CORD MUSIC MAGAZINE July 2012

CORD

July 2012

5 BEST SONGS

BEEGEES Legacy beyond Disco REMEMBERING JOHN

JOHN LENNON John Lennon Live in NYC

IN HER OWN WORDS

CATTSKI Her New Album 0:00:00 CORD Music Magazine July 2012

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CORD Music Magazine July 2012

Features

CONTENTS

Beegees - 9 CORD Best 5: Beegees - 11

Donna Summer - 18 Cattski - 20

American Idol Live - 24 John Lennon - 34 Sections 5 Cord Hits/ 28 Musical Reviews/ 29 Cord Images/ 37 Music+Current/39 Haikus/ 40 Fiction/ 43 Best of Blotfree/ 46 Book Review/47 Movie Reviews/ 50 Guitar Chord Chart

CORD Music Magazine  July 2012

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From the Editor Most people wish they’d win the lotto; thinking that all their dreams and aspirations will come true with the cash windfall. While there are inspiring stories of winners who share their prizes to worthy causes and charitable institutions; there are also tragic tales of families torn apart and of individuals falling into the trappings of temptation and excesses. There are also those who become frustrated that the material wealth that they long does not happen.

But if one just looks at life on a day-to-day basis, there are packets of joy and happiness that come our way. Obviously, waking up in the morning is such a thrill, for we’ve been given another day to share with our loved ones, and the rest of the world. Oftentimes, simple little things (like laughter, a warm ‘hello’, a hug, an offer of help) are often ignored; as individuals long for that big-time ‘happiness’. If you’ve seen Adam Sandler’s “Click”, then you know what I mean.

In this issue of CORD, our cover story is about Cattski Espina who recently released an album, after a hiatus of two years from playing with the band. To her the album, 00:00:00, is “my new child…my life”, and what gives her joy is for her “music to find its way first to your ears, and then to your hearts.” We also feature performers like the BeeGees and Donna Summer who we remember not just for creating Top 40 hits, but also making us dance during the disco years. Jessica Sanchez is in this issue, whom many expected to win American Idol 2012, but wound up one notch short. She said that it was enough that she was able to give her very best and that winning was secondary.

For my part, a packet of joy and happiness I experienced recently was singing a duet with my 5-year old grandson, Jeydi, “My Favorite Things” before family and friends. (To view click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SzaJ0b9uVk&feature=s hare) It is one of those moments that is forever treasured in life.

Do count your blessings each day.

For us in CORD, your visiting this publication and your sharing this to others give us immense happiness. Read on.

MEL B LIBRE Editor in Chief Editor in Chief: Mel Libre Creative Director: Mel Elijan Libre Contributors: KAL, Hilarion Chua Jr, Melissa D Free, Stella L, Elmer Rivera Karaan 4

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

CORD HITS

COURAGEOUS Casting Crowns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= cTYSirKUiVw&feature=related F#m7 We were made to be courageous D We were made to lead the way Asus2 We could be the generation E (hold) the finally breaks the chains Chorus 1

D Asus2 F#m7 E We were made to be courageous D Asus2 E (hold) We were made to be courageous Verse 1

F#m7 We were warriors on the front lines D Standing, unafraid Asus2 But now were watchers on the sidelines E While our families slip away F#m7 Where are you men of courage?

D You were made for so much more Asus2 Let the pounding of our hearts cry E CORD Music Magazine July 2012

We will serve the Lord Chorus 2

D We were made to be courageous Asus2 E And were taking back the fight D We were made to be courageous F#m7 Asus2 And it starts with us tonight D Asus2 The only way we’ll ever stand F#m7 E Is on our knees, we’re lifting hands D Asus2 F#m7 Make us courageous E D Asus2 E (hold) Lord, make us courageous Verse 2

F#m7 This is our resolution D Our answer to the call Asus2 We will love our wives and children E We refuse to let them fall F#m7 5

We will reignite the passion D That we buried deep inside Asus2 May the watchers become warriors E Let the men of God arise Instrumental D Asus2 F#m7 E D Asus2 F#m7 E Bridge 1 D Asus2 F#m7 E Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God. D Asus2 F#m7 E Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God. Bridge 2 In the war of the mind I will make my stand In the battle of the heart and the battle of the hand

HOPE OF THE BROKEN WORLD

Selah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX1EFPtTZ5U

Capo 2 Intro: G

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Verse 1 C2 In the beginning, into the darkness Em The Spirit’s moving upon the waters.

C2 Em You spoke the words, “Let there be light!”

C Out of the chaos came the promise, Em The universe rose and applauded C Em When You commanded the newborn sun to rise.

Chorus C2 G You are the Dayspring, You are the Morning Star Em D C Creation’s splendor speaks of who You are C G You are salvation, You are the joy of the earth!

Em D C Restoration comes, hope of the broken world Verse 2 C Into my weakness, into my darkness Em Your Spirit’s moving upon my heart and C Em You speak the words, “Let there be light!”

C Into my chaos comes Your promise Em The new is rising, the old has passed on C Em You are reviving, and making all things right.

Bridge F C G Arise, shine, the glory of the Lord is risen!

F C G Arise, shine, the glory of the Lord is risen!

F C G Arise, shine, the glory of the Lord is risen!

F C G Arise, shine, the glory of the Lord is risen!

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

YOUR GREAT NAME Michael Neale

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1L2xZ6NBy4

Your great name Em C The sick are healed, the dead are raised G D At the sound of Your great name Bridge C G D Em Redeemer, my Healer Lord Almighty C G D Em Defender, my Savior, You are my King

Capo 2 Verse 1 Em C G D Lost are saved, find their way at the sound of Your great name Em C G D All condemned feel no shame at the sound of Your great name Em C G D Every fear has no place at the sound of Your great name Em C G D The enemy, he has to leave at the sound of Your great name

Tag D Em C D Sing the name of Je-sus Em C D We worship the name of Je-sus Em C D We bow before Je-sus Em C D There is no other name but Je-sus

DARK HORSES Switchfoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_5oE0ijhKg

Chorus CG D Em C G Jesus, worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us D Em C G Son of God and man, You are high and lifted up D Em C G D And all the world will praise Your great name Verse 2 Em C G D All the weak find their strength at the sound of Your great name Em C G D Hungry souls receive grace at the sound of Your great name Em C G D The fatherless find their place at the sound of

CORD Music Magazine  July 2012

Intro: A C F D x3 Yeah [verse] A I made my mistakes C

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I seen my heart cave in F I got my scars D I been to hell and back again A Born for the blue skies C We’ll survive the rain F Born for the sunrise D We’ll survive the pain [Chorus] A We’re singing…

C Hey, you can’t count us out F D We’ve been running up against the crowd A C F D Yeah, we are the dark horses A We’re singing…

C Wait! It’s not over now F D We’ve been down but we’ve never been out A C F D Yeah, we are the dark horses [verse] A We found the way out C The city takes everything it can F But outside the crowds D I can feel my lungs again A Born for the blue skies C We’ll survive the rain

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F Born for the sunrise D We’ll survive the pain [Chorus] A We’re singing…

C Hey, you can’t count us out F D We’ve been running up against the crowd A C F D Yeah, we are the dark horses A We’re singing…

C Wait! It’s not over now F D We’ve been down but we’ve never been out A C F D Yeah, we are the dark horses We’re singing La la la la la la la La la la la la la la.

Yeah!

Born for the blue skies We’ll survive the rain Born for the sunrise We’ll survive the pain [Chorus] x1 Yeah!

Laa la-la-la-la-laa Laa la-la-la-la-laa [Faded Voice:] Keep running with the dark horses Hope makes the blood change courses Keep running with the dark horses Stand up with the dark horses Keep running with the dark horses Hope makes the blood change courses

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

BEEGEES:

LEGACY BEYOND DISCO

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HE BEEGEES WAS entertainment mogul Robert Stigwood’s answer to the Beatles. The Fab Four had refused to join Stigwood though Beatles manager Brian Epstein insisted on it.

