2019 Eurovision Song Contest Blog Review

I've started watching Eurovision Song Contest since 2012 (thank you, Eurovision YouTube Channel for uploading the entire show). I was curious that time, and after watching Loreen's winning moment, it dawned on me that this show is a BIG DEAL in entire Europe! I mean, it's like Basketball and Miss Universe to the Philippines. Everyone country in Europe is hyped by it, and they have crazy fans as well. In a nutshell, the show is a song contest. Each song must not be more than three minutes, an original composition (but over the years, some songs were subjected to copyright infringement due to the striking resemblance of the chords and notes being used), and can be sung in English or their native language. Each country has the right to vote their favorites on a point system - 12 being the highest, and 1 being the lowest. The voting system was changed in 2016, where the viewers now have the chance to vote for their favorites, using the same point system. The country that has the highest points wins the competition and will have a chance to host this amazing show.

Over the years, it has been subjected to a lot of controversies, especially in European politics. But, let's not tackle that because it's none of our business, lol. This year, Israel will host the ESC 2019 at Tel Aviv. Weeks ago, Eurovision released the final 41 songs of the contest. I've originally planned to create a vlog about it but I don't have much time. Here's my blog reaction about the 41 finalists of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.

HAEVN Is Real

Around February, I was browsing random EDM songs when I came across to this artist: HAEVN. Out of curiosity, I clicked some of their videos (most of them are just audio files with awesome cover art). If my memory serves me right, City Lights (LVNDSCAPE Remix) was the first song I've heard from them, and I instantly got hooked. It was PERFECT. I mean, the beat isn't too slow nor too fast, it was just right. And also, the voice... OH MY GOD, I don't know where to start but it was a voice sent from heaven.

So, I did some research (aka stalking) about the band. Lifted from their official website, "HAEVN was founded by songwriter Marijn van der Meer film composer Jorrit Kleijnen, working from their studio in Amsterdam." Marijn, by the way, is very handsome. So envious right now zzzz. "The unique combination of cinematic melodies performed by Marijns warm vocals has conquered the hearts of many music lovers across Europe", said their biography.

Maybe I instantly got hooked because I love listening to cinematic music - those songs used for cinematography where strings and piano play harmoniously on a slow tempo. As my friends say, a 'making stories' song. I listened to their 2018 album, Eyes Closed, and surely there was aptly named as such. I tried closing my eyes and it took me to almost everywhere. It's like listening to Bon Iver + Explosions In The Sky at the same time. If there's a word better than eargasm, then that's how I would describe HAEVN's music.

Go ahead and watch City Light's official music video above. HAEVN is your best companion during your long night drive.

LG Makes its Mark in Mindanao

LG Electronics, in keeping with its tradition of giving back to the community, recently paid a visit to The House of Hope in Davao.

Hotel Mumbai

I remember watching this doco at National Geographic years ago, and I got stressed as fuck. Now the movie’s out, it was too painful to watch. Don’t get me wrong – the movie’s really good, albeit a poignant reminder of Mumbai’s darkest days in modern history.

Worth It

People who stood by your side no matter what the circumstances are worth keeping. Never, ever leave them. You might not know, you won't find another one who's willing to fight and protect you.

I have fallen a dozen times and fell on an endless pit where no one even tried to catch me. It hurt, but we just have to take the leap because that's what life is all about - to take risks. And when the right time comes, everything is going to be worth it. Worth the shot.

Sunrise over Alaska Peninsula

Dawn was breaking as we flew over the frigid landscape of Alaska Peninsula. As the sun peeked over the horizon, it cast an orange glow on a place that seemed to be barren and lifeless. At sunrise, everything is luminous, but not clear.

Happy Valentine's Day to me!

I finally got my passport with my Canadian tourist visa in it. Hurray for a multiple-entry visa! Plus, days before, I also got my Australian tourist visa, also multiple-entry. AND TODAY, I just found out that I won a free trip to Seoul this April! Wow! I didn't expect that my entries would win. Finally, I now have the chance to visit Seoul during the Spring season. I can't wait!

But first, I need to prepare for my winter trip to Toronto which will be happening in eleven days. OMG. I can't believe these are all happening! Thank you, universe!

The Long Wait Is Over

Finally, Canada approved my tourist visa application. I have been anxious and worried for the past few days. I have never been so stressed about this visa application. All's well that ends well. Now, my trip to Toronto is finally happening! I really thought they'd deny application the second time around. Phew! What a relief! I can still remember how I felt after reading my email notification from Canadian immigration.

This is it!