My Summer Travel Playlist

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. It gives an exciting, refreshing vibe. When I think of summer, I think of the beach and travel. So I made a playlist perfect for that warm, lazy, wind-blowing-on-your-face, long drives. It's a mix of head-bobbing, foot-tapping jams and serene, soothing ballads. Here it is:

1. Island in the Sun by Weezer

Photo from Flickr

2. Honeymoon Avenue by Ariana Grande
3. With or Without You by U2
4. Every Teardrop is a Waterfall by Coldplay
5. Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney
6. One Day by Matisyahu
7. Me by Paula Cole
8. Northern Sky by Nick Drake
9. Kaleidoscope World by Francis Magalona
10. Summer Paradise by Simple Plan
11. Someday by Sugar Ray
12. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
13. Strawberry Swing by Coldplay
14. Don't Worry Baby by The Beach Boys
15. Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

I had a hard time narrowing down my choices and might have missed out on some great songs. But I hope you like it anyway. Or you can make your own, too! I'm psyched to hear what made your list. Happy summer! <3

-Martha

The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway

Winter is probably over in some countries but that didn't stop Frozen from taking the world by storm.

This Disney animated film is about two princesses of Arendelle. Elsa is born with the power to create ice and snow. One instance while playing, she accidentally injures her younger sister Anna. This led her parents to take measures to conceal her strength. Until years later when Elsa could not hold it in anymore and puts the kingdom in eternal winter...

There are several factors that make Frozen one of the highest-grossing films. First off, the animation is truly amazing. They showcase snow in lots of stunning ways possible. Second, the story breaks away from conventional fairy tale films. It's not about the damsel-in-distress in need of a prince charming. It sets a new and valuable lesson: You can be your own hero. Last and probably the biggest factor of all is the music. It heightens the charming and magical appeal of the film.

I commend Disney for their ability to produce a heart-warming story transition in just a matter of seconds. "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" did just that. "For the First Time in Forever" is sang so well by the talented Kristen Bell it captures Anna's sentiments perfectly. "Love is an Open Door" is a cute and unique duet (You'll see why in the latter part of the movie. Don't want to spoil ya.). Even the short lullaby "Reindeers Are Better Than People" is sang nicely and warmly by Jonathan Groff. Of course, who could forget Idina Menzel's "Let It Go"? Who else out there is guilty of memorizing the lyrics with matching actions? Haha. It's my favorite musical scene in the film followed by the trolls' adorable performance in "Fixer Upper".

I can't think of anyone not enjoying this movie! I was transformed into a little girl as I watched the entire thing, awestruck and giddy. I just love it. Thank you, Disney!

Okay, bye. :)

-Martha

Choosing Sara

The last quarter of my 2013 is filled with music from The Blessed Unrest. It's Sara Bareilles' fourth album and I think, by far, her best. I love certain songs from her previous ones like "Gravity", "Bottle It Up", and "King of Anything" but the entire The Blessed Unrest is just exceptional.

It all began when my girl friend Mia made me listen to "I Choose You", a song about love found. It became my absolute favorite, I couldn't stop singing it everywhere in the house for a period of time that my sister sort of hates it now. Haha!

Anyway from then on, I've downloaded and found love myself, with the rest of the album. "Brave" and "I Wanna Be Like Me" both speak of self-empowerment and have perky beats that can pull you out of a funk. Same goes with "Little Black Dress" which is the perfect moving on song. "Chasing the Sun" and "Satellite Call" are poignantly haunting. "Cassiopeia" is as dreamy as the constellation itself. "Hercules" is a plea to strength and "1000 Times" is about unfaltering, resilient love.

Reviews on the record are mostly positive including one from the Rolling Stone, wherein an article mentioned that her songs "feel groomed for rom-com soundtracks". I agree. I can envision countless scenes with her singles setting the mood and highlighting emotions.

Bareilles is so talented. Apart from being a great singer with her smoky, captivating voice, she also plays the guitar and piano really well, and writes all of her songs. Her songwriting is exquisite, I want to post all her finest lyrics but I'm afraid this blog would be horribly long. So let me cut it short and let this video from YouTube do all the talking and the making-you-fall-in-love-you-can't-stop-singing thing. Enjoy! :)

-Martha

Music of the Night

My friend's invitation for a 'night out with the girls' couldn't have come more timely. I've been working non-stop and needed a breather. We met last Friday at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shangri-La to catch a performance of Alona, a high school classmate and member of a singing group called the Music@ts*.

