lost my phone. yes. don't text me.
if it's urgent and you know me, text the bebe or moks. if not, then you're just gonna have to wait 'til I get a new one.
crappit.
PS
if anyone has a lead on a low-priced call-and-text phone, email me. or comment here.
johnhofilena[at]gmail[dot]com
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
a cause to live by
...this I pledge, and I'll take it to my death//I'll lay my life down for you and die over again//And I, I'm not ashamed of the Most High//Even if I die tonight, if I die tonight//This I pledge, and I'll take it to my death//You can bet your life on my words and everything I said//You can't take away my love for this sacrifice//Even if I die tonight, if I die tonight..
- The Messenjah (P.O.D.)
Strong words. Sadly, too strong for some of us.
But these things are mere facts of life to people who are (truly) driven by certain motivations -- a life of constant analysis/review/doubt of what is socially accepted, a commitment to live by a code, and an acceptance/realization that it was never meant to be easy.
The times when I take my faith seriously (sadly, not all of the time), these things come to me as clear as sunshine. As a man, I stand leagues away from what I hope to become, and movement towards this goal is measured in inches. Yet I am continually thankful that there even is movement. I dread the day when I lose heart and just give up. Heavenly winds are pushing me up and forward these days. I don't know how long these winds will last, but I plan to take the most out of it. As I have said, living in faith has never been easy.
These moments of clarity have let me see a number of lies that I continually believe when I am in the flesh. Firstly, a life of ease and comfort does not reflect the picture of life which my faith dictates I should be having. I maybe speaking more in terms of spiritual and mental struggle, but I do hope you get my point. What is convenient, easy, normal -- this usually comes about when you feel very acquianted with the world you're living in. What I find in the Bible, and what I've heard from people whom I respect, tells of an almost exact opposite. Living a life in faith requires a constant struggle angainst what the world, and in fact what your body, dictates as normal, good, and convenient. Living a life of worship requires you to go beyond convenience just to obey, go beyond yourself and live for His glory. While I'm in a body that almost always requires all the opposite things, I don't see how my faith can lead to an easy, convenient life.
To the extreme, let me cite an example. A life of a terrorist, I imagine, would fall here in this category -- totally committed, living in constant vigilance, waiting for the moment the command is given, and obeying with no questions asked. If that could be the description of how I am with my God, I would be proud. Sadly it is not.
My friend Leah also told me of her glimpses into the lives of those who believe in Communism. In other 1st world countries, these facts may not mean much, but here in the Philippines, being commited to this cause means a world of difference. These people live by the strictest of codes -- security, secrecy and loyalty are values held in the highest regard. Any disobedience would be regarded as a threat to their way of lives, and their way of life is as sacred to them as maybe, the Bible is to me. To take that away from them... well, you get the point.
These people take the difficulties of their way of life in stride, knowing that living the hard way is the only way to make the difference they are wanting to see in this world. I firmly believe that if we do not learn to accept the difficult task of putting the self to death every single day, we may well be falling short of the life the Savior has planned for us.
Am I saying that it is bad to look for convenience and comfort? No. Comfort, peace, and rest are all gifts that the Bible say God wants to give us. What I am saying is that if your life is a picture of being relaxed with the world, blending into your environment, a complete lack of struggle against sin and disobedience, you know full well that this is not what God wants for you.
What are you looking for? Your actions and decisions will always betray what your motivations are. Your faith is not one for excuses; it is not an easy way out, as some see it to be. The winds blow hard against your journey, and it was always meant to be that way. The struggle is what you live for -- against the flow, as they say. If you were looking for ease, it is not here. If you were looking convenience, it is not here. It is here that people struggle against the tide, walk, crawl. Wounded and bruised, they push forward, hoping that there is enough strength just for the next step. And at the end, they get what they deserve -- the applause of heaven and the approval of their Father.
His lord said to him, Well be thou, good servant and faithful; for on few things thou hast been true, I shall ordain thee on many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:21 (Wycliffe New Testament)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
survey-ness
i have lots of really, really, REALLY serious stuff in my head right now, but first - this. I couldn't resist. From Ailene:
================
UP ako. Ikaw?
1. ANO’NG STUDENT NUMBER MO?
96-44526
2. ANO ANG FIRST CHOICE MO NA COURSE?
Believe it or not, Mass Comm in UP Cebu. I know, I know. Ask me about it and I'll tell you the whole painful story. Just not here.
3. SECOND CHOICE?
Mass Comm in UP Diliman.
4. ANO COURSE MO NA NATAPOS?
BA Journalism. Diliman.
5. NAG-SHIFT KA BA?
Would have loved UP Baguio. But never did.
6. CHINITO/CHINITA KA BA?
What the heck?!? What does this have to do with my being Isko?
