Last night, Cathy joined me for dinner with my old college gang, the Lonely Hearts Club (LHC). I’m really not sure why that was our name, given that most of the folks in the ‘club’ weren’t really lonely (we had each other!), but it was a joy to see them again.

What I’ve learned from my LHC friends:

From Toni: I’ve learned that observers oftentimes have more fun. I’ve learned that the goodness of good people will inevitably shine through. I believe that good people will be richly rewarded.

From Anj: I’ve learned that people who are happy with their work look younger. I’ve learned that working to make people’s lives better does really enhance a person’s self-worth. I’ve learned that long-distance relationships are possible and can work if the two parties can admit their security in each other.

From Erik: I’ve learned that, at day’s end, love that society classifies as either unconditional or taboo, is still love.

From Bok: I’ve learned that the government does have its little merits. I’ve learned that intelligence and confidence does make a woman sexy. And I’ve learned that past issues with a friend - real or imagined - don’t have to fester; if a person is truly a friend, that person and you will get along. Famously.

Arthur’s tagged me to write five things people don’t know about me. I don’t have much time, but I do want this out of the way, so…

1. My children’s names - Nathan James, my firstborn, and the second (either Natalie Jean or Nicholas John), have “NJ” as initials. The reason? I’m a fan of the New Jersey Nets.

2. Most people think I’m either pure Filipino or part Chinese, thanks mostly to my chinky eyes and fair skin. Well, wrong on both counts. Deen is actually a Lebanese name. That’s right; I have Arab blood.

3. My life verse is Nahum 1:7: “God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help.”

4. I am not former Philippine child star L.A. Lopez. But I hear he’s doing well, a worship leader for CCF, I’m told.

5. I’m overweight now, but there was a time I was actually 10 pounds underweight. I’ll post a photo on that within the next three days.

There you go, Arthur. Have a good weekend, bro.

I’ve learned much from my first three Reconnect Project outings, some of which I’d like to share with you.

From RubyCube, I’ve learned that trust is a very important thing. Society will attempt to impose all its preconceived notions on you, telling you to watch out for yourself and none else, but at the end of the day, if you sleep well because you trust enough in God and the people around you, then your world is secure and fine. “God is bigger than the Boogeyman, he’s bigger than Godzilla or the monsters on TV. God is bigger than the Boogeyman, and He’s watching over you and me.” - From VeggieTales

From Nix: I’ve learned that, at least based on his experience and personality, money and job satisfaction cannot buy you happiness. If you work towards something you believe in, as part of a greater scheme to do something even bigger for the world, you wake up motivated in the mornings. I’ve learned good things do happen to good people, and good people never keep those good things for themselves, but work to share it with others. I’ve learned that my creativity should be harnessed for something greater, and maybe someday, like Nix, I should be willing to take that risk.

From Quinnzap: I’ve learned that a desire to cooperate and a willingness to establish good rapport can overcome office politics. I’ve learned that, while puns may be the lowest form of humor, if you’re with someone who does not hesitate to slaughter the English language with puns, a fun afternoon is guaranteed. I’ve been reminded that writing is a noble profession.

Tonight, I meet up with Anj, Toni, Karen, and possibly Bok, of the Lonely Hearts Club. I can’t wait to see what I’m to learn tonight.

This year, I was doing really well on my fast. I felt God talking to me, and He pointed out things I needed to do. I was flushing all the toxins out, and I was starting to really get going. It was really good, until my cousin Vanessa got married, and I went to her lavish wedding.

I resolved not to eat anything but soup. They had, like, a thousand entrees but not a single bowl of soup. I ended up gorging on cheese! And some vegetable lasagna! And TURKEY!

Lord, I’m sorry! Hu hu hu!

Today, though, I still felt a real breakthrough in my conversations with God. He pointed out an old sin I fell victim to time and again in the past, and I’ve repented of it (with matching hagulgol, it hurts to banish old demons). Today’s reading ran me through the trustworthy Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who gives me strength - and I firmly believe I can do it. Cathy will help me (as will a few quick installments of appropriate Net software).

Meanwhile, I’m waiting for feedback from a worship pastor to see if I can play or sing tonight now that I’ve let my flesh get the better of me. Darn it.

Today, Cathy and I took a day off from work to process our application for our digitized Social Security System (SSS) cards; we also intended to secure registration for our Revo and get CTCs from the local barangay hall. Later in the day, if there was time, passport photo shots for us and Nathan. That was the plan.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the SSS now requires the card to claim maternity leave benefits and/or salary loans, among other “benefits.” We had no choice - we had to take time to get these cards, to claim something from the government that takes away a significant chunk of our income every month.

If you’re ready to hear the horror story that unfolded and ate up our day, read on. Read more

Ayiesha Woods’ debut album, Introducing Ayiesha Woods, is now available locally at all House of Praise outlets nationwide.

If you’d like to start your year off with a bang, I suggest you pick up a copy of this clever opus and enjoy the brilliance that emanates from Ayiesha Woods.

The Gotee recording artist’s international major-label debut does not disappoint at all. It is nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Contemporary/Gospel album (going up against Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Third Day, and fellow debut artist Leeland), which, by my standards, only underlines the quality that comes with this album.

