Monday, March 30, 2009

A Nation of Servants?


As a blogger championing Filipino pride, the news that a Hongkong columnist referred to our country as “a nation of servants”, has made my blood boil. This is beyond reproach and I will not let this pass without giving my two cents.

I don’t know this Chip Tsao and I don’t care who he is but his senseless attack to Filipinos as a nation is uncalled for. I will not stoop to his level of intellect and retaliate by hitting on Chinese people. I certainly have no problems with them. I don’t care if they are the source of toys tainted with lead or milk contaminated with Melamine. I don’t even care if they have been proliferating fake mobile phones and electronic devices in other countries.

This Chip Tsao is a pathetic loser who is not in his right mind, probably due to large doses of Melamine and lead in his blood. If he is in his right mind, he should have been careful in treating the person who is serving his food lest he may notice that his food suddenly tastes strange.

These Filipino domestic helpers have been contributing to Hongkong’s economy and they deserved praises rather than insults.

If Mr. Tsao thinks that this is cute, then he is mistaken. It ain't funny, sir... and now the joke is on you.

Here is a copy of the controversial article on its entirety:

The War At Home
March 27th, 2009


The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen on board. We can live with that—Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diàoyú Island. That’s no big problem—we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke.

But hold on—even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.

As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.

Grimly, I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her straight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings.

Oh yes. The government of the Philippines would certainly be wrong if they think we Chinese are prepared to swallow their insult and sit back and lose a Falkland Islands War in the Far East. They may have Barack Obama and the hawkish American military behind them, but we have a hostage in each of our homes in the Mid-Levels or higher. Some of my friends told me they have already declared a state of emergency at home. Their maids have been made to shout “China, Madam/Sir” loudly whenever they hear the word “Spratly.” They say the indoctrination is working as wonderfully as when we used to shout, “Long live Chairman Mao!” at the sight of a portrait of our Great Leader during the Cultural Revolution. I’m not sure if that’s going a bit too far, at least for the time being.


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Friday, March 27, 2009

Michael Sarver gets voted out in American Idol season 8.


After a record-setting 36 million votes were casts, the 27 year-old oil rig worker from Texas gets voted out of American Idol season 8. He got the fewest number of votes and the judges opted not to save him and use their one-per-season veto power.

Sarver performed his rendition of the Temptations song “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” during the show’s Motown-themed performance night and the judges were unanimous in giving him thumbs down. He was told that “it was a tough performance” and “it wasn’t good enough.”

But Sarver was even gracious in his elimination. He, anyway, is going on the American Idol tour this summer as being part of the Top 10.

Surprisingly, Scott MacIntyre and Matt Giraud joined Sarver in the all-male bottom 3. The remaining finalists include Adam Lambert, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Megan Joy and Allison Iraheta.

Ruben Studdard, the winner of the show's second season made an appearance in the show and sang his new single “Together.”

Smokey Robinson, a singer and songwriter dubbed the "King of Motown," mentored the Motown show. He also performed a duet of "You're The One For Me" with Joss Stone. Stevie Wonder also sang a medley of Motown hits.


Read more...

MYX Daily Top 10 (March 27, 2009)

Here is an update on what is happening in the MYX Daily Top 10 this week. Taylor Swift is still in the number one spot with “Love Story” after it reclaims the number one spot from Hale two days ago. Callalily’s “Hintay” is on the second spot followed by erstwhile number one Hale with “Sandali Na Lang”.

Top Ten

01.Taylor Swift - Love Story
02.Callalily - Hintay
03.Hale - Sandali Na Lang
04.Paramore - I Caught Myself
05.Jonas Brothers - Tonight
06.Katy Perry - Thinking Of You
07.Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You
08.Secondhand Serenade - Your Call
09.Kyla - Old Friend
10.Sarah Geronimo - You Changed My Life

Read more...

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Sunset Watch in Zambales


Here are a couple of photos that i took during our teambuilding in Zambales. The colors are not that vivid since i only used a camera phone to capture the moment, but I still love the photos. It was nature at its best.










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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Filipino Pride: Gina Pareño wins Best Supporting Actress in the Asian Film Festival.



