TV5

Come August 8, ABC 5 will take its last airing and will bid a sign off. Now come August 9, a fresh new start will be taken by the company. TV5 will be the new brand of ABC 5. Still the Conjuancos will lead the network. This new station will bring a breather between the cliché -like programming of the two big rival networks ABS-CBN and GMA.

Included in their new set of programs are shows like “Chicklit” or Chic Literature produced in cooperation with Unitel productions. “Talentadong Pinoy” is a reality show program that is bound to give a break to the prevalence of foreign show franchising. Laurice Guillen, an acclaimed actress and director will host a program called “Hush Hush”. The whole station will only show 30 minutes of News bringing in more time and focus for entertainment.

After ETC went free TV; this shall mark another great vibe for the Filipino TV viewers. I can remember those times when Holy week comes in and you are left with no TV programs. I guess this scenario will never be felt again.

All heads up to the new TV5!

This is my 200th post. Whoa! Thanks guys for your continued readership. Please keep coming back!

S O N A 2 0 0 8

This post is a little late but let me push with this. Let us try to take a breather and pace ourselves into looking at some logical angles of this local “talk-about”. Yes indeed, State of the Nation address had all heads spinning. All are aiming to throw in their sentiments. Let me throw mine through this:

S O N A : “Sobra at Over Naman Ata…”

Sobra at Over Naman Ata… for me to still write about this knowing that every blog contain this topic already.

Sobra at Over Naman Ata… for people to automatically turn everything GMA says into satirical repose of a bad guy.

Sobra at Over Naman Ata… for the government to bluntly say that they will not take the EVAT off.

Sobra at Over Naman Ata… for people not to realize the other sides of having tax collections. Tax actually is used to subsidize some public expenses. But, then again we can’t help but be dubious.

Sobra at Over Naman Ata… for the media to take hype about attendees of SONA wearing those expensive designers clothing.

Sobra at Over Naman Ata… for people to take evident sides. Biased opinions are all over us. Appointed officials automatically supports the president, while those with less power will resort to simply shouting their so-called “advocacies”

Sobra at Over Naman Ata… for the government to give light to issues which give lesser burden to people. Less text price? What about the gasoline price and rice?

Sobra at Over Naman Ata… for people to voice out their sentiments without getting the meat of the matter.
And

Sobra at Over Naman Ata… for one government official to wear “bahag” inside the hall. Isn’t it cold there?

What about you? What’s your two cents on this?

LIFEHOUSE Live In Manila!

“ hay, Ang gwapo! Ang gwapo!” ( sigh… So handsome! So handsome!)

Yes, these are words of my sister as Jason Wade and the rest of Lifehouse band went up on the Araneta stage and started playing their elusive hit “Spin” for their opening song. Everyone was mesmerized. I was still trying to defy the surreal feeling of actually seeing them perform in live vocals and strums of their guitars.

With his simple ensemble, Jason Wade looked so fierce in white shirt, brown bell bottoms and matching brown suede shoes. The band has this natural charisma. The rapport with the audience is just so natural. Jason Wade pointing his fingers to every side of the stage makes you feel appreciated. The warm welcome of the audience is so evident. It also came so visual that the band dished out the best performance they can possibly give that night.

The audience is singing with them all throughout. The crowd got so ecstatic in songs like “Whatever it takes”, “You and Me”, and of course “Hanging by a moment”. Jason said that it has been three years since they last performed “Blind”. They heard that Filipinos loved the song, so they included it in the entourage. So how’s that? It was their first time in the Philippines and I’m sure the Filipino audience made quite a mark.

It was a bummer that they did not perform my favorite Lifehouse song “Everything”. But logic came to me that the melody is not apt to the genre of their whole set. Thinking about it, the night was really worth keeping up for. It was a fast show because no front act was included. Swift but sweet; the band finished off with their newest song from the album “Who we are”. Broken is currently ruling the local radio waves.

Admirable Act: Jason Wade taking photos of the audience while still performing on stage. According to him, he will upload it in his Myspace account.

