BLAHG

2010-10-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ode to the first. (Chapter 1)

Let this be the sweetest thing I ever wrote; Sweeter than the bottom of a Kool-Aid pitcher. Sweetest because I speak of a love that inspires me perpetually.

Donna is the closest thing I have to a soul-mate if one ever existed. Let me tell you our story.

MEET DONNA

Back when I was just 11 years old, I was aloof to idea of love. I may have been curious about plenty of other things but certainly not love. It was not uncommon for boys my age to be consumed by toys, games and hobbies not crushes, relationships and intimacies. Do you still remember the stage when boys thought girls had cooties? Well, that was me.

I was in for a big surprise. I guess one day God decided to bestow some love upon me. Not that I wasn’t blessed enough but maybe it was His way of saying “Here… try this”. “This” was something new that I was due to feel. “Meet Donna”, God spoke to my heart. Unknowingly, I was to fall in love for the 1^st time. (Yes, it’s cheesy! Shut up)

There I was, weak-kneed every time she'd come near. This girl, for many reasons, was disarming; All 4’11 of her. I was too shy to even say a single word but if “eye-candy” were taken literally, I could have already been considered diabetic. Silly me, I was so motivated to go to school just to see her. However, for a time, that’s all it was. I just stole glances but had the slightest clue of what to do next.

One night, as part of my pre-sleep prayers, I prayed a prayer I would never forget. Randomly, I asked God for her to "please save a spot in her heart for me". I don't know why I prayed for that. After all, I was still too naïve and afraid to push forth. Some other guys in our school had already made it blatant that they liked her. Not me, though. I was too nervous to divulge my feelings for her. Wait, feelings? In a sense, I wasn’t sure of how to go about it. I was only sure of how much I liked her and how effortlessly she would sweep me off the ground I stood. I was left to ponder, wishfully, if she’d ever like me back. I left it up to fate. I left it up to God. I was still too young. My young mind couldn’t process what my throbbing heart was trying to say.

9 Easy Steps to Crafting an Excellent Day.

2010-10-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

Today, I would like to share how I plan out my days to make absolutely sure that I always have a good one. Please understand, what I'm about to share does not absolve one from facing the problems of everyday life. What I can tell you is that I formulated these following steps with the help of some really good readings. These things are tried and tested methods, a lot of which didn't even originate from me. I just added my own personal touch to it after experiencing a really horrible day. I'm pleased to tell you, with no intent to put myself on a pedestal, that the last horrible day I had was over a year ago. I haven't had a bad day since then. So, I hope I could help you out as well.

Please do the following at night before you go to sleep. Preferably, this should be the last thing you do everyday. HERE GOES...

Things you need: A notebook, A planner, A pen

Lets get started:

Step1: Fold a page from your notebook in half vertically. This divides the page into 4 parts since you will be using it back to back.

Step 2: Label these 4 divisions as follows: "To Do", "Purpose", "Bearing" and "Relevance".

Step 3: On the "To Do" portion on the page, write down all the things you need to do. By "need" I mean prioritize your tasks based on the level of importance. Remember, a lot of things that are urgent aren't necessarily important. You may want to write tomorrow's date beside each task too (or the deadline for it).

Breathe...

Step 4: On the "Purpose" part of the page, write down exactly WHY you need to do the specified task. Ask yourself how doing that task will affect the people you love or how that task will contribute goodness in a major way. Let's say I need to clean my music studio... my purpose would read something like this- "The atmosphere in the studio becomes more welcoming and conducive for creativity". Heck, who wouldn't want that?

Step 5: On the "bearing" part of the page, write down possible things that could arise should you not work on the specified task. This should keep you on your toes and keep you responsible. This is, as my father would put it, a form of "uncertainty reduction". Now back to cleaning my studio... My bearing would read something like this "Artists may get turned off with all the mess in your studio and thus not bring out their full creative potential"

Step 6: On the "relevance" portion of your page, this is where you write down how significant doing the specified task is in your life. Take note, this is different from purpose because this time, you're evaluating how this affects YOU. How would you feel after its accomplishment?