Another Filipino pride once again gave honor to our country after she won the Best Supporting Actress trophy in the recently concluded Asian Film Festival held in Hongkong last Monday. Gina Pareño bagged the prestigious award in the Film Festival which is dubbed as the Asian Oscars for her role in the indie film 'Serbis'

This is not surprising since Pareño’s performance in “Serbis” which was also an entry in the Cannes Film Festival last May has already earned her another international recognition when she won Best Actress at the 6th Pacific Meridian Film Festival in Vladivostok, Russia.

Pareño also won a Best Actress trophy for Jeffrey Jeturian’s 2006 film “Kubrador” at the Osian’s-Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema in New Delhi, India; the International Festival of Independent Film in Brussels, Belgium; and the Amiens International Film Fest in France.

Pareño is one of the stars of the hit ABS-CBN TV series “Tayong Dalawa.”



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Monday, March 23, 2009

Petition to boycott Fashion Designer Boyet Fajardo's labels.

I received an email about this a couple of days ago but I didn’t paid much attention. That is because I don’t even know the subject of the petition. Honestly, the name Boyet Fajardo doesn’t ring a bell. But after reading this post from Concerned Filipino, I was furious. What this man reportedly did to this unfortunate worker was brutal.

This blog prides itself by celebrating Filipino pride and I will continue to uphold this slogan but we Filipinos are people who are known to be champions of democracy, we fight for our rights and we stand by what is just. I can not just let this thing pass without doing anything. I signed the petition to boycott this fashion designer’s works and I will be reposting this post by concerned Filipino for all visitors of this site to see in the hope that they too will support the petition.

The following texts were originally posted by concerned Filipino:

Last March 13, 2009, Filipino Fashion Designer Angelino Boyet Fajardo created a scene, to the shock and horror of shoppers and employees of Duty Free Philippines alike, when a cashier politely asked for his ID after presenting his unsigned credit card . This is a standard operating procedure applicable to all stores to verify ownership of the credit card and prevent fraud.

Suddenly, the designer reportedly got furious and, at the top of his voice, started berating the cashiers and managers of Duty Free Philippines. He might have thought a celebrated person like he is, with all his accolades and fame, has gone unrecognized by the cashier. A new well-trained casual worker who is carefully doing his job. The designer further shocked bystanders by cursing the people there with words such as leche and p...ina, while angrily expressing surprise why the people there did not recognize him.

Store managers and officers were sought to appease the matter, explaining to him that it is all included as a standard operating procedure in credit card payment for the safety, not only for the company but also his own. Ignoring all this, he pulled out his phone and threatened to call on high positioned government officials whom he allegedly knew, like doing a power-play to make these people realize how important he is. He went on saying "Mga leche kayo! Hindi niyo ako kilala? Ako si Boyet Fajardo! At itong p...ina na babaeng ito (pointing to a lady officer) at ang baklang ito (pointing to the cashier) ay walang kwentang mga tao! I want them fired!!!"

His yelling and berating went on and on. He cannot calm down and as he appeared to have bloodshot eyes, like that of a drunk person and or under an influence. He threw his passport on the cashier's face and later intentionally stepped on the cashier's foot to say "Ay sorry, di ko sinasadya!" He goes on to say, that only if the cashier kneel down before him and/or allow him to freely slap the cashier's face, may he get satisfied.

The ill-fated cashier, with all the onlookers watching, stand down and just simply gave in to probably he thought would end the matter. Crying in shame he slowly knelt down and apologize (for actually doing his job) before this self proclaimed GOD, perhaps for fear of loosing his job. No slapping was made to the cashier's face but the incident landed a harsher and reverberating sound to the faces of the lesser people of this society.

Fortunately, his inhumane acts were caught on CCTV in which a portion was featured in YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojv_kbsEQHQ&feature=channel_page

With such disrespect, discrimination and humiliation towards a good worker, a less fortunate person and a fellow Filipino...

1. We are calling all citizens to stop patronizing Boyet Fajardo's RTW labels such as Substance in SM department stores, Boyet Fajardo and Initials in Landmark and Robinson's department stores.
2. We are calling on all malls to pull out or stop distributing his products in your outlets.
4. We are calling on the Commission on Human Rights, Department of Labor and Employment and all human rights and labor activists to take appropriate legal actions on this matter.
5. We are calling all foreign embassies to deny him of entry to your respective countries.
6. We are calling on the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines to dishonor him of his membership and profession.

