A Letter for Ahok

I know you that you have been sentenced to be imprisoned for 2 years. You know what Pak Ahok? I have never been so in touched with news unless it is so loud that it could reach my very own ears. I never wanted to hear or see or know about how you were judged since it would only bring me a lot of frustrations and unnecessary anger. But, yesterday a lot of international news which I usually read, such as CNN, BBC News, Jakarta Post, Reuters, even Amnesty International had their headlines filled with your name, I saw your name everywhere. And then I realize that I am not alone, we are not alone Pak Ahok, the world knows you and what you have been facing through out the rough 9 months. Once again, I say, we are not alone, the world is so big and consists of many important news every hour, and you, are one of that most important person in this world until they allow you to become their headlines. Here is one of its headlines: 

"Indonesia: Ahok conviction for blasphemy is an injustice" - source: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/05/indonesia-ahok-conviction-for-blasphemy-is-an-injustice/

here is another one:

"PBB Desak RI Tinjau Ulang Hukum yang Jerat Ahok"

source: http://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20170510094031-106-213735/pbb-desak-ri-tinjau-ulang-hukum-yang-jerat-ahok/

Few months ago, I heard that London (or is it New York?) wanted you to become their governor. I am so impressed and proud to hear that, I mean, finally they see someone from Indonesia as a "clean" and honest person until they trust them to hold one of the most important position in their city. The world sees you as a hero, an honest individual, as the positive change barer, and as one of the most trustworthy person with a high quality of intelligence. Many people hate you because of that, but you have to know, they hate you not because of your negativity. They dislike you because you are a right person, you dare to bring change to Indonesia, especially Jakarta, while others prefer to close their eyes tightly and pretend like those problems you have been facing do not exist. They hate you, because they know they do not match with you, because you are so amazing and the praised by the world. They hate you because of that. 

You should be proud of yourself, because you have a good will and you are honest, that is the most important thing. You never lie to your own people, instead you push all your efforts to get rid of those "liars" around you to make your own people's life better. But it seems your haters dislike that, and they do not have anything else to blame you. I mean it, seriously, what is there to blame? You made Jakarta cleaner, better, more discipline, cheaper and more lovable. You did all of that without corrupting money from your people. So what will they use to blame you? How to bring you down? Yup, religion and race would do. You are the very first indeed, a Christian governor who lead Jakarta, so once you said something sensitive, they will blame you and call you as someone who is "heathen". 

I do not understand how those haters think, I mean in America, their religion are protected even though there were ban, but still 50% of Americans go down the street to state how they were really against the ban. They respect every religion, every single of them, as Michelle Obama said "We are all here to worship freely". Those Americans, who they call "heathens" actually protect them so that they can all receive equality in worshiping what they believe. Because as we all know, there are no perfect religion, everything is simply imperfect. And those imperfections create a perfection if only we could work together in diversity, if we can unite as one. Isn't this an ironic? How they call you "heathens" while you are on your ground to always protect and support them. 

I know that the world knows this, the United Nations knows this and I am pretty sure they are really against injustice. Do not fear Pak Ahok for you have done nothing wrong, and I believe you know that. We all are here to support, to pray for you, and of course to continue your legacies. Always remember this:

"Berbahagialah orang yang dianiaya oleh sebab kebenaran, karena merekalah empunya kerajaan sorga." 

                                    - Mat 5:10

Congratulations to SMA Santo Aloysius Bandung

I am a proud alumni of St. Aloysius Bandung, even prouder today after one of the local news media of West Java, Indonesia, declared the National Exam results. Based on what I just said you can already predict where this is going. YES! St. Aloysius peaked at the 3 BIGGEST of many schools in Bandung!! This has been going for many years consecutively, why am I proud then? Because I know how hard it is to stay on that position for years without falling out of 10 Biggest Rank. I know the struggle, the efforts I must give in order to make that position mine. 

I want to congratulate all the teachers involved in patiently teaching, conducting and sacrificing lots of their time and energies to make this happen. No achievements can be achieved instantly, and in order to achieve such achievement you're gonna need more than a person to help you, a person that always there behind your back to support you whether mentally or physically and those people are the teachers who had always been available for their students. There are two biggest things to be sacrificed, and those are yourself and time. Because both are limited and you can't have any exact same repetition for both either. And these teachers have willingly sacrificed their time for the students.

And not only the teachers, but also the students who have fought for this at their best. I've been where those students have been, endless assignments, practices, and extra time learning a.k.a. course, especially for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. I know that feeling of tired and sick of seeing Physics equation, but believe me, it really is worth all the efforts. I'm glad that y'all finally made it this far, and even able to CLAIM both #1 AND #3 this year! How awesome is that? You really are competent successor. Once again, congratulations! I wish I had the chance to say this in person.

