FMM: Singing Surgeon

When my colleagues and I were talking about 80s OPM singers, the name Nonoy Zuniga came about.

That name immediately rang a bell because of two things.

First, he's a surgeon aside from being a singer. And back then, that was a huge deal. Imagine, he's a not only a good doctor, he's a good singer, too!

Second, he's the brother of my grade 2 teacher, Mrs. Munoz. She would often talk about him, and he actually went to our lass one time.

It was after that meeting that the class learned about his songs. And they turned out to be really cool songs! They were well-written, the lyrics were deep and insightful, and the melodies were easy to listen to. Ballads were his forte, and he sang them with an emotion that you can easily feel.

So, for today's Friday Magic Madness, let me play Nonoy Zuniga's most iconic hits

"Doon lang" was released in 1981, and became one of the most played songs on-air during that time. It also became one of the usual singing contest songs that would be sung. That's who impactful it was.

Let's just say the doctor wrote the prescription for a hit!

FMM: Lightning strikes

Today is Kidlat day!

It's that time of the year where Philippine creatives gather to learn, network, and recognize the work that ad people work tirelessly on.

This year is more fun because of the judging duties that was assigned to me. And it's interesting to see how that shortlisting judging will pan out in the finals.

While waiting for that, let's put another kidlat on the spotlight for Friday Magic Madness. 

"Grease Lightnin'" is a 1978 song by John Travolta from the film "Grease." It's one of the fun and upbeat songs, and it still is one of the most memorable and popular ones, alongside "You're the one that I want," and "Hopelessly devoted to you."

They really struck gold with this song.

Hello. Farewell.

To have a Friday Magic Madness song featuring Dolly Parton is apt, considering that she just passed away a few days ago.

But let's give her another kind of tribute.

The type that goes back to 1969, and features the unforgettable voices of Louis Armstrong and Barbra Streisand.

"Hello Dolly," was originally sung by Louis Armstrong in 1964, for the musical of the same name. It was one of his biggest hit songs, and even won awards in 1965. Then, in 1969, the musical had a film adaptation, and this is where his duet with Barbra came about.

If you listen to the lyrics, it could very well been talking about Dolly Parton. 

"I feel the room swayin' while the band's playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
So golly, gee, fellas have a little faith in me, fellas
Dolly'll, never go away, promise you never go away
Dolly'll, never go away again"

She might have gone ahead, but considering the legacy she left, "Dolly, you'll never go away again."

FMM: Lead the (high)way

On today's Friday Magic Madness episode, we have one of those songs that made me exclaim: "What?! This song is 35 years old already?!"

It's a hit from Tom. Cochrane from 1991 called "Life is a Highway." We were in college when they released this song, and some of my schoolmates would play it in the CMC walkway on lazy afternoons. That's why this song always reminds me of college.

But for today's generation, they're more familiar with this ditty because of "Cars." It was remade by Rascal Flats and was used in the soundtrack, which made the song gain more traction.

I'm a fan of the song either way.

FMM: Mx it up

While writing the title for yesterday's Mexican story, this song suddenly clicked and played in my head non-stop.

"Mixed-up World" is another catchy ditty from Sophie Ellis Bextor, this time from 2003. While it's not as overly popular like "Murder of the Dance Floor" and "I won't change you," this song is as catchy and danceable as the first 2.

And in true Sophie Ellis Bextor fashion, the music video was eye candy - filled with stunning visuals, great fashion, and signature moves.

Because of all these reasons, this song will suddenly be in the mix the next few days.

FMM: Living in a bubble

In my mind's playlist, there's a long list of songs that are inextricably attached to films. Whether the song was part of the film itself, or the song was incidentally played somewhere in the theater, these songs suddenly have a different and deeper meaning.

Most of these songs are old ones, so it's time to feature them as Friday Magic Madness songs.

In 1976, there was a film that would often be shown in RPN-9 entitled "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble." It starred John Travolta as a teen who was born without an immune system, so he had to live inside a plastic bubble his entire life.

There was a scene - not sure if it was the ending scene - where he finally steps out of the plastic bubble and rides off on a horse with the love of his life. And the song that was playing in that scene was this 1976 hit from Paul Williams.