...To give him a lesson and to help us stop him from victimizing the underprivileged over and over and over again.

Contact Information:
Boyet Fajardo
Tel: +632 6327120 / +632 6366871
Email: info@boyetfajardo.com
Website: www.boyetfajardo.com

We look forward to your support.

Thank you.

Concerned Filipino Citizen






Read more...

MYX Daily Top 10 (March 23, 2009)

Taylor Swift is still on the number one spot in the MYX Daily Top Ten with her song “Love Story”. Two OPM artists are on the second and third places with Hale’s “Sandali Na Lang” and Callalily’s “Hintay”.

Another OPM artist, Kyla dropped to number 8 with her song “Old Friend” while Beyonce’s song “Halo debuts at number 10.

Top Ten

01.Taylor Swift - Love Story
02.Hale - Sandali Na Lang
03.Callalily - Hintay
04.Paramore - I Caught Myself
05.Jonas Brothers - Tonight
06.My Chemical Romance - Desolation Row
07.Katy Perry - Thinking Of You
08.Kyla - Old Friend
09.Sarah Geronimo - You Changed My Life
10.Beyonce - Halo

Read more...

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Pictures taken from Potipot Island.


As promised, here are a couple of photos that i took when we went to Potipot Island in Zambales last February. Since we need to ride a boat to reach the island from the resort, I had qualms of taking a camera-phone with me. Nevertheless, I risked taking the camera with me just to be able to take pictures that I can share with you.



The water is clear and beautiful as it beckons for visitors to take a plunge.



There were lush trees near the beach which serve as shades from the summer heat.







The black mound in the above photo is not a trash; it is actually a starfish that we got out from the water. They come in different sizes and they abound in the island.



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Friday, March 20, 2009

A summer paradise in Zambales.


Summer has officially started and what better way to enjoy summer than spending it outdoors. It is the time of the year when you’re supposed to turn off your air condition and start thinking about getting the most out of the sunny weather.

But you don’t need to be in Baguio or Boracay to relish the beauty of a summer paradise. There are summer haven just a couple of hours drive from Metro Manila that offers a lot of island and highland attractions but without much commercialism and hundreds of tourists swarming.


Just before the end of February, our team went to a hidden paradise in Zambales. The resort is called La Trinidad Bay and it is a good 5 hours drive from Quezon City.



From the resort, we took on an island hopping session in Potipot island where we feast our eyes on the pristine beauty of the Island. Its white sand beach is easily accessible from the shores of the resort we were staying. It took us about 5 to 10 minutes boat ride before we reached the island that boasts of not only white sands that surrounds the whole island, but also its calm clear waters and lush trees that gave shades along the beach.


This is certainly one place that I am planning to revisit in the coming years.
More photos of Potipot Island in my next posts.

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MYX Daily Top 10 (March 20, 2009)

Before we end this week, let’s take a look at what’s happening on the MYX Daily Top Ten. Taylor Swift is still on the number one spot with her song “Love Story”, followed by another international artist Paramore with “I Caught Myself.”

Kyla with “Old Friend” is still on the top 3, followed by two other OPM artists. Secondhand Serenade debuts at number 8 with the song “Your Call.”

Top Ten

01.Taylor Swift - Love Story
02.Paramore - I Caught Myself
03.Kyla - Old Friend
04.Hale - Sandali Na Lang
05.Callalily - Hintay
06.Lady Gaga - Poker Face
07.Jonas Brothers - Tonight
08.Secondhand Serenade - Your Call
09.Sarah Geronimo - You Changed My Life
10.My Chemical Romance - Desolation Row



Read more...

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Alexis Grace, eliminated from American Idol season 8.


It is a sad goodbye for Alexis Grace after she was sent packing from American Idol’s eight season yesterday. After 31 million casts their votes this week, the 21-year old singer from Memphis got the fewest votes among the 11 finalists.

Earlier in the performance night, she reprised “Jolene” by Dolly Parton for the Grand Ole Party theme and the judges took issue with her song choice. Kara DioGuardi commented that Grace had lost some of her “edge.”

