Panic! no more

I'm a huge fan of Panic! at the Disco. (Good music + Cute boys = Winner!) Well, I used to be.

More than a year after the ugly and controversial "break up", the boys are back with a new album. "Vices and Virtues" was released March 22 and is available in iTunes. The whole album can also be live streamed in their Facebook page here.

As I was listening to the whole album, I'm just disappointed. The songs have no charm at all. I do understand that the band is trying to go back to their old sound but they just fell flat. They are just trying too hard, even to the point that they are pretentious. As much as I want to rant now, I would be better to preserve them in an i'm-too-much-of-a-fanboy-it's-starting-to-get-freaky kind of post.

Anyway, "Sarah Smiles" is the only track that seemed to retain the charm of the old band. The accordion intro fits perfectly with the naive theme of the song, giving it a whimsical, playful, and care-free vibe. Here is the song:

And if you want to see how bad and pretentious the others are, here's the official video of "The Ballad of Mona Lisa".

Apollo 13

Gliding through the highway in the sky,

on the verge of collapse, yet I flew with all might.

Strings of light shine on my wake

as flames engulfed my weathered state.

Screams of torment shatter my ear

while flames scorch the beings near.

And as I glide through the highway in the sky,

on the verge of collapse, I dreamed of a new life.

Aroma of Despair

papel, gunting, bato.
ano ang pipiliin mo?
papel, gunting, bato.
apat na beses na akong talo.

isang talo na lang at tapos na.
may magagawa pa ba?
kaya't anong pipiliin ko?
papel ba, gunting o bato?

I couldn't see when it was you and me...

I'm a fan of Hey Monday. There's just something so adorable about how raw Cassadee Pope sings. I know a lot of people find her annoying but I just love how delicate she sounds... You can feel her vulnerability in every word.

"Candles" is my favorite track since Hey Monday released the album "Hold on Tight" in 2008. Three years later, they finally released the song. Now, I just heard that Glee made a version of the song for Kurt and Darren Criss (dunno the character name). Anyway, I just want to post the original version before it becomes the new gay theme song. lol. :p

I personally prefer this acoustic version...


...over the full version.


Glee's version can be found here.

I'm taking my stand, I'm risking it all.

I really had a blast watching Tangled! Apart from the lovable chameleon Pascal and the horse-cum-dog Maximus, the movie had a lot of funny scenes. Others may remember the movie because of Rapunzel and Flynn's love story but what struck me the most was the tavern scene with the thugs and hooligans. In the scene, the characters were saying that though we are thugs, we have dreams too.

It got me thinking, what is my dream?

I thought about it for a while and I couldn't give a direct answer. I thought about my current work and I simply can't imagine myself staying in this field. Though I love research, I'm not particularly keen to business research. I do love doing research on ICTs and culture - something that I would want to pursue in the future.

Then I tried to recall the things that I've done that fired up my passion. Once, I dreamed to become a musician. Hello. Itigil ang ilusyon. Hahaha.

Three years ago, I did a couple of stints directing videos. I've made a couple of AVPs for YFC events in my community. I've also done a short film and a music video. The short film was a finalist for a filmfest in PWU while the music vid won best song for a Sulong CARHRIHL.

I would have wanted to hone the craft but I grew apart with my production team. But I do miss creating films. But the question is, should I pursue it?

Again, thanks to Purebliss for letting me create a video for Pilipinas. Thanks to all my friends/actors (naks!). And thanks to my production team. I love you guys. I miss our college shenanigans! Let's bring the old crew back together!

Here's the music vid that I directed:

Purebliss - Pilipinas from christian cangao on Vimeo.

Pilipinas
by Purebliss

When they all seem to stumble, am I alone?
United and divided standing we fall.
I'm taking my stand, I'm risking it all.

The hourglass has too small a hole
maybe I should just quit.
I'm drowsy debating with a wall.
I'm breaking out, I wanna fall.

I cannot hear you, I can't comprehend.
Back-off I am bent.
I'm taking my stand, I'm risking it all.

To see you, I hope is the end.
I'm all about lament.

Purebliss:
Ching Custodio - vocals
Juno Santos - rhythm guitar
Efren Peria - lead guitar
Coco Martinez/Darwin Talay - bass guitar
Benjo Ricarte - drums
Joseph Roble - kudyapi

Talents:
Sarah Salazar
Joshua Torres
Ian Manigbas

Crew:
Hiyas Luis
Rose Caraan
Roel Cruz
Karen Janiya
Kaye Pascual
Daryl Santos
Cyrus Fernandez
Anna Sabularse