I’ve had a copy of this 2007 film in my external HDD for a while now, but never got around to watching it (because I haven’t heard of it before and didn’t think it was anything special) until that night when I told myself I should sit through it. And I’m so glad I did!

If you look at the big picture, you’d see that the story is about an orphan boy who came looking for his mother and father whom he haven’t met yet. And he does eventually find them. But what makes this story unique is how he finds them. Or to be precise, how they find him.

Yet the story is not just about a boy whose one wish in the world is to be found, it is also about a mother who, after 11 years, still haven’t moved past the terrible experience of losing her baby. She lived her unhappy life trying to fill the void brought on by what she thought was a miscarriage. She later learns that her son is alive and sets off to find him.

The story is also about a father who, oblivious to the existence of a son, have not quite gotten over that girl he met 11 years ago at a rooftop. From time to time he is reminded of the love they could have had but lost due to some complications.

What eventually makes these three paths meet is their love for music. The mother and the father are both musicians, and the son, while growing up, develops an extraordinary passion for music even though he hasn’t played a single note in his life. He claims that the moon told him to follow the music. And he believes that if he learns how to play the music, his parents will hear him, and they would know he was theirs.

Below are some of my favorite quotes. I’d like to think that “music” and “faith” are interchangeable.

“Listen, can you hear it? The music, I can hear it everywhere. In the wind, in the air, in the light. It’s all around us. All you have to do is open yourself up.”

“Sometimes the world tries to knock it out of you, but I believe in music the way some people believe in fairy tales.”

“I believe that once a upon time, long ago, they heard the music. And followed it.”

“I don’t know where it [music] comes from, but it’s what I hold on to. And I can’t let go.”

“Do you know what music is? God’s little reminder that there’s something else besides us in this universe. A harmonic connection between all living beings, everywhere, even the stars.”

“You got to love music more than you love food. More than life. More than yourself.”

“I could hear it. Sometimes I wake up and it’s there. I hear it when I’m walking down the street. It’s like someone’s calling out to me. Writing it all down is like I’m calling out to them.”

“You can’t learn music from books. It’s out there.”

“You never quit on your music. No matter what happens. Coz anytime something bad happens to you, that’s the one place you can escape to and just let it go. I learned that the hard way. And anyway, look at me. Nothing bad’s gonna happen. You gotta have a little faith.”

“The music is all around us. All you have to do is listen.”

Okay, enough spoilers! The movie is starred by big names such as Keri Russell, Robin Williams, and Terrence Howard. If you haven’t seen it, get a copy now. After you’ve watch it, rush back here and share your thoughts. =)

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 654 | Filed under: Movies, Music

I love Jason Mraz’s music. Some of his songs remind me of Jack Johnson who I also love thanks to the boyfriend who’s into “surf music”. Jason Mraz + the cool and bubbly Colbie Calliat = perfection. Play the song Lucky below!

Lucky (Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat)

(Jason)
Do you hear me,
I’m talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I’m trying

(Colbie)
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

(Both)
I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh, ooooh, oooh, oooh,
Oooh ooh ooh ooh

(Both)
They don’t know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I’ll wait for you I promise you, I will

(Both)
I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we’re in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

(Jason)
And so I’m sailing through the sea
To an island where we’ll meet
You’ll hear the music fill the air
I’ll put a flower in your hair

(Colbie)
Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you’re all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now

(Both)
I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I’m lucky we’re in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

Ooohh, ooooh, oooh, oooh,
Oooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooooh, ooooh, oooh, oooh,
Oooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 8 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 392 | Filed under: Music

When I was younger, I wasn’t a big fan of Eraserheads. Though that was the case, I still know most of their songs by heart. The music of Eheads was the kind that gets stuck in your head even if you didn’t want it too. All through my elementary and high school days, their songs were just everywhere, you can’t escape them. I didn’t have their albums (which were just in cassette tapes back then) but my older brothers did.

Remember that 90′s movie Pare Ko starring Mark Anthony Fernandez? Hee.

Honestly, I hardly minded when the group disbanded in 2002. But I think, as time passed by, that “hole” representing the absence of Eraserheads in the music industry got bigger and bigger that a simple rumor of a reunion concert was enough to send fans my age (and older) into a frenzy. I think the younger (emo?) generation wouldn’t be able to appreciate Eheads the way the older ones do.

When news articles and interviews began to shed more light on the rumor, I decided that, by hook or by crook, I was going to watch that concert. I even registered in that cigarette company’s website and pretended I was smoker, heh. I followed several blogs and watched out for juicy updates in Twitter, Multiply and Plurk. To be honest, I was relieved when they announced two Sundays ago that the rumored free concert wasn’t free anymore. That way, I can definitely ensure my “pass”.

Despite what transpired last Saturday, the short-lived concert was a success. It was so heartwarming how each and every one who attended were all smiles, just singing or humming along with Ely the whole time. I remember thinking, “Wow! Ang daming Ely!” I swear I got goose bumps! Lol.

