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PHONE LOCKSCREENS: BLUE IN PAINTINGS by vincent van gogh

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Sixpence,

Sixpence None the Richer, often just called "Sixpence," is an awesome pop/rock band originating from New Braunfels, Texas, before making it big in Nashville, Tennessee. Their name comes from a cool passage in C.S. Lewis' book "Mere Christianity." You gotta check them out because their 1999 self-titled album is a gem! It's a beautiful blend of melodic Christian rock and the groovy vibes of 60s British invasion music that makes you want to dance.

The band's core duo, Matt Slocum, the talented guitarist and songwriter, and Leigh Nash, an amazing vocalist, first crossed paths at a church retreat in the early '90s. Fast forward to 1997, they signed with Steve Taylor's Squint Entertainment, gearing up for the release of their self-titled album, which gradually started catching the ears of a bigger audience.

Then came the magic of "Kiss Me" in 1999, catapulting Sixpence None the Richer into the national pop scene. And guess what? That hit tune was even featured in the romantic comedy 'She's All That'! A total must-watch, by the way!

But they didn't stop there! The band's cover of The La's song "There She Goes" in the following year became another smash hit. They included it as a bonus 13th track on their already awesome self-titled album, which had several releases. Sixpence None the Richer truly knows how to rock and captivate audiences!

In the year 2004, in February the band announced their disbandment. But let me tell you, that news didn't dampen my love for their music one bit! Their songs became my solace, my sanctuary, each melody carrying its beautiful message. Born in 2003, I practically grew up with their tunes as the soundtrack to my life even though they disbanded a year later I was born. And you know what? It was all thanks to my parents and my mom's best friend, my beloved aunt, who had impeccable taste in music. Their influence shaped my musical journey.

I can't help but admit that listening to Sixpence None the Richer's music feels like a warm hug from a cozy cloud. It's like being whisked away into a dreamy garden bursting with colorful butterflies, buzzing bees, and fragrant blossoms, twirling under the golden rays of sunlight. It's pure magic; their melodies breathe life into my soul, sparking a vibrant energy within me. And hey, as I'm about to turn 21 in just 15 days, reminiscing about their songs feels like taking a stroll down memory lane. It's nostalgia hitting me in the best possible way.

Their music isn't just tunes to me; it's a tapestry woven with threads of joy and heartfelt memories. Through the highs and lows of life, it feels like Sixpence None the Richer has been by my side, a steadfast companion. They've become my haven, my go-to whenever life gets tough or when I just want to relive moments filled with happiness.

So here I am, forever grateful for the impact their music has had on me. With every note, they've etched themselves into my life, making me feel like I'm floating on cloud nine, dancing through life's beautiful moments. Sixpence None the Richer isn't just a band; they're my timeless comfort and my everlasting musical haven.

Siangco, N.S.

#musician #poprockband #sixpence none the richer #my blogs #favorite band ever #songs #1990s #y2k #Youtube #nostalgia

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The pages come alive as we're transported back, witnessing firsthand the struggles, aspirations, and fervor that marked this pivotal era in Philippine history.

The 2022 Philippine series "Maria Clara and Ibarra," produced by GMA Network, centers around Maria Clara "Klay" Infantes, a 21-year-old nursing student played by Barbie Forteza. Klay juggles her demanding job as a barista while striving to graduate amidst familial challenges – living with an abusive stepfather and a mother reluctant to leave him.

Despite her struggles, Klay feels disconnected from classical Filipino literature and fails to grasp its relevance to her nursing studies. Her professor, José R. Torres, insists on an essay about José Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere" for graduation. He gives her a special copy, promising an immersive experience. Unaware of its true significance, Klay falls asleep while reading the book. Upon waking up, she discovers herself mysteriously transported into the world of "Noli Me Tangere," marking the beginning of her journey through the past.

I started watching Maria Clara at Ibarra during summer vacation because I have longed for historical fiction ever since I started reading Binibing Mia’s works (her Wattpad user is UndeniablyGorgeous if you want to read her book which I recommend!). I still haven’t finished watching the teleserye because I was busy at school and I haven’t paid for my subscription to Netflix. LOL. But, I honestly could tell that it’s a really good TV series, even though we Filipinos are already familiar with the plot,  there’s just something about the series that keeps you watching and not missing every detail of each episode.