Elder brother, Barry with twins Robin and Maurice created an impact in Australia through the hit song, “Spicks and Specks” that brought them to the attention of Epstein who endorsed them to Stigwood, the latter investing much to introduce them to a worldwide audience. With Stigwood, the BeeGees made their first international hit CORD Music Magazine July 2012

“New York Mining Disaster 1941”, which was followed by more than 24 number-one hits across the world. To date they have a total of more than 220 million record sales, and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

The BeeGees in the 60s paled in comparison to The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, as they were more pop than rock, with the vibrato of Robin Gibb as the hallmark of their sound. Yet Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records, was blown away by their “most beautiful voices, unlike anything I had ever heard: beautiful clarity and a lot of feeling. It was the sound of brothers’’.

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When their career ebbed in the late 60s, the Gibbs morphed from a pop-rock band into the biggest disco group of all time as they wrote most of the songs for the generation-defining soundtrack album of “Saturday Night Fever”. Robin didn’t even know at that time that they were writing disco tunes: “we thought we were just writing pop songs you could dance to”. That gives sense to Barry Gibb later admitting, “I never really did any disco dancing.”

The public backlash on disco, though, resulted in the near-annihilation of the dance genre. The BeeGees fell out of grace getting the blame for pioneering the repetitive techno-sound of disco music. Their attempt at the movies singing The Beatles’ music in “Sgt Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band” is looked upon as a disaster, though it really isn’t as bad as critics deem it to be.

Becoming the butt of jokes for their association with disco and for their distinctive falsetto harmony, the resilient brothers moved on, with Barry Gibb turning to producing for other artists, most notably Barbra Streisand. During the turn of the

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century, interest in dance music resurrected, and many R n’ B artists count The BeeGees as having influenced their music.

When Maurice died in 2002, Barry and Robin retired the group as both brothers continued to pursue solo projects, highlighted with Barry Gibb performing “To Love Somebody” alone in American Idol 2007. The surviving members planned to tour again as Barry and Robin appeared in American Idol 2010, joining contestants Siobhan Magnus and Aaron Kelly in “How Deep is Your Love”. But with the passage of Robin this year, The BeeGees takes it leave from the music world.

As Barry Gibb once said, “No group lasts forever.” That he now knows.

But here’s one consolation for Barry, as Elton John said in a recent performance, “The Bee Gees were part of my life when I was growing up; they were a huge influence on me as a songwriter”. And surely many other songwriters will nod in agreement.

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

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CORD BEST

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BEEGEES CORD Music Magazine July 2012

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5

RUN TO ME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlAHMwSExM4 [VERSE 1]

[VERSE 3]

A E If ever you got rain in your heart, F#m D someone has hurt you, and torn you apart, E A am I unwise to open up your eyes to love me?

A E And when you’re out in the cold, F#m D no one beside you, and no one to hold, E A am I unwise to open up your eyes to love me?

[VERSE 2]

[VERSE 4]

A E And let it be like they said it would be F#m D me loving you girl, and you loving me.

E A Am I unwise to open up your eyes to love me?

A E And when you’ve got nothing to lose, F#m D nothing to pay for, nothing to choose, E A am I unwise to open up your eyes to love me

[CHORUS]

[CHORUS]

A C#m Run to me whenever you’re lonely D Dm Run to me if you need a shoulder A F# Bm Now and then, you need someone older, Dm E A so darling, you run to me.

A C#m Run to me whenever you’re lonely D Dm Run to me if you need a shoulder A F# Bm Now and then, you need someone older, Dm E A so darling, you run to me.

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CORD Music Magazine July 2012

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HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpqqjU7u5Yc&fe Intro: D Dmaj7 Gmaj7 Asus4

D F#m Em Bm I know your eyes in the morning sun

Em Bm Asus4 I feel you touch me in the pouring rain

D F#m Em F#m And the moment that you wander far from me

Em F#m Asus4 I wanna feel you in my arms again G F#m And you come to me on a summer breeze

Em Em6 Keep me warm in your love and then softly leave F#m Asus4 And it’s me you need to show [CHORUS] D How deep is your love Dmaj7 How deep is your love Gmaj7 Gm6 I really need to learn

D Amaj7 ‘cause we’re living in a world of fools

B7 Breaking us down

B7 Em When they all should let us be Gm We belong to you and me D F#m Em Bm I believe in you

Em Bm

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

Asus4

You know the door to my very soul

D F#m Em F#m You’re the light in my deepest darkest hour

Em F#m Asus4 You’re my saviour when I fall G F#m And you may not think I care for you

Em Em6 When you know down inside That I really do F#m Asus4 And it’s me you need to show [CHORUS] X1 [BREAK] D F#m Em Bm La La La Em Bm Asus4 D F#m Em F#m Em F#m Asus4 G F#m And you come to me on a summer breeze

Em Em6 Keep me warm in your love and then softly leave F#m Asus4 And it’s me you need to show [CHORUS] X1 D

F#m

Em

[CHORUS] X1

B7 Em When they all should let us be Gm We belong to you and me D F#m Em D

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TO LOVE SOMEBODY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykU8iSKkJR0atu Intro: A-G-D-A- A-A [Verse 1] A There’s a light Bm A certain kind of light D A That never shone on me G A I want my life to be E To live with you D To live with you There’s a way Everybody says To do each and every little thing But what does it bring If I ain’t got you Ain’t got... baby [Chorus] A E You don’t know what it’s like D A [N.C.] Baby, you don’t know what it’s like E To love somebody D To love somebody A The way I love you A-G-D-A- A-A [Verse 2] A Mmm, in my brain Bm 14

I see your face again D A I know my frame of mind G A You ain’t got to be so blind E And I’m blind D So so so very blind I’m a man, can’t you see what I am I live and I breathe for you But what good does it do If I ain’t got you Ain’t got... baby [Chorus] A E You don’t know what it’s like D A [N.C.] Baby, you don’t know what it’s like E To love somebody D To love somebody A The way I love you E (A) I... love you [Chorus] A E You don’t know what it’s like D A [N.C.] Baby, you don’t know what it’s like E To love somebody D To love somebody A The way I love you E (A) No-no-no-no-no-no [Chorus] x1 Fade CORD Music Magazine July 2012

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STAYIN’ ALIVE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3b9gOtQoq4 Intro: Fm [verse 1]

Fm7 Well you can tell by the way I use my walk

Eb Fm I’m a womans man,no time to talk

Fm7 Music loud and women warm

Eb Fm Iv’e been kicked around since I was born

Bb7 And now it’s alright,it’s ok, you may look the other way We can try to understand the New York Times’ effect on man [chorus]

Fm7 Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother you’re Stayin’ alive, Stayin’ alive Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’ and we’re Stayin’ alive, Stayin’ alive

Fm7 Bb7 Fm7 Bb7 Fm7 Ah h a h a h a, Stayin’ alive, Stayin’ alive

Fm7 Bb7 Fm7 Bb7 Fm Eb/F Fm Cm7 Ah h a h a h a, Stayin’ ali ---- ---- ve

Fm [verse 2]

Fm7 Well now, I get low and I get high

Eb Fm and If I can’t get either I really try

Fm7 CORD Music Magazine July 2012

Got the wings of heaven on my shoes

Eb Fm I’m a dancin’ man and I just can’t lose

Bb7 You know it’s alright, it’s ok, I live to see another day We can try to understand the New York Times’ effect on man [chorus]

Fm7 Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother you’re Stayin’ alive, Stayin’ alive Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’ and we’re Stayin’ alive, Stayin’ alive

Fm7 Bb7 Fm7 Bb7 Fm7 Ah h a h a h a, Stayin’ alive, Stayin’ alive

Fm7 Bb7 Fm7 Bb7 Fm Eb/F Fm Cm7 Ah h a h a h a, Stayin’ ali ---- ---- ve

Fm

Bb7 Life going nowhere,somebody help me

Fm7 Somebody help me yeah

Bb7 Life going nowhere

Fm Somebody help me yeah (we’re stayin’ali----ve) Repeat [VERSE 1] Repeat [CHORUS] Life going nowhere, somebody help me

Fm Somebody help me yeah (we’re stayin’ ali----ve) Repeat ‘till fade 15

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TOO MUCH HEAVEN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nREV8bQJ1MA [CHORUS]

DMaj7 F#m7 Nobody gets too much heaven no more

G D A7sus4 It’s much harder to come by I’m waiting in a line.

