On My Winamp Playlist

Basically, what we have from OPM artists these last couple of years are revivals or cover versions. Some were treasures to keep and some were just merely karaoke-versions of the originals, as how Simon Cowell puts it. (Thank heavens to bands, we are serve with different menu!) Revivals, though sometimes could make someone's ears bleed, are not entirely bad (Heck! Even foreign artists do it!), as long as they were arranged to sound as the cover artist's own or the songs being remade are not that common. Susko! Why do some singers rework on songs that are redone by other artists over and over again? Sometimes, we'd also hear two - or three, kung mamalasin pa tayo, interpretations of a particular song in just a couple of months. (Remember Aiza Seguerra's version of Chiqui Pineda's How Did You Know? A few weeks after, Gary V. released his own version for the movie All My Life. Same year, too, we had several versions of Keith Martin's Because of You.)


Among the nine OPM albums I have on rotation in my playlist these days, seven of them are revivals. Two of them are live interpretations: Christian Bautista's Just A Love Song... Live! and Faith Cuneta's Faith Begins The Live Album. The latter stands out between the two. Faith has a diverse selection of songs that ranges from standards (like Nat King Cole's L.O.V.E. which I sing all the time in Magic Sing and Dionne Warwick's This Girl's In Love With You ) to classic '80s (Barbra Streisand's What Kind Of Fool) to pop '90s (Bachelor Girl's Buses and Trains). What is particularly noteworthy about this live album is that she sang songs that are not exactly hits when they came out, but nevertheless good. These are Dusty Springfield's Something in Your Eyes, Brenda K. Starr's Love Me Like The First Time, and Vesta Williams' Suddenly It's Magic. On the other hand, Christian's selection do not vary much. His repertoire are mostly pop ballads from the '80s and '90s. Because the album is thematic, it somehow gets boring in the middle. Even his vocal sounds the same in most of the songs. However, it is something that you'd like to listen to during a lazy afternoon or a night of cozy dinner.

As for the other revival albums, my favorites are 6CycleMind's Home and Jed Madela's Songs Rediscovered. Home has a wide range of rare rock classics like The Beatles' Across the Universe, Edie Brickell's Circle, and The Cure's In Between Days which were given new sounds. Even their first single, The Teeth's Prinsesa, was turned into a rock ballad. Truly a praiseworthy effort from the band. Meanwhile, Jed's album has been released in 2005 yet it was only now that I get to have a copy. Lea Salonga was right when she said that people should get to buy his albums. Forget about the selection of songs. His voice alone could (and should) sell an album! Of course, that is not to say that the songs in the album aren't great. They are arranged well and Jed's voice just breathes new life in them. Galing-galing talaga! My favorite from the album is Your Song (Elton John) and Beauty and Madness (Fra Lippo Lippi).

Lea's Inspired is her newest studio album after seven years. The theme of the album is ballad with some jazzy touch to them, in short, slow. The songs take their time in terms of orchestrations and vocal arrangement. In fact, some songs are too slow that they tend to get boring. Some orchestrations are even over the top that simple songs like Beverly Craven's Promise Me becomes OA. With that, I could say that I didn't like her rendition of the said song. It was slow and the orchestrations were more emphasized than the emotions needed for the song. But it is a very fitting song now that she's gone to Broadway. We'll surely wait for your return.

Overall, Inspired is still a good album but not great. I am glad that she included her cabaret-style and jazzy Sing which I fell in love with in her Tomorrow concert. Aside from Two Words (obviously!), I love Waiting For Love and Land Of The Loving (Diane Reeves).

Lani Misalucha came out with a self-titled album under her new home, Universal Records, last year, 2006. She has been away for quite some time now, performing in Vegas. This is her come back album of some sort. Sad to say, it is a so-so effort. The song choices were too simple for her vocal prowess. Their arrangements and her vocal stylings seemed to not match at all. My favorite tracks are Someone In The Dark (Michael Jackson) - we seldom get to hear this song, and Love Me Again (Patti Austin).


The song that I listen to over and over again lately is Ronnie Liang's Isang Saglit, Isang Tingin. I'm just totally in love with the song, kahit sobrang cheesy. :-) He may have not won in PDA but he definitely has some great vocals. Malinis. Smooth. Unlike Yeng Constantino (Grand Scholar) who sometimes falters in her album. Minsan may paos style, minsan simple lang. Her voice reminds me of Kitchie Nadal's. That isn't exactly original, right? Or maybe it is just the songs she has in the album. They were a cross between pop, rock, and alternative. Ayos naman 'yung iba but could've been better. Some tracks show na minadali talaga 'yung album.

On that note, allow me to focus on another PDA scholar song entitled Miss Kita 'Pag Tuesday. I feel that that is the stupidest song I heard so far! I understand that the song tries to capture one's attention by having some sort of a catch at the end, a twist in the movies kumbaga. But c'mon! Miss kita 'pag Tuesday kasi coding ako?! Hello?! Has he ever heard of public transportation?! Besides, unless you're already married to each other, take a break from one another! It wouldn't kill you to miss each other once in a while.