7. NAKAPAG-DORM KA BA?
Never had the urge of getting into one. I didn't envy dorm people. I guess I was a homebody.
8. NAKA 4 KA BA?
Yes. Not totally my fault. My thesis partner disappeared from the face of the earth.
9. NAG-KA 3 KA NA BA?
Nope. Lowest was a 2.75. hehehe.
10. LAGI KA BANG PUMAPASOK SA KLASE?
1st and 2nd year. Nung 3rd year, nalulong sa ministry, hehehe. Started cutting the "non-essential" classes.
11. MAY SCHOLARSHIP KA BA??
Yes. STFAP and UP Presidential Scholarship. I was a rich kid during 2nd year. I screwed up the last one over a girl (got my grades all messed up. Don't ask me who.)
12. ILANG UNITS NA ANG NAIPASA MO?
Errr... di ba dapat, lahat, eventually, kung nag-graduate ka?
13. NANGARAP KA BA NA MAG-CUM LAUDE?
It was a possibility, pero di ko na inisip pagkatapos ng 1st year.
14. FAVE PROF
Nyak, 'di lang kasi isa eh. Edwin Varona -- for the gentle errr, foreplay into comm theory, Anne Suzara-Gaillard -- hottest (not just brains, looks to go with it too) Film 100 prof ever, Malou Mangahas (if you don't know her, you wouldn't get it), Dean Luis Teodoro (if anybody can get away with cynicism...), and Chito Avecilla -- for being himself.
15. WORST TEACHER
Like the above, madami din 'to. Ayoko na nga lang alalahanin.
16. FAVE SUBJECT/S:
Comm 140 (intro to comm theory), Comm 141 (comm theory), Comm 190 (eto ba yung law and mass comm?), Comm 191 (comm theory and society), Workshop2 for Short Stories, Workshop2 for Essay.
17. WORST SUBJECT:
Comm Res 101 - I don't know why we HAD to take that darned subject.
18. FAVE BUILDING:
Actually, College of Music. Kapitbahay lang ng Mass Comm.
19. PABORITONG KAINAN:
Unlike Ailene, we at Diliman had more down-to-earth choices. Lutong Bahay, over near the post office, the unbeatable pork bbq at the Beach House near the Main Lib, Persian food near the CRL, isawan near Persian Food, Mang Jimmy's -- rice all you can in Balara, and of course, Thai Canteen -- near the Islamic Center. And there are those "Aristo-cart" things, good food all around.
20. MAGKANO BA ANG BINABAYAD MO SA JEEP?
In my time, UP ikot was like, 4.50 or something.
21. LAGI KA BA SA LIBRARY?
Only when I had to be, and when accompanying girls. hehehe.
22. NAGPUPUNTA KA BA SA CLINIC?
Sa UP Health somethingorother, yeah, a number of times. Once, to apply for my LOA-causing lung ailment, my initial heal check-up, of course, and then that time when I tried to do a swan dive in my swimming class and hit my head on the bottom of the pool.
23. MAY CRUSH KA BA SA CAMPUS?
Yes, everyone should have one while in college.
24. ANU-ANO ANG MGA NAGING P.E. MO?
Ok, just to be clear, I THOUGHT, wrongly, that you HAD TO take PE1. So I took that. They only told me that you didn't have to AFTER the sem (darnyoublockmates!!!). Anyways, I took badminton after that, in which I totally rocked, and then bowling (I rock again), and then swimming (co-ed, so with all the cute chicks).
25. KAMUSTA NAMAN ANG BLOCK NYO?
My block wasn't bad at all. It wasn't great in that we ended up being lifelong friends, but there were some great moments in there.
26. MEMORIZE MO BA ANG HYMN NIYO?
As with Ailene, I actually can sing both the Tagalog and English version. We also studied TTBB for male choir in ROTC choir (yes, yes, I didn't do ROTC. I went and sang in the ROTC choir instead. Hehe).
27. MEMBER KA BA NG VARSITY TEAM?
Almost tried out for the Varsity Soccer Team, if not for that lung ailment.
28. NAKA-PERFECT KA NA BA NG EXAM?
Lots. (Tanong mo kung naka-uno din ako ng paper, daliiii.)
29. DITO KA BA NATUTONG UMINOM NG BEER?
Never akong natuto uminom ng beer.
30. DITO KA BA UNANG NAINLOVE?
No. Highschool. hehe.
=======================
Tag: Kaligay, Moks, Leah, and whoever from UP who wants to answer this
================
UP ako. Ikaw?
1. ANO’NG STUDENT NUMBER MO?
96-44526
2. ANO ANG FIRST CHOICE MO NA COURSE?
Believe it or not, Mass Comm in UP Cebu. I know, I know. Ask me about it and I'll tell you the whole painful story. Just not here.
