Rowjielogy Presents Ep.9: I first heard this song in an old tv advertisement for a cologne, if I am not mistaken. It was sung by Louis Armstrong. Until now, we can still often hear this song. Several renditions of the song were already done. But it is Sofia’s rendition (Bossa Nova version) made me like the song.

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and for you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world!

I see skies of blue, clouds of white
Bright blessed days, dark sacred nights
And I think to myself what a wonderful world!

The colors of a rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands, sayin’ how do you do?
They’re really sayin “I love you”.

I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more, than I’ll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world!

I first appreciated the song the same time I was conceptualizing “Mundong Makulay Media”. I was inspired with the song’s lyrics. That’s why I want to come up with an idea regarding “What A Wonderful World”. And to jump start everything, I created this simple banner. We all know that the world is facing a lot of problems right now, but I still believe that there are still a lot of positive things around us which we should be thankful for.

This is a story that truly inspired me last week.

Last January 23 was the much awaited “free show” I’ve been waiting for. It was entitled “Nossa Bossa” with The CompanY, Eileen Sison, and Guarana. I’ve been loving Bossa Nova since it became a trend here in the Philippines. That’s why when The CompanY decided to have a Bossa Nova album, I was greatly delighted. The CompanY has been my favorite since I was in high school.

The CompanY performed for about an hour. It was my first time to see them perform live and I am really impressed with their performance.

But one thing that I will never forget that happened that evening was how I saw how these people are down to earth. I approached Sir Moy Ortiz to ask for his autograph. He even told me to approach the other members for their autographs. And then I saw Ms. Sweet. She gladly signed in my Destination Bossa CD. She even told me to enter their dressing room. I waited for some minutes outside because I don’t want to give an impression that I don’t care about their privacy, and my limitations. Ms. Cecille saw me and she asked me to enter. She and Ms. Annie signed in my CD. I got the chance to shook hands with them and talk to them eye to eye. I was really starstrucked that time. I wanted to take a picture of them, but they told me to join them. That’s why I have a picture with the three lovely ladies of The CompanY. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to ask for Mr. Jay’s autograph. I hope I’d be able to meet them in person again next time.

I was really overwhelmed that night. I suddenly told myself, “I think this is the secret why this group is still here after 22 years…”

Rowjiefully Yours, Rowjie.

January 20 - 26, 2008

Well, the week seems to be so fast, maybe because I kept myself busy at work, plus I really have a lot of things in my mind lately. In addition to that, last Tuesday and Wednesday, I went somewhere else after my work.

Las Tuesday night, I met my college friends (Princess, JohnJan, & Mark) in Glorietta, and we had dinner. After dinner, we had conversations while drinking a cup of coffee. Before I met them, I also met my high school friend Jay-Ar.

Last Wednesday night, I watched a free Brazilian themed show in Greenbelt 3 Park. The performers that night were The CompanY, Eileen Sison, and Guarana. The show was really great! Two thumbs up! And I was really happy that night because I had the chance to meet and greet The CompanY. They signed my Destination: Bossa CD. And I had the opportunity to have a picture with the ladies of The CompanY.

Last Thursday night, I also went home a little late, but it is because we had a meeting in the office.

I kept on making myself busy lately so I won’t feel bored especially when I’m in the office.