The Prayer by Adam Lambert and Noa Dori

Here's a fantastic rendition of the song
"The Prayer" by Adam Lambert and Noa Dori.

Thanks to "fiestahere" for allowing us to embed this video at YouTube.

The Prayer of St. Francis Xavier

I love the album Himig Heswita 2. Very often, I listen to its music and sing. There's one particular song in the album that struck me most. The title is "Pagkabighani." I think that's "allured" or "mesmerized" in English. It's actually the prayer of St. Francis Xavier translated to Tagalog by Fr. Alejo, a Jesuit priest who is an authority in the Tagalog language.
If sung from the heart, it really brings me to tears welling in my eyes. The song, or the prayer, is about St. Francis's love to Jesus no matter what. Below is the prayer in English I copied from web site of Xavier School.
Prayer of St. Francis Xavier
My God, I love thee; not because I hope for heaven thereby,
nor yet because who love thee not are lost eternally.
Thou, O my Jesus, thou didst me upon the cross embrace;
for me didst bear the nails and spear, and manifold disgrace.
And griefs and torments numberless and sweat of agony;
even death itself -- and all for one
Who was thine enemy.
Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ should I not love thee well?
not for the hope of winning heaven, or of escaping hell.
not with the hope of gaining aught, nor seeking a reward,
but as thyself has lovèd me,
O ever-loving Lord!
Even so I love thee, and will love and in thy praise will sing,
solely because thou art my God, and my eternal king.

Johannes Moser

 

I learned about Johannes Moser just today. I saw a video of him promoting You Tube Symphony Orchestra. I thought he was one of Google's people who could play a cello, or one of those who auditioned for YouTube Symphony Orchestra . When I Googled his name, I saw his official web site [johannes-moser.com] and learned that he's a popular musician. On his site, I listened a piece of his performances, The Swan in particular, was the one I loved most. Instantly, I'm a fan. He's an amazing musician. Playing the cello since he was 8, no wonder why he could play a piece flawlessly. His music is perfect note for note. I hope he'd visit and perform in the Philippines some day. Meantime, I should start looking for one of his CDs.

His photo on the left is from his official web site Johannes-Moser .com.

You Tube Symphony Orchestra

This beautiful piece is by Tan Dun (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Composing, conducting, or owning an orchestra is one of my biggest hopes. What makes an orchestral music beautiful to my ears is that it's like listening to someone with a good heart and soul.

Change The World by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton's Change The World is one song that when you listen to it, the rhythm goes into your system - makes you snap your fingers, swing your head, sway your shoulders, and really dance to the tune.

Play the video (c/o YouTube) and sing with Eric. You'll find the lyrics (c/o Lyrics007) below.




Change The World

If I could reach the stars
Pull one down for you
Shine it on my heart so you could see the truth
That this love I have inside is everything it seems
But for now I find it's only in my dreams

CHORUS:
That I can change the world
I would be the sunlight in your universe
You will think my love was really something good
Baby if I could change the world

If I could be king even for a day
I'd take you as my queen
I'd have it no other way
And our love will rule in this kingdom we have made
Till then I'd be a fool wishing for the day

CHORUS:
That I can change the world
I would be the sunlight in your universe
You will think my love was really something good
Baby if I could change the world
Baby if I could change the world

- GUITAR SOLO -

CHORUS:
That I can change the world
I would be the sunlight in your universe
You will think my love was really something good
Baby if I could change the world
Baby if I could change the world
Baby if I could change the world.

You can find more of Eric Clapton's music at FoxyTunes.

Here's a guitar version of "Change The World" performed by a young Korean boy named Sungha Jung.

Andrew Johnston

I stumbled upon this video on YouTube while searching for "Pinoy Idol". The moment I heard the very first few notes of the boy, I was mesmerized, tears welled in my eyes. Fantastic, angelic voice!

My Grown-up Christmas List

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It has a touching message and beautiful melody. I love the Michael Bublé version.

Grown-Up Christmas List

[via FoxyTunes / Michael Bublé]

My Grown-Up Christmas List
David Foster, composer

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now
Can you still help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown-up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
Every man would have a friend
That right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in that blind belief can we ever find the truth

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal our hearts
Every man would have a friend
That right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list
This is my only lifelong wish.

This is my grown-up Christmas list.
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This one is a piano version of "My Grown-up Christmas List" played by a young man from Russia who simply played it by ear by listening to Bublé's version.


This one is an interpretation by Aicelle Santos from the Philippines.


And from Australia, Anthony Callea of the Australian Idol.


This classic Christmas song as (originally, I think) performed by Natalie Cole with David Foster on the piano.


A Blessed Christmas to every one!

Bukas Palad Music

The Bukas Palad Music played a big part in my reformation years. Many of the choirs' songs not only molded my ears to listening to good music, but also formed my heart and soul on how to relate with God. The music and words, mostly written by Jesuit priests, had been the echo of God's messages during my chaotic life. "One More Gift", "Anima Christi", "Take and Receive", "In My Heart", "Your Heart Today", and "Hesus Hilumin Mo" are among my favorites.

God of Silence

[via FoxyTunes / Bukas Palad]

O Hesus, Hilumin Mo

[via FoxyTunes / Bukas Palad]

Awit ng Paghahangad

[via FoxyTunes / Bukas Palad]