My Apology

My dearest readers,

I am so very sorry from the bottom of my heart...but please be patient with what's happening now. My blog is currently under repair...I want it to have a fresh look...I'm doing it just for you guys so that you'll like it more and visit it often. Please feel free to leave your comments or suggestions..after all that's the title of my blog. I want you to be comfortable whenever you're here. It's everybody's blog. Thank you!

Again, I'm very sorry. I love you guys!

Tears Don't Fall

Your tears don't fall / They crash around me / Her conscience calls the guilty to come home / The moments died, I hear no screaming / The visions left inside me are slowly fading / Would she hear me if I calls her name? / Would she hold me if she knew my shame?

Song: Tears Don't Fall
Artist: Bullet For My Valentine
Album: The Poison

Bullet For My Valentine is a Welsh metal core band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. Their debut album, The Poison, was released on October 3, 2005 in United Kingdom and on February 14, 2006 in United States to coincide with Valentine's Day. The album entered the Billboard 200 in the US at number 128.

"Tears Don't Fall" is the band's fourth single from their debut album. The single was a German and Swedish-only release, and was released on June 23, 2006 through Sony BMG Records.

It's a beautiful song. I never knew about this band till the other day when I'm browsing for my next lyrics to decipher. I'm not usually a metal core band fanatic but I can tell it's one of those songs that you'll never get tired of listening to. Everytime you do it just gets your adrenaline running big time.

This song is crafted to perfection. Being a musician myself, it hit me on so many levels...the amazing chord progressions...the impressive vocal lines...deep and well written lyrics...the heart stopping percussion. Everything is pure perfection. It's magic.

From my perspective, metal heads surely love this because it's something than the common "I'm going to frickin' going to kill you!", or stuffs like that. They just completely lay out the lyrics for this song. It was calm and clear all the way through and none of that crap where the band thinks: "We're labeled the top death-metal band. Let's just keep that the entire time!" NO. Bullet For My Valentine just know people want something other than that.

Honestly, I had to read it a few times to figure out its hidden meaning. I want to put it like this way...but of course, it's still rests upon you on how you interpret it. I like to see that this song is a reminder of lot of drug addictions these days. Drug abuse has affected every area of society. It crops up anyone, everywhere. It's an illness of human nature.

It's alarming to hear about helpless people who seek drugs as their peaceful solution to the war they fight everyday. But let me clear this right away...I'm not referring them as bad people, they are victims of this illness. It's pretty sad how they tried to overcome it and lost many loved ones in the long run as they tend to blame their problems upon them.

Somehow, it makes me think how I've always felt so lucky I've never needed an alcohol or drugs or anything like that to escape from the bad days...how fortunate I am not to be inclined or pressured to be involved with drugs. But enough of that.

I like the way the guy is affected by the sadness of what it brought to the girl he loves. He's completely regretting his past mistakes and wants to make it right but is not sure whether she would believe him if he said how sorry he was.

The pain he's feeling runs deeper. He's been in a position to do the right thing before but he doesn't think he can rise up from it. The rest is self-pity. Until she forgives him, he'll never forgive himself, no matter what.

Check out their latest album "Scream Aim Fire" available now.

Voice of Truth

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story / The Voice of Truth says " do not be afraid!" / And the Voice of Truth says "this is for My Glory" / Out of all the voices calling out to me / I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth.

Song: Voice of Truth
Artist: Casting Crowns
Album: Casting Crowns

"Voice of Truth" is a song recorded by Casting Crowns and written by Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman. It was the third single released from their 2003 debut album. "Voice of Truth" was an enormous success on Christian radio. The song reached number 1 on the three major Contemporary Christian music charts, Billboard, and 20 The Countdown Magazine.

"Voice of Truth" was featured in the trailer and the ending of the 2006 movie Facing the Giants.

The song uses the stories of Peter walking on the water to Jesus (Matthew 14:22-34) to highlight and encourage the exercise of courage and listening to the "voice of truth" when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances.

The "voice of truth" goes on to say how the stone was just big enough and the waves were not so high from up above. The song expresses how Jesus will protect you throughout your trials.