She sang the same song yesterday in the hope that the judges will use their one-time power to save a contestant from the elimination but they unanimously declined to use their veto power.
"It was good," said judge Simon Cowell after Grace’s performance. "But it wasn't good enough."

The elimination was important because only the show's top 10 finalists will join the summer tour which will provide vital exposure for all the finalists.

After last week’s return of Kelly Clarkson who performed in the American Idol stage where she started, yesterday’s elimination night marked the return of Carrie Underwood, the season 4 winner, who performed a duet of "I Told You So" with singer Randy Travis.

The battle is now down to 10 finalists which include Adam Lambert, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Scott MacIntyre, Michael Sarver and Allison Iraheta.


Read more...

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

American Idol season 8 Top 11 features Grand Ole Opry theme.


After singing Michael Jackson songs last week, the American Idol season 8 finalists took the Grand Ole Opry theme during this week’s performance night.

Among those who gave impressive performances that also wowed the judges is Matt Giraud who gave a different flavor to the Carrie Underwood song “So Small”, Anoop Desai who came back from a lackluster performance last week with his take of the song "Always on My Mind", Kris Allen also gave a good rendition of “To Make You Feel My Love” and Megan Joy Corkrey who sang "Walking After Midnight" by Patsy Cline who is not even feeling well.

Simon Cowell, one of the judges, said that Giraud, the 23-year-old piano player from Kalamazoo, Mich., even outsang Idol favorite Danny Gokey with his heartfelt take on a Carrie Underwood song.

"I don't think you've had enough credit, actually, for your vocals in this competition so far because everyone's been talking about Danny and Adam (Lambert)," Cowell told Giraud who even compared the singer to Michael Buble.

One of the 11 contestants will go home on tomorrow’s elimination night unless the judges unanimously decide to use their power to save a contestant based on the new rule.



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A powerful web search.

The internet offers a wealth of information at your fingertips. You just have to learn how to search and you will get the information that you needed. Using web search tools are really vital to get what you are looking for.

There are many search tools out there that offer different features and utilities. One of the web search that I like is AAfter.com. It is a web search that has high privacy and works faster compared to other popular web search. When you search for a particular topic, it also provides links to other sites like wiki, yahoo, YouTube and other sites.

Another powerful utility that it offers is the IP research tool. It also offers IP Geo Location Search that will also give you the complete ISP information. Use this web search now and see the difference.


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Monday, March 16, 2009

Music Monday - "Love Story" by Taylor Swift


For this week’s Music Monday, I am featuring the number one song in today’s MYX Daily Top Ten, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”. I watched the song’s music video and it is based on the classic Romeo and Juliet. According to Wikipedia, the song has reached number 2 on iTunes Store Top Downloaded Songs and number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Fifteen weeks after being added to pop radio; it also became the first country crossover recording to hit number one on the Nielsen BDS CHR/Top 40 chart in the 16-year-history of list, as well as number one on the Mediabase Top 40 Chart.

The song is the lead single on Taylor Swift’s album “Fearless”.


Taylor Swift : Love Story Lyrics

We were both young when I first saw you.
I close my eyes and the flashback starts:
I'm standing there on a balcony in summer air.

See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns.
See you make your way through the crowd
and say hello;

Little did I know
That you were Romeo; you were throwing pebbles,
And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet."
And I was crying on the staircase,
begging you, 'Please, don't go.'"

And I said,
"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'"

So I sneak out to the garden to see you.
We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew.
So close your eyes; escape this town for a little while.
'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter,
And my daddy said "Stay away from Juliet,"
But you were everything to me; I was begging you, 'Please, don't go,'"

And I said,
"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all there's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'

Romeo save me - they're tryin' to tell me how to feel;
This love is difficult, but it's real.
Don't be afraid; we'll make it out of this mess.
It's a love story - baby just say "Yes.'"

Oh.

I got tired of waiting,
Wondering if you were ever comin' around.
My faith in you was fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town,

And I said,
"Romeo save me - I've been feeling so alone.
I keep waiting for you but you never come.
Is this in thy head? I don't know what to think-"

He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said,
"Marry me, Juliet - you'll never have to be alone.
I love you and that's all I really know.
I talked to your dad - go pick out a white dress;
It's a love story - baby just say 'Yes.'"

Oh, oh.

