Lynski's Pineapple & Cinnamon Thoughts

Dear Puey Quinones : Apology Not Accepted!

2011-02-18T10:20:00.004+08:00

Quiñones apologizes for retagging - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Oh no, you didn't.

My opinion on this ---

Dear Mr Quinones,

You cannot CANNOT re-tag, re-sell for 10 times more than the real price, and then apologize and wish that everything will go away. That is just not right. Ripping-off a customer, claiming credit for something you didn't design, and earning a huge profit off of it, is simply unforgivable. And therefore, as part of the buying public--- Apology NOT accepted.

Here's a suggestion, Mr Puey, why don't you carry a designer line called "Bobo by Puey Quinones" or "Bobong Puey Quinones"? You don't need a measuring tape to know that these labels fit you perfectly, don't you think? [Oh sorry, yeah, you don't.] Shame, shame, shame on you.

Dear Victimized Couple,

It's a shame that you have to go through this experience on an occasion that should have been your happiest. On the brighter side, this incident makes your wedding unforgettable, and that's not so bad. Just turn your back on this blood-sucking designer, move on, and learn from this experience. Don't let this ruin your special day, it's just not worth it!

Dear "Must-Buy-Designer/Signature-Stuff" People,

I dedicate this Inquirer article to you! This should be a lesson to all of you who cannot breathe without your LVs or RLs or HERMESes. You don't need to have a good designer or buy expensive signature stuff to look good. You just need to have a good sense of style. I've seen runway shows, and my God, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing those costume-y clothes! The trick is to have a good sense of personal fashion style so you can enhance your assets and work around your flaws. Who cares if it's DIY and not DKNY?

I have a female friend who buys clothes from local department store sales or from Divisoria even, and she always looks like a million bucks! She can pull off a P150 blouse bought out of a tiangge by accessorizing with scarves or beads. Definitely shows how style and class are not bought. But Mr Quinones wouldn't know what class means now, would he?

Tim Urban over Alex Lambert?! Seriously?!

2010-03-12T21:15:00.008+08:00

Alex Lambert and Lilly Scott -- two of my favorite AI contestants got axed today. I think American got it so wrong this time! I mean, Tim Urban? Lacie Brown? Seriously??! And to have him there standing next to Andrew Garcia who has had just one good performance and messed up all his other performances, is just effing frustrating! How Taylor Hicks became American Idol while a talent like Alex Lambert can't even make it to the Top 12 is something I will never understand about the AI-voting Americans. Lilly said it perfectly --- a lot of talents are going home with this latest elimination. Like her, I can't understand what America is looking for. Upon realization, though, I know now that I dont share the same taste as the voting public. And that could be a good thing, too.

People were raving about Tim's rendition of Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah. It was fine but it was not really that special. Jason Castro sang it so much better, for crying out loud! Certainly not as good as this ----

Could not bear to look at Alex Lambert's farewell performance. My heart was breaking.

My American Idol Season 9 Early Favorites

2010-03-04T23:02:00.009+08:00

If there is one contestant that I would love to see at the finals of this season's American Idol, then it would be Alex Lambert. I love everything about this guy -- his personality, his shyness, his humility, and the voice....! The voice is just amazing!

My male runners-up

Lee Dewyze - who can resist his husky voice? I am a big fan of Creed-husky voice. Also I want to see those sad, hypnotic, dreamy sexy eyes for many, many, many more weeks.

Casey James - first and foremost he plays badass electric guitar! He's yummy and can sing too! Loved him on Hollywood week. Cougars like him (ehem)... he's hot and very commercial.

Aaron Kelly - big voice for somebody very young. Let's hope his big voice takes him far enough because he wont get another shot at AI after this. Still waiting for him to sing something hip and young.

I've always been partial to male contestants because I'm not very fond of belting notes as high as the heavens, and female contestants always do that. But, OK here are my female favorites:

Lilly Scott is my most favorite female contestant because she is fresh, unique, and indie. She plays guitar, sings the most unpopular songs and a cross between Jewel and Lily Allen, two artists that I really like. For me she is the coolest female contestnat.

And my female runners-up:

Crystal Bowersox - very talented. Very Indigo Girls. I would say, very American. She is the most promising in terms of landing recording deals among the ladies. Although I wouldn't mind if she fights it out with Lambert on the finals, I think she lacks charisma to keep the people interested while in a contest like AI.

Siobhan Magnus - if Lilly Scott is cool, this girl is simply flip! She's very interestting -- sometimes geeky, sometimes classy. But boy can she belt out a song. She is somebody that you either love because she is never boring, or hate because her eccentricity can be annoying for some. Well... I love her! Never liked boring.

Katie Stevens - same comments as Aaron Kelly!
-

Rooting for Alex...! I hope a Lambert wins this season!

visit www.americanidol.com for more on AIS9

My Favorite Song this Month : Empire State Of Mind Part 2 (Alicia Keys)

2010-01-24T11:10:00.004+08:00

If I ever become a pop star, I wanna be like Alicia Keys (or Gwen Stefani). She's gorgeous. She's talented. She has a beautiful voice. She plays the piano. She's cool.

This song is definitely on repeat mode this month.

Paalam Cory Aquino!

2009-08-05T12:25:00.008+08:00

Today, Philippines says goodbye to Cory Aquino. The whole country is crying.

For those who did not witness the 1986 EDSA revolution, she may just be a celebrity, an ex-president, Ninoy’s widow, Kris’ mom, and baby James’ famous grandmother and her passing may not have an impact at all in their lives. But for us who experienced the most powerful people revolution that freed us from the dictatorship of Marcos, we grieve.

I was in high school during the EDSA Revolt. Fourteen years old and living in a dorm inside the school premises, we were not allowed to go out the gates of our school. I remember me and two other classmates running from our school’s soccer field to our dorm while military choppers were flying above us. We were giggling but scared. Calls from parents kept coming, asking if we were safe. We didn’t exactly know what was happening outside but we knew it was big. We wanted to be a part of it. We wanted to be part of history.

Fueled by anger over the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, Cory along with thousand of Filipinos marched to the streets to protest and demanded for the Marcoses to step down. It was called People Power. It was indeed the power of the people that drove this country to a new kind of freedom in 1986. Amidst the guns and arms, the Filipinos faught through peace and prayer. And we won. Peacefully.

Two more so-called EDSA revolutions followed after 1986 . People called it EDSA Dos and EDSA Tres. But for me there is no fitting sequel to the 1986 EDSA revolution. All the others that follow can never compare to what transpired that fateful day. Now as I watch clips of the EDSA revolution I am overwhelmed at the passion and courage shown by Cory and the Filipino people.I don’t think we will ever see the same courage again. The taglines “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa”, “JAJA: Justice for Aquino, Justice For All” and “Tama Na, Sobra Na, Palitan Na” are taglines that are forever etched in my memory. Bayan Ko never meant as much to the Filipinos. As I listen again to the song Magkaisa, I am brought to tears.

My grief and sadness is mixed with gratitude, love, frustration, and a flicker of hope. Graditute to a remarkable woman so giving that she always had the interest of the Filipinos at heart. No Philippine president has the same integrity, sincerity, and faith in a country shrouded with corruption. She believed in the Filipino people. Her love for her husband, her country, and our country’s freedom inspires me. Frustration when I see the current state of the country lead by a president who while has admitted to cheating, has remained in her comfortable position while Filipinos continue to suffer in poverty. Frustrated in the realization that maybe our and our elders’ efforts in 1986 are already forgotten and were all in vain. But the outpouring of love and support for Cory and Ninoy and the Aquino family gives me a flicker of hope. Maybe the fire in the hearts of Filipinos is still there and is just waiting to be rekindled. Maybe there is hope for this country to continue to live in democrary and prosperity as what Ninoy and Cory wished for us.

I can’t think of two heroes of Philippine history as great, as selfless, and as pure as Ninoy and Cory. I hope that the young generation will appreciate what they have done for this nation.

Goodbye Cory. Thank you! You are an inspiration to us. Please continue to pray for us in heaven.

Goodbye Michael Jackson

2009-07-11T13:44:00.014+08:00

I have not blogged for two months but I just can't let the frenzy on Michael Jackson's death pass by without saying my goodbye.

Not a die hard fan but I have a couple of favorite MJ songs -- Human Nature, She's Out Of My Life, Gone Too Soon, The Lady In My Life, Man In The Mirror, Heal The World, Someone in the Dark, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal, Another Part of Me, PYT, In The Closet, and so on. I was a teenager when Thriller came out and me and some classmates would chant the creepy narration on that song! In January 2008, I bought his "The Essential Michael Jackson" 2CD collection. Thoug I felt a bit disappointed that some of my all-time favorites were not included like The Lady In My Life and the Jackson Five songs One Day In Your Life & Happy that I grew up on were missing, I played the CD almost everyday for 3 weeks straight!

I was surprised to learn that he wrote a lot of his hit songs like I Just Can't Stop Loving You as well as songs that speak of humanity, unity, politics, the environment, and (yes) even world peace. His sentiments were written and heard in his songs Black Or White, Earth Song, Beat It, They Don't Care About Us and Heal the World.

On the day that he died, I played his songs over and over again knowing that his music will always stay with me.

There's no point in questioning how he lived his life or why he lived his life the way he did.. And no time to question why the same world that ridiculed him for years is now mourning his death. I guess it's true what they say, we never what we got 'til we lose it. It's time to say "Goodbye Michael Jackson". Farewell to the King of Pop and probably the best artist that ever lived. I hope the old generation will continue to remember you and wish that the new generation get to know you, your music and your legacy. Peace out, MJ.

=======================================

Among MJ's songs, Man in the Mirror will remain my personal favorite because of its poetic lyrics. In this song, Michael souded passionate but sad, angry but pleading, frustrated but hopeful. Here's a clip with two more of my favorite MJ videos -- They Don't Care ABout Us & the video that made him King -- Thriller. I wish the dancing inmates of Cebu will take on the former.

I'm gonna make a change for once in my life. It's gonna be real good. Gonna make a difference, gonna make it right. As I turn up the collar on my favorite winter coat this wind is blowing my mind. I see the kids in the street with not enough to eat. Who am I to be blind pretending not to see their needs? A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top ,and a one man's soul -- they follow each other on the the wind ya know cause they got nowhere to go. That's why I want you to know. I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer. If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make a change. I've been a victim of a selfish kind of love. It's time that I realize that there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan. Could it be really me pretending that they're not alone. A willow deeply scarred, somebody's broken heart, and a washed-out dream --- they follow the pattern of the wind ya see cause they got no place to be. That's why I'm starting with me.

Celebrity Look-Alikes

2009-05-12T10:30:00.003+08:00

I must be watching too much TV. Need I say more? Here are Pinoy celebrities and their Hollywood star look-alikes.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH - somebody in some hospital somewhere must have made a terrible terrible mistake!

Angel Locsion & Kristen Kreuk

Manilyn Reynes & Kelly Osbourne

Yasmien Kurdi & Alexis Bledel

Pokwang & Lucy Liu

Margaret Wilson & Audrina

(Emo) Gerald Anderson & Milo Ventimiglia

COULD PASS AS SISTERS - they must share similar DNAs to share similar features.

Kristine Hermosa & Bridget Moynahan

Maja Salvador & Catherine Zeta Jones

Anne Curtis & Piper Perabo

Krystal Reyes & Zhang Ziyi

AND THE MISSING BROTHER

Seriously he should change his name to Matt Jonas -- i.e. the missing Jonas brother.

Matt Evans and Guess-which-Jonas-Brother-is-his-Look-A-Like (Clue : it's the hair!)

Please Don't Stop the Rain (James Morrison): My Favorite Song This Month

2009-05-11T10:36:00.000+08:00

Following his Broken Strings duet with Nelly Furtado, this time going solo --- James Morrison's Please Don't Stop The Rain taken from his album "Songs for You, Truths For Me" is my favorite song this month. Very fitting for the rainy summertime we are experiencing in the Philippines. But of course we don't want the storm and the floods that go with the heavy rains. A little rain every now and then is just fine.

more on this award-winning English singer/songwriter at http://www.jamesmorrisonmusic.com/

I don't know where I crossed the line. Was it something that I said or didn't say this time. And I don't know if it's me or you but I can see the skies are changing in all the shades of blue. And I don't know which way it's gonna go. ***If it's gonna be a rainy day there's nothing we can do to make a change. We can pray for sunny weather but that won't stop the rain. Feeling like you got no place to run, I can be your shelter 'til it's done. We can make this last forever so please don't stop the rain. ***I thought that the time was on our side. I've put in far too many years to let it pass us by. You see life is a crazy thing. There'll be good times and there'll be bad times and everything in between. And I don't know which way it's gonna go. ***Oh we're a little closer now in finding what life's all about. I know you just can't stand it when things don't grow your way. But we've got no control over what happens anyway.

Dedicated To All Mothers

2009-05-10T14:01:00.003+08:00

A thousand paintings have been done on the mother and child subject in an effort to capture the love between a mother and her child. Probably the most famous is the Madonna and Child (shown here is by Filippo Lippi) depicting Jesus and Mary His mother. Likewise, Michaelangelo’s marble sculpture of Pieta depicts Mary lovingly holding the lifeless body of Jesus from the cross. But paintings or scultures will never come close and words will never completely describe a mother’s unconditional love for her child.

I’ve heard somebody said somewhere that “A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take”. Very simple words but this saying for me sums up what a mother and motherhood is all about. A mother is a teacher, a doctor, an all-around-help, a cheering squad, a magician, a storyteller, a fan, a role model, a friend, and sometimes, even a father. With all the roles that a mother has to assume, we sometimes forget that she’s also a wife, a daughter, a woman, and an individual. They say that angels in heaven weep whenever a mother cries. I may not know what it’s like to be a mother, not yet a mother myself (maybe God wants me to perfect the roles I mentioned above), but I think I can believe that. Even angels weep when a mother’s heart gets broken.

Today I would like to say Happy Mothers’ Day to my mother, who’s been all the characters mentioned and even more.

Happy mothers’ day too to my mother-in-law, my sisters, sisters-in law, friends, and all the mothers’ in the world!

P.S. Somebody forwarded this email to me some years ago. Maybe now we can understand why a mother’s love is unconditional.

A little boy asked his mother, 'Why are you crying?' 'Because I'm a woman,' she told him.
'I don't understand,' he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, 'And you never will.'
Later the little boy asked his father, 'Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?'

'All women cry for no reason,' was all his dad could say.
The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, 'God, why do women cry so easily?' God said: 'When I made the woman she had to be special.
I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue with out complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed.'

'You see my son,' said God, 'the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides.'

FrancisM & His Kaleidoscope World

2009-03-11T00:01:00.015+08:00

I may not be his number one fan, but I could not help but feel sad the moment I heard the news about Francis Magalona’s death last Friday, March 6, 2009. I guess it’s a manifestation of how he touched the lives of so many Filipinos, mine included.

I belonged to the Bagets generation. I remember watching the first Bagets movie on the balcony of an old cinema house in Legazpi at three in the afternoon with two of my Grade 6 classmates. We didn’t realize that we were witnessing the birth of the movie careers of William Martinez, Herbert Baustista, JC Bonnin, Raymond Lauchengco ---- and who could forget --- Aga Muhlach.

Then there was Bagets 2. Like the first instalment, the movie was a big hit (even without Aga) and the movie goers could not get enough of the new addition to the original cast. Overnight, Jon Jon Hernandez (the lanky good boy), Ramon Christopher (the cute and cuddly little boy), and Francis Magalona (the boy-next-door with umm an attitude) became household names. Francis’ character was memorable as the break-dancing free-spirit Ponce.

I was also a part of the That’s Entertainment generation and I remember Francis Magalona as one of the first members of this youth-oriented variety show that helped define the Pinoy entertainment scene for that decade. Francis Magalona did more break dancing and a bit of singing on that show and started making a name for himself. He was fondly called Kiko by contemporaries and fans.

Then came “Mga Kababayan Ko”----the song that made him "FrancisM”. His bold use of the line “Mga kababayan….” made famous by the late President Ferdinand Marcos as the song Intro was haunting at a time when the voice of the people needed to be heard. Pinoys seem to have found their nationalistic hip hop side. The whole country rapped and sang along to this song. Children recited its lyrics. Who could forget the lines “Ang magkaaway ipagbati ... gumitna ka at huwag kumampi”? Soon it was one hit after another. I memorized and hummed to Cold Summer Nights, Girl Be Mine, Kaleidoscope World with a quiet pride for OPM. Memorable lyrics from his songs became taglines still used to this day like “ito ang gusto ko”, “tropang gising” (from the song Praning), and all of a sudden the symbols of the Philippine flag became “3 stars and a sun” to the cooler, hipper youth. As I listen to his songs that scream about national pride, I feel hope for this country and its youth. His music was his best instrument to show his love for his country and to reach out and tell the rest of the world about it. According to his wife, Pia Arroyo, Francis' goal was “to Filipinize the world one person at a time”.