3. SECOND CHOICE?
Mass Comm in UP Diliman.
4. ANO COURSE MO NA NATAPOS?
BA Journalism. Diliman.
5. NAG-SHIFT KA BA?
Would have loved UP Baguio. But never did.
6. CHINITO/CHINITA KA BA?
What the heck?!? What does this have to do with my being Isko?
7. NAKAPAG-DORM KA BA?
Never had the urge of getting into one. I didn't envy dorm people. I guess I was a homebody.
8. NAKA 4 KA BA?
Yes. Not totally my fault. My thesis partner disappeared from the face of the earth.
9. NAG-KA 3 KA NA BA?
Nope. Lowest was a 2.75. hehehe.
10. LAGI KA BANG PUMAPASOK SA KLASE?
1st and 2nd year. Nung 3rd year, nalulong sa ministry, hehehe. Started cutting the "non-essential" classes.
11. MAY SCHOLARSHIP KA BA??
Yes. STFAP and UP Presidential Scholarship. I was a rich kid during 2nd year. I screwed up the last one over a girl (got my grades all messed up. Don't ask me who.)
12. ILANG UNITS NA ANG NAIPASA MO?
Errr... di ba dapat, lahat, eventually, kung nag-graduate ka?
13. NANGARAP KA BA NA MAG-CUM LAUDE?
It was a possibility, pero di ko na inisip pagkatapos ng 1st year.
14. FAVE PROF
Nyak, 'di lang kasi isa eh. Edwin Varona -- for the gentle errr, foreplay into comm theory, Anne Suzara-Gaillard -- hottest (not just brains, looks to go with it too) Film 100 prof ever, Malou Mangahas (if you don't know her, you wouldn't get it), Dean Luis Teodoro (if anybody can get away with cynicism...), and Chito Avecilla -- for being himself.
15. WORST TEACHER
Like the above, madami din 'to. Ayoko na nga lang alalahanin.
16. FAVE SUBJECT/S:
Comm 140 (intro to comm theory), Comm 141 (comm theory), Comm 190 (eto ba yung law and mass comm?), Comm 191 (comm theory and society), Workshop2 for Short Stories, Workshop2 for Essay.
17. WORST SUBJECT:
Comm Res 101 - I don't know why we HAD to take that darned subject.
18. FAVE BUILDING:
Actually, College of Music. Kapitbahay lang ng Mass Comm.
19. PABORITONG KAINAN:
Unlike Ailene, we at Diliman had more down-to-earth choices. Lutong Bahay, over near the post office, the unbeatable pork bbq at the Beach House near the Main Lib, Persian food near the CRL, isawan near Persian Food, Mang Jimmy's -- rice all you can in Balara, and of course, Thai Canteen -- near the Islamic Center. And there are those "Aristo-cart" things, good food all around.
20. MAGKANO BA ANG BINABAYAD MO SA JEEP?
In my time, UP ikot was like, 4.50 or something.
21. LAGI KA BA SA LIBRARY?
Only when I had to be, and when accompanying girls. hehehe.
22. NAGPUPUNTA KA BA SA CLINIC?
Sa UP Health somethingorother, yeah, a number of times. Once, to apply for my LOA-causing lung ailment, my initial heal check-up, of course, and then that time when I tried to do a swan dive in my swimming class and hit my head on the bottom of the pool.
23. MAY CRUSH KA BA SA CAMPUS?
Yes, everyone should have one while in college.
24. ANU-ANO ANG MGA NAGING P.E. MO?
Ok, just to be clear, I THOUGHT, wrongly, that you HAD TO take PE1. So I took that. They only told me that you didn't have to AFTER the sem (darnyoublockmates!!!). Anyways, I took badminton after that, in which I totally rocked, and then bowling (I rock again), and then swimming (co-ed, so with all the cute chicks).
25. KAMUSTA NAMAN ANG BLOCK NYO?
My block wasn't bad at all. It wasn't great in that we ended up being lifelong friends, but there were some great moments in there.
26. MEMORIZE MO BA ANG HYMN NIYO?
As with Ailene, I actually can sing both the Tagalog and English version. We also studied TTBB for male choir in ROTC choir (yes, yes, I didn't do ROTC. I went and sang in the ROTC choir instead. Hehe).
27. MEMBER KA BA NG VARSITY TEAM?
Almost tried out for the Varsity Soccer Team, if not for that lung ailment.
28. NAKA-PERFECT KA NA BA NG EXAM?
Lots. (Tanong mo kung naka-uno din ako ng paper, daliiii.)
29. DITO KA BA NATUTONG UMINOM NG BEER?
Never akong natuto uminom ng beer.
