Friday, August 22, 2008

My 2008 Soundtrack

I do realize that the year is from from over, with a few days of September to roll by. But hey, it's my blog and it's what I wanted to write about this time. I do intend to update this when the year is over.

With the article about Michael Phelps and the songs in his iPod, I was inspired to enumerate the songs that frequented my playlist, specifically this year alone. I do realize though that I am not Michael Phelps, and the world could care less about my song choices, but then again, as I've said, it's my blog. Bear with me.

These songs may or may not have been popularized in the current year. They appear on my hallowed list because they bore significance in the events that transpired for me so far, or I stumbled upon them randomly due to several reasons.

Enjoy the list:
10. Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield

Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

This song is a perfect starting-over song. I'd say it cheered me on earlier this year.

9. Songs Sung In American Idol

Daydream, Lovin'Spoonful, sung by Jason Castro

I'm blowing the day to take a walk in the sun
And fall on my face on somebody's new-mown lawn

I Should Have Known Better, The Beatles, sung by Ramiele Malubay

And when I ask you to be mine,
You're gonna say you love me too.

I never understood what the hype was about until I watched last season's American Idol. Jason and Ramiele may not have been the ultimate winner, but I am thankful to them for introducing me to these two songs that are just basically simple, feel-good songs.

8. American Boy, Estelle

Take me on a trip, i'd like to go some day
Take me to new york, i'd love to see L.A.
I really want to come kick it with you.

Yes, well, who wouldn't want to have a USA getaway? With an American Boy at that. Enough said,haha.

7. Piece of Me, Britney Spears

You want a piece of me?
You want a piece of me...

I would say that this year, I've come to appreciate her. People say she's a trainwreck and everything, but when she's good, she's good.

6. Everything Is Not What It Seems, Selena Gomez

Be careful not to mess with the balance of things
Because everything is not what it seems.

Pardon the teeny bopper in me. I just had to add this. With all the craziness in the world, it's good to go to your safe place; for me, that's the Disney Channel!

5. Little Wonders, Rob Thomas

Our lives are made In these small hours
These little wonders,
These twists & turns of fate
Time falls away,
But these small hours,
These small hours still remain

It's one of those songs whose MTV you stumble upon and exclaim, "Right on!".

4. Take Tomorrow, Butch Walker

Give me all your fear, throw it all away.
And think about the good things, no matter what they say, We'll take tomorrow baby, yeah, One day at a time.

Who says chick flicks are all junk? I think it's a great love song from the movie, Hot Chick.

3. When I Grow Up, The Pussycat Dolls

Be careful what you wish for 'Cause you just might get it

I want to be a Pussycat Doll. Period.

2. Enchanted Soundtrack Songs

Ever Ever After, Carrie Underwood

Unafraid, unashamed
There is joy to be claimed in this world
You even might wind up being glad to be you

That's How You Know, Amy Adams

He'll find a new way to show you, a little bit everyday
That's how you know, that's how you know!
He's your love...

Happy Working Song, Amy Adams

If you cannot sing then hum along
As we're finishing our happy working song!

Apparently, the music from this movie is so catchy I just can't help but smile whenever I hear them.


1. Seasons of Love, from the musical Rent

Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

Love this song! How can I describe 2008 as a year? I don't know yet. It hasn't ended, has it?


Also, these songs came close. I really like them as well:
The Way I Am, Ingrid Michaelson
Brighter than Sunshine, Aqualung


And here's what I want to be singing when the year is over:
Vindicated, Dashboard Confessional

I am Vindicated
I am selfish
I am wrong
I am right
I swear I'm right
I swear I knew it all along

Well, that's my list. Tell me what you think.

posted by Irene @ 3:02 PM 0 comments

Monday, August 11, 2008

A Day At the Zoo

For lack of a wilder (pun intended) idea on where to go on a slightly cloudy Saturday, Manila Zoo seemed quite appealing. It was definitely a change of scenery from the usual mall hustle and bustle, and I would say I'm thrilled we made the trip.

Though the sun was not at its brightest that day, it was still hot, though I am not one to complain. If I was feeling the heat, those animals probably had it worse. No wonder the hippo refused to surface from the water, and the tigers stayed in the shade, some even out of sight. I noticed some things definitely improved from the last time I've been here (read: probably more than six years ago). I just wish the zoo conditions would continue to get better. I mean, those horses looked skinnier than an anorexic girl in skinny jeans. Seriously. And the crocs (or are they alligators?) seemed to be screaming for Gatorade..haha..

The Kinder Zoo was something to appreciate. I think the additional 40 bucks was worth it to see the animals that up close. The attendants were especially friendly. That, I could say, even though I was quite startled when one of them thrusted the small croc for me to hold and take a picture with. Man, your enthusiasm has touched me.

Well then again, it's hard not to feel excited with all the beautiful animals around. It's like being a kid on a field trip again. I'll probably never get tired of seeing these animals, and if I just lived in the vicintiy, I'd check on them weekly.

I seemed to be missing the giraffe though. Is he still there or did he pass away already? Or is it a she? Oh well, maybe I'll see one on the next trip. There will certainly be a next time. Looking forward to a better Manila Zoo!

posted by Irene @ 9:25 AM 0 comments