Lastly, I have a question. How many CDs should an artist come up in order to say that he has THE definitive "best of" album? Apparently, the more the better! Just ask Ogie Alcasid and his numerous song compilations! (Kulang pa ata 'yung nandito!)

Note: Click the title of the songs to listen to them.

Uncut & Unabridged

Uncut & Unabridged: A Post-Birthday Blues Post Part 1
There was something I have realized just today: I can't write well when I'm bothered with sad thoughts. Words easily come to me when I'm happy. Words, definitely, flow like water in a leaking faucet when I'm angry. But when I'm sad, it seemed difficult to express myself no matter how hard I push myself into doing such. So with this, I'd like to get those thoughts out of the way.

Retracing the events that happened, it all started on the night of February 11. My birthday would've had a perfect 3-day weekend if not for the event that transpired that night.

On the 9th, Biboy had planned a full body scrub and massage for us at Fitness First in Makati. Matagal na niyang ini-sked 'yun for our anniversary. It was refreshing and relaxing, of course. Iskobahin ba naman ang buong katawan mo, eh. (Actually, it was the coffee scrub that Biboy liked so much.) Besides, it was my first time kaya enjoy.

Afterwards, we decided to watch The Messengers but opted not to. Bukod sa kukulangin kami sa budget (since we still had plans on the next two days), Tita Josie was waiting at home. I had asked her to babysit Angel during the day.

However, prior to going home, I purchased Madonna's The Confessions Tour CD+DVD at Music One in Greenbelt 3. It was locally released that day, and unexpected at that. I was thinking that it'd be release within the month but not on that day. T'was a good (bonus) birthday gift, though, from Warner Bros. and the Queen herself. After her docu, this is one of her most anticipated releases. Last year naman, there was a 24-hr Madonnathon telecast over at MYX. So I technically spent my birthday with her.

The next day, February 10, was my birthday (and Biboy and I's anniversary). We spent the night with Shawie on her My Mega Valentine Two concert in Araneta. Medyo di pa nga ako solve on seeing that concert. I thought that a follow-up concert a year after was too soon. Aside from that, I feel that I have been seeing a lot of her during tapings so it wouldn't be bad if I miss the concert. However, the thing is, the more you see her, the more you want to see more of her. She has a way of pulling you towards her. She is bubbly, charming, and very much endearing. (That is why Biboy said that he wants to be friends with her, "Parang ang bait-bait niya.") The moment she opens her mouth, no holds barred talaga. Gladly, she didn't fail us that night. She had given us a night filled with fun and wonderful music! She had ended our day with great memories.

February 11 was Lea Salonga Uncut concert. Apart from being a Sharonian, Babs, and Maddie fan, I have expressed here how much I adore Lea. Her I Am But A Small Voice album (as in LP!) was my very first favorite album, along with Like A Virgin. Because I have already met Shawie, it would've been a great pleasure if I could meet her and have a picture taken with her. (Saka ko na kakaririn ang pagmi-meet kay Babs at Maddie, if ever I'd see the chance to do such!) Kahit hindi ko na mapapirmahan 'yung CD leaflets ko as long as I'd get the chance to let her know that I exist, OK na sa 'kin 'yun. Kaya naman kinapalan ko na ang mukha ko by asking Tin that we'd join them (she'd be with the AFLS group) if ever they'd meet Lea after the concert. She agreed naman so I became super excited that night.

We arrived in PICC 15 minutes before the show time. Hindi naman 'yun dahil sa super excited kami. We just made sure that we wouldn't be late because we arrived 5 minutes or so after on the Tomorrow concert. It was in CCP and the show started on time. We wouldn't want that to happen again so hindi na kami nag-dinner. We just ate a few pieces of siomai in LRT Monumento. However, the concert started 15 minutes late.

Also, I made sure that I had a camera with me. During the Sharon taping, I wasn't able to bring it because my sister used it. Hinayang na hinayang ako nun, s'ympre.

Mega-text din ako kay Tin to make sure that she'd meet us after the concert. We planned to meet before the concert because we haven't met each other in person yet. Our correspondences are only through our blogs, YM, and sms. Unfortunately, hindi napaaga ang dating niya.

The show ended at past 10. We went out of the auditorium and waited for Tin and the rest of the group at the lobby. Naghintay rin ako ng text niya pero wala. I tried calling her but it was out of reach. I thought that she could still be inside the balcony area because there were no signals there. We have waited for about 10-15 minutes until Biboy saw people rushing backstage. We went inside to check the commotion and found people lining up to meet Lea. Of course, nagmadali kami sa pagpila rin.