We were both young when I first saw you...



Click on this link to watch the music video.


Read more...

MYX Daily Top 10 (March 16, 2009)

The MYX Daily Top 10 today is dominated by seven foreign artists including the number one song “Love Story” by Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson’s song “My Life Would Suck Without You” which debuts at number #10. I saw Kelly Clarkson performed this song in last week’s American Idol and the song has a potential hit.

Kyla, who is on the second spot with “Old Friend”, Sarah Geronimo and Callalily are the only OPM artists in the countdown today.

Top Ten

01.Taylor Swift - Love Story
02.Callalily - Hintay
03.Kyla - Old Friend
04.Paramore - I Caught Myself
05.Jonas Brothers - Tonight
06.Sarah Geronimo - You Changed My Life
07.My Chemical Romance - Desolation Row
08.Katy Perry - Thinking Of You
09.David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
10.Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You



Read more...

Saturday, March 14, 2009

CommentLuv is now installed on this blog!


I have been blogging for almost a year now and although I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, everyday is still a learning experience. I thought then that it’s enough for you to write posts and leave it at that not minding if somebody will actually read my thoughts.

Well, that has changed after months of blogging. I became conscious of my blog’s traffic and its Pagerank. I even bought a custom domain for this blog in the hope that it will ultimately make a big difference in terms of traffic and opportunities.

It’s been a while when I noticed that I’m not getting enough comments in my blog posts, it was only a few days ago when on impulse I decided to do something about it. A blog is supposed to be interactive; it is a form of conversation. And what better way is there to promote conversations than with the readers’ feedbacks and comments?

I then realized that my blog’s comment system is not making it easier for readers to leave a comment. Even fellow bloggers are not getting any value if they will make their presence felt in any of my posts.

It’s a good thing that I stumbled upon a tool that will make commenting easier and it will even reward fellow bloggers. CommentLuv is the name of the tool and it was initially available in Wordpress blogs but now can also work with Blogger blogs. It enables you to reward your fellow blogger readers by leaving a link to their last post whenever they leave a comment thus encouraging more comments on more posts.
It took me a good fifteen minutes to make it work on this blog but it’s all worth it. If you want to use this tool, you can visit the CommentLuv web page and simply follow the step by step procedure.

There’s even a live tutorial on how to install CommentLuv on blogger. Click on this link to watch the video.

But with this CommentLuv installed and working properly, my problem is the link text color of the recent blog post is unnoticeable in the white background unless you put the mouse pointer over the link.

For fellow CommentLuv users, is there a work around to change the text color? I will appreciate your help on this.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez were eliminated from American Idol 8


After America voted, a guy and a girl became the first two finalists eliminated from American Idol season 8. The 16-year-old high school student from Starkville, Miss., Jasmine Murray and the 20-year-old college student from Puerto Rico, Jorge Nunez bid goodbye to the popular singing competition.

Murray, who sang "I'll Be There" was one of the wild card pick showed her vocal ability but failed to impress with her personality. Nunez who sang "Never Can Say Goodbye" on the other hand, gave a lackluster performance and song selection. The two received the lowest number of votes.


The judges were given the power to save one contestant from being eliminated until the top five finalists are selected but they opted not to use to save any of the two finalists. In case the judges unanimously agree, no singers will be eliminated that week, but two contestants will be eliminated the next week.

"The whole point of this competition is America votes for who they want to save… if someone happens to be at the bottom, and we think they deserve another chance, we're going to give them another chance," Simon Cowell said.

Ryan Seacrest cited as an example the early eliminations of past contestants like Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, as the motivation for the new power. Hudson was booted sixth during season 3 but later won an Oscar for her role in "Dream Girls." Daughtry, on the other hand placed fourth in season 5 but his band had the top-selling album for 2007.

The 11 finalists remaining in the competition are Adam Lambert, Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Corkrey, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre.



Read more...

MYX Daily Top 10 (March 12, 2009)

From yesterday’s number 4, Kyla’s “Old Friend” snatched the top spot from Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” who spent about a week at number 1. “Tonight” by Jonas Brothers settled at number 3.

Another OPM song, “Hintay” by Callalily moved up from number 7 to number 4. It is one of three OPM songs in the countdown.