Standing: Kat, Jo
Seated: Weng, Alona, Che

Dinner was composed of Caesar Salad, Roasted Mediterreanean Vegetable Panini (Yum!), Shangri-La's Triple Decker, and Pancit Guisado (a bit salty). Oddly, no one opted for cocktails. I guess we wanted our wits about for our impending gabfest.

The show started at 9pm, opening with a medley of classics including my all-time favorites Nearness of You and Moon River. Followed by songs from Broadway musicals: All I Ask of You (Phantom of the Opera), Memory (Cats), and I Don't Know How to Love Him (Jesus Christ Superstar). I was pleasantly surprised when they closed the 1st set with some animated movies' soundtracks. They made Circle of Life (The Lion King), Go the Distance (Hercules), and When You Believe (Prince of Egypt) sound, well, classy.

The highlight of the 2nd set for me was the group's rendition of Tonight from West Side Story and Pink's Just Give Me a Reason. Didn't know it could sound even better. I also liked their Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin.

For the 3rd set, they sang more OPMs like Ikaw, Bakit Ba Ganyan, and Kahit Isang Saglit. I thoroughly enjoyed their Sun and Moon (Miss Saigon) and I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables) numbers. I wish they sang A Little Fall of Rain. Maybe next time.

There is no doubt that this act is brilliant. They perform harmoniously, blending well when doing a group number or duets and shining on their own when perfoming solos. Needless to say, I had a memorable night chatting with the girls and enjoying the talented Music@ts. Another reason to say: TGIF! :)

-Faye

*Music@ts members:
Lawrence - piano, vocals; Alona - vocals; Kim - vocals; Jerry - bass

Back with The Calling

Ever listen to songs and be reminded of a certain time in your life? 

I get that a lot particularly with those of the late '90s and the early 2k. One band that takes me straight back to puberty is The Calling.

I was such a fan (still am, actually) of them, I'm outright devastated when they disbanded. It was so early on their career and after making only two albums, namely: Camino Palmero and well, ironically, Two. The beauty of music though is that it never dies. More than ten years later, I can still plug in my earbuds to enjoy the melodies of my past.

Some genius in 2011 compiled The Very Best of The Calling and spared me the trouble to pick between their two albums. Alex Band's husky, grungy voice is perfect for their alternative rock instrumentation. Plus it doesn't hurt that he looks so cute (Teen and adult me nods simultaneously). Band co-wrote all their songs with Aaron Kamin who co-founded the band.

All time favorites are "Wherever You Will Go" (which sadly has been defiled many a time in videoke sessions), the angst-filled "Adrienne", and the emo anthems "Could It Be Any Harder" & "Stigmatized". Less popular but great tracks no less are "Nothing's Changed", "One by One", "Anything", and "Dreaming in Red". I also like "Things Will Go My Way" and "Our Lives" because of their inspiring messages.

Here's the best part: I heard that The Calling will be reforming. I'm pretty excited for their big comeback.

How about you, what music makes you nostalgic? :)

-Martha

The Pitch Perfect Syndrome

The Barden Bellas

I've seen the movie weeks ago yet the soundtrack somehow got stuck in my head up to now. I think I have the last pitch perfect syndrome (which is something I just made up, by the way).

Pitch Perfect is a 2012 musical comedy film about college kids competing in an a-cappella singing contest. Mind you, the plot is predictable and filled with cliches yet somehow it works! The characters are funny and refreshing. Anna Kendrick plays the lead, Beca, and is shown in a new light. She is likeable (unlike in the Twilight Saga) and gets to showcase her talents. I also love Fat Amy's (Rebel Wilson) antics. She definitely steals the spotlight.

The songs, like I've mentioned, stick with you and are well-presented in many, memorable scenes. I'll just hover on my favorite ones in sequence: First off, they made a good move reviving the '90s hit "The Sign" by Ace of Base. Kendrick and Brittany Snow's "Titanium" duet in the shower is harmonious although awkward. Also, the part where they sang Kelly Clarkson's "Since U've Been Gone" in random bits for the auditions is hilarious. The riff-off scene is particularly good, too. I love their mash-up of Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are"/Nelly's "Just a Dream" in the middle of the night. It gave me shivers. The other songs are fine as well but those are the highlights for me.