There I found Tin and the AFLS people waiting. Medyo sumama ang loob kasi 'cuz we had waited for her in the lobby. Pa'no kung naghintay pa kami nang mas matagal? We could've miss that chance to meet Lea. Anyway, I just dismissed those thoughts. Finally, I was just a few steps in meeting Lea! I had prepared the camera, took it out of its casing. I had prepared my CD leaflets. Nag-practice na rin ako nang pwede kong sabihin sa kanya.

Should I say "Hi"? Then what? Should I say that I read her blog? Should I say that I tried adding her in my friendster list but she rejected it? Should I say that I'm really such a fan of hers and I have been wanting to meet her for a long time now? Should I say how much I enjoyed the concert? Should I say that it was my birthday the other day? Should I greet her "Advance Happy Birthday"? Should I kiss her?

All those thoughts ran through my mind while we were waiting in line. I felt anxious and excited at the same time. Habang may pumapasok na tao at lumalabas, patuloy naman kaming lumalapit sa pagkakataong hinihintay ko. I admit, I'm quite intimidated with Lea compared to Sharon. May pagka-snob kasi ang dating niya compared to Sharon's warm and welcoming features. Or I guess, di pa lang ako sanay sa kanya. That is why I want to be with her even if for just a few seconds. But of course, it won't be enough to get to know her. Pero carry na!

Dagdag pa sa kaba ay ang kasungitan ng nag-aasikaso sa pila. She'd say in a fierceful manner, "Isa-isa lang. We won't continue unless aayusin n'yo ang pila."

Then, just two people in front of us, she uttered, "Tapos na po. Wala na. Uuwi na siya." Those words broke my heart. Imagine, sobrang lapit na namin. How come the others were given the chance and we weren't?

We still waited for a while till Lea's mom, Ligaya, came out and told us, "Uuwi na kami. Gabi na."

The others pleaded, "Kahit sandali na lang? Konti na lang naman kami..." But they fell on deaf ears.

"Naghihintay pa 'yung anak niya sa kanya," she finally said. Sino ba naman ang tututol pa sa mga salitang iyun?

Pero naghintay pa rin kami kasama 'yung iba. Baka magbago pa ang isip nila. O kaya naman, we could take a glimpse of her once she goes out of the room and leaves the auditorium.

"Wala na siya," the fierceful lady said.

All we could do was sighed. Then, suddenly, Lea came out the other side. She waved and smiled at those she had seen. I took out my camera. Clicked it. But all I got was a shot of Chari Arespacochaga. She went to her van and there was a commotion once again. People ran towards her. May nadapa at dumulas pa nga para mahabol lang siya. They took pictures of her. Biboy tried his darndest to take some but failed.



When it felt like nothing good could happen anymore, Biboy and I left after I met Tin, who was quite disappointed herself. They didn't get the chance to talk to her that night nor take pictures with her.

Before going home, kumain muna kami sa turo-turo beside Star City. Biboy asked me in a worried manner, "Disappointed ka, no?" I answered affirmatively. Imagine, I was so close into having a wish fulfilled yet I fell flat on my face.

"May susunod pa naman," were his next words to comfort me.

Yes, I know that there is. However, it couldn't change the fact how I got my heart broken that night. When we got home, I slept it off. But I had dreams about it.

I carried that heavy feeling all throughout the week. I didn't listen to any to Lea songs. I change the channel everytime MYX would show her "Promise Me" music video. I just couldn't bear going through the said heartache again. Even as of this writing, masakit pa rin siya. Napapaluha pa rin ako.

It wasn't just a fan's disappointment that I feel, it was a dream made and shattered at the same time...

A birthday wish unfulfilled...

Desires of the heart crushed into pieces...


Ang langit sa `yong puso muntik nang mailapit
Nguni't `kaw na ngayo'y alaalang kay pait...

Note:
Began at 3:29 AM
Ended at 6:33 AM

Patawa!

Because I can't finish any writing due to effing mental block (I swear, ilang oras na ko rito sa tapat ng PC!), I thought that I just might as well paste this super funny post from Nostalgia Manila (with some post notes by your truly). Kakabaliw sila, pramis! ;-)

Memorable '70s Tv Quotable Quotes & BooBoos

During an interview with Inday Badiday.
Inday Badiday: Paano ka nag-susurvive sa mga trials mo?
Melanie Marquez: Alam mo ate Ludz, you know, when you are alone, you really have to step your foot...ah , forward!

***
Answering a question from the See-True Panel.
Snooky: Ano kasi , she is, I mean she was, kasi past tense na nga pala...
(Hilig ni Kookie 'yang itama ang sarili niya during interviews.)

***
Wrapping up a conversation with guest Joey Albert during her show Rated A.
Alma Moreno: So Joey, paki ulit muli yung concert mo sa University of Belt.
(This is a classic!)

***
Joey deLeon: Ano ang favorite movie mo, Tagalog o English?
Discorama Girl contestant: BOT!
Vic Sotto: So favorite mo talaga si Edgar Mortiz!

