Mix Tape of Memories

I grew up with three older brothers (Tan, Jude & Jons (L-R)). They were into a lot of things growing up, one being music. They had a record (aka LP!) collection, turntables, cassette decks and actual mixers in their bedroom. Because of their influence, I learned to appreciate music of the likes of Lee Ritenour, Sister Sledge, Robbie Dupree, Love Unlimited Orchestra, Perri, Rupert Holmes, Stephen Bishop, Michael Franks, and Tom Grant, even if I were some years younger than them.Tan  even encouraged me to make my own compilations (aka mix tapes), taught me how to "mix" songs (as in full segue, with no leadings between songs ha!), and strongly advised me to use SAX-90 when we could afford it kasi "sulit"! Music was a bond, specially when I would get notes like this...A letter from my audiophile Kuya, circa '80s. HOOOSIGH, right? :)There was music playing almost all the time at home, streaming from the bedroom the three of them shared on the third floor, the highest floor of the house. Whether they played music so loudly so my parents wouldn't hear what they were up to (haha), or because they just really enjoyed that exact mix of treble and thumping, solid bass on the equalizer, my childhood memories now almost always come with matching soundtracks in my head.My eldest brother Jons' playlist would include songs like Living it Up by Ricky Peterson that he would play on our long trips to Baguio in our Club WagonHeatwave's Mind Blowin' Decisions, my brother Tan's favorite. I still remember the day he got the record, he practically flew up the 2 flights of stairs up to their bedroom because he couldn't wait to put the needle on itAnd James Taylor's Up On The Roof which inspired my daredevil brother Jude to literally go up on the roof of our house to sunbathe, beat boredom or just hang outSo as I grew up, I kept mixing tapes until it became obsolete. For myself, to accompany every occasion of my life, to play on my walkman during every long trip. I'd make tapes choosing songs that would flow smoothly from one to the next. I would choose songs with lyrics that spoke to me at moments in life. Even our relationship with then-boyfriend-now-hubby Gary had tapes for our pre-boyfriend-girlfriend days, tapes for our happy days, even our fights. heehee.Every tape was a labor of love, and I'd always sign them with my nickname, ♥ JUICY.Just as my brothers' music touched my life, it put a smile on my friends' faces too...A thank you note from the heart (complete with infographics) from friend Gang Badoy, RockEd founder. She's obviously a music lover from way back!I'd even get sweet and specific requests, this one was from my fellow audiophile friend, "Raffy X" Santos who called his sounds "gimmick tapes."  His request below was for my own ultimate fave artist, Everything But the Girl, whose CDs (uy modern na!) I collect.If not for my brothers, my music appreciation would probably just be limited to boy bands. LOL.  So if just for this last reason, I know I have been truly blessed. Hahaha!My 3 brothers with me & momAs my brother said, those were the "good old days", and looking back at the happy memories, I certainly agree.How have YOUR siblings enriched your life?For me, I pray that my own kids do the same for each other as they grow up:).