AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 TOP 20 PERFORMANCE BETS

I now have a new addiction: American Idol.

I’ve never religiously followed previous seasons of this hit reality singing competition which served as the mantle on how pop singing contests should be done in this new millennium. Not until this season. I don’t know why I got hooked. Maybe because I had spare time to follow it since I am currently in the morning shift or maybe because this season is just interesting. Or maybe because there is one great Filipina in the show who is really worth looking forward to.

Having seen the audition tapes & last week’s Top 24 performances I believe I most likely have my favorites & votes. If I am to judge the Top 20’s performance for this week I believe the following are the best performances or let’s just safely say that the following contestants deserve to stay up until next week so they can show more of their talent.

Guys---

1. Michael Johns. Among all of the guy contestants he is one of the strongest. With his sexy & dashing looks & the comfort he has everytime he performs on stage I think he deserves to stay for the long run. His performance that night was fantastic. Though not too powerful it resulted into pro-like performance. 
2. Jason Castro. With his guitar & laidback personality, Jason definitely has the charms to make it to the top. His dreadlocks are also interesting adding more mystery to his personality. Although he doesn’t have the super vocals that Idols are known for his boyish charm & passion for music which shows in his performances are a thing to beat. He may not be Idol type but definitely he deserves to hold his own place in the music business. His performance that night to sum it up in two words it was UTTERLY CUTE.

3. David Hernandez. He was a revelation that night. This boy could really sing. Although he has angles & mannerisms that appear really gay to me. With the right song choices & polished performances this guy is one to beat in the vocals department. 

4. Chikezie. Truly soulful vocals but I’m afraid that he’ll get stereotyped. We’ve seen a lot of him in past seasons & even in other singing shows. If amazing vocals are what we’re talking about he’s definitely in but he needs to make more uhmps & should create more interest if he wants to stay longer. 

5. David Cook. Just like Michael Johns the comfort & ease in Cook’s performances are undeniable. He is one to beat performance wise. Although not too handsome he is able to compensate that with being charming & confident. 

6. David Archuleta. He definitely has the makings of an Idol. Even if he doesn’t win this competition he still will outsing everyone else because of his star appeal. He really is the one to beat as Simon said not only because of his star quality but mostly because of his amazing voice & raw, incredible talent. 

Gals---

Honestly, I liked the performance of the boys better than the girls for this week. The girls were quite boring. But anyway here are my insights..

1. Syesha Mercado. Although her performance tonight wasn’t too strong she still is a strong contender because of her star appeal. She registers well on screen & knows how to project like a pro. She’ll definitely make it ‘till the final round. 

2. Brooke White. For me, hers was the best performance of the night. Right song choice. Right get-up. Just the right soothing voice. She was able to justify the Carly Simon original she performed that night. I never liked her before but with what she showed tonight I am crossing my fingers on her since she could be the underdog to watch for. 

3. Ramiele Malubay. Her performance last week was more interesting than tonight. This girl has superb vocals but could make a mismatch or sudden downfall with the songs she chooses to sing. The very hard to please Simon Cowell opined that Ramiele is one of the Top 3 best singers in this season’s competition & that is enough praise that should land her among the Top 3 finalists. Although she was just okay tonight she could still sleep soundly since for sure she’ll make it to the long run. 

4. Alaina Whitaker. Hers was a very safe performance. She sang “Hopelessly Devoted to You” with such nostalgia. Slowly, Alaina is showing her strengths. Not to mention that she’s very beautiful too. With this she could be up joining the Top 12. 

. Asia’h Epperson. I love this girl. She is able to transform herself from Bohemian to Diva to Classy then Edgy. That’s what a star is. Although her performance tonight was not vocally impressive she never lost composure. She sang with attitude. An attitude worthy of an Idol. 

MY OSCAR MOMENT

“And most of all, I would like to thank the Academy..”

Oh how I want to utter those words in the extravagant platform of Kodak Theatre in front of all the important people in show business and 800 million plus televiewers all over the world. But of course it’s a far flung dream. But who knows it might just come true. Just like what Marketa Iglova, winner for Best Song said, “the fact that we’re standing here tonight, the fact that we’re able to hold this, it’s just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it’s possible.” I love that. I better cross my fingers now.