30. DITO KA BA UNANG NAINLOVE?
No. Highschool. hehe.
=======================
Tag: Kaligay, Moks, Leah, and whoever from UP who wants to answer this
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Manchester United, while i was in hiatus
It was a great time to be a Red Devil last season. Manchester United captured their first Premier League title in a loooong time, and their first since I've started following their games. Funny thing was, that feeling you had watching them seasons before that they could and would always let you down was not there at all. On the momentum of a very good start (winning their first 7 games in a row), they dispatched all the chasers with impunity. You had that feeling it was gonna be the year.It was also the coming out season for Cristiano Ronaldo. Two seasons before, people already
knew the kid had talent. The problem was, it seemed he was more intent on showing off party tricks than winning games. Not so this year. Aside from his newfound maturity in delivering that defense-splitting pass, he was also joint top scorer, netting 23 times last season (compared to his 10 goals the season before that). The trickery didn't disapppear, and people seemed to appreciate him more now, stadiums were always gushing, oooh-ing and aaaah-ing whenever he gets his touches of the ball. His very strong performances early in the season bouyed the Red Devils to an early lead in the league, chasers Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool struggling to catch up. Indeed, it was only Arsenal that was able to put a dent on the season, beating them at home. After that, it was all downhill.
The latter part of the season also marked an upsurge from the other young phenom in the team, Wayne Rooney. After an injury that almost cost him his England spot in the World Cup, the boy was eager to get the season started. But it was a drought that met him early in the season. But late into the season, the boy hit form, and the Old Trafford faithful were treated to game after game of brilliant goals. Rooney ended the season as joint top scorer, also equalling Ronaldo's 23.The Red Devils missed out on the Carling Cup and the FA Cup, both went to Chelsea. But the real question was whether they'd do good in the Champions League. The early signs were so-so; they qualified as runners-up in their group. But they hit form in the later rounds -- one of the highlights of the season, and for me as a fan, was the truly amazing 7-1 thrashing of Roma at Old Trafford. That night was downright breathtaking.
As usual, the injuries took their regular toll, and it was the defense and the midfield that always
suffered in the latter part of the season. This was the main reason why AC Milan and that darned Kaka beat them in the semis of Europe's highest league. Oh well. Hopefully next season will be better.The past season is truly a step up from what I've seen, so I'm excited when the new season kicks off this early August. New boys have come to strengthen the midfield -- Owen Hargreaves from
Bayern Munich to give that bit of steel in the midfield, and the attacking pair from Portugal, Nani and Anderson. As of time of writing, they're still trying to figure out how to bring in Argentine striker Carlos Tevez. If they do so successfully, that represents another boost to Sir Alex Ferguson's already potent attacking options. Gary Neville and his defense are all fit as well so hopefully, they get to a good start again. Bring the season on.=================
TIDBITS:
- Arsenal are (yes, the English form takes the plural linking verb for
teams) in deep defecation. Talismanic French striker Thierry Henry has packed his bags to join Ronaldinho and co., down in sunny Spain -- Barcelona, to be exact. Oh Ailene, what are your boys to do? - I'm sure you know David Beckham has left Madrid for good, signing with US Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy. I saw the highlights of his first game. Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham) was in the stands, together with new buddies Katie Holmes (Cruise) and son Shiloh. Governor Arnold was spotted also, as well as basketball star Kevin Garnett. I'd bet you a hundred bucks none of them knew what an offside violation was (except Victoria).
- I certainly hope Chelsea will pose a better challenge this year. They've already given a season for both Ukrainian hitman Andriy Schevchenko and German midfielder Michael Ballack to get used to the English game. They better shape up, else Manchester United will run away with the title again.
- Liverpool are trying to break into the top 3, and they certainly have the goods to do so. They've kept Steven Gerrard in contract, Australian winger Harry Kewell is fit again, and they've signed Spain striker/poster-boy Fernando Torres from Madrid. It's sounds like an exciting season already.
- It's been a disappointing transfer window for Real Madrid. They lost Becks, who played so magnificently in the last part of the season that he actually earned a call-back into the England team. They wanted to go back on their word and "un-sell" him, but LA Galaxy won't let go of the multi-million dollar marketing man they have just now. Now Real Madrrid also wanted Cristiano Ronaldo-- fat chance that ManU would let him go. They also wanted Kaka from AC Milan-- fell down flat on their faces again. They're also moving for Arjen Robben, Chelsea's dynamite left-wing attacker-- again, not a big chance there. Boohoo. Then they sacked the coach who got them the Spanish Primera Liga title last year. What's up with that?