DMaj7 F#m7 Nobody gets too much love anymore

G D A7sus4 It’s as high as a mountain and harder to climb.

A7sus4 Ah you and me girl got a highway to the sky we can turn around from the night or day and the tears will have to wait Your my love I can a new tomorrow everthing we are will never die G A/G F#m7 Bm A Love is such a beautiful thing

A7sus4 When you walk to me the night above meant for all to see our precious love [CHORUS]

A7sus4 Oh you make my world a summer day Are you just a dream to fade away?

DMaj7 F#m7 Nobody gets too much heaven no more

G D A7sus4 It’s much harder to come by I’m waiting in a line.

DMaj7 F#m7 Nobody gets too much love anymore

G D A7sus4 It’s as high as a mountain and harder to climb.

DMaj7 G Ahhhhhh Ahhhhhh

G A/G F#m7 Bm Love is such a beautiful thing

A7sus4 Oh you make my world a summer day

C7sus4 Are you just a dream to fade away?

[CHORUS]

[CHORUS] x3

DMaj7 F#m7 Nobody gets too much heaven no more

G D A7sus4 It’s much harder to come by I’m waiting in a line.

DMaj7 F#m7 Nobody gets too much love anymore

G D A7sus4 It’s as high as a mountain and harder to climb.

F Am7 Nobody gets too much heaven no more

Bb F C7sus4 It’s much harder to come by I’m waiting in a line.

F Am7 Nobody gets too much love anymore

Bb F C7sus4 It’s as wide as a river and harder to ride.

[VERSE]

A7sus4 Oooh You and me girl got a lot of love in store and it flows through you and it flows through me and I love you so much more.

DMaj7 And my love I can see we are forever

G everthing we are will never die G A/G F#m7 Bm A Love is such a beautiful thing

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CORD Music Magazine July 2012

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CORD Music Magazine  July 2012

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FACT SHEET:

DONNA SUMMER

Name: LaDonna Andrea Gaines Date of Birth: December 31, 1948 Died: May 17, 2012 (aged 63) Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts Genres: Pop, Disco, Rock Occupations: Singer-Songwriter 18

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

MACARTHUR PARK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaZim6ybvdA INTRO: Dm Dm Eb Gm Dm F Spring was never waiting for us, girl Eb It ran one step ahead Gm Gm Bb Ab Gm As we followed in the dance Dm F Between the parted pages and were pressed, Eb In love’s hot, fevered iron Gm Gm Bb Ab Gm Like a striped pair of pants [CHORUS] C Cmaj7 MacArthur Park is melting in the dark C11 All the sweet, green icing flowing down...

F Fmaj7 Someone left the cake out in the rain C and I don’t think that I can take it Dm7 ‘cause it took so long to bake it C Cmaj7 C and I’ll never have that recipe again Eb Oh, no!

Dm F I recall the yellow cotton dress Eb foaming like a wave Gm Gm Bb Ab Gm on the ground around your knees Dm F The birds, like tender babies in your hands Eb Gm Gm Bb Ab Gm and the old men playing checkers by the trees

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

[CHORUS]X1 F Fmaj7 There will be another song for me Bb Bbm For I will sing it Bb There will be another dream for me Fmaj7 F Someone will bring it Bb Gm I will drink the wine while it is warm Am D7 and never let you catch me looking at the sun Gm C11 And after all the loves of my life Fmaj7 F Bb after all the loves of my life Eb C11 You’ll still be the one.

F Fmaj7 I will take my life into my hands Bb Bbm and I will use it Bb I will win the worship in their eyes Fmaj7 F and I will lose it Bb Gm I will have the things that I desire Am D7 and my passion flow like rivers through the sky.

Gm C11 And after all the loves of my life Fmaj7 F Bb After all the loves of my life Eb I’ll be thinking of you Dm and wondering why.

[CHORUS]X1 Oh, no!

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CATTSKI : In Her Own Words I’m Cattski. I write songs. And sing. I also play guitar, a bit of piano, harmonica and I can mouthtrumpet. I don’t just write songs by the way--- I nurture them. And by that I mean, I bring them to life in a recording studio and turn them into the stuff you play on your digital music players. I made 3 albums with my band in a span of 9 years and then I stopped. I didn’t stop making albums. I stopped being in a band.

My new album is called 0:00:00 (Zero). I spent two years creating it. The first year was dedicated entirely to facing fears, feeling unpleasant things and writing them all down. It was an incredible process of letting the unpleasant transform into the pleasant. I say that because the songs seem to carry some endearing qualities and it’s actually quite refreshing, considering my past albums made me look like life beat me black and blue.

The second year was all about the tedious business of building the music into these layers and layers of waveforms with my geek co-producer. And it was by far, the most fun thing I’ve ever done, even if it was a rollercoaster journey.

I’ll be spending the rest of my life feeling things and making music out of things. And, most definitely, dedicating the next 12 months to putting 0:00:00 out “there”, one song at a time --“there” being the World Wide Web. I know you’re out there because I am here and I hope the music will find their way to your ears.

Connect to all things Cattski. Go to my website: www.cattski.com to check out my songs, stories, musings, random thoughts and occasional sarcasm.

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CORD Music Magazine July 2012

CORD exclusive interview with Cattski: CORD: What inspired you to do this album?

Cattski: Nothing specific. I’m always inspired to make music. And this album is an inspired project as I consider this both a beginning and an end. This was my chance to depart from my old approach in producing albums. This was my opportunity to call all the shots in the production. And this was also a chance to express my new-found love for digital music and somehow mix it with my roots in folk music & rock.

CORD: Did you adapt a theme or a concept?

Cattski: No theme here. But concept-wise, since like I said this was a departure, I based it on the idea of “starting again”… Starting from Zero. Giving up the old me for the new. It was the process of unlearning everything I knew. The other thing is that I used the digital counter or clock (0:00:00) as the metaphor and representation for the word ZERO because I have put in a lot of digital and electronic elements in terms of sound in the album and when you deal with anything digital, you deal with the digital counter Also this album will also be exclusively digital in terms of its distribution. It’s a digital album, I won’t be releasing a CD. CORD: What makes this album different from the previous ones?

Cattski: In terms of its production, I no longer worked with a band. Instead I just worked with 1 person to build the music with. So the whole band sound is gone. What’s different with working with a band is, since you are a unit and a team, you consider everyone’s creative input for the sake of camaraderie even if the input may not be very good for the song being produced. I had none of that here. I just directed my musical partner on where to go, what to do etc.

CORD: Any particular song that stands out from the rest? Why? Cattski: Each song have their own story to tell. And I don’t play favorites.

CORD: Who are the musicians who played with you in this album?

Cattski: Jad Bantug and a guest co-producer for one song Jay Young.

CORD: Is it difficult nowadays to break a song into the airwaves? Are radio stations supportive of local/indie artists?

Cattski: I don’t know. I am not dependent on the radio. I build my audience online. And it’s exactly how I want it to be.

CORD: As a whole, how has your musical journey been in the past five years?

Cattski: It’s been a great ride. And it’s not even halfway from over! J CORD: What are your plans to promote this album?

Cattski: I have no plans. The album is available for anyone who wants it. They can just download it here: www.cattski.com for free without much strings attached. They have an option to buy it too, if they really want to. It will be available in the US & UK through iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and CDBaby.

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

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SEA HUE When I see you, I’ll be better I’ll know what to say I won’t drive you away When I see you hmm When I see you, I’ll be stronger I’ll know not what to do I’ll be someone new to you When I see you hmm…

When I see you, I’ll be different I won’t be so sensitive There wont be a need to be defensive When I see you, I’ll be happy I won’t be paralyzed You’ll see a smile in my eyes When I see you When I see you, I’ll be sober You’ll see that I’ve finally grown up You’ll find that the learning didn’t stop When I see you, I’ll be open You’ll feel a fire in my heart Though it knows we’ll stay apart When I see you, I’ll be happy I’ll be wishing you well And if I’ll find you, time will tell When I see you oooh You’ll feel the fire in my heart…

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CORD Music Magazine July 2012

CORD Music Magazine  July 2012

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AMERICAN IDOL FINALS LIVE

I

JUST CAME FROM the Nokia Theatre to watch the American Idol Final Performance. The experience was a total fun.