***
Joe Quirino: Sharon, are you familiar with the current problems we have in the film industry?
Sharon: Sorry, Tito Joe, I'm afraid not. (Si Shawie ba ito?)
JQ: What about you Myra, what can you say?
Myra Manibog: Naku Tito Joe, I'm afraid also! (Siyet! Scary talaga!)

***
Joey de Leon: How are you?
Miss Gay Philippines contestant: How are you too!
(Anong sinabi ng "I'm fine, thank you"?)

***
Eddie Mercado: Angie Dickinson has insured her legs for a million dollars, would you also do the same?
Melanie Marquez: NO, of course no, because I am proud and contented with my long legged.
(With this answer, she bagged the crown and eventually won the Miss International in 1978.)

***
Joe Cantada: So Atoy, what are your prospects now, mukhang makakayanan kayo ng Toyota this coming semi-finals round...
Atoy Co: Well Joe, the ball is around!
(Naghanap tuloy ng bola si Joe.)

***
PBA anchor: So sino sa tingin mo Arnie ang may appeal sa iyong artista natin?
Arnie Tuadles (SLN): Si JEN siyempre!
PBA Anchor: Sinong Jen?
Arnie Tuadles: Si JEN SABURIT.


***
During Janice de Belen's debut on Germspesyal.
Kuya Germs: "Happy Birthday Janice. Ana, may sasabihin ka pa?"
Ana Margarita Gonzales (sister ni Kring-Kring): "Ilan taon ka na ngayon, Janice?"
(Parang krung-krung siya, ano? Hehe. But I had a huge crush on her back then. I still remember her film entitled "Bloody Mary". Pero di ko na remember kung tungkol sa'n ba 'yun. Basta horror siya.)

***
During Tom Babauta's guesting on Germspesyal
Kuya Germs: "Do you love Philippines?"
Tom Babauta: "Yes Kuya Germs."
Kuya Germs: "Have you made love to a Filipina?"
Tom Babauta: Duh.
(Si Kuya Germs talaga, oo...)

***
Interview after winning against PT Usha of India for the Century Dash in 1984 Asian Games.
Reporter: "What happened Lydia, mukhang bumanat ka sa ending."
Lydia de Vega: "Oo nga, mabilis siya, but you know, I ran and I fast!"
(Kahit walang laman ang tiyan, takbo pa rin siya! Ang gleng-gleng!)

***
During See True's New Year's presentation.
Ate Luds: "O sige ano na ang inyong prediction para kay Stella Strada."
Madam Auring: "Lalo siyang sisikat sa darating na taon at malalampasan niya ang kasikatan ni Alma Moreno!"
(The next day, the headlines read: Stella Strada Commits Suicide!)

***
Joey de Leon: "Ano sa tingin mo ang katangian mo na iba sa mga kalaban mo?"
Miss Gay Philippines Contestant: "Unang-una, isa akong tunay na babaeng Pilipina na handang maglingkod sa bayan. Alam ko na ang isang gay na katulad ko ay maaring maging halimbawa sa lipunan. Oo nga kami'y pinagtatawanan subalit may karapatan din naman kaming mabuhay para hindi lamang sa sarili kundi para sa mga taong aming mapaglilingkuran."
Joey: "So Ano nga ang katangian iba sa iyo?"
Contestant: "Palangiti ako."
Vic: "Kahit walang tao?"
(Hahaha!)

***
Isang panelist sa See True: "Paano mo nabibigyan buhay ang pag-bobold?"
Coca Nicolas: "Pinaiinum ako ni Tito Rey ng FONDADOR."

***
Joey de Leon: "Ano ang masasabi mo sa katayuan ng mga katulad mo sa lipunan, sabi nila...blah, blah, blah..."
Miss Gay Philippines Contestant: (panay ang ngiti at halatang kinakabahan...) "Unang una Joey at Vic, Magandang tanghali sa inyong lahat. Pwedeng pakiulit yung tanong?"
(Pardon?)

***
Emcee: "Anong masasabi mo sa death penalty?"
Miss Gay Philippines Contestant: A: "Ano po yun toot por toot, eye por eye."
Emcee: "Paki eksplika nga?"
Miss Gay Philippines Contestant: "Ganito po yun: kung pinatay mo ang nanay ko, dapat, patayin ko din ang nanay mo!"
(Ganon?!)

***
Emcee: "Anong gusto mong maging paglaki mo?"
Little Miss Contestant: "Maging lalaki po."
(Tomboy ito?!)

***
Emcee: "What do you think should a man possess to be successful?"
Mr. World Philippines Contestant: "I think, that for a man to be successful, he should be a responsible, because if he should not be a responsible, he will not have a successful. That is all. I thank you."