Spotted: Anne Curtis and Sam Milby, Vicky Belo and Heiden Ko, Wendy and Bruce, Chico and Delamar.

Experience Trolley

I remember this one time back in college. We were tasked to perform a play for our Humanities class. One thing that’s lame about it is that we were given one week to prepare for it. So, we resorted to staying in this house of July, one of our group mates. Her house is somewhat situated in the side train railings. This means feeling the grounds shaking every time the train passes by while were still snoozing away.

PUP is just near the train railings. This prompted us to take the famous “trolley” on our way to school. Trolley is a kind of ride that primarily runs through the train railings. The small vehicle is run by pure human strength so it is very friendly in this time of gasoline issues.

We stayed at July’s place for quite a while up until we finished our presentation. It was quite a thrill living with my group mates for a while. It was more fun to ride the trolley though. There are some “life threatening” zones in the so called “stations” of the trolley like the bridge in Pandacan area. There are some instances when trolley rides should be stopped because a train is fast approaching. Whoa! Talk about some life on the cutting edge.

After our satisfactory presentation for the subject; it’s time to pack our bags and bid goodbye to July’s super nice family. It’s also time to bid goodbye to the daily trolley rides. Recalling our presentation, I would like to apologize again to our technical director that time for my strong shout when the dubbing went flat. Sorry Airene! It’s not easy joggling the roles of a director and lead actor at the same time, so I hope you understand.
Its been a while since I last ride the trolley. Tara samahan mo ko , sakay tayo!

Director's Playtime

Being on the advertising industry for one year now elevated my standards in gauging the substance of every marketing element I see around me- especially TV commercials. Now, never had I presented my favorite commercials here in this blog. So, from now on I will start sharing commercials that will pass my somewhat reliable standards.

For starters, here is a two-minute TVC done by Black Pencil Manila for Cinemalaya 2007. This TV material won the Best TV Commercial in Araw Awards last year.
Enjoy this on guys and I will try to publish more in the future!

The World looks better when You See it Clear

The statement above says it all. We know for a fact that vision is a very important part of our existence. There are many great scene and events which can happen around us. We need sharp vision to enjoy these visual blessings. Some people can find it very hard to even see the smile of their children. As ageing sets in, vision can be affected first. Some environmental factors can also cause vision impairments. Unnecessary light ray is just one of these environmental factors. Good thing that I discovered this new baby that can help correct vision problems- pinhole glasses.

The science behind the function of pinhole glasses lies in the lens. It filters inappropriate kinds of lights that can possibly enter the eyes which can lead to distortion of images and of course, eye damage. These eye damages are the very reason why people suffer from poor vision and sometimes, serious eye problems.As the common saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. If you are someone who’s currently using a pair of prescription glasses, pinhole glasses is actually a great replacement.Some prescription glasses are known to cause greater complication to the current eye problem. So, its always better to use the kind that does the refractive repair and protection at the same time. It comes in a great frame and lens which will surely add up more appeal to whoever will wear it. These pinhole eyeglasses are made scientifically yet very natural. Being natural makes it safer to use.

Now, the high profile remarks and the efficacy of pinhole glasses would never compromise the capacity to buy of the consumers. The product is priced in way that people who need it with conservative budget will not have a hard time. There are actually no significant risks involve in having this product at hand, for the efficacy is highly promising. It’s about time to have a sharp vision and sharper life!

A K A L A - Parokya ni Edgar

The ever perennial Pinoy band Parokya ni Edgar is out to give OPM music aficionados with another sensible song with really great melody. It’s really good and it had me amazed the first time I heard it. Another Music news now, Eraserheads might stage a reunion concert. Is this reconciliation between Ely Buendia and Raymond Marasigan? Well, I’ll definitely keep my high hopes for this.
Now, back on the PNE song. Read between the lyrics and see just how intricate this song is. Fluid rendition yet very substantial. Here it is guys, Parokya ni Edgar’s Akala!

