First Major Gift to Self

Today I made the first biggest purchase I have ever had for myself. Eversince I have been a working adult, I have never given myself something really nice and pricey for Christmas, whereas close friends and relatives receive a little something from myself every year. Just being a little thoughtful in the season of giving.

I have given myself some form of contentment in the past, though. But they weren't major gifts. Shoes don't count - I wear them all year round anyway. And the shirts I bought before were never that expensive. I have always bought working (work-friendly?) clothes - short-sleeved, breathable, comfy, reasonably priced. And I never saw myself queueing to pay for a suit or a long-sleeved shirt either. That might be appropriate a little later in life. Just not this moment.

Thanks to a not-so-fat bonus, I was able to buy my first major gift to self. It's just one thing I've been looking forward to for a long time. Being so busy with work has been such a mess, I need to organize my stuff. The classical music, the pictures, the videos. Now's the time to transfer these things to some place permanent.

It's a laptop. Acer Aspire 4520.

120GB Hard Drive Capacity
DVD+/-RW
AMD Turion Processor
1.0GB RAM

Apparently, I don't seem excited as I should be. Maybe because what I'm about to do next is a boring, unadventurous chore. The difficult part is migrating all my files from the CD's and DVD's (which I used for back up and storage) to the brand new laptop. That's the chore.

I do hope that after that, it would be heaven. It's hard to imagine, but all these classical music files will be put into good use. Now, I can listen to them whenever and wherever I want to (except while in transit because that's what the meager iPod is for - which, by the way, I won't be getting myself until I think of it as a priority AND must have huge hard drive space for all these classical musical files - I'll never know what I feel like listening to at any time, right?). So, I figured I better do this migrating of files to laptop now rather than much later when the CD's accumulate dust, and render the files unusable.

There are a lot of advantages, really. Now, I have space for my personal files and documents (and not share these with my work laptop). I don't need to worry about being reprimanded for "lack of disk space" or "too much downloading" in the office. And I can take it as an opportunity to keep myself organized like projecting or keeping track of financial expenses / income via worksheets, classifying / sorting files, keeping audio playlists active, and surfing the net at any time and at any length without the guilt.

I do hope this will last and be something that's really mine and not a for-family-use thing. To some extent, yes, it can be used by the rest of the household. I'll just have to keep my folders private and unshared. Definitely, there will be different user accounts as well. My plan is not to have it at home most of the time, anyway. Only when family desperately needs it.

That's right. It sounds selfish. But that's what I plan anyway - this laptop will have everything that's in me, everything that's about me. And I'm not sharing. Some may take it as a gesture that stems from selfishness, but it's just that I'm very private especially with personal stuff like these. Let's see how this thing works with a big family like ours. Oooh. Now, I suddenly got excited.

Community Mom

I kept on mentioning my father in this journal, when in fact I'm closer to mother. It's not that I have a favorite between parents. I love them both and appreciate them both, but it's my mother whom I turn to when I have something to say or ask about stuff. When there's a problem? I just solve it by myself, ask my partner, or probably seek the help of friends (rarely).

My mother is very personable, outgoing - with the way I see her deal with colleagues, relatives (immediate or distant), and even amongst ourselves in the family. She takes things lightly even if she's carrying the world on top of her endurance-tested shoulders. But all this friendly disposition has changed - heightened, if I may say so.

A couple of years after her early retirement from more than twenty years of employment, she has set up a family business (it opened nearly one year ago). It was an internet shop (we call it a business center and gaming hub) located just a few steps away from home. The internet-using community has been growing and my brother (an online game addict) suggested he would help her in this business. With my mom's learnings from the workplace (systematic operations, cleanliness, customer-orientedness) matched with my brother's knowledge on computers (i.e., gaming and programs), it was a joint effort aimed at perfection. The place is well-lit, accommodating, spacious (from mother's efforts). It had a lot of game offerings, fast speed, and all brand-new computers (brother's ideas). Two other internet shops have closed in the neighborhood as customers flocked to the newly opened shop. My brother actually persuaded a lot of his fellow gamers in the old shop where he used to play to switch and get better service, better features in our family-owned internet shop. All this has a down side - lengthly queues and annoyingly long customer waiting time.

Now enter's mom. Knowing each and every detail of loyal clients every time they chit-chat - their life struggles, dreams, frustrations, and beliefs. This guy's muslim, he doesn't eat pork. This guy gets beaten up by his dad because he stays too long in the internet shop. This guy has an American dad, he wants to go to the States to look for him and ask him why he left him in the Philippines. This girl owns a boutique store in a nearby bazaar, she sells different beauty products for a low price. A lot of females find this guy attractive, I actually think he's cute too - he's also an honor student - he's a work hard play hard person because even if he plays online games for long hours, he still manages to have good grades. I don't like this guy, he brags about his winnings and cheats on the online games. This one's from Iloilo, you can notice it in his accent - and I also greet him in Bisaya sometimes. These three people are friends, they usually go there at ten in the evening and stay there for three hours and go home from the internet shop at one in the morning - sometimes they even drink on the sidestreet to chat about their problems. This guy left their house and packed his bags because his auntie has disowned him - that's why he's very thankful our shop's still open as long as there are customers because he can sleep on the sofa while he waits for the sun to rise and then he goes to school.