Seeing all the energy and enthusiasm of the fans was awesome. But the best part was to see and hear the two finalists live.

We all know that Jessica Sanchez has an incredibly amazing voice but hearing her live was just super amazing. She opened the show with a bang with her rendition of “I Have Nothing”, which showed just how powerful her vocals are. As my friend, Chanel said “I can’t believe that this amazing and powerful voice is coming from this tiny girl.” Then her rendition of “The Prayer” was just so beautiful.

She sang it so flawlessly. I felt like everybody in the audience was in awe while she was singing it. But her final song, which was an original, didn’t really do anything for me. It still showcased her amazing vocals but I just felt that it was not fit for her personality. I felt that the audience was not able to connect with her with that song. But oh boy, that little girl can sing. She’s an insanely incredible singer.

I was really surprised. He was actually a very good performer albeit not having the best vocals. His soulfulness radiated in his performances, especially in the final song.

He also has this great ability of adding an original flavor to songs. Plus he has this charm and smile that makes him really loveable.

Now, the question is who will win? Of course I am hoping for Jessica Sanchez to win but I am little bit worried because I could tell you there were more Phillip Phillips fan in that theatre. Mostly, teen-

age girls and I am just guessing that these are the majority of the fans who actually vote.

But I don’t underestimate the support of the Pinoys too. I was sitting next to other Pinoys and they actually organized a “voting party” after the show.

It’s a party to get all friends together and have them vote online, by text or by phone as many times as they could.

And oh, another fun part was seeing all the major Philippine TV networks in L.A. And I also bumped into Dr. Vicki Belo.

(Melissa D Free)

Now Phillip Phillips. I wasn’t really too excited with him being in the finals. I was kind of betting for Joshua Ledet because I felt he was at par with Jessica Sanchez in terms of vocals. But

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CORD Music Magazine July 2012

HOME

Phillip Phillips http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-q1cGvEQoM Intro: C, F, C, F Verse: C F C F Hold on to me as we go C F C F As we role down this unfamiliar road Am F C F Although this weight is stringing us along C, G/B, Am, G, Am Just know you’re not alone F, C/E, G, C Cuz I’m gonna make this place your home Chorus: C F C F Settle down it will all be clear C F C F Don’t pay no mind to the demons they fill you with fear Am F Trouble it might drag you down C G If you get lost you can always be found C, G/B, Am, G, Am Just know you’re not alone F, C/E, G, C Cuz I’m gonna make this place your home Refrain: F, C Am, G ohhh ohhhh F, C Am, G ohhh ohhhh F, C Am, G ohhh ohhhh

F, C, G ohhhh F, C, G ohhhh F, C, G ohhhh

Chorus: C F C F Settle down it will all be clear C F C F Don’t pay no mind to the demons they fill you with fear

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

Am F Trouble it might drag you down C G If you get lost you can always be found C, G/B, Am, G, Am Just know you’re not alone F, C/E, G, C Cuz I’m gonna make this place your home Refrain: F, C Am, G ohhh ohhhh F, C Am, G ohhh ohhhh F, C Am, G

F, C, G ohhhh F, C, G ohhhh F, C, G

AND I AM TELLING YOU Jessica Sanchez http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWxDVvwzRH4 Eb F/Eb And I am telling you Dm7 Gm7 I’m not going Eb Bb/D Cm7 You’re the best man I’ll ever know Eb/F F There’s no way I can ever go Bb/F Ebmaj9 Eb6 No, no, no, no-- way Ebmaj7 Eb6 Ebmaj9 No--, no--, no-- no way Dm7 Gm7 I’m livin’ without you Gm7/F Eb Bb/D Cm7 I’m not livin’ without you F# F#6 I don’t wanna be free Bb/C C9 I’m stay - in’ Bb/C C9 I’m stay - in’ Eb/F

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And you, and you Bb Bb/C# You’re gonna love me, Eb F#/Ab Ooh - - - Bb Bb7/C# . Eb . F#/Ab You’re gonna love me Eb F/Eb And I am telling you Dm7 Gm7 I’m not going Gm7/F Ebmaj7 Cm7 Even though the rough times are showing Eb/F F There’s just no way, there’s no way F# F#6 We’re part of the same place F#maj7 F#6 We’re part of the same time Bb(addC) Bb6 We both share the same blood Bbmaj7 We both have the same mind Gm7 Gm7/F Bb/C And time and time, we’ve had so much to share C9 No, no, no, no, no, no Cm7 Bb/D I’m not waking up tomorrow morning Eb Eb/F F and finding that there’s nobody there Bb/F Ebmaj9 Eb6 Darling there’s no---- way Ebmaj7 Eb6 Ebmaj9 No--, no--, no-- no way Dm7 Gm7 I’m livin’ without you Eb I’m not livin’ without you Cm7 Eb/F You see there’s just no way, there’s no way Eb9 Tear down the mountains, yell, scream, and shout

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Gm7 You can say what you want, I’m not walkin’ out Eb9 Cm7 Stop all the rivers, push, strike, and kill Eb/F Cm/F I’m not gonna leave you Ebmaj7/F Eb/F F There’s no way I will--Eb F/Eb And I am telling you Dm7 Gm7 Gm7/F I’m not going Eb Bb/D Cm7 You’re the best man I’ll ever know Eb/F F There’s no way I can ever, ever go Bb/F Ebmaj9 Eb6 No, no, no, no-- way Ebmaj7 Eb6 Ebmaj9 No--, no--, no-- no way Dm7 Gm7 I’m livin’ without you Gm7/F Eb Bb/D Cm7 I’m not livin’ without you F# F#6 I don’t wanna be free Bb/C C9 Bb/C C9 I’m stayin’, I’m stayin’ Eb/F And you, and you, and you Bb Bb7/C# You’re gonna love me Eb F#6/Ab Ooooh - - Bb Bb7/C# you’re gonna love me, yes ah Eb F#6/Ab Bb(no 3rd) Ooh ooh love me, ooh ooh ooh love me Bb7/C# Bb Bb7/C# Bb Love me - , love me- , Ebsus2 Bb Ebm7 Love me -, love____ me (freely) You’re gonna love_______ Ab6 Cmaj9 Eb/F Bb me - - - -

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

American Idol: Victory in Losing FILIPINO-MEXICAN JESSICA Sanchez failed to win the title, American Idol, during the finale on May 23, 2012. The popularity contest obtained a total of 132 million votes, the highest ever. The white guy with guitar – Phillip Phillips – took the top spot. A horde of Sanchez supporters were dismayed with the result.

There was one consolation: in the show finale, everyone was blown away by the duet of Tony-award winning performer Jennifer Holiday and Sanchez of the song, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. The Wall Street Journal said, “One of the most electrifying moments of the “American Idol” finale last night was a duet performed by Jennifer Holliday and Jessica Sanchez, which brought the house down and had even judge Jennifer Lopez jumping up and down screaming.”

There are many instances in life that even if you give it your all, you don’t get the championship trophy. We have this notion that “winning is everything”, and “nobody remembers runner-up finishes”.

One must develop a positive outlook on losing. For as long as one gives his/her very best in whatever pursuit in life, victory is attained. In Desiderata, there is that wise advice: “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.”

Martyrdom means losing one’s life for God. It is about giving your very best to serve the Lord. It is about standing for your Faith against authority, against man-made laws, against popular will. It takes courage, conviction and trust to face the wrath of public ridicule.

But it is not for humans to judge what is in your heart; God knows what is in your heart. Those who are pure of heart He justly rewards. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? “(1 John 5:4-5) Jessica Sanchez lost to Phillip Phillips, but she won our hearts, and that is what counts the most. (CORD)

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MUSICAL REVIEW JERSEY BOYS

Civic Theatre, Auckland - June 12 The Four Seasons were never high in my list of favourite artists; though I loved the solo efforts of Frankie Valli such as “My Eyes Adore You”, “Swearin’ to God” and the theme song of “Grease”. But then the advertisement that it has garnered more than 100 international awards couldn’t contain my desire to check out this musical.

