Opening A Ninja Way To Music

Anime music is still popular nowadays whether it was used as an opening theme of a particular anime, or as an ending theme, with amazing animation and credits. Others say that opening is better than ending, or vice versa. Some say both themes are good, in different genres: rock, ballad, upbeat, and pop-rock to name a few. But most of the time, we always notice opening themes because when our favorite anime episode finished with an ending animation, we often skip it and proceed to its next episode preview or proceed to the next episode [for completed anime series].

Some remarkable songs used as an opening theme of an anime were:

• FLOW - Cha La Head Cha La (Dragon Ball Z)
• Satou Akemi - Itooshi Hito no Tame Ni (Fushigi Yuugi aka Mysterious Play)
• DALI - Moonlight Densetsu (Sailor Moon [90's version])
• Mawatari Matsuko - Hohoemi No Bakudan (Yu Yu Hakusho aka Ghost Fighter)
• the OYSTARS - Nanka Shiawase (Flame of Recca)

Naruto/Naruto Shippuden is one of the most popular animes. It was created and written by Masashi Kishimoto. It was a story of Uzumaki Naruto, a ninja who dreamed of becoming a hokage of Konoha village but when he was born by Uzumaki Kushina, he suddenly became a jinchuuriki [human that has tailed beast sealed within him] of nine-tailed fox. In the Boruto: Naruto the Movie, Naruto lived his dream as the seventh hokage after all his hardships and battles he experienced,

This anime is indeed one of my favorites. I discovered this anime when I was in high school. My former female classmates were so crazy talking about what had happened in the anime and who was their favorite characters turned into crushes. I was very curious then when I watched it, I suddenly hooked up. I admit when I was in high school, my anime crush in Naruto was Uchiha Sasuke. But when its story continues, I saw a good looking guy named Namikaze Minato. He's my anime crush in Naruto until now (sorry, Sasuke), which happened to be the fourth hokage of Konoha and the father of Naruto.

Namikaze Minato becomes Fourth Hokage of Konoha.

From Naruto to Naruto Shippuden, there were a lot of opening and ending songs had been released. But there were some remarkable songs used as season openers for every Naruto Shippuden episode. Here are my top 5 favorite songs used as an opening themes:

5. Nobodyknows+ - Hero's Come Back!!

Naruto Shippuuden Opening 1

[season 1, OP1, episodes 1-30]

Official MV:

4. NICO Touches the Walls - Niwaka Ame ni mo Makezu

Naruto Shippuuden Opening 13

[season 14, OP2, episodes 307-320; season 15, OP1, episodes 321-332]

Live Performance:

3. Asian Kung-Fu Generation - Blood Circulator

Naruto Shippuuden Opening 19

[season 20, OP3, episodes 459-479]

Official MV:

2. Anly - Empty Heart (Kara no Kokoro)

Naruto Shippuuden Opening 20

[season 20, OP4, episodes 480 onwards]

Official MV:

1. KANA-BOON - Silhouette (Shiruetto)

Naruto Shippuuden Opening 16

[season 18, OP2, episodes 380-393; season 19, OP1, episodes 394-405] 

Official MV:

As Hatake Kakashi took full responsibility as the sixth hokage then followed by Uzumaki Naruto as the seventh hokage, the next generation of ninja (Uzumaki Boruto and Uchiha Sarada to name a few) continues their adventure to serve & protect Konoha and its people.

My Top 5 Fave Music Videos

Music becomes a big part of our lives. We listen to it and read its lyrics, then sing-a-long with the singer/group who sang it. Nowadays, media play a huge role to promote every country's music: FM stations such as Monster Radio RX 93.1, Magic 89.9, and MOR 101.9 that our favorite disc jockey (DJ) plays songs we want to hear on the radio, and YouTube and music channels such as MYX, MTV, and Channel V that shows the creativity of directors in order to promote high quality music videos.

Here are my top 5 favorite music videos:

-5-

The Love of Silence

Fahrenheit

[HIM International Music]

I liked this music video because it's very simple. The members, namely Wu Chun, Calvin Chen, Jiro Wang, and Aaron Yan, wore outstanding suits, making them more handsome. It included the clips from the Taiwanese drama ToGetHer starring Jiro Wang, George Hu and Rainie Yang which it became the closing theme song of the said drama. 

