Sunday, December 31, 2017

My Hot 100 for 2017

My favorite songs of the year!

1. Perfect - Ed Sheeran
2. That's What I Like - Bruno Mars
3, Remember Me - Coco cast
4. Sidekick - Dawin
5. Thunder - Imagine Dragons
6. Feels -  Calvin Harris Featuring Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean
7. HUMBLE. - Kendrick Lamar
8. Heavy - Linkin Park feat Kiarra
9. Dahil Sa'Yo - Inigo Pascual
10.Stay - Zedd & Alessia Cara

11. Shape of You - Ed Sheeran
12. Too Good at Goodbyes - Sam Smith
13. Slow Hands - Niall Horan
14. Despacito (Remix) - Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat Justin Bieber
15. New Rules - Dua Lipa
16. Truthfully - DNCE
17. Laro - Autotelic
18. Bahaghari - Sponge Cola
19. Reggaeton Lento (Remix) - CNCO and Little Mix
20. 1-800-273-8255 - Logic Featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid

21. He Like That - Fifth Harmony
22. Castle on the Hill - Ed Sheeran
23. Issues - Julia Michaels
24.  ILYSB - LANY
25. I'm The One - DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne
26. Sorry Not Sorry - Demi Lovato
27. Rain - The Script
28. Rich Love - One Republic feat Seeb
29. Back to You - Louis Tomlinson feat Bebe Rexha
30.  Beautiful Trauma - Pink

31. Something Just Like This - The Chainsmokers and Coldplay
32. Malaya - Moira Dela Torre
33. Versace on the Floor - Bruno Mars
34. Believer - Imagine Dragons
35. Cut to the Feeling - Carly Rae Jepsen
36. Million Reasons - Lady GaGa
37, Young Dumb and Broke - Khalid
38. Feel It Still - Portugal. The Man
39. Tayo Na Lang Kasi - Kyla and Jason Dy
40. Havana - Camila Cabello feat Young Thug

41. Paris - The Chainsmokers
42  Titibo Tibo - Moira Dela Torre
43. How Would You Feel - Ed Sheeran
44. Lutang - Ely Buendia and Itchyworms
45. I Feel it Coming - The Weeknd feat Daft Punk
46. Water Under the Bridge - Adele
47. What Lovers Do - Maroon Five feat SZA
48.  Itulog Mo Na Yan - Moonstar 88
49. Mama - Jonas Blue feat William Singe
50. It's Goin Down - Descendants 2 Cast

51. Just Love Ngayong Christmas - Various Artists 
52. What About Us - P!nk
53. Swalla - Jason Derulo Featuring Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign
54. Attention - Charlie Puth
55. Bad Liar - Selena Gomez
56.  Balewala - Brisom
57. Two Less Lonely People in the World - KZ Tandingan
58. Tulad Mo - TJ Monterde
59. Symphony - Clean Bandit feat Zara Larson
60.  Kaibigan Mo - Sarah Geronimo and Yeng Costantino

61. You Make Me Feel Like Christmas - Gwen Stefani feat Blake Shelton
62. Misteryo - Sarah Geronimo
63. Sign of the Times - Harry Styles
64. Glorious - Macklemor feat Skylar Grey
65. I Like Me Better - Lauv
66, Super Far - LANY
67.  How Long - Charlie Puth
68. Ikaw at Ako Pa Rin - TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan
69. Unti Unti - Up Dharma Down
70. Extensyon - Inigo Pascual feat Aikee

71. Hard Times - Paramore
72. No Promises - Cheat Codes feat Demi Lovato
73, Slide - Calvin Harris feat Frank Ocean
74. Down - Marian  Hill
75. Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift
76. Touch - Little Mix
77. Errors - Dawin
78. Nasayang Lang - The Juans .
79. It Ain't Me - Kygo feat Selena Gomez
80. One More Light - Linkin Park

81. Evermore - Josh Groban / Dan Stevens
82. Too Much To Ask - Niall Horan
83. Wild Thoughts - DJ Khalid feat Rihanna and Bryson Tiller
84. Power - Little Mix
85. Honest - The Chainsmokers
86. Love So Soft - Kelly Clarkson
87. Down - Fifth Harmony feat Gucci Manne
88. Chained To The Rhythm - Katy Perry Featuring Skip Marley
89. Christmas Eve - Kelly Clarkson
90. Let Met Go - Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso feat Florida Georgia Line