***
At Eat Bulaga's Husband and Wife Compatilibity Contest (Ala Newly Weds game show)
Host: "Misis, ano ang nilalagay ni Mister sa kanyang itlog tuwing umaga?"
Misis: "Johnson's Baby Powder!"
(Panalo ito!!!)

What's Your Blogging Personality?

O eto na, Acy! S'ympre palitan lang tayo ng tags, di ba? Hahaha! Sana totoo itech! Hmmm...

Your Blogging Type Is Thoughtful and Considerate

You're a well liked, though underrated, blogger. You have a heart of gold, and are likely to blog for a cause. You're a peaceful blogger - no drama for you! A good listener and friend, you tend to leave thoughtful comments for others.

Carl, What's Your Blogging Personality?

Meme: Page 123

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Turn to page 123.
3. Mark the fifth sentence. Pick up the next three sentences and post. (In other words, post sentence nos. 6-8 on page 123.)
4. Acknowledge the book and the author.
5. Tag 3 people in turn.


The superlative degree is used to compare three or more persons or things. Add est to form the superlative. If the adjective ends in e, just add r for the comparative and st for the superlative.

As I've told you, Carl, this is gonna be one corny tag for me. The nearest books I have around are English books for my lessons. Tingnan mo naman, the post above was about "Comparison of Adjective". Corny, di ba? Hehehe...

I'm not really much of a book reader; movie person kasi talaga ako. But there are light-reading books that catch my fancy from time to time. No novels for me, though. La ako tiyaga for it.

Tagging Acy, April, & Ate Yang!

Goodbye, Noreen!

Da Bin Jung
March 4, 1980 - February 10, 2007

Korean Actress Da Bin Jung died on February 10, 2007. The police found her lifeless body in the bathroom of her boyfriend's aunt's home. They suspect that she committed suicide because she was found hanged using a towel tied around a clothes line.

According to friends, they went out drinking the night before with her boyfriend. They went home by 3 AM. By the time her boyfriend woke up, she was already dead. The police believed that she died between 3:30-3:50 AM.

Aside from that, what confirms the suicide was the last post she made in her journal entitled "Ending".

I thought I was going to die because it was so frustrating.
I kept getting mad with no reason..and it was driving me crazy.
I was so tired..as if I would always get nauseous..
My head hurt so much, I cried.
I almost became a slave to bad-temper and moodiness.
Lauging, then crying..it was enough to drive me crazy.
I finally began to think that I was losing myself..
And I began to lose touch.
Suddenly, like being electrocuted..Suddenly, I became peaceful.
The lord came.
He gives me strength, he strengthens my foolish self..
He teaches me strength, and makes me realize things that are close to me.
He raises me up when I was about to give up..
And he tells me that it's now alright.
I'm alright.

However, the police are still not ruling out the possibility of foul play. According to the same friends she went out with, the post on the journal showed conflicting ideas. Also, she was very excited about her upcoming projects. She wished to choose her works carefully. DBJ's family, who was opposed to an autopsy before, agreed on a postmortem analysis that would finally shed a light on the true cause of her death.

Pinoys knew DBJ as Noreen. She became part of our consciousness through her series Attic Cat (with Rae-won Kim) and My Sister-in-Law is 19 Years Old. She also starred in the movie He Was Cool. I liked her a lot!

So, goodbye, Noreen! May you find the peace you are looking for in the next life...

My Mega Valentine Two

My Mega Valentine Two started late and slow even though Sharon opened with an upbeat song. She went on stage by herself without any dancers to back her up. Maybe due to the fact that the show was an hour and a half late, the opening was not well-received by the audience. Or maybe it was just because the song sounded unfamiliar. It was only during her "Isn't It Romantic?" medley that the crowd started to warm up. We sang along with her. That first act felt very intimate and could've worked better in a smaller venue. Besides, Mega wasn't in her bubbly and lively self then. As it turned out, she got sick days before the concert.

However, the show picked-up when Pops Fernandez entered the stage with her 80's-90's dance hits medley. Even with no back-up dancers to accompany her, she was able to put the audience on their feet. From then on, the fun and entertainment didn't stop. Sharon also started to warm up; cracking jokes every now and then as she always does in her shows. (Sumusundot siya ng nakakatawang pangangampa paminsan-minsan.) Apo Hiking Society's medleys were also a blast! Napaluha kami sa kakatawa.