I think having a Glee-like movie balanced by a funny cast and catchy lines make it all irresistible. It's brief and  pleasantly tolerable. It's a feel-good chick flick. Perfectly enjoyable to watch and listen to. :)

-Martha

A Rush of Coldplay to My Head

I'm a huge Coldplay fan. This alternative rock band has many great songs from various records but I think one of their greatest albums to date is A Rush of Blood to the Head, released in 2002.

After their debut success, Parachutes, they took their time and poured their souls to craft a second one to the point of postponing the album's release because they weren't satisfied with it. It was worth it when they were finally done as evidenced by its 11 tracks (I only liked 9 of it though.).

The songs "Politik", "A Rush of Blood to the Head", and "God Put a Smile upon Your Face" have this gaunt, haunting feel in them with somewhat cryptic messages. Netizens have argued on the lyrics' meanings but I'm guessing it's like art, it's supposed to be interpreted uniquely by each person. "Clocks" has a brilliant tempo as if time is really rushing. Their less enigmatic songs include: "Green Eyes" and "Amsterdam" which talk about love found and love lost. Two of my favorites are "In My Place" and "Warning Sign". Both are beautiful ballads referring to one's journey in life and ambivalent feelings for an ex-love, respectively.

But the track I adore is "The Scientist". For me, it's the best song in the album...No, I'd even go as far to say it's their best song ever! It's a heartfelt piece about a man asking for forgiveness and declaring that his love for a woman is louder than the wonders of science. My description alone doesn't do it justice so I shared their official music video so you could listen to it for yourself. (It's a must-see video, too! :))

The ingenius play of instruments, dips and turns of musical arrangements, fine lyrical composition, and Chris Martin's signature dreamy vocals make Coldplay the excellent band we know today.

In the hopes of them never ceasing to make awesome music,

Martha

Les Miserables is Tres Magnifique

One of my favorite musicals of all time is Les Miserables. I first heard of its soundtrack when I was in college. I borrowed a CD from my cousin, Balu. So, it's just fitting that I see the 2012 movie version of it with him. Actually, it was Martha's treat. ;-p

This film blew me away! The first time Hugh Jackman's gaunt face jumped from the screen, I knew I will love every second of this two-hour-and-forty-five-minute long movie. What I didn't expect was ten minutes into it and I was bawling like a madman. I love Jackman's portrayal of Jean Valjean's inner struggles in 'What Have I Done' and 'Who Am I'. I can see clearly how conflicted he is. I feel his frustration and pain. I wasn't a fan of Jackman before but I am now.

These first few scenes set the tone for the duration of the movie. The cinematography is superb. It emanates the characters' aloneness and the darkness of their reality. Anne Hathaway's 'I Dreamed a Dream' and 'Come to Me' made me scrounge for my hanky again. She sang it un-Broadway-like. I think she nailed Fantine's destitute and hopeless situation. 

I would have given this movie full marks except for Russell Crowe's (Inspector Javert) seemingly lacking performance. Don't get me wrong, I like his rendition of 'Stars' and 'Javert's Suicide', but in my mind I still see him as the 'Gladiator'. He wasn't pompous enough as Javert for me to hate him. I was also disappointed with Samantha Barks' (Eponine) 'On My Own' and I was really looking forward to that bit. She was better, though, in 'Little Fall of Rain'. I also like their 'One Day More' and the finale song, they gave me goosebumps.

I am always moved whenever I listen to Les Miserables' powerful yet haunting melodies and it's grief-filled lyrics. But to see it translated this way is short of perfection.  If I were to rate it via hankies, I'd say 4.5/5. I mean, that's how many you'll need! Seriously!

-Faye

How To Have A Great Time

I've always thought that Christmas season means parties, reunions, and get-togethers. Here's the run down of some of my holiday events:

Dress to the nines

Office Christmas Party:
It's not just about the food, drinks, or gifts but also a chance to let your hair down, let loose, and be merry with your co-workers whilst in a party mood. Add in the mix a loud and crazy exchange gift portion and the annual videoke night! Oh, yeah!
Not to mention the opportunities for 'picture-picture'. ;)


L-R: Lei, Jen, Erika, & Aprielle

At Dapo Restaurant and Bar

School Reunion:
After taking in how much everybody changed or stayed the same, it's nice to catch up with classmates you haven't seen in a long time. Don't forget that booze and music is never a bad combination especially in good company. Cheers!