Truly an inspiration for facing this recent tragedy that happened in my beloved country, Philippines.

September 26, 2009, Saturday, tropical storm Ondoy (Ketsana) triggered the worst flooding in more than four decades in the capital Manila and nearby provinces. As of Sunday, at least 73 persons were killed, nearly 70,000 families were displaced, and more than 300,000 persons were affected. The government declared a "state of calamity" in the metropolis and 25 storm-hit provinces.

For the hundreds of thousands severely affected by the floods, Saturday will be remembered for particular images of desperate men and women balancing on electricity cables to avoid the chest-deep water below, of cars pulled every which way by raging flood waters, like mere toys, of persons stranded on rooftops, fame and fortune providing no defense against the elements, of number of hours waited to be rescued, of disturbing sight of flood waters entering one's house, the exact moment when one surrendered to the elements and abandoned house or office or vehicle.

And yet, for the millions watching in horror, Ondoy tragedy will also be remembered for the sense of community that was created. Many Metro Manila residents still found the means to help strangers and neighbors stuck in traffic or perched on rooftops by turning to social networking sites on the Internet. Residents posted alternate routes weary commuters could take to avoid the floods, emergency lines to call for rescue and the addresses of families in need of urgent assistance as communication line and power outages engulfed a large swath of the metropolis on Saturday, making it hard for calls for help to get through.

On the hugely popular social networking site Facebook, the majority of the users’ status updates—a feature in which users talk about their current state of mind or recent activity—carried government hotlines people can call for rubber boats and dump trucks. Others posted locations of either an acquaintance or a friend’s neighbor waiting for hours to be saved, mobilizing other users in their network who have easier access to government rescue to ask for help.

It is during times like these when we realize how we, Filipinos, can face a tragedy yet still can put smiles on our faces...that no amount of calamity - be it an earthquake, volcanic eruption, super typhoon, or landslide - can dampen our spirit...that nothing beats the essence of our "bayanihan" which says "I'm ready to help you when you need me." Helping is a luxury. It was simply an adrenaline and concern to save other lives. The worst of times can bring out the best in Filipinos. We will always rise above the ashes no matter what. These are just few reasons why I'm proud of being one!

Which makes us back to my secondary interest for now, today's lyrics. Yes, I could have said more and elaborated further about typhoon Ondoy but I know the subject was too exposed as it was seen many times on TV, newspapers, and even internet so I think I've assessed everything that I've wanted to say.

Sometimes in our life, there are a lot of circumstances that we'll encounter, whether it'd be heavy or light. In times of problems and deep sorrows, we give up and complain. We don't think of the things that God wants us to see. We tend to allow other voices to be more of a factor and it brings defeat.

Always choose to listen to the voice of truth.

We should have courage and faith to the Lord...that He is there to guide us in what we're doing...that even though we don't know what the future holds, everything will be ok because one thing is for sure, He's the one whose holding it.

For those who have the slightest hint doubt in belief, it will reach out to those that need Christ in the heart. Listen to this kind of song and it will heals you. This is for my fellow Filipinos especially the victims of Ondoy, I'm praying for you and your loved ones. After all, that's the best thing I can do. God bless the Philippines!

Guess Who?

First, I apologize because I barely have had enough time last night to listen to a song which I'm about to post today. My work was increasingly agitating nowadays that I was so tired when I got back home. So, I ended up sleeping and dreaming and woke up this morning with so many things around my head...Yes, just like the Saturn's ring.

This is an article I submitted for our literary journalism of our school paper way back when I was a junior high student. So, I was not very good at it before because my expertise was on news writing. See, I'm the senior news editor during my time, heh. It was a ton of hard work, but it ended up being written forever on my old journal as it was rejected by our adviser saying, "You should stick to your thing. You'll get confused if you'll write more like this. News and Literary are not the same..blah blah blah" It's a long conversation actually and I won't bore you with all the gory details.

I was browsing my journal last night and I saw this...thought I should post it on my blog. But so sorry, because my writing before wasn't intended for professional level. It was just really personal to me. I happened to know a girl whose caught up in a bit difficult situation. Her story somehow made me sad.

