Heads No More

Final Set is E-Heads’ last performance?

I used to drown in Ligaya and hum With a Smile with my Pare Koys as we listen to Ang Huling El Bimbo of the Eraserheads Minsan in a Fine Time during Sembreak some years ago. The band was a phenomenon, paving the way for OPM renaissance that gained further momentum when new bands inspired by the E’heads emerged and infused equally catchy, witty, and poetic songs into the local music scene.

The E’heads, however, got tired too soon; probably thinking they had already reached elite status and had nothing more to prove together. So they went their separate ways and formed bands of their own. And the E’heads was no more.

After a successful tribute album of their hit songs by various artists, the E’heads is now busy regrouping at least for one-night concerts to delight fans. The first attempt was almost completely successful had not Ely stressed himself much preparing for the reunion concert that led to his collapse in the middle of the performance due to fatigue. It being an unfinished business, another one is set to happen soon.

Though I’m a certified E’heads fan, I’m not that excited, say uninterested, about this reunion gig. For me, the band is already done. Their songs are just happy tunes of yesteryears. I can listen to E’heads songs in my MP3 player and it’s the same as seeing them in reunion concerts. There is nothing new about them.

In a way, I felt cheated as a fan when the E’heads suddenly broke up. They had more productive years ahead of them, yet they chose to put to waste their combined talents. They allowed their personality clashes to kill the band. Or was it personal ambitions?

Legends in the music industry are so-called because of their continued success despite their longevity in the business – think of the Rolling Stones or Journey. The E’heads was probably barely halfway through its expected career-span when the band members decided to split and left their fans hanging (translation: naiwan sa ere).

I’m still a fan though.

Lift your head, baby don’t be scared…(humming)

Lost in Revolution

23 YEARS AGO
‘A people crucified, risen, empowered’

I was only seven when the so-called EDSA revolution happened. I didn’t exactly know what was happening then, but I felt the jubilation of many. It was years later when I began to understand the significance of the event. By that time, however, all its meaning was lost... because the system hardly changed under the regime of democracy.

In EDSA II, I was there right at the heart of the action – fully knowing what’s at stake. I wanted to be part of a repeat of history. Indeed, it was a repeat. The government never gained back any respect. The same old political battle cry persists.

So.

We do not need to be always reminded of EDSA. We are aware of it.

We do not need another revolution. We are tired of it.

We just need to come to our senses and become responsible citizens. Because our country will not change if we ourselves will not change.

Take a Nuke

Protest vs BNPP evokes EDSA scenes

I do not consider myself an environmentalist, though I am conscious about the pernicious effects of wanton disregard for the environment. For instance, I dispose waste properly and recycle as much as possible. I also believe Al Gore’s theory of global warming. I do because it’s both logical and practical to believe in these things and act on them.

However, I do not agree that just because a thing has a potential to destroy the environment, it should be totally banned even if there is a greater chance that it will give us considerable benefit. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant – and all its controversy – is one fine example. The government loaned an enormous amount to build the plant that we are still paying for it up to now. It has been mothballed for the longest time and every attempt to even just contemplate turning its doorknob, so to speak, will incite fumes of protest. It being a legacy of a hated president and its construction alleged to be riddled with corruption should not lead us to conclude that this project is a bane and a danger to the environment.

Safety concerns are at the core of many arguments against the plant’s operation. That it is a threat to health and life per se sends fear among people, especially those within its vicinity. Images of the Chernobyl disaster blanket their minds. While these are extremely valid points, these are foreseeable harms that can be avoided with strict and proper cautionary measures.

There are many successful nuclear power plant operations around the world. Ours should not be a story of failed attempt and what could or might have been. A nuclear plant is an alternative source of energy that can help not only in augmenting our power supply, but also in preserving our natural resources. And though it is not the only choice, it can be the most practical solution to our energy problems.

We already have it so let us not waste it.

Weakling

Early end of season for McGrady

Know what makes the likes of Russell, Bird, Jordan, Bryant, and James great basketball athletes? They are made of steel – mentally and physically. Athletes, like soldiers, should build their bodies to be like armors. This is so because they face a constant battle that they should not feel the bumps and bruises it brings, else they gradually weaken to the point of submission.

It is therefore annoying to see athletes get injured so often. While it may not be entirely of their own fault, it still reflects much on how they prepared themselves for the game – both mind and body.

This is why the likes of McGrady, Redd, Oden and the other athletes who always seem to get injured will never have greatness in them no matter how much potential they have… because they never build themselves for it in the first place.

To err is Hollywood

Brown 'sorry,' 'saddened'

So young yet so dangerous. The Chris Brown-Rihanna "hitting" scandal is disturbing as the persons involved are role models of the youth. What's even more disturbing is the fact that Brown can just get away with the violence and move on as if nothing happened when the media attention subsides. It all ends when the celebrity says sorry and shows remorse, regardless of how utterly offensive and criminal the act committed was.

It's the Hollywood effect - we all get into the drama and when we turn off the TV, we leave the couch thinking everything is still part of the make-believe.

Emotion Check

Love's in the head, not the heart

I'm amazed how Scientist-Researchers can attempt to explain human emotions like they are formed by an assembly line of apparatus inside our bodies. And how they can come up with studies appropriate for the season such as this research for Valentine’s Day. Indeed, these people are eccentric.

But do we really believe that love is sparked by our brain activities? We know that the mind thinks and the heart feels. That people fall in love in many different ways and reasons. I guess human needs and wants dictate whether love should come from the heart or from the mind. Or could be a combination of both. Love, therefore, cannot be just the works of the brain.

What can we expect from Scientists anyway? I mean, do they even date?

Double Mockery at the Senate

WB mess probe on; no Mike Arroyo

The First Gentleman is summoned by the Senate for a hearing on the alleged corruption in the World Bank-funded road projects. FG is not attending due to health reasons. Baloney. The excuse is utterly incredible but no one can make him appear at the Senate. While he now thinks he can mock the Senate through his doctors and lawyers, he will later on surely suffer the political gauntlet when his infamous spouse steps down her throne. The Senators should just wait until that time comes.

On the other hand, the Senators are also mocking the public with these hearings purportedly in aid of legislation. Nothing significant has come out of this exercise in terms of new laws or amendments. Since these hearings were televised, all we have seen and heard were grandstanding orations, futile debates, tirades and insults, and clowns in gowns and suits. We are who we vote in the Senate.