Top Ten

01.Kyla - Old Friend
02.Taylor Swift - Love Story
03.Jonas Brothers - Tonight
04.Callalily - Hintay
05.Paramore - I Caught Myself
06.My Chemical Romance - Desolation Row
07.David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
08.Sarah Geronimo - You Changed My Life
09.Lady Gaga - Poker Face
10.Katy Perry - Thinking Of You



Read more...

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

AI Season 8 - Top 13 Performances


The American Idol season 8 battle of the Top 13 finalists started tonight and it was a good start. The 13 finalists sang Michael Jackson songs.

It was Lil Rounds who gave an explosive start, she gave what I think was one of the best performances of the night with her version of “The Way You Make Me Feel”. She has great stage presence.

I also enjoyed Danny Gokey’s rendition of “Pretty Young Thing”. This guy can give Lil Rounds a run for her money.

Two finalists will be going home tomorrow night. Who do you think will be getting the boot?

Here is the list of performances:

Lil Rounds - “The Way You Make Me Feel”
Scott MacIntyre - “Keep the Faith”
Danny Gokey - “Pretty Young Thing”
Michael Sarver - “You Are Not Alone”
Jasmine Murray - “I’ll Be There”
Kris Allen - “Remember the Time”
Allison Iraheta - “Give in to Me”
Anoop Desai - “Beat It”
Jorge Nunez - “Never Can Say Goodbye”
Megan Joy Corkrey - “Rockin’ Robin”
Adam Lambert - “Black and White”
Matt Giraud - “Human Nature”
Alexis Grace - “Dirty Diana”


Read more...

Monday, March 9, 2009

Music Monday - Kaleidoscope World by Francis M

For this week’s Music Monday, I thought of featuring a song from the master rapper himself, Francis Magalona, as a tribute to his musical genius.

Francis M was considered to be a legend in the Philippine music industry. With the success of his earliest albums, he was the first Filipino rapper in the Philippines to cross over to the mainstream thus earning him his title as the "King of Pinoy Rap”. He also pioneered the merging of rap with Pinoy rock, which influenced other artists in the same genre.

A few days after Magalona’s death, Malacanang announced that Francis M will be posthumously awarded the National Medal of Merit, for his contributions in promoting patriotism through music.


Kaleidoscope World - Francis Magalona

Kaleidoscope World Lyrics

So many faces, so many races
Different voices, different choices
Some are mad, while others laugh
Some live alone with no better half
Others grieve while others curse
And others mourn behind a big black hearse
Some are pure and some half-bred
Some are sober and some are wasted
Some are rich because of fate and
Some are poor with no food on their plate
Some stand out while others blend
Some are fat and stout while some are thin
Some are friends and some are foes
Some have some while some have most

Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world

Some are great and some are few
Others lie while some tell the truth
Some say poems and some do sing
Others sing through their guitar strings
Some know it all while some act dumb
Let the bassline strum to the bang of the drum
Some can swim while some will sink
And some will find their minds and think
Others walk while others run
You can't talk peace and have a gun
Some are hurt and start to cry
Don't ask me how don't ask me why
Some are friends and some are foes
Some have some while some have most

Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world

Click here to watch the music video.

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MYX Daily Top 10 (March 9, 2009)

Taylor Swift is holding on to the number one spot with her song “Love Story” while Kyla’s “Old Friend” claimed the second spot from Jonas Brothers’ “Tonight” who dropped to number 5.

Meanwhile, “Sponge Cola” returns to the countdown at number 8 with “Di Na Mababawi” while Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” dropped out of the countdown.


Top Ten

01.Taylor Swift - Love Story
02.Kyla - Old Friend
03.Callalily - Hintay
04.Paramore - I Caught Myself
05.Jonas Brothers - Tonight
06.Sarah Geronimo - You Changed My Life
07.David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
08.SpongeCola - Di Na Mababawi
09.My Chemical Romance - Desolation Row
10.Katy Perry - Thinking Of You

Read more...

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter.


I am not a big fan of social networking sites. Although I have a Friendster account, I rarely use it and I would only log in if there’s a message or a comment from my friends. However, I have read articles and testimonials from fellow bloggers who utilizes social networking sites to generate traffic for their websites.