I am sitting in our living room talking to my friends on the phone. It was all of a sudden that I remember this girl who used to be my classmate until my sophomore days. I recall how brave she was but when it comes to lizards and heights, men it's a different story. I get frustrated at times when she saw an unmoving lizard from a distance because she's not the typical person who will react too soon, she's just quite for a moment. And then when you least expect it and you're not ready to cover your ears, that's when she'll screams... gahhhhhh the most obnoxious sound I'd ever heard.

But seriously, if you look in a broader sense, she's the most valiant human being ever graced into my life. I'm talking about the way she deals on her life with a not-so-pleasant unending agony. I look up to her as an inspiration. I knew just few about her, for the reason that she was so tight-lipped and doesn't want to give away what she feels, but I think there's nothing more important than what I've learned from her. Alright, she's not a teacher and she doesn't like the sound of being one...it's not her dream definitely.

We've known each other since we've got our own-working-minds, though I never saw her sad. She's that person who hates being unhappy and well, she kinda reminds me that all the time. But I admit, I'd saw her crying twice...and it just automatically alarms me because I know there's something that bothers her. I just have the gut feeling and normally when it's like that, the sense becomes real like I have an ESP.

I finally realized that the saying is true. Technically not everyone consider it's so knocking true, it's just the product of my what so called invented-quote-making-mind. "Cheerful persons are deep. But behind them there is some kind of pain. And all that's left to do is to be happy the best they can be. Smile when you feel like crying. Act like you're okay. There's nothing else you can do. It's easier than explaining why you're sad." But of course, you may wonder, because you're a normal person who doesn't feel like you're going to die anytime soon, that there is so much more to do. But you're not one of them, so you wouldn't possibly understand.

I can sense it though she never admit the real score behind her unending problem...what's bothering her everytime I caught her on a stage of -in-deep-thought. I'm scared at times when she's talking about life as if she'll gonna die any time soon.

Her favorite line that I can't get off of my mind is: "You know, there are billions of people living in this world but they are just categorized into two...whether they are unknown to you or known by you since you've gained your life. You just don't understand what they all feel. It's either they wishes they have everything or hopes they don't have. You desires more from life, don't you? Me? I want nothing but to live." Her gazed at me was everything I wanted to know. I knew it. I already got the answers why she's acting like that.

Then, she'll add more. "I've noticed you're complaining about everything that are so ordinary. Stop doing that. You're lucky you don't have bizarre dilemma. You'll never know someone's may be wishing in your place." Yes, bring on the waterworks. This time she really made me cried while she's still talking.

Then, one time, she a made a letter for me and I think for others, too. Okay, at first it sounds like her old self, a typical happy-go-lucky I've known. But then at the middle of her letter, she finally admit that there's something about her...something we shouldn't dare to ask...that's her request. For the nth time, I feel scared for her but it's just an initial effect. Later I realized I'm admiring her for being so fearless, for facing the reality that life is just mysterious that you don't know what's destined to be. I admire her for not asking why. I never heard that word from her. It's the same thing as if "why" was invented for immature persons.

I never heard anything from her since then. Her family moved to Canada. So I barely know if the girl I used to know before was still living. But it would take a lot to bring this girl down.

Finally, someday, when all I can remember was her, I want to keep on my mind this girl as the the one who always smile even when her all-inside is falling apart...the one who can always brighten up a day even if she couldn't brighten her own.

Remembering Sunday

Leaning now into the breeze / Remembering Sunday, he falls to his knees / Now this place seems familiar to him / She pulled on his hand with a devilish grin / She led him upstairs / She led him upstairs / Left him dying to get in.

Song: Remembering Sunday
Artist: All Time Low
Album: So Wrong, It's Right

All Time Low is an American pop punk band from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2003. Their second full-length studio album So Wrong, It's Right was released through Hopeless Records on September 25, 2007.

The song is one beautiful story of loneliness. The guy wakes up sick of himself...having been drinking his problems away. He falls to his knees in misery. Remembering Sunday implies that this man is reminiscing the day he spent with the girl he truly loved.

