THE application

Last week, I applied to the legal aid bureau of our law school. The said organization goes to barangays and offers legal advice to the people therein. I thought it might be a good way of starting to contribute to society with my legal knowledge. After all, that's what I've always wanted or what I've envisioned myself doing.

I was hesitant at first, knowing that there are only limited slots available to students. Many of the top third-year students applied, so I know there's a slim chance I'd get accepted. There's a much more serious consideration though for my hesitation. I'll tell you in a while.

The interview didn't really go well. There are three parts, the last part being question and answer on random law subjects. There were objective questions and hypos. I was asked twice on criminal law, once on obligations and contracts, once on corporation law, and once on legal ethics. Unfortunately, the first three questions require memory from first year, and in that, I think I didn't do well. But it's okay, at least I tried!

There remains one requirement which I am yet to do. And this is what I fear most. I have to submit a VIDEO of myself showcasing a TALENT! There lies the problem. I have NO talent. I know because I've TRIED both singing and dancing, and the conclusion: talent just isn't for me.

Prior to my teen years, I used to play the piano. But that was more than a decade ago, and I can hardly read chords now. I'm wondering if I could still learn to play a guitar (because that's what I've always wanted to learn), and win trophy cups for playing, before the end of March (submission date).

I found a website full of beautiful guitars (and other instruments). So now, I am daydreaming that I can still achieve my "rock star dream." Look at this orange Gretsch electric guitar:

or this black Gibson one:

I admit I don't know much about guitar (except that I know that Gretsch and Fender are popular guitar brands, being the names of my guitarist friend's children). Still, they're enjoyable to look at. And it's always a good feeling reminiscing, or reliving, childhood fantasies. All I have to do now is bring them to life... if not in front of a crowd, at least in my video application. =)

goodbye, bamboo

Back in high school, my conservative, snobbish, but crush ng bayan friend had an eye for only one guy---Bamboo. Now a doctor, she's still a fan (though she now has a boyfriend).

So many women drool over him, probably because of his suplado countenance. Some girls my age then actually wanted to try the best diet pills for women, if only to impress Bamboo when they see him up close. He was a fad.

He was still the frontman of Rivermaya then. Eventually, he formed a new band, named after the plant (or after his name), Bamboo. I was never really a fan of that band, but admittedly, they made some good music. And it's a bit sad that they're now saying goodbye. Yes, they are.

A quote from his farewell message: We've learned that this journey is not only about us but includes all who came along for the trip. Family, friends and of course front row believers who were there for the best reason of all. To simply listen.

Farewell Francis Magalona...

I never imagined that my earlier “songs” here would be one of requiem.

Francis Magalona died yesterday due to leukemia. When I was informed, it left me quiet for hours. I immediately searched the net for the bad news as I could not believe it. And yes, it was true. A great man had passed away.

Francis has lived a life that made sense and one that had influenced Filipino culture, especially music. I'm a fan of Francis, as I mentioned in my chocolate cakes and chocolates article. I like his songs, especially those which had social significance; it feels like he truly has the affinity for the three stars and the sun. Girl Be Mine makes me sing, and my mood lightens up every time. Kaleidoscope World for me was his best. Astig ng kanta na 'yun. The rhythm, the beat, the lyrics, they're all good. He alone brought rap music to us, as I often say. Francis Magalona was an institution, a legend.

I am saddened and affected by his death for a number of reasons. First, I am a fan. I feel a bit sad when my favorite TV series ends. And now, I would no longer see nor hear my favorite musician live. He's like John Lennon now; he will never grow old in my mind. That boyish look. That charm. The man from Manila.

Second, I lament for Pinoy music. Nowadays, I feel like we are surrounded by remakes and all things unoriginal. New bands play old bands' songs. Old bands play a new song but with old sound. Francis was original. I hope there'd be more like him, at least more who could make it to the limelight.

Last, I grieve for the loss of a life. For the loss of a friend, a brother, a husband, and a father. It seemed to me, from his interviews, other people's interviews, and television appearances, that he was a sweet and loving person, especially a father. And I could not imagine the pain of losing one. It was during these times that one validates the significance of life. Let the sunshine, let the rivers run away.

Yes, I am blogging this one. This is my only way to pay respect to my favorite musician. Francis Magalona will always be remembered. His memories will live on. He always said that the show must go on, and it will. But no superproxy can replace one such man like Francis Magalona.