Photo credit by Jeff Busby

It’s the story of four Italian-Americans from Jersey who created a unique vocal harmony that stirred the pop music world and brought them to one of the highest accolades as Rock n’ Roll’s Hall of Famers.

Unlike ABBA’s “Mamma Mia” or “Rock of All Ages”, Jersey Boys successfully incorporated the Four Seasons’ popular songs as elements of their origin, struggles and successes. The storytelling is what makes the musical engaging – dividing this into, well, the four seasons (spring, summer, fall and winter), with the not too over-thetop sets cleverly coming in and out, as scenes changed.

Instead of just having one narrator, all the four original members of Four Seasons tell the story from their viewpoint, reaching a dramatic peak when the group decides to disband due to the excesses of “founder” Tommy DeVito and the music highlight in Frankie Valli’s unforgettable anthem, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, a song with a story of its own.

Dion Bilios carries the role of Frankie Valli perfectly well, though he sounds more like a bass Alvin (of the Chipmunks) than he does the patented Frankie Valli sound. Declan Egan brilliantly performs Bob Gaudio, giving the musical a refreshing ingredient. Anthony Harkin as the villainous Tommy De Vito at times upstages Bilios, while Glaston Toft as Nick Massi knows that he is sort of the “Ringo” in the group, necessary, though easily disposable.

That “Jersey Boys” has received awards (including the Tony Awards best musical in 2006), and deservingly so – it is fast-paced, entertaining, funny, and honest (it’s not all a bed of roses in the music industry). And I discovered that Frankie Valli had more hits than I thought. (CORD) 28

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

CORD IMAGES

“The artist is inspired if his art can inspire…the artist is encouraged if his art can encourage,” says Boy Carvajal Kiamko, one of Cebu’s most respected artists. While he has been commissioned to do major art works both in the Philippines and outside, he remains accessible to anyone wanting to talk about art and, of course, politics. So accessible that together with other artists, they bring their art to the mall, sketching for a fee those wanting to get their portraits done by experts. Boy has even used Facebook to allow people to view his treasured artworks, unmindful that these may be copied.

In the following pages, CORD Images feature the brilliant works of Kiamko.

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HORSES

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33 HOLY FAMILY

REMEMBERING JOHN: John Lennon Live in New York City Forty years ago on August 30, John Lennon backed up by the Plastic Ono Elephants Memory Band performed in a benefit concert in New York City. It was at a time when the Beatles, well it was really just John and Paul McCartney, could not stand each other – and both were out to show to the world who was the better part of the successful Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership.

This concert reveals the truth that Lennon is the conscience of the Beatles, while Paul is the pop star. The first half of the concert Lennon shows the bluesy side of his music accompanied by great back up musicians.

He shows raw power and even does some Elvis elements. The highlight of the concert is of course “Imagine” that only a John Lennon can best interpret. The lows, of course, are the two numbers of Yoko Ono whose mediocre vocals could be forgiven for her energy and enthusiasm.

Lennon got Ono to sing a new sound “reggae” (remember this in 1972), but the song was more nursery rhyme than an anthem.

It’s no wonder Ono never had a commercially successful song. Now, I have gained more respect for Linda Eastman McCartney who simply stayed at the background playing keyboard and harmonizing in their band, Wings.

While Lennon was anti-establishment at the time of this concert, he had maintained his dry British humor when as an introduction to a Beatle tune, referring to his former band as The Rolling Stones. And honest too, saying that he must be growing old, as he forgot some words to a song.

Paul McCartney observed his 70th birthday this year, and despite his age, he still has maintained his pop star persona. John Lennon has long died, and his body of work including this film, galvanizes his stature as an artist and spokesman of his generation.

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IMAGINE

John Lennon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLgYAHHkPFs G C G C Imagine there’s no heaven. It’s easy if you try.

G C G C No hell below us. Above us only sky.

C e A D D7 Imagine all the people living for today.

D7 C D G H7 A-ha you may say I’m a dreamer.

C D7 G H7 But I’m not the only one.

C D G H7 I hope some day you’ll join us.

C D7 G And the world will be as one.

G C G C Imagine there’s no countries, it isn’t hard to do.

G C G C Nothing to kill and die for, and no religion too.

C e A D D7 Imagine all the people living for today.

D7 C D G H7 A-ha you may say I’m a dreamer.

C D7 G H7 But I’m not the only one.

C D G H7 I hope some day you’ll join us.

C D7 G And the world will be as one.

G C G C Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can.

G C G C No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man.

C e A D D7 Imagine all the people living for today.

D7 C D G H7 A-ha you may say I’m a dreamer.

C D7 G H7 But I’m not the only one.

C D G H7 I hope some day you’ll join us.

C D7 G And the world will be as one.

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We Need You TawagAwit invites you to help in spreading God’s Word through music and other acts of love.

You can be a: (1) member; (2) supporter or (3) organizer

A member is one who can attend to the regular activities of the Ministry.

The minimum participation are: attendance during practice sessions of songs, usually once a week or once every two weeks AND singing with the group during the assigned mass usually once a month or once every two months.

A supporter is one who can donate services or resources to the Ministry.

There are special events that TawagAwit organizes and the events need finances or helping hands.

An organizer is one who initiates the formation of a chapter in a parish.

The Ministry will provide all the assistance within its means to help in the vital task.

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Email: librelaw@yahoo.com for more information

CORD Music Magazine  July 2012 

MUSIC + CURRENT The story of the night was that of Laura Story who took the Song of the Year with her song, “Blessings” during the GMA Dove Awards on April 19 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Natalie Grant accepted her fifth Female Vocalist win. The honor was presented by Yolanda Adams, Angie Stone, Karen Peck and Crystal Lewis after their opening performance. Jason Crabb took home two top honors, winning Male Vocalist and Artist of the Year. The show kicked off with a performance by Angie Stone, Yolanda Adams, Crystal Lewis and Karen Peck that included Peck belting out “I Go to the Rock” in tribute to the late Whitney Houston, who performed the Dottie Rambo classic on the Doves in 1998. Hometown girl and college student Jamie-Grace captured the Dove for New Artist of the Year. She was emotional over her win, marveling at how much her life had changed since she attended her prom at the Fox Theater just four years ago. The major winners were: Song of the Year - Blessings; Laura Story; Male Vocalist of the Year - Jason Crabb; Female Vocalist of the Year - Natalie Grant; Group of the Year – NEEDTOBREATHE; Artist of the Year - Jason Crabb; New Artist of the Year - Jamie-Grace; Producer of the Year - Ed Cash; Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year - Hallelujah; Rehab Deluxe Edition; Rock Recorded Song of the Year - Dark Horses; Switchfoot; Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year - Slumber; The Reckoning; NEEDTOBREATHE; Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year - Blessings; Laura Story; and Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year - Hope Of The Broken World; Selah (gmc)… Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) celebrated the songwriters and music publishers behind the past year’s most-performed songs in Christian music during the organization’s annual Christian Music Awards, held at BMI’s Nashville offices on Music Row. Consistent chart-topper tobyMac earned his third consecutive Christian Songwriter of the Year crystal and shares the 2012 honor with Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall, singer/songwriter Matt Maher, Southern gospel staple Kyla Rowland and hit songwriter/producer Chris Stevens. The unusual five-way tie occurred because the hit-makers each wrote or co-wrote two of the songs on the year’s most-performed list. Cross-format superstar Kirk Franklin earned Christian Song of the Year honors for his smash “I Smile,” published by Aunt Gertrude Music Publishing LLC and Bridge Building Music. During the ceremony, prolific family group the Isaacs, 2012 Dove Awards Artist of the Year Jason Crabb and dynamic contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin each delivered inspirational performances. (CMSpin)…

Christian Copyright Solutions (CCS) has reached an agreement with YouTube that will now provide opportunities for CCS’s independent publishers and songwriters to monetize their musical works through the video-sharing website. Through this deal, participating CCS writers and publishers can now opt to allow ads to run alongside user-generated content that incorporates their compositions, in turn generating shared advertising revenue for the songwriters, publishers,

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record labels and artists involved. “We are excited to offer our songwriters and publishers a tremendous channel of revenue opportunity through the YouTube agreement,” said CCS President/ Founder Susan Fontaine Godwin. “The ability to intersect with the world’s most popular online video community and its sophisticated content identification system will allow us to track and monetize our publishers’ musical works in a dramatic new fashion,” Fontaine Godwin continued.

