Day 05

Day 5 of 30-Day Challenges

They say you will never the value of something it is gone. That is the case of Grandfather. He went on with his eternal life more than a  year ago. All I have of him are memories.

***

Sadly, I never knew what was Grandfather's favorite song. I only see him watching Chinese concerts and local church choir on TV. This song is Grandmother's favorite. It is a popular Chinese love song by Teresa Teng. Below is the translation of the song The Moon Represents My Heart (Yue Liang Dai Piao Wo De Xin).

You ask me how deep my love for you is.

I love you a bit.

My affection is real.

My love is real.

Moon represents my heart.

You ask me how deep my love for you is.

I love you a bit.

My affection does not change.

My love is not different.

Moon represents my heart.

One soft kiss

already move my heart.

A period of time when our affection was deep,

make me miss you until now.

Day 04

Day 4 of  30-Day Challenges

Living in a city with frequent power interruption, I have nothing else to do but spend most of my nights in darkness, literally. Luckily, one evening my kid cousins went over to our house for an overnight visit. Unlucky for them, no electricity means they have to face the evening without TV nor computer (read: boredom). So, to keep them entertained that night, I took out my cam and flashlight. I let them play around with the flashlight, trying to create a light painting of some sort. Then, took some portraits of them having the flashlight as the light source. Here is the outcome of that night's event -

***

What could be more heartbreaking than this song? The Manhattan's Kiss and Say Goodbye is the breakup song that left me in tears.

Day 03

Day 3 of 30-Day Challenges

Allow me to introduce to you the characters of my favorite TV show -

Meet (from left to right) Greg (seated), Warrick, Catherine, Nick,
Grissom (seated),  Brass , Sarah (seated), and Doc Robbins

They are the original members of the graveyard shift of Las Vegas Police Department's Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit.

I have been a fan of the show way back in 2007, seven years after it first premiered on American television. I was first introduced to this show on one lazy weekend by my best friend. After watching the first two episodes, I couldn't let go of it, I had to borrow the whole set of DVDs from her. Since then, I familiarized myself with police codes, investigative procedures, and even medical terms. I learned about GSRs, DNAs, fingerprints, shoe prints, tire tracks, traces, and bugs.

What sets CSI apart from different from other crime shows is the set of characters. The characters develop the story. They push the show to evolve. Each character is complex. Each comes from different backgrounds. Each of them is flawed. Each is excellent in breaking the case.

Take Grissom, for example. He was an accomplished doctor ("PhD, not MD," he stressed) and scientist. He studied bugs and animals. He was in fact a genius. But, of course, having a high IQ doesn't necessarily translate to having a high EQ. Thus, he only depended on his teammate and friend, Catherine, when he  needed to deal with people outside his department.

 Another interesting factor about this show is the different plots and settings. The writers are so imaginative that they could come up with peculiar ways of dying, or killing. CSI also showcased new crime-solving techniques and technology. Sometimes, I would imagine my own country would have the most sophisticated tools and equipment in solving even the pettiest crimes, making us a progressive nation, instead of a backward one.

CSI is now on its twelfth season. Changes have been made. Characters have been killed, promoted, demoted, moved, and newly-added. Technology is revolutionary. But, two things remain in Las Vegas. One, crime never sleeps. And two, to solve each crime, one must follow the evidence.

***

This is the cheesiest song that I have heard, next to Grow Old with You. But, when Adam Sandler sings it, cheesiness would be forgotten, and all I can think of is happiness and the movie 50 First Dates. 


This song is called Forgetful Lucy.

Day 02

Day 2 of 30-Day Challenges

Here are some photos of me with someone I have been closest with the longest:

Meet Alexis.

We have known each other way back in kindergarten, which has been more than 15 years now. We've been close during our grade school. I really can't say if it was during our first or second grade. I do remember we would often be on top of our game during one of the classes - trying to outshine each other, vying for the teacher's attention.

We have a weird love-hate relationship. He makes fun of me, and I hate it. He ignores me, and I hate it more. But, I love him dearly.

We never ever had a fight. I can't recall a time that we ever had an argument. If we did had one, I'm guessing he won. Because I love him and let him get away with it. 

We are twins, though not biologically. We don't share the same birthday, we don't have the same personality, we don't even look alike. But, I love him like a brother.

We are polar opposites, yet still share the same interests in life. Maybe that's why I love him and our friendship has stayed for as long as we shall be.