(Chito)Akala ko ice cream, yun pala beer,

Akala reverse yun pala second gear,

Akala ko kasya yun pala hindi,

Akala ko tama yun pala mali...

(Vinci)Akala ko hiphop yun pala metal

Akala ko batis yun pala kanal

Akala ko toothpaste yun pala glue

Akala ko birdie yun pala blue

(Gab)Akala ko tsinelas yun pala sapatos,

Akala ko umabot yun pala kapos,

Akala ko bukas yun pala kahapon

Akala ko mamaya yun pala ngayon...

(Chito)Akala ko alam ko na ang lahat

Ng dapat kong malaman ngunit

Mali na naman, pero ok lang yan...

Wag kang matakot na baka magkamali

Walang mapapala kung di ka magbakasakali

Dahil lumilipas ang oras, baka ka maiwanan

Kung hindi mo susubukan...

(Din2)Akala ko chicken yun pala asado

Akala ko bukas pero yun pala sarado

Akala ko mansanas pero yun pala banana

Akala ko meron pa, pero yun pala wala na

(Darius)Akala ko foreign yun pala pinoy

Akala ko blackjack yun pala pusoy

Akala ko talo yun pala panaloAkala ko si chito, yun pala ako

(Chito)Akala ko dati walang mangyayari

Akala din nila ngayon wala silang masabi

Akala ng lahat mapapagod din ako

Mabuti nalang matigas ang aking ulo

Akala ko walang mapupuntahan kahit na paghirapan ngunit,

Mali nanaman, kung hindi mo sinubukan sana'y hindi ko na nalaman

Eh di nasayang lang

Wag kang matakot na baka magkamali

Walang mapapala kung di ka magbakasakali

Dahil lumilipas ang oras

Baka ka maiwanan kung hindi mo susubukan

Wag kang matakot na baka magkamali

Walang mapapala kung di ka magbakasakali

Dahil lumilipas ang oras

Baka ka maiwanan kung hindi mo susubukan

got Cracked again.

Who told you that riding FX with busted windows while storm Helen is gracing the whole country with her bitchiness is a good idea? Who told you to wear those filthy sneakers knowing that you will chase wet and really, soaking wet pavements? And who told that there wouldn’t be any fiesta of umbrellas?
Man, this day indeed started bad. Thanks so much to you Helen. I always loved the rainy season but I never liked getting wet. Oh well, I can’t go ranting against the force of nature. That’s just not right, right?

So, here I am shamefully late for work and wet like as if I used myself to dry up the salivating mouth of a pervert. People of authority are actually saying that there will still be tons of storms to hit our land and some are even predicting that some earthquake will brush the Philippines away from the map. Gosh Lordly. Hang on for the former and pray that these douche bags are wrong for the latter.

On weathers like this one, I can’t help but really get cold and this eventually leads to massive repetitions of “wee wee” moments; especially now that I actually formed this habit of drinking 20 glasses of water in a daily basis. Also, I have this habit of peeing first in Jollibee before I ride the train on my way to the office and pee in Gateway before I ride my bus on my way home. It feels strange that I normally do this. Sometimes, it gets me thinking if I’m doing any justice for these establishments as I consider them as my huge comfort rooms.

I know, my thought is a little lame. Blame it to the weather. But tell me what your opinion on this is? Oh well, got some presentation tomorrow, better get working now.

Photo credits: coolhunting.com

Most Opinionated

After almost nine months of being in the Blogosphere, I would have to say that I learned a lot. Of course, there are people who came along teaching me and guiding me through every important detail that I need to know as a blogger. Coming with this duration, I would have to “believe” that I have already built some significant numbers of readers. (Yes, I have to believe some people actually read my blog.)
Blogging community in the Philippines alone is populated by more than 3 million online blogs which prompts every new blogger to find a distinct niche in building one. I have to say that there are a lot of blogs out there which never fails to amaze me, that’s why I keep on coming back. That is actually the key substance of having a great blog- having the readers coming back because you’re dishing out interesting stuff that can stimulate opinion and trigger thoughts.