People may remember him as the Master Rapper or the King of Pinoy Rap. But now, on a hot summer night that turned cold for his fans, I join the rest of the country in remembering FrancisM not only as a rapper/singer/actor but most importantly as a song writer, a poet, a mentor, a model father, a Dabarkad, a businessman, an artist, a nationalist, an inspiration, and a hero.

They say he lived a full life. And that his demise was sweet relief. There is no doubt that he touched the lives of many Filipinos. And as he continues to live through his music, we should be grateful and happy for knowing him. Yet news on his wake, tributes on his life and the out-pouring of love from his fans and colleagues leave a deep and bitter sadness that make me want to shed a tear or two for this great human being. Cheers to the man and his kaleidoscope world!

And yes, I guess I am forever a fan.

"So let the sun shine
Let the rivers run away
Cause it’s a beautiful day now to play now
As I close my eyes to pray
Lord, have mercy on me ‘cause I’m feeling kinda lonely"

“Girl Be Mine”
FrancisM (1964 -2009)

visit http://www.francismagalona.multiply.com/

My Life According To My Playlist : Save Me

2009-02-21T19:22:00.005+08:00

If your playlist could talk and describe to the world what your life is like, ever wonder what would it say?

My friend Cel shared with me a fun game called Shuffle Songs. It’s like answering life’s greatest questions through songs on your playlist. I had a blast because I have a 50+1 CD changer from another friend, Miles, who was generous enough to leave it to me when she & hubby moved to Australia more than a year ago. I’m also a song lyric geek so I tried to find sense out of this game through the lyrics. Kunyari “deep”. Haha.

Nalokah lang ako sa Song No. 11. When asked about what song will be played at my funeral, my playlist decided it's gonna be Kenny Loggins’ Danger Zone – “out along the edges, always where I burn to be, further on the edge, the hotter the intensity”. Repent!

But I really had fun so…Here’s how it’s done:

RULE: Just put your player on shuffle and hit the 'Next' button to get your answer to every question. You must indicate the title and artist, no matter how far-fetched it sounds. And remember no cheating.

1) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

I Know Him By Heart - Vonda Shepard

- ".. where i meet my perfect someone i kept hidden in my mind... though we've never met haven't found him yet but i know him by heart" yan, wala talagang perfect, kathang isip lang yan haha! di na pala applicable to kasi i found him already (yiii)

2) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Eveybody's Changing - Keane

- "trying to make a move just to stay in the game" Ay I like this! After all "the only thing constant in life is change". (neks nemen!)

3) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

All I Want Is You - U2

- my "story to remain untold, for love not to grow cold"

4) WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Chances Are - Side A

- ok i'm giving you a chance to change your mind... now!

5) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

Hey Baby - No Doubt

- nothing really... "i'm just sipping on chamomile"

6) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Blind - Lifehouse

- hahaha! dito ako natawa... bulag na pag-ibig?! sino kaya? sya o ako ?! hahaha

7) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Luha - Rivermaya

- Whaaaat?! Nooooo...! "balikan mo ang dati, isipin kung saan ka nagkamali". kalokah! haha!

8) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

She Bop - Cyndi Lauper

- "she bop, he bop a we bop".. how cool would it be to grow up like cyndi lauper? this girl just wanna have fun.

9) WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Back To Love - Brand New Heavies

- talk about unconditional love "we seem to lose our way.. we gotta get back, get back to love"

10) WHAT SONG WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Last Beautiful Girl - Matchbox Twenty

- rock! hahaha... the title may be fitting but the lyrics ? not! "a thousand lost forevers and a promise you never were giving me"? ngiii.

11) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins

- huh?!? halah. saan kaya final destination ko...? bakit danger zone?! LOL. Sana "Last Beautiful Girl" na lang! haha!

12) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Building a Mystery - Sarah McLachlan

- wala lang. hobby ko lang talaga gumawa ng misteryo. ganun lang.

13) WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Love's Divine - Seal

- cge na nga.. i secretly wish i were as hot as heidi klum haha!

14) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Found Out About You - Gin Blossoms

- yeah i know what you did last summer.

15) WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

If You Love Somebody Set Them Free - Sting & The Police

- tapos di na sila bumalik. waaah. "you can't control an independent heart, can't tear the one you love apart"

16) HOW WILL YOU DIE?

I'll Be OK - Amanda Marshall

- hahaha! i'll be OK on my way to the danger zone! haha ang galing! "life passes too quickly you gotta take the time or you'll miss what really matters ..miss all the signs". hmmm this makes sense.

17) WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?

Sleep All Day - Jason Mraz

- was sleeping, missed hollywood week of american idol haha

18) WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?

Bang and Blame - REM

- "you bang bang bang bang, blame blame blame". the tables have turned... karma's a b*tch.

19) WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?

Cool - Gwen Stefani

- being friends (again) with an ex. sus.

20) WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?

I Believe - Tears For Fears

- life can be very scary.. "no i can't believe that every time you hear a new born scream you just can't see the shaping of a life". lalim.

21) IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

Come Back and Stay - Paul Young

- "why don't you come back please hurry" haha .. nasa huli ang pag sisisi...

22) WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

Good Enough - Lifehouse

- "this is who i am, and it's all that I can be" yeah, we all want to be accepted for who we are (serious daw ako).

23) WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

Save Me - Remy Zero

- i am Superwoman! "all my dreams are on the ground, crawling around.. somebody save me". please?

Thanks to my friend, Cel for sharing this game with me.

More American Idol Season 8 Favorites

2009-02-15T12:39:00.007+08:00

I’m happy about AI because my early favorites Danny Gokey, Casey Carlson and Adam Lambert are all in the top 36.

But. Can I please change my mind about Adam Lambert? He’s talented, alright.But give me a break! His rendition of Cher’s Believe was just tooooo gay for my taste. I can imagine him doing all sorts of Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, and Barbra Streisand in the next weeks and I know I won’t be able to stand it. Danny’s best friend, Jamar was kicked out and people are reacting negatively to the result. But I guess it will be good for Danny in the long run. The Bromance between those two was starting to be uncomfortable to watch, at least as far as I’m concerned.

I think I’ll go for three more new favorites --- Matt Giraud, the piano player, and two great voices that need total personality makeovers -- Anoop Desai who is a far cry from Sanjay Malakar of past season, and Anne Marie Boskovich, the girl who needs to bring out the diva in her in order to stay on a show as commercial as AI.

So far I think the boys are the better singers this year. But then again, I’ve always been biased towards the male contestants. It’s because most female contestants, to get noticed, would always go and hit thehighest note possible. Just like what Lambert did on Hollywood night. Plus, great voices from previous seasons were never safe and were as vulnerable as any other hopeful. Take the case of Elliot Yamin, Cris Daughtry and Michael Johns who bowed out of the competition earlier than expected.

I hope Danny goes as far as top 3. So at the least he can have a professional singing career. Though based on past seasons, nothing beats first place. Save for Clay Aiken, runners-up are most often overshadowed by the winners. Bo Bice was a great talent and a crowd favorite but landing only second to America’s sweetheart Carrie Underwood didn’t cut it. His career never took off as most would expect.

I wish there were more potential rockstars this season, though. Maybe they’ve had enough of Daughtrys and Cooks, afterall the show screams pop.

Thinking Of You by Katy Perry : My Favorite Song This Month

2009-02-15T11:32:00.007+08:00

She’s spunky, edgy, and different. She shares the same name as Kate Hudson. How can anything go wrong?

Full name Katherine Elizabeth Hudson, she became a household name when she sang about kissing a girl and liking it. Then it was one hit after another.

Love her fast songs but I like how she tried to show her mellow side with this song.

visit www.katyperry.com for more of her.

Happy Hearts' Day

2009-02-15T00:09:00.013+08:00

Valentine’s Day 2009.

I am one of the millions who believe that Valentine’s Day celebration is overrated. My husband and I don’t normally celebrate this day with candle-lit dinners or out-of-town trips. No, we’re not jaded. It’s just that we’ve tried going out on Valentine’s Day once or twice but we always end up getting pissed because of traffic jam and restaurants being full which most of the time results to poor service, even if you have a reservation. So even before we were married, we normally just let the day pass without much effort to celebrate.

But today was special.

Today, courtesy of his relatives, I received a wonderful surprise from my husband who now works abroad and is on his way halfway across the world for a business trip. He asked his niece, nephew, and sister to buy me flowers and deliver the bouquet to our house. It was the most beautiful bouquet I’ve ever seen (sigh). (And it was not wrapped in plastic, which he knows I hate.) I was smiling the whole day…!

My husband always knows how to make me smile, I feel lucky to have him in my life. And yes I have a happy heart because of him. But I don’t need Valentine's Day to remind me of that. I’m reminded for all the days and times he finds ways to make me feel loved. Isn’t love wonderful? Valentine’s Day is not so bad afterall.

Happy Hearts’ Day! Spread the love …!

AI Season 8 Early Favorite(s)

2009-02-07T21:01:00.016+08:00

As early as the start of American Idol Season 8 road show auditions, I already have a favorite contestant. His name is Danny Gokey, the widower. I like him because he has an impressive voice; he was unforgettable during his first audition; he sang one of my most favorites songs Seal's Kiss From A Rose during Hollywood week solo; his group’s a capella version of Queen’s Somebody To Love was just awesome; he has a touching story; and he looks like an older and geekier version of cutie David Archuleta from Season7.

Hollywood week : Danny Gokey's Group

My other favorites for now are Casey Carlson --the calendar girl, and Adam Lambert --the stage actor. Casey because she’s overflowing with pop star potential and blessed with a smashing body http://www.caseycarlson.net/ . Adam because he looks like “Superman” Brandon Routh, only happier and gayer. Hahaha!

I hope I see more of these contestants (specially Gokey) in the next episodes.

Befriending The Rhino: The Curious Case of The Vanishing Nose

2009-01-18T17:32:00.010+08:00

To call plastic surgery on the nose rhinoplasty is just so fitting. I’m sure this procedure was originally intended for people with rhino-like noses, or let me rephrase that – people who can’t live with their rhino-like noses.

MedicineNet.com defines rhinoplasty as the “facial cosmetic procedure, usually performed to enhance the appearance of the nose. During rhinoplasty, the nasal cartilages and bones are modified, or tissue is added. The aim is to improve the visual appeal of the nose. "

I’ve heard somebody say before that our noses continue to grow as we age. Well, in that case, wala akong na maisip na explanation sa pictures below. Madalas kasi akong magoyo, e. Alam mo yun? Yung nanonood ka ng TV and you’ve watched certain stars and celebrities day in and day out, pero one day bigla ka na lang mapapa-second look sa isang star… Ngyee!?.. Kailan pa lumiit ang ilong nyan??! Sinungaling si Nora Aunor.... May himala..! “Improve the visual appeal” my ass. Kakatawa na itsura ng iba e.

If I will believe the theory about the growing nostrils, then I’ll call the phenomenon below “The Curious Case of the Vanishing Nose”. Baligtad kasi e. Pinagpala ba sila? Can you identify who has befriended the "rhino"? I can’t. Of course we hear rumors every now and then. But because nobody will ever admit that they’ve undergone a nose job, and because it’s bad to assume, kayo na humusga. O sige. Benefit of the doubt, baka naman bonggang bongga lang talaga ang taga-make-up ng iba sa kanila! Borrow naman your make-up artists, o. Please?

I can’t find an old picture of Raven Villaneuva pero di na rin kailangan. Nakaukit na naman sa memory natin kung anong itsura nya dati. Ayayay! Ito ang comedy. (Teka para akong nahihirapan huminga…)

Kiss The Girl by Colbie Caillat : My Favorite Song This Month

2009-01-17T21:44:00.005+08:00

Who can resist this song. It's gotta be my favorite song this month. From the same girl that gave us the songs Bubbly and Realize, Colbie Caillat sings her version of Sebastian's Kiss the Girl from Disney's classic animated movie The Little Mermaid.

Don't you just wanna run to the nearest ocean and dive?

And of course, here's Sebastian's adorable version. Surely one doesn't need to be a fan of animated movies to fall in love with this version ....

Native Bags and Purses For Sale

2009-01-06T08:40:00.006+08:00

PinoyTrivia Quiz : Kakasa Ka Ba sa Jologs? (Part 3)

2008-12-10T14:38:00.007+08:00

Here is Part 3 of the Jologs Trivia Quiz. Check July and November archives for Parts 1 & 2 (archive roll on the right)

Part 3 : Category : Music, Fads & Trends

Bakyang Tanong:

41) Title ng kantang may linyang “O Kay Bilis ng Iyong Pagdating, Pag-alis mo’y sadyang kay bilis din”
42) Title ng kantang my linyang “Pwede ba yung lovesong ko?”
43) Sa kanta ni Yoyoy Villame, sino daw ang nangisda sa karagatan?
44) Pangalan ng grupong nagpikat sa kantang may linyang “Kalat doon, kalat ditto”
45) Title ng kantang may linyang “O ang galling galling mong bugay, mas kadiri ka pa sa langaw”
46) Title ng kantang may linyang “Unti-unitng tumitila, ikaw ri’y magpapaalam na”
47) Singer na nagpasikat ng kantang may linyang “Parang di ko yata kaya”
48) Title ng kantang may linyang “Isang saglit lang, parang walang hanggan”
49) Title ng kantang may linyang “Kay sakit naman ng ginawa mo”
50) Theme song ng youth oriented 80s film na Bagets
51) Young actress/singer nung 90s na ka-loveteam ni Ian de Leon at nagpasikat ng revival na “Rain”
52) Ang bigboy, texas, at tarzan ay mga uri ng ano?
53) Ang 3 flowers at tancho ay brands ng anong uring produkto?
54) Karibal ng Beeper 150
55) Brand nang nausong water jug nung 80s na kadalasang makikitang bitbit ng mga tao sa mall, sa office, sa bus, sa school
56) Ginagawa mo noon sa pangalan mo at pangalan ng crush mo pala malaman kung compatible kayo
57) Brand ng nausong foot-long na ballpen noong 80s
58) Sumikat na brand ng hairspray sa lata noong 80s na may variands na “mild hold”, “srong hold” at “extra strong hold”
59) Sumikat ang baretang OLA dahil sa kakaibang kulay nito, ano ang kulay ng sabong ito?
60) All-time koniks great na pambata kung saan sumikat ang character na makulit na batang si Niknok

Bakyang Sagot:

41) Isang Linggong Pag-Ibig
42) Mr DJ
43) Si Felimon
44) Smokey Mountain
45) Multong Bakla
46) Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka
47) Jessa Zaragosa
48) Unang Halik
49) Aray
50) Growing Up
51) Donna Cruz
52) chewing gum
53) pomade/pomade
54) Easycall
55) Coleman
56) F.L.A.M.E.S.
57) scribbler
58) Aquanet
59) Pink
60) Funny Komiks

http://telebisyon.net/balita/Ang-No-1-show-sa-GMA-Pinoy-TV/artikulo/534/
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palladium/1306/deball.htm

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-07T10:13:00.005+08:00

I put up my Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations last December 1 ---it was a tiring but happy experience. For me, December is the busiest month because aside from Christmas Day, I also celebrate my birthday on the first week. When I was very young, I remember how from the first day of December, I would ask my mother everyday if it was already Christmas. She would always reply back “Pag birthday mo na”. It was because, my mother would put up our Christmas tree on my birthday. When I see her putting up the tree and the Christmas decorations, I would know that Christmas was fast approaching.

I always feel that my December is never enough for me. From all the reunions to attend, parties and get together with different group of friends, planning for our company party to doing my Christmas shopping, wrapping and distributing gifts, and preparing to take a long vacation off work to spend the holidays with my parents & siblings in the province. Thirty one days is never enough. Gifts-giving is a big tradition in our family, and aside from family and firends on my gift list, my husband and I have 33 godchildren combined. Just imagine how many trips I make to the malls to complete my list. I actually have an excel document with names, gift description and allotted budget just so I don’t miss out on anybody. I even have a column for the gift I gave the previous year so there will be no repetitions! (Talk of being oc-oc!)

They say Christmas is for kids and the kids-at-heart. I agree completely. I wish everyday was Christmas. There is just a different happy feeling in the air during Christmas season. People seem to smile more. People are more friendly, more generous, and more considerate. It is a time where we get the chance to forget our woes and set aside our problems even for a few days. December will always be my favourite time of the year, despite the Christmas traffic and the gained pounds from all the eating! I wish I can see the earth from outer space on Christmas day. I’m sure I will hear laughter, singing, and the sound of happiness all over.

Here's wisihing you and your family a Merry Christmas!

"Why can't we join hands around one tree?

Let live and let it be. Make Christmas last forever…"

Christmas (All Over The World) by Sheena Easton

Thanking PNCC

2008-12-07T09:13:00.008+08:00

If you drive along south expressway everyday like I do, it is very easy to hate PNCC. I drive four days a week from Laguna to my office in Alabang and back, and for several months now, I experience first hand the inconvenience brought about by the on-going construction there. Everyday is battle between my car and the “lubaks” the “lubaks” win 90% of the time. Thirty minutes of cursing and praying alternately is no fun. The PNCC also has this sneaky way of changing the lanes every week. It’s like a never ending maze! Just when you thought you’ve memorized all the sharp turns, the merging lanes, the closed lanes, and the right spot to step on the break, surprise! --- PNCC comes up with an all new “lubak-rough road-closed lane” combination.