For tonight I exchanged my nightly guilty pleasure of watching the Angel Locsin-Piolo Pascual starrer, Lobo to give way to the replay of the 80th Annual Academy Awards in Studio 23 which I missed last Monday. Thank God for replays! And thank you to Studio 23 for the crisp details which made me relish my Oscar moment once again.

This year’s Awards night was sharp, well thought of and simple yet classy. I don’t know if it’s the picture or resolution being transmitted by the telecast in Studio 23 which made it look so vintage or simply the design and artistic direction of the stage and program. It felt like watching the show back in the 70’s or 80’s but with a modern feel.

Thanks to the end of the writer’s strike in Hollywood because without them (the writers) the show wouldn’t have been more entertaining, sound and momentous. The show was a mixture of elegance, wit and relevance with the presence of guests and nominees from every generation (from Hal Holbrook to Miley Cyrus). This year’s Oscars was a good combination of old and new yet very effective artistry. Every country was well represented as well. Just notice the list of nominees for Best Actress. Page is Canadian. Cotillard from France. Linney represented the US. Christie never failed the British and Blanchett for the Australians.

Jon Stewart obviously redeemed himself as compared to his previous hosting job for the Academy. He was brief and frank yet witty and never boring. I just missed the fun that Ellen Degeneres brought in last year’s celebration. Nevertheless, Stewart was fit for the job assigned to him.

One of this year’s biggest surprises were Tilda Swinton for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Michael Clayton. If you have watched the telecast you will see how surprised she was by the look in her face once her name was announced winner. She even felt unprepared but she gave the wittiest speech of the night.

No Country For Old Men winning both Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture was a very big turnaround that night. Of course everyone was expecting for Atonement to receive the honor for both categories but tides immediately shifted. No Country for Old Men actually was the biggest winner for the night bringing home four awards including Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem).

Marion Cotillard was a revelation. Later Oscar buzz spread rumors that Julie Christie will be up for the trophy but Cotillard proved these wrong. The lovely French actress was recognized for her effortless portrayal of the tragic life of diminutive singer Edith Piaf who died even before Cotillard was born.

Cotillard’s acceptance speech was the most charming of all speeches. Having struggled with her words in English she just thoughtlessly said, “thank you life, thank you love”. It was the nth time I heard these lines but it was only Cotillard who was able to make it very personal. The audience roared in laughter after hearing these lines from her. But those laughter were a sign of Cotillard’s promise to rise far beyond in Hollywood. To tell you the truth if there was one thing that changed me tonight it will be my appreciation of all things simple and beautiful in life. Not to mention I was already converted as a fan of Marion Cotillard. I really should watch La Vie en Rose. She seemed magnificent in that film. And did I mention that she was the most beautiful girl that night? Yes. She was. Really beautiful.

Here is the list of complete winners and my notes on them..

Best Picture: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (I can’t believe that this film won the most coveted prize. I really didn’t like the film although the suspense and dark atmosphere it created was obviously felt by its viewers. Atonement would have been a better choice since it was really haunting and gripping.)

Best Director: ETHAN COEN&JOEL COEN – No Country for Old Men

Best Writing (Original Screenplay): DIABLO CODY – Juno (My bet won! This film is a wonderful piece of literature. It is deserving of its prize. Plus, Diablo Cody seemed a very interesting person. She was unique with likeable personality. Stewart even joked about her name as fitting for a strip dancer.)

Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay): ETHAN COEN&JOEL COEN – No Country for Old Men (Again, my vote was for Atonement. Too bad.)

Best Actress: MARION COTILLARD – La Vie en Rose (She really did her part in this film well. I saw her first in A Good Year with Russell Crowe. She played Crowe’s French girlfriend. With her take on Edith Piaf she was transformed realistically by her acting style which would make you doubt if the pretty Cotillard was really the one acting the part. Laura Linney could have been a good win as well. Her delivery of the antics in Savages was contagious.)

Best Cinematography: ROBERT ELSWIT – There Will Be Blood (No Country for Old Men is also a good win for this category.)

Best Actor: DANIEL DAY-LEWIS – There Will Be Blood (Need I say more? The vote for sure was unanimous even with other major award-giving bodies. Day-Lewis is one talented actor. I loved him in My Left Foot who helped him earn his first Oscar.)

Best Film Editing: CHRISTOPHER ROUSE – The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Foreign Language Film: AUSTRIA – The Counterfeiters (Directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky) (This is the second award for Australia. I wish the Philippines to win in this category for years to come. Someday.)