The show had its memorable moments. First was Mega's letter to Pops. It was so heartfelt and touching that Pops (and some of the audience) couldn't help shedding some tears. She said that it was the best appreciation she got from anybody. True enough, Sharon wrote the letter so beautifully that any heart could melt even if it wasn't about them. Mapapa-awww ka talaga! (Sige na nga, like ko na rin si Pops. *wink wink*) Second, Vilma Santos' appearance in the audience. S'ympre, laking pasasalamat ni Mega at nandun ang idol niya para panoorin siya. She and Pops reminisced the times when they used to look inside Ate Vi's backyard just so they could get a glimpse of her. (Stalker ba ang mga ito?!) Back then, magkalapit lang ang mga bahay nila in Dasma. Then Shawie made one of the funniest remarks that night. "Alam ko, Ate Vi, ikaw not just once but twice... Pero wala pa ring tatalo sa Alaska!" Humagalpak kami sa kakatawa sa mga salitang 'yun! She apologized afterwards saying that it was a part of her job. Third, the wonderful medleys that Sharon and her guests did. Better selections than the first MMV concert. (Sharon and Pops's "Where Do I Begin" duet was to die for! Ganda talaga! Sana isama ni Shawie sa next album.) They truly fitted the ocassion. Maski kami ni Biboy ay napaluha sa ibang awiting kanilang kinanta. Pang-Valentines talaga, ika nga. (Of course, what added to the emotions was the fact that it was my birthday and our anniversary that night. Feeling tuloy namin, hinaharana nila kami. Hehehe.)

Kahit late nagsimula ang palabas, bumawi naman si Mega! She gave us a two hour and a half show that ended at 12:00 AM. Nag-alisan na 'yung iba sa pag-aakalang tapos na 'yung show after singing "To Love Again". But then, tuloy pa rin si Mega ng pagkanta ng dalawang awitin pa. Her final song was "Friends", a fitting tribute to all her fans who supported her - she'll be celebrating her 30th year in the business. (Aba, magkasing-edad kami ng career niya! ) According to her, it was the first time she ever sang it in a concert.


MMV2 was even better (and memorable) than the first one. I am so glad that we didn't miss this one! (Muntik na!)

Anyway, here is the two-part video I took with Sharon and Apo singing the latter's medley of songs. (Screw you Araneta bouncers!) If I had a bigger memory capacity, I could've recorded more parts. Sayang!


During the concert also, Shawie talked about the duet that she did with her musical director, Louie Ocampo, in passing. It was from the album "Sharon" called "Ewan". Ah, si Louie pala 'yun. Nice! :-)


Shawie, thank you for such a memorable night! T'was a money well spent. What a way to end my birthday and our anniversary!

An Ode to Thee

During the past few years, whenever I get to attend friends's wedding ceremonies, I couldn't help getting misty-eyed. Mostly, it was because of sentimental reasons. Another time has passed. Another journey has began for friends. However, behind it, how I wish that someday, it'd be me and you who'd face the altar someday; proclaiming to the world the feelings we have for each other; promising to be together till the end to one another. It may sound cheesy but that's how love and marriage could get most of the times. Yet, no matter how baduy it may be, it is what most people aspire for - a love to last a lifetime bonded by matrimony.

With a love that's different like ours, I am not sure if we'd ever get to see that day or if it'd be in our lifetime. Let me assure you, though, that we're as good as being married. So, till then, I'd gladly dedicate this song to you. You have asked me if it was okay if you call me yours four years ago so let me give you these two words this time.



In a while, in a word
Every moment now returns
For a while, seen or heard
How each memory softly burns
Facing you who brings me new tomorrows
I thank God for yesterdays
How they led me to this very hour
How they led me to this place...

Every touch, every smile
You have given me in care
Keep in heart, always I'll
Now be treasuring everywhere
And if life should come to just one question
Do I hold this moment true?
No trace of sadness
Always with gladness
"I Do..."

Now a song that speaks of now and ever
Beckons me to someone new
Unexpected, unexplored, unseen
Filled with promise coming through.
In a while, in a word
You and I forever changed
Love so clear, never blurred
Has me feeling wondrous, strange.

And if life should come to just one question
Do I face each moment true?
No trace of sadness,
Always with gladness
"I Do..."

Never with sadness...
Always with gladness...
"I... Do..."

On this day, let me thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for walking out on me when I'd told you that I wanted just to be friends at that moment. Thank you for insisting that you'd rather not be friends if I won't be with you. Thank you for not letting me make the biggest mistake of my life. Thank you for not giving up on me.

I've had four wonderful years with you and am still looking forward to more years.

If we're in a different place or time or in alternate universe, I'd still say "I do..."

Si Manang Sa Sharon

"Guest si Lea sa taping ng Sharon tomorrow. I have only one slot available. I put your name on it. 7:30 ang call time. Text me if you can make it," was the message that I got after coming out of the Huseng Batute Theater. It was from Gigi of Sharonians Online. Buti na lang at hindi niya ko nakalimutang imbitahin. I managed to ask her if she could squeezed Biboy in and she agreed the morning after.
Excitement crept all over me! Lea and Sharon, together? Lea on Sharon? Ay, grabe! Heaven ito! Better than sex talaga! Hahaha!
As expected, Sharon didn't fail to amuse us fans with her funny antics and comedic dialogues. Ika nga ni Biboy, watching her is like watching a stand-up comic. Mega-laugh ka talaga sa mga pinagsasasabi niya off cam. "Sabi ko sa n'yo, masaya rito pag taping, eh. Dami kayong malalaman off cam tungkol sa 'kin," she said while on a break. Her fave jokes are about her ex'es, her weight, and Kiko.