“I believe music video licensing and monetization represent the future wave of growth in music publishing revenue.” (jesusfreakhideout.com)… Two of Christian music’s most innovative and talented artists are scheduled to launch their first tour together this fall. An Acoustic Evening With Jason Gray (photo at left) And Todd Agnew Tour marks the first time the pair has toured together and will bring their chart-topping music in an intimate stage performance.

It’s a chance for audiences to hear the inspiration behind such songs as “God Undefeatable,” “Grace Like Rain,” “Remind Me Who I Am” and “More Like Falling in Love.” The tour kicks off on September 28th in Bend, OR and concludes November 12th in South Padre Island, TX... The 9th Annual CCM Network International Songwriting Contest has announced its Songwriter of the Year, Keith Elgin (photo below). The singer/songwriter, whose winning song is “Made For More” from his self-titled EP, will receive prizes including studio time with one of the industry’s top record producers… The 9th Annual CCM Network International Songwriting Contest has announced its Songwriter of the Year, Keith Elgin. The singer/songwriter, whose winning song is “Made For More” from his self-titled EP, will receive prizes including studio time with one of the industry’s top record producers. CCM Networking International was founded in 2004 to offer resources to the current and next generation of Christian music artists, songwriters and worship leaders. Its annual songwriting competition is the organization’s premier event of the year. The annual Songwriter of the Year is selected from four quarterly first place winners. Elgin, who placed first in the 4th quarter competition, is a worship pastor at The Vine church in the Washington, D.C. area. He previously has recorded two full-length CDs and has shared the stage with numerous CCM artists, including Chris Tomlin and P.O.D. “Glory to God! Being named the Songwriter of the Year is really cool!” says Elgin. The songwriter will now go into the studio with producer Jeff Quimby, former director of artist development at Integrity Music and veteran producer for the likes of Lincoln Brewster, Nicole Nordeman and Big Daddy Weave. Elgin also will receive radio promotions from A-Sides Radio Promotion. The 9th Annual CCM Network International Songwriting Contest quarterly winners include: 1st quarter: Tom Houck, first place; Matthew Browne, second place; Gene Ezell, third place 2nd quarter: Lenny Juliano, first place; Phil Smith, second place; Shyra Murrey, third place; 3rd quarter: Paul Reeves/The Classic City Collective, first place; Chris Tanner, second place; Anneline Breetzke, third place; and 4th quarter: Keith Elgin, first place; Bob Vandervliet, second place; Zach Taylor, third place.

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Lahug,July Cebu CORD Music Magazine 2012

HAIKUS

By M Batulan A cold winter night Yet I felt the warmth inside Heart’s music delight

The music begins People chatting and eating My wife, she listens

*** Off to Pinoy Grill Jam session with OBG This is such a thrill

*** Dexter and Alvin Come help me here on the stage Just love the jammin’

*** Memorized the chords Still I got the music sheets Might forget the words

*** What a nice session T’was more like an open mike Music sure is fun

Photo credit by Helen Dy

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FICTION Claws of Life

by Vedasto

PART 1: The Fateful Day The Sta. Lucia bound bus which was supposed to park at the bus stop about 100 meters from the town proper came to a quick halt after it had just started to slow down. The driver’s heart leapt after hearing a loud thump – a very ominous sound he had been dreading all through his 20 years of driving. The last time, it had been a large Labrador dog which its owner let loose near the town plaza not far from where the bus was. Before that, he figured in a number of accidents involving people but he was quite lucky none was so serious.

“Gracious God!” A bystander shrieked then a number of curious people gathered to watch the man lying prostrate on the street, his head almost flattened by the rear wheel of the bus.

“I think I know that man. He’s Engr. Cruz. I was right behind him in the bus. He must have been in such a hurry that he got off from the bus even before it had stopped!” shouted a middle-aged woman inside the bus.

A police officer came to the scene and ordered the crowd to move back behind the chalk line he had drawn around the accident site. He took the man’s wallet from his back pocket to search for any identification. He fished an ID card and muttered, “Engr. Nilo Cruz, National Irrigation Administration”. ooOoo It had been three days ago when Nilo informed his wife, Lisa about his trip to the far flung village of San Francisco. The municipal NIA office had received a call from the provincial office requesting Nilo to visit the project site, monitor the progress of the work, and help the engineer in-charge supervise the workers. The project had taken a longer time to complete than what was expected and already, there was a mounting pressure from the Provincial Governor’s office for NIA to finish the irrigation project, as the national elections were drawing near. The project had stalled every now and then and this was mainly due to security problems, the place being a favourite hideout and site of operation of

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insurgents. Insurgency problems dated back to the 1970’s in the Philippines and today, ironically, the insurgents are still called the new people’s army or NPA. They used to be known as idealists who are concerned about fighting social ills to bring about reforms in the society. During the past years, however, with news of people who go against their cause being summarily executed their reputation has been strongly tarnished.

Thus, the thought of Nilo having to visit the area gave Lisa some chills. They’ve been married for over 6 years now and Lisa still hates it when Nilo had to go on a long trip, especially to places like San Francisco. Nilo had said that he’ll be away for at most two days only and on this third day, she was already feeling restless. The incessant questions of their 5-year old boy, Oliver on the whereabouts of his dad did not help. The boy was especially attached to his dad and no one except his dad can control him when he throws tantrums. The father and son are the best mates. Nilo would build miniature bridges and houses and they would play with them for hours. And Oliver had declared with finality that he would be an engineer someday, just like his dad. Lisa was heavy with their second child and her condition made her wish all the more that Nilo was just near.

Four years ago, on her first day at school as a primary school teacher, Lisa was in the same cab with Nilo – a stranger then, on her way to school. Although she kept her head low, she could not avoid meeting Nilo’s furtive glances. The second time they were on the same cab Nilo mustered enough courage to ask her if she was a teacher. She had replied, “Yes, this is just my third day as a teacher. And you?”

“I am from San Juan City and I am assigned here to manage an irrigation project. I am on my way to the NIA office”, came the quick reply. “I see. I am not from this town either”, Lisa said and gave a coy smile, which was for Nilo, the sweetest smile he had ever seen and which he knew will be etched in his memory for as long as he lives.

On the Friday night Dance-for-a-cause fund raising activity of the Sta Lucia Primary School Alumni Association, Nilo would see the smile again. He was with his fellow NIA staff occupying one of the sponsor tables, and Lisa was with her fellow teachers in the next table. At school that day, Lisa had heard that the NIA staff had been invited to the dance and in her boarding house before Lisa and her friends went out that night, she had changed her clothes three times and then settled for a tight jeans and a hugging baby pink blouse which was a stark contrast to the very conventional teachers’ school uniform she wore that day.

Nilo was not much of a dancer and he would only watch Lisa dance to some disco hits with her female friends. And Lisa was very much aware of it.

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The disco beat stopped and an announcement was made that the next dance would be especially for the NIA staff who, were among the major sponsors of the event. The lilting tune of Olivia Newton John’s Hopelessly Devoted To You followed. From the corner of her eyes Lisa saw Nilo stand up. He approached her table, went to her and asked in a rather old-fashioned way, “Can I have this dance with you?” Lisa became too selfconscious and her first reaction was to refuse, but with her friends’ prodding, she accepted Nilo’s invitation. Lisa had danced sweet dance numbers before, but this dance was different. No, it was not because Nilo was a good dancer. In fact, his movements were awkward. But there was some magic in the way Nilo held her and in the way he uttered her name with his deep, baritone voice. She was like transported to a new world, oblivious of the time and people around her …

Lisa’s musings ended with the ringing of the telephone. He rushed to the phone, half expecting that it was Nilo telling her that everything was alright and that he was on his way home.

“Hello, Mrs. Cruz, this is the police station. A man whom we positively identified as Engr.

