Dream Theater wizard keyboardist Jordan Rudess plays around with the Korg NanoKey. It is now available for around 50 USD. No, it is not available in the Philippines. =(
Danny Javier of the Apo Hiking Society has invited over at his home just to catch up and spend some time. It was his small way (BIG FOR ME) of treating me for my birthday.
He’s best known for his songs and his group APO, but his artistry also comes forth in his passion for Bonsai trees and landscaping. He has toured me and shared with me his Bonsai collection, how it started, and what makes a good Bonsai.
Photo: Artist at work
“The fulfillment is something that money cannot buy” were his words for this craft.
That is a horse, the other one is a tree.
From this angle, I really feel like I’m under the shelter of a tree.
All in all, it was a rather personal time with him. I pray the best of life and more years for Ninong Danny.
*Ninong - godfather
Had the opportunity to play for a birthday celebration in Timberland. Thanks to Mr. Nitoy Mallillin for the referral. I can no longer remember the name of the celebrator, except that she is the president of Filinvest Real Estate, if I’m not mistaken. Susan Roces was there. I knew she was famous but I didn’t remember at that time who she was and where I saw her.
Gig went well. Played some oldies but goodies.
Who knew a place like this existed waaaaaaaaayyyy up San Mateo?
If you have friends or events that needs a live musician, just let me know. Leave a comment or email me: neil.lolin @ gmail.com
I was invited to play for the GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT held at CCF, St. Francis Square by Roy Fabella of Windsong. He wanted me to play “Rylynn“. I felt excited for the opportunity to play. I always wanted to do this. So it was a rather joyful moment for me.
What I didn’t expect was this.
I am familiar that CCF has a huge crowd, but judging from the seats and the nature of the conference, I knew this was going to be a big audience. I couldn’t feel anything. Either I was too nervous or was doing my best to calm down. I also thought why God put me where I was at that moment.
11:57 minutes before 2:00PM (my turn)
When I took this shot, I thought of how God must be watching me. And he will be looking at me further 11:57 minutes from then on.
Come 2:00PM, show time. I did not even once, glance at the audience.
Just did a simple bow after I played “Rylynn“. I looked at the audience and sighed a big relief and thanking myself that I did not glance at them. I would be too frightened. In all my years as a musician, doing solo numbers still freak me out. I don’t decline, but I don’t relax either.
Did I tell you there were plenty of people? It was a surprise to see siblings Tim Mallilin and Tiff Mallillin. He actually waved at me before my number.
I asked Ate Dits to take pictures of me, and I would argue this shot deserves a trophy:
Perspective - how do you see things?
I’m small compared to God. But sometimes I project myself being bigger than him. But in reality, He is bigger than me. In reality, regardless of how I stubborn I am, He watches over me.
This is my reflection on the photo above. I am but a small servant playing for a big God. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t aware I was projected on the screen. I’m happy to not know! God must be snickering at me for thinking this.
Anyways, Windsong rocked CCF after my number.
Kuya Roy was playing keyboards at the far left of the stage.
All in all, it’s a humbling experience for me. And I went back to office smiling.
This is our rendition of Britney’s Hit me Baby one more time. Those were the days when we rocked Unevenly. Hahaha!
Got this from Mr. Bassist Tim Mallillin. Should have been coined Super Bassist if you ask me.
I miss Uneven. I miss having a rock band. I miss kicking ass.
Bojam allows you to record, mix, share and learn music online. It is still in their beta stages and they are inviting participants to try out their service.
If you watch the video below, you’ll see how great the potential is and how near-limitless the possibilities.
I have signed up already and I am excited to see how things work once the wheels start turning.
Live Video streaming by Ustream
Got invited to play, perform, and minister to a Baranggay in Tagaytay. People were responsive and In His Presence Church was very accommodating.
If I’m not mistaken, 20 people have received Christ as their Savior and Lord. That’s good. That calls for 20 parties in heaven. Songs we performed were Love moves in mysterious ways, Deeply in Love, and another song I cannot remember now.
Concert approach was love. The different kinds of it. How dangerous, foolish, wonderful, and pure it is. The message was well received.
On the side, I seriously have to work on my shaky, nervous hands when performing on solo guitar. =(
Much thanks to JD for having us over for dinner, Stephen and Kuya Noah for inviting us to perform. We had a great time in Tagaytay.
I found this article via stumbleupon and thought it would be amusing to share. Credits to Black Phillips, author of the article. I’ll list it down below. I think it applies to all who are in the creative field, whether visual, musical, or performing arts. Click the link below to read the whole article.