Best Sound Editing: KAREN BAKER LANDERS&PER HALLBERG – The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Music (Song): GLEN HANSARD & MARKETA IRGLOVA – “Falling Slowly” for Once (The best speech of the night was also given by Marketa Irglova.)

Best Sound Mixing: SCOTT MILLAN, DAVID PARKER & KIRK FRANCIS – The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Music (Score): DARIO MARIANELLI – Atonement (One thing I really loved about Atonement is its moving musical score. I know from then on that Marianelli would score an Oscar for a job well done.)

Best Art Direction: DANTE FERRETTI & FRANCESCA LO SCHIAVO – Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Sweeney Todd is a hands down winner in this category.)

Best Documentary Feature: TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE – Alex Gibney & Eva Orner (The Philippines should regularly submit entries on this category. I feel that we have a big chance of winning in this category than in the foreign language film plum.)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: TILDA SWINTON – Michael Clayton (Really a turnaround win. Surprised me.)

Best Make-up: DIDIER LAVERGNE & JAN ARCHIBALD – La Vie en Rose (50% of Cotillard’s Best Actress win should be credited to her make-up artists. She was really transformed into a very realistic Piaf in this biopic.)

Best Costume Design: ALEXANDRA BYRNE – Elizabeth The Golden Age (Another hands down winner)

Best Short Film (Animated): PETER & THE WOLF – Suzie Templeton & Hugh Welchman

Best Short Film (Live Action): THE MOZART OF PICKPOCKETS – Philippe Pollet-Villard
Best Animated Feature Film: RATATOUILLE - Brad Bird (2008 is really year of the rat)

Best Visual Effects: MICHAEL FINK, BILL WESTENHOFER, BEN MORRIS & TREVOR WOOD – The Golden Compass (I really rooted for Transformers.)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: JAVIER BARDEM – No Country for Old Men (Now I am afraid of Spanish men. Bardem was really convincing in this film. Hands down to him.)

MY OSCAR BETS

It’s Oscar time once again and before the big day proceeds let me provide you my own insight on who my bets are (for me: who should really win) and on who will win.

Best Picture
(Atonement, Juno, Michael Clayton, No Country For Old Men & There Will Be Blood)
Who Will Win: ATONEMENT
Who Should Win: ATONEMENT

Best Actor
(George Clooney-Michael Clayton, Daniel Day-Lewis-There Will Be Blood, Johnny Depp-Sweeney Todd, Tommy Lee Jones-In The Valley of Elah & Viggo Mortensen-Eastern Promises)

Who Will Win: DANIEL DAY-LEWIS for “There Will Be Blood”
Who Should Win: TOMMY LEE JONES for “In The Valley of Elah”

Best Actress
(Cate Blanchett-Elizabeth, Julie Christie-Away From Her, Marion Cotillard-La Vie En Rose, Laura Linney-The Savages & Ellen Page-Juno)

Who Will Win: JULIE CHRISTIE for “Away From Her”
Who Should Win: MARION COTILLARD for “La Vie en Rose”


Best Supporting Actor



(Casey Affleck-The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Javier Bardem-No Country For Old Men, Philip Seymour Hoffman-Charlie Wilson’s War, Hal Holbrook-Into The Wild & Tom Wilkinson-Michael Clayton)

Who Will Win: JAVIER BARDEM for “No Country for Old Men”
Who Should Win: JAVIER BARDEM for “No Country for Old Men”

Best Supporting Actress






(Cate Blanchett-I’m Not There, Ruby Dee-American Gangster, Saoirse Ronan-Atonement, Amy Ryan-Gone Baby Gone & Tilda Swinton-Michael Clayton)

Who Will Win: AMY RYAN for “Gone Baby Gone”
Who Should Win: SAOIRSE RONAN for “Atonement”

Best Original Screenplay
(Juno, Lars & The Real Girl, Michael Clayton, Ratatouille & The Savages)

Who Will Win: JUNO
Who Should Win: JUNO

Best Adapted Screenplay
(Atonement, Away From Her, The Diving Bell & The Butterfly, No Country for Old Men & There Will Be Blood)

Who Will Win: ATONEMENT
Who Should Win: ATONEMENT

Best Cinematography
(The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Atonement, Diving Bell & The Butterfly, No Country For Old Men & There Will Be Blood)