"What would they say" was written for the film, and it was a perfect match for the scene where it was played. There was a feeling of freedom and joy that captured that final scene.

Now that I've played this song again, it's time to scrounge youtube for the film itself.

FMM: Hit it!

Call it "last word association," but after writing about Jack in the Donuts, this song immediately came to mind.

"Hit the Road Jack," is one of the most popular songs from the iconic Ray Charles, with Margie Hendrix adding vocals to the ditty.

Even if this song was released in 1961, if you listen to it now, it still feels fresh, relevant and catchy. Not bad for a 65 year old song.

No wonder it was such a hit!

FMM: Swim in the Ocean

I've been reviewing my 80s playlists of late, and came across an artist that I'm a fan of, but hasn't been on my Friday Magic Madness feature yet.

Billy Ocean.

Yup, he's an 80s staple with his smooth voice and catchy sounds. 

Just like this 1984 classic.

"Caribbean Queen" has an iconic intro. The type that you listen to the first second and you know what the song is. And yes, we had a cassette tape of this artist, thus, I'm familiar with the song. Even if I was not even a teenager when it was released.

'Nuff said. Time to dive into Billy Ocean.

FMM: Times for a comeback

There's a common thread that connects the songs of the 90s.

Most of the songs in that area - the fast ones, at least - are all ear worm worthy.

Catchy beats, fun lyrics, repetitive portions - this was the formula that made bands like Aqua, Vengaboys, S Club 7 and their ilk so popular.

You can also add Ann Lee to the list.

Her 1988 hit, "Two Times" was all over, it was difficult to escape.

Then again, with a song that brings out the good times, why would you want to?

FMM: It's her turn (around)

Gosh, this is such a shocker.

I've been doing Friday Magic Madness for decades, and it's just today that I discovered that Bonnie Tyler has never been featured!

Sacrilege.

But as they say, better late than never.

So, as a tribute to the iconic Bonnie Tyler, here's the song that she's best known for.

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" truly eclipsed many songs it was pitted against, and rightfully so. The song is well-written, beautifully sung, and is so memorable. In fact, it's so memorable that, 43 years later after its release, people still know and sing this song.

Bonnie and this song will never be eclipsed.

FMM: Chic Times

Chic is so famous for their hit song "Le Freak," people forget that they have another song that's as catchy and danceable.

"Good Times" was a hit song from the group that hey released in 1979. It has some similarities with "Le Freak," but overall, this song feels more chill and boppy rather than dance-y.

It's always a good time when you listen to it.

FMM: 'Tis the Sison

No, this isn't a Christmas post.

Not to say that I'm not doing Christmas errands as early as now.

A few weeks ago, when we attended Tita Elvie's birthday bash at the gazebo, her kids treated everyone to a mini-concert. Yes, Tita Elvie's kids are all good singers.

And it was during that mini-concert, one of his sons sang this song:

Gosh! It's been ages since I last heard a Marco Sison song. And that song that he sung turned out to be one of his biggest hits, "Make Believe."

It's the season to add this guy to my playlist.

FMM: State the obvious

Today's Friday Magic Madness is an obvious choice.

The Philippines celebrates Independence Day today, so, let's play a song about Independence.

"State of Independence" is a 1982 hit by Donna Summer. People have always considered this song to be a heavyweight song because of the song's back-up choir. It featured legends like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick and Lionel Richie! How's that for a back-up?

That's probably why after 44 years, this song is still in a very good state.

FMM: Rawls playing

After writing about fables, the word "imagination" suddenly came to mind. After all, you need a rich and vivid imagination to be able to come up with stories. Much more if you think up of fables.

And since today is Friday Magic Madness day, I'm digging up a song that I've written about more than a year ago. But it's such a nice song, it deserves a repeat.

"Pure Imagination" is a 1976 song from Lou Rawls. As kids, this song would be played a lot on cassette, whether it was at home or in the car.

True to its title, there's something very imaginative and fantastical about this song. It sounds so soothing, thanks to Lou Rawls' voice, and the lyrics were beautifully written.

So, as the song says: Come with me, and let's listen to this song again.

FMM: Double Life

Call this a double play or double feature, but today's Friday Magic Madness song is inspired by yesterday's movie trailer.