On the football merry-go-round:
- Michael Owen (England, fit again) => Newcastle; Ronaldo (remember him? Fat Brazilian) => AC Milan; Juan Roman Riquelme (one of my personal favorites) => back again from international retirement, and now currently playing in Argentina for Boca Juniors, unless some European team rescues him; Carlos Tevez => not yet, but hopefully will end up with ManU; Francisco Totti stays with Roma, but retires from international football.
- By the way, it's EURO year this year and the next, so watch for England, Spain and others try to qualify and dethrone Greece.
Whew. 'til your next football update.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
getting my guitar freak on
My internal axeman (sleng for guitarist, for the uninitiated) level is enjoying an all-time high these days, some because of Broken's revival, but more because of my newly found guitar brother, Mark of the band ALAB.
I'm feeling very happy with my Rockstar acoustic guitar right now, I got that last Christmas for a bargain Php5k at Sta. Mesa. For all you who want a gig guitar that is bang-for-the-freaking-buck, this is it. It has a 3-band saddle EQ, although I suspect that the bridge pick-up is not the ceramic type on the bridge that most guitar enthusiasts like. It also has a digital chroma tuner, a very big convenience for strummers like me. Believe me, the relief of not having to plug in to a tuner is very much welcome. Did I tell you it also has the balanced XLR output? Well it does, so you can plug in direct to an XLR mic cord direct to mixer. It makes for cleaner sounds, and better recording captures, too. If any of you want word on where to get a bargain for this type of guitar, email me. [johnhofilena{at}gmail{dot}com]
It may turn out to be just a whim, but I'm seeing the need (sound-wise, that is) for me to turn to an electric guitar sometimes, especially during sets that include anthem-sounding United songs, ones that sound just a tad bit lame with just one electric guitar crunching it. More on this later...
Don't be fooled though, I'm still in love with the acoustic guitar, more now than ever. So it got me dreaming again. And to this dream, there are levels.
First, there's the "Reachable, possibly.":
There only a couple of names that I respect when it comes to guitars, Ibanez is one of them. This model is the AEG8E, I named it "the one that called my name." I saw this at that Audiophile shop in Makati Cinema Square, and it has haunted me ever since. Nice black finish, all the Ibanez bells and whistles. I tested this out on their JBL mixer and output, she was a dream. She retails for Php10k. With a little bit more pushing, this can probably happen, although the bebe would probably throw a conniption. Well, I can dream, can't I?
Almost exactly alike, and possible with a little more "ooomph" and "dream" to them are these models: AEG10E (Php14k) and the AEL10E (Php15k). Clickity-click on them linkies.
I'm scanning the horizon right now for 2nd hand units of these, might be able to get any of these at lower cost. If any of you have word, do tell me, I beg of you.
Then, there's the "It may take a while.":
As I've told you a couple of paragraphs back, I'm actually thinking of going electric. Again, I'm not an electric guitar guy by choice, I just feel the itch. So maybe a Fender Squier Standard Telecaster ought to do the trick. Not too many bells and whistles, but definitely still a classic. One single coil and one hot thin humbucker - two choices, you takes your picks and then you finds your own voice. Not too shabby, I think.
This one retails at Yupangco-Yamaha-Perfect Pitch (did you know that they're owned by the same guy?) for Php18k. But then you don't just pick up an electric guitar and play it. With the demands of todays modern music (even in P&W), you have to have a digital FX box ready to match the guitar and give you the sound and details you need. Most of the people I know right now are going analog (Boss and digitech stompboxes, etc.), but with the
eclectic sounds that I may need, I figure a digital multi-FX processor would be better for me.
There are a LOT of digital fx boxes out there, but of the current ones, I like the Zoom G2.1u for its portability, ease of use, and overall full sound on any module you may want. Before last year's generation of multiFX processors, any one of them would have a problem - some would have hard-hitting distortions and overdrives, but would be weak in the subtle delays and reverbs, or vice-versa. ZOOM especially had a problem with this, but they've solved the problem, appparently. This retails at various stores for around Php7500-8k. Plus all other accessories (gig bag, cords, strap, power gadgets), this electric guitar whim of mine will cost me near Php30k. (breathe bebe...)
And lastly, there's "Move heaven and earth and this would STILL be near impossible, unless I win the lotto (which I don't play anyways).":
Why would anybody want a Taylor guitar anyways? Well, we could just leave that question be, OR we could ask John Mayer, or Jason Mraz, or James Taylor, or Vertical Horizon's Matt Scannel and Kieth Kane, or Jars of Clay's Matt Odmark, or Babyface, or those guys called Switchfoot... why the heck do they play a Taylor guitar?
Ladies and gents, I bring you, the Taylor Doyle Dykes Signature Model Black. Probably the sweetest guitar I ever would see.
I don't want to go on about the details, it'll only bring me more pain. Just click HERE.