As I was driving along the same ugly highway at 8.30 on a Friday night two weeks ago --- cursing even more because of the long traffic from Filinvest exit all the way to San Pedro --- I had no clue that my opinion about PNCC was about to change. After surviving the crawling traffic, I knew that my car was in trouble when I felt my steering wheel froze. I turned the hazard light on as I saw the needle of my temperature gauge move a quarter past the midpoint. I slowly steered the car to the shoulder lane a few meters away from Carmona exit. As soon as I positioned my car closer to the concrete barrier of a closed lane, my car stopped and refused to start-up. I looked around looking for help. The place was really dark except for the headlights of passing vehicles. I called our office to ask help. Our guard on duty gave me the PNCC hotline. I dialled the hotline number several times but it just kept ringing. Getting desperate but too scared to go out for fear of being mugged, I stayed inside my car for another 20 minutes. While I waited, I called my husband and some other friends who may be able to help.

After what seemed like forever, I saw a PNCC officer walking towards me. He told me that somebody called their office to advise that there is a lady stranded just under the bridge near Carmona exit. It was our company driver who called PNCC to ask help on my behalf. He apologized that their line had been busy and explained that there was a lot going-on along the highway that night. I asked him where he came from and he said he had to walk from the nearby Shell station to get to where I was. He walked a good 200 meters to help me.

Opening the hood of my car, he confirmed what I thought happened all along. The water in my car’s radiator has evaporated from too much heat forcing my car to stop. The PNCC officer decided to look for water from the nearest toll gate (another 100 meters or so!). Just before he left he called his colleague over a two way radio and asked to keep me company while he looked for water. Fifteen minutes later, the PNCC Officer came back with a bucketful of water. Two more officers came by and they took turns putting water in my car’s radiator. After cooling off, my car’s engine roared and I was relieved. They assured me that my car was fine, but I should have it checked for some leaks as soon as possible. I also needed to buy a new radiator cap.

Because I decided to wait for Romy, our company driver, who volunteered to accompany me to Laguna, I asked for the three officers to wait with me. Already grateful for all the help they gave me, I could not help but salute the professionalism of these three officers. They asked for my name but continued to call me Ma’am and never called me by my first name. They asked where I lived, where I worked, but not in a prying way. They were very respectful and it was refreshing to feel safe around strangers. One officer even gave me his number and said I can call them directly if the PNCC hotline was busy. He said I can give out his number to friends and family.

After sharing more "stranded motorists" stories, my colleagues finally arrived. I thanked the PNCC officers for the nth time and to further show my gratitude I handed them money-- feeling a little guilty that one of them had to finish his meal up as fast as possible to come to my rescue. They refused to accept the money even after I told them “Pasko naman po.” They told us it was their job to assist and they are always happy to help. Up to the time that we left, they remained courteous, bidding us “Merry Christmas” as we drove away.

I will be forever grateful to these three PNCC officers who helped me with no expectation nor strings attached. It was pure public service. In a time where trust has become difficult to give to strangers, it’s nice to know that among the concrete barriers, sharp curves, uneven pavements and %$#@&* lubaks of the south superhighway, there are ANGELS in grey uniform offering assistance. Now, I don’t mind the lubaks as much, my cursing has reduced, and I have renewed respect for PNCC officers.

To PNCC officers Reagan, Romantico, & Lumbres, thank you very much and God bless!

big thanks also to my officemates who helped.

Pinoy Trivia Quiz : Kakasa Ka Ba Sa Jologs? (Part 2)

2008-11-23T10:45:00.003+08:00

As promised. I give you Part 2 (Check July archive for Part 1). This is a great ice breaker during Christmas parties.

Part 2 : Category : TV, Commercials, More Famous Lines

Bakyang Tanong:

21) Sa portion na ito ng isang gag show sumikat si Isko Salvador bilang Brod Pete
22) Sa anong sitcom bida sina Honey Grace at Barbie Doll?
23) Showbiz Talk Show kung saan daring magkapartner sina Butch Francisco at Cristy Fermin
24) Ang character ni Anjo Yllana na “Tikboy” ay galling sa anog sitcom?
25) Title ng TV show ni Eddie Ilarde na mala “Maala-ala Mo Kaya”
26) Pangalan ng ibon ni Giovanni Calvo sa Katok Mga Misis
27) Pangalan ng dance group na pinanggalingan at kung saan sumikat si Jojo Alejar. Regular sila sa Penthouse Live with Martin & Pops
28) Sa anong TV show nag umpisa ang career ni Etel Booba?
29) Commercial na may tagline na “Lemok Seguredong Teypok”
30) Anong produkto ang sika sa tagline na “Pito Prito”
31) Kumpletuhin ang lyrics ng Jingle ng ZAA Nature’s Touch Toothpaste : “Tanggal ang ___ mo, safe pa ang ngipin mo!”
32) “It’s everybody’s milk”
33) Ang linyang “Goodbye, Carlo!” ay binigkas sa commercial na ito
34) Anong toothpaste ang lasang “bebel gum”?
35) Sa commercial ng globe, sino ang artista sa likod ng character ni July
36) “I’m gonna knock on your door, ring on your bell, tap on your window, too”
37) Commercial na may tagline na “Sa bukid walang papel, ikiskis mo sa pilapil”
38) Sa commercial na to sumikat ang mga linyang “Wala ba kayong mga kamay?”
39) Ang linyang “Aba Bert, alagaan mo naman ang sarili mo!” ay galling sa commercial na ito
40) Saang commercial narinig ang linyang “Kausapin mo yang si Katrina, sumusobra sa siya!”

Bakyang Sagot

21) Ang Dating Doon
22) Ober da Bakod
23) Showbiz Lingo
24) Abangan Ang Susunod na Kabanata
25) Napakasakit Kuya Eddie
26) Katokling
27) The Tigers
28) Sing-Galing
29) Dragon Katol
30) Golden Fiesta Cooking Oil
31) Singaw
32) Birch Tree
33) Purefoods Hotdog
34) Pepsodent
35) Boy2 Quizon
36) Electrolux
37) Joy Tissue
38) Rexona
39) Clusivol
40) Globe

Part 3 coming up...

http://telebisyon.net/balita/Ang-No-1-show-sa-GMA-Pinoy-TV/artikulo/534/
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palladium/1306/deball.htm

No Petting Please!

2008-11-22T15:08:00.007+08:00

I am not pet person. I don’t like pets. In fact I don’t like animals in general.

Born in the Year of the Dog, I don’t like dogs. I feel that they’re always out to get me. I don’t find the furry Shih Tzu dog cute …. at all. Unfortunately my in-laws love dogs. They own several Shih Tzu dogs. It is OK to kiss dogs in their house. Dogs are carried around, bathed, and combed there. My only consolation is that my husband doesn't like dogs, too.

I also grew up in a household that has at least 3 dogs and 2 cats. In fact, there were times when we had more than 3 dogs. My father is a dog lover. I believe he is the only one in our family (Oh my sister-in-law loves dogs, too. But that’s about it.) He has a big black Doberman (we call Doberdog) that barks and howls like dogs do in horror movies. My mother don’t like dogs, too and because she’s the one who makes sure that the house is tidy, dogs are never allowed inside the house, just perfect for me.

Aside from dogs (and frogs and rodents), I specially hate snakes. I hate pictures of snakes, movies with snakes, snake stories, I even squirm at images of snakes while channel surfing.

On Tuesday night, I came home from work around 7.30 pm. There’s a basketball court in front of my apartment and because there were about 15 teenagers hanging out by my gate, I thought probably there was a game. I parked my car close to the gutter where three teenage boys where sitting, giggling at some videos on their cell phones. I proceeded to open my gate, went in, and closed the gate the usual way. Then the unusual happened. I felt something on my left foot and thinking it was a piece of rope, I tried to kick it away. Only to realize to my horror that it was not a rope! It was a snake!!!

I screamed and froze. I felt all my hairs were standing up (even on areas not exposed). The teenagers have now gathered at my gate trying to help me get out but I was begging them not to throw anything that might disturb the snake and decide to glide towards my direction. The snake was as thick as my thumb and about two feet long. I was able to inch my way out of the gate after what felt like forever. After more commotion, a Barangay Tanod volunteered to help and successfully killed the snake. He told it was “ahas tulog” and I should not be scared of it because it was harmless. You kidding? I don’t care if it’s “ahas gising” or “ahas tulog” or “ahas patay”… to me a snake is a snake is a snake! I heard some of the people who came by my gate that night saying that snakes bring good luck to homes they visit. Yeah, right. If I die of fear from finding a snake in my house, that’s good luck.

And don’t even get me started on people with snakes as pets.

Decode (by Paramore) : My Favorite Song This Month

2008-11-22T12:25:00.011+08:00

Of course, it's gotta be Paramore's Decode from the movie TWILIGHT (coming soon!!)

"Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die. It's fun to be a vampire".

That's the tagline from the 80s movie The Lost Boys. I always remember this movie when I hear Echo and the Bunnymen's People Are Strange, The Doors original. Both versions are still my favourites to this day! Soundtrack also includes Good Times (INXS), Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me written by Elton John. and Walk This Way by Run DMC written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.

Gotta admit, Paramore's Decode is just as haunting. Can't wait to see Twilight. I hope the other songs from the soundtrack are as interesting. Love this video.

Song 2 on slide 1 is another Paramore song called "That's What You Get."

http://www.twilightthemovie.com/

A Chain of Bobolinks

2008-11-02T13:45:00.010+08:00

My nephew asked me to help him with some forms of collective nouns as part of his assignment and because I was not very familiar with most of them, I turned to the net for some help. Typing the words “collective nouns” on the yahoo search bar, I got 615,000 results returned in 1.11s on my topic of interest. I felt like I was opening a whole new world to “a wealth of information” as I browsed through the long list of creative collective nouns available now for writers to use to color up their sentences. Suddenly the common collective nouns I know and use like --- a bouquet of flowers, a galaxy of stars, a choir of angels, a flight of stairs, a network of computers, a flock of seagulls --- became borrriiing.

My word bank now contains my new favorite collective nouns:

An illusion of magicians
An indecision of managers
An impatience if wives
A giggle of girls
A bond of British secret agents
A mass of Catholics
A run of cowards
A knuckle of gangsters
A solution of chemists
A scoop of journalists
A breakdown of plans
A linkage of webmasters
A yearning of yesterdays
A promise of tomorrow
A twinkling of todays

And my most favorite of all
A chain of bobolinks

Bobolinks are North American birds, but “a chain of bobolinks” sounds derogatorily funny if you speak Tagalog. The phrase almost sounds like an insult, doesn’t it? (giggle, giggle…)

Imagine if the lyrics of the Pocahontas’ theme song Colors of the Wind were written using collective nouns?

The rainstorm and the river are my brothers

And a siege of herons and a bevy of otters are my friends

And we are all connected to each other

In a circle in a hoop that never ends

Have you ever heard a pack of wolves cry to the blue corn moon?

Or let a convocation of eagles tell you where they’ve been

Can you sing with all the voices of a range of mountains

Can you paint with all the colors of a break of winds

It sucks, alright. Aside from violating the standard count and phrasing of a song, Vanessa Williams will gasp for air singing these lines. Simply silly ... like “a flush of toilets”.

Joe The Plumber : The Imported Mang Pandoy

2008-10-26T11:42:00.004+08:00

“Joe The Plumber” became an overnight success when his name was dragged into the US presidential campaign of lolo McCain while demonstrating how Joe will be most affected by Obama’s tax proposals. When I heard about Joe, I could not help but remember Philippines' very own Mang Pandoy. For those who don’t know him, Mang Pandoy was considered the “face of Philippine poverty” during Ramos’ administration and just like pareng Joe, Mang Pandoy became an overnight sensation as he was dragged into the selfish programs of our politicians. During Mang Pandoy’s “fame” he appeared on local TV shows posing as the inspiration for "the poor who dreams of having a better life".

Sad to say, I guess Mang Pandoy and Joe The Plumber’s commonality ends at being used by politicians for their pogi-points-propaganda. For one thing unlike Joe, during Mang Pandoy’s time, he never had to pay Philippine taxes with his meagre P50 daily earnings. Paying taxes would have been unheard of in Mang Pandoy’s world. Plumbers in the US, on the other hand, earn at least $23 a day, equivalent to a month’s earnings for Mang Pandoy. With earnings like this, no wonder Pinoys like Mang Pandoy go after the Great American Dream.

To show that the government was "really serious" in helping the poor, Mang Pandoy was given a job as a government worker. Unfortunately, after Ramos ended his term as president, we never heard of Mang Pandoy again. A few years and more corruptions later, Mang Pandoy, just like poverty alleviation, was forgotten . Last August Mang Pandoy's name appeared on the news again when it was reported how died at the age of 73 after battling tuberculosis. After being given a stable job, how can he still die a poor man ? Obviously there’s so much more to a better life than having a job.

So what happens to the dreams of the poor? In our country, if you were born a poor man, you will most likely die a poor man. Unless you work your a** off, win the lotto, become a movie star, a politician or --- the hottest craze today-- a police general. If you beome a police general may bonus pang Moscow trip at P6.9M ang bulsa mo. Come to think of it, if Mang Pandoy saved his P50 a day and not spend a single centavo off of it, he would have saved P6.9M after 378 years. Yeah there’s hope for the poor.

Happily Never After (Nicole Scherzinger) : My Favorite Song This Month

2008-10-18T20:54:00.006+08:00

Can't fnd an official music video so this will have do. This is my favorite song this month. First heard on one Gossip Girl episode, this song (said to be co-written by Ne-Yo) is originally included in Nicole Scherzinger's solo album Her Name is Nicole whose released had been pushed several times and now they say that the album was put on hold again to give way to Pussycat Doll's Doll Domination album. Ironically, the song has been included in the PCD album. Not sure if the solo recording will ever see the light of day.

Incidentally, The Backstreet Boys also has a version but I think it pales in comparison to Nicole's version which is much more heartfelt and hearkbreaking.
I'll let you feast on her sexiness now.

“I don't think I want this anymore” as she drops the ring to the floor. She says to herself: 'You've left before'. This time you will stay gone, that's for sure. And he shouted something else she dragged her suitcase down the path to the driveway. She had never gone that far. Normally this would be the time that she would let him talk her out of leaving, but this time, without crying, as she got into her car, she said, “No, happily never after”. That just ain't for me, because finally I know I deserve better after all. I'll never let another teardrop fall. As she drove away she starts to smile. Realized she hadn't for a while. No destination, she drove for miles wondering why she stayed in such denial. Laughing about the way he shattered something else to drag her suitcase down the path, to the driveway. She had never gone that far.I'm done, I'm done, said I'm so done. I'm free, free to be me. She inhales an air she'd never breathed before cure of no drama no more. Another teardrop fall.

Gossip Girl clip on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jBrp1IPRrs

80s Stars : Then and Now

2008-10-11T16:44:00.028+08:00

Ok. Let’s be fair to Zabka (from previous blog), lest he thinks he is being singled out. Let’s check the other 80s stars and study their evolution to the 21st century. Because let’s face it, not all stars are immortalized with youth and good looks like River Phoenix. So, I’m listing the hot stars of the 80’s with the list of the work they’re most remembered for from that era. These stars dominated our dreams and fantasies then. How do they look now? Some grew older gracefully while others…. well… I’ll let you be the judge.

Rise from the ashes?
River Phoenix (1970-1993)
Stand by Me (1986), Running on Empty (1988), Little Nikita (1988)

80s HEARTTHROBS

Not so pretty now. Andrew McCarthy: Pretty in Pink (1986), Mannequin (1987), Less Than Zero (1987) St. Elmo's Fire (1985)

Legally handsome.
James Spader : Pretty In Pink (1986), Mannequin (1987), Less Than Zero (1987)

From McCutie to McDreamy

Patrick Dempsey : Loverboy (1989) Two and a half thumbs up!

Jon Cryer : Pretty In Pink (1986) Yummy as a chocolate factory.

Johnny Depp : 21 Jumpstreet (TV series 1987-1990)

We're not jumping up and down now, are we?

Richard Grieco : 21 Jumpstreet (TV series 1988-1989)Crispy but overcooked.

Kevin Bacon : Footloose (1984)

It's scientology, baby.

Tom Cruise : The Outsiders (1983), Top Gun (1986)

Fire extinguished.

Emilio Estevez : St. Elmo's Fire (1985), The Breakfast Club (1985), The Outsiders (1983)

Hot Sodapop.

Rob Lowe : About Last Night (1986), St.Elmo's Fire (1985), The Outsiders (1983)

No kidding. Ralph Macchio : The Karate Kid (1984), The Outsiders (1985)

80s PRETTY LADIES

The golden shue.

Elizabeth Shue : The Karate Kid (1984) Holy Molly!
Molly Ringwald : Pretty in Pink (1986), The Breakfast Club (1985)

Sexy mannequin in the city.