And the list goes on. The catalog of personal stories and information build up endlessly at an increasing rate. Her public presence has grown that she knows a good deal of neighborhood gossip that can range from trivial to earth-shattering to life-changing.

But, rather than feel bothered or affected by this, I actually like it. I've always been teasing her that she knows everything about the people in the neighborhood (starting with her shop customers), and she's become very popular (a village celebrity?). Everybody calls her "Tita" (Auntie), and everybody got really comfortable with her presence.

She was never a strict and harsh mom to begin with, so I guess she's really likeable. There are some instances though that if we behaved the same way as those kids, she wouldn't have tolerated it. Some of the teens actually tell her stories with matching cusses and swear words. She never heard such from her own kids - never. But she understands those stories and swear words from her loyal customers - comforts them, lends an ear (or two). She's like a second mother to them - a go-to figure for troubles, problems, internal pain and suffering, even family issues (some are really really sensitive though, like those mentioned above).

The power of relationship-building has paid off in recent events. She has opened, just two months ago, a deli / food shack that is mainly targeted to mothers - with offerings such as sandwiches, pizza, sausages, and beverages appropriate for kids' baon (school snacks). But her first customers weren't the moms. They were the internet kids - just having a fun time together after playing some online games, or an after-school meeting place / hang-out place while queues are unbearable in the internet shop. It's also located very near our house and the internet shop.

The food in the deli is semi-gourmet (sausages are premium, pizza uses mozzarella - not the ordinary / cheddar cheese, sandwiches have hefty fillings - not the economy one-spread types). Right now word has gotten to several moms already and have started ordering from the deli. Though income has been fluctuating day by day, it has been growing one business period after another (it was just today that she got her highest gross sales ever in a day).

About the internet shop, I asked her one time, those teens might not last - they will move out of your business eventually. They would get tired of gaming, get serious in school or have their own jobs when they grow older. That could just be a human phase that you're catering. Her reply was this, "I take care of the children. I know this and that, I know what they like, don't like. I am their friend. They already start playing games - even if they rent the computers much shorter than the teens because they couldn't afford long-playing modes at this time. When they grow older, they're the next batch of hardcore gamers. They will be my eventual source of business". Sounds quite creepy, but very reasonable too.

Yes, some of the gamers' moms have already approached her because it is a serious issue that some of the kids cut class and just spend a lot of time in the internet shop instead of staying at home during the weekends. I've heard her say this several times. "Instead of doing drugs, just being out on the streets or hanging around with outsiders, you know they're just out there to have some fun, a little bit of entertainment. It's safe for you to know they're just around the corner." Well, it does make sense. I would be pretty convinced if I would be any other mom - any other type of mom.

I just like to say that I'm really proud of her. And I know I'll tell her that one of these days. Probably Mothers' Day next year. I'm sure she knows deep inside that's the way I feel anyway, I don't need to say it out loud.

Gustav Holst

A lot of people already know "The Planets Suite", and I'd like to write a lot about it. But I've got myself some of Holst's lesser known works, and I was in for a pleasant treat - fleeting, but pleasant.

The lines are not as memorable as how "The Planets Suite" has moved me, but his other works seem to have made some impression. It's very American / very English - I don't know how to really define it, but it sounds very Western, with touches of trying itself to sound German or Russian. This notion might have been brought about by the fact that Holst has written his music much after the classical greats and still, probably, making an effort to write music similar to those in previous eras. In fact, some of his works are named with the word "Fugal" - and could have been patterned from or inspired by Fugues of the baroque. But these could be all just based on my personal perceptions or reactions to Holst's compositions.

I was able to listen to a couple of March movements, reminds me of an American parade of soldiers. Very representative of what could be played during a triumphant celebration, or while impressing an important political visitor.

But the surprise to me really was his "Short Pianoforte Trio in E Major", especially how the first movement opened itself up. It sounded like a fast-paced Debussy, but with less drama and more motion.

A lot of countryside themes here and there. "Brook Green Suite", "Morris Dance Tunes" (with movements such as "Bean Setting", "Country Gardens"). Again, pleasant to the ear but a little fleeting.

One reason for this slightly out of touch feeling could be due to a hodgepodge of here and there techniques. Some atonal points, a lot of contrapuntal themes, fugal works, some romanticism. I cannot really say there's a distinct identity to some of the suites, even those that are countryside themed. Some are nice to hear, pleasant to experience, but a bit lacking in retention to me.

"St. Paul's Suite" was good too, one of the less forgettable ones. At least there's a line or two in each movement that makes you want to listen to it again. I particularly liked the first movement, "Jig", the most. Very engaging central theme.

There were a lot of power bass strings though, across compositions - great lines for the cello and double bass.

But I think there's no argument - "The Planets Suite" is never fleeting. A monumental piece of music art.