Woods is a truly soulful singer whose album captures essences of pop, alternative rock, hiphop, even reggae/dancefloor. On this album, she works with Chris Stevens (Toby Mac, Shawn McDonald, Paul Wright), Otto Price and Ric Robbins (Out of Eden, Grits), and David Mullen (Nicole C. Mullen, Anointed); the latter penned Happy, my #1 single of 2006.

Woods’ vocals revolve around a textured, gritty voice that can adapt to soul, pop, and reggae flavorings. She may not have much range, but her rich vocal and passionate delivery certainly make up for it (glad to see that the ‘black Christian diva’ is not at work here).

Aside from Happy, do try the folksy The Remedy, the driven Big Enough, toe-tapper Days and my personal favorite, Crazy, the dancefloor Caribbean stunner that could get as much airplay on secular stations, were it not for the openly Christian lyrics.

Woods’ album resonates around the themes of redemption, finding God’s love, and living the life. I strongly encourage you to give it a listen (it’s a free listen at House of Praise!), and test me in this, see if this album will not grab you by the collar and refuse to let go. One of my current albums on constant replay, and undoubtedly one destined to become a classic in my collection.

My good friend Che is leaving for Singapore on the 10th, and she apparently will not be returning.

I’ve known Che for quite some time, and she has been one of my closer friends, especially when we were churchmates. Well, time has passed, and even if we lost touch, I am still grateful for her friendship and her love, and I pray only the best for her.

Che, if you’re reading this (and I know you will because I’m going to tell Abby to tell you to swing by here), this is my special message for you (that I want the entire world to know): you are a talented, kind, wonderful, generous human being, and the Kingdom of God is blessed to have you in its ranks. I pray for you blessings in abundance, and I pray that we will meet again someday.

As a special goodbye treat for you, here is something we did together, in our mutual praise for Jesus. Enjoy, sis!

[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzYLka_x_AA"]

MAGPASALAMAT (Purihin Ang Panginoon)
Lyrics, Music, Keyboards: Ganns Deen
Guitars: Bong Borbe & Gene Bagano
Bongo: Stephen
Video & Editing: Jojo Gonzales & Anthony Ngo

In Video (in order of appearance): Ganns, Abby, Che, John, Juliet, Anthony

My Reconnect Project is off to a great start! I fully recommend you do something like it - meet up with old friends you’ve lost touch with!

Monday has me meeting up with two people: RubyCube, a friend from Ateneo and Nix, a classmate from La Salle Greenhills/Ateneo! Later in the week, I’ll be meeting up with Rafter, an old classmate from JASMS!

I’m really looking forward to getting to see my friends again, finding out what they’re up to, and really just learning from what they’ve learned about life.
More photos and information coming on my Friendster blog.

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The Reconnect Project is my attempt to, well, reconnect, with friends from the past. It’s just catching up, sharing maybe half an hour, letting me know what’s up with you. If you’d like to meet up for coffee or a snack in Makati City, please send me a private message and I’ll set it up.

For this week’s Thursday Thirteen (Fridays in Manila), I list 13 Guilty Pleasure songs (with links to YouTube videos to add to your enjoyment) from the 80s team of Stock, Aitkin, and Waterman. Relive the joy and the synthesizers.

1 Love in the First Degree. Bananarama. Take you back to the 80s, when big hair was in vogue and it was okay to dance with hunky prisoners.

2 That’s What Love Can Do. Boy Krazy. One-hit wonder girl group made a darn catchy song.

3 Especially For You. Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan. This duet sold millions, and established both Kylie and ex-BF Jason as bonafide stars. The link takes you to her version with Kermit the Frog.

4 Better the Devil You Know. Sonia. She’s had bigger hits, but came in 2nd in Eurovision 1993 with the rehash of the Kylie single.

5 Better the Devil You Know. Steps. Can’t stand Sonia? Try Steps!

6 Together Forever. Rick Astley. Oh, Lord, have mercy on the cheese! But I’ll give Rick Astley this - his voice continues to be one of the most distinguishable in modern music.

7 Too Many Broken Hearts. Jason Donovan may not have ended up with Kylie Minogue, but it’s hard not to care when music is this poppy.

8 This Time I Know It’s For Real. Donna Summer sang this gem years after disco’s heyday, but it remains one of her definite tracks. It’s still pretty good - doesn’t sound dated at all.

9 When I’m Good and Ready. Sybil. Her biggest hit in the Philippines was Make It Easy on Me, but I like this pop smash right here.

10 Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now. Samantha Fox. One-time soap star becomes one-time pop singer. But this song is still classic.

11 Gonna Catch You. Lonnie Gordon. This song was HUGE here in Manila.

12 Showin’ Out. Mel and Kim. God, 80s madness! “Get fresh at the weekend!” What a LINE!

13 Cross My Broken Heart. Sinitta. This song was also a big hit for Sinitta in the UK, so give it a listen.

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[youtube="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE3Q9CGrvrk"]

Bananarama’s Love in the First Degree! CLASSIC!

The big hair! The cheesy prisoners! The ridiculous dancers! The weird dance moves!

Sure, they’re big in the UK again, but Bananarama was the most fun when they worked with Stock, Aitkin, and Waterman. Venus may have been their biggest pop hit in the USA and elsewhere, but this little synthesizer-driven bangle (Whoops! That’s another band, for another Guilty Please VOTW) was my favorite Bananarama track.

Enjoy!