He has fallen unconditionally in love with a girl on that particular Sunday they spent together. The girl had always been in love with him, trying to give a hint about her feelings but he's just too blind to see it. He doesn't love her back like that and so had decided to let go what she felt. But that one Sunday is when he fell in love with her, too but doesn't want to say anything because he's not sure if she feels the same.

He finally realizes that he's just going to go for it and ask her out, or to "marry her" as in the song. He goes to her place and find out she's gone...with no way of finding her. The "rained all day" part is him realizing that he's completely failed at love.

The girl's part is her way of remembering him...apologizing for leaving...as she couldn't stay any longer. She'd done something terrible. She may or may not killed herself, the situation seems to go either way but the line "at home in clouds" possibly means she's in heaven.

When the man find this out, he gave up before long, heads back home and here he is now again at the beginning. He wakes up every morning remembering her and the day he fell in love.

Check out their latest album "Nothing Personal" available now.

Who Am I?

I am a flower quickly fading / Here today and gone tomorrow / A wave tossed in the ocean / A vapor in the wind / Still You hear me when I'm calling / Lord, You catch me when I'm falling / And You've told me who I am / I am Yours / I am Yours

Song: Who Am I?
Artist: Casting Crowns
Album: Casting Crowns

"Who Am I?" is a song by Christian rock band Casting Crowns. This song was released as their second single off their self-titled debut album. Casting Crowns began as a student worship band in Daytona Beach, FL in 1999.

I have a number of favorite worship songs that I constantly sing everyday. It's my one way to praise God for all the blessings He graced me within my life. I first heard this glorious song when a certain radio station here in Manila played it while I was about to sleep. I can't explain what I'm feeling. I instantly fell in love with it. I can feel my heart beats so fast, and for a while, I've got teary eyes as I was asking myself who am I really?

For the past twenty one years of my existence, I always keep asking myself that same question. And after hearing the song, I already got the answers.

God is so good. He suffered just to save us. Despite our thousands of failures, He still forgives us each time we repent. Though we always hurt Him by committing sins, still, He remains just and loving to us.

Christ died at cavalry as the payment for our debts. He laid down His life for us...us who are sinners...earthly people.

That's how much He loves us...and there's no greater love than that.

This song is really an anointed song, blessed with God's powerful message that reach into the core of one's being. Listen to this and you'll probably feel what everyone like me had experienced.

It's another "bring on the waterworks" moment of my life. It continues to enthrall me in its special message and I know you can and will relate to that.

It's really amazing when sometimes you feel in life that you are alone...you can't seem to find out what's your reason for living...you thought of being helpless many times.

But finding out these lines: "...and You've told me who I am...I am Yours." Now that's heavenly.

Check out their new album "Until The Whole World Hears" available 11/17/09.

Almost Lover

Well, I never want to see you unhappy / I thought you'd want the same from me / Goodbye, my almost lover / Goodbye, my hopeless dreams / I'm trying not to think about you / Can't you just let me be?

Song: Almost Lover
Artist: A Fine Frenzy
Album: One Cell in the Sea

"Almost Lover" is the first single released from Alison Sudol's, known professionally as A Fine Frenzy, debut album One Cell in the Sea. The single experienced success in Europe such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and France, amongst other countries.

This song is sad but so beautiful. Alison certainly possesses a talent, both musical and lyrical.

Listening to this song just leaves that hint of recognition...that faint reminder of the one that could've been...that feeling of being so attached with the person you can't be with.

It really hits the "I love you but you don't love me" relationship. It's really strong when the song describes her memories, then to images that aren't real. It's pointless to think about it when it won't happen. Like what the song said "almost lover", you haven't got in any commitment.

The fact that both of you can only grow closer everyday but can never be together always exist. Left with no choice, you chose to let go. Though the feeling is there, you chose to move on. Coz' there's no point in hoping for something or even holding on to something that is uncertain.

Anyone who had been in this situation can clearly relate to that. But you got to know that God has a plan for you. You may not know it yet but it will come to place like everything in your life did.