For cleaning my studio, my relevance would read something like this- "I feel neater and my studio is a good example of cleanliness. What a confidence booster". Would you feel more responsible after doing the task? Would you be happier?

Step 7: Now that you've jotted all that down, you're ready to move on to your planner. Don't worry, I know it seems like a lot of work but once you get the hang of it, the notebook part should only take a few minutes.

"Write it like a headline".

Choose which among "Purpose", "Bearing" and "Relevance" moves you the most. Take the statement that you wrote and fuse it with the task you need to do BUT write it in past tense as if the task was already done. Write it like a newspaper headline (with only good news).

Here are a few examples of what should appear on your planner.

IF you choose the PURPOSE as the HEADLINE - "Studio is now more conducive for creativity after cleaning the studio".

IF you choose the BEARING as the HEADLINE- "Averted bad impression from artists after cleaning the studio."

IF you choose the RELEVANCE as the HEADLINE- "Confidence boosted after cleaning the studio".

The reason why you need to write it as if it already happened is because magic will start occurring in your mind when you do so. After you practice this a few times, your brain will start to tell you've accomplished a lot instead of looking at your planner and seeing nothing but things to do.

STEP 8:

You're not done yet! Sorry:)

It is imperative that after you write down your task for the upcoming day, you also need to write down all the blessings you received during the day that just ended. You need to express gratitude for even the smallest things. In doing so, you will be aware that despite anything that happens to you, you are always blessed. It's on print! It is a must that you express gratitude for God's graces. I believe you will receive more blessings if you learn how to acknowledge the ones you get everyday.

STEP 9- Make a wish

Randomly just jot down any dream you would like to attain, no matter how silly it may sound. Just do it. It won't hurt a bit.

There, you're done.

There are no guarantees that this will work for everyone. For many, this may be too much work. Some may be too busy for this kind of activity. For me, however, it has done wonders. At least now when I look at my planner, I don't see a mountain of things I need to do. Rather, I see things I've accomplished. During bad days, it helps to open your planner and read all the blessings you have jotted down. You will never be able to deny to yourself that things aren't that bad after all. There is proof that you are blessed because you wrote it down yourself! This method helps me create the kind of day I want to have when I wake up because I map it out before I sleep. Take note, I said "create" which means it prevents me from merely reacting to circumstances I would have otherwise thought I have no control over. As one of my favorite sayings goes, "1 hour of planning saves 3 hours of execution". This only takes 10 minutes tops. The whole point here is having a method of putting positive thoughts into effect; Having positive thoughts but making it clear and definite, writing it down, and ultimately putting it into action! Try it out... Goodluck.

Good to see you again.

2010-10-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

First off, good to have you here! Please do stay tuned to my blog as that would give me the proper motivation to keep updating it. Your enthusiasm is mine. Should you decide to browse off elsewhere, hopefully I'll be able to leave you with some scrumptious food for thought before you do so.

He's smarter than me and you!

2009-09-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

Dr. Michio Kaku breaks it down. Light years ahead in thought

ILL-J's Album and Launch info.

2009-05-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

I hope you guys are checking out ILL-J's brand new video below. His official launch will be held at 77 Bar on May 29 (Friday). 77 Bar is right along Kamuning street, right next to the Petron gas station. (Literally next to Petron on kamuning).

Feel Good, Real Good, No Problems:]

2009-05-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

Suabe...

Ain't Nuthin Changed

2009-05-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hip-Hop done correct!!!

The Aquariuss/ AMP Blvd Manila Launch!

2009-05-15T10:07:00.001-07:00

The Hip-Hop Preacher

2009-05-10T02:26:00.000-07:00

I hope this inspires you guys! Props to Eric Thomas.

Beep Beep!