I know I am way far from being a star blogger. It comes with the time and of course, reader base. As a simple blogger, its enough for me to get 50-60 hits a day. It’s a halleluiah moment to get 70 hits. (which is the maximum number I got so far.) My most favorite thing about this blog is when people leave their comments and opinion on what I wrote. It feels good when people share the same thought as mine. The same way that it feels challenging when they are challenged to give out their opinion and defy my opinion.

Now, to honor my most opinionated readers, I have installed this new widget in my blog tagged as “Most Opinionated”. For the past 9 months of blogging, I would like to thank the people who never fail to give me some lift. More kudos to you guys who go here on a regular basis to waste your time and realize at the end that you need to give out some blabbers from what I just posted.(Thinking about it, its not a wasted time at all.)

My Top 10 Most Opinionated Readers (as of the posting date.)

1. Bench – 25
2. The Dong – 16
3. Danieljr. – 16
4. Abou – 13
5. Kris Jasper – 11
6. Earvin – 11
7. Consistent anonymous – 10
8. Dazedblu – 10
9. Acey – 9
10. Eli – 8

I am humbled to know that somehow I have these people appreciating what I write. It inspires me to go on and search for innovative means to explore and bring some not so ordinary stuff in this blog. Here’s Denis saying “Maraming Salamat po at sana’y tuloy-tuloy kayong bumalik dito sa munti kong blog.”

And Oh, thanks Bianca Gonzales and Marilyn Monroe for the greetings! (hahaha, dream on)

B L A C K O U T

Come July 25, 2008 Bench, the premiere Pinoy brand of clothing (and undergarments, and footwear, and jeans, and shirts and food and everything else that you’ll ever need.) will mark yet another milestone in the world of fashion and trends. For years, it has been an annual tradition of the brand to stage a grand fashion show which stars celebrity models and other people who made it from the screenings and go-sees.

The event always works for the brand. It has elevated Bench to the ranks of Marks and Spencers and other prominent brand that pioneered the undergarment industry. This event really works double for the brand. First, it builds a lot of buzz and mouth products which will eventually transform into little snippets forming a stronger branding for Bench. Second, since the show requires patrons to acquire certain amounts of purchase for them to get tickets; it works well in generating significant sales.

Now, why do people go loco over this Bench fashion gala? Is it really for the sense of seeing the concept runway? Is it really for the purpose of seeing the brand’s collection? Or is it for the thrill of seeing those popular celebs strut their way in the runway wearing nothing but those skimpy cloth pieces they will normally wear in privates? Maybe some will go see the show to see crotch and cleavage. Maybe some will go there to feed their perversion. Again, I said MAYBE.

Bench will bring the whole Blackout Experience in Araneta Coliseum this coming July 25,2008. To get tickets, read this:

For every single receipt purchase worth of Bench or Herbench items (excluding Bench Time and sale items) that includes Bench Body underwear or Overhauled / OJ denim, a customer is entitled to a corresponding free invitation to the Bench Underwear Show.

Every P500 single receipt purchase = 1 General Admission Invitation
Every P800 single receipt purchase = 1 Upper Box B Invitation /
Every P1, 500 single receipt purchase = 1 Upper Box A Invitation

Photo credits: http://getitfromboy.net

K i d N a p

It was a long duration of agony.

ABS-CBN wished for a news blackout

But media pushed with their mantra

To let the people know what is happening.

Families were agonized.

The whole nation held their breath.

Some people sought the chance to brighten their names.

Negotiations were done.

Controversies spark.

Was there a ransom or not?

Ces Drilon with her team was freed.

The government currently holds a hardcore investigation

At the realm of having their lives as takes,

Encarnacion fueled his blodd of a real journalist.

He captured significant scenes of their captivity.

Snippets show very definitive shots.

The Department of Justice wants to delay its airing.

But,

It’s pushing through.

a documentary that will show the nine days of captivity

of ABS-CBN Senior Correspondent Ces Drilon,

and her team by armed men in Sulu.