And of course, the one and only who always there for us all, who helped us no matter what we've done, who always push us out of our comfort zone, God Himself. Without His blessings, none of these would happen. Therefore be thankful to Him because these all happened because of His permission. 

We are T.O.P. Saint Aloysius O.K.!!!!!

April 2017

Another month ends, new one begins. I can barely believe that it is gonna be May already, I mean where have the other 4 months gone? 

April 2017, a month full of unexpected things, both bad and good, a month with the most happiness and sadness at the same time. Here are some big things happened in April 2017:

1. Raisa and Isyana released their collaboration single, "Anganku Anganmu", which literally lit up April. A song of hope, spirits, and good vibes which encourage everyone, especially women to stand up for themselves. A song which I find very fit to April situation, a song which encourages forgiveness, kindness, equality, love, passions, and unity. I wish there would be a lot more songs like this coming in the future! 

2. Ahok lost the election and Anies won, unexpectedly. It is not a lie and secret anymore, even to the international world that racism is one of the most contributed factor of Ahok's lost. I mean, he is brave, honest, kind, professional, and love his people, how would someone not vote him? How would he lose while all he's been doing is nothing but helping and spreading love to the people of Jakarta. Only those who have been blinded is not able to see this, shame on them. But well, it is what it is, and the present has to continue its path. It is rude to not give any chance to the one who has won, so I'm here to say, goodluck on whatever you're doing Pak Anies, you have a lot to do. God bless you and your path always!

3. North Korea and US Feuds

I hate to call it as a "war", so instead let's just call it a feud. Just as we all feared, North Korea plans to launch its missile to US, which literally, means war. Baba Vanga has predicted this like 20 years ago and I don't know what time may bring to us today, but I do hope that prophecy is broken. Why would war if you can enjoy peace? Wouldn't it be harder for Kim to rule the whole world by himself just as he wants? Whatever may come after this, US should not take this too extreme or else this world has to be sacrificed, not only US or North Korea. They both are the part of this world and if they get the impact then all of us do. Just, spread kindness and forgiveness, there is no use spreading hatred and anger. It won't solve a thing, in fact it will make the situation worse.

4. New music this April:

• First Time - Kygo Feat. Ellie Goulding
• Bon Apetit - Katy Perry feat. Migos
• Despacito - JUSTIN BIEBER IS FEATURED IN THIS SONG!!!
• Matches by Cash Cash feat. ROZES
• A lot more!!

5. Top Movies released in April:

• Beauty and the Beast
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
• Logan
• Power Rangers
• The Smurf: Lost Village

6. McDonald's launced new products to celebrate Smurf: The Lost Village movie. You guys should try the new Taro McFlurry and Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream!!! It tastes A++++Mazing!

New Collaboration of Raisa and Isyana

Have you gusy listened the new song? It is A+++++MAZING! A great collaboration of the year I must say. Taylor and Zayn IDWLF is dethroned let me tell you that. It is very rare to hear Indonesian songs like this, it's one of a kind I must say. And the video is so aesthetic, so cool, so...artistic. 

The new song is called "Anganku Anganmu", a collaboration between Isyana Sarasvati and Raisa, two of most popular nowadays female singers. I've been dreaming of their collaboration for years and it's finally here. I must say I admire the song exactly the moment I heard it the first time. For you who don't know who are Isyana and Raisa, let me tell you that they are like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston back then in 1998 releasing "When You Believe", took their feud issues off. 

The song itself is about "Girl Power", all in all it wants to say that we have to stop fighting, stop holding and following our ego, instead we must unite as one because we can achieve everything TOGETHER, without hatred and hesitation. The only thing that limit us to strive through is that hateful feelings toward each others. Everyone has and deserves the same room in the world, because we all breathe the same oxygen, stand in the same ground, and we all consume what mother nature has given to us. 

"Jangan sia-siakan waktumu tuk membenci..." or "Don't waste your time to hate..." is one of my favorite lyrics of the song. Guys, you gotta download it on iTunes, watch the video on YouTube and stream the song on Spotify!!! 

Song ratings:

Lyrics: 10/10

Music: 9/10

Music Video: 9/10

Voice: 10/10 (I definitely feel that their voice is matched! :))

Overall: 9/10

Here is the link to the video: https://youtu.be/vV6fjXiCMEo

Here is the link to stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3jK5ndIlxMK3rN0gjlfkzh

A letter to Mimi

I have heard a lot about the rumors that Mariah Carey will be dropped by Epic Records and I must say that is a silly thing. She is a legend, a talented artist, she sings the longest running #1 song in Hot 100 history, she has sold more than 250 million records, and she has the most #1 singles by solo artist more than anyone in the earth. It must be very silly if Epic Records want to drop her all of the sudden.