2009-05-06T02:57:00.000-07:00

Ever heard the expression "My mellow" in any rap song before? I guess it refers to your "homie", but more specifically the one you roll with and the friend you keep in your inner circle. (I guess). The man in this feature is my mellow, my ace, and he is indeed mellow in character. Mild mannered DJ Excaliber, or more affectionately known as "Beef" in his hood, is a hybrid skater/DJ/and producer. Honestly, he's one of the most hip-hop friends I have. He skates and scratches everyday plus he owns a thick library of vinyl records. I owe him greatly for supplying super scratches on the last 3 projects I produced. I'm telling you, I love my hood of Las Pinas. Beef's hood is just 15 minutes away from my house making collabs a done deal in no time- leaving ample time to chill at his humble studio filled with high-powered gear or just s*oking out. Pretty soon, he'll have his own coming out party. This dude's got the best beats you've never heard. For now, he has to put in work in Japan to make a living. Here he is to talk about his love affair with 3 crafts he can't live without. I forgot to ask him "Ba't parati kang nakatawa?!".

DJ beep. Hip-Hop has 4 elements... Why did you choose DJing?

Nung bata palang ako gusto ko ng maging dj.. dati sa zipper ng pants ko ako nagprapraktis magscratch o kaya sa hologram cards nakakatawa pero totoo..

DJ Beep. How have your travels to Japan helped your skills and DJing?

Halos lahat ng natutunan ko sa japan

DJ Beep. Tell me about the people you have met while in Japan.

Lahat sila hardworking sa mga craft na ginagawa nila mapa dj,mc,bboy,skate

DJ Beep. Is skating a bigger part of you than DJing is? Or is it the same?

Skateboarding is a bigger part of my life.. kung hindi ako nagskateboard siguro hindi din ako magiging dj.. pero dont get me wrong i love dJing like a husband loves his wife..

DJ Beep. Tell me about your best experiences while skating, and how much of Hip-Hop is involved in skating...

Everytime i skate is a best experience..and hiphop music set my mood parang mahirap mabuhay kung walang skateboarding at hiphop music kasi its a part of my life..

Tell me about your worst experience while skating...

Pinalayas sa spot dahil trespassing kame, raidin ng mga pulis un skatespot nun kainitan ng issue sa alabang boys, makipag batuhan ng bote sa mga gangster tsinelas dahil galit sila sa skater,nasabihan ng (whats up! trasher basurero..) nabalian ng balikat, naoperahan sa tuhod,nabagok pero un ang challenge sa skateboarding pagkatapos mo madapa kailangan mo tumayo para magskate ulet

DJ Beep. You are not only a DJ, you are also a producer as well. Tell me more about your style and what kinds of beats you like.

My style is a traditional hiphop,jazzy mood, puchy beats that i learned from(chrizo magnifico!)

DJ Beep. Among DJing, Skating and Beatmaking- Sino bestfriend mo sa tatlo?

Lahat best friend ko pag stressed sa gf nagiiskate teraphy ako, pag pagod nako pero stressed paren dj ang ginagawa ko at bago ako matulog para maganda ang gising kailangan magawa ko un beat na naririnig ko sa isip ko (pero ngayon break na kame ng gf ko pero gagawen ko paren un lifestyle ko)

How important are girls?

Pinakamagandang creation ni god ay babae.. sobrang importanteng inspiration sa music di lang sa music pati sa buhay.. =)

Kailan ka babablik?

Naku hindi ko pa alam kung kelan ako babalik may trabaho kasi ako magiipon ako pambili kotse para pogi..

Hip-Hop Yo Hip-Hop Yo!

2009-05-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

Let me take you to school. Kindergarden to be exact! Thank you Teacher Lucky, straight from Hong-Kong, for taking time out from her regular class to have her students to do something for hip-hop:]

Side note: Please do not engage in "tsismis". Me and Lucky are just friends! Peace!

A New Era of Hip-Hop Artist Responsibility.

2009-05-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, Hip-Hop is dead. Nas boldly stated this on his very album title and yet out of stubborness or denial, some choose to say otherwise. On my part, I believe the man. I also believe that if anybody chooses to say otherwise, words will never suffice. Until tangible results turn the tides in favor of hip-hop, it shall remain dead. At best, it is in a coma.