So, on impulse, I decided to give it a try. I sign up for a Facebook account two days ago and even though I still cannot see how this can benefit me in the future, I’m optimistic that given enough time, I can reap the advantages of this social networking site. As if it’s not enough, I also joined Twitter. You may have noticed the “follow me on Twitter” button on my sidebar.

If you want to follow me on Twitter, feel free to click on this link or the button on the sidebar. You can also add me as your friend on Facebook, I only have two friends at the moment. lol…


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Friday, March 6, 2009

Francis M dies at 44.


I was at the office minding my own business when I overheard the news that Francis Magalona has passed away. The 44-year-old Pinoy rap icon reportedly died today, Friday at 12:20 pm at the Medical City hospital in Pasig City.

Based on TV reports, it was actor Vic Sotto who announced Magalona’s demise in the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga where Magalona used to be one of the hosts.


Francis M was diagnosed with leukemia in August 2008. He battled this disease for almost eight months before finally passing away. It was told that the immediate cause of his death was heart failure.

The actor-rapper was the son of celebrity couple Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. He was launched as a teen star in the 1980s, but his career boomed with his hit rap song "Mga Kababayan," in 1990.

His other hit songs include "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Meron Akong Ano," "Mga Praning," and "Kaleidoscope World."

Francis M is survived by his wife Pia Arroyo their eight children--Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actress Maxene Magalona.

The guy's determination and faith is certainly admirable. Here's a cut from his last blog entry dated January 14, 2009 on his multiply page “a Free Mind” (francismagalona.multiply.com).

“I look forward to the pain as I know my journey is on full speed ahead. I will not be bold to say that without asking a favor from you all. PLEASE PRAY for me as I undergo treatment. Your prayers, as always, have sustained me. And am sure the Lord will listen to all our prayers. To His will I submit myself.”—Francis Magalona

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MYX Daily Top 10 (March 6, 2009)

Foreign artists dominate today’s MYX Daily Top 10 with two of them at the top 2 spots. Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” is the most popular song in the countdown for three straight days. Jonas Brother’s “Tonight” is on the second spot after spending a day at the number one last Tuesday.

Kyla is the top OPM artist in the countdown with her song “Old Friend” while Sponge Cola’s “Di Na Mababawi” did not make it to the top 10 this time.


Top Ten

01.Taylor Swift - Love Story
02.Jonas Brothers - Tonight
03.Kyla - Old Friend
04.Callalily - Hintay
05.David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
06.Sarah Geronimo - You Changed My Life
07.Katy Perry - Thinking Of You
08.Paramore - I Caught Myself
09.Lady Gaga - Poker Face
10.My Chemical Romance - Desolation Row

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Idol Season 8 Revealed Top 13 finalists.



Yes, the complete list of finalists that were picked to move on to the next round of American Idol season 2 was finally revealed. But unlike the past seasons where they picked the top 12, the judges announced 13 finalists. And it was the 22-year-old college student from Chapel Hill, NC, Anoop Desai who got the lucky 13th spot after the announcement of the three remaining finalists at the end of the wild card round.

"We decided — recently — we're going to make this a top 13," judge Simon Cowell revealed.


The three other finalists who secured their spots after the wild card round were Jasmine Murray, the 16-year-old high school student from Starkville, Miss.; Megan Corkrey, the 22-year-old single mother from Sandy, Utah; and Matt Giraud, the soulful 23-year-old piano player from Kalamazoo, Mich.

Desai, Murray, Corkrey and Giraud will join previously selected finalists Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre, Jorge Nunez, Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver. The Top 13 will start competing next Tuesday with one finalist sent packing every Wednesday.

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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Idol season 8 finalists vie for three more spots in the Top 12.


Three more spots are up for grabs in the Top 12 of American Idol Season 8 and 12 finalists are battling it out. Who among Von Smith, Taylor Vaifanua, Alex Wagner-Truman, Arianna Afsar, Ju'Not Joyner, Kristen McNamara, Nate Marshall, Felicia Barton, Scott MacIntyre, Kendall Beard, Jorge Nunez and Lil Rounds will make it to the Top 12?

Well, America will again decide.