Who Will Win: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Who Should Win: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN


Best Animated Film
(Persepolis, Ratatouille & Surf’s Up)

Who Will Win: RATATOUILLE
Who Should Win: PERSEPOLIS

Best Art Direction


(American Gangster, Atonement, Golden Compass, Sweeney Todd & There Will Be Blood)

Who Will Win: SWEENEY TODD
Who Should win: SWEENEY TODD

Best in Costume Design
(Across The Universe, Atonement, Elizabeth, La Vie en Rose & Sweeney Todd)

Who Will Win: ELIZABETH
Who Should Win: ATONEMENT

Best Make-up
(La Vie en Rose, Norbit & Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End)

Who Will Win: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END
Who Should Win: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END

Best Original Score
(Atonement, Kite Runner, Michael Clayton, Ratatouille & 3:10 to Yuma)

Who Will Win: ATONEMENT
Who Should Win: ATONEMENT

Best Visual Effects
(Golden Compass, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End & Transformers)

Who Will Win: TRANSFORMERS
Who Should Win: TRANSFORMERS

CONTENTMENT

Just when I was complaining how miserable life is I stumbled upon this e-mail sent to me by a very good friend way back in college. Here it goes..

Have you ever, at any one time, had the feeling that life is bad, real bad,
and you wish you were in another situation?

You find life make things difficult for you, work sucks, life sucks,
everything seems to go wrong...

Read the following story... it may change your views about life:
After a conversation with one of my friends, he told me despite taking 2 jobs, he brings back barely above 1K per month, he is happy as he is.

I wonder how he can be as happy as he is considering he has to skimp his life with the low pay to support a pair of old parents, in-laws, a wife, 2 daughters and the many bills of a household.

He explained that it was through one incident that he saw in India that happened a few years ago when he was really feeling low and touring India after a major setback.

He said that right in front of his very eyes he saw an Indian mother chop off her child's right hand with a chopper. The helplessness in the mother's eyes, the scream of pain from the innocent 4-year-old child haunted him until today.

You may ask why did the mother do so; had the child been naughty, had the child's hand been infected?? No, it was done for two simple words- - -TO BEG!

The desperate mother deliberately caused the child to be handicapped so that the child could go out to the streets to beg.

Taken aback by the scene, he dropped a piece of bread he was eating
half-way. And almost instantly, a flock 5 or 6 children swamped towards this small piece of bread which was covered with sand, robbing bits from one another. The natural reaction of hunger.

Stricken by the happenings, he instructed his guide to drive him to the nearest bakery. He arrived at two bakeries and bought every single loaf of bread he found in the bakeries. The owner was dumbfounded but willingly sold everything. He spent less than $100 to obtain about 400 loaves of bread (this is less than $0..25 per loaf) and spent another $100 to get daily necessities.

Off he went in the truck full of bread into the streets. As he distributed the bread and necessities to the children (mostly handicapped) and a few adults, he received cheers and bows from these unfortunate. For the first time in his life he wondered how people can give up their dignity for a loaf of bread which cost less than $0.25.

He began to tell himself how fortunate he is. How fortunate he is to be
able to have a complete body, have a job! , have a family, have the chance to complain what food is nice and what isn't nice, have the chance to be clothed, have the many things that these people in front of him are deprived of...

Now I begin to think and feel it, too! Was my life really that bad?
Perhaps... no, I should not feel bad at all... What about you? Maybe the next time you think you are, think about the child who lost one hand to beg on the streets.

"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, it is the
realization of how much you already have."

When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's
also true that! we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past,you can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

I hope you are all moved as well. Godspeed!

TWO GOOD, LIGHT HEARTED MOVIES FOR A PERFECT SUNDAY AFTERNOON—The Bee Movie & Heartbreak Kid

It’s Sunday once again and this is my day for watching the stacks of dvd’s I bought from two weeks ago and today. After my Intramuros date I hurriedly went home to watch two funny but cute movies namely “The Bee Movie”, a Pixar animated film featuring Jerry Schneider and Renee Zellweger as the voice of the lead characters and “Heartbreak Kid” with Ben Stiller.

Bee Movie

This Steven Spielberg backed-up production was fun to see. It was charming on its way. The story is very fast paced that there were no boring parts. Plus, there was a really good fusion of the soundtrack with the scenes rolling out on screen.