I never paid attention that much to it when I was a child (I just played the cassette tape once and never got to really appreciate it back then). Since Saturn is my favorite planet, I listened to it first. It sounded horrible to me. It sounded gloomy, unattractive - when I thought Saturn should represent beauty, wonder. And then I saw from the track list, "Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age". Very odd. Until now, I don't really get the analogy.

I've been an avid listener of Holst's "The Planets Suite" since I re-opened myself up to the world of classical music. What I used to ignore when I was a youngster is now something that seems hard to forego.

Mars, the Bringer of War
I used to hate this movement. It was just utterly loud for my ears. But then, it's war, isn't it? I guess it really was Holst's intention to make it hateful, filled with wrath. Having listened to it several times, the one part I look forward to the most is the rapid, abrupt glissando of strings towards the end.

Venus, the Bringer of Peace
This used to be sound too soft for me when I heard it, to the point that it actually bored me (this was one of the longer movements). But having listened to it intently, this is now one of my favorites (together with Saturn). Very delicate progression from one musical thought to the next.

Mercury, the Winged Messenger
Less impactful to me than the other movements, but the music suits the description a lot. Quick, innocent, playful.

Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
Everybody who knows "The Planets Suite" knows this movement a lot. My father pointed this out significantly while we were watching Barcelona Olympics' Opening Ceremony of 1992 on TV. Jupiter on the background, a short presentation of the world's creation on field demonstration. I think what they were showing that moment was the time after water was formed and man was there to establish societies. I really have a hazy memory about the scene. Anyway, Jupiter has one of the catchier tunes in the whole suite, one of the more popular works. I used to like it a lot, but I seem to have overplayed it that it somehow lost some of its charm to me. The brass crescendo on the mid/latter part of the piece never fails, though - that one never lost its charm.

Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age
Okay, I still don't get the analogy but I never saw Saturn as an Old Age planet. I'm now rationalizing that maybe it's covered in icy, painful air that seems to make it gloomy and less attractive compared to other planets. I'm thinking about maturity at this point as well, but I never perceived Saturn to be as commanding as Jupiter (based on size and shape). But I've grown to love this movement. Brings powerful and effective appreciation for the woodwinds and brass. I also love those last few phrases of music. Those spellbinding repetition of notes, taking Saturn away bit by bit. Brilliant use of light percussion.

Uranus, the Magician
A bit of a march-like tune to this piece, which I would like to compare with Mercury in terms of impact. But it does has some adventurous lines after the first few brass notes. There's a feeling of good humor in several parts of the piece. And then regaining some seriousness towards the end.

Neptune, the Mystic
The perfect mixture of winds, strings, percussion to put a touch of mystery into music. Those voices towards the end add a lot to its beauty which is known to a lot of classical music lovers to day. Those last few whispers of music. fading slowly, a gradual fading of Neptune into darkness, with so little known about it in Holst's time.

I have sampled in amazon.com some music by Colin Matthews on his "Pluto, the Renewer", an addendum he composed for "The Planets Suite". Of course, it was a short sample - I didn't get to listen to the whole thing. But from what I've heard, it's hard to imagine a better depiction of Pluto. Non-imposing, firm, but with a little bit of darkness. But this stands for just the first minute or so. What's next would be a trip to the music store to fetch myself a copy of this.

I guess Holst got it right anyway, after Pluto's demotion from a planet to a dwarf status. Matthews made a good effort, though. I was looking for Pluto when I first saw Holst's track list and I must admit I felt a little upset.

The Planets Suite:
Mars, the Bringer of War
Venus, the Bringer of Peace
Mercury, the Winged Messenger
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age
Uranus, the Magician
Neptune, the Mystic

Modest Mussorgsky

When I first heard Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain" in a 2002 New York Philharmonic concert conducted in the Philippines, I never forgot the first few lines. I was humming the tune in my head for months until I acquired a recording. It turned out the version I heard live was that with revisions by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, another Russian composer. With further internet reading, I was amazed to see that there are many versions of this work, but I am not able to hear everything yet. The original Mussorgsky version is a rare track nowadays - whether it be live or recorded. But I do like the one with Rimsky-Korsakov's inputs.

Back to the piece - it was very delicate, the way everything all started. From a pianissimo (very soft) rustling of violin strings growing into a harmony with winds and then linking to a commanding series of notes from the brasses. Yes, the title suggests something. It was depicted in the first set of Fantasia animations - very evil representations, but it wasn't really the way I perceived it. The way I see it, there are so many things going on in that mountain. It was dark all throughout, but I just really associate it with a lot of vegetation - shades of moonlight over barren fields and fear-evoking trees (hence, not evil? haha). Funny it's called bald mountain, therefore connotes a structure devoid of trees.

Main elements I consider in Mussorgsky's music are the dynamism and/or character. There's a certain zing to it, especially in musical pieces that I've already acquainted with. There is much character in each movement of his "Pictures at an Exhibition", with titles such as "The Old Castle", "Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks", and my favorites: "Dispute between Children at Play", "The Gnome", and "Cattle". Very moving, these pieces of music. Some may say that "Pictures at an Exhibition" is too overrated a piano (or orchestrally arranged) piece. But neither is it too underrated or too overrated for me. Just average, the way I see people receive it - it's just that there are preferrers and non-preferrers of the piece.