-4-

The Boys

Girls Generation

[SM Town Entertainment]

I liked this music video because of its choreography and its transition from each member's solo to group. The girls, namely Taeyeon, Tiffany, Seohyun, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sunny, YoonA, Sooyoung, and Jessica wore classy and sophisticated outfits, Plus, Taeyeon's hair caught my attention because of her three-toned ombre: black, blonde, and pink, then she became my first bias in the group.

-3-

Stay

Carol Banawa

[Star Records]

I liked this music video because it looked classic. The video used sepia and monochrome effects that made it vintage. I also love Carol's voice; she's one of my favorite female singers in the Philippines.

-2-

First Love

Utada Hikaru

[Toshiba EMI]

I liked this music video because whenever I hear this song, I'm having a nostalgia and I can't help myself but to sing-a-long, even though it's in Japanese. This was released in 1999, and was used as the theme song for the Japanese drama Majo no Jōken, starring Hideaki Takizawa and Nanako Matsushima. I can't believe that this song is already almost 17 years old!

-1-

Heart Attack

Demi Lovato

[Hollywood Records]

I really liked this music video because it's cool. Dipping herself in black ink and having her arms and hands full of black ink are my favorite scenes in the music video. Demi Lovato is one of my favorite international female artists because she's very inspiring and strong.

My 2012 Kaleidoscope Diary

2012 was such a great year for me though there were hardships and challenges. It's not easy but at least I am very happy. I will make a summary of the most memorable dates for the year..

10 January
I opened my own Blogspot account.

03 February
Goodbye braces, hello retainers!

18 February
I started training at a free sing/dance/acting workshop along E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City.

24 June
Grand recital... I would never forget my solo performance as Olivia Newton-John and sang one of the theme songs from Grease which is "Hopelessly Devoted To You".

09 September
My bestfriend and I saw each other at Trinoma to celebrate her birthday. I was only the two of us but we were so happy that time. I gave her 5 gifts including a birthday card and a Precious Hearts Romances pocket book. Hope we see each other again soon because I suddenly miss her.

05 October
I turned 23 with a special smile on my face: HIRED!

10 October
First training day as store operations officer.

26 October
I watched Princess Velasco as she launched her latest album "Acoustic Princess II" at Eastwood Open Park. I bought her CD, let her sign it with my name, and took a picture with her .

07 November
Shopping galore at Etude House SM City North EDSA The Block! I splurge PhP 2000 from my training allowance to receive a gift: SHINee Diary!

11 December
My sister, her husband, and her son went home to have a vacation for 16 days.

13 December
The company's Christmas party! It's our branch's night because we won two awards: Best Branch and Best Presentation. Plus our senior stylist 2 grabbed most of the special awards. The memorable moment? I surprised the employees with my solo performance which they knew that I was a shy type of person, but when I was on stage, I was a different person. I performed SNSD's "The Boys" (which I almost perfectly danced the steps for more than a year -- it's my favorite KPop song of 2011!) and Hayley Westenra's "Always With Me."

14 December
It was SHINee's Onew's birthday. But my family celebrated the post birthday of my first nephew at McDonald's Quezon Avenue. In addition, I received my first salary.

21 December
End of the world? Nah! It's the wedding day of my brother! I became a secondary sponsor. It was my first time and I didn't know how I put the veil at the bride's side. But at least the wedding coordinator helped me.

24 December
Christmas rush! Well, I just bought a gift for my sister-in-law at Etude House SM City Manila. At the same time I also bought other products there to receive a gift from my favorite Korean brand. It's Kiss Note!



Also, 2012 was a year of music. All genres make on top, whether it is KPop, OPM, or others. Here are top 10 of my favorite songs from KPop, OPM, and outside Asia that were released this year.

KPOP:

10. Secret "Poison"

Well, I don't like the girl group Secret. But when they released the song "Poison", I'm starting to like them. My bias is Sunhwa. She's really pretty. Their MV was different apart from their previous hits like "Shy Boy".

09. Psy "Gangnam Style"

It's very addictive song. The horse-riding type of dance made history in the world. Even Hollywood stars like Madonna, Britney Spears, and David Hasselhoff did their own Gangnam style. The MV featured 4minute member HyunA.

