I Dreamed a Dream...

My nephew's current favorite musical is Les Miserables because he was asked to perform one of its songs during his school's recognition rites. He requested me to sing On My Own when our whole family went karaoke singing last January. Next time, I'd like to sink my teeth into this song made even more popular by Susan Boyle.

I listened to the words again last night and was amazed at the powerful story they told.

I Dreamed a Dream
From Les Miserables

There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
And they turn your dream to shame

He slept a summer by my side
He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came

And still I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.

Here's the link to the famous video.

And another video from the same talent show, of a little girl who also could sing like an angel.

Youtube has disabled embedding of these videos. Please go to the links and enjoy!

It's never too late to dream. :)

The Calling

Lingkod QC brothers singing The Calling's "Wherever You Will Go" for outgoing BWM Gay Ordenes. Gay said she's not going anywhere far, she'll just be with Ligaya.

Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon Presents Hindi Kita Malilimutan Concert

You may watch the promotional video using this link.

I linked the link without permission from Norman Agatep. He has since found me out and thanked me for the unauthorized promotion.

I see it all as one work for the Lord, and besides, I'm with Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon. I would naturally promote this concert.

My elementary graduating class sang "Hindi Kita Malilimutan" for our Songfest, and we were the champions then. We dedicated it to our class adviser Miss Cabrera, a former nun who gave our lives meaning and inspiration. Our class won every contest and trophy to be won that year - whether in music, sports, or journalism - and we dedicated them all to her.

She died while I was in college. My classmates and I were able to pay our last respects. This song would always remind us of her, who would always say that we shouldn't idolize her as she wasn't a saint. At least not yet when we were in Grade 6. Now she must be in heaven singing with all the saints.

So, going back to the concert. I would naturally promote Lingkod. I love Bukas Palad. Most of all, the song "Hindi Kita Malilimutan" holds a special place in my heart. It's also God's love song for me, as written in the book of Isaiah.

I hope many people join this celebration of God's love through music.

Young Diva

Like every Filipino, I am proud of Charise Pempengco, known around the world as The Young Diva. Watch her on "Ellen.

Last Song Syndrome (LSS): Mamma Mia

I went to see this musical in Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas last Saturday. The tune is still ringing in my head even up to now.

Mamma Mia is entertaining and I could not believe how many ABBA songs I could sing-along with. This is one of them.

Mamma Mia
ABBA

I've been cheated by you since I don't know when
So I made up my mind, it must come to an end
Look at me now, will I ever learn?
I don't know how but I suddenly lose control
There's a fire within my soul
Just one look and I can hear a bell ring
One more look and I forget everything, w-o-o-o-oh

Mamma mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My my, just how much I've missed you
Yes, I've been brokenhearted
Blue since the day we parted
Why, why did I ever let you go?
Mamma mia, now I really know,
My my, I could never let you go.

I've been angry and sad about things that you do
I can't count all the times that I've told you we're through
And when you go, when you slam the door
I think you know that you won't be away too long
You know that I'm not that strong.
Just one look and I can hear a bell ring
One more look and I forget everything, w-o-o-o-oh

Mamma mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My my, just how much I've missed you
Yes, I've been brokenhearted
Blue since the day we parted
Why, why did I ever let you go?
Mamma mia, even if I say
Bye bye, leave me now or never
mamma mia, it's a game we play
Bye bye doesn't mean forever

Mamma mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My my, just how much I've missed you
Yes, I've been brokenhearted
Blue since the day we parted
Why, why did I ever let you go
Mamma mia, now I really know
My my, I could never let you go.

The other musical I watched was Phantom of the Opera over at the Venetian. I fell asleep four times and my friend had to wake me up so as not to miss my dollar's worth. I was too tired, really, and just wanted to take advantage of the half-priced ticket that we bought. I liked Mamma Mia more than Phantom. I guess my state of mind affected my taste last weekend.

Next year, I hope to watch a couple of shows on Broadway.