Heavy outpouring and drama in "Cattle" - popularly known as "Bydlo" (title in Polish). "Dispute between Children at Play" ("Tuileries" in French) has a fleeting and light tone, but never a forgettable piece of music - with a lot of vibrance and personality to it. "The Gnome" ("Gnomus", Latin) - for me, it's fear-evoking. With touches of darkness and sneakiness just by listening to it.

These pieces are of high difficulty. I thought "Promenade" was too easy (the first movement and the title of several other movements of "Pictures at an Exhibition", but in different variations). Yet I was proven wrong. It does require technique and learning - the chords are not that easy to follow - the patterns are complicated but with sounds that are simple, pleasing, and effortless to the ear.

Maybe that was the way Mussorgsky really wrote his music - a bit disorganized, complicated, unpredictable. Could be just the reason why many other composers tend to finish his work or create other versions of it. Well, maybe that's really just what he is - my favorite 'dark' composer.

"Night on Bald Mountain" (arranged by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov)
"Night on Bald Mountain" (original Mussorgsky version), Part 1
"Night on Bald Mountain" (original Mussorgsky version), Part 2

Pictures at an Exhibition
(Evgeny Kissin, Piano)
Promenade I
Gnomus (The Gnome)
Promenade II
Il Vecchio Castello (The Old Castle)
Promenade III
Tuileries (Dispute between Children at Play)
Bydlo (Cattle)
Promenade IV
Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks
Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle
Promenade V
The Market at Limoges
The Catacombs
Cum Mortuis in Lingua Mortua (With the Dead in a Dead Language)
The Hut of Baba-Yaga on Chicken's Legs
The Great Gate of Kiev

(But I do like the Promenade on this one)

Pictures at an Exhibition (Orchestral arrangement by Maurice Ravel)
(Esa Pekka-Salonen + Philharmonia Orchestra)
Promenade I
Gnomus (The Gnome)
Promenade II
Il Vecchio Castello (The Old Castle)
Promenade III

Tuileries (Dispute between Children at Play)

Bydlo (Cattle)
Promenade IV

Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks
Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle
The Market at Limoges
The Catacombs
Cum Mortuis in Lingua Mortua (With the Dead in a Dead Language)
The Hut of Baba-Yaga on Chicken's Legs
The Great Gate of Kiev

Claude Debussy

It was a warm Sunday morning in 3rd year college when I woke up after sleeping over at my college friend's house. That was the first time I heard Debussy's "Clair de Lune". I borrowed Petita's piano CD, and took it home with me. It was a delightful collection, most of which are my favorites today: Beethoven's Menuett in G; Chopin's Etude in E, Op. 10, No. 3 "Tristesse" and Prelude in D-Flat, Op. 28, No. 15 "Raindrop"; Dvorak's Humoresque; Grieg's "To the Spring" from Lyrical Pieces, Op. 43 and "Butterfly" from Lyrical Pieces, Op. 43; and Rubinstein's Melody in F. But apart from all this it includes a composition that, to me, never ceases to amaze - Debussy's "Clair de Lune" (from Suite Bergamesque).

Before listening to it, I already saw its sheet music. I never got attracted to it before. While my father was trying to play it in our mini electronic piano back then, I thought it was too tacky and too expressive. He only played it until the tempo rubato part.

Later on, too expressive turned to considerably impressive when I heard it completely for the first time. It sounded so beautifully, chord by chord. Brilliant transition from one development to the next.

It took me about a year or so to play the piano piece on its whole - on and off, learn-unlearn-relearn. I was able to play it eventually (amateurishly), and even so, I was happy that I was able to play it no matter how horrible it sounded.

I moved around looking for other works by this French composer and loved several other compositions as well. His Two Arabesques each conjure a specific, memorable mood. The one I heard first is Arabesque No. 1, which lends a very romantic feeling. Heightens the mood as the work progresses and yet controlling that feeling, blossoming, opening up the soul. The recording I first had was not of the original intended piano piece, but had what sounded like a mini orchestra (a harp, strings, flute, and some brass instrument - maybe a horn or a trumpet). Not to compare with the piano version, but it was a charming interpretation, too. Depth and sheer beauty, the way those instruments blended together.

Debussy is a so-called impressionist composer. With impressionist music using the following definition (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impressionism)

[Musical Impressionism is the name given to a movement in European classical music that arose in the late nineteenth century and continued into the middle of the twentieth century. Originating in France, musical Impressionism is characterized by suggestion and atmosphere, and eschews the emotional excesses of the Romantic era. Impressionist composers favored short forms such as the nocturne, arabesque, and prelude, and often explored uncommon scales such as the whole tone scale.

The influence of visual Impressionism on its musical counterpart is debatable. Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel are generally considered the greatest Impressionist composers, but Debussy disavowed the term, calling it the invention of critics. Musical Impressionism beyond France includes the work of such composers as Ralph Vaughan Williams and Ottorino Respighi.