Kim Cattrall : Mannequin (1987)

Never the ugly duckling.

Kristy Swanson : Pretty in Pink (1986), and later Mannequin 2

Amazing maze.

Jennifer Connelly : Labyrinth (1986)

Some kind of forgotten.

Mary Stuart Masterson : Some kind of wonderful (1987)

Out of lace.

Phoebe Cates : Lace (1984, 1985), Date With an Angel (1987)

Jungle princess.

Brooke Shields : The Blue Lagoon (1980)

We want moore.

Demi Moore: About Last Night (1986),St. Elmo's Fire (1985)

What a feeling. What a babe.

Jennifer Beals : Flashdance (1983)

Stealing from the fountain of youth.

Winona Ryder : Beetle Juice (1988)

Time travel.

Lea Thompson : Back to the Future (1985)

And The 80s POP STARS

Wild boy.

John Taylor : bass guitarist Duran Duran (1987-1997)

I think he has surrendered.

Corey Hart : Sunglasses at Night (1983), Never Surrender (1985) Wanna be Rick's girl?

Rick Spring field : Jessie's Girl (1981) It's a mad world alright.

Curt Smith : Everybody Wants to Rule The World (1985)

The bald and the (then) beautiful. Sinead OConnor : Nothing Compares 2 U (1987)

Stunning as Always.

Kylie Minogue : The Loco-motion (1987)

"Sweep The Leg" : A Tribute To The Karate Kid

2008-10-10T20:12:00.022+08:00

The movie The Karate Kid was showing on HBO the other night and I decided to watch it. It’s funny that today when I watch the movie, it’s like I’m watching Ripley's Believe it Or Not as I try to understand how Daniel Larusso played by the skinny, lanky, gawky Ralph Macchio won the karate competition over the taller and more burly Johnny Lawrence played by William Zabka . But it seemed oh so believable when I was 13 that Macchio became every girl’s dream boy and every boy’s hero. My sister even hung a big poster on our bedroom of Macchio wearing that gray worn out sweat shirt he made famous in the movie. How did this movie impact pop culture then? --- well, every teenage girl wished her name was “Ali, with an ‘i’…” every teenage boy wanted to master Mr. Miyagi's “crane kick” (just in case it comes handy) and everyone used coach Kreese’s line “An enemy deserves no mercy!” at one time or another.

The story of an underdog karate trainee who bags the match and wins the girl in the end is just too mushy to resist. The man who will fight for your honor … the hero you’ve been dreaming of… all for the glory of love…(syet...! goosebumps....you have no idea how many couples have this for their theme song).

As a teenager though, I found the character of Johnny Lawrence more interesting than Daniel Larusso’s. Johnny was of course the leader of the pack of a**hole school bullies and Daniel’s rival for Ali’s love. In my opinion, Zabka was far more good looking and sexier than Macchio in a Robert-Redford-kind-of-way. And even with blonde hair, he looked like somebody who can actually kick anybody’s tush--- probably even coach Kreese’s and definitely Daniel-san’s.

Spot the Difference

He has a strong resemblance to Rob Thomas, don’t you think??

William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence. Elizabeth Shue as Ali Mills. Ralph Macchio as Daniel Larusso.

I got curious about William Zabka and thought --- whatever happened to that guy? As big as the movie was in the 80s, I haven’t heard of him nor Macchio in the last ten or fifteen years. Of course we all know that Elizabeth Shue who played the rich blonde cheerleader Ali Mills in the movie has had a relatively successful career and has remained beautiful after all these years.

Out of curiosity, I decided to google both Zabra and Macchio. I was a bit sad that Zabra did not grow older as the dashing debonair (oh well). I learned though that he has become film maker of mostly independent films following his Karate Kid success.

Zabka - from Redford to Ritter? Shue - even more beautiful now. Macchio - didn't change much!

Further search led me to a music video on You Tube of a song called “Sweep the Leg” by a band named No More Kings. Written and directed by Zabka himself, the music video is sort of a comic tribute/parody of the movie Karate Kid. Zabra stars in the video and plays a distorted image of his own self, portraying himself as the “has-been” actor obsessed with his role in the Karate Kid movie.

“Sweep The Leg” is of course taken from a line in the movie delivered by Lawrence’s bigger a**hole coach John Kreese (aka Martin Kove). In the last few scenes, just as Lawrence with a bleeding nose and a wounded ego is about to throw in the towel, Kreese decides to cheat and tells Lawrence to: “Sweep the leg….! You have a problem with that?!!”, referring to the injured leg of Larusso. But then, we all know that Daniel wins and ends the match with THE “crane kick” (Really!) Cool, huh?! Hahaha! They should have applied for a patent for that kick.

I found the video hilarious and weird in a satiric way. What’s even funnier is that in this parody Johnny Lawrence wins the karate match! Yes...sweet revenge….! Watch out for the cameo appearance of Ralph Macchio at the end of the video.

Two more Karate Kid movie sequels followed the first but I vaguely remember them. Pat Morita's “wax on…wax off…” however still rings in my ear to this day. Even hearing Survivor’s Moment Of Truth still makes me want to stand up in a wooden pole and attempt a crane kick….

When you’re alone you ask yourself.. what are you searching for..? Deep in the night a dream is born …..one that you can’t ignore….

(somebody give me a wooden pole…! NOW!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFlQNtL8F9s

Simple Minds' Alive and Kicking : My Favorite Song This Month

2008-09-28T21:30:00.028+08:00

Can’t shake that great 80's nostalgia. Lately I’ve been listening to 80's songs and this song Alive and Kicking is on my repeat mode. Why Simple Minds is one of my most favorite 80's group is really self explanatory.

With haunting lyrics and melody, our young hearts sang along to every word of this song to tell the world our fears in a way that we wanted to be heard. What you gonna do when things go wrong? What you gonna do when it all cracks up? What you gonna do when the love burns down? What you gonna do when the flames go up? Who is gonna come and turn the tide? What’s it gonna take to make a dream survive? Who’s got the touch to calm the storm inside? In the final seconds who’s gonna save you?

==========

More 80's angst. The punk rock , the origin of new wave. Aahh. The new wave songs from the new wave era. It was a time when everybody (boys and girls!) wanted to look like Robert Smith. After 20 years it's funny to still call them "new wave". I call them the best wave. Xmal Deutschland's Matador sure brings back a lot of girl power memories. ...Your grace and your pose, knows only one target. Legend, masquerade forevermore.... Here are more of my favorite songs from this era including the Smith's How Soon Is Now, the original CHARMED themesong. ..I am human and I need to be loved just like everybody else does, Boomtown Rats' I don't like Modays ... I wanna shooooot the whole day down...(Oh yes, the sentiment still applies to this day)... and finally what I consider the best The Cure song of all time, the poignant Just Like Heaven.

You.. soft and only. You.. lost and lonely. You.. just like heaven.

==========

And then there’s the other side. The dark side (hehe). There were new wave songs and then there were Rick Astley songs. The blazer. The Miami Vice shades. The striped shirt. The hairstyle. The dance moves. Yep. It’s the ultimate 80s pop song. With close to 11 million hits on You Tube we gotta give it to this guy. So…. let’s hear it for the boy…the ultimate 80's boy... the man who's no stranger to love....give it up for Mr. Rick Astley.

Pisay Homesick

2008-09-13T15:54:00.011+08:00

LOST IN EMOTION

Going back to my old high school was a bittersweet experience. As soon as my sister, my friend – Gigi, and I entered the gates of Philippine Science High School last September 6 to attend our school’s Grand Alumni Homecoming, a flood of emotions came over me ---- nostalgia, excitement, a bit of sadness, and a lot of homesickness. This school was my home for four years and the friends I had here were my immediate family during those challenging years.

PSHS Main Campus.
During our time, this was not known as the Diliman campus as this was the only campus in the country. Top students from different regions shared the same struggles, the same triumphs, and the same growing pains in the same grounds.

With my friend and sister, I walked around the campus to take some pictures, trying to re-live the memories of the past and recapture the feeling of belonging… I could not believe that it’s been twenty years. It seemed just like yesterday. A lot has changed yet the memories remain.

The Soccer Field.
Ilang leg cramps kaya ang na experience ko dito? Maglaro ka ba naman ng soccer sa ulan at putik? Ito rin ang venue of some unforgettable na Pisay Fairs, whole-year-round na INTRAMS, at ilang “Sir! I wanna faint, sir!” na PASAMASID. Dito rin ako madalas mapaos sa pag cheer sa aking favorite soccer team (yiii). But my best memory here is our batch’s own version of Happy Hour. Aaah… what a good place to be…

Campus "Stroll".
Stroll/strolling – ang ginagawa ng mga dormers after kumain ng dinner --- maglakad paikot sa school campus ng at least one round. Pag medyo masarap ang kwentuhan pwedeng more than one round. Ginagamit din na excuse ng boys para manligaw or ng mga magsyota para nag-aminan.

The Front Lobby.
The externs’ tambayan. After school hours, the externs (non-dormers) and interns (dormers) go their separate ways. The externs go the front lobby to wait for their sundo. Ito ang tambayan ng mga Manilenos, ng mga rich kids, at mga Manilenong rich kids. Bawal magtagalog! Students here speak English with that distinctive slang one only gets from attending exclusive schools, residing in posh subdivisions, or living/traveling abroad. Avoid this place at all costs kung ayaw mong dumugo ang ilong mo.

The Back Lobby.
The interns or dormers converge at the back lobby (station 1). Malapit kasi sa canteen (station 2) at sa dorms (station 3). Ibang slang naman ang maririnig mo dito. Kanya kanyang dialect at punto --- Bisaya, Ilonggo, Bicolano, Waray, at erpmeys, Datkilab na salita.

Ang Canteen.
Alam kaya ni Gary V na sikat na sikat sya sa lugar na to nung 1987-88? Magdala ng cassette player. Mag-jamming with batchmates. Mag-abang ng crush. Magtiyaga sa chili con carne. Mandiri sa fried rice. Magka-phobia sa adobong pusit. Mapaso na mamantikang tinola. Magsawa sa palabok. Mangamoy sa tapang pusit.

Most Pisay parties were also held here. Nung pinagbawal sa mga scholars ang mag”disco”, nagtiyagang mag”disco” ang mga estudyante ng alas kwatro ng hapon. Nagdikit ng dyaryo sa glass walls, naglagay ng strobe light, nagsayaw ng walang humpay. We got to fight for the right to parteeee!

G.R.H.
If walls could talk, this dorm will have lots of stories to tell. The Girls’ Residence Hall. It’s name now has the word “MAIN” attached to it . Wala pa kasing annex during our time. We simply called this building GRH or girls’ dorm. I can’t believe I was the GRH president on my last year in Pisay. I’m sure magpo-protesta ang mga pinuslit naming bottles of Miguelito beer. We learned how to open a beer bottle without using a bottle opener… a special skill I am soooo tempted to put in my resume. It’s still very useful up to now kahit wala nang Miguelito…

The TV Room/Sala/Piano Room.
Dito nagaganap ang mga foodsale ng Dunkin Donut, ham sandwich, at burger na may coleslaw na binibili sa Queens. This was also where my roommates and I would gather to watch Regal Shockers or Twilight Zone on Friday nights. TV viewing was only allowed during weekends. We didn’t mind, we do other stuff….Remember…there were no parents! This was also where, visitors, visuitors and bwisitors would wait for the girls. Pag off ang TV, asahang may nagpapaka-Mozart sa piano.

The Stairs.
Ang hagdan papunta sa kanya kanyang selda, hehe. If I could count the many times I walked up and down these stairs. The hand rails are still wobbly as I remember them to be.

GRH Room 301.
I miss my roommates, my water heater, my dipper, my double deck bed, the heavy floral curtains, the dusty window screens…

The Boys' Dorm.
Kala nila sila lang ang may binoculars … ! Girls know how to have fun, too! And have fun we did! Like I said, TV viewing was allowed only on weekends… hmm .. what to do? what to do….?

The Payphone.
Wala pa nong text…! Wala pa nong chat…! Telebabad was a dormer’s favorite pastime. The pay phones were witnesses to a lot of love confessions, heartaches, break-ups, make-ups. And yes, naabutan namin ang (mabigaaat na) red PLDT phones na ginagamitan lang ng four 10 centavo coins to place a call. “IN” ito long before sumikat ang kantang Tatlong Bente Singko ni Dingdong Avanzado. Calls were not metered then. Forty cents meant “up to sawa” lambingan or away with bf/gf/crush hangang umusok ang tenga mo at ng kausap mo sa init ng telepono. And because we prided ourselves as the smartest students in the country, we devised a way to actually make calls using only two 10 centavo coins! ... a little savings goes a long way…

EVERYBODY HAVE FUN TONIGHT

By 8 pm, my whole reminiscing experience culminated in a Grand Alumni Homecoming Program hosted by Batch 83. The program recognized outstanding PSHS alumni, but in the spirit of a true Pisay party, nauwi pa rin sa sayawan ang lahat. We danced for almost two hours straight! Yeah…Play that funky music, white boy….

After sharing strange stories, more secrets, and juicy revelations over coffee at Bo’s Katipunan, I bid my old friends goodbye but with a happy heart --- even though I know my Pisay homesickness will stay with me for a while.

We promised to keep in touch and get together again soon… So, until then….! Cheers to PSHS and to Pisay ‘88!

“it’s that little souvenir of a colorful year which makes me smile inside….”
-here’s where the story ends (sundays)-

Thanks to Elsa for lending me some of the pictures.

The Restitution of Pisay '88

2008-09-13T00:35:00.011+08:00

SHE BLINDED US WITH SCIENCE

Friday, Sept 5. The Restitution of Pisay '88… that was the name of the event that would bring me closer once again to long lost friends ---- to share old memories and new stories. The manager of Absinth Bar where the event was being held could not help but ask… “Excuse me, sino yung nasa picture?” … I call her “The tie that binds”… our physics teacher. And yes, she blinded us with science.

CHAMBER OF HELLOS

Before the event, some batchmates (whom I’ve remained friends with) and I run through names of other batchmates we wanted to see and hoped would attend the reunion. These were mostly the people we haven’t seen in a long time, those we’ve lost contact with for several years. I had my list of “lost friends” and my own reasons for wanting to see them again, but I never anticipated what happened at the actual reunion.

From the time my friends and I arrived at the bar, I could not refrain from shrieking with surprise and excitement at the sight of the first familiar faces I saw. And for the next three hours or so, the shrieks of “Omigaaad!” , “Shuuuucks!” “Kamusta ka naaaa?” with matching talon talon at yakapan went on and on and on.

TURN BACK THE CLOCK

As soon as the initial exchange of shrieks was done, we moved on to the next questions like “may asawa ka na?” at “saan ka na ngayon?” or statements like “alam mo, hindi ka masyadong nagbago!” at "tumaba/pumayat ka...!" .Then we started reminiscing about the good ole days. Elsa, a friend whom I haven’t seen for maybe ten years started calling me “Ate Lyn” again, and I remember all of the fond memories I had at the dorm with her and my dormer batchmates. I guess, you'll never realize how much you missed your old friends until you see them again. All of a sudden I remember specific memories I associate with them. Dami kong namiss. Daming nakalimutan na, dami ding naalala ulit.

PARTY LIKE IT'S 1988!

Walang kupas. Nobody does it better. Trust Pisay 88 batch to come up with the most fun party! All we needed was the first two notes of the song “State Of The Nation”, some free drinks, a taste of bearsclaw, old loveteams, and yeah...everybody stated acting like high school students again. As Ms. Basas would say “you girls keep on giggling and giggling…” It’s nice to be in the company of fun people.

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

As if it wasn’t enough, we moved to Red Box next door for more fun…. The rule was to sing 80s songs only… bawal ang the Corrs or Daughtry! “We’ll always be together … however far it seems….we’ll always be together, together in electric dreams…”

Somehow, eight hours cannot make up for 20 years of being apart…

To my Pisay 88 batchmates ---- nice knowing you again…. ! See you in 2013!

"There is a face deep in your mind, one that your heart won't leave behind. Memories are cold-empty of laughs and all that remain are photographs...." -different seasons (johnny hates jazz)-

Thanks Elsa and Erwin for the pictures.

Damaged Goods : Pisay Gym, Atbp

2008-09-09T23:03:00.008+08:00

Twenty years after graduation, I went back to my old high school last Saturday to attend the grand alumni homecoming. The event was held at our school’s gymnasium --- a campus fixture that took many years to complete. It was half complete when I was a freshman and remained unfinished until we graduated. Our batch never experienced using the gym for PE classes but we were the first batch to hold our graduation rites there. Pinilit na pinturahan ang loob para maganda sa picture.

While lighting a candle para ipaanod sa pool of the school's gym as a symbolic ritual (daw) for the alumni, I commented at the changes in the campus of what some might consider the best high school in the country :

Me: Wow! At least naman may pool na sila ngayon!

Two young alumni overheard my comment and reacted:

Totoy Alumnus 1 : Ay bakit po? Nung time nyo walang pool?
(Sabay tingin sa nametag kong may nakasulat na ’88)

Me : Wala, eh!

