Thursday, December 19, 2013

Top 10 EDM Songs of 2013

This year my liking for Electronic Dance Music or EDM has proliferated multiple times. I have been a lover of music but  my interest for EDM was first captured when my eardrums enjoyed David Guetta’s When Love Takes Over. That song directed me to discover the world of EDM. Since then, I have been a listener and self-confessed fan. I came to know Tiesto, Martin Solveig, Laidback Luke and others. Each year, I continually search for great EDM tracks. I have my favorites which I call my EDM anthems. I like a song based on the overall impact that inflicts to me. This year, it is just right to share my top 10 EDM songs.

1. Clarity (Zedd feat. Foxes) - I have been singing and dancing this song since summer. Until now, I am still having a hang of it. What I like about this song is its melodramatic combination of all beats accompanied by straight to the heart lyrics. It is overplayed already but I am still enjoying every beat of it.


2. This Is What It Feels Like (Armin van Buuren feat. Trevor Guthrie) - Hats off to the trance godfather. This is a song that no further justification or explanation needed because just by listening to it, instantly one would eventually get hooked to it. Also, the lyrics sends a very heartfelt message. As of the moment, I am loving trance music and this song is one of my favorites.


3. Dare You (Hardwell feat. Matthew Koma) - This song has been on my playlist recently and I am savoring it.  Right after I finish listening to this, I  always say that Hardwell is one great DJ.


4. Wake Me Up (Avicii feat. Aloe Black) - This is the first track of the Tomorrowland 2013 after movie. What I like about this song is how Avicii mashed up country music vibe and EDM.


5. Sweet Nothing (Calvin Harris feat Florence Welch) - This track is like a hang-over that I carried from 2012 to 2013. I appreciated this song very well this year. It is very contagious that you can't resist once it infects. Out from its lyrics you'd hear "But I am trying to hope with nothing to hold". The message of the song is very sad and I feel that it added to the whole effect of the song.

6. If I Lose Myself Tonight-Remix (Alesso vs OneRepublic) - The original track of OneRepublic is very good already but Alesso (younger brother of Sebastian Ingrosso) is very successful to make the song very EDM. If I'll be admitted because of LSS, this is one of the causes.

7.  I Could Be The One (Avicii vs Nicky Romero) - Though I don't like its official music video, I am captured by the track. It brings a nostalgia feeling while encouraging me to wear my dancing shoes right away.


8. Reload (Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash, John Martin) - I like how the way beat progresses of this song. When the beat drops, I can't resist to jump and let the music take over me.

9. Center of the Universe (Axwell) - This is my alarm clock tune set on my phone. Instead of getting pissed, I feel energized because it really sends me to the center of the universe. I just hope that someday I'll be able to dance this song with someone special (getting a little sentimental =D).

10. Years (Alesso feat. Matthew Koma) - This is one of the songs that I play whenever I'm so stressed. This is easy listening but still it sends a vibe to me that I should get a drink to the nearest party place.


Those are my top 10 favorites/EDM anthems of this year. All songs are created by Non-Filipino and I hope next year I'll enjoyably listen an EDM composed by a proud Filipino.

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Saturday, December 7, 2013

Looking Back Before I'll Turn Silver

Same day of today of last year, I was rendering the last few days of my previous job because I decided to resign. Like each year, I was looking forward to  celebrate Christmas, my birthday and new year. Same day of today of last year, I was so motivated to start fulfilling my childhood dream to be a lawyer. Also, during this time of last year, I was really ready to take on another chapter of my life which was different of what I was taking on at that time. 

I resigned from my previous employer. Many questioned my decision. They were insinuating that it must be the job or the boss. Many expressed that I was in a very great company so why I had the courage to let the opportunity slip in my hands. If I told them my answer, they couldn't understand. I decided to resign not because I hated my work, the company nor my workmates. I tendered my resignation stipulating that I would like to proceed to law school at that time. That was it. There was no other reason and I didn't apply to other company.

I was officially disconnected from that company in the middle of December of last year. This allowed me to celebrate Christmas without having at the back of my mind that there were pending errands at work. I celebrated Christmas very spiritually. I sought personal encounter with the My Savior. Also, I surrendered to Him all my plans for next year.