The animated motion picture is targeted for kids but as the cartoon progresses even kids at heart will have an unconsciously good time watching the film especially with the slightly mature slur on jokes presented in its screenplay which some kids may vaguely understand.

The story revolves around a so-called young honeybee who accidentally flew out into the real world and discovered that their hard earned honey are being consumed by humans leaving their colony exhausted and slaved to human demands. Due to this he filed a lawsuit against the human race to bring back the honeys that their colony deserves.

However this caused a tragic effect. Since there was a surplus of honey in the bee colony most of the bees were left idle, non-productive and others even went on vacation which created imbalance in the ecosystem. Nature and its surroundings appeared barren, dry and melancholic due to the non-pollination of flowers. With this the bees created a resolution to bring back life into the earth by once again doing their purpose on Earth and at the same time agreeing with the equal consumption of their produce with humans.

Although the plot was comically presented this film is actually a lesson in Science turned into perfect animation that grade schoolers would really appreciate. Moreover, it provides an insight on how humans could abuse nature’s resources and how disadvantageous it is to live in an imbalanced ecosystem.

Heartbreak Kid

Ben Stiller is once again crowned Prince of Comedy with this film. A look at finding your one true love when you have just committed is comically yet charmingly presented in this picture.

The film appears boring on its first few parts but on the middle part wherein Stiller and his wife went on a honeymoon splurge in Mexico that’s where all the entertainment started rolling. And from thereon you’ll never get out of your seat especially once you witness the soothing cinematography where the film was shot on. Mexico is really telegenic if I may say. A perfect place for the storyline of this film.

Ben Stiller does not overdo in this movie. Everything was just fine and at times he was actually subdued. He is consistent in every scene although some parts were just inserted for fun purposes.
If you are looking for an alternative date movie I would suggest this one. It is different from other easy going films since it attempts to explain commitment and true love in a funny way.

“THE BUCKET LIST” IS THE YEAR’S MOST MOVING DRAMA

Just finished watching “The Bucket List” in dvd and I can say that it’s all worth it. The film although quite slow phased never failed to entertain, amuse and move me. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman delivers the most touching portrayal ever and never fails in letting you feel the emotions they pour out on the screen.

The story revolves around Nicholson and Freeman’s unexpected friendship. Together they listed things that they wanted to do and witness before their life ceased. However things turned out unexpectedly and they realized that the most magical and important things in life are those that are just near you.

The most touching part of the story was definitely the last part wherein Nicholson said that Freeman’s last moments in life were his best and defining moments.

If you guys have time do catch this movie before it ends showing in theaters. You’ll never regret it. Another thing to look forward to are the beautiful scenic spots captured in this film as the protagonist’s characters tour the world. Moreover, compelling performance from its supporting cast namely Sean Hayes who plays Mr. Nicholson’s executive assistant and Beverly Todd as Mr. Freeman’s wife add more humor and drama respectively to the film.

NEVER APOLOGIZE

Hi guys!

Just wanna share an inspiring poem I stumble on the net today. To all those who are feeling depressed because of unexplainable mishaps in their lives & has lost their confidence to move on, this one's for you. Read on..

Never apologize for pursuing what makes you happy.

Even if you need to quit your job, or move across country, always do what you really want.

Never apologize for giving your best in a relationship that just didn’t work out.

Never apologize for being successful.
Only haters want to keep you at their level.

Never apologize for crying.

Never apologize for being frugal.
Just because you save your money instead of blowing it
on the latest fashion emergency doesn’t mean you’re cheap.

Never apologize for being a single parent.
Babies are a blessing.

Never apologize for treating yourself to something special.
Sometimes you have to show yourself some appreciation.

Never apologize for leaving an abusive relationship.
Your safety should always be a priority.

Never apologize for setting high standards in a relationship.
You know what you can tolerate and what simply gets on your nerves.

Never apologize for saying NO.

Never apologize to your new friends about old friends.
There’s a reason they been your friend from day one.

Never apologize for ordering dessert
or more than one dessert.

Never apologize for your taste in clothes.
It’s your style.

Never apologize for changing your mind!

Never apologize for being you!