Totoy alumnus 1 to Totoy alumnus 2 : Astig pareeeh… wala silang poooool…!

Totoy alumnus 1 : Talaga po? E san po kayo nagsu-swimming?

Me : Sa BIR….! Pumupunta kami dun para mag swimming…!

Totoy alumnus 2 to Totoy alumnus 1: Waaaaw… astiiig pare! Punta silang B-I-aaar….!

Siguro nga astig… Sabagay it was a good chance for us to go out of the campus, especially for us dormers. We grabbed every opportunity we get to go out. Astig -- takas kami after PE, nood kami sine sa Delta, kain kami cheesedog sa Bread Connection.

Dami na ngang nagbago sa Pisay…. may pool na sila, may magandang basketball court, covered walks everywhere, may pergolang tambayan, napalitan na ang benches sa canteen, luma na ang humanities building, may annex na ang girls' dorm, tiled na ang grandstand, wala na akong makitang drinking fountain, iba na ang uniform ng mga estudyante, at bumaho na ang creek.

Pero madami ring gaya pa rin ng dati…buhay pa ang piano sa GRH, hindi nagbago ang mukha ni Ms. Mijares, maputik pa rin ang soccer field, and after 20 years, di pa rin complete ang construction ng gym. (Buti pa yung Office of the Ombudsman sa tabi... astig.)

Hmmm... naisip ko lang... nagsu-stroll pa rin kaya ang mga dormers sa gabi?

The Man Who Can't Be Moved (The Script): My Favorite Song This Month

2008-08-04T23:39:00.016+08:00

I heard their debut song “We Cry” (posted on slide 2), thought it was Jason Mraz singing (sorry!) and just had to look for more songs from this band. Found out they are an Irish band from Dublin, stumbled upon their other song about a man who waits on one corner for a lost love, and listened to the song over and over and over again.

The three man band is composed of Danny O’Donoghue on vocals and keys, Mark Sheehan on guitars and Glen Powers on drums.

Their debut album will be released this month!

Who wouldn’t fall in love with these lyrics? So sad and romantic… (sigh)…

Going back to the corner where I first saw you. Gonna camp in my sleeping bag I’m not gonna move. Got some words on cardboard, got your picture in my hand -- Saying “if you see this girl can you tell her where I am”. Some try to hand me money they don’t understand. I’m not broke I’m just a broken hearted man. I know it makes no sense, but what else can I do? How can I move on when I’m still in love with you?

'Cause if one day you wake up and find that you’re missing me and your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I could be? Thinking maybe you’d come back here to the place that we’d meet. Then you’d see me waiting for you on the corner of the street. So I’m not moving.

Policeman says “Son you can't stay here”. I say there’s someone I’m waiting for if it's a day, a month, a year. Gotta stand my ground even if it rains or snows. If she changes her mind this is the first place she will go.

People talk about the guy who’s waiting in on a girl. There are no holes in his shoes but a big hole in his world. Maybe I’ll get famous as the man who can’t be moved. And maybe you won’t mean to but you’ll see me on the news. And you’d come running to the corner 'cause you’ll know it’s just for you. I’m the man who can’t be moved.

Cause if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me...

Sigh..

For more information on this band visit http://www.thescriptmusic.com/gb/home/

Who Said Life Was Fair?

2008-08-02T22:43:00.011+08:00

Every time I crave for bacon or chicharon, I can’t help but think how life can be unfair at times. Did you know that two slices of that crispy, juicy, yummy bacon contains more than 100 calories? Sabihin nyo nga?! ---- asan ang hustisya? !!

Along with chicharon and bacon, I also list down contraceptives, family planning, and vasectomy as other signs that life is unfair, at least for me. For two years now my husband and I have been trying to have a baby. I was lucky to conceive but was unlucky to have a miscarriage and we lost the baby at twelve weeks. It was one of the saddest moments of my life. Although we have not given up trying, I feel sad and really furious when I hear of young children beaten up by their abusive parents, families who cannot afford to send their seven children to school because of poverty, or worse, desperate parents selling their baby to strangers for ten thousand pesos, just so they can afford pamasahe to go home to their province. *&%$#!@ €#$ di ba?

Fine. Medyo selfish naman talaga ang arguments ko. Bago sumama lalo ang loob ko, sige na nga, gawin na lang nating katatawanan ang hinanakit ko sa mundo. Let me focus on some of the more obvious, hilarious, and almost crazy reasons why I feel that life is unfair, ok… sometimes….

1. Ashton kutcher marrying Demi Moore
2. Aiko Melendez undergoing breast reduction
3. Tweety De Leon looking fabulous in her 40s
4. Bill Gates’ net worth of US$58 Billion
5. Albert Einstein having the world’s smartest brain
6. Paris Hilton’s songs topping the charts (o sha, sha … isama na natin ang mga platinum albums ni Judy Ann Santos!)
At parang gusto pa talagang mang-asar ng mundo:
7. Angelina Jolie owning a ridiculously beautiful body, having Brad Pitt for a husband, and giving birth to twins!

Hmmmmmmmmpft.

I’m sure these people deserve their good fortunes but hey, allow me to rant and be envious in my own blog.

Dreaming of Prague

2008-07-19T17:21:00.005+08:00

My dream vacation destination.....Prague, Czech Republic.

Wow… I hope someday I get to walk along Charles Bridge….

A little bit of trivia on Prague or Praha… for a period of time, this city was home to the great composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven. The baroque hotel located in a place called Mala Strana where he stayed at in 1796 is now called Beethoven Palace. The Prague castle is also considered as the largest ancient castle in the world.

If I were a queen, I want this place to be my Queendom!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague

Pinoy Trivia Quiz : Kakasa Ka Ba sa JOLOGS? (Part1)

2008-07-19T17:09:00.004+08:00

As part of the program committee for our company’s Christmas party last year, me and some members of our team decided to run a contest on Pinoy Trivia. We called it “Kakasa Ka Ba Sa Jologs?”. Putting together the questions was so much fun, and the contestants had a blast reminiscin’ about the good-ole-jologs-days.

Let’s try our Jologs meter on you… Hari nawa’y makatulong sa pagtuklas sa ating tinatagong kabakyaan….!

Part 1 : Category : Showbiz, Movies, Famous Lines

Bakyang tanong:

1. Kung si Sharon Cuneta ay Megastar, sino ang tinaguriang Diamond Star?
2. Si Wowee De Guzman ay galing sa sikat na 90s dance group na ito
3. Pangalan ni Piolo Pascual sa That’s Entertainment
4. Bading na apo ni Inday Badiday
5. Tatay ng panganay na anak ni Marjorie Baretto
6. Ang dating screen name ni Francine Prieto
7. Mahaderang ina nina Tina at Danita
8. Young male director na anak ni Vicky Belo
9. Pangalan ng manager ni Angel Locsin
10. Fictional political character na alter ego ni Leo Martinez
11. Title ng pelikula ni Gloria Diaz kung saan sa trailer ay nakasuot lamang siya ng sando at nakasakay sa kabayo?
12. Longest running pinoy horror movie series na madalas may entry sa Manila Film Festival
13. Tinaguriang hari ng pinoy stunts dahil sa paglundag nya sa San Juanico Bridge
14. Ang gumanap na “Gagay”
15. Actress na bida sa “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” episode na “Undin”
16. Artistang kilala sa bansag na “impaktita”
17. Sa pelikulang “Tatlo Silang Tatay Ko” nung 80s, siya ang sikat na child star na kasama nina Tito, Vic, &Joey
18. Artistang nagpauso ng linyang “Trabaho lang, walang personalan”
19. Sa pelikulang ito binigkas ang mga katagang “Akala mo lang wala .. pero meron! Meron!!”
20. Title ng pelikula kung saan binigkas ni Vilma Santos ang mga linyang: “Kung hindi tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos? King hindi ngayon, kailan pa?”

Bakyang sagot:

1. Maricel Soriano
2. UMD – Universal Motion Dancers
3. PJ Pascual
4. I.C. Mendoza
5. Kier Legaspi
6. Anna Marie Falcon
7. Daisy Romualdez
8. Quark Henares
9. Becky Aguila
10. Congressman Manhik-manaog
11. Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa
12. Shake, Rattle, and Roll
13. Dante Varona
14. Gelli De Bellen
15. Manilyn Reynes
16. Jean Garcia
17. Nino Muhlach
18. Rudy Fernandez
19. Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa?
20. Sister Stella L.

Bitin ba? May Part2 pa!

http://telebisyon.net/balita/Ang-No-1-show-sa-GMA-Pinoy-TV/artikulo/534/
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palladium/1306/deball.htm

Remembering BUCELS

2008-07-14T23:28:00.020+08:00

When I see the poor state of public elementary schools in the news I can't help but feel sad for the young Filipino student who has to be content with sharing not only a short bench with four other classmates, but also a leaking roof with forty other students. It's disheartening to see crowded classrooms overflowing with students with a bleak hope of building a brighter future. Sabi kasi ni teacher, sila ang pag-asa ng bayan. Sabi din ni tatay, sila ang mag aahon sa kahirapan ng pamilya. Talaga lang ha? With textbooks containing wrong information and carabao grammar, ano pa kaya ang kinabukasan ni Juanito De La Cruz?

I was browsing through the internet trying to find some information about my elementary school and was surprised to see this photo on the website of The Heritage Conservation Society. From this picture, it looks like even my school is not spared from the worsening condition of our public schools.

Bicol University College of Education Laboratory School. This was the official name of my elementary school. It was known as BUCELS during our time but has changed its name a few years ago to Bicol University Integrated Laboratory School or BUILS (Ew.) Kasabay ba ng pagbantot ng pangalan ang pagsama ng itsura ng eskwelahan ko? Nalungkot tuloy ako.

Just the same, biased man ako, I always considered BUCELS as one of the best elementary schools in the province of Albay, at par with (if not better than) most private school you can find in the region. Unlike most public schools, each batch has less than 100 students and there are only two sections per class. The curriculum is focused on mathematics and science, and because it is a laboratory school, student teachers from the Bicol University College of Education is part of our early learnings.

During my time, I am proud to say that this school produced students that competed and bagged medals in regional Quiz Bees and other academic contests, as well graduates that would pass the entrance examination to the country's only special science high school -- Philippine Science High School. Teachers from my school would spend Saturdays conducting math and science review classes for the top students of the graduating class. Passing the Philippines Science High School entrance exam meant attending high school in Manila under a full government scholarship and an almost 100% chance at getting into the University of the Philippines at maging Iskolar Ng Bayan. Coming from a region with one of the lowest minimum wagess in the country, this opportunity meant a once in lifetime chance at a better education and thus a better life for the Bicolano.

This school holds a lot of history. My siblings and two nephews graduated from this same school. This was where I first learned how to write my lines and curves. Dito ako natuto ng "ba be bi bo bu", ng "My Dear Aunt Sally", ng pollination, at ng chinese garter. I learned the importance of water and sunlight sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatubo ng munggo. Natutunan ko rin na masaya pala ang science at wala pala akong green thumb. This school was instrumental in producing the engineers, nurses, and teachers of Albay.

I pray that the current state of the school building is not reflective of the existing quality of education taught in this school. I still believe that the youth is the hope of this country, at malay nga naman natin, baka sakaling ang makabagong bayaning si Juanito De La Cruz ay nandyan lang sa tabi-tabi, nagbubulag-bulagan sa tumutulong kisame ng kanyang eskelahan.

more photos of BUCELS by Ivan Anthony Henares from Heritage Conservation Society :http://heritageconservation.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/bicol-university-college-of-education-laboratory-school-legazpi-city/
oficial BU website: http://www.bicol-u.edu.ph/

Friendship the SCRUBS Way

2008-07-13T23:14:00.015+08:00

I can never get enough of comedy shows on TV and SCRUBS is one of my favorite shows, along with The Office, That 70s Show, Will and Grace, My Wife and Kids, and Friends. Pagdating sa kabalbalan, SCRUBS is on top my list . The show is a satire on doctors and their profession called medical practice. Isn't it a bit strange that doctors call what they do "practice"?

Why do I love SCRUBS so much? Because of Turk & JD! Wala na yatang dalawang mag best friends on TV na kasing saya ng dalawang to. Not even Joey & Chandler of Friends can match them. Here is my favorite episode from SCRUBS. Ang kuhleeet...!!

I also love episodes that involve singing and/or dancing. See sidebar for featured vids on SCRUBS:

-Turk dancing to Poison

-Turk & airband persorms Boston's "More Than a Feeling" , Mandy Moore guests

-Scrubs episode fearuring the song Overkill by Colin Hay

- JD singing along to Toto's Africa

Keep SCRUBbing! Yeah!

Love Advice From Friends

2008-07-13T19:00:00.013+08:00

When my girl friends decided to throw a bridal shower for me for my wedding two years ago, each had to write on a piece of paper whatever advice she wanted to share with me. They color-coded the pieces of advice based on my “shades-of-pink” wedding color motif --- general household advice written on white paper, “intimacy” advice on red paper, and pink colored pieces were reserved for love and relationship advice. They put everything in a round transparent container and we randomly picked and read a piece of advice as we passed the container around the group. The advices varied from the useful and serious to the crazy and kinky!

As I could not share with others the “intimacy” advices I got (trust me what my friends wrote are not for General Patronage, so I’m just going to keep them to myself), let me share the cool ones I received on love and relationship. To friends and other people who are going through tough times, I hope you get inspiration from these :

- Never quarrel about money.

- Love is not the right reason to get married. To grow together is.

- Stay friends. Love and respect follows.

- Don’t expect him to change. Don’t expect him to remain the same either. Love and accept him for who he is and who he will become.

And my most favorite love advice of all (and therefore I try my best to live by)

- Be his number one fan.

These five words may sound simple but for me it means so much more. For me, it means believing in your partner’s capabilities and talents, supporting his dreams, endeavors, and goals, cheering him on his successes and achievements, being there if he fails, and loving unconditionally. It means accepting his not-so-good side because his good side is enough reason to make your heart skip a beat.

As your idol, he is the source of your inspiration. And as a fan, you are behind him all the way. After all, a number one fan defends her idol to her friends, her family, and to his detractors.

Sweet and sensible di ba?

Poems Are Made By Fools Like Me

2008-07-07T23:14:00.017+08:00

but only ee cummings can write a poem as moving as this.....

my favorite poem ....

somewhere i have never travelled gladly beyond

any experience , your eyes have their silence:

in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,

or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look easily will unclose me

though i have closed myself as fingers,

you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens

(touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose

or if your wish be to close me, i and

my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,

as when the heart of this flower imagines

the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals

the power of your intense fragility: whose texture

compels me with the color of its countries,

rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes

and opens;only something in me understands

the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)

nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands

- somewhere i have never traveled -

a poem by ee cummings

Feeling Trapped?

2008-07-06T22:44:00.010+08:00

I named this picture "Teddy Trap". After a nephew finished washing his favorite teddy bear, he asked my sister to hang it for drying. I could not help laughing when I saw it. Hahaha! The teddy looked sooo cute and funny. But upon looking closer, don't you think the teddy looks sad?

Who wouldn't be? Isabit ka ba naman with blue pins in your ears (e red & green naman ang colors nya!), di ka ba naman malulungkot? This is worse than a mouse trap. At least kasi sa mouse trap there's cheese as consolation.

Di ba relate ka kay Teddy at times? Look around you. Daming Teddy traps around us. Trapped sa work. Trapped sa tight situation. Trapped in solitude. Trapped in a bad relationship. Trapped in poverty. Trapped in silence. Trapped in greed. Trapped in ignorance. Yep,tt one time in our lives, we have felt as trapped as this teddy.

Hmmm ano nga bang teddy trap ko these days? Maybe work. Don't get me wrong. Love my work. Happy with pay. But that's exactly why I am trapped. My job is my comfort zone. And sometimes I feel that I should be doing something else. Something more enjoyable. So that it wouldn't feel like work. I envy people who do what they love and get paid for it, too. If I were to choose a dream job, I would probably choose to be a big time record producer. Wouldn't it be cool to work with all the great artists of the world? Another small time dream job would be to work for an advertising company or be a wedding planner or own a small coffee shop/diner/bar . Coffee shop sa umaga, diner sa tanghali, bar sa gabi! Haha.

But just like this bear, until I find rescue, I'll have to live with my situation. I guess, it's not so bad. Some people got it worse. I'm still feeling lucky than most. Pin or no pin, I guess I'll just make the most of my stuation.... like probably make sure that the "pins" match my clothes!

One Republic's Say (All I Need) : My Favorite Song This Month

2008-07-06T21:51:00.020+08:00

Their album is called Dreaming Out Loud and contains tracks that remind me of Keane's songs in Hopes and Dreams album.

I am one of the people who heard the song Apologize and thought it was a Timbaland song. Kasi tama ba namang ilagay na Apologize by Timbaland feat. One Republic? E kanta nman talaga ng One Republic yun. I'm glad that I heard the version of the original writer and band's lead vocals Ryan Tedder. Among my other favorites from the album are the songs Mercy, Someone to Save Me, Come Home, Stop and Stare, and of course, Apologize (slide2). Ganda!

