"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."
- John Lennon
I didn't buy a planner for 2014 (or even remotely planned on purchasing one, more so, collect dozens of Starbucks stickers for one). I've never properly used one anyway. I saw it as a metaphor of how I consistently and predictably live through each year: start enthusiastically on filling up dates with social/semi-social/fairly social/non-social/anti-social engagements which I often don't show up to anyway, and then gradually fade away and completely forget about keeping and updating my pretentious planner for the rest of the year a.k.a February to December.
And this is where the John Lennon quote comes in.
You see, I started this year unemployed. I was living off my separation pay from my last job, which was already half a year since, just bumming around, but miraculously managed to pay my bills and at the same time, my attendance to gigs skyrocketed - at least twice or thrice a month, I was covered. I simply took the chance of enjoying music more, without caring about work, deadlines, and unwillingly paying government tax. What happened during the course of 12 months (intermittently) have been the best of my life so far. And I promise you, all of these happy accidents happened just like that: unexpected, unplanned, in hindsight. Maybe it's within the context of fate, kismet, or whatever word fits this convergence of positivity, bliss, and randomness. I've decided that, instead of making my usual 'best of' year-end lists, I've wanted to share some of the most unforgettable, truly self-affirming moments of this year that I've experienced, along with the best discoveries I made this year, all thanks to music.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the beautiful people that are part of this incredible environment that I'm in. I'd like to mention some of them here, so please indulge me for a bit. Ian and Miao, thank you for giving me a platform to share my thoughts and feelings about our music. Vandals On The Wall and Amplify,ph are near and dear to my heart, and I'm eternally grateful to you both for entrusting me with valuable space to rave about music. Bel, thank you for being an infinite boost. Little awkward me would never be able to personally say hi - first and foremost - to all these amazing musicians without you. You might not know it, but it really means a lot to me to be able to know them both on- and off-stage. Gabby, for being one of my favorite gig buddies from the very start. We both miss Yna (ehem), whom we hope to spend more quality HOHOL time this year. Eli, my new gig buddy and all-my-silly-stories confidante, you've been there at the height of my mushiness and the lowest of my romantic slump this year. Clarence, for being one of the most genuine and humble person in music that I know. Your music has been a constant inspiration (and I take advantage of us being friends so that I can always comfortably let you know about it) right from the start and I'm proud of what you guys have achieved, thankful that I've been there to witness your triumphs. Luis, for the best birthday gift I've received in my life so far. It made me truly happy. And to all the musicians, creatives, and friends I've made and met this year - my heart thanks you all.
And this is where the John Lennon quote comes in.
You see, I started this year unemployed. I was living off my separation pay from my last job, which was already half a year since, just bumming around, but miraculously managed to pay my bills and at the same time, my attendance to gigs skyrocketed - at least twice or thrice a month, I was covered. I simply took the chance of enjoying music more, without caring about work, deadlines, and unwillingly paying government tax. What happened during the course of 12 months (intermittently) have been the best of my life so far. And I promise you, all of these happy accidents happened just like that: unexpected, unplanned, in hindsight. Maybe it's within the context of fate, kismet, or whatever word fits this convergence of positivity, bliss, and randomness. I've decided that, instead of making my usual 'best of' year-end lists, I've wanted to share some of the most unforgettable, truly self-affirming moments of this year that I've experienced, along with the best discoveries I made this year, all thanks to music.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the beautiful people that are part of this incredible environment that I'm in. I'd like to mention some of them here, so please indulge me for a bit. Ian and Miao, thank you for giving me a platform to share my thoughts and feelings about our music. Vandals On The Wall and Amplify,ph are near and dear to my heart, and I'm eternally grateful to you both for entrusting me with valuable space to rave about music. Bel, thank you for being an infinite boost. Little awkward me would never be able to personally say hi - first and foremost - to all these amazing musicians without you. You might not know it, but it really means a lot to me to be able to know them both on- and off-stage. Gabby, for being one of my favorite gig buddies from the very start. We both miss Yna (ehem), whom we hope to spend more quality HOHOL time this year. Eli, my new gig buddy and all-my-silly-stories confidante, you've been there at the height of my mushiness and the lowest of my romantic slump this year. Clarence, for being one of the most genuine and humble person in music that I know. Your music has been a constant inspiration (and I take advantage of us being friends so that I can always comfortably let you know about it) right from the start and I'm proud of what you guys have achieved, thankful that I've been there to witness your triumphs. Luis, for the best birthday gift I've received in my life so far. It made me truly happy. And to all the musicians, creatives, and friends I've made and met this year - my heart thanks you all.