08. TaeTiSeo "Twinkle"

A sub-unit of Girls Generation which showed the vocal prowess of these three pretty girls Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun. It's a cute dance, featuring the octopus step. The MV featured the members of EXO.

07. f(x) "Electric Shock"

An electrifying hit from these five talented girls. They're under SM Entertainment label that's why I like them. My biases are Luna and Amber.

06. Big Bang "Fantastic Baby"

I was attracted on TOP's line "Boom Shakalaka". The stylish guys of Big Bang released their latest album called Alive. I suddenly liked TOP in the MV because of his blue hair.

05. CNBlue "Hey You"

"Goodbye darling Hey You, oh my darling Hey You" and "Duruduru durudu blah blah, duruduru durudu no no, once again back again, beautiful beautiful beautiful one day" were the memorable lines that I got addicted to it. Yonghwa is my bias but I was surprised that CNBlue Jonghyun is very close with SHINee Jonghyun.

04. Jessica & Krystal "Butterfly"

It's an adorable song from the drama series "To The Beautiful You" which sung by the Jung sisters from SM Entertainment. I anticipated the Korean version of Hana Kimi which turned out to be the best among its versions from Taiwan and Japan. Other song from this soundtrack that I also like is Stand Up by J-Min.

03. Super Junior "Sexy, Free, and Single"

After Kangin released from military service and before Leeteuk entered the army, Super Junior released their 6th album called Sexy, Free, and Single. Actually this song was as addictive as Mr. Simple.

02. BoA "Only One"

Self-titled and self-composed by the KPop queen which was released last July. I like the song so much though the choreography was so complicated. But when it comes to her MV, I like the drama version more than the dance version.

01. SHINee "Sherlock"

"Oh I'm curious yeah!" When I heard this line, I sang along with this five shining boys. I turned Shawol after I noticed Jonghyun. Then when To The Beautiful You aired, I suddenly attracted to Minho. Well, I memorized the steps by watching the MV many times; same with what I did when Girls Generation released their song "The Boys".

OPM:

10. Never The Strangers "Moving Closer"

Theme song from a toothpaste commercial. When I hear this song, I want to feel how to be in love with that special someone.

09. Sarah Geronimo, Gary Valenciano and Somedaydream "Tuloy"

Theme song from a soda beverage company. The collaboration of this country's Popstar Princess, Mr. Pure Energy, and phenomenal rookie artist of 2011 was awesome.

08. Gloc-9 feat. Ebe Dancel "Sirena"

An inspirational song for third sex. All must treat each other equally, whatever your gender is.

07. Christian Bautista and Angeline Quinto "In Love With You"

A nice remake popularized by two of the top singers of recent generation. I thought this song was from a movie or a drama series, but it's not.

06. Martin Nievera and Vina Morales "After All"

Theme song from a drama series A Beautiful Affair starring Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz. Their chemistry on-screen was already a decade though they're not lovers in real life. Though I'm not a Bea-John Lloyd fan, but when I hear a theme song from any of their drama/movie, I easily remember their love team.

05. Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto "Suddenly It's Magic"

Theme song from a movie produced by Star Cinema starring Erich Gonzales and Thai actor Mario Maurer. Their version of a Cunnie Williams original was so fresh.

04. Sarah Geronimo "Anak"

The 2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards Best Asian Artist-Philippines sang a modern pop-rock version of a Freddie Aguilar original that's included in her latest album called Pure OPM Classics.

03. Kamikazee feat. Kyla "Huling Sayaw"

A funny rock band collaborated with RnB princess in a nice track under Kamikazee's recent album Romantico.

02. Sarah Geronimo "Bakit Pa Ba"

One of the Philippines' music royalty released her own version of RnB prince Jay-R original. I like her version.

01. Parokya ni Edgar feat. Frank Magalona and Gloc-9 "Bagsakan"

The original of this song was rapped by master rapper and Frank's father Francis Magalona. I really liked this song and admired the rapping skill of Gloc-9.

OUTSIDE ASIA:

10. B.o.B. feat. Taylor Swift "Both of Us"

Kinda hiphop song, but I just want Taylor's chorus part.

09. Justin Bieber "Boyfriend"

When I watched this music video, I started to like Justin. It's because of his new look and I realized how handsome he is, unlike before during his debut single Baby was released.