The only thing I hated about the concert though is the poor way they designed the venue layout. I agree with what Luis said about it. I was pretty pissed that night after I stepped inside the venue and saw the horrible, horrible set up! And for good reason. They put that sound stage (which was probably as big and as tall as the actual stage itself!) right behind the VIP section as though the VIP are the only ones who came to watch. I pity those people in the faraway land of General Admission who I’m sure were cursing the organizers to their graves for robbing them the PhP 800, and just letting them live off what little the video walls were giving them. But of course, when the countdown began, all the negativity toward the concert venue (and the musty smell of the crowd) just kind of flew out the window. Even more when Ely’s familiar voice filled the place.

Do I regret shelling out PhP 1300 for a concert that didn’t end the way it’s supposed to end? Not at all. Seeing them all together again live on stage was definitely worth it. It was very emotional and nostalgic. I’m glad I was part of the the crowd who only responded positively when, halfway through, they announced that they had to cut the concert short because Ely was rushed to the hospital. Upon hearing the news, everybody was pretty shocked but was very understanding.

Let’s see if the rumor of another reunion concert is pushing through. I wouldn’t wanna miss that one too! I still want to hear them play Magasin, Overdrive, Para Sa Masa, Pare Ko, Ang Huling El Bimbo, and more. I definitely won’t mind making my way in the jam-packed venue and standing up for hours again. Praying for Ely’s fast and complete recovery..

What’s your opinion of the concert?

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 8 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 696 | Filed under: Music, News, Events, Occasions

(As of 8/27/08) Wednesday 5:46pm

A couple of minutes ago i got a message saying information that made me jump out of my seat! It said that folks involved with MTV Philippines have taken over the show of the Eraserheads reunion concert and that ticket prices have been changed to P800 and P1300! Immediately i made the call to MTV to find out if these reports were true…indeed they are!!!

Radiohead Media Solutions, Inc. announces the acquisition of the concert rights to the much awaited one-night-only Eraserheads reunion this coming Saturday, 30 August 2008. The Reunion is to be slated at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field.

It has officially been confirmed that the Eraserheads One Night only Reunion concert has been taken over by Radiohead Media Solutions! After Marlboro pulled out, it seems like they took on the responsibility of doing the show and giving the fans what they want!!! Not only that, but ticket prices are also now at P800 and P1300. Tickets will be sold at ticketworld starting august 28 and you can call them for inquiries at 891-9999.

I know im the first one to release this info and many of you may not believe me but this news comes directly from MTV’s head honcho! Believe it or not!!!

Really, I don’t know who or what to believe anymore. I guess we’ll all know tomorrow, August 28. Or the day after that. Or the concert day itself? If you ask me, they should just postpone the concert and get things more organized. But I also understand that a lot of people have been waiting for this since the day the rumors of an Eraserheads reunion first came out. So okay, whatever works for them.

If anyone has more info about the E-Heads concert, do share!

[EDIT: 8/28/08 11:25am] The concert is happening! [/EDIT]

[EDIT: 8/28/08 2:00pm]

Details of the Eraserheads Concert (info from TicketWorld – Greenbelt 1):

• Date: August 30, 2008 (Saturday)
• Venue: Bonifacio Global City Open Field, Taguig
• Tickets: General Admission (P800) and Patron (P1300)
• Tickets sold at TicketWorld. Call (02) 891-9999 or view the ticket outlets.

[/EDIT]

[EDIT: 8/28/08 6:00pm] W00t! Got our tickets! See you at the concert!

[/EDIT]

[EDIT: 8/31/08]

Here’s a good video recap of the short-lived Eraserheads concert. Thanks, Aileen!

Eraserheads Reunion Concert video

[/EDIT]

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 25 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 437 | Filed under: Music, News, Events, Occasions

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that my CD is now available. However, at the moment it is only available in physical format and you can purchase it by clicking on the “Buy” tab on my site and clicking the picture of my CD cover.

For you digital junkies, the CD will be available on iTunes and Rhapsody shortly. They have already been submitted but I am still waiting for them to approve it.

Thanks again for all your support and I want you to know that CD #2 is already in the works!

Happy new years!

-Josh

So it’s true! The album’s here! I think it’s amazing that Josh Verdes has finally released it. And just in time for 2008, too. He’s not as popular yet as the other international artists, but I’m positive he is among Happy Slip‘s fans. It’s just a matter of time before he’d be a hit worldwide. Who could forget Save Me and Love at First Sight which were used in two of Christine’s videos? If you’re a sentimental person like me, it’s most likely that you’ve fallen in love with his songs too. :)

I think his album cover is also worth mentioning. I like the design. It’s simple yet it “says it all”. Not only that, I also find his official website‘s design really cool. I have a thing for acoustic guy artists, you know. What more if he has a rockin’ website? Lol.

Obviously, Happy Slip played a huge role in promoting Josh Verdes’ songs. I’m sure the CD would be a hit among her fans. And in this digital day and age, who isn’t a Happy Slip fan? :)

Josh Verdes → Official Website | MySpace | Get the CD | Listen to some songs

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2008. | Permalink | 7 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 330 | Filed under: Music, Plugs

And I did. I did love it!