I am a December celebrant. Last year, I celebrated my birthday intimately with my parents. My time with my family especially with my parents was not as lavish as before I studied college. I am just a person from the province trying to find a spot in the city. When I pursued my college education and eventually started my career, I went back home weekly, twice or worst no visit in a month. Thus, when I spent my birthday last year, right then and there, I realized I was missing them so much. Although he is not as strong as before, I missed my father's stare that directed at and reminded me that I would always be his youngest Tata Gamay. I missed my mother and her home cooked dishes. She would always give time to listen to my jokes, stories and everything I blubber. She would always be there when no one would seem to listen to me. And I celebrated my birthday like that. Spending it with my parents and family was very meaningful. 

When new year's eve came, I attended the Eucharist. It has been my personal commitment to never miss that because what was included in the New Year's Eve mass is the renewal of baptismal vow. And I would never get tired to profess again and again my faith. As I did that last year, I felt replenished and amplified to face the coming year.

January 1, 2013 came and I was having this new perspective. It was like I was viewing everything at the other end of the spectrum. But there was still the old me in me who was always enthusiastic and driven to see the positive side of everything. 

It was that month that me and my mother planned what I should do which should be beneficial for the whole family. Mama suggested that I would try to find a work while waiting for enrollment and I obeyed. I got employed in one of our government agencies. I belonged to this Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizen. I liked it because its objective was very noble.

As I was working, I embraced all the changes -working environment, people, and job. I thought this was all part of the new endeavor I was ready to tread. This was the time I contemplated a lot. I asked a lot of people of my plan of going back to school. Fortunately, there was this one person. She said, "It is not about what profession you have but what you do with your profession". From that, I was hit on the target. 

One day, I woke up and it was June 2013. I didn't enroll and did continue to be employed. Time was very fast and I immersed myself full time with my work. I decided not to enroll because of many reasons. There were many things to weigh. If I pursued education, I knew those reasons would keep on disturbing and could impede my studies eventually

Even if I was employed and did not enroll, I did not blame myself for not pursuing my original plan. Instead, I accepted everything that happened. I busied myself with what were happening at present. I spent more time with the people I love and myself than I was a year prior to this year. I knew now how to balance career and personal life. Almost, every week I went home to my parents. I spent and partied with my friends. At present, I am blogging which so far I am enjoying. Lastly, I constantly sought personal encounter with my Savior. Aside from hearing mass, I started to attend if I could The Feast which is a Catholic Prayer Meeting of the Light of Jesus Family. Yes, I am making time for people, myself and God.

Now that it is December again and I am nearing to my 25th year, all I can say that this year was indeed a turning point in my life. What I realized this year can be summed up into as follows.

1. Did I regret resigning from my previous work? No, I didn't. But I miss the people and moments I spent there.

2. Do I feel frustrated of my failed ambition? No, I don't. But I always believe that there is no failure but only delayed success. I may not be a lawyer but I will be successful.

3. Do I regret making uncalibrated decision? No, I don't. But I have forgiven myself to be able to move on. And I have learned to enjoy the present moment. 

4. What is my current disposition? I realize that I can make big decisions about my life. Where I am now is the result of my choices. I can safely say that I am in sweet disposition right now.

This year that is coming to an end is like a cup of coffee. It is a bittersweet experience. When it's empty, I am still open for another cup of it.
Caramel Latte at Cafe Demitasse F. Torres, Davao City


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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Today's Music: Win by Brian Mcknight

There are days that my energy is low but I always find ways to uplift myself. There are many blessings to be thankful. My loved ones inspire to do more and my dreams keep me motivated. Also, one of many things that helps me to boost my energy is this song.


Dark is the night,
I can weather the storm,
Never say die,
I've been down this road before,
I'll never quit,
I'll never lay down,
See I've promised myself that i'd never let me down, so

I'll Never give up, never give in
Never let a ray of doubt slip in
And if i fall, i'll never fail
I'll just get up and try again, 
Never lose hope, never lose faith
There's much too much at stake,
Upon myself i must depend,
I'm not looking for place or show, i'm gonna win

No stopping now,
There's still a ways to go,
Ohh, someway, somehow
Whatever it takes i know,
I'll never quit, no, no
I'll never go down
I'll make sure they remember my name
A hundred years from now

I'll Never give up, never give in
Never let a ray of doubt slip in
And if i fall, i'll never fail
I'll just get up and try again, 
Never lose hope, never lose faith
There's much too much at stake,
Upon myself i must depend,
I'm not looking for place or show, i'm gonna win