SATURDAYS

1. Silly name you were called by your
close friends?
- cyrillus, cirilos, brit,

2. What is your favorite ice cream
flavor?
- currently, mint chocolate chip from the big scoop. Sa baba lang ‘to ng building naming. Hehe. Was introduced to me by myla&yai. Thanks girls!

3. What movie/s are you waiting for?
- la vie en rose. Really intrigued who marion cotillard is & how she does in this film that earned her a nomination for the Oscars.

4. If you wanted to be in a band, what
would you be?
- lead singer. Ano pa ba eh makapal talaga ang mukha ko. Kung pwede nga solo singer na lang. hirap na pag nasa grupo may kaagaw pa. hehe. KSP ba?

5. What is the weirdest thing you've
ever eaten?
-

6. Do you want to live with your bf/gf
forever ?
- yes yes yo!

7. Where is the place you want to be
right now?
- wala. Gusto ko feeling now in my apartment. Parang tama lang ang lahat.

8. What song are you listening
to?
- everytime I close my eyes (thor&natural high’s version)

9. If you were given the chance to
show your talent on stage, what would
it be?
- how can I show writing on stage? Uhmm.. maybe through grafitti? Right?

10. who's your crush?
- a---- a-------.

11. What movie/s
made you cry?
- freedom writers

12. Name famous people you had
a crush on?
- miss kaye abad. Yun! And others. Secret na lang kasi baka ma censored friendster page ko.

13. What are your favorite drinks?
- coffee. Can’t live without it.

14. Which cartoon characters are your
favorite?
- marvin the martian

15. Last day you went shopping?
- Thursday. The podium & st. francis square.

16. If you could freely kill just one
celebrity, who would it
be?
- andaming pwede. Sayang isa lang..

17. Coke or Pepsi?
- coke. Mas accessible kasi.

18. In a week, how
many times do you go on line ?
- on a daily basis.

19. single or married?
- married and happy!!!

20. pink or blue?
- blue.

21.Describe yourself in one word.
- undefined

22. What's the first thing you do
when you wake up?
- open my eyes. Hehe. Silly!

23. What's the last thing you do
before you go to
sleep?
- pray. Yes. I do pray.

24. Something about you that you're
proud of:
- I am very patient?! And lucky most of the time. Hehe.

25. Are you in love?
- YES.

26. What's your mobile
number?
- 0915nnnwwww

27. Are you happy?
- oo naman. Feeling ko ang gumawa ng questionnaire na ‘to malungkot. Tama ba?
28. Why?
- because I try to appreciate even the most simple and little things in life.

29. But is there something
you wanna do?
- yup. Be a jetsetter.

31. Complete this sentence:
WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS ... – now is love sweet love.

32. What was the last thing you ate?
- dunkin donuts’ choco kreme.

33. If you were a crayon, what
color would you be? why?
- blue. It’s my favorite color.

34. What did you eat for breakfast?
- coffee with Alaska condensed milk.

35. Who is the last person you talked
to on the
phone?
- bebe ko!

“TOUCH MY BODY” TO IMPACT RADIO STATIONS FEB. 12

Mariah's first single, now cited as "Touch My Body", previously scheduled for radio adds on January 29th, has been pushed back by two weeks.

According to the newly-updated New Releases list from All Access, the song will now impact Top 40/Mainstream and Top 40/Rhythmic-Crossover radio stations on February 12, 2008.

"Touch My Body" was first revealed on MariahDailyJournal as a new title from Mariah's upcoming album. It was later confirmed that in a Universal Music office meeting, L.A. Reid had asked staff members to vote for their favorite song between his first single choice - "That Chick" and "Touch My Body". Apparently, "Touch My Body" was Mariah's choice for the first single.

Although All Access gets its data directly from the record labels, please consider the date and title tentative until an official announcement is made.
Source: All Access

TOP 20 HIGHEST GROSSING FEMALE MUSICIANS IN 2007

The 20 women on Forbes' Cash Queens list earned a combined $420 million between June 2006 and June 2007. The vast majority collected hefty paychecks from sell-out tours. To compile the list, Forbes examined concert grosses, merchandising revenue, album sales and additional revenue streams from ancillary businesses: clothing lines, fragrance deals and endorsements. Only "active" artists were considered--those who had released an album or film or toured during the specified period. These are gross income figures, with no deductions for taxes, management or agent fees.