I know it takes a very deep level of break-up and probably I'll cry if I'm caught up on this situation, too. But you must remember that you might miss the person truly meant for you if you hold on to the wrong one. There are things that are gonna played out so much better, down the line.

Check out her newest album "Bomb in a Birdcage" available now.

Dear God

Dear God / The only thing I ask of you is / To hold her when I'm not around / When I'm much too far away.

Song: Dear God
Artist: Avenged Sevenfold
Album: Avenged Sevenfold

"Dear God" is the tenth and final song as well as fourth single from Avenged Sevenfold's self-titled album. It was released on September 30, 2008. Avenged Sevenfold is an American rock band from Huntington Beach, California and was formed in 1999. Other successful tracks included in this album are: "Critical Acclaim","Almost Easy","Afterlife" and "Scream".

This song is very different from their usual style. But nevertheless, it's still amazing. The voice is simply impressive, the lyrics are great, and the melody is excellent. It's an evidence that they can pull off any genre of music, whether it be country, hardrock, or metalcore.

It has some kind of jolt feeling...makes me want to listen for it again and again. I think people who have been parted from the ones they love all partake something within the meaning of this song.

And I'm not an exclusion. This song is very close to my heart. It completely describes my relationship with my boyfriend. So, we both used to live here in the Philippines. Then last year, he just moved away to Melbourne leaving me behind. But, it's not the kind of story where he left me without some reason. Medical technology was much favorable there, so they're decisive to carry out the treatment at RMH for his brain cancer which is at terminal stage already. I let him go because I don't want him to die. It probably will give me a greater heartbreak if that happens.

Until now, I can't get through the days when I'm missing him. I can barely stand it at first. I feel like I don't want to carry on without him.

Then, came the moment where all I can do is prayed to God to hold him always because I'm not around. I asked Him to keep him safe at all times.

It's likely to say that concern is automatic and worry is just natural. But yeah, this is what life is like. I know the inevitable consequences must someday reach it's horizon...the heart-rending sorrow of the final goodbye must always arrive too soon. But, he promise to hold on and stay strong and he will return, so I will always be waiting for him. That was my only heart's concern.

Check out their album "Avenged Sevenfold" available now.

Let Me Be Myself

I guess I just got lost / bein' someone else / I tried to kill the pain / Nothin' ever helped / I left myself behind / Somewhere along the way / Hopin' to come back around / To find myself someday

Song: Let Me Be Myself
Artist: 3 Doors Down
Album: 3 Doors Down

It is the second main single by rock band 3 Doors Down from their eponymous self-titled studio album. The song was released on December 2, 2008. This song is a power ballad, similar to previous hits by the band, "Be Like That" and "Here Without You".

It is one of my favorite track from the album. It really hit me on my personal spot. And I have to admit, when I first heard this song, I really cried. Sorry, but I have an emotional reaction to everything and anything. It speaks about people telling other people that they can't be this...they can't be that. And I understand many of you are going through this yourselves, in the past or at the moment. As you were growing up, people tried to directly influenced your direction, telling who you're supposed to be instead of supporting the things you loved.

From my perspective, it is simple as this:

You become somebody else at the expense (because) of another person. You feel as if you totally shifted...that you were like a completely different or rather opposite person. And now you want to be yourself once again.

Now, I just want you to have a final understanding. Believe me when I say this...but of course, I know you're aware of this. None of this is going to happen if you just let yourself be YOURSELF. You're the only one who truly understand YOURSELF. It's none of your business to care what people might say to you...what they might think of you.

Never allowed somebody else to treat you like a puppet. Be proudly honest with yourself. Aim beyond what you expect for yourself...I know, I'm so sorry. I used the word "yourself" too often, but it's all about you. It's actually better than what they could've planned for. You're far greater than what they thought. Prove everybody wrong. In the end, you'll be living a very...very...happy life, wherever you are, whatever you're doing.

Check out their album "3 Doors Down" available now.

Main Game

It's going so well for me today.