KIDNAP
Sunday, July 13th at 10pm
ABS-CBN Channel 2.

Gosh Gas Baby

Fuel prices are on the inner lime light now. Everybody has their own two cents of this issue. The social class seems to be irrelevant as anyone can feel how hard it is to live in our country. It’s not a joke to see general commodities with oh so high prices. News has it that MRT and LRT stations are having these problems of overloading as more and more private car owners resort to commuting.

EDSA has been a little roomy as the number of cars lessens.
The transport groups are not so happy with the sudden demand for commuting vehicles. The government has been too stiff in giving the sector the fare hike they have long been asking for. I am a commuter myself. I certainly don’t have any problem with fare hike for as long as it is granted by the government. The transport sector people are also individuals with life to run and families to feed, so its not too much for them to ask for something that can somehow get them through a day without extreme hunger. And did I just sound too stiff on this part?

Alongside the soaring prices of fuel is the relevant drop of car manufacturer sales. Many people bought bicycles for the past few months to stay away from expensive gas and yo-yo price of fares. Just this morning, I have seen car manufacturer ads that banks on the ability of their cars to save more fuel. Izusu for once is saying that they are offering “Less fuel for longer distance.” The substance behind the claim is that their vehicles can run 16.15 kilometers in just one liter of diesel. Now, I’m sure other car brands will soon follow suit.

I aim to drive my own ride when I’m 24 or maybe 25. Now that is 3-4 years from now. I am hoping with all fingers crossed (that includes toes too and my mom’s fingers) that fuel price then will be economical that it can fit into my prevailing salary by that time. If this turns into something impossible, I might just pursue this driving dream in a foreign land.

Don't Ask Me what Google can Answer

I heard this line from an officemate who said that this was once used by her friend as a status message in her YM. I immediately thought that its quite bitchy and a little too mean, but I think that its also truthful at the same time. The World Wide Webb has been gaining prominence as more and more people get wired. Internet providers are deliberately formulating more flexible systems which makes internet more close at hand.

Google for once has gained the top name in being the most admired company in America. Also, Google has been leading the way in almost all aspects of internet domain. There has been news circulating around saying that Google has already merged with Yahoo. This is one big shake in the digital world because the two giants have been in a scorching beat since internet was born. The two companies are currently working on shared ideas of online advertising that may lead to more creative means.

Moving along, to say that Google can provide almost all the answers to our questions is quite an understatement. Google power many online sites that has been gaining more and more power over the whole face of the Internet. Friendster is just one of the said online sites; and have you heard about it lately? If not, well maybe you’ve done too much of curling your hair.
So, next time you have a question in mind or anything that bugs you, try some clicks in the net and Google it out and avoid asking Know-it-all bastards for information you can actually extract from the web. Trust me, it will gain you more credibility that way.

Popping the Knuckles

I know most of us have this habit of stretching and popping our knuckles every time we feel a little too stressed or dormant from some task that we are doing for quite sometime. I am guilty of this deed. I can actually pop my knuckles every so often that sometimes it can be painful already. It’s the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning and also the last thing I’ll before I escape away in the snooze bag. There is a sense of pleasure (oh pleasure) and relaxation every time I would pop my knuckles. There exist the sense of being refreshed and recharged for another or even tons more of finger tasks. (Hmmm finger task?)

I have to admit that sometimes pain in popping the knuckles comes in. It’s a strange pain which made me wonder if popping the knuckles is a bad thing or not. They say that it can make the joints grow bigger making it hard for us to wear a ring. Now, I read from the Reader’s Digest before that popping the knuckles is not a bad deed. This is the reason why I continued implementing the habit.

Now, for the benefit of you people who share the same habit, here’s a little research about the case. The whole study is extracted from howstuffworks.com.