1. Madonna- $72 million
2. Barbra Streisand- $60 million
3. Celine Dion- $45 million
4. Shakira- $38 million
5. Beyoncé- $27 million
6. Gwen Stefani- $26 million
7. Christina Aguilera- $20 million
8. Faith Hill- $19 million
9. Dixie Chicks- $18 million
10. Mariah Carey- $13 million
11. Hilary Duff- $12 million
12. Avril Lavigne- $12 million
13. Martina McBride- $12 million
14. Britney Spears- $8 million
15. Carrie Underwood- $7 million
16. Nelly Furtado- $7 million
17. Fergie- $6 million
18. Jennifer Lopez- $6 million
19. Sheryl Crow- $6 million
20. Norah Jones- $5.5 million

Source: www.forbes.com/business/2...women.html

TWO PROMISING PRIMETIME SERIES PREMIERED TONIGHT IN ABS-CBN

Two new primetime series premiered tonight, January 28 in ABS-CBN. After TV Patrol the shaolin movie inspired children’s action-comedy series “Kung Fu Kids” momentarily grabbed the television airwaves which was continued by “Lobo”, a werewolf inspired tragic romance story which stars former GMA prized talent, Angel Locsin and ABS-CBN perennial heartthrob Piolo Pascual.

There were actually three shows that were launched successively tonight. However I cannot stay long to watch “Palos” which topbills Cesar Montano and Jake Cuenca because the story was quite predictable and hackneyed. It also had the same aura as GMA 7’s Richard Gutierrez starrer, “Lupin” which made it a little unoriginal. Also, the cheap promotion it had to create over Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz’s (both stars of the series) alleged separation to generate ratings for the show was exaggerated and disappointing. That’s why I just opted to watch “Kung Fu Kids” and “Lobo”.

Charming

If there was one word to describe “Kung Fu Kids” pilot episode it will be appropriate to say that it is charming. Kids are really attractive centerpieces of attention and this has been proven last time in Makisig Morales’ “Super Inggo”. Although Inggo’s second installment was short-lived and not quite successful as the first book still the characters on that series was unforgettable.

Thanks to the success of “Super Inggo” that “Kung Fu Kids” was conceptualized. No doubt that the inspiration for this children’s action-comedy series was Inggo’s good performance in the primetime ratings game.

But more thankful should Jairus Aquino be who earned the title Pambansang Bestfriend in “Super Inggo” for being given a break as big as this one. ABS-CBN was very confident with his charm and talent that they chose Morales’ sidekick to topbill this show. The network would not regret this decision since Aquino holds a lot of promise than Morales. Aquino has more natural acting ability and charm than Morales in the first place. But Morales is in a league of his own. He has his own share of skills to be proud of like singing and performing live. I wouldn’t even be surprised if one day Morales ventures to theater.

Going back to “Kung Fu Kids” it was a delight once again to see this children’s wits acting up on screen. Although the plot is still predictable you will get glued to watching the series because of its innocent charm and pitiful dramatic scenes due to constant beating of the protagonist’s father played by former UMD frontman Wowie de Guzman.

The show’s supporting cast is also a wonder. It’s good to see Mickey Ferriols back to work again and fresh faces from the talent pool of ABS-CBN just makes this show enticing to watch.

Although not the type of show that I would root for everyday and religiously this series was able to pinch my heart with its non-overrated treatment of the characters and story. I just hope that the succeeding episodes will be better and more engrossing. If this happens for sure “Kung Fu Kids” will be a hit to all kids and kids at heart.

Tragic, dramatic and excellent cinematography

“Lobo” is definitely one of the network’s most ambitious projects. It has the makings of “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” and “Maging Sino Ka Man” two of the most sought after soap operas in Philippine TV history.

This is another show that ABS-CBN has carefully thought of. It only proves the network’s expertise in staging large scale dramas to the television. It’s like a movie broken down into pieces yet wonderfully stitched together to create the magical effect it brings when being viewed through the boob tube.

If there is one thing that the pilot episode is successful for it would be the organized retelling of how taong lobos came into existence and how unfortunate their lives are. The attack of the story makes it almost believable although some parts are overly acted on by the soap’s supporting cast like Sheryl Cruz. The transition form Angel Aquino to Susan Africa as Agot Isidro’s mother in two different time periods was also questionable. Africa didn’t have any resemblance at all to Aquino. It would have been better if Aquino continued the role until old age anyway there are make-ups and visual effects to do the job to make her look more elderly.

