Laslas.

I tell you. There are a few things more painful than a broken heart. I've been through that sort of tragedy many a times yet still, each time seems more painful than the last. Sometimes, the stabbing hurt on the chest is too much that it feels like I'm dying. But before we go morbid and end up talking about death, why not we tackle on ways to deal with this unfortunate event.

Every girl (or boy) done wrong knows that nothing can get one through this phase better than LASLAS music. The term 'laslas' is Cebuano slang for 'suicide'. Yup, 'suicide' music can - one way or another - save lives, better than bawling-till-eyes-pop-out-of-the-sockets and drinking-like-a-fish sprees. It can also empathize better than people (well, sometimes).

But anyway, before I start telling you stories of my heartaches, let's go through the songs I recommend for the brokenhearted (and for those who share the same taste of music - cough*emo-angst* with me).

1. Breakeven (The Script)

   Believe it or not, I have just recently discovered this song (loser!). I like it that it doesn't have that depressing tune and beat, unlike mostly every hurt song. 

   LASLAS factor: (I have said these exact words to someone.) "What am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're okay." It's painful to see the love of your life move on gracefully while you're still back in Square One trying to pick up the pieces. 

   
   
   
   
2. Don't Speak (No Doubt)

   But of course, what's a suicide list without No Doubt. This has been my favorite since I was 11. 

   LASLAS factor: For the people stuck in denial stage. 'kidding! "Don't speak. I know what you're saying. So please stop explaining. Don't tell me 'cause it hurts."

   
   
   
   
3. I Go Crazy (DHT) 

   This song has countless revivals but this one's my favorite.

   LASLAS Factor: Your life is finally back on track. And just when you thought you've already moved on after 5 long months, you bump into him/her at your favorite coffee shop. He says 'hi' and you feel you've slipped back to brokenness. Dern.

   
   
   
   
4. Because of You (Kelly Clarkson)

   This beautiful song was introduced to me by a friend, who - at the time- was going through some unrequited love situation. A few months later, it became my own personal theme song. Haha.

   LASLAS Factor: This is the song you sing at the peak of pain. It sums up everything a broken heart is all about.

   
   
   
   
5. You Ought to Know (Alanis Morissette)

   If you're a fan, you'll agree when I say that Alanis is the Queen of Angst. 

   LASLAS Factor: This is for those who are in the ANGER stage. If singing - and half-screaming - your furious heart out is your thing, then this one's for you. 

   
   
   
   
6. The Blower's Daughter (Damien Rice)

   I came to know this song from the movie Closer. I was instantly in love with it, despite its sad, sad melody. The lyrics are oh-so-perfect, I.cannot.even.

   LASLAS Factor: But anyone can have a different interpretation for this song. Personally, I think it's mainly about the delicate transition phase between holding on and (trying to, at least) letting go.  

   
   
   
   
7. I will always love you (Whitney Houston)

   This is everyone's favorite KTV/Singing Contest pick because of its "birit" styling.

   LASLAS Factor: There are things that are just not meant to last, no matter how perfect they seem to be. It also holds true when it comes to love. Sometimes, people break up not because they don't love each other, but because they both know that such relationship will impede their growth as separate individuals and thus, won't work in the future. (speaking in behalf of my past experiences. ahem.)

   
   
   
   
8. Come Back to Me (David Cook)

   This is send-off song of some sort. 

   LASLAS Factor: It's bluntly about waiting for someone who might not come back.

   Okay, I'm too harsh. The whole problem starts with the lover who begins questioning his/her identity and consequentially needs a timeout to find him/herself alone. So the other lover sets him/her free, with the hope that they will be together again, once the whole identity crisis is solved.

   Okay. I suck at explaining things. Haha. 

   
   
   
   
9. Linger (The Cranberries)

   I am seriously thinking of making this my wedding march song because it sounds stellar when played by a string quartet. Haha. 

   LASLAS Factor: For those in the everything-reminds-me-of-you phase.

   
   
   
   
10. Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus)

    Oh please. Despite the nudity (which I find acceptable and artistic) and the licking, we all love this song.

    LASLAS Factor: Though I rarely find impressive poetry nowadays, this song passed my breakup song standards. (Never mind the video.) The song is so emotional and relevant. If this had been composed decades before, it would still be a hit.

    
    

Phew. Going through that playlist somehow got my spirits down. Well, that's the whole point of the music. It understands and shares the pain and suffering. However, its role ends there. It should not become a permanent life anthem. 

So after the LASLAS period, get up and get some sunshine (and whole new playlist). Time to move on and be happy!