As for the harms associated with this habit, according to Anatomy and Physiology Instructors' Cooperative, only one in-depth study regarding the possible detriments of knuckle popping has been published. This study, done by Raymond Brodeur and published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, examined 300 knuckle crackers for evidence of joint damage. The results revealed no apparent connection between joint cracking and arthritis; however, habitual knuckle poppers did show signs of other types of damage, including soft tissue damage to the joint capsule and a decrease in grip strength. This damage is most likely a result of the rapid, repeated stretching of the ligaments surrounding the joint. A professional baseball pitcher experiences similar, although obviously heightened, effects in the various joints of his pitching arm. But assuming you haven't signed a multimillion dollar contract to constantly pop your knuckles, it hardly seems worth the possible risk to your joints.

On the positive side, there's evidence of increased mobility in joints right after popping. When joints are manipulated, the Golgi tendon organs (a set of nerve endings involved in humans' motion sense) are stimulated and the muscles surrounding the joint are relaxed. This is part of the reason why people can feel "loose" and invigorated after leaving the chiropractor's office, where cavitation is induced as part of the treatment. Backs, knees, elbows and all other movable joints are subject to the same kind manipulation as knuckles are.

Skinny on Me

When the culture of skinny jeans hit Manila, I thought that soon guys will flaunt it all the way and all that I can see are masculine people walking around with tight jeans on their well-built thighs. I thought I’d never buy the idea of wearing skinny jeans. I mean, I can’t visualize myself sporting the Maroon 5 look. I am not a natural fashionista and I’m okay with that.I am not really the typical being who follows everything that David Beckham wears.

I would have to say that I am someone who wears stuff that is comfortable and easy. I am on the basic side of clothing up and I like everything neat and simple. The cliché of dressing up to impress was never a mantra for me. I will not buy brands to brag and I will never dress to flaunt.
To say that I never show off depicts the humility part, but really it’s not my thing to seriously brag.

There are people whom I know will splurge for clothes just to fit in the Gossip Girl culture and be as queer as they can get. Well, it doesn’t apply to me. To look pleasing is enough for me.

Then one time my neighbor offered me this good quality of a semi skinny jean that is relatively cheap plus it is on an installment basis. The jeans looks really promising and I can see myself wearing it with ease. So there I was, somehow having the skinny on me.

Fits me right? Better see me. Ha Ha Ha.

Better Together

Sad that im way out of any opportunity or drive to drop my EC. Oh well, forgive me for bein a little too dormant. I would like to share another Youtube of my all time feel good favorite song which always puts me in the mood every time some bastards bring me down. This is the live version and I must say that its better than the studio recording.

here it is guys, with lyrics attached, Better Together by Jack Johnson.

sing sing!

There's no combination of wordsI could put on the back of a postcard

No song that I could sing

But I can try for your heart, our dreams, and they are made out of real things

like a shoebox of photographs

with sepia-toned loving

Love is the answerat least for most of the questions in my heart,

likeWhy are we here?

And where do we go?

And how come it's so hard?

It's not always easy andsometimes life can be deceiving

I'll tell you one thing, it's always better when we're together

Mmmm, It's always better when we're together

Yeah we'll look at the stars and we're together

Well, it's always better when we're together

Yeah it's always better when we're together

And all of these moments

just might find their way into my dreams tonight,

But I know that they’ll be gonewhen the morning light sings

and brings new thingsfor tomorrow night you seethat they’ll be gone too,

too many things I have to do

But if all of these dreams might find their wayinto my day to day scene

I'd be under the impression i was somewhere in between

With only two,Just me and you,

Not so many things we got to door places we got to be

We'll sit beneath the mango tree, now,

Yeah It's always better when we're together

Mmmm, we're somewhere in between together

Well, it's always better when we're together

Yeah, it's always better when we're togetherI believe in memories

they look so, so pretty when I sleep

Hey now, and when I wake up,

you look so pretty sleeping next to me

But there is not enough time,

There is no, no song I could sing

and there is no combination of words

I could say ut I will still tell you one thing

We're Better together

The Dark Knight

Im am so looking forward to seeing this newest franchise of the perpetual saga of Batman. The Dark knight is made more interesting as Heath Ledger plays the Joker character with more intensity and substance that it is deemed to surpass all actors who played the part before.