The term Impressionism has also been used to describe works of literature in which a few select details suffice to convey the sensory impressions of an incident or scene. Impressionist literature is closely related to Symbolism, with its major exemplars being Baudelaire, Mallarmé, Rimbaud, and Verlaine. Authors such as Virginia Woolf and Joseph Conrad have written works which are Impressionistic in the way that they describe, rather than interpret, the impressions, sensations and emotions that constitute a character's mental life.]

My father introduced me to that term - impressionist music. My understanding was that it, well, creates an impression - conjures a certain image or visualization. Some of those that come to mind may be waterfalls, a mountain, midnight, dawn, children, dollhouse. Anything. I think this generally has some influence in the way I listen to Debussy - that it has to create some impression. His work, "Images" (in two sets of three movements each), for instance. The first movement of Images I is entitled "Reflets dans l'eau" / "Reflections in the Water". A title that without a doubt suggests something impressionistic. Lovely piece, with touches of modernity due to some atonalities in the piece. Small waves and ripples of lake water come to mind.

And there's also his L'Isle Joyeuse - a live piano performance of which I was able to watch in Raul Sunico's concert last August 2, 2006 in St. Paul's Auditorium. Awesome piece, brilliant interpretation.

Now, I wonder why Debussy rejects the term? Labeling issues, perhaps? But the music's great, it doesn't really matter.

Clair de Lune

Clair de Lune (Richard Bosworth, Piano)

Reflections in The Water (from Images Book I)
- Adam F. Jackson, Piano
- David Smith, Piano

L'Isle Joyeuse
- Francesco Libetta, Piano
- David Smith, Piano

Arabesque No. 1

2 Arabesques

Edvard Grieg

I was listening to some recordings of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg last night, and it never fails to entertain me. If not for my father, I would have never thought this composer existed - it was during my teenage years when he bought this album collection of Grieg's compositions (not for me, but for himself). I borrowed it later on to immerse myself on his works and I instantly fell in love with the Piano Concerto in A minor (the first track). It practically pulled me in to start listening to Grieg. Now, I'm a huge listener of his other works, even more than his popular (overplayed?) piano concerto.

In my discovery of Grieg, I have found much entertainment in his works. The best thing about his compositions are high retention and emotional value. There's something in his works that really creates a mood.

From "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46"

Aase's Death. Very emotional piece ("may kirot"). There's this repeating of three chords at the start, and in went from piano (soft) to forte (loud) - really intense (in sound), but gentle (in mood)

Morning Mood. Great with lazy Sunday mornings or getting myself ready for bedtime on a workday (conclusive yet breathtaking - much like Debussy's "Claire de Lune"). The first time I heard this Grieg work, the scene of Bugs Bunny having a monologue under the tree first came to mind. I've been searching the internet for that background music, asking around, and it turned out to be part of Rossini's "William Tell Overture". But this work by Grieg is encompassing - landscapes, gentle breeze of the cool daytime wind, rays of sunlight over his native Norway. Brilliant, brilliant composition.

From "Lyric Pieces, Opp. 12, 38, 43, 47, 54, 57, 62, 65, 68, 71"
Butterfly. Like one hopping from flower to flower, flying high, flying low, struggling. It's a short piece that's really good to listen to in the evenings, too. I really wanted to play this on the piano someday. I have a copy of its sheet music, and I found it rather difficult for my level of skill.

Nocturne. Very rich piece. Reminds me of the scene with Baroness Schraeder and Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music. Evening sky in the background. Calm, with a little bit of mystery.

There are a lot more beautiful works aside from these mentioned above. The Lyric Pieces (there are 10 books, with 6 to 8 pieces per book), just to name a good place to start.

Which reminds me I have to explore his other works yet. I've downloaded several but I think I heard only a few. I might continue with that.

Peer Gynt Suite No. 1
- Aase's Death
- Morning Mood

From Lyric Pieces
- Nocturne (Richard Bosworth, Piano)
- Butterfly (Leif Ove Andsnes, Piano)

Work and Play

I finally listened to the Reinecke Clarinet CD I recently purchased while working on my slides yesterday (until early this morning).

It was good listening to classial music once again, this time, still, in a familiar setting. Via a laptop with MS Powerpoint slides staring back at me. I usually discourage listening to classical music this way. It destroys the frame of thought and appreciation. Nevertheless, I was able to listen intently, but I did not quite like it overall - both the feeling and the CD.

Clearly, the visions that came to my mind were those of fresh and nostalgic mornings. Very nature-friendly. Much like those from scenes in the cartoon,Cedie (I think this is a Filipino title, the name of the Prince is Cedric). This was what I felt specifically in the first movement of Fantasiestucke, Op. 22 (I. Allegro).

But the rest, from how I remember, were repetitions of notes done by the clarinet. I felt it was too much clarinet for me. The "Undine" Clarinet Sonata was a familiar tune. I'm guessing this was one of the tracks Dea sent me before.