The series' stunning cinematography stands out, creating a timeless essence that echoes the atmosphere of "Noli Me Tangere." Ibarra's narrative mirrors that of someone who ventures abroad only to find upon their return that much of what they held dear has disappeared, facing imminent dangers threatening what little remains. While it resonates with contemporary viewers, it's saddening that the origins of these themes trace back to an 1887 book and may go unnoticed by some.

I'll confess, despite experiencing numerous versions, remixes, and retellings of this story—perhaps a dozen or more—there's something uniquely captivating about this particular adaptation. It might be the transition to a cinematic format, considering my previous exposure was limited to reading historical fiction. Alternatively, it could be the exceptional cinematography of the series. Personally, I find immense joy in witnessing numerous extravagant house parties adorned with a plethora of fancy attire.

While I'm currently on a pause and haven't concluded watching "Maria Clara at Ibarra" yet, I wholeheartedly endorse it, particularly for teenagers. It serves as an excellent gateway for them to comprehend the intricate plot of "Noli Me Tangere." Moreover, beyond its historical context, it presents a compelling narrative that resonates with everyone, providing ample material for reflection. So far, I think Maria Clara at Ibarra has tried to tell us an important message about history. It is important to be always reminded that we cannot change the past, but we can learn from it. In doing so, we must not forget about all the horrors and tragedies that befell our country. No matter how dark and tragic the past is, there are a lot of lessons we can learn from it, which we must use to define the future that we want to see in our country.

Before I end this blog I wanted to say that, I'm determined to carve out dedicated time, eagerly looking forward to immersing myself further into the series, and exploring its themes and messages with enthusiasm and excitement! 

See you guys in my next blog!

#maria clara at ibarra #historical #PhilippineTVSeries #my blog #blogspot #travel #travel blog #history

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20th Century Girl

Do you think I have forgotten...about you?

"20th Century Girl" is a nostalgic movie set in a time when the internet was just emerging, and pagers were still in use. The story revolves around Na Bo-Ra, her best friend Kim Yeon Doo, and Yeon Doo's crush, Baek Hyun Jin. Despite Yeon Doo having to leave the country for heart surgery right after meeting her crush, Bo Ra steps in to learn everything about Hyun Jin, maintaining their connection. Bo Ra becomes close to Hyun Jin's friend, Poong Woon Ho, leading to a complex web of friendship and love. The plot takes a twist when Yeon Doo returns from surgery and meets Woon Ho, who turns out to be her crush, initially mistaken by Bo-Ra. This sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and the complexities of friendship and love.

It was disheartening witnessing their conflict over a guy when they were both willing to let him go for the sake of their friendship. It gave me emotional distress. I mean, young love doesn't need to be so tangled, especially when it begins with joy and ease. 

The movie's conclusion caught me off guard. Despite numerous obstacles in the 20th century, such as Woon-ho leaving for New Zealand and their failed reconciliation, I hoped the 21st century would bring them together, especially with his pledge to return for university. However, he gradually stopped contacting her, leaving me waiting for his surprise return. But as more years passed without word, I pondered his sudden disappearance. Jumping to 2019, two decades since they met, I felt he had kept her waiting too long for a heartfelt reunion. Surprisingly, there was no reunion—the movie revealed his passing without details. This conclusion made me realize that not every story needs a "happy ending," and that events unfold as they're meant to. Despite the lack of explanation, I found the unresolved ending beautifully poignant.

The movie deeply resonated with me as it mirrored a stage I've experienced—young love and the sacrifices it entails for everyone's well-being. Each scene felt like a heartbreak in the most poignant way, evoking memories of my own youthful romance. It prompted reflection on the amusing and awkward moments from that time and raised the question: does recalling those memories bring joy or heartache?

I encouraged my mom to watch the movie to gather her thoughts on it. She expressed profound affection, saying it struck a chord within her, something she'll treasure deeply. Her reaction prompted me to realize that she connected with the movie because it echoed her own high school love story, evoking memories of friendship, young love, and the sacrifices made for others' happiness, despite ending in personal heartbreak.

As we grow older, there are moments of looking back at youth with nostalgia, recalling innocent times filled with self-discovery. This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as I, too, have experienced and cherished similar reflections from the past.  

I'd suggest this movie to everyone. It's a beautiful movie, a simple yet unexpectedly rich story. I decided to watch it on a whim, needing something just to watch out of boredom not knowing 20th Century Girl would take a part of my heart.

-Siangco, Nicole S.

#nostalgia #dejavu #kmovie #20th century girl #love #heartbreak

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