91.  ...Ready for It - Taylor Swift 
92. Another Day of Sun - La La Land Cast
93. Cool Down - James Reid
94. Scared to Be Lonely - Martin Garrix feat Dua Lipa
95. Beauty and the Beast - Ariana Grande and John Legend
96. The Cure - Lady GaGa
97. Echame La Culpa - Luis Fonsi feat Demi Lovato'
98. I Don't Wanna Live Forever - Zayn and Taylor Swift
99. Friends - Justin Bieber feat Bloodpop
100. If I'm Lucky - Jason DeRulo

****

My Hot 100 for 2016

Saturday, December 30, 2017

My Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2017

Unfortunately, another year where I saw few movies (that I want to) in the theaters this year. I was especially disappointed I was not able to watch more movies in Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Cinemalaya, Cinema One Originals and even MMFF (I haven't seen a single entry this year)

So my choices were not as vast but still these ten 2017 Philippine releases were really the highlights of my movie watching year

10. Baby Driver
- It's a conventional heist story but delivered with precision from editing to the use of music. A truly entertaining ride

9. Birdshot
- One of the two movies I've seen on Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino last August and it was worth it. It started a little slow but the build up was intense and the climax had me at the edge of my seat

8. La La Land
- The Oscar front runner that lost the big award. I understand why there was an overrated backlash but without the awards standard it had to measure, this musical is pure delight. A lovely homage to the classic musicals while having its own unique touch.

7. Love You to the Stars and Back
- Don't mistake this movie as another love team vehicle for their fans' delight. This conversation-driven movie is an engaging philosophical journey of people dealing with things bigger than they could handle. 

6. Logan
- Hugh Jackman's iconic turn as Wolverine ends in a big way with this riveting story where we saw the famous character under a new light. 

5. War for the Planet of the Apes
The trilogy ends on top with a powerful conclusion headlined by another masterful performance from Andy Serkis,

4. Respeto
This year's Cinemalaya winner speaks a powerful message about the society today through  the poetic verses of rap. It's a mindblowing experience. 

3. Get Out
 A creepy movie but not in the way you expected. The movie haunts the viewer on a visceral level.

2. Wonder
Based on the best selling children's book, the movie spoke to me in a way I didn't expect. I simply love the movie's core message that each one of  us is battling our own personal issues so as much as possible always choose to be kind.

1. Coco
Yes another year where an animated movie tops my list but what I can do, these movies really captures my heart and always leave a lasting impression to me. Coco is a visual masterpiece as one would expect from a Pixar production but this one was just so good that I had to watch it twice. And both times I saw it, it left me teary eyed. The story is conventional but the heart is the right place. I love its message about the importance of honoring the memory of our loved ones.

****
Favorites from the past years:


My 10 Favorite Sitcom Episodes of 2017

Here is my annual rundown of my favorite episodes of the sitcoms I watched this year. Like in previous years for variety purposes I just chose one episode per show. 
(Check out my top 10 lists over the years: 2016201520142013,2012)

1. The Good Place Season 2, Episode 3 "Dance Dance Resolution"
I had a hard time picking among three episodes as the season 1 finale and season 2 premiere were so so outstanding that left me lasting impressions. Ultimately, I chose the current season's third episode because I was so impressed how the show was so clever enough to pull off another organic surprise from the already wickedly surprising Season 2 opener. I love twist when it' is executed masterfully that you could feel that the writers have a clear game plan on the show will pan out. 

2. Master of None Season 2, Episode 3 "Religion"
This Netflix comedy is very different from that typical sitcom that I like. It's unconventional and adventurous. It's hard to predict what will they do next but what I love with this show is even with its experimental approaches it never loses the humor completely. This is my favorite episode of the current season because of the excellent way they handled the story of a person's spirituality.  Not preachy. No mocking of one's faith. Just pure human approach. In a year where obnoxious aggressive behavior and mindset took the center stage, an episode like this exploring a sensitive topic in a level headed and sensible way is what we need.

3. Will & Grace Season 9 Episode 6 "Rosario's Quinceanera"
The big comeback of this beloved classic 11 years after it went off the air. However, the actress who played the charming Rosario declined to return due to retirement so this episode was [SPOILER ALERT]  a fond farewell to a beloved character. Karen's eulogy is full of heart and yet never loses the barbs their relationship is known for.

4. Superstore Season 2, Episode 21 "The Tornado"
Just like last year, Superstore's season finale ended in a BIG way. The execution of the tornado scenes caught me by surprise of how intense it was, I was at the edge of my seat. And yet the funny moments still kept on coming with my personal favorite involving the silent scene stealer Sandra. 