I have taken the liberty of answering personal insights to each tip Mr. Phillips has provided.
20 Ways to Avoid Creative Block When You are a Graphic Designer
by Blake Phillips || Art Director || Vibra Design
1. TAKE PHOTOGRAPHY
Ah, yes photography. I’ve started December 2007 and still in the process of learning. And yes, it does help a lot.
Compare so you can learn. Do not judge on the basis of who is better. Pride destroys you before you even get started.
2. CALL A FRIEND
Uhmm… I don’t usually call a friend anymore. Maybe I should do this more often.
3. FLIP THROUGH DESIGN BOOKS
Does design websites apply?
If you have the focus of staying in one before one of your other interests pop in your head, go ahead. Otherwise, nothing beats the old, hard copy print of a design book while lying in bed or taking a dump.
4. READ TUTORIALS
Want to learn how to do an effect? Google is your friend.
You need patience though. Lots of it. If you’re like me who can’t wait from step 1 to step 10, practice patience. That’s the opportunity for it. Don’t ask me how I’m doing.
5. VISIT INSPIRATIONAL WEBSITES
If you’re up for some great photographs and captures, there’s a lot of them in flickr and some other sites.
6. CREATE ART FOR PERSONAL USE
Don’t forget what started you in this field in the first place. Interest. Go and edit your favorite celebrity or crush or whoever you want. If you’re so vain, go and edit your own face.
7. SPEAK WITH COLLEAGUES
Connecting in real life is more important than connecting in the web.
8. WATCH A FUNNY MOVIE OR VIDEO
Be wary of NSFW kind of videos especially when the boss is just behind you. He may be after your behind.
9. DOODLE IN A SKETCHBOOK
Do not, for any reason, draw your boss. If you cannot resist, make sure the shredder is nearby.
10. LISTEN TO MUSIC
If your laptop has the extra juice while running Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Firefox, go and list. If it can’t, buy a new laptop!
11. FIND A SEPARATE HOBBY
I’m sure you have something more than graphics design and the internet and music.
12. TAKE A STEP OUTSIDE
Taking a walk helps when you can’t find the creative universe anywhere near.
13. WRITE POETRY OR PROSE
Make fun of words and write sarcasm and ill comments about life, the goverment, work, your dog, or whatever. Of course, words of adoration are welcome. Just don’t lie.
14. LOOK UP SYNONYMS OR ANTONYMS
Uhm…yeah.
15. GO FOR A DRIVE
If you have the gas that can allow you to leisurely drive to wherever, go. Here in the Philippines, you’ll have to cry sweat and blood before the average earning single individual can drive leisurely.
16. VISIT THE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP
This helps when your concentration is high and you’re meeting a deadline. Do not look at the cute barista. No, don’t even try to approach the lonely cute girl accross the table. And please buy something to drink. Don’t use wifi for the sake of using it for free.
17. WORK IN PUZZLE BOOKS
I love Sudoku.
18. SLEEP ON IT
I love this more.
19. LOOK FOR INTERESTING OR NEW FONTS
In my experience, having it on print is better than looking at it online.
20. STRAIGHTEN UP YOUR OFFICE
I’d like to straighten up my officemate instead. Does that apply?
Again, this is the link for the more serious article:
20 Ways to Avoid Creative Block When You are a Graphic Designer
My mom has innovatively thought of keeping the dust away from my father’s guitars. At long last, I am saved of endlessly dusting them off. Seriously, I don’t clean them much really because the process is tiring and can be burdensome.
The cabinet is very well constructed and it beautifully displays axe awesomeness!
The great thing about it is it’s quite a view really and it would keep the dust at a minimal, which is really my problem for these babies. I only use 2 of the electrics, and 2 of the acoustics.
The guitar stand itself was designed by my father, constructed by my uncle, modified by a carpenter friend, re-modified yet again, and again, and again…
Some brief history of my too many guitar blues…
Of all the guitars here, I only claim 1 that I really own. That would be the Ibanez one which I got way back when I was in 4th year High School. It’s RG Series from Singapore and claims to be (based on the sticker) made in Japan. Features Floyd Rose bridge with a crappy clean tone! Give it some distortion though and it rocks!
Writing this surprises me.
Man, I miss UNEVEN. It was a dream band for me. I wish we’d taken off. We almost did. I don’t know what happened. No gigs. No hard feelings either. We just faded. Just like how many songs did.
Left to Right, with the exemption of me: JR, TIM, MIKE, CHUCK
Miss you guys and hope everyone is well.
Paul Gilbert is worshiped and adored.
Who wouldn’t? This guy is just too much!