Here now is a series of photo teasers of the Dark Knight to Heath Ledger in his memorable last act in the industry of movies.

All kudos to Heath!

Bill Gates leaves Microsoft

The world’s perceived richest man on earth, Bill Gates will now leave IT industry’s giant, Microsoft as he set his foot into a more humane act of kindness in the realm of extending his wealth to others. The co-founder of the most prolific software company will now do part time work and special projects for Microsoft. He is bound to devote his full time attention to The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation will help poorest of the poor segment of society in building their small-scale enterprise.

Many back door by -standers are saying that Gates have been doing the evil job of winning the IT industry all the time, but this time the guy is out to prove that his heart is a human as a normal person who has that genuine concern for the welfare of his fellow.

With the wealth that Gates currently possess; its about time to give some back to the needy ones in a very imeldific way.

I'm Yours

Listen up everyone! here is my newest favorite song as of the moment. Its called Im yours, by Jason Mraz from the album " We sing, we dance, we steal things". Unfortunately, I have no one to dedicate this song with. Sad? maybe, but Im chill.

Now, sing with it as i have also included the lyrics here. I swear, the melody is just so relaxed, it can take off some of the tiny stress balls you possibly have right at this very second. Hit it and enjoy!






Well, you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but your so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks, and I'm tryin to get back
before the cool done run out I'll be givin it my best test
and nothin's gonna stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some

But I won't hesitate no more,
no more, it cannot wait I'm yours
Well open up your mind and see like me
open up your plans and damn you're free
look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
listen to the music of the moment people dance and sing

We're just one big family
And it's our god forsaken right to be loved loved loved loved Loved
So, i won't hesitate no more,
no more, it cannot wait i'm sure
there's no need to complicate our time is short
this is our fate, i'm yours

*scat*

I've been spendin' way too long checkin' my tongue in the mirror
and bendin' over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
and so I drew a new face and I laughed
I guess what I'd be sayin' is there ain't no better reason
to rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons
it's what we aim to do
our name is our virtue

But I won't hesitate no more, no more
it cannot wait, I'm yours
Well open up your mind and see like me
open up your plans and damn you're free
look into your heart and you will find that the sky is yours
so please don't, please don't, please don't,
there's no need to complicate,
Cause our time is short
This, this, this is our fate,
I'm yours

*scat*

Happy One Year!

I still can remember the first day we met. That time, I was still not too confident if I am the right one for her. I’m not certain if I can really serve her well or give her what she needs. But then again, I thought she will not accept me if she thinks I’m way too inferior for her class. So, there I was, enjoying every moments with her. I would see her everyday and I always try my best to accomplish every task that she can possibly require.

Then finally, time came when I was already feeling relaxed and okay with everything that we have. It feels like home and the comfort that she brings is something that I can compare to a family. I would have to say in a very high school fashion that “We clicked!” I came to realize that God really heard my simple request of giving me what I deserve. He listened to me when I asked him to give me something that I can grow with. And yeah, I found it all.

Now, that it has been a year and I am still nostalgic of that first few weeks; those days when I still have to tip toe like a child who just learned how to walk. I’m glad that I am walking with you and I am thankful that you are walking with me.

To you Alchemy, Thanks for the whole year of welcoming me to your ever warm and genuinely happy house of creative, witty and good looking people!

More power and more years to come!

Trends in Philippine TV

There is a trend going on these days in Philippine television drama (or teleserye) segment; and that is the creation of Pinoy versions of Mexican and Korean TV series. Marimar was first adopted by GMA with Marian Rivera as the main star. Well, according to some credible surveys, the program went high with substantial ratings. ABS-CBN followed with real Pinoy version of the Korean chic TV series, My Girl. I would have to say that the program is quite good in transforming the whole story with Pinoy Culture Flavor. Now, recently released is the Regine Velasquez’s version of Kim Sam Soon. My sister and I watched the pilot episode and man, Regine was really funny. There are just some glitch in making her a little too fat than the original persona of Kim Sam Soon. Also, it’s so obvious that the makers of the series are just adding up flowery pigments for the purpose of prolonging the program because it is so evident during the airing that advertisements are flowing on the airtime. We can all recall that Regine Velasquez also made a buzz when she planned to transfer in ABS-CBN.