After drowning in clarinet music, I followed it immediately with familiar works:

Dvorak's Romantic Pieces
I. Cavatina
II. Capriccio
III. Romanza

and

Shostakovich's 5th Symphony
I. Moderato
II. Allegretto
III. Largo
IV. Allegro non Troppo

I felt a sudden rush while listening to these. Not the best accompaniment while at work, but the familiarity of these tunes made me move much quicker. Although quick and fast, attention was divided. I'd still stop and shut out work just to imbibe the music.

Apparently, in this case, it's not a good suggestion to mix work and play. So, it's time to make way for lull moments - Classical Music time!

More National Costumes

Obviously, I've been a follower of Miss Universe from long ago. I figured out just recently by watching past coronations that the earliest I remember watching was the one in 1989 (I distinctly recall rooting for Miss Sweden that time).

I watched it every year since then.

Miss Universe has been most relevant in my life from 2003 onwards, as further influenced by my partner, Joseph, who I knew and fell in love with this year.

Here are more Miss Universe National Costumes that caught my eye since 2003. Add to all this El Salvador 2007 in my previous post. =)











Miss Russia 2003

Miss Dominican Republic 2003

Miss Peru 2003

Miss Egypt 2004

Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2004

Miss Venezuela 2004

Miss Canada 2005

Miss Iceland 2006

Miss Uruguay 2006

Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2006

Miss Peru 2007

National Costume

I have read reports recently that this year will be the last time for having national costumes as part of the Miss Universe beauty pageant. So sad, as this is one of the events I look forward to aside from the evening gown competition.

As a tribute to this, I would like to post my favorite in this year's pageant. I also wanted her to obtain a spot in the quarterfinals (Top 15), but her gown in the preliminaries could have been better. Here's a beautiful national costume, anyway.

Lisette Rodriguez (El Salvador)

Indulgence

In my most recent trip to Hong Kong (May 24 to 28, 2007), my friends and I went around Hong Kong shops and malls, and I have these as gifts for myself:

Cantonese Phrasebook (from PageOne) - not that helpful without a cassette tape for pronunciation and tone guide. But I'm serious about learning this language, knowing that this would be helpful next time Joseph and I visit Macau (I'm seeing at least once in 1-2 years).. we really love the place.

Reinecke CD - Reinecke: Music for Clarinet

Can't wait to listen to Reinecke's tunes really really soon. I knew of Reinecke from Dea, and I really liked one of his works, I just forgot the title. It was a piece of work that features the clarinet, too. Here is the track list of the CD I bought:

Trio in A major for Clarinet, Piano, and Viola, Op. 264
I. Moderato - Allegro
II. Intermezzo
III. Legende
IV. Finale: Allegro moderato

Fantasiestucke, Op. 22 (Clarinet + Piano)
I. Allegretto
II. Presto
III. Deutscher Walzer - Intermezzo
IV. Canon

Clarinet Sonata, Op. 167bis, "Undine" (Clarinet + Piano)
I. Allegro
II. Allegro vivace
III. Andante, molto tranquillo
IV. Finale: Allegro molto

Introduction and Allegro appassionato in C minor, Op. 256 (Clarinet + Piano)

This CD I haven't seen in the Philippines. I'm really happy about HMV Hong Kong's range of classical music CD's. Such a big leap from the choices we have locally.

I Don't Wear Rubber Shoes, I Don't Want an iPOD Nano

My high school friends are a blessing, I know. They just don’t know me that much.

We know each other quite well, but I think it’s myself they know least. Maybe I don’t get to see them as often (not until recently because of a just-concluded outing – we also did Hong Kong + Macau).

When we were in Hong Kong, they were all excited about shopping (fashion, accessories) especially Carlo, Leo, and Robbie. They also shopped for gadgets and techie stuff, mostly Ryan.

I just find it demeaning that they envision me wearing stuff I don’t like and owning gadgets I’m not fond of.

RUBBER SHOES
In our Hong Kong – Macau trip (it’s only Leo and myself by the way who went on to see Macau), I wore leather shoes at the airport and another pair of leather shoes (with rubber soles) for sightseeing and moving around the city. I’m rather sure they’re making fun of me – leather shoes on a hot sunny Hong Kong day, while they wear their slippers (Leo calls it flip-flops, but it sounds so affected) and stylish rubber shoes in Hong Kong Disneyland and shopping centers. They asked me about this and I have told them that, yes, I feel comfortable wearing leather shoes, heeled shoes, even. With rubber shoes, my feet feel cramped, hot, heavy, constricted. And they say that’s the opposite feeling of what ruibber shoes can provide. But I don’t feel it at all.

Back in Manila, we’re soft-planning for a next out-of-the-country trip with Greece-Italy as probable itineraries. And again, the rubber shoes issue was raised again. Robbie says, “I hope you would have rubber shoes for our sightseeing in Greece.” Carlo adds, “Um, slippers would do.” All this, I faced with rejection. I won’t, really. I’ll try, I’ll see, but I may just wear something still close to leather shoes. It’s just really uncomfortable for me to wear rubber shoes.