More on this band http://www.onerepublic.net/bio/

Robby Navarro is Voted Out (Hmmpft)

2008-07-06T21:07:00.012+08:00

It's official. Pinoy Idol sucks. Kainis. Robby Navarro was voted out of Pinoy Idol tonight. Good bye Robby. And for me, it's good bye Pinoy Idol as well. This just confirmed my earlier feeling about the contest. Nope. Philippines is not ready for a format like Pinoy Idol. Simply because Daryl Celis, Sue Ellen and Warren Antig are still in the competition, while Robby is not. It is Philippine Idol story all over again. I can almost see Ryan Cayabyab (instead of Wyngard) begging the voting public to choose wisely. I almost hated Ogie and Jolina for giving him poor reviews. But then again, like Wyngard said, the people will choose. Oh well.

I still hope that GMA7 gives Robby a singing career. This guy can really sing. It's sad to see such a great talent go to waste by singing in bars. I mean, let's face it, it's not everyday that rare talents who sing in music bars and watering holes are given big breaks like Arnel Pineda.

On a related note, I retract what I said on an earlier blog about Ram Chaves. OK, I now think that he has a good voice. Still, Robby was so much better.

I'm a Kapuso but sad to say... Pinoy Idol sucks (hmpft). And don't even get me started on that segment called Pinoy Idol Extra. Will remain a loyal Robby fan, though.

It doesn't matter if it's a singing contest or a senatorial race. The Philippine voting public cannot be trusted.

Goodluck, Robby!

Again, kainis. Sigh.

photo from http://www.clickthecity.com/event/detail.asp?evid=19270

A Salute To My Father

2008-06-22T21:08:00.013+08:00

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Once a year the world sets aside a day to celebrate a very special day—Fathers’ Day. On father’s day, I called up my father to greet him. He sounded happy.

My father is a retired soldier of the Philippine Army. Being in the army meant being away from family and a limited vacation time. Once a year he would have a chance to go home to us in Legazpi, and he chose a special occasion --like Christmas Day--- to go home. This is why when I was very young, I always looked forward to Christmas, not for the gifts or the Noche Buena, but because I knew then that it meant he would be home for at least a day to celebrate Christmas with us. He always brought the sweetest smelling apples from Manila. At a time when the apple was a seasonal fruit, (thus pricey) and was only available during Christmas season, waking up to the sweet and delicious smell of ripe apples meant that my father was home. I would always see him still wearing his army uniform which meant that he would be leaving again later that day.

Among my earlier memories of him serving the army was a time when he was assigned at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal. I was five years old when, during one summer, my mother took me with her to Rizal to spend a few weeks with my father. I remember Tanay, Rizal for its loamy soil -- the type that sticks to the soles of your shoes and requires a twig or a sliver of wood to remove. Tanay used to be called Little Baguio because of its chilly weather and foggy surroundings especially during early mornings. As a child, I would blow air though the fog and pretended that smoke was coming out of my mouth, like smoking a cigarette.

At campsite, I saw how army trainees and cadets would salute whenever my father passed by or shout “Sirrrr, yes sirrr!!” with all their might whenever my father asked them a question. At one point I even saw my father throw a strong punch at a young cadet who was involved in a squabble with another cadet. I didn't realize at that time that my young mind was exposed to a different world. It was in Tanay that I saw how people respected and feared my father, at the same time.

Most people I meet for the first time give me that “Wooooh” expression when they learn that I am a daughter of a military man. It goes like this ---“What does your father do?”… “He’s a retired Colonel” ….. “Woooh….” It’s fine. I don’t really mind. I have always been a daughter of a military man so I don’t really know how it feels to be a child of a doctor, or a politician, or a mason. To me and my siblings, this is what we know as our “normal”. But sometimes I can’t help but think that …..hmmm…maybe we’re different?

In my head, I try to answer the most common question asked of me -- how is it having a military man for a father? Sorry to disappoint most people but NO, we don’t refer to two o’clock pm as “fourteen hundred hours”. NO, we don’t salute and shout “sir, yes, sir!” when replying to my father. NO, we’ve never tried eating square meals. And NO, we are not forced to turn the lights out at ten pm (22:00H?) while chanting TAPS “Day is done… gone the sun… from the lakes… from the hills….from the sky… All is well… safely rest… God is nigh”. OK! Don’t even ask me why I know that song!

My father has always been stern, domineering, and strict. My siblings and I grew up “scared” of him. He doesn’t need to say a word. His powerful presence is enough to keep us on our toes. Children were expected to be home before five pm, it was an unwritten rule. As much as possible, we eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner together; you have to have a very good reason for missing dinner. Sleepovers and overnights with friends were never allowed. Truth is, I don’t know now if it was not allowed or we were just too scared to ask for permission. My parents preferred for our friends to hang out at our house instead of going somewhere else. Dance practice, group studies, science projects, were all done at our house. My mother would even prepare snacks and meals for the whole bunch. Older siblings were not exempted. When our eldest sister attended her Senior Prom, my parents went to the ball at 10:00 pm to bring her home. The prom just started but she did come home …crying. When my brother graduated from college and his barkada planned to go night swimming, there was a big argument before he was allowed to join.

Growing up, we felt like we could not commit a mistake. At nine years old, I would ask my mother to hide my test paper if I only scored 99 out of a 100 because I was afraid that my father would be disappointed. My father’s decisions were the only decisions that mattered. His rules rule. His ways are the only acceptable ways. My mother always took a backseat to support him and his decisions while at the same time giving balance between what is necessary and what is right. When my mother would challenge him and say he should trust his children, he would say, it is not us he didn't trust but the other people around us who may do us harm.

Looking back, I realized that the way we were raised by my parents, especially my father, molded me and my sibling into the persons that we are today. They taught us strong values that made us the fighters --- or survivors that we are today.

Because we were brought up with high expectations from our parents, I always push myself to give it my best in everything that I do. There is that drive to excel, to win, to be at the top. But in return, I expect others to do the same. If they fail to deliver, I get frustrated. I call it self-dicipline, diligence, and maybe being a perfectionist; some people call it paranoia or oc-oc as it is commonly called now.

Because we were brought up with strict rules, I follow rules. I respect authority. In times when my better judgment is put to the test, and going against rules becomes a tempting choice, in my head I imagine a whole crew of cameramen, newscasters, policemen, appearing out of nowhere and catching me red-handed. I always tell myself that I will never do something that will bring shame to my family. I call it obedience; some people may call being close-minded, being righteous, or simply beilng KJ.

Because we were raised to be strong-willed and confident, I am independent and self-reliant. I don’t give up easily. I fight for what I think is right. I call it confidence and belief in oneself; some people call it arrogance or stubbornness. But that’s the way I am. This is me.

After spending fruitful years in the service, my father decided to become a reserved officer and went home to be with us. After leaving the army, he became a teacher at the Bicol University and served as the university commandant for ROTC for several years. As a teacher, he still carried with him his military principles, and became known as the terror“Ayong” --- a pet name given by his students coined from our surname. To most students, terror Ayong was a domineering teacher but an inspiring mentor. As a teacher he gained loyal students and friends who look up to him and who stand by him no matter what. He is quite popular (or should I say notorious) that in my hometown when circumstances require me to mention my (maiden) surname, I always expect the next statement to be “Are you related to Ayong?”. That’s proof of the many lives he touched and continues to touch. He retired from teaching five years ago.

Even though my father has long become inactive from the military service, up until now, when he tells stories about his past, we always hear stories about the time that he was still in the army like the time he took a bullet on one hip. Even now when he is enjoying his retirement spent at home with my mother, my sisters, his four grandsons, and Bingo his Doberman, he always has an army anecdote to tell. I believe his service in the army was his most fulfilling journey, bullet on hip and all. He doesn’t realize it, but through him, the army was also one of the structures of my life and probably that of the rest of my family’s.

Today when I see apples, I feel sad that the fruit has lost its rarity. Now that apples are available whole year round ---- they’re in every grocery store, supermarket, fruit stand, and bangketa--- for some reason they don’t smell as fruity as I remember them to be. Then I see my father and realize that even at 75 he remains to be the stern and powerful person that I grew up to know. Whenever my siblings and I go home for the holidays, he still expects us to be home before it gets dark.

Sometimes it’s nice to know that some things never change.

Is Philippines Ready For Its Pinoy Idol?

2008-06-09T13:26:00.036+08:00

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After Walton Zerrudo and Meryl David were voted out last night, I came to the realization that, no, Philippines is not ready for Pinoy Idol.
I am big fan of singing contests and I don’t mind wasting time glued on TV just see who will be the next singing sensation. I watched Sarah Geronimo as she took her shawl off and dropped it on the floor while pausing in between the now famous line of Celine Dion’s "To Love You More” ---- “I’ll be (pause… drop shawl.. extend hand to audience).. waaaaiting for youwooh…..!” At that same instant, we knew she was gonna win. I also remember applauding to Erik Santos’ “This Is The Moment”, a song most people didn’t know before but now has become a contest piece thanks to his winning performance. By the time Erik was singing the chorus, there was no doubt Sheryn Regis was gonna fall flat on her face.

I also witnessed on TV how Carrie Underwood won American Idol and all the other idols following her --- Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and David Cook. Although Bo Bice (giggle, giggle) was the reason I started watching (and got hooked on) this American show, when AI season in on, every week, I look forward to Wednesday nights and Thursdays nights to make sure I didn’t miss a single show.

When I learned that GMA7 won the rights to the Idol search franchise, I got really excited. At first it was weird that they called it “the search for the first Pinoy Idol” but what the heck. After watching Channel 5 made a major booboo of handling the now forgotten Philipine Idol, I thought maybe this time, the winner (or even the finalist) will have a career in Philippine music industry. Except for Jan Nieto and Gian Magdangal who were given so-so breaks in GMA7 (well, it’s better than nothing), I have not heard of the grand winner Mau Marcelo and the other finalist since the show ended. (Oh, Miguel something --- Ryan Cayabyab’s favorite, will be appearing on ABS CBN’s Pinoy Dream Academy opening next week, which is strange because Mr. C. is one of the judges, while some other girls from Philipine Idol, I think I see on The Singing Bee from time to time.)

After only a few weeks of airing, I am a little bit disappointed with Pinoy Idol. For one thing, what is wrong with the show’s audio system? Maybe it sounds different live but for us watching at home, it’s a strain. The audio sound from the contestants' mike doesn’t make their voices sound good. Most of the time, the sound of the band overshadows the voices, and it just doesn’t register well.

This early the judges seem to be begging the audience to vote for the talented ones! Sad to say the Pinoys are not listening. This is reminiscent of Mr. C. begging viewers of Philippine Idol to do same. Erap once said “walang kama-kamag-anak, walang kai-kaibigan!” Yeah, right. Not in this country. It looks like Filipinos (even this modern generation) still vote for the “kamag-anak” , “kaibigan” or “kakilala”. Sometimes it’s not even based on personal “kakilala” but “kapatid yan ng officemate ng bilas ko kaya binoto ko!” Why is there a need for Filipinos to associated themselves to somebody famous or to somebody who appears on TV? For reality shows like Pinoy Big Brother, whose structure is mostly based on mass appeal and popularity, this selection process might work, but for talent searches like Idol, it's called permanent damage.

I was not expecting that Walton or Meryl would be going home. I mean they may not be best singers in the bunch but they were so much better that the others who remain standing. But I am not surprised that results are unpredictable. Robby Navarro, who is my favorite because he is one of the best singers in this competition, if not the best (and yes I vote for him and no I am not related to him in any way) was on the bottom four last week. The judges could not hide their exasperation about it.

Anyway here is my personal opinion on the other contestants based on their latest performances (emphasis on the word PERSONAL please).

Grethen Espina (Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig) – Wala na bang iba? She should sing Bossa songs, I think that fits her personality and voice. For me she is the weakest now.

Carol Leus (Voice Within) – Her voice is really really good. But she lacks confidence and personality. I think the judges are frustrated with her. If she doesn’t step up it bye-bye time for her too.

Penelope (One Step at a Time) – This girl can really sing and is very talented. But can somebody assign a personal stylist for her please? Please? I almost expect that she’s gonna belt out “Aawitan kit-taah…….aaawitan kit-taaaah…!”

Jayann Bautista (Bleeding Love) – Voice and star quality are both OK. But she should dress down a little bit. Or maybe she wants to join EB Babes.

Meryl David (Killing Me Softly) – Like I said, probably not the best singer but definitely better than most.

Mae Flores (Walk Away) – Star quality lang talaga. Nice legs and skin. Most likely to join showbiz win or lose.

Jeni Rawolle (Too Darn Hot) – Best female performance last Saturday.

Sue Ellen (Love Like This) – Again, personal stylist please? I can’t look at her. As Wyngard put it “stop wearing costumes, wear proper clothes”. And, yes, Wyngard I think she sounded Japanese last Saturday, too.

Ram Chavez (Kung Ayaw Mo Wag Mo) – Sorry to his fans but I don’t understand why he is in the competition in the first place. No star quality, voice is not so great, but he seems to be Jolina’s favorite.

Daryl Celis (Because of You) – Daryl who?? Oh the cute one, no wonder he is still around.

Toffer Rei (Something to Say) – I have always favored rockers in Amrican Idol (Bo Bice, Cris Daughtry, David Cook over David Archuleta) but not this contestant though. Going back to the audio issue, are the judges hearing a different thing live? Because Toffer doesn’t sound as good as they say he does. He strains his voice so much when trying to reach for the high notes that I fear he is gonna break his vocal chords. His voice sounds good on lower keys though. Unfortunately he sings rock songs which require him to shout. Maybe a better song choice.

Warren Antig (Billie Jean) – again the rocker thing. Why did he say his musical influence was Michael Jackson and then proceeded to sing (or should I say copy) the David Cook version? He should have said David Cook was his musical influence; maybe the judges would have been more forgiving.

Kid Camaya (Love Always Finds A Way) – Safe performance, as safe as the first day of a menstrual cycle. He should find an ally on Ogie, being a balladeer himself, but Ogie is unimpressed.

Walton Zerrudo (Hello) – Like I said, he was one of the better singers. Too bad he was voted out.

JJ Jr. (Wish) – They say the Harry Potter look-alike. I wish he stops doing that annoying habit of pursing his lips when singing. It’s annoying. Did I mention it’s annoying? He must be using his magic wand to stay in the competition…Ziiing!

Robby Navarro (Wildflower) – He used to be a part of an all-male singing group called Wiseguys. May I say again that Robby Navarro is my favorite? Robby’s take on the song Wildflower last Friday was just fantastic! Here’s his version of What You Won’t Do For Love by Bobby Caldwell.

Cheers to the judges and host of the show though, I think they’re the only thing right about the show. But if the voting continues to follow "kakilala" trend for the remaining weeks of the contest, we should probably go back to and be content with Regine Velasquez's "Peeenoy Pop Suuup-perstar!!"

pinoy idol logo from http://www.sulit.com.ph

pinoy idol judges image from http://www.pinoyidolblog.com

robby navarro, walton zerrudo & meryl david images from www.idolphilippines.com/2008_04_01_archive.html

Age Indifference

2008-05-25T21:42:00.010+08:00

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Is it a young girl or an old woman?

Two strands of white hair freaked me out today. I was combing my hair and as I was parting it the usual way, two strands of white hair stuck out and I flipped!

I have always been very cool about ageing, or should I say maturing. When people ask me about my age, I never lie about it, I say 27 years old, ten years ago (just kidding). I find it really OA when people try to hide their age or feel offended when asked about how old they are. I mean, c’mon, do people really get away with not saying their real age? All one has to do is look at a person’s driver’s license and viola! ---- There’s your evidence.

Maybe one of the reasons why I don’t feel offended when people ask how old I am is because people would normally tell me that I look young for my age (thank you, thank you). I remember three years ago while checking in at a hotel in Bangkok, the lady behind the counter asked for my passport and was charming enough to say “You were born in 1970? You’re 34? Wow, are you sure you were not born in 1980?” (blush blush). She looked really sincere so I believed her (hehe). That really made my day and I felt like I was smiling the whole week that I was in Thailand. Thailand is a beautiful country ...(sigh)!

Anyway, going back to my point, age and ageing were never a big deal for me. Unfortunately though, white hair is! You see, my father turned 71 years old last February and he is proud about his still very black hair. From time to time we see a strand or two of white hair on him but for somebody his age, he is quite lucky. And I was hoping that I would be sharing the same stroke of luck. Looks like I am not so lucky after all.

But I guess getting old is inevitable.

I know that I’ve started to "mature" when

- After turning 24 years old, my waistline started catching up with my age or maybe I should say that my metabolism started slowing down. Should I be grateful that it stopped at 29 inches? That's a question I don't want to answer

- I realized that I will be attending my high school homecoming this year after 20 years of graduating from high school

- I learned that I have a batch mate in high school whose son is already attending the same high school we attended

- I received a service award from the company I’ve worked with for the past thirteen years

- younger officemates know the Nina version of “Love Moves In Mysterious Ways” and they have no idea who Julia Fordham is

- I don’t understand the fuss about High School Musical, Miley Cyrus or the Jonas Brothers

- Waiters, drivers, guard, street vendors, and bank tellers stopped calling me "Miss" and started calling me "Ma’am". I thought probably I looked more respectable.