Check out this beauty. ***sigh***
This baby retails for Php226,000. This is where I'll stop dreaming, before it kills me.
If you guys know of guitar bargains that I could maybe look into, I'm ready for alternatives to the dreams. Meanwhile, my Rockstar will keep me going through these guitar times.
**sigh**
I'm feeling very happy with my Rockstar acoustic guitar right now, I got that last Christmas for a bargain Php5k at Sta. Mesa. For all you who want a gig guitar that is bang-for-the-freaking-buck, this is it. It has a 3-band saddle EQ, although I suspect that the bridge pick-up is not the ceramic type on the bridge that most guitar enthusiasts like. It also has a digital chroma tuner, a very big convenience for strummers like me. Believe me, the relief of not having to plug in to a tuner is very much welcome. Did I tell you it also has the balanced XLR output? Well it does, so you can plug in direct to an XLR mic cord direct to mixer. It makes for cleaner sounds, and better recording captures, too. If any of you want word on where to get a bargain for this type of guitar, email me. [johnhofilena{at}gmail{dot}com]
It may turn out to be just a whim, but I'm seeing the need (sound-wise, that is) for me to turn to an electric guitar sometimes, especially during sets that include anthem-sounding United songs, ones that sound just a tad bit lame with just one electric guitar crunching it. More on this later...
Don't be fooled though, I'm still in love with the acoustic guitar, more now than ever. So it got me dreaming again. And to this dream, there are levels.First, there's the "Reachable, possibly.":
There only a couple of names that I respect when it comes to guitars, Ibanez is one of them. This model is the AEG8E, I named it "the one that called my name." I saw this at that Audiophile shop in Makati Cinema Square, and it has haunted me ever since. Nice black finish, all the Ibanez bells and whistles. I tested this out on their JBL mixer and output, she was a dream. She retails for Php10k. With a little bit more pushing, this can probably happen, although the bebe would probably throw a conniption. Well, I can dream, can't I?
Almost exactly alike, and possible with a little more "ooomph" and "dream" to them are these models: AEG10E (Php14k) and the AEL10E (Php15k). Clickity-click on them linkies.
I'm scanning the horizon right now for 2nd hand units of these, might be able to get any of these at lower cost. If any of you have word, do tell me, I beg of you.
Then, there's the "It may take a while.":As I've told you a couple of paragraphs back, I'm actually thinking of going electric. Again, I'm not an electric guitar guy by choice, I just feel the itch. So maybe a Fender Squier Standard Telecaster ought to do the trick. Not too many bells and whistles, but definitely still a classic. One single coil and one hot thin humbucker - two choices, you takes your picks and then you finds your own voice. Not too shabby, I think.
This one retails at Yupangco-Yamaha-Perfect Pitch (did you know that they're owned by the same guy?) for Php18k. But then you don't just pick up an electric guitar and play it. With the demands of todays modern music (even in P&W), you have to have a digital FX box ready to match the guitar and give you the sound and details you need. Most of the people I know right now are going analog (Boss and digitech stompboxes, etc.), but with the
eclectic sounds that I may need, I figure a digital multi-FX processor would be better for me.There are a LOT of digital fx boxes out there, but of the current ones, I like the Zoom G2.1u for its portability, ease of use, and overall full sound on any module you may want. Before last year's generation of multiFX processors, any one of them would have a problem - some would have hard-hitting distortions and overdrives, but would be weak in the subtle delays and reverbs, or vice-versa. ZOOM especially had a problem with this, but they've solved the problem, appparently. This retails at various stores for around Php7500-8k. Plus all other accessories (gig bag, cords, strap, power gadgets), this electric guitar whim of mine will cost me near Php30k. (breathe bebe...)
And lastly, there's "Move heaven and earth and this would STILL be near impossible, unless I win the lotto (which I don't play anyways).":
Why would anybody want a Taylor guitar anyways? Well, we could just leave that question be, OR we could ask John Mayer, or Jason Mraz, or James Taylor, or Vertical Horizon's Matt Scannel and Kieth Kane, or Jars of Clay's Matt Odmark, or Babyface, or those guys called Switchfoot... why the heck do they play a Taylor guitar?
Ladies and gents, I bring you, the Taylor Doyle Dykes Signature Model Black. Probably the sweetest guitar I ever would see.
I don't want to go on about the details, it'll only bring me more pain. Just click HERE.Check out this beauty. ***sigh***
This baby retails for Php226,000. This is where I'll stop dreaming, before it kills me.
If you guys know of guitar bargains that I could maybe look into, I'm ready for alternatives to the dreams. Meanwhile, my Rockstar will keep me going through these guitar times.