How did our dearly beloved Hip-Hop suffer this predicament? Some would lay blame on radio, TV, and magazines for killing it slowly in favor of other genres. Others would argue that Hip-hop didn't die, it just evolved into something new. Whats your argument? Please don't say Hip-Hop is alive "just because". That is just not good enough.

Hip-Hop, ironically, is life to me- and life is what you make it, right? To me that entails that Hip-Hop is what you make it too. In the Philippines, I loath the fact that for more than a decade, the argument was if the genre ever existed at all. Forums upon forums on the internet would all be dedicated to hating camps or bragging about who got next. In the midst of all the commotion and "take over" talk, the output of music from our genre remained scarce. It is apparent to me that nobody got next, and nobody truly has bragging rights. Nobody has shit to show for, really. (Save for maybe a few). Everybody wanted to spend their precious time squawking. Forums upon forums would then rant about how we aren't played on the radio. They would argue bullshit about mainstream vs. underground. Yet, in the midst of this commotion was still a weak musical output. Everybody has a bright idea but only few exert the effort necessary for us to feel it.

Hip-Hop only died because the artists involved in it either took their own sweet time trying to find the "perfect timing" to release their shit- or they were using that time unwisely to brag about something they don't really have. On top of that, many of us believed that doing shows and bringing everyone together was the ultimate solution to the problem. For a while, it was. The community showed that we all can get along (to a certain extent) after all. Year after year, however, people started performing the same songs over and over again. Proof that even with our forces combined, we are still the same lazy artists.

When Francis M passed away, I knew Hip-Hop suffered yet another crushing blow. After he died, people swore they wanted to make music and albums to continue what he did so well during his whole career. Tribute this, dedication that... but after a month, we're back to square one. People don't seem as touched by hip-hop as they were during the month of March. Folks, it is not whether you do a Francis M tribute or not that is noble. If you want to live out the full Francis M experience, then at least look at what he stood for. This man was the king not for any other reason other than he outworked each and every one of us. We have nothing on him in terms of musical output. He had the ability to release 3 albums before we could even release 1. He was the most responsible. He locked the T-shirt game as well- his products were well out there in the streets. If you have the nerve to make 1 Francis M tribute song and not have plans to follow in his example, you'd be doing his influence a disservice. Please don't miss the point. Make no mistake, Francis M is most remembered for his music more than his eat bulaga appearances or even those Ninja Kids days. How could we, who are not kings, still afford to be lazy?

To my peers, I urge you to release your products whether it be albums or other merchandise such as shirts and other memorabilia. It is tough but nobody is going to save this genre except for us. Keep doing shows but don't engage in war without bullets. Make sure your songs are fresh. Do whatever you want in your regular lives as long as you do something contributory to hip-hop as well. Our breakthrough is NOT going to come from foreign soil. It is going to come from us and us alone. I know you guys well. I know how many products my camp has released while your newest shit is dated 2006-2007 at best. I'm not saying this because I feel I'm the shit nor do I intend to bash anyone. I'm saying this because I'm tired of my shit. I want to hear your shit. Your listeners want more. Just like how you anticipate Nas or Jay-Z's new release. You'd get on the net as soon as you hear that its out. If it doesnt come out, you get let down, right? Just imagine how many people you've let down for years. You are not too big for this. I do not know why most of you believe that 1 album can carry you for 3-4 years.

Right now, I am sick and tired of doing this Hip-Hop thing. It's the same shit, different day/week/month/year decade. Not too many of y'all are responsible enough to come up with something new. Your swag, words, and entire being are riding on something you did years ago. Irrelevant, to say the least. Your reasons for procrastinating just cost you years you will never have back. Hip-Hop in the Philippines is getting dry. We haven't heard from so many of you in ages! Music is life (No music/ No life). Hip-Hop is dead simply because we failed to make enough music for it. We had other plans, obviously, and in the process we irresponsibly forgot we all played a role in keeping it alive. It is time to usher in a new era of artist responsibility. There is no other reason for its demise. Get your mirrors and start looking!

There has been an SVC sighting...

