I’ve been putting too much thinking into my blogging that I end up hardly writing at all, so now I’m starting a personal meme I’m calling “Five on Friday.” Every Friday, I will write a list of five things on a topic I find worthwhile. If this turns out well, it’ll guarantee at least four posts in one month, or at least one post a week! That’s a milestone. Hopefully.

My first list I’m calling “Songs To Cry To…”, tracks in heavy rotation on my iPod that make me feel like sinking into a bottle of San Mig Light:

1. Kahit Na by Bridge
   Di na kailangan pang mag-isip kung tayo nang dalawa / Di sa lahat ng bagay tayo ay magkatugma / Basta’t pag-ibig natin ang siyang magdadala / Bahala na

   How can you not remember the times when you used to think that love is all that matters?

2. Stuck in a Moment by U2
   I am still enchanted / By the light you brought to me / I listen through your ears / Through your eyes I can see
   …
   And if the night runs over / And if the day won’t last / And if your way should falter / Along this stony pass
   It’s just a moment / This time will pass

   One of U2’s most beautiful songs. Honestly, the way I hear it, this is a song of hope, of trials and tribulations. But the verse I quoted above I find very interesting — about seeing the world through the eyes of someone else you held close to your heart. A story of lost love and hope?

3. Beer by Itchyworms
   Nais kong magpakalasing dahil wala ka na / Nakatingin sa salamin at nag-iisa / Nakatanim pa rin ang gumamelang binigay mo sa’kin nang tayo’y magkahiwalay / Ito’y katulad ng damdamin ko kahit buhusan mo ng beer ayaw pang mamatay

   Now I’m seeing a trend that I’ve been listening to songs of the lost love tragedy type. This cut from the Itchyworms reaches e-heads level in drama and music, one that will continue to be sung even years from now. If you haven’t heard their “Beer Lite” acoustic version, grab a copy of their CD! You’ll see the song in an even sadder and soulful light. Beer nga.

4. The Scientist by Coldplay
   Come up to meet you, Tell you I’m sorry, You don’t know how lovely you are / I had to find you, Tell you I need you, Tell you I set you apart

   Yes I really do need a cold beer right now. I’ve been listening to a lot of Coldplay (and Keane) the past week that I’ve been addicted to their sound with this song haunting my head. It’s such a shame for us to part…

5. Grateful by Julianne
   Grateful for the day you called my name / Ever since you walked into the door it’s never been the same / Mornings are brighter now, I’m not afraid / And I wake up each day with a smile on my face
   ‘Coz I’ve been in places where I couldn’t even see the light of day / And then you came

   This is a track from new local artist Julianne, who sounds different to most female local acts today. A little bit of Cynthia Alexander, lots of acoustic guitar work and all original compositions. None of the usual cover songs that most female acts have been recently fond of.

   Now here’s something refreshing, one that looks at the world in a very positive light. Like the early–morning light that promises a brand new day. Tomorrow. Hope. Listen to it, I promise you’ll like it.

Now let me share some text from Paulo Coelho’s “Like the Flowing River,” last paragraph of page 6:

Encouraged by this recollection, I pick up my spear again, attack the weeds I did not invite to grow in my garden, and am left with this morning’s one lesson: when something undesirable grows in my soul, I ask God to give me the same courage mercilessly to pluck it out.

Just a few not–too–coherent thoughts for some lenten reflection. 🙂