5. The Middle Season 9 Episode 9, "The 200th"
Now on *sniffs* its final season, I knew The Middle's 200th episode will be special and I definitely was not disappointed. The episode's highlight is Mike's unexpected speech telling how special Orson and the importance of the sense of community.

6. Brooklyn Nine Nine Season 5 Episode 4, "HalloVeen"
This show's Halloween Heist episodes were always fun but this year they took it up a notch with such crazy hilarious episode that featured one of the best spoof of Emmy winning drama The Handmaids and manage to pull a MAJOR surprise in the end. 

7. Trial & Error Season 1, Episode 13 "The Verdict"
This hilarious mockumentary is one the underrated new gems of the year. This Whodunnit comedy features a great cast and riveting murder mystery with hilarious twists and turns and the season finale where we finally found out who the murderer is was executed to perfection.

8. Speechless Season 2, Episode 10 "S-i-Silent Night"
This family comedy's Christmas episode is my favorite of the holiday-themed episodes I've watched this year. Funny, warm and tender. I love how this episode gave a "voice" to a person who can't speak and was able to send its message across in a big way. And yes this episode left me teary-eyed!

9. Downward Dog Season 1, Episode 4 "The Full Package"
 Yes the show's main character is a talking dog but it's not in the cute kind of way. The dog is full of angst but he delivers it a very witty way and was truly engaging to "hear". In this episode, the show touches the issue of one's insecurity and it really struck a chord. This show has been canceled which is unfortunate but the show's eight episode run was so special and hopefully gets discovered eventually by a wider audience someday.

10. Mom Season 4, Episode 12 "Wind Chimes and a Bottomless Pit of Sadness"
The show completely shifted its focus to Bonny and Christie's Alcoholic Anonymous group which I can't blame the show because it is really the show's strength. In this episode, the ladies got accidentally high and while this is Sitcom 101 plot, the execution, cast chemistry and acting were top notch that just remembering the scenes in my head already had me laughing. 

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Random Ramblings 2

In my previous post I talked about our company finally having HMO but may not push through because of unfavorable reactions from my coworkers. I thought it was not happening anymore but I WAS WRONG. The company found a package suited for our company's size and also generally favorable to the employees needs and demands. I can't describe how happy I was when I received the HMO card with my name printed on it. This is a best Christmas gift I could possibly have this year. I've been wanting this for so long and finally years of patience finally paid off. I won't deny that over the years I've been thinking of quitting and moving on. But for a variety of reasons, I always choose to stay and finally having the security of medical insurance gives me more reason to not think about quitting anymore. 
***
Today I went on vacation leave mostly because I just want to avoid the Christmas mad dash traffic. And also to save money as well by avoiding temptations (aka malls!). I'll be back at work next week and will not really take a long break. I personally don't want long breaks to be honest (unless needed). And based on the past years, the days between Christmas and New Year are laid back and stress free at work (and the commute is not stressful)

***
In my previous post I also shared about thinking of ending my yearly tradition listing radio year end countdowns but I thought why not end it on the 20th year which I mistakenly thought was this year. As a friend pointed out, the 20th year of my tradition was actually last year because I started at 10 years old so last year was the 20th time I did it. My mind just automatically thought since I'm 30 now, it will be my 20th year of doing this. It's a little bizarre I have a numbers-related hobby when I'm poor in Math. 

Anyway, I'll probably won't do my Dec. 31  tradition anymore. Maybe I'll eat my words and still do it when the day comes. For now, I think I will stop now. Or maybe just listen to it casually and literally not list it anymore. I don't know.  A part of me still wants to continue this tradition but it's just different now. The excitement I used to have just isn't there anymore. Honestly I kinda felt it in the two years or so but I continued out of habit  and I have nothing better to do on that day. I'm still indecisive right now. It's annoying because it's so shallow but I feel like it's such a big deal to me. I feel like it's letting go of my childhood or an old passion/dream. Who knew listing music countdowns would mean so much to me right? 

***

A few days ago an officemate asked me why I don't go out and have drinks with them. I have a few reasons, some weird, some practical. First,I don't drink alcoholic beverages mostly because I don't like the taste. I tasted it before but I really don't like it so there's that. Another reason is that I've interacted with people who are intoxicated / drunk in some instances already and more often than not they say things which would make me uncomfortable. Sometimes offensive. I know it's likely just the booze talking and I should not take it against that person. I'm mostly level headed and understanding but I prefer to avoid a situation like that for the better. Lastly, I don't like staying that late as commute to home will be hard. I know this is a bonding experience for most where people let their guard dow But honestly I can have that even without drinking. I like talking to friends, sharing personal stories and insights. I love connecting to people despite my introvert, loner-ish personality. 