The trailer had a catchy music bed, and the song is a remake of this 1978 hit by Billy Joel:

"My Life" is one of his iconic songs, and it's been a while since I've last heard it play. But thanks to this trailer, it's now back in my playlist and I'm listening to it on repeat.

Safe to say, this song has been given a second life.

FMM: What's the Plann?

Since we're in the subject of j3j3m0hwns, this song from 1993 suddenly came to mind.

"Bring dat booty" is a rap song from the Fil-Am group named Mastaplann. 

While this isn't exactly from the j3j3m0hwn era, (it predated it by more than a decade, actually), this song actually captures the vibe of that era. It campy, cheesy and cringey. But it's so campy, cheesy and cringey that it's fun.

Thus, it's fun to go back and randomly listen to songs like this. 

But yes, I'm still glad this era is over.

FMM: In the Nicks of time

What better way to end Double Denim week than this song from Stevie Nicks.

"Blue Denim" is one of my favourite Stevie Nicks songs. While it wasn't as popular or known here in the Philippines, this song has always been on my playlist since its launch in 1994. The sound is quintessential Stevie - a big of country, a bit of rock, but all phenomenal!

Until the next Double Denim week!

FMM: Cell la vie

My taste in music has always been eclectic.

That's because my parents listened to so many different types and genres of music, and we'd listen to those along with them. We could be listening to Richard Clayderman one day, then Village People the next day. One day, we'd listen to jazz, and the next day, we'd listen to synth-pop.

One of the synth-pop groups that I grew up listening to is a group called Soft Cell. They're an English band who had a number of hits in the 80s, the biggest being this song:

"Tainted Love," has the 80s vibe down pat. It must be the synth aspect of it, but this song was and is a joy to listen to. And each time I'm listening to it, I can't help but be transported back to the 80s. 

Interesting trivia is the fact that this song is actually a remake of a 1964 song by Gloria Jones. It was popular back then, but it never reached the same popularity as the Soft Cell version.

I've listened to both, and admittedly, I'm more sold on this version.

FMM: Behind her

Today's Friday Magic Madness song is bittersweet. It's a song that's 20 years old, and the title has a colour which is also the name of a friend who we recently lost.

Hazel is one of the IUJ girls who I met during that time I surprised Mark in Urasa. I was sitting on a bench outside SD2, waiting for Mark, and this group of 3 girls passed by. I overheard one of them ask if the other 2 knew who I was, and what country I was from. That girl turned out to be Hazel.

It was during that same night, at the Karaoke party, that we were formally introduced. After that first meeting, we became friends. Being friends with Hazel was easy because she had a very friendly personality. She was bubbly, accommodating, and she always had a ready smile. 

Whenever she'd see me alone and waiting for Mark's class to finish, she'd stop and take time to chat and keep me company. Whenever we'd go to Yummy Ice Cream or JUSCO in Muikamachi, her presence would always light up that place where we were.

After their IUJ stint and they were back in Manila, we'd still occasionally see each other. Some were planned meetings, like when her daughter was baptised. Some would be accidental, like seeing her in the NEDA building in Ortigas. But no matter how many years have passed, she was still the same bubbly, accommodating and friendly Hazel from IUJ.

It was last Friday when we heard the news that she was in the hospital, and last Wednesday, we heard the sad news that she passed on. It's shocking since she's still young, and it's saddening because we won't be able to experience the friendliness and warmth that was uniquely Hazel.

So, for you, here's Kelly Clarkson's 2005 song which was one of the songs that kept me company during my first few months of living in HKG - "Beyond these Hazel eyes."

Vaya con Dios, Hazel. 

FMM: XS-sive

I've been doing this Friday Magic Madness thing for more than a decade, and I'm actually surprised that there's hasn't been any INXS song featured yet.

They're a rock band from the 80s, and they had a number of massive global hits. Needless to say, they're also a mainstay in TV shows like Video Hit Parade, America's Top 10 and MTV.

One of my most listened to INXS songs is this 1983 hit.

"Original Sin," is their first song that really caught my ear and became an earworm back in the 80s. The lyrics well-written, and the musicality of their performance is just top notch.

They really are originals.