS-box, and it's absolutely rockin' beautiful!  He tells his own stories, his views, doubts, visions and dreams though his songs without having to worry about stepping over the BTS perimeter.  I'm sure that is absolutely liberating for him!  His raspy voice, which he brings from whisper to scream that is so delicious to hear, mixed well with the edgy music, is a new K-Pop formula that catapults J-Hope to that new generation of Korean music innovators.  When you can make music that contrasts in sound and production from what you are so used to, then you truly are an artist in your own right... and you are worth-listening.  Hobi is all this... and MORE!  I intentionally mixed Hobi's "More" with the classic CS songs to prove a point:  J-Hope is on his way to becoming a legend in the music industry!

One day, I will write a full review of Jack in the Box.  That's a promise.

Alright, great!  I'm all fired up now.  Let's go!

***

Video credit:  Credits are indicated in the video themselves.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

*** 

Saturday Photo (dump) + Namjooning...

...because we don't throw away memories.

===================================================

by PAM

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! 

***

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.

***

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.