**sigh**
Thursday, July 19, 2007
rare and semi-rare stuff
because I'm such a good guy, and mostly because this is what my (close to non-existent) free blogging time only allows, I'm restricted to giving you download goodies, just so I don't become a clogger (according to userfriendly.org, a blogger who stops blogging after the first 3 posts).
and so, on with the goodies.
REMEMBER, these links will die in 45 days, so download them now while you can.
First up, and I know, this is the mainstream in me talking. I guess any credible music lover would have had listened to Chris Daughtry by now. To start off, the acoustic version of Home, the album's strongest single to date. [DOWNLOAD].
I bless the day acoustic versions were invented.
Not a few years back, a nondescript CD fell into my hands. It contained a dozen remixes of Jars of Clay hits. They're very fresh to listen to, especially if you've just about worn out the sound of your Jars of Clay first album. My favorites among the lot were the Savage Flavor Remix of the carrier single Flood [DOWNLOAD], and the Fluff-Sav Remix of Blind [DOWNLOAD].
For the reggae in you, my office mate gave me this mp3 of Delroy Wilson doing Bread's Baby I'm-A-Want You. So much reggae fun. [DOWNLOAD]
Also from the same office mate... you remember your Seattle grunge days? I do. And if you went through that phase, you would surely remember that band called Soundgarden. Vocalist Chris Cornell has long since been associated with Audioslave, but somewhere in this life, he performed solo acoustic in Sweden. That performance has been hailed as a landmark acoustic performance of the decade. Get a copy, for the sake of your sanity. From that recording I bring you, Chris Cornell's acoustic rendition of Jacko staple Billie Jean. Amazing, I tell you. [DOWNLOAD]
Also for the rare and eclectic... the Christian music scene is buzzing (?) with the news that prolific (and rather quite activist) songwriter Gary Granada is ready to start producing Christian music again. Some of the people are skeptical, but I say that's actually good news. Here's a rare find for me, Gary Granada doing a Cebuano folk love song, Usahay. Ailene, I dunno if you have this, so come and get it. [DOWNLOAD]
For the past season of American Idol, I had no clear favorite. I had 2 or 3 that I liked, at least until Blake did his Bon Jovi song, You Give Love a Bad Name. That performance trumped any single one in my recent Idol memory (not including William Hung, of course). Even if Blake didn't eventually win, I know that guy is going places. Here's the studio version of his beatbox groove rock anthem. [DOWNLOAD]
This next one outplays any other dance music in my head (and mp3 player) today. You remember the dance step, groove with Chaka Demus and Pliers - Tease Me. [DOWNLOAD]
I had a heck of a looooong time trying to locate a copy this next Steven Curtis Chapman hit, so I assume it must be at least semi-rare. Anybody have a copy of the Abbey Road Sessions? I want. Here's The Walk. [DOWNLOAD]
Last but not definitely least, I have dug up my copy of this album A Twist of Marley. A tribute to the great reggae-mon, guitarist and producer Lee Ritenour's jazz fusion project has been considered a classic. It''s just a shame nobody freaking knows about it. I have a copy, and I'll be nice to anyone who asks. [pramis]. Here's one cut, a jazzy rendition of Marley hit Get Up, Stand Up. Enjoy. [DOWNLOAD]
For any music requests for my next batch of goodies, you can email me at johnhofilena[at]gmail[dot]com, ayt? Be kind, rewind.
and so, on with the goodies.
REMEMBER, these links will die in 45 days, so download them now while you can.
First up, and I know, this is the mainstream in me talking. I guess any credible music lover would have had listened to Chris Daughtry by now. To start off, the acoustic version of Home, the album's strongest single to date. [DOWNLOAD].
I bless the day acoustic versions were invented.
Not a few years back, a nondescript CD fell into my hands. It contained a dozen remixes of Jars of Clay hits. They're very fresh to listen to, especially if you've just about worn out the sound of your Jars of Clay first album. My favorites among the lot were the Savage Flavor Remix of the carrier single Flood [DOWNLOAD], and the Fluff-Sav Remix of Blind [DOWNLOAD].