***

Choosing the least favorite song is a very hard thing to do. There are songs that I definitely wouldn't want to hear for the rest of my life. There are some, however, that are bearable to my ears, but still makes me cringe when I hear them.

Personally, I have nothing against singers covering another artist's music. If one cannot make the music sound better, then don't bother doing a cover at all. 

For instance, I do admire Charice's talent. In fact, I envy her singing ability. But, what I don't appreciate is her doing covers of some of the greatest love songs. Hearing her hitting the high notes make me want to cover my ears, not because she is having difficulty in getting it right, but because she is doing it over the top. In our country, people idolize almost anyone who can hit the highest note, in which singers tend to screech all throughout the song just to receive some admiration. Screaming one's lungs out to a Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey song sometimes makes the listeners want to pull the mic away. Maybe the keyword here is originality, and that is what Charice still lacks. 

Here is a song that I used to love, but lost my love for it because of the cover version.

i do not own the video above.

Day 01

Day 1 of 30-Day Challenges

Finally, I have decided to start the Photo and Music Challenges.

Today, I would be talking all about myself, and you would be able to get to know more about yours truly.



Ten facts about aester:

1. I am Filipino-Chinese, hailing from the south-western part of the Philippines. I obviously come from two conservative races.

Tradition has been running my life for the past decades. Currently, I am trying to break away from the moulding left by the ultra-conservative family that was left for me to fill in. Don't be mistaken, I am grateful for the teachings and values that were instilled by my family and elders. However, I do believe that change is needed for to grow and to shape myself into a better me.

2. Photography is my passion. I capture and paint the light. I try to make an art out of it.

3. I am a living frustration. Singing and dancing are two talents that were never given to me. I am also inefficient in the kitchen. The best that I can come up with from the depths kitchen is a plate of instant noodles.

4. I come from the South. Went to the country's capital city. Survived five years of university education, plus part-time work. Came back to the South for a year of soul-searching. Went to a foreign country to know more about my roots and its culture. Came home again, and have been staying here in my hometown for the last two years.

Right now, I am challenging myself to go the distance and look for a career suitable for my passion. I am hoping to go back to the Metro Jungle before the year, or the world, ends.

5. I am certified TV junkie. Ironically, I watch television shows on the Internet.  Most of the shows that I watch are US crime dramas, slapstick comedies, cute cartoons, and reality talent searches. I also spend quite some time watching daytime talk shows. In addition to my television watchlist are docu-dramas from different news and educational programs.

6. I sometimes isolate mentally away from my own self. It is a way for me to take a step back, and observe and assess what I have done so far to myself and to others.

7. During my down period, I would indulge in my sweet cravings of chocolate cupcakes and doughnuts. Sometimes, to balance out the sweetness in myself, I would go on a salty-food binge. I know I have an unhealthy eating pattern. I do try to stay healthy as much as possible. However, when emotions, and hormones, kick in, I have no choice but to satisfy my gastronomical wants.

8. I have a soft spot for kids. I love cuddly babies. I dream of having one of my own - biological or adopted. Although, I am not ready for motherhood, yet. But I do dream of that day to come.

9. aester in numbers:

• 24 - current age


• 36 - followers on Twitter


• 8 - languages spoken


• 4 - number of siblings


• 3 - countries that I have been to


• 597 - friends on Facebook


• 12 - age when I discovered my passion for writing


• 1 - camera that I have my own, which is a Canon 450D


• 2 - items ticked off my Bucket List


• 7.5 - size of my foot

10. I am a Potter-head. 'Nuff said.

 

For my favorite song, I would like to share with you this sweet song by Bic Runga. It talks about falling in love and wanting to be with that person for the rest of your life, asking him to stay with you til the end of time. Here is Sway:

30-Day Challenges

For the next 30 days, I will be doing two blog challenges simultaneously. Through these challenges, you would get a better glimpse of my world and my loves.

Wish me luck!

 

Photo Challenge

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night(something you did that night)
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you’d love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most fucked up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of someone that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of something you love to do.
Day 19 - A picture of your favorite Disney character.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you’re excited about
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you’re afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Music Challenge

day 01 - your favorite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep
day 11 - a song from your favorite band
day 12 - a song from a band you hate
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love
day 15 - a song that describes you
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty
day 29 - a song from your childhood
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year