Finally, now is the time for planning. I didn't get this at first..finding my main game..but I properly understand it now. Probably, this is another baggage I've taken with me throughout these past days, if you can relate to my previous post :D. But, I would like to say that I'm back and off to a good start.

I just wanted to explain a few things. I know in such days that are yet coming, people are going to ask me behind my blog's title. I think the words sums up what it is about - 'cushy-couch'. I just want you to imagine laying on a comfortable couch within your own little world, escaping for a moment from the not-so-great reality of life while discovering lyrics that actually carries a message.

I'm about to introduce you with random sets of song lyrics with little information about the artist and album plus I'm trying to go about/behind it by sharing with you things that I know you're going through with yourselves.

The original idea was to enable discovery of song's lyrics...to read between the lines. I'm trying to put in your perspective that a song isn't really about memorizing melody and lyrics. It's broader than that. I think it's the same with the 'code system' if that was acceptable.

And I have to say, I'm really excited right now...about other things that are coming up sooner. There's no way I thought I was going to do this again. So maybe possibly you can check it out and let me see what you think...maybe like everyday? Cool. I'd be thankful and honored for the rest of my life if you'd do that. :D

My Mind Was Lost

Here I am, back writing again this time just to tell that I have not forgotten all of you. There had been lots of stuff going on with my work so I just make sure that I take a chainsaw to my schedule to carve out some time for writing...but, I don't know what to say, actually :D

Honestly, I'm getting a lot of stress these past months..probably for the reason that I almost have had 3 1/2 months to go now to finish all my accounting report and then I'm off to find a new job. Yeah, I've been thinking that a lot lately so please forgive me. I know I shouldn't have done that, and now I feel this way.

And normally when it's like that, I don't write because my thoughts were so inconsistent, I used to rambled on. My brain wasn't functioning well. I thought I was completely out-of-me, that's why I said my mind was lost (if you can relate to that :D).

I really don't know how to get back on track but hey I'm still writing to vent a bit. To those who'll get a chance to read this post, I'm so sorry from the bottom of my heart. I don't have any interesting thoughts to share this time and I don't think this will going to be a very deep conversation.

But regardless, this have been my favorite question up to date-'Are you doing anything?'. Definitely yes...I promise you all, I don't sit around on my chair all day doing nothing. I'm telling you all, I don't even have a single choice - it's a given task. So, I will do my part(job) and will energetically and enthusiastically continue to do so. I'm working below my radar and throwing myself wholeheartedly finishing them all.

What do you think? I'm right, I don't have any interesting update to say this time. Ooh! I hate this part when I can't extract my thoughts no matter what I do. The squeezing thing isn't just right. I wish I could divulge the things that are blocking the flow of my what-so-called 'MIND'...but I'm telling you all, this is also complicated and confusing to me...someone who's in the middle of the whole thing.

I just hope this will be worth it in due time..and I hope I'm not too boring because I would definitely hate that, h-a-h kidding! But I'm pretty sure that I'm going to absorb a whole lot more in months that are yet coming. Yes, I'm 21 but I feel like my life is just beginning.

I hope to write some more during the next days :D

Sorry, if it was a little confusing. I know. I often tend to ramble on with my mind haha! I <3>

Where My Life Is At

Hi! My name is JoJo. I am the girl whose passions are the soul expressions of 'music and writing.' I have grown up doing what I loved without even knowing what I'm doing, actually. But of course, probably those were my innocent times...back before I'd ever known I'd become an accountant and obsessed with numbers and analyzing problems and sort of "abnormal" stuffs like that. Haha! No, it's just weird for me to think such things exists for us.

Too deep...

You see even though I chose a different path, and no matter what I continue to pursue in the end, 'music and writing' will always stake a claim at my root. For the most part, it never went away because it was there. It shares such a big portion of my life. Without it, probably I would've died a long time ago.

But regardless...

This is the moment were it kinda came to me. I honestly didn't consider this at first...but I will never take anything for granted again. I will properly appreciate and understand everything that was ever given to me. Everything can be taken away if I make one wrong move...that's the reality that everyone should accept.

Now is the time...

I will open up my heart to 'music and writing' again.