For the reggae in you, my office mate gave me this mp3 of Delroy Wilson doing Bread's Baby I'm-A-Want You. So much reggae fun. [DOWNLOAD]
Also from the same office mate... you remember your Seattle grunge days? I do. And if you went through that phase, you would surely remember that band called Soundgarden. Vocalist Chris Cornell has long since been associated with Audioslave, but somewhere in this life, he performed solo acoustic in Sweden. That performance has been hailed as a landmark acoustic performance of the decade. Get a copy, for the sake of your sanity. From that recording I bring you, Chris Cornell's acoustic rendition of Jacko staple Billie Jean. Amazing, I tell you. [DOWNLOAD]
Also for the rare and eclectic... the Christian music scene is buzzing (?) with the news that prolific (and rather quite activist) songwriter Gary Granada is ready to start producing Christian music again. Some of the people are skeptical, but I say that's actually good news. Here's a rare find for me, Gary Granada doing a Cebuano folk love song, Usahay. Ailene, I dunno if you have this, so come and get it. [DOWNLOAD]
For the past season of American Idol, I had no clear favorite. I had 2 or 3 that I liked, at least until Blake did his Bon Jovi song, You Give Love a Bad Name. That performance trumped any single one in my recent Idol memory (not including William Hung, of course). Even if Blake didn't eventually win, I know that guy is going places. Here's the studio version of his beatbox groove rock anthem. [DOWNLOAD]
This next one outplays any other dance music in my head (and mp3 player) today. You remember the dance step, groove with Chaka Demus and Pliers - Tease Me. [DOWNLOAD]
I had a heck of a looooong time trying to locate a copy this next Steven Curtis Chapman hit, so I assume it must be at least semi-rare. Anybody have a copy of the Abbey Road Sessions? I want. Here's The Walk. [DOWNLOAD]
Last but not definitely least, I have dug up my copy of this album A Twist of Marley. A tribute to the great reggae-mon, guitarist and producer Lee Ritenour's jazz fusion project has been considered a classic. It''s just a shame nobody freaking knows about it. I have a copy, and I'll be nice to anyone who asks. [pramis]. Here's one cut, a jazzy rendition of Marley hit Get Up, Stand Up. Enjoy. [DOWNLOAD]For any music requests for my next batch of goodies, you can email me at johnhofilena[at]gmail[dot]com, ayt? Be kind, rewind.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
babe post #1 [plus mini game post]
When you get down to it, you always blog about the things that matter. hehehe.
===========================
First babe post of this location
So I've been watching the 6th season of Emmy award winning TV-series 24, even if ida says it's not as good as the past ones. I'm kinda getting hints of that right now, but the superhuman-android-John McClane (Die Hard) clone-"you can't kill me" aura of Jack Bauer can still keep me glued to the screen for hours.
Add to that the reward of seeing her face on the screen: Marisol Nichols.
She takes the role of the right-hand errr... woman of CTU Director Bill Buchanan, and is pegged by the role to be of middle-eastern descent (in reality, she's Latina). That the series' plotline deals with middle-eastern terrorists creates a good side-story for the directors to play with, I think.
I'm just at episode 11, and her interaction with the people has been less than that of Kim Bauer in the preceding seasons, which is a bummer. I don't know if I'll be seeing the ever hawt Elisha Cuthbert this season, but Marisol's Latina hotness, and that intelligent-competent-kickass air she's got going is enough to keep me watching the series as of the moment.
here are more pics:
nice eh?
[=========== ]
and for my game post, if you'll allow me to call it that.
We all watched the seminal treatise on human and alien robot interaction - the Transformers.
It is common practice now in the media industry to have the game huffing and puffing after the movie is released. As for "Transformers - The Game", here's my review:
IT SUCKS.
[semi-disclaimer: they say it plays nice on a console e.g. XBox or PSwhatever. But for us PC-gamers who are used to a little more depth on the story line and game play, and not just the mind-blowing graphics, you gotta do a little better than that.]
===========================
First babe post of this location
So I've been watching the 6th season of Emmy award winning TV-series 24, even if ida says it's not as good as the past ones. I'm kinda getting hints of that right now, but the superhuman-android-John McClane (Die Hard) clone-"you can't kill me" aura of Jack Bauer can still keep me glued to the screen for hours.
Add to that the reward of seeing her face on the screen: Marisol Nichols.
She takes the role of the right-hand errr... woman of CTU Director Bill Buchanan, and is pegged by the role to be of middle-eastern descent (in reality, she's Latina). That the series' plotline deals with middle-eastern terrorists creates a good side-story for the directors to play with, I think.I'm just at episode 11, and her interaction with the people has been less than that of Kim Bauer in the preceding seasons, which is a bummer. I don't know if I'll be seeing the ever hawt Elisha Cuthbert this season, but Marisol's Latina hotness, and that intelligent-competent-kickass air she's got going is enough to keep me watching the series as of the moment.
here are more pics:
nice eh?
[=========== ]
and for my game post, if you'll allow me to call it that.
We all watched the seminal treatise on human and alien robot interaction - the Transformers.
It is common practice now in the media industry to have the game huffing and puffing after the movie is released. As for "Transformers - The Game", here's my review:
IT SUCKS.
[semi-disclaimer: they say it plays nice on a console e.g. XBox or PSwhatever. But for us PC-gamers who are used to a little more depth on the story line and game play, and not just the mind-blowing graphics, you gotta do a little better than that.]
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