However, s'ympre ang special that day ay si Ms. Lea Salonga. I haven't seen her or watch her that close. She even interacted with the audience from the AFLS group. Nasabi nga ni Acy, "Sarap manood nang malapitan!" She almost cried during Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez, Michael Williams, and Lea's performance of Miss Saigon songs. "Ikaw ba naman manood ng Miss Saigon ng libre sa balcony at hindi pa si Lea ang Kim," she added while reminiscing the day she went to see the play in CCP. Pagkalayo-layo nga raw nila dahil complimentary lang ang ticket mula sa munisipyo ng bayan nila. The MS alumni sang "Sun and Moon" and "Last Night of the World".

The whole show can be summarized as a mini-concert conducted by her brother, Gerard Salonga with the Global Studio Orchestra. During the opening, Sharon and Manang (as what her legion of fans fondly calls her) sang "It Had to be You." It was followed by "Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal" to which the audience gladly sang with her. "Oh they remember the song and the movie," Manang blurted out. Sagot naman ang Acy sa tabi namin, "Oo naman! Gusto mo Dear Diary pa, at Pik Pak Boom, eh!" (Incidentally, Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal will be showing on QTV11 this Saturday at 9PM. Buti na lang at miss ko na ito! Wala pang new release nito on video.)
Then I answered back, "Next song naman 'Please Naman'."
"Ano 'yun?" Acy asked. Ay, hindi niya naabutan ang kantang iyun. Napahiya naman ako! Lumabas tuloy 'yung edad ko. Hehehe! (Anyway, eto, pakinggan mo ang "Please Naman".)

Afterwards, she sang her Inspired debut single called "Promise Me" followed by her soon to be Fantine song "I Dreamed a Dream". At the end, she and Mega sang "Sana Maulit Muli." Hay, kung lumabas sina Poknat at Bokbok, mas sulit! Hahaha!
During the interview, Sharon fondly remembers how they were together in a film but not exactly together. It was in Captain Barbel where Lea played Tenten's (Herbert Bautista) love interest while she played Darna. "Oy, naging Darna rin ito minsan, " Sharon jokes. "Hahanapin ko nga 'yung picture ko n'un at ikakalat ko!" Then, nagkantiyawan nang ipalabas ang message ni Bistek. "Honestly, he never made his intentions clear before," Lea reminices. "Either that, or I was too naive to realize that he was already courting me." In his My Favorite Show interview though, Bistek said that not admitting to Lea his feelings towards her was his biggest regret until now. He was too torpe back then that every visit he made in their house, he would end up talking to her dad all day.
Sharon thanked Lea for the wonderful rendition of her songs that she did in her Songs from Home concert. "We really didn't do much arrangement on them. They were good the way they are. We believe in the saying, 'If it's not broke, why fix it', right?" (Listen to her "Sharon Cuneta Medley" on My Playlist. Truly magnificent!)
So, yun! T'was an unforgettable night, indeed. Sa sobrang saya ko, nakalimutan kong isipin na baka pwedeng ma-meet siya backstage. Nakibuntot sana kami kay Gigi uli.
Anyway, I hope to meet her on her Uncut concert on the 11th. Excited na ko!
Watch Lea's guesting on Sharon on Sunday after Rated K!

Revisiting Gabriel & Carmina

Even though I have seen some snippets on the news about the upcoming Richard Gutierrez-Angel Locsin starrer, I had no idea about it. I haven't read nor heard anything about it. Until I saw its trailer a week ago. Lambutsingan ever pa lang nina Richard-Angel sa maisan (maisan nga ba 'yun?), huling-huli ko na ang pinaggayahan! But of course, I may be wrong so I did some research on the net. As it turns out, The Promise is based on the same film that one of my favorite films was loosely based on - Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. Moreover, the film was made because Annette Gozon-Abrogar fell in love with the same film back in 1991. Kaya naman may-I-ask siya sa taong sumulat rin ng adaptation ng pelikula, Tita Raquel Villavicencio. According to Tita Raquel, The Promise is more based on the book rather than the 1991 movie. While the movie was mostly adapted from the film 1939 film. Bigla akong napaisip -- ito na ang isa mga signs ng pagtanda - nire-remake na ang mga awiting at pelikulang minahal mo nung kabataan mo. Paksyet talaga everchu!


