Saturday night, the 11th of July, 2009.  A night I shall never forget.  Ever.

Appearing here in Northern California were Aegis.  And you know I love Aegis.  So I ordered tickets as soon as I found out.  And last Saturday, tickets in hand, we ventured about one hour from here to attend their concert.  A sold out concert too.  You know they brought the house down!!!!  Awesome!  Fantastic!  Words cannot describe how great they were.  Such great voices, so energetic.  Abtik kaayo!  hahaha 

One of the highlights for me was when we were standing in line.  We were first in line and Aegis was still performing their sound checks.  After the sound check they emerged and I got to say Maayong Hapon to Juliet and Mercy.  Then Rey came out and I talked to him and even sang the chorus to Dukha (my favorite of their songs) with him.  Wonderful!  Finally the awesome concert started and everyone was clapping and singing with them.   Afterwards they were selling CD’s and T-Shirts and they even had an autograph session.  I was able to say hello to them all and got to sing the chorus to Dukha with Rey one more time.  Next time I want to be on stage with them.  Hahaha     I also bought a CD, Aegis Greatest Hits.  Which is good because it’s difficult to watch them on YouTube when I’m driving in the car.    Below is the CD cover that they all autographed for me.  Thanks Aegis!!!!

Autographed Aegis CD Cover

Aegis is comprised of sisters Mercy & Juliet Sunot from CDO (Cagayan de Oro), Stella Maries Galindo from Misamis Occidental, Rey Abenoja from Southern Leyte, Vilma Goloviogo from Manila and Rowena “Weng” Pinpin from Pampanga.

Dukha is such an important song to me.  To find out why and to see a video of them singing Dukha

click here

Well, what else can I say?  Simply one great experience.  If any one of the members of Aegis ever stumbles across this little blog, well, I’m that crazy Goyo guy.  I think it was Juliet who said, “Goyo, Goyo, Goyong”.  And as I told them, “Amerikano akong lawas, pero Bisaya akong kasing-kasing”. 

They’re on their way now to Utah, Southern California, Las Vegas, Texas, Florida, Australia and then Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.   If you have the chance to attend one of these concerts I highly recommend you do so.

More Power to Aegis!

Here’s another of their songs I really like, this is “Buhay Ko” (My Life);

This is not the usual Goyo post.  I like to keep things light, frolicky and upbeat.  I’m in love with the Philippines and I just wish to share that with you all.

However, sometimes, something so drastic comes along that it is impossible for me to ignore it .  I wish it was impossible for me to post this.  This is a very powerful video.  It is also a true story.  This video may not be appropriate for all.  Be prepared.

To see the video click on this;

The first time I saw this I was doubled over crying out loud.  I still cannot watch it without crying.  It is a very moving and emotional film.  Please think hard, What can I do to help?  If you can, then please do so.  The children are so precious.

How fitting it is that it’s raining here today.  Exactly one year ago today I added the post “Remembering Rain Girl”.  Well, I’m still at it.  I remember her every day as I ask God to bless and protect her.    And not only her but also all the street children of Cebu and the rest of the Philippines.   So on this anniversary please join me, remember these children and try to think how to help them.   When you’re in the Philippines and you see them, please stop long enough to buy them some food.  You’ll never reap as big a reward as the one you get when they smile and thank you.

If you’re unfamiliar with “Rain Girl” here is the link my first post about her;

Rain Girl

And the link for “Remembering Rain Girl”;

Remembering Rain Girl

I pray that someday you will find your own Rain Girl, or Window Boy as one commenter found, and that they touch your heart as mine has been touched.

And, finally, Rain Girl, you still Go Girl!

My goodness, the Philippines is certainly full of talented entertainers.  I’ve showcased many of them here in my blog.  From established artists like Yeng Constantino and Sarah Geronimo to promising talents like Madonna Decena.  Of course there’s also the phenomenal Charice Pempengco!  Now, I, Goyo, have discovered another new talented sensation.  Well, okay, I didn’t discover them.  My nephew, Miloy, in Talisay City, Cebu, sent me a link to them.  And I must say they are fabulous!  I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.

Here they are performing “Tearing Up My Heart”, a song made famous by ‘N Sync.   Ladies and gentelmen please welcome moymoypalaboy!

 Just click here

When you mention Pilipino music to people they often think of the folk songs or the lovely ballads that Pinoys are famous for.  However, there is much more to the Pinoy music scene.  There is much diversity to be found in the RP music world.  It’s not your Lolo’s (grandfather’s) music anymore.  Pinoys Rock!  Have a listen to this band and you will see what I mean.  Here are five babaye (woman) and one lalake (man) who will knock your socks off.  The song is called “Dukha” (Poor, Destitute).  Ladies and Gentlemen, here is Aegis!  Rock On RP!!!!

For Goyo’s rough translation of this song please click “Read More”

Dukha is such an important song to me.  It’s one of those songs that comes along every now and then that not only is good music but it also inspires you.  It touches your heart.  Here is my rough translation of the lyrics so you’ll know what I mean.  Please forgive my poor interpretation.

I am a poor child

All I achieve

Is only suffering

What will be my life?

I have no acceptance

It is said that my education is low

Grade one is my only capability

No read, no write, yet my darling

What will be my life?

CHORUS

Scratch the ground like a chicken, peck like a chicken looking for a little food

That’s the way we are, the many poor

Scratch the ground like a chicken, peck like a chicken looking for a little food

That’s the way we are, the many poor

Repeat second stanza

Repeat chorus twice

Now, here is the tagalog;

Ako ay isang anak mahirap

Lagi na lang akong nagsusumikap

Ang Buhay ko’y walang sigla

Puro na lang dusa

Paano na ngayon ang buhay ko

Sa akin ay walang tumatanggap

Mababa raw ang aking pinag-aralan

Grade one lang ang inabot ko

No read, no write pa ko

Paano na ngayon ang buhay ko

CHORUS

Isang kahig, isang tuka

Ganyan kaming mga dukha

Isang kahig, isang tuka

Ganyan kaming mga dukha