I admit there are days (like today) when I think about ageing and I don't look forward to the day when I graduate from being called “ma’am” to being called “manang” or “ale” …. i.e. “Excuse me po, Manang.” or “Bayad po ng Ale.” But when I see beautiful people like Lea Salonga, Vicky Morales, Dawn Zulueta, Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio, and …sige na nga Kris Aquino and Gretchen Baretto, who belong to the same age group as I do, I tell myself hey they don’t look bad at all, they look fine. In fact they look more than fine. They don’t seem to be bothered by the fact that they are pushing 40. They have achieved so much in their lives. That's when I go back to the old attitude I have, which I call “age indifference”. To be and feel either young or old depends on one’s perspective. Life is short and every year, day, hour, or minute of our lives should be enjoyed to the fullest. There’s no time to worry about age. What we make of our lives and how we impact other people’s lives is far more worthwhile than the number of years we live on this earth.

So what if I’ll be celebrating another birthday this year? What I know is that it means I am another year wiser, and that’s always a good thing.

For now, let me pluck those two strands of white hair out. (Ouch.)

young lady old woman image from

http://www.naute.com/illusions/youngold.phtml

Mercy by Duffy : My Favorite Song This Month

2008-05-25T20:45:00.017+08:00

When i first heard Amy Winehouse's song Rehab, I thought to myself wow this singer is sooo cool. If I ever become a pop singer I want to sing songs like hers and write songs like You Know I'm No Good. Unfortunately there has been a lot of controversies and drama surrounding Winehouse's popularity and fame, she has become notorious.

Then I heard Duffy's Mercy. And like Rehab, I just fell in love with this song. It is funky, groovy and really really cool. I am more excited to learn that this tune is part of the soundtrack of the upcoming movie Sex and The City. I enjoy listening to both singers but Duffy's Mercy wins my vote this month. She reminds me of the group B-52s back when they were big in the 80s.

More on this talented singer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duffy_(singer)

Vertigong Astig : The Hilo Hero

2008-04-27T17:47:00.019+08:00

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Eight months ago, I was in the bathroom when I felt nauseous and my surroundings started spinning around me. One moment I was looking at my towel as I reached for it from the rack, the next moment it was ---- wall—ceiling— ceiling— wall--- floor, floor, floor!. My husband thought it was funny finding me kneeling on the floor of our bathroom and he teased me about it for a while. I decided to ignore the incident because at that time, my husband was vacationing from his work abroad and we were busy entertaining at home or going out, that I related my dizziness with fatigue and lack of sleep. My dizzy spells became more frequent and it was worse when I lie down to sleep ay night and upon waking up in the morning. I would feel dizzy turning from one side of the bed to the other and just about any sudden movement would trigger lightheadedness. I see images spinning even when I close my eyes to block them out of my vision. I’ve also given up my habit of bending over to towel my hair dry after taking a bath because it I know it will lead to me kissing my bathroom floor again. Standing on one foot has also become difficult (and funny, at least to my sister). I was telling my sister a story while she washed clothes when out of habit I tucked my right foot behind my other leg. All along I thought I was standing upright, but from where my sister was sitting I was slowly dropping to one side. I heard her “Oy, oy, oy!” and then a lot of laughter.

After a couple more “spinning” incidents, I was afraid I had anemia or something worse, so I decided to consult a doctor. The doctor introduced me to something called an acute case of “Vertigo”. Prior to this doctor’s appointment, my only encounter with the word Vertigo was finding it written on the CD case of a U2 album and singing along to the lyrics of its title track . There is also a Santana/ Bo Bice song that I know, that goes “she knows a way a spiritual flow of making me dizzy like a Vertigo, her cinnamon kisses melt my soul like fire”. Wow, what a nice name for something so unpleasant!

The doctor agreed that it could be due to lack of enough sleep. Also, he asked about any change in my weight and I had to (painfully) explain to him that I gained five kilos from pregnancy which I have not shed off just yet. He asked me to lose a few pounds (hmmpft) because he explained that my body must be having difficulty adjusting to my new weight and therefore it affects my balance (hmmmpft). He further advised that I should exercise more often (hmmmmmmmpft!). (Guess what, Doc, its dizziness not laziness). Anyway, he gave me some medication to take for seven days and advised that I monitor my blood pressure. After a week I felt better.

I “googled” Vertigo to learn more about it. The experts of Google Search tell me that it is a sensation of spinning (check) or swaying (check) while the body is stationary with respect to the surrounding (check again). A specific type of dizziness, Vertigo is a major symptom of a balance disorder. The word “Vertigo” comes from Latin words, “vertere” to turn and the suffix “-igo” means condition. So it is a condition of turning about. Two types of Vertigo are known in the medical world. “Subjective Vertigo” is when a person feels a false sensation of movement while “Objective Vertigo” is when the surroundings appear to move past a person’s field of vision. Hmm…. I think I had both. Aside from nausea and vomiting, severe effects of Vertigo can result to difficulty in standing and walking.

Further research, (ok, googling) led me the causes of this condition. I learned that it is usually associated with a problem in the inner ear balance mechanisms or the (deep breath) vestibular system, in the brain or with the nerve connecting the two organs. “The vestibular system is responsible for integrating sensory stimuli and movement, and for keeping objects in visual focus as the body moves”. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV (I swear to God, these words are making me nauseous) is the most common cause of Vertigo. Besides being a condition itself, Vertigo can be a symptom of other conditions like an inner ear infection or even more serious ailments like tumors, strokes, central nervous system disorder , kidney disease, thyroid disorders, etc. (Whoa.). Doctors can do additional tests to determine the cause of a Vertigo symptom, so it is always best to consult first.

I mentioned my condition to my sister Dada, and I was surprised to learn she also had the same acute case a few years back. Not only that, she mentioned that our elder sister Anne also has Vertigo! So maybe it runs in the family?!

I was not surprised to learn about our eldest sister’s condition, though. She is a couple years older than me and as far as I can remember, she’s always had motion sickness and we tease her of being a “biyahilo”. That is why, when riding a vehicle, she always has to choose where to sit. In a car, for example, she has to sit at the middle part of the back seat. Sitting elsewhere makes her feel like the roads are closing in on her, especially when the car goes though tunnels or narrow roads like toll gate queues. She also carries around Bonamine (antiemetic, Meclizine HCl) just in case. My other sister, Dada, tells me that Vertigo is caused by too much cleaning of the inner ear. At least that’s what her doctor told her, probably linking to ear infections. (And here I thought cleanliness was next to Godliness). Me? Apart from less sleep and more body fat, I partly blame my husband’s crazy driving for my condition. Kidding.

Lately, I don’t experience Vertigo symptoms anymore but I try to get as much sleep as possible. I am also trying (very hard) to follow my doctor’s advice of losing weight. Hopefully my Vertigo days are over.

Out of this experience, my husband was inspired to come up with a superhero character he called “Vertigong Astig” – the hilo hero. Let me introduce you to our hero (Hey, this picture is Naruto not Vertigong Astig!). This superhero is cocky or astig because he prances around with his tight and straight neck and with head held high. Of course this is only because he refrains himself from abrupt head movements or risk fainting. Our superhero is muscular, strong, has the ability to fly, and can hear sounds from miles away. His Vertigo is both a blessing and a curse. Thanks to his Vertigo, his sense of hearing is enhanced. He cannot however, have this treated because this is where his powers comes form. He uses his powers to save people and make the world a safer place.

When he is not saving the world, he is simply called Iggy, a grocery ‘diser (a product merchandiser, 'diser as they are called in supermarkets and groceries). His work as a ‘diser is a big challenge because it forces him to climb ladders to replenish grocery items on display, and requires him to walk inside confined stock rooms---- both tasks make him dizzy. His greatest challenge however is transforming from being normal Iggy to amazing Vertigong Astig. The only way he can transform to his superhero form is by doing three jumps, three cartwheels, and three spins. He becomes dizzy and faints. When he’s recovered, he becomes this totally new person in red suit with gold spiral design in front. He escapes into a whole new world where he has all these powers as Vertigong Astig. Of course we really don’t know if he actually regains consciousness or if he is just dreaming about being a superhero while he sleeps on the ground after fainting. In his other world, he saves damsels in distress, absorbs bullets, stops airplanes, and walks on water. But because he has Vertigo, flying can result to free falling from the sky on certain days when looking down while on flight is inevitable. His weakness?... Well, if Superman has kryptonite, the only thing that nullifies his powers is …. a cotton bud!

It’s time to save the world!

“Ver..ti..gong…. Assss…tiiiig!”
(U2 on the background: Uno.. dos.. tres… catorce! Hello hello … I’m at a place called Vertigo…..)

http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertigo_(medical)
http://www.neurologychannel.com/Vertigo/index.shtml

naruto image c/o : neo.t.free.fr/wall/manga/naruto/naruto_10.jpg

Jolly Weddings

2008-04-20T11:57:00.010+08:00

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Wedding are happy occasions and make interesting topics of discussion among girl friends. Everybody turns on a good mood whenever weddings are mentioned. I remember the first time I announced to my circle of friends that I was getting married, of course mine was long overdue , everybody just started giving me advice, offering suggestions on the color motif, where to hold the reception, what type of dress would best suit me, etc. At the church where my husband and I got married, the people in charged of registration are always laughing, joking around, and excited whenever couples go to their office to register. I’ve never seen a bunch of very positive people! I guess everybody wants to be a part of such a happy occasion.

At one sleepover party with my girl friends, after running out of people to talk about (hehe), our topic turned to weddings. These friends that I speak of I’ve known for more than 20 years and have been friends with since high school. We’re practically family, and we are each other’s support system. We’ve planned, prepared, and attended each other’s birthdays, bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, baby's christening, children’s parties, Christmas parties, summer outings, and just about any momentous occasion in our lives.

Because one of us is single again (but not available, and I will not even try to explain that), we were excited for this specific friend and decided to plan a fictitious wedding for her and her wonderful guy. Being the most recent bride among the group, I was asked to help her plan her future wedding. Our conversation turned from serious to crazy as the night deepened and we started discussing about weird wedding reception concepts. We realized that it is such an ordeal to plan a wedding reception ---- look for the perfect venue, find a caterer, decide on a budget, select the best food on the menu, choose the best cake (that people would want to have their pictures taken beside it, like my wedding cake! Hahaha). We thought, wouldn’t it be so simple and less complicated if receptions were held at a famous hamburger chain instead? We agreed that indeed it was for the following jolly reasons:

- Budget is not a problem; they serve a variety of values meals
- If your guests order a kiddie meal, they get a free toy
- The extra rice is individually wrapped
- There’s extra gravy for that really crispy chicken
- They offer the services of an emcee to keep your guests in an interactive mood
- They have the trendiest parlor games (spaghetting pababa pababa ng pababa)
- Additional entertainment from a mascot is a ready option
- Loot bags are given out to guests at the end of the party

And if that does not impress you --- guests can take home leftover food by simply asking for an extra plastic bag over-the-counter….

No sweat…Just make sure that your color motif doesn’t clash with the color red and you’re all set! (I have no problem with this, I love ther burger meal, the mushroon gravy is sooo yummm.)

More on my friend’s wedding soon…!

Image from http://www.myweddingflowerideas.co.uk/wedding-bouquet.html

Signs That You Are Stuck In The 80s

2008-04-19T15:07:00.012+08:00

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Guilty, your honor!

Here are signs that you are stuck in the 80s, unlike Madonna who obviously has moved on:

- You still believe that Corey Hart has the sexiest pair of eyes even if he wears sunglasses at night.

- You sing to Pat Benatar’s "We Belong" in the shower

- You listen to RX 93.1 on Wednesdays, Magic 89.9 on Fridays, and 94.7 on Sundays

- You know the lyrics to Seona Dancing’s "More to Lose" and can sing along to the extended remix version without missing a single note or word.

- You still believe that the new wave genre was the best thing that ever happened to the music scene.

- You feel proud that Madonna is still in the Billboard charts.

- You have a CD collection of 80s bands like Eurythmics, Tears for Fears, Hall and Oates, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, A-ha, The Cure, Depeche Mode, etc

- You know names of the artists that performed in "Do They Know It’s Christmas" in the sequence that they appeared on the video

- You know who John Taylor is and you sigh (if you’re a girl or dream of becoming one) at how handsome he used to look.

- You miss listening to DWXB102 back when it was still known as “the station that dares to be different” and you still think that Cool Carla is the coolest chick ever.

- You have at least one pirated “Lost in the 80s” or “The Chorus Girl” collection CD.

- You cringe when you hear local artists do a cover of new wave songs like ViMo singing Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” or Orange and Lemons using the tune of The Care’s "Chandeliers" on their (bwaaahgk…..!) Pinoy Big Brother song. So shameful.

- You call skinny jeans “stretch” pants and layered hair “ shaggy”.

All I can say is .. we belong... we belong... we belong together....

Madonna photo from: http://music.aol.com/photo-galleries/better-off-80s-madonna

80's Not Enough!

2008-04-19T15:00:00.014+08:00

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I am an 80s kid and I’m proud of it. I believe the 80s is the greatest decade of all. I was in high school when the shoulder pads, spiked hair, leather clothing, bright colored shirts, acid washed jeans, colorful head gears and sperry topsiders were REALLY the IN thing. In between hairsprays, gels, eyeliners, plastic bangles, and striped socks, I was trying my best to fit in while going through adolescence. To find yourself stuck in the middle of all the psychedelic frenzy at such a vulnerable age can really mess you up. Add to that attending a very special science high school where students felt more like “guinea pigs" of Philippines education system rather than the "cream of the crop" of the Filipino youth.

Just the same, it is a decade that I cherish the most. I still find comfort in the wonderful memories I collected in those years that I sometimes find myself feeling stuck in that era. My love and appreciation for music today I owe to the music of the 80s. I always have a song that I associate to memorable moments, unforgettable events, or special people from those years I consider my wonder years. I remember singing in the rain to Housemartin’s “Happy Hour” along with more than half of my crazy batchmates with mud on our shoes , dirt and rain on our faces. It was such a milestone in our high school life that we printed the lyrics of the song on the first few pages of our High School yearbook, even If I now don’t clearly remember what triggered us to start singing,

In third year, I remember my group mates and me dancing to Rico Mambo in our printed balloon skirts and pastel colored blouses. With our hands on our side, palms and fingers stretched out, we swayed our bodies sideways in an almost robotic manner. The boys sung Robin Gibb’s Boys Do Fall In Love in acid washed jeans and light colored blazers, one hand holding their dark sunglasses on one side, while moving one knee in a rhythmic motion.. Woooh-hooh.. bo-bo-bo-boys fall in love.

So what was great (or not) about the 80s?

In the 80s:
- Actors like Molly Ringwald and Ralph Macchio were considered really cute
- Wearing print on print was not baduy at all
- Pins were worn outside shirts and were clothing accessories
- We got by with just two types of footwear -- espadrilles and white sneakers
- Striped socks were in
- Even skinny and sexy celebrities wore large baggy clothes
- Egg whites had a different purpose
- We had our own “80s language” – erpmeys pre!
- Eyeliners came in different colors
- Shirts with the word USED printed in large fonts were considered fashionable
- Punks were fun people
- Kylie Minogue was General Patronage

- Madonna seemed happier

- Prince was just called Prince and not T.A.F.K.A.P. (what the..?)

- Michael Jackson was cute in his original color
- Jet Pangan did not look like John Lapus

- Bruce Springsteen's butt was sexy

- and we didn't care if George Michael or Boy George was gay

If I were to sum up my life in one 80s song, it’s "Different Seasons” by Johnny Hates. There is a place deep in your mind one that your heart won't leave behind. Memories are cold empty of laughs and all that remains are photographs. And if I could summarize my life in the 80s in one 80s fad, the the teased and Aquanet-sprayed hair wins, hands down. Trust me, I have photographs to support my claim.

The funky music, the loud fashion…. The victims we know them so well…. so well…

photo from : http://www.katfm.com/planet80s/index.cfm

It's In His Kiss

2008-04-13T13:43:00.010+08:00

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Beautiful and naughty songs have been written about kisses and the act of kissing. Here are some of the more interesting ones:

The Superhero Kiss:
Kiss From A Rose (Seal):

You remain my power, my pleasure, my pain

To me you’re like a growing addiction that I can’ t deny

Won’t you tell me is that healthy?

But did you know that when it snows my eyes become dark?

And the light that you shine can be seen?

…. Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey...

(oh so romantic)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ateQQc-AgEM

The Kiss Of Betrayal:

Kissing A Fool (George Michael/Michael Buble)

Fooled me with the tears in your eyes

Covered me with kisses and lies

So, goodbye, but please don’t take my heart

You are far, I’m never gonna be your star

I’ll pick up the pieces and mend my heart.