When it's all said and done
My once in a lifetime, won't be back again
Now is the time, to take a stand
Here is my chance, that's why I

Never give up, never give in
Never let a ray of doubt slip in
And if i fall, i'll never fail
I'll just get up and try again, 
Never lose hope, never lose faith
There's much too much at stake,
Upon myself i must depend,
I'm not looking for place or show, i'm gonna win
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Thursday, November 28, 2013

A Hero Knows to Drive His Time

My watch, my confidant
I have a peculiar ability that I can sleep anywhere. Whenever and wherever I sleep, most of the time, I dream. May be I was born to be a dreamer, a visionary. This could be the reason that until now I don't stop to try new things as I build my career. One of the major constraints for me in realizing all my goals is time. 


The watch at the left has been my companion since college. Since my mother bought and as I wear it everyday, that TIMEX watch never fails to remind me to utilize time effectively and efficiently as I propel myself to greater heights of my goals in life. Indeed, I graduated on time, earned the corresponding professional title for my course and making a career.

That watch on my wrist may have lost its newness but it still serves its purpose and remains very classy. Every tick alerts me still. Every change of date notifies me still. Most especially,  it helps me to be driven to make use of my time at its best.

When I know I am utilizing effectively and efficiently my time, I feel like a hero. I may have not died for others but knowing that I am using my time wisely in order I can have allot time for myself and for the people I love is something I am very proud. A second that is lost is a time will never be repeated. And to spend time with other people is one most precious gift I can offer. I give something of myself. That's why I feel I am a hero.

It was a music to my year when I came to know the latest TIMEX HERO STORY COLLECTION. Each masterpiece is a work of great minds and industrious hands. Each has its own inspiration of creativity. This collection is where style and technology perfectly meet. Below are the four out of the five watches from the collection.


However, the one that captured my attention and I can really relate myself to is the Timex® Adventure Series™ Linear Indicator Chronograph with Intelligent Quartz™ Technology. Its Linear Indication Chronograph feature  can help me to record the time of a happening of my life with just a push of the button. This feature is important to me because as a dreamer, visionary who wants to accomplish many things in life I must be very time conscious. If I will enjoy the convenience of this feature I can measure productivity. Aside from that, I can wear it on any occasion from the most formal to the most adventurous getaways. I will not be worried if it gets wet because it is water resistant up to 100m.

 

Timex Adventure Series will keep me time-bounded and allow me to have time for everything. To give time for my dreams, ambitions, self and the people I hold dear to my heart makes me feel fulfilled and powerful. With these, I am a hero because I know how to navigate my time.
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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Today's Music: Love Song for No One by John Mayer

Yes, I am single and hopefully, I won't be anymore.


Staying home alone on a Friday 
Flat on the floor looking back 
On old love 
Or lack thereof 

After all the crushes have faded 
And all my wishful thinking was wrong 
I'm jaded 
I hate it 

I'm tired of being alone 
So hurry up and get here 
So tired of being alone 
So hurry up and get here 

Searching all my days to find you 
Not sure what I'm looking for 
I'll know where 
When I see you 

Until then I'll hide in my bedroom 
Just staying up all night just to write 
A love song 
For no one 

I'm tired of being alone 
So hurry up and get here 
So tired of being alone 
So hurry up and get here 

I could have met you in a sandbox 
I could have passed you on the sidewalk 
Could I have missed my chance and watched you walk away 

I could have met you in a sandbox 
I could have passed you on the sidewalk 
Could I have missed my chance and watched you walk away 

I'm tired of being alone 
So hurry up and get here 
So tired of being alone 
So hurry up and get here 

You'll be so good 
You'll be so good for me 
I know you'll be so good 
For me 
For me


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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Today's Video: TRIP NI BAI: CARTE BLANCHE 2013

Still having a carte-blanche-hangover. And Yes! The camera caught a glimpse of me. However, Jelly and Mia were the most notable people on this feature for me. Of course, they are my friends.
Thanks to Helen! Without her, we won't be able to have this exposure. This is what you call "CONNECTION".


Still having a carte-blanche-hangover. And Yes! The camera caught a glimpse of me. However, Jelly and Mia were the most notable people on this feature for me. Of course, they are my friends.