Supposedly, she will play the role of Beatriz in the Philippine franchise of Betty la Fea to be produced and aired by ABS-CBN. Of course, GMA wouldn’t want to lose the flagship star of their network, so look at just how Regine is currently joggling so many programs ( SOP, The Song Bird Sings and Ako si Kim Sam Soon) for GMA. The Beatriz role will be played by Bea Alonzo. Now, this is my opinion; Bea Alonzo is an over rated, inconsistent actress, but I am hoping so high that she will play the role well.

Another trend in Philippine TV nowadays is the adaptation or franchising of American TV shows. In GMA, Pinoy Idol, Kakasa ka bas a Grade 5?, Celebrity Duets and the soon to be seen Survivor, are all Philippine franchise domains of Fremantle media. ABS-CBN first who set this trend is prolific in bringing Pinoy Big Brother, Pinoy Dream Academy, Deal or No Deal? Wheel of Fortune, The Singing Bee and the soon to be aired Fear Factor in South America here in the Pinoy earthly land. These shows are all original productions of Endemol. And did I just say original? Now, where is our originality in all of these? Do we continue to feed from the idea of people from foreign lands? We keep on saying that we are different. Maybe now is the right time to prove that. Maybe, we are just good with words but we are best as copycats.

I believe that Pinoy original shows are still worth watching (well, at least some); like ABS-CBN’s Game ka na ba? and Q TV’s Hired. These show are worth an hour or two of our electricity consumption.

Total Cigarette Ad Ban

Recently, broadsheet publications here in the Philippines have been populated by huge spaces of advertisements promoting cigarette products. For an instance, Winston cigarette changed its image from being an adult brand to a young and relaxed persona. They have done this through complex advertising efforts and loud exposure. Many cigarette companies have also bombarded the public with huge print ads and I was caught wondering why they are doing so. It got me thinking if there is already a peak season for cigarettes. This can’t possibly happen because here in the Philippines, cigarette smoking among users is as normal as brushing their teeth every after meal (or do they even brush?)

Then, finally today the paper answered all the questions in my mind. Starting today, there will be a TOTAL CIGARETTE AD BAN IN MEDIA. This means that advertisements of any cigarette company shall not appear in TV, Radio, and Print media. The ban is in accordance to the TOBACCO REGULATION ACT OF 2003 OR REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9211. This ban is highly expected to somehow diminish the many downside of having massive numbers of smokers in our land. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP) said that the ban shall also discourage the young market from being the top consumer of this perceived “commodity”. It has been so obvious that cigarette companies have been targeting the young market because they discovered the significant buying power of this market segment when it comes to cigarettes and alcoholic drinks.

I am one with the government on finally stepping up to this matter. I personally hate smokers who wouldn’t care if they are bringing negativity to the society. We shall all acknowledge the shouting fact that smoking is really a bad thing especially when it is already a habit or worst, an addiction. This is a non negotiable fact. Heavy smoking is not only harmful to human but to the environmental balance as well.(I’m sure we all know this; if you don’t, then go back to grade school and slap your science teacher.) I hope that this cigarette ad ban will prosper into better moves to totally stop cigarette companies from creating profits through smokers that have been slaves of vices and followers of deliberate environmental destruction.

FACT:
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: teens are heavily influenced by cigarette ads in Asia.
CAMBODIA,INDONESIA,MALAYSIA,BURMA,and THE PHILIPPINES: in these countries, cigarette companies are among the top ten advertising spenders.

SOURCE: Philippine Daily Inquirer/News Section (Page A16)/July 1, 2008.