Tell thou story through art.
Beautiful Idiosyncrasy
When I took a break from all the research, segregation, and writing, Bjӧrk suddenly came to mind. To my surprise, after entering her name in YouTube, I discovered that she released a new video late last year. Now who does art pornography music videos better than Bjӧrk? Anyone?
My said curiosity brought me to check her past videos which I compiled a few to share. I’ve been an admirer of her ingenuity and eccentricity since the first time I saw this one. It’s about two robots, each taking the lead vocals and backup, where both of them are undergoing the assembling process in some white cyborg laboratory with machinery, paint, dramatic lighting, the works. It then ended with them finding each other and kissing ergo the title, All Is Full Of Love.
An unforgettable hairstyle, however, was from this next one. I think this video was shot in the streets of New York City while on a 10-wheeler truck. Correct me if I’m wrong. Anyway, I honestly have no idea what she’s singing, but I love the song nonetheless–the mix of buoyant electronica and keyboards I suppose. And imagine how much fun the shoot was to think it looked like all she did was make faces and dance in front of the camera.
For a more jazzy-blues feel and still with a touch of unconventionality, but less, this comes to mind. I don’t have much to say about this video though I really enjoyed watching the mailbox dance and Bjӧrk (or a double) do the backflip off a wall.
This one’s a bit more on the fantasy/cartoon-ish side. The acrobatic choreography kind of reminds me of Pink’s Try video don’t you think? Subtler of course. I like how it ended with Bjӧrk whelmed in an eddy then caught by huge hands which seemed of the Mongolian god or something.
Finally, the most recent art pornography there is…
Need I say more?
It Sure Would Be Prettier With You
I didn’t realize how many people covered the Beca audition from the movie Pitch Perfect until I started Googling it. But you know what? Nothing beats the original.
Today is a remarkable day in musical history. Okay, I’m exaggerating. It’s just that I was so thrilled when a really good friend of mine sent me this link. I’ve been so caught up with work (and searching for Beca audition covers in between) that I failed to find the artist behind the song (or rendition since the original really was from the ’30s). This is what I love most about music: YOU CAN MAKE ONE ANYWHERE YOU GO; WHENEVER YOU FEEL LIKE IT. That’s right, when your aural instincts kick in, you have a myriad of ways to create beautiful rhythms. You can stomp, clap, hum, or use cups, whatever floats your boat.
Without further ado, here it is, the 2nd real genius behind the cup audition. Enjoy!
Blocked Artist: Hungry For Passion
Ever had a feeling of losing appetite on things even if they are really, really fantastic ones? Like opportunities or new experiences that when your energy is up you’ll be more appreciative of it? I felt that; December last year was too slow for me up to the first few days of this month.
Then I realized I haven’t taken time to do things I’m extremely passionate about.
So I went back to writing the traditional way, singing to the top of my lungs in the shower, and did yoga every single day. But it still wasn’t enough. Until I stumbled upon my big ol’ book and did some refreshing.
I hold this book so close to my heart because it helped me while I was doing thesis in college. Especially in times I go blank and zeroed out on ideas for my project/s. A friend introduced it to me a couple or more years ago when I tweeted for suggestions on books to read that will inspire the artist in me then she recommended this:
I never got to fully commit til the end of the book though because I became so busy with other stuff that time (excuses, I know). But tell you what, the first few chapters (or weeks rather) are so eye-opening you’d never want to stop. The Artist’s Way is a 12-week program aimed to retrieve the participant’s creativity.
This 224-page book is full of exercises to help awaken your hibernating creative spirit. Best thing I ever did was the morning pages (and it’s the first task!) wherein every time I get out of bed in the morning, first thing I do is grab my pen and paper and write away ’til I fill three pages back-to-back. You need not think so much for this exercise. Just write what’s inside your head (and heart if you may) without really thinking about it or trying to perfect it. Heck, even “I don’t have anything to write about” is allowed. Plus, you don’t review these pages; not until you are beyond the 8th week of the program. Julia Cameron calls it the “brain drain” because she believes that the first thoughts we have in the morning, most especially the worries we nurture everyday, are the ones blocking our artistic side. (Now I believe it too!) It’s these thoughts that stand “between you and your creativity.” The second task was to have weekly artist dates for 2 hours without interruption or company. Meaning it’s just you and your creative self going out on a date. Whether to an exhibit or musical plays, you have to go to these places alone. Sounds scary at first, but it’s just two hours a week allotted for your artistic reception. Julia says that the morning pages serve as an outlet whereas the artist dates are practiced to receive art. So it’s the basic give and take process to creativity.
What I love most about the book is it serves as a personal journey to self-awareness all over again. It’s like doing yoga or going to a therapist and feeling better (about yourself) instantly after every session. And we all know that with feeling better comes passion, and passion breeds inspiration.
So now I’m back to square one, back to the first week of the book and I really intend to finish it this time.
I highly recommend you grab your own copy and do the exercises religiously. Go ahead! Bring out the artist within that’s longing to be seen and experienced.
Don’t F With Me
I’ve been searching for this song for quite sometime now. Luckily I found it posted on one of my good friend’s Facebook page and man was I ecstatic!