I watched their performances on the last episode and I can tell you that it is quite harder to predict the outcome of tonight’s show compared to the last 2 weeks. I would be surprised, though, if Lil Rounds who gave a brilliant rendition of Mary J. Blige’s “Be without You.” I also hope that Ju’Not Joyner who gave justice to Plain White T’s song “Hey there, Delilah” will make it to the top 3. Scott MacIntyre also gave a heartfelt performance of the song “Mandolin Rain” that may just give him a ticket to the top 12.

However, Jorge Nunez who sang “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” by Elton John and Felicia Barton performed “No One” by Alicia Keys also received positive feedbacks from the judges and if they make it to the top 3, I will not be surprised.

If you missed the performance night, feel free to click on these videos:

Lil Rounds - “Be without You" by Mary J. Blige

Ju’Not Joyner - “Hey there, Delilah” by Plain White T

Scott MacIntyre - “Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range

Jorge Nunez - “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” by Elton John

Felicia Barton - “No One” by Alicia Keys


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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

MYX Daily Top 10 (March 3, 2009)

After spending a couple of days at the number 1 spot, Sarah Geronimo’s “You Changed My Life” surprisingly dropped to number 5. “Tonight” by Jonas Brothers took the top spot while Kyla’s “Old Friend” came in second.

Top Ten

01.Jonas Brothers – Tonight
02.Kyla - Old Friend
03.Callalily - Hintay
04.Taylor Swift - Love Story
05.Sarah Geronimo - You Changed My Life
06.David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
07.SpongeCola - Di Na Mababawi
08.Katy Perry - Thinking Of You
09.Britney Spears - Circus
10.Lady Gaga - Poker Face



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Monday, March 2, 2009

Music Monday - Five For Fighting - 100 Years

For today’s Music Monday, I will be featuring “100 years” by Five For Fighting. Not really a new song as it was released last 2004, but when I heard it again playing in the radio, I instantly fell in love with the song.

The song was part of the “The Battle for Everything” album of Five for Fighting which was released in 2004 and enjoyed chart success in the US. The album debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 in February 2004.


For those who don’t know yet, Five for Fighting is the stage name of American singer-songwriter John Ondrasik. His 2000 album America Town went platinum in the U.S. mainly because of the success of the song "Superman (It's Not Easy)", which became a song of healing for America following the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Click on the play button to hear the song:


100 Years - Five For Fighting

100 Years Lyrics

I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
I'm 22 for a moment
She feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
I'm 33 for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way
A family on my mind
I'm 45 for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself
Within a morning star
15 I'm all right with you
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
Half time goes by
Suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...
I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
15 there's still time for you
22 I feel her too
33 you’re on your way
Every day's a new day...
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

Watch the music video here.

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.






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Sunday, March 1, 2009

Members of "Journey" in RP for a concert.


Members of the rock band “Journey” who is set to held their concert in the Philippines on March 14, arrived on Sunday morning. It was the American rock band’s Filipino front man, Arnel Pineda who welcomed them at the airport.
However, the band is not here early for the concert. They are scheduled to practice in the country before flying to Japan where their Asian tour will kick off.

Neal Schon, Journey’s lead guitarist who discovered Pineda on YouTube, said he is very excited about their forthcoming concert.

Based on the band’s official Web site, they are set to perform in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka in Japan before returning to Manila for their scheduled concert. From Manila, Journey will proceed to China.

Journey will be performing for the first time in the Philippines and China.

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MYX Daily Top 10 (February 27, 2009)

I just arrived from our teambuilding in Zambales and although we had a great time I felt so tired and wasted. I only had about three hours of sleep and my bed has been beckoning me to go to sleep since I arrived. Anyway, here’s just a quick update on what’s happening on the MYX Daily top 10 last Friday.

Sarah Geronimo is still on the top spot with the theme song of her blockbuster movie with the same title. David Archuleta is still on the second spot. However, the biggest dropper is Sponge Cola’s “Di Na Mababawi” which is now on number 10.

Top Ten

01.Sarah Geronimo - You Changed My Life
02.David Archuleta - A Little Too Not Over You
03.Callalily - Hintay
04.Jonas Brothers - Tonight
05.Taylor Swift - Love Story
06.Britney Spears - Circus
07.Kyla - Heart To Heart
08.Katy Perry - Thinking Of You
09.My Chemical Romance - Desolation Row
10.SpongeCola - Di Na Mababawi



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