Standing: Alona (of Music@ts), Kathryn, Che;
Seated: Lorie, Weng, Jo

Dimsum Break

Family Get-together:
Nothing beats last minute Christmas shopping to work up an appetite. It's also a nice way to bond and have long chats with your loved ones then tucking in to a yummy sampler of your favorite dishes. More Hakao please! ;P

Clockwise: Bacon Sio-mai, Yang-Chao Fried Rice, Original Steamed Fried Rice, Hakao, Crab Pincers, Empress Roll


After all the parties and celebrations, I'm sad to say good-bye to 2012 but I welcome 2013 with open arms! Happy New Year! :)

-Faye

Location:
Dapo Restaurant and Bar - 31 Scout Borromeo St., Brgy South Triangle, Quezon City
Dimsum Break - 3rd Flr The Annex, SM North EDSA, Quezon City

Overexposed

I've been regretting something lately. I should have bought tickets to Maroon 5's concert in the country this September, that is! Boy, they sold out like hotcakes! It's no mystery though. This pop rock band has gained a lot of fans ever since their debut in 2002... 10 years later and these guys are still making good music!

This is evident in their latest album, Overexposed. It includes the much popularized, dance-able "Moves Like Jagger" and heartwarming "Payphone", featuring Christina Aguilera and Wiz Khalifa, respectively. Other songs that I like are the reggae-infused "One More Night", disco-feel "Ladykiller", and emotional "Sad" and "Daylight". But the ones on top of my list are the sweet ballads, "The Man Who Never Lied", "Wipe Your Eyes", and "Beautiful Goodbye". 

The lyrics are about love, heartbreak, and adultery. Interestingly, all songs in the album are co-written by Adam Levine who also renders his sexy, funky voice as the band's lead vocalist.

Overexposed has not yet lived up to its title, as some songs are still unfamiliar to the public. But they had just launched the album last June so I'm definite that the songs I've mentioned will skyrocket the charts in time. And for now, I have to settle listening to them through my iPod and save up for their next concert. If only this blog has sponsors. Lol! Just kidding! 'Til next time! :D

-Martha

Strip Me Away

My travel time to work is an hour or so. I try to keep my day positive amid the traffic jam and overloaded MRT (Metro Rail Transit) rides through a good playlist. Lately, I've been listening a lot to Natasha Bedingfield's Strip Me Away album. It's released last year as an expanded version of her album Strip Me (2010).

The 16 tracks in the album is fused with Pop and RnB, from upbeats to ballads, showing-off Bedingfield's vocal range and versatility. I learned this album to be underrated since most people I ask are unfamiliar with it and upon research, wasn't as successful as her previous ones. This saddens me because I love Natasha! She has this amazing husky voice and she co-wrote all her singles!

In her defense, I found most songs in this album very good. Namely, "Neon Lights", "Put Your Arms Around Me", "Run-Run-Run" (All three are fun, upbeat love songs), "Strip Me" (This title track is all about self-empowerment), "Little Too Much", "Try" (Both have slow melodies and touching lyrics) and of course, my most-played, "No Mozart" (Listen to it NOW and you'll know why). ;)

Also, they added her 2008 hit "Pocketful of Sunshine" in this copy. Some of you may think the album is promiscuous due to its title BUT it's not like that at all! Like I said in my intro, it's inspiring, fresh music that keeps my spirits up when I commute. So whenever you feel down, just think of the song Strip Me as it goes,

"I'm only one voice in a million but you ain't taking that from me."

 Oh yeah.

-Martha

Why I Went Away with Norah

Although summer's already over, the hot, humid weather seems to be a keeper in the Philippines. Good thing though, one of my secrets in beating the heat is right on my iPod! Yup! For me, Norah Jones' cool, soothing voice makes the actual weather a few degrees lower.

This pretty Indian-American's debut album in 2002, Come Away with Me, garnered eight Grammy awards just a year after! My Ate bought a copy of it and tried to influence me to listen as well. When I finally did, I wasn't at all surprised how she bagged those awards. She's really good. The album is a gem: All 14 tracks are well-written and replay-worthy as compared to some albums where there are only few promising songs.