I know that "I Don't", her new single has not been doing very well on the chart nor the radio. Well, I must say it is a flop. I mean, she is Mariah Carey and she was famous back then in 1990s which means, most of her devoted fans were about her age or even older. Idk what about you guys but my parents and my grandparents hates Mariah's new genre, and they really have a point. People at her age (if they are not a singer) or even older would choose to listen to Adele's or Ed Sheeran's songs, they love ballads, pop and souls, not an R&B songs. If you want to get attention from the youth, let me tell you that teenagers love to listen to dance songs, pop songs and modern R&B such as Beyonce's. Idk which one you want to get attention from, but sadly I don't think people are liking your "I Don't". Admit it, only devoted and die hard fans would love em.

I think you should sing another ballads such as "Hero", "Without You", "I Still Believe" if you want to get your old fans back. They are always there waiting for you to release such incredible songs like you used to do. You keep on disappointing them by releasing what you are not expected to release. To be honest, "I Don't" is a total mess and music-less for both youth and your old fans. If people love it, the chart won't lie Mariah, I mean look at Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, The Chainsmokers. You could hit #1 in 2008, when there were Lady Gaga and Rihanna in that year also, hitting #1. You can if you just listen and see the real world. Try to blend with the present, with your fans all over the world. We still want to hear a lot like "Love Takes Time" and "Emotions" or "Fantasy". 

You are a professional it would be a shame if your true self is hidden because of your manager forces you to do something that you are not. Reality show is not your thing and never will be. It was Stella's, not Mariah's. The media been saying that she is your closest friend, well I see her as a parasit. I just hope you are not being used as her poppet. You are an independent woman Mariah, you still can achieve what you should be achieving, only if you want to change and adapt the present, get out of your comfort zone, change your genre or if you want to stay, make a music such as "We Belong Together" or "I Stay in Love", songs that people would love, not what you would love. However music industry is your career after all, and by career I mean you are working with and for the records and the fans not with your own self. 

Remember, people nowadays do not care about the past of a singer. If they love the music, they just love it and will keep on listening to it over and over again. Choice is yours. We've been waiting for the old music of yours, we hope to see you back. Well if you want to back where you were. If not, then........well.......stay where you are, don't move, stay in your comfort zone, stay blinded, and forget your old fans.

2017 Music Prediction

2017 has been started with such amazing hits from various artists such as Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Alan Walker, Ed Sheeran and Mariah Carey and many more. And this year is just getting started, there are still 9 months ahead of us which means a lot of new musics are on their way.

Based on my prediction there are gonna be some comeback this year, a comeback from a huge stars and rising stars. And maybe, we will find some new talented singers on the chart as well, who knows right? I mean Lorde hit #1 on November 2013 and she came out of nowhere, Meghan Trainor hit #1 (dethroning Taylor Swift) in October 2014 and she also came out of nowhere. So here are some comeback I predict would come in 2017:

1. Taylor Swift

I mean, it's been a while and there is no way she's not releasing new music in more than 3 years. This year would mark the 3rd anniv of her blockbuster 1989 which was released in 2014. The album spawned 3 no. 1 hits: Shake It Off, Blank Space, and Bad Blood. And the other singles become top 10 hits on Hot 100. Taylor can do anything this year, and in my opinion she's gonna use Beyonce approach on releasing her new music this year. But Idk, I mean, she is a singer who is full of surprises. Let's just expect the unexpected shall we? Looking forward to seeing you back Ms. Swift!

2. Mariah Carey

Carey almost lost her career between 2001-2004, but then she came back and hitting the world with her 2005's Emancipation of Mimi, and....she even came back with song of the decade! It was her 2nd song of the decade. So, people, do not underestimate Mimi. She has the power, she has not used it yet! Beware! We don't know what Ms. Carey has been doing since her latest single "I Don't" featuring YG. Since the train wreck performance in 2017 NYE, she been struggling on selling tickets for her upcoming concert. But....things can change anytime, again, expect the unexpected. Mimi can comeback anytime she wants, it's just a matter of time.

3. Lorde

Lorde's latest album was 4 years ago, which is forever ago. Who's remember "Team", the single of Pure Heroine? Me neither. Okay, Lorde it's about time to hit the spotlight back! I know you will, I know you're somewhere out there making a huge comeback. Please collaborate with Taylor, it'd be great! We are waiting.

4. Kelly Clarkson

Her 2015's album was not that bad!! I mean, her songs were all so personal and have amazing lyrics! She should really make a comeback this year, I mean it. I am waiting here like a dog waiting to be pat by his master. I know Kelly just gave birth to her 2nd child and might need a break. But, she teased something in the beginning of this year, so I expect she would drop it later this year, perhaps in fall. But, again, expect the unexpected!