Nilo Cruz was killed by a vehicular accident just a few minutes ago. I am afraid you will have to come to confirm our identification. His body was brought directly to the San Lazaro morgue”, went the cold voice of the police officer. Lisa was speechless. It took her a few minutes to compose herself. “ “Yes, I will be there right away”.

“His body. How dare the police officer referred to my husband as ‘his body’. No, it was a grave mistake. It couldn’t be Nilo”. Lisa reassured herself. “I will go and prove to them that Nilo is alive and well”.

A few meters away from the morgue table, Lisa could figure out a man’s body inside a white linen cloth.

“We had to wait for you Ma’am to do the final identification before we entrust the body to the embalmer” the police officer said.

Lisa held her breath as the morgue attendant slowly lifted the linen cloth starting from the feet up. She saw the light brown Nike rubber shoes which she gave Nilo as a birthday present only two months ago. Then the blue Levis jeans slightly faded near the knees, the black t-shirt marked “Yankees” in white bold letters, and then the sight of the all-toofamiliar wedding ring which Nilo initially protested to be a bit feminine in design. Towards the neck, the attendant stopped.

“I don’t think you would like to see the head, Ma’am. It is beyond recognition”.

It was too much for Lisa. She turned as white as a sheet, slumped in the chair near the table and blacked out.

To be continued...

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CORD Music Magazine July 2012

BEST OF BLOTFREE

By Bro Mel B Libre A Fruit Fly O my, swallowed a fly, poor little old woman, I think you’ll die.” This nursery rhyme was repeatedly recited by a classmate in my elementary school days that has stuck in my mind for a long time. I thought it was silly. Not until the time I read an article about one fruit fly that made the headline in the New Zealand Herald on May 11, 2012. The picture of the fly occupied one half of the front page of the popular daily.

The NZ Herald report said, “A 1.5km red zone cordon surrounds the Auckland suburb of Avondale in a bid to contain a biological disaster that experts fear could decimate New Zealand’s $3.5 billion fruit and vegetable export industry. A male Queensland fruit fly was found in a surveillance trap in neighbouring Mt Roskill on Tuesday.”

As a precautionary measure, biosecurity personnel have set up traps in the area to prevent the spread of Q’fly, considered Australia’s most serious insect pest of fruit and vegetable crops. An official of the Horticultural New Zealand, in an effort to temper the impact of the finding said, “They only found one fly, were onto it really early, and it’s only a male - he can’t do much on his own.”

Sin is very much like one fly that could cause the collapse of an industry. One sinner can contaminate others, resulting in a spiritual contagion upon a population or a generation. While there are those who think little sins are harmless, actually they are more dangerous for they infiltrate unwitting victims who become themselves carrier of those sins to others.

An example is the contamination of trash language into homes. It either begins with one or both parents shouting profanities between each other or to their children. The next thing we know the kids are talking trash that influence their friends and associates. Most probably, some of these kids grow up to become TV or film directors who produce trash films such as “Hangover”, “Bad Teacher” and “Get Me to the Greek”. These flicks, harmless they may seem, have made the use of trash talk common among people.

Establishing a cordon to contain a lethal fly may be a good idea, in the same manner as doing a good deed can counteract evil. “Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” (Jude 1:22-23) But then, good deed alone cannot defeat evil; it must be good deed with the grace of Jesus Christ. For only the blood of the Lamb of God can cleanse the contaminated soul, thus, recreating a new person, that is “put on the new self, created to be like God.” So next time you see a fly, think on sin. As you swat a fly, so must you with sin, always calling God on your side.

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

http://blotfreemel.blogspot.com

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GOOD LAUGH It was winter, so an Auckland couple decided to take a vacation in Fiji. They booked at the hotel where they spent their honeymoon 25 years earlier. Since they had conflict in their schedule, the husband left first. The wife to follow the next day.

The husband was delighted as he checked in the hotel. It was upgraded. There was an Apple computer, so he rushed to send her an e-mail. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her e-mail address, and without realizing his error, he sent the e-mail.

In Sydney, a widow had just returned home from her husband’s funeral. He was a pastor who spent most of his life in the service of others, but died suddenly of heart failure. The widow proceeded to check her e-mail, knowing that relatives and friends who failed to attend would send messages. After reading the first message, she fainted.

The widow’s son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read: To: My Loving Wife Subject: I’m Here Date: 30 June 2012 I know you’re surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send e-mails to your loved ones. I’ve just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is not as uneventful as mine was.

P.S. It is really hot in here! *** A woman got on a Metro bus holding a baby. The bus driver, seeing the child, said, “That’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever seen.” In a huff, the woman slammed her fare into the fare box and took an aisle seat near the rear of the bus.

The man seated next to her sensed that she was agitated and asked her what was wrong.

“The bus driver insulted me,” she fumed.

The man sympathized and said, “Why, he’s a public servant and shouldn’t say things to insult passengers.”

You’re right,” s he said. “I think I’ll go back up there and give him a piece of my mind.”

“That’s a good idea,” the man said. “Here, let me hold your monkey.”

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CORD Music Magazine July 2012

KIM & EL

MR JEYDI’S WITDOM

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

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BOOK REVIEW This book had been in our bookshelf for more than six years. What prompted me to pick it up weeks ago was a New York Times article mentioning Arundhati Roy together with my favourite author, Charles Dickens. Thank you NYT for introducing me to a new and interesting writer.

“They lay like that for a long time. Awake in the dark.

Quietness and Emptiness. Not old. Not young. But a viable die-able age.”

The God of Small Things is a tragic story. Sadness and tragedy looms even in the first few pages. I kept on reading (even if I was not in a mood for sad stories) because Roy has a captivating way of unfolding the story, opening with a mystery of how Sophie Mol’s death greatly changed the lives of her twin cousins Estha and Rahel and then retelling the events prior Sophie’s death.

I was not endeared to any of the characters but they were all interesting and mysterious. I just can’t help but read to know their stories and secrets. Estha and Rahel were innocent children who suffered from life’s unfair turn of events. The twins’ Ammu (mother) had her seemingly happy love story that ended in divorce and now had a secret love affair with an untouchable. Uncle Chacko seemed to have a bright future, being an Oxford graduate, but ended up devastated. Velutha is a promising lower-class but had a tragic ending. Even the hateful Baby Kochamma had her story of unrequited love.

Although the book revolved around how Rahel and Estha’s lives went from bad to worse, it also touched on sensitive social and political issues. Untouchables were harshly treated by some members of the touchable class, as if they were not humans. Society forbids a love-relationship between the two classes, even among those who call themselves Christians. How I wish there is no longer a caste system in India today but even up to now, we know that there is still that great divide among different classes (and not just in India).

There was also a political plot playing in the background as the communist party organizes (and disorganizes) in India. Inspired by reality, Comrade Pillai was an example of how an originally noble pursuit of equality and social justice can become politically corrupt when individuals greed for power.

What made the book gloomy were the continual sense of foreboding disaster and the feeling of helplessness.

Mamachi was helpless against her husband who beats her. Estha was helpless against the lemonade man who molested him. Velutha was helpless against the police who did not even care to listen to his side. The twins were helpless against their grandaunt who forced them to lie in order to save their mother. Ammu was helpless when her lover was left to die and her son taken away from her.

As somebody who is a control-freak, being helpless is one of the things I fear the most. I don’t like the feeling of not knowing what will happen, worse is knowing something bad is going to happen but I can’t just help but let it be. I’ve been in situations when I was helpless, when things are just beyond my control. That is already a given in life. We just can’t arrange everything the way we want it to be. But I am thankful that in my helplessness I am learning, as cliché as this may sound, to let go and let God. But that does not mean just watching and doing nothing when others are suffering or being unjustly treated. It means doing my best without losing hope and not giving up when things don’t happen according to plan.

The God of Small Things made me thankful that I am not as helpless as the characters are in the book but it also challenged me to also think of the people who are unjustly and unfairly helpless. And I don’t need to be in India to know that they are real people. (Stella L)

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CORD Music Magazine July 2012

FILM REVIEWS

The Amazing Spiderman stay away from his daughter.