***

Christmas is almost here. Yes, I don't feel as excited as I used to be but I try my best not to be a scrooge anymore so I try to get the Christmas spirit going. I love this season to be honest, it's so festive and gives me good vibes.

***

I was an intern for Journal Group of Publications where I mostly did proofreading. The interns were given a chance to write for the Christmas supplement of People's Journal. My pieces (one I co-wrote with my classmate Giselle) were published 10 years ago this week



Saturday, December 09, 2017

Random Ramblings


I got my Christmas bonus and 13th month pay last week and very thankful. I already gave a portion to my family and also savings. There's still some left but I'm afraid of spending it because I feel like I could end up regretting it. I don't have that much disposable income. I wish I have but the truth is I don't so I need to be wise with spending. I'm always paranoid with finances. So afraid of going broke. . I just need to maximize what I have and I'm good at that. I still have some extra like when I feel like riding the P2P bus to work which is more expensive (but so comfortable) . But for anything else I'm always cautious. One thing that made me sad about cutting down on expenses is that I rarely go to the movies anymore. I love watching in the cinema but the prices are just not practical to me anymore. 

***
I've been researching of finding ways to earn extra money or even a good investment. But it's hard to find something that I can do or not too risky. Sometimes I think of risking again and start a small business but the pain of our failed family business still haunts me to this day. I hope in 2018 an opportunity arises or that I will be brave enough to take a risk.

***
I've been vulnerable to insecurity lately and one major trigger is Facebook. So I'm detaching myself to that as much as possible. I hate feeling envious especially to the people around my age. It's a bad feeling and it does not help me grow and instead just makes me weaker. I don't want to be that kind of loser in life. 

***
I've once dreamed of becoming a college professor but that's probably not going to happen anymore. Could not afford master's degree and I'm not even sure I still have that A student inside of me. Plus I don't feel like I have what it takes to hone young minds. I have no cred so to speak. So with no master's degree and no cred, I have no business of becoming a professor.

***
It's the year end countdown season and it makes me sad that I'm not as excited as I used to be. Maybe it's the age. I will still be listing year end radio countdowns on Dec. 31 which I have been doing since I was 10 years old but this is probably the last time I will be doing it. I like even numbers so I want to end this tradition at exactly 20 years. Something about turning 30 this year that made me reconsider some things in my life which includes that year end tradition. Can I really let go of something that has been part of my life for so long? Maybe. I'm no longer that interested in following daily and weekly music charts aside from Billboard which I'm losing a little interest as well as streaming era makes the chart stagnant. Billboard Hot 100 Philippines launched this year and it was underwhelming for me. But maybe because in general the whole pop music scene is not connecting to me that much anymore. I do think I'll forever be a chart geek but maybe not as passionate as I used to be, I need to move on at some point.

***
One disappointment I had this year is that when our company finally decided to have HMO, majority of the employees rejected it so it's now in limbo and probably not happening anymore. Hopefully not and the company is just looking for better HMO provider that would please the majority but I'm afraid it's not gonna happen anymore. I'm still shocked with how much my other co-workers didn't warm up to it. Hopefully they just want a better plan and not really dislike the idea of having one. But it was truly something I really felt so sad about. I thought it was something  a lot of us wanted t but I was shocked that it was not the case.

***
On the positive side, I 'm thankful my family, especially my parents, had generally good health this year. No major health scares and visits to the hospital like in previous years. Whenever I feel so down or frustrated with my life, I remind myself that  one of my big fears in life (major family heath scare) is not happening so I should be grateful.

***
Ten years ago I was an intern for Journal Group of Publications. I mostly did proof reading job but for their Christmas supplement I was able to write two articles and both were published on People's Journal! I was so thrilled to see my byline on a national newspaper. Ten years later, print media is almost dead and it really makes me sad. I also miss the young me who dreamed of becoming a journalist. I did become a writer professionally but it's not journalism. My current job duties no longer involves writing so my writing skills (along with my grammar) is rusty now. 

***
I sometimes wish I'm typical. Regular. Ordinary. Predictable. Normal. But I'm not. I wish it was in a "cool, edgy" way but no. I'm not typical in the most pathetic way I could imagine. It sucks that I feel this way about myself. I swear this line of thinking is something I've been trying to avoid or get rid of permanently but I don't know I feel like there are constant reminders that prevent me from doing so.