Thanks to Helen! This is what you call "CONNECTION".

Post by Una ka BAI!!!

Carte Blanche 2013: Complete Discretion to Party with a Cause

It was colorful. It was festive. It was carnival.



That was how I was welcomed when I and my friends set foot on the Crocodile Park Grounds last November 16, 2013 for the Carte Blanche 2013 the 1st ever 3D electric music carnival in the Southern Philippines. According to the organizers Manic Nightnings Productions and Party Animal Events Productions, 10,032 party ravers enjoyed the drinks, food and most especially electronic dance, electohouse, house, trance music and the like.


Every raver enjoyed what was offered by the event. You'd never be starved because there were many food booths selling different dishes. One booth offered a LECHON BUWAYA which was added attraction to the event. There were also hotdogs, rice toppings, BBQs, fish and squid balls, and more pinoy/davaoeƱos favorite street food.

Wet and Wild. 10,033 party ravers went hardcore as the enjoyed every beat of music.

It was not only the sense of taste was satisfied. I was in awe of the outfits/costumes of the ravers. There were giant clowns, drag queens, mardi-gras like dancers, fire dancers and colorful lights and designs. And because the event was in 3D, I tried wearing the glasses and enjoyed the screens.


For a lover of house music, this event melt my heart for the eargasmic experience. I was in total euphoria. It brought out the party animal inside of me and made me roar. Every track played during the event was savored by my ears which made me dance and jump to the beat.

Though gates were started to open around 3:00 pm, I and my friends arrived at the event around 6:00 pm when all the local DJs already finished their sets. I and my friends were just safe to arrive for DJ Callum David's set. When he played a mash up In My Mind of Ivan Gough and Million Voices of Otto Knows, the crowd went wild. That was only around 6:30pm-7:00pm then. From then on, the party never stopped. All the DJs played great music. My personal favorites were the sets of DJ Katsy Lee, Those Damn Nerds and Curse and Bless. The zombettes set was very naughty and it has also appeal to the audience. And of course, Jackbates and DJ Surf brought a Boracay vibe to Davao City when it was their time to make the ravers jump up and down.

When the rain began to pour, all the people present on that very moment never forgot to remember and sympathize to the victims of the recent super typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. All were shouting "We'll be OKAY". Beneficiary of this event was the Habitat for Humanity Philippines who will also share the proceeds to the victims of the recent calamity.

Yes, there were some minor complaints from the party goers. I also noticed, correct me if I am wrong, nobody from the line up of the DJs played a track from Armin Van Buuren. Forgive me I am just a fan of him =). However, it didn't matter to me because I experienced what I want to get. And I was also with the right companion and crowd who know how to party.


It was epic, legend, surely left a mark and made history. And I'm looking forward to Carte Blanche 2014.

Kudos to you Kat Dalisay!

Below were the DJs and the line up.

3-5PM LOCAL DJ'S:
3-3:30PM DJ LEXI Alexandra Bautista
3:30-4:00PM DJ BIG Jommel Banez
4-4:30PM WACKY MASBAD & SONNY B Wacky Masbad Sonnyb1035
4:30-5PM DJ TORCH GACUMA DjTorch Gacuma

5PM-2AM MANILA AND BORACAY'S TOP DJ'S:
5-6:30PM DJ CALLUM DAVID Vinimal
6:30-8PM THE ZOMBETTES The Zombettes
8-9:30PM DJ KATSY LEE Katsy Lee
9:30-11PM DJ SURF & JACK BATES Surf Thetoplessdj Jack Bates
MAIN ACT --- 11PM-1AM THOSE DAMN NERDS IN 3D, DJ MIAOW & 
DJ AIS NICAUTION Mia Ayesa Mark Nicosia

1AM-2AM - SURPRISE EDM Philippines (DJs & Producers)





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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Today's Music: True Colors by John Legend







You with the sad eyes


Don't be discouraged

Oh, I realize

It's hard to take courage

In a world full of people

You can lose sight of it all

And the darkness inside you

Can make you feel so small



But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors 
Are beautiful like a rainbow



Show me a smile then,
Don't be unhappy
Can't remember when
I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there



And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
Your true colors
Are beautiful like a rainbow




(Can't remember when I last saw you laughing)



If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there



And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors
True colors are shining through



I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors
Are beautiful like a rainbow


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