cheese factor set to nth level

February 14th, 2007

***this was my stupid entry for that stupid Valentine Play list contest in the PDI’s Wednesday edition. Damn I could have sworn I can smell the rubbery scent of the prize in my nostrils already weeks before the deadline: a 2GB IPOD Nano. Too bad some stupid couple won it because they presented their list in a stupid PowerPoint presentation! So that was exactly what they mean when they stated: creativity is a plus. Anyway I’ll just post it here so it will get the exposure it deserves. yabang no? I say stupid too much.

Most people see music as merely a background or sort of a dispensable wall paper to their daily grind but not for me. As a matter of fact, music through thick and thin had been and still is a major part of my romantic life. This is our Valentine Playlist, oury top ten personal soundtrack (which, in part, recounts a modern fairy tale in a century filled with primetime cows and political bull!)

Guilty Party:

Ahmad: A half-Filipino geek projecting a rock star’s persona

Djai: A loud-mouthed artist with a sultry sexy star aura

1. “Secret Smile” (Semisonic)

Funny how she would steal glances and do an obvious turn whenever my lanky stature casts a shadow on the corridor. I was in turn trying to project composure of cockiness as I constantly blessed her way with a shy sideway glance. Our eyes speak volume. But we were contented with us being course-mates for a while.

“Nobody knows it but you’ve got a secret smile

And you use it only for me..

So use it and prove it

Remove this whirling sadness

I’m losing, I’m bluesing

But you can save me from madness..”

2. “ Another day “(MojoFly)

It was not long before I found an excuse to ask her out (I was the editor-in-chief of our student publication and she was applying for a writing position…aaah, the advantage of power.). Our first date was merely a walk around the city and our conversation was somewhat endless. And surreal. I never yawned in her presence that night (and that rarely happens). Then, “where’s your class tomorrow, what room? I may errr.. drop by” ,she beamed.

“I think i’ll go home now, it’s been a perfect day.

Thank you for shedding life to my fantasy.

Throw me a wicked smile, the one like yesterday

That threw me up and away.”

3. ”Akin ka na lang” (ItchyWorms)

)

I was with someone else but why the hell was I itching to go home and text her? “So officially, kayo pa?” she asked with a disappointed undertone. It was an awkward silence.

“hindi naman sa sinisiraan ko ang pangit na yan;

Wag ka dapat sakin magduda,hinding hindi kita pababayaan

Akin ka na lang

liligaya ka sa pag-ibig ko”

4. “Homecoming” (Rivermaya)

In my boarding house, a cheap stereo rang a familiar tune and that resurrected the Romeo in me. I asked her to dance. She obliged. Rico Blanco’s word echoed across the room with the song that stalked us ever since: “…lover, come home.” Yes, we were home…

“while the sun is out to play,I look back

and I just say I can’t be wrong

it’s you who I want to be with

lover, come home.”

5. “Come what may” (Ewan McGregor& Nicole Kidman)

This is love. Sweet poetry in motion. Just like her psychedelic paintings of perfect blue skies and warholian reveries. My days were just not enough without her childish, tickling charm. Friends would playfully scorn us “ginagawa mo namang baby si Djai!”

“Never knew I could feel like this

Like I’ve never seen the sky before

I want to vanish inside your kiss

I love you more and more

Listen to my heart, can you hear it sing?

Telling me to give you everything.”

6. ”Everyday” (Barbie’s Cradle)

When college life became another migraine, she was my pill. Thesis-hell, Speech Recitals, Band Practices, she was a part of everything I did. A true partner-in-crime. Writing buddies. Friends with extreme benefits.

“When I brush my teeth

Oh when you drive the car

Sweep me off my feet

Take me very far away

Far away, everyday”

7. “Upside down” (Two minds crack)

But sometimes jealousy kills the spark. There were shouting bouts and endless debates but settling each other’s differences is not a walk in the park. She would only sob. I was plain dumb.

“Every time I hurt you

Well it’s hurting me too

Don’t know if I could really stay here tonight

Tired of thinking of you

And everything that you do

Tell me what am I supposed to do?”

8. “Walking after you” (Foo Fighters)

Despite the in-your-face realization that happiness is not synonymous to following composite dreams, there was a rule not to let a fault live overnight. It was all senseless babble of unresolved issues and philosophical nonsense, but we have always survived.

“If you’d accept surrender, I’ll give up some more

Weren’t you adored?

I cannot be without you, matter of fact

I’m on your back

If you walk out on me

I’m walking after you.”

9. “You and Me song” (The Wannadies)

It was never a question to ask: we knew from the very start that this was it. Then came the fateful day our dream, Dylan was born. We signed the papers yet never wore a ring. We knew that forever is etched deeper in skin (but a tattoo-ring will do, we reckoned.)

“You tell me I’m unreal, try to look impressed

And not very convincing but I know you love it

I know we watch TV ‘til we fall asleep

Not very exciting

But it’s always you and me always

And forever.”

10. “I’ll follow you into the dark” (Death cab for Cutie)

We tend to glimpse too much in the future. I am simply fascinated by how our existence will define another generation of hopeless romantics and geeky rock stars. Then there’s death. This may be blasphemy but I do worry about how life will turn out if ever one of us does reach for the light earlier than the other. This song reminds me of the “’til death do us part” section on our vows. Yes my babieeeeh, I will follow you into the dark.

“Love of mine, someday you will die

But I’ll be close behind

I’ll follow you into the dark

No blinding light or tunnel to gates of white

Just our hands clasped so tight

Waiting for the hint of a spark

If there’s no one beside you

When your soul embarks

Then I’ll follow you into the dark.”