I never thought I'd fall in love with jazz and blues. But Jones' converted me by her heartfelt, easy, soulful music. "Come Away with Me", and "Don't Know Why" are the most popular hits in her album but I also think highly of "Shoot the Moon", "One Flight Down", and "The Long Day is Over". All have a slow, melancholic melody but then again this record isn't meant to party with. It's more suitable as mood music for let's say, a long-drive, an afternoon at a cafe, or perhaps while soaking in the tub.

I bet when Norah invites you to come away with her, you'll be swept away like me, too!

-Martha

Aal Izz Well

Fahran, Rancho, & Raju

Or 'All is Well' is one of the songs in the movie '3 Idiots'. It's also the mantra repeated throughout the story. This Indian dramedy film released in 2009 was a critical and financial success. Loosely based on the novel 'Five Point Someone - What not to do at ITT!', it tells of three engineering students' journey through college life, family pressure, and self-discovery.

I almost didn't watch this due to its duration (almost three hours!). Fortunately, Martha persuaded me. At first I thought it will be silly but found it to be funny and heart-warming. Although at times the movie is a bit 'preachy', predictable, and you have to read the English subtitle, it's tolerable. What I love the most are the production numbers. In its true Bollywood form, the actors suddenly burst into song and dance performances. It boasts of fantastic soundtrack that range from sentimental 'Give Me Some Sunshine', 'Behti Hawa Sa Tha Won' and 'Jaane Nahin Denge Tujhe' to danceable tunes 'All is Well' and 'Zoobi Doobi'.

Singing in the rain, Bollywood style

I also like the road trip scenery especially the last destination called Pangong Tso. It's breathtakingly beautiful; very serene... The exact opposite of the big, loud, and bustling city I always associate with India.

So if you want to laugh, cry, and be inspired at the same time, give these '3 Idiots' a chance.

Rating: 4/5


-Faye

A Katy-riffic Playlist

Guess who's this singer?

Before she became a California gurl, she was one of the boys first (not to mention, kissed girls and liked it!). Well, my clues are quite obvious, aren't they? It's no other than the adorable Katy Perry. Although I love her third album, Teenage Dream, today I want to feature her other record, One of the Boys, which was released back in 2008 and paved her way to stardom.

As you may well remember, the album includes "I Kissed a Girl" which stirred a bit of controversy when it was first released because of its liberated message. It was a bold move but it was worth it; Everybody was talking about Katy Perry after that!

It was soon followed by dance-able hits like "Hot n Cold", "Waking Up in Vegas", and the heartfelt ballad, "Thinking of You"...All of which were turned into cool music videos. Other must-hear tracks are "One of the Boys", "Ur So Gay", "Lost" and "Self Inflicted". The lyrics are mostly about relationships but each song is unique and tells a different story.

Katy's voice is sweet yet edgy. Her fun and girly persona is surely translated to her songs. Whenever I listen to them, I can't help but think of glitter and pink stuff! I don't know, there's something really magical about her music! Simply put, Katy Perry brings out the 'kikay' in me. ;P

xoxo, (See?)

-Martha <3

Today I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything

It's been raining all day so I basically spent it by lying on bed and listening to my iPod. One artist struck me in particular. The melody of his songs are light yet moving, the lyrics are well-written (I later found out that he wrote and produced all his songs with his team called 'The Smeezingtons'), and his voice is just beautiful. It's the perfect feel-good playlist.

I'm talking about Bruno Mars and his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. It consists of his hits like the sweet love song "Just the Way You Are" and the martyr-themed "Grenade".  Also the carefree "Marry You" which talks about youths jumping into marriage, the poignant "Talking to the Moon" for the heartbroken, and the friendship song "Count on Me". His songs are fresh and relate-able. The song that I can relate to the most today is definitely "The Lazy Song". Haha!

Other songs by Bruno Mars that are unfortunately not included in the record are "Nothin' on You" and "Billionaire" where he was featured by fellow artists B.o.B and Travie McCoy, respectively. Personal favorites are his version of Brandy's ballad, "Long Distance" and his new uplifting song, "Today My Life Begins".

It's now 11 in the evening and it's still drizzling. I better crawl back to bed and push the replay button. Can't get enough of Bruno! :)

-Martha