I like my style and I won’t give it up just to stay attuned and keep myself abreast with today’s fashion. I just wear “hard core” leather shoes in the airport, but during city tours, I love wearing the rubber-soled leather shoes or anything similar (just not sports looking rubber shoes hehe). As opposed to what they believe, I would never wear hard core leather shoes (and I say this pertaining to shoes usually worn in the office) during travel within the city + sightseeing!

iPOD NANO
I recently sold (via Joseph) an iPOD Nano which I obtained without cost. I told my high school friends about it, that I was selling it.

To Ryan’s dismay, he cannot believe that I won’t have the iPOD for my personal consumption. I really don’t see myself using it. The capacity is 2GB. I have around 50GB of classical music files in my laptop and burned CD’s, and the Nano variant is too small. I told them I’m open to having an iPOD, but not the Nano type which I had. Probably something with a sizeable capacity would do, but it’s not the next gadget I wish to buy. I’m looking at a personal laptop, not the office laptop which I often use. I’m also thinking of getting a really good digital camera soon. Perfect set-up for sightseeing – Joseph with his manual SLR (for photos shot “with diligence”), and myself with a digital camera (for just taking pictures). In this way, I don’t have nothing to do while waiting for him take really, really good and well thought-of photographs.

Anyway, the buyer has the iPOD Nano now and I am definitely sure, it was purchased at an affordable price, to think that it’s unopened from case, brand new.


Like I said, my high school friends are a blessing. I just hope they would be more accepting without the judgments and reactions I receive from them.. just the way I keep an open mind about their experiences, thoughts, and identities.

Macau and Hong Kong (Part 2 - Hong Kong)

Now I begin writing about our stay in Hong Kong.

April 30 to May 4, 2007


Macau-Hong Kong

Day 3

We left Macau much later than we expected - we were thinking initially of embarking on a ferry trip from Macau to Hong Kong around 1 in the afternoon but ended up arriving at the terminal past 4 in the afternoon. In the early afternoon, I just stayed in Starbucks, Senado Square while Joseph roamed around the Macau Peninsula for the remaining experience - St. Dominic's Church, St. Paul's Ruins, St. Joseph's Cathedral, a fortress, and a library.

Upon arrival at the Maritime Terminal in Macau, we immediately bought a ticket for the next trip to Hong Kong which is like 20 minutes from the time of purchase.

Hong Kong was met with a feeling of gloominess, coming from a very moving experience in Macau - beautiful places and magnificent architecture. We immediately went to BP International, the hotel we stayed in - much cramped than the Macau hotel (Metropole Hotel), but everything was clean and "as expected from a hotel" anyway. Ate at McDonald's in Wan Chai for dinner.

Our desk when we stayed at BP International

Hong Kong

Day 4

Embarked on a walking trip from our hotel to the Hong Kong Tourism Board office near the ferry station in the southern part of Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) to check out places to see.

As we got to the nearest MTR station in Tsim Sha Tsui to begin the day's journey, we immediately bought two one-day passes for Hong Kong's MTR (Mass Transit Railway).

Went to see the Tian Tan Buddha in Lantau (via Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail going there, and a bus from there to Tung Chung on the way back). It was closing time as we got to the Buddha, so we appreciated it from afar.

Ngong Ping 360

Tian Tan Buddha

We initially wanted to go to the Tai O Village for some appreciation of and exposure to this fishing village of Hong Kong but then we did not have much time so we just went back to Tung Chung, and then to the hotel.

Outside Tung Chung MTR Station in the evening

Day 5

Went to the less populous parts of Hong Kong, mostly via the KCR - went to Sheung Sheui station to get to San Tin village for Tai Fu Tai mansion (a very silent place, "undisturbed"). There was a very kind lady guard who walked us through the structure's details, with a little bit of history explained.

A KCR Station

San Tin Post Office

Tai Fu Tai Mansion

We then went to Fanling station, for Fung Ying Seen Koon temple - very elaborately designed. There's even a cemetery at the back (they call it a shrine).

Fung Ying Seen Koon

We wanted to get to a certain place - walled villages of 5 historical Chinese families, and we had to travel via bus. We ended up going to Yuen Long (we got lost!), and eventually to Kam Tin instead. Families are settled there, and with much modernity in their surroundings. Inside, we saw some apartments with air conditioning units installed.

Entrance to Kam Tin Walled Village

Watched the Symphony of Lights with Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui as our viewing point.


Day 6

Tried to ride the Peak Tram in the morning, but the queue was very long (we just discovered in our 2nd day in Hong Kong that a lot of Mainland Chinese traveled to Hong Kong as it was the Golden Holiday Week). We just took pictures near Central Station MTR.

Checked out from hotel in the afternoon and went to Ocean Park.

Ocean Park

Ocean Park

We first explored the Highlands. Must see is the jellyfish aqurium (they call it Sea Jelly Spectacular). Also went to the Shark Aquarium, Sea Lion site, and Atoll Reef Aquarium. As for the rides, we went to something equivalent to Flying Fiesta of Enchanted Kingdom here in the Philippines, and the revolving tower to see Ocean Park from atop.

Sea Jelly Spectacular

Ocean Park Tower

Went to the other side of Ocean Park (Lowlands) via cable car. Everything else was closed, so we just got on the bus back to the other side to get our luggage from the locker and went back to the MTR bound for the international airport.