There is something about the subdued vocals blended with electronica music that appeals in a soothing, head bopping sense. Although it’s not my typical “inspirational” song choice, I also do appreciate profane-laden tunes once in a while (don’t we all need it?). BTSTU is not heavily composed with malediction though, but it is one mighty hot music.
So stop what you’re doing and listen to the song.
Don’t F with me now.
Since The End Of The Millennium
It’s been thirteen years since the end of the second millennium. Being the thirteenth year, I believe it’s going to be a lucky one for all of us. Although some may disagree with this probability, the number thirteen treated me well as far as my life goes. The Chinese are also about to welcome their new year (year of the water snake) in a few weeks and Feng Shui says that the snake is symbolical of romance and charm. Snakes are also believed to find happiness in the pleasures of life and love through monetary accumulation. Its ruling planet is Venus, the goddess of love, desire, prosperity, the sea, victory, and of course as we all know, beauty. I also saw somewhere that if 2013 were read backwards, it says “EROS,” the Greek god of love.
My conclusion is that this year will be all about love and success. Get ready to be open to endless possibilities, facing your own fears, going beyond self-limitations, and embracing your own greatness in spite of the hurdles even from the residues of 2012. This year promises a series of love, passion, creativity, and prosperity I tell you.
Every inch of me sense nothing but sanguineness for the year ahead. It feels so good I just want to hug it out! Okay, maybe that’s too much. Anyway…
It’s going to be an utterly fantastic 2013! OWN IT! 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Phuket, Thailand 10.2012
Kuala Lumpur was amazing! It felt so good to walk around the streets of KLCC even at night. I can stare at the stunning Petronas Twin Towers the entire night while lit. Before I actually saw it, I thought to myself, “what’s so special about two connecting buildings? I’ve seen a number of the similar kind.” Then I realized, when I finally got a glimpse of it, it’s a really different sight when you’re actually there. It’s so astonishing pictures won’t even do justice.
But! I think I left my heart in Thailand. The place is so beautiful, people were comradely, street food’s delectable (I love spicy food), and weekend night market in Phuket Town was a riot (in a good way!). Not to mention the many beach choices neighboring Patong, 150 baht/day motorcycle rentals, golden temples, and 20 baht coffee (hot or iced) by the street. It’s only been almost three weeks and I still can’t get rid of the Thai hangover.
Reminisce with me and take a look at few of the shots I took during the trip. Hit the like button if you do like what you see and show me some bloglovin’. 
(I wanted to use the term “bloglovin” just because)
If you’d like to explore KL, visit KLCC for a more city-esque feel. It’s the only place I can recommend (for now) since I only spent a day there. Suria mall is humongous and it’s filled with designer brands. It’s THE shopping haven for brand lovers. KL’s famous Old Town Coffee serves appetizing food and their java’s divine. I bought two boxes of their instant Old Town coffee for 12 ringgit each (10 sachets in a box).
Phuket, however, serves the best food by the street. I hardly ate in restaurants while I was there. Street food is where you’ll find the real Thai flavor. Do not forget to tell them to lessen the spice if you’re not a fan of spicy food. You can say, “mai pet” which means “not hot.” Or if you’re wondering whether the food you’re ordering is spicy or not you can ask and say, “pet mai.” Intonation is important though when you attempt to speak in Thai. So while you’re there, observe or ask locals how to say certain phrases to be sure. My favorite phrase is thank you which is, “kob kun kaa.” You say “kaa” at the end if you’re a a girl and “kap” if you’re a guy. Expect to hear “kaa” or “kap” in return when you do so. It’s their way of saying you’re welcome.
I highly recommend you try the famous Thai salad Somtam. It’s my favorite!
Anyway, my friends and I stayed in Patong Beach where the red light district is. However filled with “lady boys,” I fell in love with the place just the same. Ko Phi Phi is on the other side of Patong. If you’ve heard of Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach, Ko Phi Phi is where it’s shot.
The best shopping days happen during the weekend. Head straight to Phuket Town’s night market and haggle the evening away! The place is huge and stalls sell different stuff. I found one interesting shop where the owner sells metal art. People weren’t allowed to take photos, but imagine life-sized robots and dinosaurs made of steel. The place had a huge food area too where my friend bought fried crickets, worms, beetles, and cockroaches. And yes, they’re edible. I tried one and it tasted like chicken–only harder to chew.
Of course, you need to get a taste of their culture. So head on downtown and see the amazing Buddha temple. My friend told me about the myth of ten thousand Buddhas. Once upon a time, a few years after Buddha died, the people dissected Buddha’s body parts and spread it across the globe. He said that if the parts were collected back together it’s going to be the end of the world. The end. Let me know if you’ve heard of this myth or not. And if I got it wrong… or not.
Tip of the iceberg is the iced Thai coffee fresh from the streets of Patong. For only 20 baht I get a venti cup of delicious iced coffee. Never did I spend a day without having my iced Thai coffee fix. It’s the thing I miss most about Phuket.
Everyday since the time I got back, I still imagine myself waking up in our hotel room, mentally planning my outfit and necessities for the day’s adventure. I miss the food too. Heck I even made my version of spicy Thai condiments because our home cooked food were all too bland for my palette.
It’s official. I left my heart in Thailand.