08. Carly Rae Jepsen "Call Me Maybe"

The phenomenal song of 2012 before Psy's Gangnam Style. A lot of video parodies made but I would never forget Justin-Selena's (USA) and Anne-Georgina's (Philippines) versions.

07. Demi Lovato "Give Your Heart A Break"

The song was released in early 2012 by this Camp Rock star from her latest album Unbroken. Though I like her first released track from the said album more which is Skyscraper, I idolized her because she survived those controversies.

06. Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa "Payphone"

My favorite song from Maroon 5. The chorus part is very addictive.

05. Taylor Swift "I Knew You Were Trouble"

Included in her recent album Red, though its MV was released in late 2012. I love her songs that she released, including this one.

04. Ke$ha "Die Young"

Sexier Ke$ha with a wild side. I'm very addicted to this song. I like her since she released her debut single TikTok.

03. Taylor Swift feat. The Civil Wars "Safe and Sound"

Theme song from the blockbuster movie The Hunger Games. Though the music video didn't feature the clips from the movie, but the necklace that Taylor's holding at the middle of the video was a sign that the song was included in that movie soundtrack.

02. Katy Perry "Wide Awake"

My favorite song from Katy Perry. I noticed her fabulous purple hair. The song is very inspirational, indeed.

01. Taylor Swift "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"

A heartbreaking but a happy song. I love the music video and her red lipstick, in relation with her latest album Red.



It's already 2013. I'm hoping this current year would be as good and nice as last year.



(Photo credits used as marked in this article. Click the picture for source.) 

My Birthday Wishlist

It's exactly a month before my 23rd birthday. Oh, how time flies!!! Besides stable job and good health as I wish every year, I'm thinking material things which makes me happy being a fan girl.  

I've been collecting music albums of my favorite artists since elementary; from cassette tapes to CDs until unique and creative designs of their own different albums. Some contains only audio CD, or with DVD, or even posters/postcards. Somehow, its size matters how big an album is. Since my brother gave me a Super Junior's 5th album "Mr. Simple" as my 1st and only Korean album that I had, I listed below 6 albums from SM Entertainment artists as a part of my birthday (or Christmas) wishlist:

The Boys

(Special Album)

Girls' Generation 

Sherlock

(Jonghyun cover)

SHINee

To The Beautiful You

(Official Soundtrack)

Various Artists

2011 SM Winter Town: The Warmest Gift

Various Artists

SM Best Album 3

Various Artists

Only One

BoA

If I have a lot of money, I can afford all of these. In reality, it's kinda impossible that I get those albums at the same time, but I'm hoping that someone who has a kind heart will give me at least one of them. Soon, I'll complete collecting these albums.

Soundtrack of My Life

Music is my passion, my life. I love it because it's the only thing that hasn't walked away from me when I needed most. It relaxes me whenever I play any genre. But at some point, few of these songs are really related what has happened in my life. I picked 5 among these songs and I chose few lines that suits most.

Song: Skyscraper

Artist: Demi Lovato

You can take everything I have

You can break everything I am

Like i'm made of glass

Like i'm made of paper, Ohhh woaah

Go on and try to tear me down

I will be rising from the ground

Like a skyscraper!

Song: Reflection

Artist: Christina Aguilera

I am now in a world where I

Have to hide my heart and what I believe in

But somehow I will show the world

What's inside my heart and be loved for who I am

Song: Mean

Artist: Taylor Swift

Well, you can take me down with just one single blow

But you don't know what you don't know

Someday I'll be living in a big old city

And all you're ever gonna be is mean

Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me

And all you're ever gonna be is mean

Song: Wide Awake

Artist: Katy Perry

God knows that I tried

Seeing the bright side

But I'm not blind anymore...

Song: Can't Take That Away

Artist: Mariah Carey

They can say, 

Anything they want to say,

Try to bring me down,

But I will not allow anyone to succeed hanging clouds over me,

And they can try 

How to make me feel that I, 

Don't matter at all,

But I refuse to falter in what I believe or loose faith in my dreams

These songs made me cry once I sing with it or I listened to it. I may not used to open up to these things when it comes to my personal life, but you'll see that my life is much complicated when you suddenly realized that it's not perfect as they say.