2009-04-17T02:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, these pics were taken as recent as April of 2009. Yes, you are seeing Juss Rye and ILL-J of SVC in the lab writing. Your eyes aren't deceiving you. But what could they be writing and recording for?

Updates on the upcoming Aquarius/ Amp Blvd CD

2009-04-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

We are working round the clock to finish up the mastering for this CD. It features a preview of Marquiss before his upcoming G.R.A.E album and the super group A.M.P (Aero Marquiss and PhD). The CD will be launched in Bacolod City on the 25th of April and for sure, heads around thecountry will be able to cop it thereafter. Stay tuned!

Going Strong

2009-04-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

Lately, ILL-J had made appearances at "The Flow" over at MaxFM 103.5 with H-Town and Decypher and "Hip26", Rico Robles' show over at 93.1 (where he was artist of the month). He is doing promotion for his under-rated surprise attack of an album "Logic For Reason" proving time and time again that age don't make a difference. By the looks of it, talks of "who's hot" and "who's not" does not bother this man. He just goes out and does the damn thing. He handles his.

ATTENTION, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

2009-03-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

ILL-J's 2nd solo Album, "Logic for Reason" will be released in odyssey outlets around Manila by Tomorrow (March 23, 2009)! I will continue to update you with more details. Cop it. Read the article below about it. Thank you. PEACE!!!

Mixtape Live!!!

2009-03-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

Ka Freddie. One of the Greatest Filipinos Musicians of All Time.

Gentlemen

Ladies

Sasha Aguilar

Ken Jhonz

Sunny B

Tempes and Jonan

J-Hon

Crazy Fu (Pardon me if I didn't spell that correctly)

With the original maestro of music.

More Ka-Freddie Jams

Talek, Crismyx, Nimbus 9

Ka Freddie with Ka Mike

Grab the Mic

Nimbus 9 and some fan.

Chelo of the All-Stars

DJ/ Producer extraordinaire Flavamatiks

There's that fan again. This time with the Q-York boys

Q-York and PKSO

Knowalazarus.

Nice move Jones

It's in the blood. The Family rocks!

Everybody's got a musical weapon of choice.

A couple of my sister's friends along with Sheena of the All-Stars

The Man, The Nimbus

Hip-Hop offers plenty of gigs all year round around the metro. If you're lucky though, you'll catch more than just today's freshest acts ripping the mic. You might actually catch living legends jamming along. This Tuesday night at KaFreddie's was one such occassion. Living legend Freddie Aguilar owns the place. He was kind enough to grace the mic with some resonating freestyle melodies while his family provided the rocking background music and MCs circled around him. That was just the cherry on top. There was a plethora of performances before the final number. I ordered KaFreddies Chicken pasta by the way, it was yummy! Enjoy the pics.

KA FREDDIE's is located at Adriatico Street, Malate Manila. You can't miss it. Shout out to Jonan for the invite.

Musikko Mania Courtesy of Musikko.com

2009-03-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

I usually need at least 5 good reasons to go out on Friday/ Saturday nights. You have to put your 5 good reasons up against my 5 for staying home. Home is cozy, safe, you get free food, you get peace of mind, and you know you can fall asleep whenever you want to. On a night like this however, I only needed 1 good reason: Hip-Hop. The night was as good as advertised. Definitely Musikko came through with a solid show featuring Corporate Lo-Fi, Sinag, People's Future, Hotnixx, Marquiss, Nimbus 9, Mike Swift &J-Heez. Thats more than enough entertainment for any hiphop enthusiast. This of course comes just barely a week after the passing our industry's king. This was just the "spirit-booster" we needed to get the morale back up within our peers. Of course, I was mad active taking pics with our little Digi-cam. ENJOY. For more info, log on to musikko.com. Thanks Tina!!!

1 Time for Your Mind 1 Time

2009-03-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

Text Joke

Person 1 Text: "Pa-send naman ng dalawang load, importante lang"

Person 2: (Sends 2 Pesos of load)

Person 1 Text: "Salamat!"

