i used to go bar hopping in malate when I was in college and I particularly love that bar along nakpil called 8 waves. In my opinion I think they had the best acoustic performers, the music blended well with the good food and the ice-cold beer they serve. Back then, that was my idea of a good time. my then girlfriend loved the place too and we often hang out there with her friends from school.
One time the guy on the mic ran out of songs to sing so he asked the crowd for a request. Somebody screamed john mayer. Everyone agreed and so he obliged. Halfway thru the song I was staring at my gf and i cant thank god enough for giving me an angel. With her eyes closed, her head swayed gently to the beat. drops of margarita formed on her lower lip. I held her hand and smiled. She stared at me and smiled back. That night, her body became my wonderland.
For a couple of years since then, john mayer became my voice on self discovery and misadventure. at least before I rediscovered the beatles. I see him on tv now and he’s gained weight like most of us and I still share the same sentiments he has on his new songs.. but Ive already dropped the idea of him being my spokesman. I can speak for myself now. Clearly at that.
Tonight while arranging my files I saw a cd of his songs and I decided he may be the best companion for the rum coke im having. This is a tribute to john mayer. May he live long and write more songs and help wake a generation that has gone hiding in the dark embarrassed by their music. Hehe masunog na kayong mga emo wannabes.
Top three songs by john mayer.
3. not myself – perfect excuse for disaster, paranoia, jealousy, stupidity.. the list goeson. This is the perfect excuse for everything! Hehe would you want me when im not myself? Wait it out while I am someone else.. perfect for your sorry notes for sleeping with her best friend.
2. 3×5 – made me took my photography seriously and then dumped it on really beautiful sites. I had to see the most beautiful things with my own eyes and not thru 3×5’s. perfect for inviting her out. The artist in you wants her to stay away from the comforts of a photo and take her to the real thing and enjoy the adventure of discovering the world and discovering each other.
1. your body is a wonderland – I thought this was a remake of dave matthews’ crash into me but I thought this one is better. I got into a lot of fun for my mastery of john’s suggestions in this song. Wont let your head hit the bed without my hand behind it.. nice. Suddenly everyone thinks afternoons are the best time of the day, and everyone suddenly had a room for two.
I thank john mayer for making my life easier during the days when I was not that creative. His songs made me rethink the way I approach my decisions in life, it made me want to do things like it were a song: full of passion, and in a rhythm.
Just recently I had the chance to drop by the malate area and I had a quick pass along nakpil. Lots of memories came rushing back and it felt like I was my old self again. The bar no longer exists. I was standing across the bar’s new façade for a few minutes. it made me smile. Nostalgic. I still remember every detail of the night when I first heard a john mayer.