5. The Corrs

The Corrs latest album was in 2015 called "White Light" and about to release a new one this year! It's gonna be great!!! Since their almost-10 years hiatus from 2006 until 2015, they have been active again as a full band! So, let's expect some new music from this amazing band! Members of The Corrs have been teasing about some new music coming out in 2017 as a special surprise. Well, 2017 is about to be hit!

Best Chart Hits in 2016

I suppose everyone loves and listens to music. As we all know, 2016 has been such a great year of music, many unexpected ones became chart topper, and some became the true representative of 2016. From Adele "Hello" to Pikotaru's "PPAP", here are the list of 2016 best chart hits:

1. Work - Rihanna and Drake

Who doesn't know this song? Well, unless you're a new born baby, of course you know this song. This song hits everywhere, and of course, it is a controversial hits. Many young children pay attention to this song and they sang it loudly without knowing the actual explicit meaning of the song. Despite its explicit meaning, "Work" has been such a tremendous #1 holder on Hot 100, it stayed on top of the chart for 8 consecutive weeks, that is a very long period of time. 

2. 7 Years - Lukas Graham

Everyone knows this song and it fits those who were born in 1970s since the song has similar melody with the songs from 70s. You know, whenever I listen to this song, I always remember summer 2016, idk why. 

3. Can't Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake

A great happy anthem from Trolls movie. Everyone likes this song, and many put it in their list of favorite song of 2016. This  hit peaked at #2 on Hot 100, and won many children's hearts. Justin Timberlake really made a comeback on top with this song in 2016.

4. Roses - The Chainsmokers and ROZES

I remember listening to this song the first time in the beginning of 2016. The anthem was so incredibly irresistible when I first heard it, just a different kind of dance anthem to start 2016. This song peaked at #8 on Hot 100, and The Chainsmokers will definitely hit 2016 with other anthems.

5. Closer - The Chainsmokers and Hasley

Iconic song of 2016, it held the #1 spot on Hot 100 for 10 consecutive weeks, just 6 more weeks and it will dethrone Mariah Carey's One Sweet Day. Closer is a very great dance song for me personally, I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. Idk how they did it, but it really represent 2016 for me. Such an incredible song it is.

6. Side to Side - Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

Hit song that peaked at #6 on Hot 100 and stays at the top 20 of the chart until today. The last time Nicki and Ariana hit the chart was in 2014, with their hir "BangBang" featuring Jessie J. Last year, they made a comeback together with Side to Side, a catchy pop song with appealing sex on the music video. Just a Nicki Minaj classic.

7. Cheap Thrills - Sia

No one expect Sia would finally gained her first ever #1 single on Hot 100 in 2016. Yup, Cheap Thrills stays atop the chart for 4 consecutive weeks, and is one of Sia's best song. The last time Sia appeared on the top 10 was in 2014, with her hit "Chandelier" which peaked at #8. 

8. Work from Home - Fifth Harmony and Ty Dolla $ign

This one also represents 2016 the most for me. In 2015 Fifth Harmony made their first debut on the top 20 with their hit "Worth It" which also become international hit. And then this year, they did it, they made it to the top 10, well to the top 5 indeed, with "Work from Home" and spent many weeks atop the chart. 

9. Cold Water - Justin Bieber, MO, and Major Lazer

The last time Major Lazer hit the chart was in 2015, with his hit "Lean On" which also featured MO in it. Last year, they made a comeback with "Cold Water", only this time Bieber was featured in it too. The song peaked at the top 5 of Hot 100 and stayed there for quite long time. I also fell in love to this song the moment I listened to it the first time. 

10. Let Me Love You - DJ Snake and Justin Bieber

You know, you can say that 2016 has also the year of Justin Bieber. Yup, he hit the chart again, this time with DJ Snake. Let Me Love You compete Cold Water on the chart. It's very rare to see songs by the same singer respectively hit the chart. Only few could do that, Mariah Carey and Taylor Swift for example, they had their singles in #1 and #2 at the same time.

So those are the top 10 for me, there are more actually:

11. Secret Love Song - Little Mix and Jason Derulo

12. One Dance - Drake

13. Starboy - The Weekend

14. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber

15. This is What You Came For - Rihanna and Calvin Harris

16. Cake by the Ocean - DNCE

17. NO - Meghan Trainor

18. Army - Ellie Goulding

19. By Your Side - Jonas Blue and Raye

20. Perfect Strangers - Jonas Blue and JP Cooper

21. Me Too - Meghan Trainor

22. 24k Magic - Bruno Mars

23. Formation - Beyonce

24. Into You - Ariana Grande

25. Middle - DJ Snake and Bipolar Sunshine