Person 2 Text: "Tanga, wag ka na mag-reply... Sayang!"

Person 1 Text: "Ok!"

(L.O to the L)

I thought I told you that we won't stop?

2009-03-14T00:17:00.000-07:00

Back in my childhood, I was never into Hip-Hop... I had long hair and was then rocking out to some Nirvana. However, the louder stereo system in our house kept bumping that good ol' nineties hip-hop on a daily basis. On top of all that Hip-Hop noise, a young, skinny, budding and determined MC was always writing his own raps in front of the system. He called himself ILL-J ". As this continued, I became more and more curious. Then to my utter surprise, my big brother ILL-J (That same young MC) broke through with his group Sun Valley Crew shortly after. I believe it was the excitement of it all, plus continuously introducing me to whats new and relevant in Hip-Hop that got me hooked. There was no turning back from that point. I became Hip-Hop forever. Basically, I owe this fella a lot.

Flash forward some 14-15 odd years later, ILL-J is not so skinny anymore but arguably more determined. No longer is he that same teen rookie rapper trying to prove a point. His former group is now immortalized in the 90's leg of Philippine Hip-Hop history. He is no longer doing the group thing (Though he mentions in this album "The crew had disbanded but I'm still fam with all of them"). He has come of age and it reflects primarily in his music. He no longer writes about trivial matters that count for nothing. He writes about things that perfectly express his maturity at this point in time. He might kid with you from time to time about being too old to do shows but his song making prowess has not dulled one bit. His 2nd offering as a solo act "Logic for Reason" gives you the uncut raw.

The album promises a great balance of different producers such as Arbie Won, Jed-Li, Monique, Traumatik and some person named CHRiZO. He has a few guests including God's Will and even some occasional well placed RnB hooks courtesy of his Fiance', Monique. Logic for Reason may be too much for a young boy's plate, if you're grown you'll love this. I don't want to say this album brings it back to the "realness" because the truth is that he never switched up. He was always real with his. If anything, he enhanced his old self to now something grittier and more fierce. Watch out for it. It will be out in the market sooner than you can say "Demented Lyricist". I already have a copy!:D

Good Times :]

2009-03-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

This was a fantastic evening.

Welcome to the Chop-Shop

2009-03-13T20:01:00.001-07:00

I do not religiously update my blog as much as I should. It's a shame, really... I go through a lot of nice things on a weekly basis, especially in the studio where I am most active. So please allow me to do some catching up. Here's a sneak peek of some studio sessions at the Chop Shop since the year started.

Please stay tuned to my blahg. My upcoming entries will include an article/interview with DJ Excaliber and an article/interview with my nephew Brandon who is only 6 years of age. PEACE

Limbs dropping by the studio was great. I heard so many great things about his skills from Gino before I met him. I was not dissappointed.

Marquiss, Camille and yes Boss Phd! My usual Sunday Group Recording for A.M.P

Bob (E-Clef), and Arkane (The DOMinator)

Mr. Nine.

HotNixx in his element. Chatting it up w/ 5 lovely ladies at the same time... (Count it!)... when he's not ripping the mic of course. Much love Nixx!

The Homie DJ Excaliber. LP's Baddest DJ

G-Dub. Mr. Panganiban.

Then there is I.

Now See This

2009-02-18T23:24:00.000-08:00

Above was actually the real pic.

Followed by these... Enjoy!

Greetings!!!

2009-02-18T03:10:00.000-08:00

I just celebrated my birthday last February 15, so I thought I'd start off my blogspot with this pic. This was my primary pic on facebook, taken during my birthday. I had maintained a moustache for 2 whole months, something I haven't done before. I vowed to shave it on my birthday but before I actually did, I thought I'd have a little fun with it 1st. So I shaved half of it off and actually walked around with that look for a better part of the day. I took a pic, drew a line in the middle, posted the pic and what happened next was absolutely hilarious! I do not recall ever having so many comments on any single pic I've ever posted anywhere. Check out the responses on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1026060134#/photo.php?pid=1896129&id=565902454