Cable car, Ocean Park

We missed our flight. 9:55pm flight via Cebu Pacific. We arrived 9:10pm. Flight agency won't help us get in (rather snobbish in dealing with customers).


Day 7

Coordinated with mom in the Philippines for our re-booking of flight and payment of no show fees (we don't have money anymore). She got angry, of course.

Stayed in the airport for the whole day and had my remaining Macau patacas exchanged for Hong Kong dollars just to get us some noodles and fishballs.

Hong Kong International Airport

Our flight was re-booked to 9:55pm (it was initially May 3, but we now have it on May 4). My parents are such a blessing. And it was too bad they got into so much pressure and trouble. Luckily my father's cousin works in Cebu Pacific.

It was one horrible experience. Lesson learned - if they say check in two hours before, you better be there on time!

Will be in Hong Kong again (and a side trip for one day in Macau) on May 24 to 28, 2007. This time with college friends. I know the experience won't be as warm as what Joseph and I had in Macau-Hong Kong. It would be more of just dining, shopping, Disneyland (not Ocean Park).

I do hope we can schedule a December trip to Macau for both myself and Joseph. And then we'll have a longer stay and get to visit more places. It appears there are a lot of sites we haven't seen yet, so the next time definitely would "complete" the experience.

Macau and Hong Kong (Part 1 - Macau)

Went with Joseph on a 6-day trip to celebrate our fourth year together.


Macau

April 28 to April 30, 2007


Day 1

Arrived in the airport and took a cab to the Metropole Hotel (at first, thought it was too small, but it had good functionality and towards the end we had the feeling that "it was spacious enough")

Airport in Macau

Taxi Sign - Macau Airport

Inside a taxi - Macau

Went to Largo do Senado for a short urban walk. Amazing. There were lots of people and shops here and there but the great walkway and cobblestones gave the experience much wonder. Lighting of the structures was perfect.

Largo do Senado in the evening

Day 2

A-Ma Temple - there was a bit of a crowd, not as "sacred" as I thought it would be as tourists were entering the temples still with their shoes on (eventually found out this was a "modern way of doing things" and same is true with other temples we visited in Hong Kong)

Inside A-Ma Temple

We walked along the area and went on to visit Largo do Lilau - it seemed very serene when we got there. We got to the Penha Cathedral as we further walked uphill. It offered us a great view of the Macau Tower.

Largo do Lilau

Largo do Lilau

Strolling along the casino district - great architecture! Grand Lisboa - looks like a giant golden onion (with the top part still under construction). Hotel Lisboa (with lights all over it, "caging" the whole building). Galaxy Starworld, like putting two rectangular objects on top of each other (not aligned!). Wynn Hotel, building is a huge curve laid on ground.

Grand Lisboa

Grand Lisboa

Wynn Hotel

Hotel Lisboa (to your left), Galaxy Starworld (right)

Taipa, the island directly south of Macau Peninsula. We went to Rua do Cunha for dinner, with several eating shops in the vicinity. Could have been more picturesque if we visited the place during daytime. The places here were not as modernized and forward as those in Macau Peninsula.

In Taipa

Small street in Taipa

Day 3

Coloane, the southernmost tip in the Macau territory. Very rural setting, with houses in Portuguese style (in pastel-like color, squarish), but with Chinese people as residents.

We went on to see the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and Tin Hau Temple, map in hand but with no itinerary in mind. It was like being in a huge gameboard, with no idea where to go but getting happy in the end.

Before catching the next bus to Macau Peninsula, we ate at Lord Stow's Bakery (with highly recommended egg tarts - but we regret leaving no room in our stomachs for this as we had servings of very refreshing Spicy Chicken Salad and hearty Baked Potato with Tuna).

Small street in Coloane

Tin Hau Temple (larger version - there is a "mini version" of this temple, also in Coloane)

Chapel of St. Francis Xavier

Lord Stowe's Bakery

Too bad, we didn't get to see Praia Hac Sa, a resort with naturally black sand.

Went back to Senado Square for a cup of raspberry tea with ice shavings, with Joseph exploring more of Macau Peninsula. He went to see The Ruins of St. Paul, St. Augustine's Church, and other town squares. After which, we then went to the Maritime Terminal in the late afternoon to go to Hong Kong via ferry.

Ruins of St. Paul

St. Augustine's Square

Other highlights:

Architecture is fantastic. Buildings, bridges (there are three different bridges connecting Macau Peninsula and Taipa), and roads are in themselves "tourist attractions".

Macau Tower and Sai Van Bridge

Buses are the main mode of transportation - very convenient to get around Macau (and Taipa, and Coloane), but be sure to get a booklet of bus schedule, route, and fare from the Tourist Center in Senado Square.

Bus in Macau

To explore further (on another trip) - Fortresses (Guia, etc.), Cathedrals (The Ruins of St. Paul, etc.), Praia Hac Sa in Coloane, and everything else!


Now I'm thinking of planning two more trips to Macau with Joseph - one on a summer-y month (some time April to June next year?), and the other during cool season (probably December). Can't wait!

:)