I like the way the huge, strong and powerful Autobots (that transform in a manner that just blew everyone away) felt sympathetic toward the humans and even formed a friendship with them. I also wouldn’t mind having a car like Bumblebee. I can then ask him to change form every once in a while.

And who knew the Internet can influence aliens too? When asked how they were able to learn to speak English, they said it was through the worldwide web (they probably downloaded Babel fish!); and when asked how they found the “cube”, they said they found the item on eBay. lol. I have to agree, you can find almost anything you need on the Internet.

Moving on – there’s a new video over at HappySlip.com! Go see Christine, her parents and auntie discuss the topic of “Boypren“.

Incidentally, Josh Verdes, her cousin, composed a new song called “Save Me”. Gotta remember to add that one to my collection. I’m such a fan. :)

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2007. | Permalink | 13 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 246 | Filed under: Movies, Music, Plugs

Anyway I decided that this blog needs an overhaul. I’ve been working on this layout since last week but because I’m finally paying the price of my being in front of the computer 14 hours a day (give or take a few) which caused my back to ache like crazy, I wasn’t able to finish this as soon as I hoped. It’s nothing fancy but I’m sure the fresh look would do everyone good, especially me who, after some time, gets tired of the same old design.

Thanks to Deej my laptop is working almost as good as new again! I should have asked him to reformat the darn thing a long time ago. I may be a borderline computer geek, but I’m a loser when it comes to hardware stuff.

The title of this new theme Just A Little is a line from Bethany Joy Galeotti‘s song “Let Me Fall“. You can play the audio player at the bottom of this post to hear it.

Let’s see.. I’ve been mentioning how I love her songs in the past few blog posts.. I even embedded an MP3 of When The Stars Go Blue in one entry.. Hmm, can you guess the songs that are playing on my media player at work over and over again for the past two months?

Speaking of Bethany Joy Galeotti, One Tree Hill Season 4 has finally come to an end. It’s a little surprising that they didn’t put more cliffhangers on the finale episode like they did the past 3 seasons, but — oh well. I’m still gonna catch the 5th season, if there’s a 5th season. Here’s the summary of the last episode:

Dan (Paul Johansson) must face the harsh consequences of his decision to murder Keith as Karen (Moira Kelly) and Haley’s (Bethany Joy Galeotti’s) pregnancies complicate the lives of Nathan (James Lafferty) and the graduating seniors of Tree Hill High.

Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) wrestles with his post-high school options, and Peyton (Hilarie Burton) and Brooke (Sophia Bush) prepare to spend the summer in Los Angeles together.

Oookay. How did the subject on blog overhaul suddenly segue into a One Tree Hill update? Talk about incoherence.

Let Me Fall

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2007. | Permalink | 15 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 396 | Filed under: Music, TV Programs, Wordpress

***

Shrek The Third and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

I don’t know what happened. Maybe it’s because of our busy schedule or the need to save some money, but I find it strange that Deej and I haven’t gone to see these two films yet. And to think these two are part of the list of movies we’re watching out for! Normally we’d go see the movies we’re excited about the first weekend that they’re showing in theaters, but today, I am only limited to reading other people’s reviews online and hearing my brother brag about it. Not that it’s a bad thing. I’m just a little jealous. Haha.

I’ve figured it out. It is because of the busy schedule and the need to save money! Freelance jobs and the increasing number of bills have deterred us from seeing Puss In Boots (yes, he’s our favorite character in Shrek!) and Captain Jack Sparrow! Hmm. We must really be growing up.

But it’s no big deal. I actually met with the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean last May 13 at Robinson’s Galleria. We chatted for a bit about what they’ve been up to after they were done shooting the 3rd installment of their blockbuster movie. And we also had our picture taken. Although I must say, Johnny Depp isn’t as attractive in person as he is on TV, which was kind of a disappointment..

What? You don’t believe me? You want proof?

The cast waiting for the fans

Jack Sparrow, me, Elizabeth Swann and Davy Jones

Okay, okay, it was a lame one. But it was kinda cool. Haha.

***

TGIF! I love Fridays. It’s the time of the week that’s the most relaxing. And today is particularly special because I received a very exciting news early this morning (which I’ll blog about next time) and tonight we’re going on an out of town trip again! As a sequel to our Surfing Spots Hunting, the “group” is getting ready to go Northeast (or is it East?) tonight! Let me remind you, I am not a surfer, I’m actually bad at surfing. (I’m just good in surfing the Internet. Wa he he he). I just love going to new places to relax and take photos.

Baler, Aurora, here we come!

***

As I take my Internet break this weekend, let me leave you with the song When The Stars Go Blue, a One Tree Hill soundtrack by Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley James-Scott) and Tyler Hilton (Chris Keller). I was having LSS the whole day today no thanks to this song.

Have a fun weekend! ;)

© Joni for Joni Ang, 2007. | Permalink | 10 comments | Leave a comment
Word count: 528 | Filed under: Movies, Music, Travel Tales