(he needs a hug, too, aah)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl0ZcgZV714

The Physics of Kissing:
This Kiss (Faith Hill)

You can kiss me in the moonlight on the rooftop under the sky

You can kiss me with the windows open while the rain comes pouring inside

Kiss me in sweet slow motion let’s let everything slide

You got me floating, you got me flying

It’s in the way you love, it’s a feeling like this

It’s centrifugal motion, it’s perpetual bliss

It’s that pivotal moment, it’s unthinkable

This kiss, this kiss, unsinkable!

(hated physics class, but love this song)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ0rT-z6tks

Daddy’s Little Girl Kiss:

Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle)

With all that I’ve done wrong, I must have done something right

To deserve a hug every morning , and butterfly kisses at night

(i’m going to cry)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaZl1RrTnco

The “Road to Notoriety” Kiss aka the Alyssa-Alano’s-ticket-to-stardom kiss
Kiss Me (Sixpence None the Richer)

Kiss me beneath the milky twilight

Lead me out on a moonlit floor

Lift your open hand, strike up the band

and make the fireflies dance, silver moon’s sparkling

Kiss me….

(of course Alyssa’s version was verrrry different)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5CWKxKMcLA

The Doubtful Kiss
It’s in His Kiss (Vonda Shepard)

Does he love me? I wanna know

How can I tell if he loves me so? .......

Kiss him and squeeze him tight and find out what you wanna know

If it’s love, if it really is, it’s there in his kiss!

(quit doubting )

The French Kiss - Embasser c’est Francais
French Kissing in the USA (Debbie Harry)

Slip into the velvet glove, parted lips all filled with love

Lips upon forbidden places, lingering in long embraces.

(yup, PG18)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWjLGItSq_4

Kissing For Fun
Don’ Talk Just Kiss (Right Said Fred)

Surrender me a kiss, let me loose on you inch by inch

The one and only reason is fun, fun, fun

I say, well baby, we’ve only just begun

Don’t talk just kiss we’re beyond words and sound

Don’t talk just kiss let your tongue fool around.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGTLrgUNQvQ

Kiss (TomJOnes/Prince)

You don’t have to be beautiful to turn me on

I just need your body baby from dusk till dawn

You don’t have to be rich to be my girl

You don’t have to be cool to rule my world

Ain’t no particular sign I’m more compatible with

I just want your extra time and your kiss.

(gee, thanks.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWJYu2FRD7w

The Kiss of Death
(I Just Died) In Your Arms Tonight (The Cutting Crew):

I just died in your arms tonight

It might have been some kind of kiss

I should have walked away.

(calling prince charming)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBwVlsa7_gs

So go ahead and kiss someone….! It’s good for your self-esteem.
Mwaah!

Children kissing Image from http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVstudies/GrowingUpInTheLord/Girls/07TooClose.htm

So How Much Is Your Kiss Worth?

2008-04-13T05:27:00.012+08:00

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The “Le Baiser de l’Hotel de Ville” by Robert Doisneau,--- or more commonly known as “The Kiss at City Hall”. Taken in 1950 in Paris for Life Magazine, this photo has been downloaded, reproduced, published, sold, written, and talked about millions of times. From time to time, posters and replicas appear in movies and TV shows.

This photo's popularity is universal. Most reviews say that “it captures the eternity of a passionate kiss that transcends time and locale”. The artist's objective at the time this image was taken was to capture the everyday lives of ordinary people surrounding the Paris Occupation and Liberation. People say that in those times it “provided the image of hope after the dark days of WWII”.

There have been a lot of claims for the photo. Some people wanted to have a slice of the popularity pie. A couple 43 years after the image was released, claimed that they were the couple that appeared in Mr. Doisneau's photo. Denise and Jean-Louis Lavergne sued Mr. Doisneau and demanded US$80,000 from the artist, for not acknowledging them, and for saying that he hired a model for the shoot. Even the model wanted her share of US$18,000 ! In June of 1993 however, the court ruled against the couple saying that “a kiss is just a kiss and deserves no compensation.”

I guess, people will always be fascinated by the human kiss or the act of kissing. Movies, books, poems, and songs, and other forms of art, have been made revolving around the subject of kiss. (Even a band was named after it!). Growing up in the 80s, I remember singing along to the song “French Kissing in the USA” without really understanding what the song was about. I thought it was about people from France kissing in America. The tune really had a good recall, but as I matured (I’m assuming that I am now) I realized that my understanding of the song was sooo wrong. If I knew the meaning of the song in High School, I would be blushing so much from embarrassment and won't be singing it with much fervor. “Kisses hard, kisses deep, a kiss to wake us from our sleep. Take your lover by the hand, speak in tongues (whaaat?!) and understand”.

Now, every time I hear this song by Debbie Harry who is of course from the great 80s band Blondie, it takes me back to my high school days. Back to the time when most of us were innocent and naive--- when friends and I would cover our eyes during movie kissing scenes ("Top Gun" is the one specific movie that stands out in my memory), when we were traumatized every time we see couples kissing in public (eww), and convinced ourselves that NO our parents don’t kiss each other, ever (God NO!).

This generation is even more obsessed with the act of kissing. Isn’t there an award now for Best On-Screen Kiss in the MTV awards? Well I guess high school students now are not as coy as we were, back in the 80s. Now it's almost as natural as holding hands.

My husband and I made up a term called “e-kiss”. It’s the kiss you throw into cyberspace through SMS or chat messages and e-mails. E-kisses are sent when the recipient of your affection is not physically present.

Thanks to advanced technology, this emoticon :-* is now our new best friend ! It's priceless..

Additional source: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE0DE103BF93AA15757C0A965958260
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE3D71030F930A35755C0A965958260

Jong-jong Jing-jing (Huh?)

2008-03-30T21:13:00.003+08:00

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I am a big fan of the Morning Rush show at RX 93.1 with Chico and Delamar. I find the show funny and at the same time mentally stimulating. But most of the time.. just funny. When Chico starts singing, I almost hear my ears echo from too much laughing.

Last Wednesday I was listening to the show when I heard them discuss about people singing the wrong lyrics to popular songs. Example:

Chico (singing) : My Penelope , my ... my ... my... (correct : High fidelity, high, high, high...)
Delamar (singing) : I'm dying along with my head on the phone (correct : I'm lying alone...)

Over the years, I've heard a lot people sing the wrong and the strangest lyrics! Remember Alyssa Alano's Keys Me? The song is devoid of sense already!

One of my favorite (courtesy of my Cebuano officemate, Alan):

Host to Contestant: Anong pong kakantahin nila?
Contestant : Jong-jong , Jing- jing po...
Host : Wow! Bago yata yan.... Maestro.....musika!
Contestant (starts singing) : Jong-jong.. Jing-jing... to try and plis mi (correct lyrics : Don't go changing....)

And the rest....
Song Title : Zubiri
Lyrics: .... Fly away... skyline pigeon fly....toward the dreams you left Zubiri ..... Zubiii-riiii faaaar beeeehind..! (Correct : So very)

Song Title : A Walk To Remember (By Mandy Moore)
Lyrics: ... A walk to remember ... it was late afternoon... (correct : I'll always remember)

Song Title : Magdamag (by Kitchie Nadal)
Lyrics: .... Oh..oh..woooh... magdamag mong sasabihin..... na hindi mo nadama itong....pag-ibing kong handang ibigay kahit pa kalayaan mo... (correct: Wag na wag)

Song Title : Nescafe (by Janet Jackson)
Lyrics:.... (Nes-ca-fe !) we'll have a good time... (Nes-ca-fe!) leave your worries behind.... (correct : escapade)

Song Title : Alright (by Alicia Keys)
Lyrics:.... Alright..... alright...... alri-haaah-heit.... can get in the way of what I'm feeling.... (correct: No one, no one, no one....)

Some are just meant to be funny. My husband's favorite :
Song Title : Bitis Mo (by Chaka Demus & Pliers)
Lyrics : ... Bitis ... bitis... bitis... bitis mo baby... til I lose control ... (correct: Tease me, tease me, tease me, tease me baby...) bitis is foot in some dialects

Song Title : Mr. Bombastic (by Shaggy)
Lyrics : She call me Mr.Bombastic... cellophane, plastic... (correct : say me fantastic)

Song Title : Electricute (by Debbie Gibson)
Lyrics : Electricute! Feel the power you see the energy.... (correct: Electric youth)

And from the ad teaser being played at ABS CBN Ch2 for a new show:

Song Title : Africa (by Chic)

Lyrics : Aaaaaaaah- Fricaaaah! Le chick le chick.... Fricaaaah! (correct: aaaah freak out ! le freak c'est chic..)

All I can say is........ aaaaaaaah...!

Janina, Janina!

2008-03-30T18:20:00.005+08:00

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Filipinos just can't get enough of this girl......!
After making a big boo-boo at the Q&A portion of Bb. Pilipinas and still winning the Bb. Pilipinas - World crown and title (much to the surprise of the viewing public), most people seem to want to see her commit mistakes one after another.... Wawa naman...

Yesterday, the Killer Queen was back. During an interview with Jessica Soho, Janina was asked, "Kamusta naman ang English mo?", she candidly replied "Weakness ko talaga ang English and I know my weakness. Kaya nga nag aaral ako ng communications". And then, when asked by Jessica "What would you rather be? Smart or beautiful?". Her quick answer? ----- (drum roll please)-------"Same!"

Haaaaay Janina, sige na nga....We believe your earlier statement, weakness mo nga ang English. Sino ba kasing nagsabi na kailangan mag- ingles? Pwede naman mag tagalog di ba? Ilang Ms Venezuela na ba ang naging Ms. Universe na may bitbit na interpreter? But , Ok , I'll give Janina ganda points for being honest.

Depensa ng mga supporters? "Ok lang, wala namang question and answer portion sa Ms. World". Duh.

Let's wish her the best of luck, just the same.

Uragon Ini....!

2008-03-30T17:18:00.004+08:00

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I am a Bicolana .... And when people learn that I am from Bicol, they always ask me “E di Uragon ka pala?” Then followed by “Ano bang ibig sabihin ng “uragon”?” I always tell them, URAGON can mean a lot of different things depending on how you use it. It can mean “magaling”, madiskarte”, “matapang”, and even "malakas ang dating", “mayabang”, or worse an “a**hole” or what Manilenos call “kups”.

Of all the aspects of being a Bicolana, our love for sili is what I would consider Uragon sa lahat. Have you heard about the joke that in Bicol daw, when there's a storm, Bicolanos protect their siling labuyo first before attending to their homes. Of course its a joke, I understand the sentiment.

I love sili! I love Bicol dishes --- we practically put siling labuyo and/or gata in every dish! Ginataang gabi (pinangat), ginataang saba (pinakrong batag), ginataang kuhol, ginataang kamoteng kahoy (pinakrong balinghoy), ginataang manok (we put a little soy sauce so its our version of adobong manok), ginataang ______ (fill in the blank, kahit na anong klase ng gulay!) ... at ang pinakamalupit sa lahat .... ang paborito kong ginataang kanin (bi-no-tong) wrapped in banana leaves and sold mostly in palengke (saod)! At parang naubusan na kami ng gagataan, we have GINATAANG SILI or famously known as Bicol Express. It's sili in gata (~95%) with pork & alamang (5%) as sahog. The version being sold in Manila restaurants is ginataang pork with sili. I think Bicol dishes and Thai dishes are distant cousins. Nagutom tuloy ako.....

Back to Bicol jokes ---From time to time I would recieve forwarded Bicol jokes on my celphone. Example:

Q: Bakit galit si President Bush sa mga Bicolano?

A: Kasi pagnagdadasal ang mga Bicolano ... "Kagurangnan... Ka-Iraqi (kaheraki) kami!" (Lord, have mercy on us.)

But the latest one from my sister made me laugh so hard...!

Atty (A) : "Haen ka kang nangyari ang panlulupig?"

Boy Pasak (B) : "Sa maisan po!"

A : "Anong ginigibo mo duman?"

B : "Nag uudo po."

A : "Pirang lakad ka puon sa lugar kan krimen?"

B : "Ay inda! Diputa man na! Tano igwa man na nag uudo na sigeng lakaw lakaw?"

Sorry I cannot translate..... but this has something to do with doing #2. Hehehe.

I don't feel so hungry now.

Laiya 2007

2008-03-30T14:49:00.007+08:00

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It's summer once again....! Time to head on to the beach...

I'm not really a beach person. I prefer forests and mountains. Don't get me wrong .. ayokong tumira sa forest. But if I had to choose among the three places, the beach would be the last place I would choose. Why am I not a big beach person? Hot sand. Maalat na tubig. Sticky wet hair. Sunburn. Sharks! At mga bilbil na nakalaylay sa swimming trunks or two pice bathing suits. Hehe. Meron din ako nyan. My main reason is ..... di pala ako marunong lumangoy....! So, no....I don't hum to Sandwich's song that goes ... "i just wanna be on the beach!".. I do love the band, but that's another story.

Everry summer, however, I get to go to a resort or beach for our company outing. I try to make the most of it.... try to appreciate the view..... Last year we went to Laiya Batangas.

I can't comment much on how salty the water was but I can share some pictures of the view.

Wouldn’t you love to walk on the beach with this view while listening to your favorite summer songs on the background? My personal favorites are listed down below:

I just hope we realize how beautiful our beaches are and be responsible enough to preserve them.

Walang ganyan sa States..!

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My personal summer soundtrack
A walk on the beach with these songs playing in the background --- Why not?
-Amber (311)

- Breakfast in Bed (Nicole Kea, 50 First Dates OST)
- Lips Like Sugar (Seal version, 50 First Dates OST)
- Slave To Love (Elan Atias version, 50 First Dates OST)
- Hold Me Now (Wayne Wonder version, 50 First Dates OST)
- Your Love (Wyclef Jean version, 50 First Dates OST)
- Underneath It All (No Doubt Singles)
- Baby I Love Your Way (Big Mountain version, Reality Bites OST)
- Bathwater (No Doubt Singles Album)
- Dirty Dancing (The Black Eyed Peas)
- Latin Girls (The Black Eyed Peas)
- Everyday I Write A Book (Elvis Costello, The Wedding Singer OST)
- I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight (Robert Palmer)
- All Through The Night (Cyndi Lauper with Shaggy, The Body Acoustics Album)
- Right By Your Side (Eurythmics Ultimate Collection)
- I Can See Clearly Now (Jimmy Cliff)
- I Got U Babe (UB40)
- More Today Than Yesterday (Goldfinger)
- Red Red Wine (UB40)

And of course summer’s unofficial theme song : Kokomo (Beach Boys, Cocktails OST) I can’t have a list without this song on it! Intro pa lang, you can almost imagine Tom Cruise mixing you a refreshing drink! (not really a big Tom Cruise fan but you just got to love him this movie.)

Aruba.....

Jamaica

….. oooh... I wanna take you to Bermuda…..

Bahamas

…... c’mon pretty mama........!

The Peak (Oh Yeah)

2008-03-30T12:40:00.007+08:00

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Wanna take a guess?

My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Hong Kong. It was both our first time to visit Hong Kong and we were grateful to have two of my bridesmaids and their partners as companions. (Hu-watttt?) Oh yes! We didn't mind.... as long as they did not stay at our hotel room hehe (blush blush)

Ganda ng Hong Kong! We went to "The Peak" Tower, the perfect place to see the view of the city from the top. The site was breath-taking, mapapamura ka lang sa lamig... *&%$#@&ng brrrrrrrrrrrrr.........!

Our attention was caught though by the view on the other side of tower....... Yeah, we called it "the other peak"!

The boys made a big fuss out of the mountain's "virginal" stance. Well I guess boys will be boys!

Seriously, isn't the view great?

I wonder how many people in the world has had their picture taken in this same spot? (That's my husband at The Peak Tower, Feb 2006).

Thanks to friends (Vince & Ampy) for the pictures:

My Own Blog Universe...!

2008-03-30T10:57:00.006+08:00

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I don't consider myself as a computer nerd or what i call a "tech-ki yaki" person. But i've always wanted to have my own blogspot. I think it is the best way to just throw your thoughts out into the universe and make "http colon slash slash" your personal diary. I decided to just try and check how a blog is created. And viola... ! What do you know...? By the end of 10 minutes, I have my own blogspot! Clap clap clap! (Thank you.... thank you...) I'm so proud of myself.

Creating a blog was easier than I anticipated. But then again.... I have yet to acquaint myself with the shortcuts , edit buttons, and most importantly (at least to computer savvies) learn the blog lingo.... (Wow ! So this is what it feels like to talk to myself!)

Why did I wanna create a blog? I've always wanted to be a writer... Have you ever had a list of "Things to do before I die"? Well I do, and I have "write a poem, newspaper article, magazine article, short story, or novel" in my list, along with "compose a song" and "go bungee jumping". It sounds a little morbid to have a list but trust me, I've listed both the achieveable stuff and those bordering to impossible (like "learn how to fly" and "direct a movie") just to prove to myself that somebody else (index finger pointing up) gets to decide when I should go.

I decided to call my blogspot LynskiUniverse because I would like the pages in this blog to capture even just a bit of my small space in this world.

This is what i call my small big world --- my universe.