There is so much other stuff to like in the movie, such as The Lizard as the villain is an awesome choice. If you can afford extra bucks to watch I also love the romance between Pe- the film on 3D, by all means do ter Parker and Gwen Stacy (Played so, as you will enjoy the flick even

by Emma Stone) in the movie. more. Trust me, you will. Also, They just act like they are real life following the trend of coming up lovers. There are numerous scenes with mystery teasers in the end of in the story involving the two that recent big movies (like the X-men any fan would adore. My favor- & The Avengers), don’t fail to stay ite part is actually the last scene, and watch after the movie’s end wherein Parker said “It won’t hap- credits start. What you will see will pen again” when his teacher told give you an idea on what’s coming I must admit, The Amazing Spi- him after he came in to class late up in the next Spiderman movie. der-Man is a very pleasant surprise “Don’t make promises you can’t for me. Just like what its title states keep.” Parker added “Those are the The likelihood of better special ef– it is indeed amazing! As we got best kind (of promises).” This put fects, 3D effects and the answers to so used to seeing Tobey McGuire a smile on Stacy’s face (me and ev- several questions brought up in the as Spiderman for many years now, erybody else watching, smiled as movie, the sequel of The Amazing the newest actor to suit up as the well) as she was sitting in front of Spider-Man promises to be an even web-winging crusader – Andrew him. Parker promised Stacy’s dad more amazing one! (Elmer Rivera Garfield, is an eye-opener on the shortly before he died that he will Karaan) As America celebrated 4th of July, I decided to treat myself on some entertainment in the Big Apple’s Time Square after a very hectic work week. I thought of watching a movie as I haven’t seen a good flick in a long while but I asked myself “Is there actually anything worth watching nowadays?” I went to the theater nearest me – Regal E-Walk Stadium 13 & RPX, and checked out the listing of movies I could watch. Picking “The Amazing Spider-Man” was a no-brainer.

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

job he did for his role. Many would even believe, including me, that he looks much better in a Spiderman suit than McGuire.

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Brave

the title suggests, brave. From the funny momentous scenes to the Scottish accent, magnificent sceneries, and great cluster of red curly hair, Brave surely is another Pixar trophy that is a joy to watch. (KAL)

Prometheus

“Brave” is a wonderful film which portrays to its audience aspects of a parent-child relationship that we sometimes see in real life. When we see Queen Elinor teaching princess Merida behaviours and rules she must do and obey, we see a parent who has followed a set of behaviours and traditions learned as she was growing up and instilling such behaviours and rules, as she believes these are what’s best for her child. When we see Merida angrily telling her mother that she does not want to be like her, we see a child rebelling against her parent’s wishes. And when we see both the Queen and Merida singing a plea for the other to listen, we see a parent and a child wishing to be understood. Elinor in the form of a bear and Merida in desperation to rescue her mother as well as her brothers, begin to see each other’s strengths; an understanding and respect for one another ensues. It’s a heartfelt movie, reminiscent of Finding Nemo, only this is about a mother-child relationship and nothing to do with clown fishes at all. Ultimately, as Merida stands up to her beliefs, learns from the events that occurred, and owns up to her actions, we see in her a lady who is young and, as

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Prometheus reminds me of the Alien movie series in the 80’s and 90’ by the director Ridley Scott which stamped Sigourney Weaver as an a-list Hollywood actor. In Prometheus, Ridley scares the hell out of you by slowly revealing those creatures which came out right at the end of the movie. He uses the same style as with his Alien movies. It is agonizing enough to wait, much more when you do not know what you are waiting for – a clever use of anticipation and the element of surprise. That makes this engaging.

Prometheus is the name of the spaceship manned by 17 individuals with varied skills and motives – immortality, life, faith, advancement of science, tagging along?

There was some tone of seriousness and an attempt to tackle realism and depth at the start which disappointedly turned out to be just another sci-fi movie. I love the acting of Noomi Rapace, Michael

Fassbender and of course Charlize Theron. But somehow their characters were not fully developed except for Noomi and Michael who were standouts for me.

There were too many gaps in the storyline which left me with more unanswered questions, and which makes me think Scott intentionally created this as a prequel to something more to come?

There were no big surprises either (except for the alien creatures of course). And I can’t help but compare it to Alien (lacking originality). The storyline is mediocre. The characters are underdeveloped but compensated by good acting. It did not make a big impact on me.

I guess it is just one of those summer blockbusters. Enjoyable and nothing more. Visually it is still a feast though and definitely worth watching in a 3D big screen. (Hilarion Chua Jr.)

The Avengers

The build-up for this epic film has been in the making for decades; and every fanboy fantasized the day when Marvels’ The Avengers would make it to the screen. And finally it did; and we got totally blown away with the presence of Iron, Thor, Hulk, Captain America and supporting characters.

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

All the tricks in cinema-effects were thrown into this work; and our superheroes existed right before our very eyes. What can we say but thanks to all who made all these possible. As a fan of the Mighty Thor, I thought that he got as much exposure and as much importance as the rest of the others. Robert Downey’s Ironman is lovable and hateful, while Mark Ruffalo did a pretty good job in his incarnation as The Hulk. If we didn’t notice, it was Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye (I didn’t really know much of the character then) who made the story more interesting.

With Hawaii as the setting, The Descendants chronicle the life of lawyer and landowner Matt King (Clooney) after his wife becomes comatose due to a water sporting accident. He not only deals with attending to his bedridden spouse, but also with his two daughters who he rarely interacted with, due to his hyperbusy career. And if those weren’t enough, he learns about his wife’s affair, and was on the tail-end of negotiations for the sale of the vast property left behind by their landed ascendants.

It is amazing how such a seriIt was a bit of a gamble for direc- ous film could still inject lighttor Joss Whedon sprinkling the hearted humor, especially Nick film with humor, and I thought the Krause’s character Sid, who at scenes with The Hulk pushing Thor first instance is a total weirdo and away as well as flattening Loki were irritating dude to one who puts too cartoonish. Oh, well, it’s forgiv- some order to the emotional chaable, as the story was coherent, and otic episodes. There are no long the action scenes were explosive. melodramatic scenes, yet this story is moving as it pierces the heart As with Marvel movies, The Aveng- and awakens the senses. ers has its inconclusive ending, and we love it. I heard that it’ll be a dark- The last quarter gives relief as the er, and that should please hardcore main characters put closure to the fanboys like me. (CORD) life’s irritants and pains. Truly this is a lovely film. (CORD) The Descendants

Hugo

Since Mel Gibson lost traction of his career, George Clooney filled his shoes, and, boy, has the latter been making critically acclaimed films of late including Up in the Air, Ides of March, Michael Clayton and Syriana.

CORD Music Magazine July 2012

Based on Brain Selznick’s novel, Hugo as directed Martin Scorcece is a brilliant work that lives up to the words of real life filmmaker

Georges Méliès (played by Ben Kingsley) who tells the audience who honored him, “My friends, I address you all tonight as you truly are: wizards, mermaids, travelers, adventurers… magicians. Come and dream with me.”

Scorcece makes us dream with him, through a wonderfully written script by John Logan (“The Aviator”, “The Last Samurai”, “Rango” and the yet-to-be-released James Bond “Skyfall”).

The fictional lead character, Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), is an orphan who is obsessed in completing a broken robot that his late father had started on. This machine project is the key that ties up the whole tome, as Hugo encounters the old and grumpy Méliès who owns a toy shop in a Paris train station.

It takes a “magician” like Scorcece to entertain us with the incorporation of Méliès cinematic masterpieces and how some of these were produced. Ben Kingsley (“Gandhi”) carries much of the weight in this film as does Butterfield (“The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”). It is the interaction of their two characters that touches the heart, while Sacha Baron Cohen (“Borat”) provides the laughs in perfect intervals.

While this film may not be on the same league as “Raging Bull”, “Gangs of New York” or “The Departed”, Scorcece created for this 3-D film a league of its own – intelligent and inspiring fantasy/ semi-documentary. He should consider doing another one in this genre. (CORD)

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CORD

CORD is an experimental digital publication.

Its mission is to promote love, peace and harmony through positive music and inspiring articles and literary works under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

It aims to strengthIt is driven purely by en the tie that the desire to bring binds us all to the the Light of God to all Great Composer. peoples in the world.

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