Anyway, the movie I am referring to is Carlos Siguion-Reyna's Hihintayin Kita sa Langit. The first time I saw it was on betamax -- movie shot copy pa! (Even back then, uso na ang pagkopya sa sine. But it's easier to make copies now than before. Putting a copy on betamax would take you as long as the film's running time.) But it didn't stop me from appreciating the film. When the original video came out, buy ako kaagad. Then I bought another copy when it came out in the VHS format. (I wouldn't tell you anymore what great lenghts I had to do just to have the VHS copy. Maski ako gusto ko nang limutin!) Sadly, it hasn't been released on DVD, nor on VCD. Kaya naman nang hagilapin ko pa sa aking koleksyon ngayon, napagtanto ko na napalakayo nga talaga ng kalidad ng VHS sa DVD. When before, we all thought that the said format was fantastic! Hay, so ano pa nga ba ang pwede kong gawin kundi pagtyagaan ang kopyang VHS. As if I have any other choice! (Calling Reyna Films! Kikita pa kayo if you'd release your movies on DVD!)

Above anything else, I fell in love with the film because I was a Richard-Dawn fanatic back then. (Actually, in love muna ako kay Richard bago sa kanila ni Dawn. In love, however, was an understatement. I was obssessed with him! Sino ba naman ang hindi sa mga panahon 'yun?!) But then there were so many things to love about it. First was the arresting shots of the great Romy Vitug of the breath taking Batanes scenery. It was the time when Reyna Films made Pinoys realized that Batanes is a place to die for! That beyond the constantly alarming storms lies a serene and welcoming locale.

Second was the ensemble acting of the four leads, Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, Eric Quizon (Allan), and Jackie Lou Blanco (Sandra). Despite the weakness in some scenes of each of the actors, they complimented one another well. Each of the them fits together like a puzzle. Plus the undeniable acting support of Ms. Vangie Labalan as Yaya Dora who was the only witness to the undying passion of Gabriel and Carmina, and Michael de Mesa who made life hell for the couple as Carmina's brother, Milo.

As I was watching it, I realized that there was something chauvinistic about Goma's acting. He was (and, maybe, still is today) the epitome of a Pinoy macho man -- a man who's so passionate in love and in anger. He portrays his characters most of the time like he owns the one he loves. Sobra magmahal sa isang babae pero pag galit, kung makasigaw at makasakit ay akala mo kung sinong hari! Siguro 'yun ang dahilan kung bakit bihira siyang manalo ng awards. Syempre ngayon ko lang napansin 'yun dahil I'm sooooo over him na talaga! Graveh! With Eric naman, hay naku, he screams like a girl! Kung makasigaw talaga ay kala mo bading na nagreregla! The best thing, though, about Richard and Dawn's acting was their transformation from teens to adults. In their teens, hagikgikan ever sila even while in bed. When they finally confessed their feelings for each other years later, they wistfully made love.

The script and the dialogues, which sounded so old-fashioned with its use of the old Tagalog terms (uso 'yun dati), were cheesy but nevertheless, heart-wrecking. Tumatagos sa puso, kumbaga. "Di mo ba ko kayang mahalin mo kahit kaunti lang, kahit kapiraso, kahit tira lamang..." were the words of Sandra to Gabriel when she learned that he is in love with Carmina. (I swear, sasabihin ko rin 'yun kay Richard sa mga panahong nababaliw pa ko sa kanya. But today, neknek niya!) For a 2-hr film, it was well-paced.

Third was the haunting score of Ryan Cayabyab. Idagdag pa ang theme song! Sobrang nakakapangilabot pakinggan ang Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan ni George Canseco. (Theme song sang by Richard Reynoso)

Lastly, who could ever forget the direction of Carlitos? The character's movements seemed to be calculated. They moved from left to right to show their reactions and emotions. It seemed stage yet it was flawlessly captured on screen. Carlitos is also known for his mirror images where one character would be looking in a mirror while talking to another character. I love those artistic shots! They worked absolutely well rather than doing the usual shot by shot.

With that, I promise myself to see The Promise. Not only to see how it would fare to my favorite but to see how Richard and Angel could pull off such adult/mature characters.

The Promise is a joint venture of GMA Films and Regal Films, under the direction of Mike Tuviera. Showing on February 14. Say it again, Feb-yoo-wa-ry 14! Not Feb-ra-ry! Please lang! It's my month so say it properly. :-)

Semikalistas

When I turned semikal during the last week of December, I wanted some change. Call it a statement or what-have-yous. But I was just pretty stress out these last few weeks at ang napagbuntungan ay ang buhok ko. Actually, I have been contemplating about it for a few months already especially when I saw my pic with the same haircut back in 2001. Na-miss ko lang. Then, I realized how stress-free this haircut is! Pag gising sa umaga, di na kailangang magsuklay. Pagkaligo, di na kailangang ayusin. It saves me a lot of time when going to school.


What I didn't realized, though, was the craze it would create amongst my students! Last year, you'd never see one guy who would sport such a hair cut. Mga teenagers kasi, maporma! Mahihilig sa mga anime-look. But since last week, unti-unting nagsulputan ang mga semikalistas! Some of those guys were even the cuties in school.

Ang tindi talaga! Mga gaya-gaya! Kainis! :-)