Bayani knows how to look back

Some people have asked me how one can positivize his outlook amidst despondence, hopelessness and anger. Tough question with no easy answer. Neither am I an expert on counseling or life-changing philosophies although I subscribe to the idea that being positive is far less tedious and more fun than being negative. But I do try to piece together lessons I have learned, concepts I have read, inspiring stories I have heard for people who ask me this difficult question.

First, I say that the question should be premised around the willingness of the inquisitor to listen to an opinion. Second, there is an admission that the person is in bad shape and therefore, wants to do something about his life. Third, this person is courageous enough to explore other ways of looking at life, and he is open. Then he realizes that what he is going through is a common experience, that the person he is talking to may be carrying a heavier cross. He can take comfort in the knowledge that he is not cursed by his suffering, that this is a common human experience which can make him feel good. Knowing that you can choose to do something about your problem without denying the pain and struggle is liberating. And waking up to the realization that in disorder, first there was order makes one hopeful.

Then you can smile, wipe off a few balls of sweat, happy that you did something. Life is too short for you to wake up every morning – starting with woes and worries when all you have to do is flow with the rhythm of the universe – whose gifts are abundant and for the taking.

Having spoken to so many people has afforded me the opportunity to learn big-time lessons in life. The other week, on Homeboy, Bayani Agbayani reminisced how Randy Santiago gave him his initial break in showbiz as writer – then as a bit player – to big-time comedic actor.

Bayani used to take care of the props in one of Randy‘s shows. But Randy saw something in Bayani. "Why don‘t you dabble in writing?" Randy asked. And Bayani did. Randy saw something others probably wouldn’t have seen. Randy became the instrument of Bayani’s success as an actor.

Bayani accepted the blessing, steadfastly persevered and made it. But it was not easy. With a lot of determination and raw talent, Bayani prevailed. Today, he is one of the most successful young comedic actors in the entertainment landscape.

And the best thing about Bayani is up to this very moment, he has remained grateful to Randy Santiago.

"Bossing, hanggang kamatayan, narito ako para sa iyo," he told Randy.

US-based Pinoy singer releases album

There is no doubt that the Pinoy has what it takes to be called one of the best in the world when it comes to entertainment. The country has produced many gifted singers and performers – one is an LA- based Pinay named Liezl, who was born in Bacolod City and has been singing since she was six.

Now based in Los Angeles, California, Liezl enhanced her musical talent by taking up voice lessons under Seth Riggs, one of Hollywood’s most sought-after vocal coaches whose clients include Natalie Cole, Michael Jackson, Bernadette Peters, Michael Bolton, Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, Carol Burnett, Luther Vandross, James Ingram and Bette Midler. She has performed with some of the country’s finest performers like the APO Hiking Society, Dolphy and Zsa Zsa Padilla, Nora Aunor, Kuh Ledesma, and many more. Together with her manager, Perry La Marca, Liezl also writes music for film and Television for Universal Pictures and Disney Pictures.

On top of all these, Liezl also works as a registered nurse and is administrator and licensee of Century Guest Home located in Orange County, California.

Just recently, she received an award from the National Consumer Affairs Foundation as a Celebrity Woman Achiever for Business and Entertainment at the Handog Kay Inay at Itay Awards held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Following her achievements in the US, Liezl is now trying to break into the local music scene with her impressive debut CD, Liezl: Can’t Help Imagining, produced and recorded in Hollywood by American producer-composer Perry La Marca. Synergy Music is distributing the CD locally.

Liezl‘s CD album contains sentimental love songs, some of which were written by Liezl herself. Rey Valera wrote one special song for her titled Habang Naghihintay. Another cut, Love Will See You Through, is a duet with Joey Albert. Also included in the album are the songs Without You, The Moment, Living Answered Prayers, Inviting Me In and many more.

To find out more about Liezl and her album, log on to her website: www.liezl.net