Surprisingly, it was not Angel Locsin who made this pilot episode promising nor Piolo Pascual but the story itself. If this concept was not inspired by any other foreign drama or old Filipino masterpiece then it presents itself as original, something new in Philippine primetime programming. The story is gripping and each scene was almost well acted on except for Isidro’s sometimes overacting attack on the role. Diether Ocampo was notable as Angel Aquino’s lobo turning husband and Irma Adlawan is as credible as she can be. Adlawan was able to tone down her powerful image from “Maging Sino Ka Man’ to a native provincial powerless lass in this soap. She is really worth watching acting wise.

The true beauty of this soap is also presented in its cinematography. Location, lighting and production design was near excellent. It really captures the mood of the story. The theme song sung by Martin Nievera is absolutely moving.

I hope “Lobo” would get away from unimportant subplots and characters add on which is typical to most Filipino drama series. If the production staff and writers of “Lobo” stick to its original concept and stylistic directing Angel Locsin’s career will be again propelled to new heights and ABS-CBN will again earn its reputation in creating quality dramas enough to make its rival network feel threatened.

ATONEMENT: TO WISH THAT YOU COULD REDO EVERYTHING

(A movie review for “Atonement”, Best Picture contender for this year’s Oscar and winner of the Golden Globes’ Best Picture prize for Motion Picture-Drama. The film is based on Ian McEwan’s bestselling novel of the same title and is executed on the screen by “Pride&Prejudice” director, Jon Wright. The drama topbills Keira Knightley and James McAvoy with excellent support from Saoirse Ronan.)

Have you ever felt guilty? Or simply wished to correct yourself because of your uncalculated prejudgments to a person you are negatively biased to?

What if you had the chance to correct the one greatest mistake in life but it’s already too late? How will you find yourself in this haunting situation? Will you ever be at peace with life?

These are the questions I started asking after watching and pretending to be in Briony Tallis’ shoes whose character was consistently tackled and magnificently portrayed by Saoirse Ronan (Briony at age 13), Romola Garai (Briony at age 18) and Vanessa Redgrave (older Briony).

Briony plays a central character in this Jon Wright film being the cause of tragedies experienced by her sister, Cecilia Tallis played by Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley and her illicit lover, Robbie Turner whose character is essayed by Scottish actor James McAvoy (“The Chronicles of Narnia”, “Last King of Scotland”).

At age 13 and gifted with creativity in writing Briony is at the height of developing her imagination in the summer of 1935. She constantly wanders around the family mansion and its surroundings to find sources of inspiration for her craft. However her sense of imagination will be tested after reading a sexually explicit letter from Robbie meant for her sister Cecilia. Confused by the letters and emotion she felt after reading Robbie’s letter she instantly jumped to conclusion judging Robbie as a sex maniac. But the letter still reached Cecilia’s hands only after knowing that this was not the letter meant for her sister but another one instead. The letters were carelessly mismatched by Robbie but it was too late for him to correct what was expected of in Briony’s adolescent mind.

In a welcome dinner hosted by the Tallis’ family for Briony and Cecilia’s brother Robbie Turner was among the guests. In this eventful night things are to change for a lifetime for the Tallis family and star-crossed lovers Cecilia and Robbie. Briony and Cecilia’s grade school aged twin cousins ran away and needed to be located urgently. As Briony was doing her part searching for her cousins she witnessed her cousins’ sister, Lola Quincey being raped and in the vague darkness she concluded that the criminal was Robbie Turner.

This unfateful event led to Robbie’s imprisonment and service to the French army during World War I. Miles of distance and events separated Cecilia and Robbie.

Years passed and Briony was accepted as a nursing intern in a London-based hospital catering to wounded soldiers. During her internship she’ll clearly remember the true events that occurred during that summer night of 1935. She’ll find herself in guilt and will long for her sister and Robbie’s mercy.

The film presents itself as a magically crafted piece of literature in its first few hours. It had the same mysterious feeling of watching “Pan’s Labyrinth” turned English setting. The production design and cinematography during the first few parts of the film was carefully executed to capture the feel of intense heat caused by the summer of 1935 in England.

To fully understand the story one should not blink his eyes during the movie’s first 30 minutes and focus should be on digesting Briony’s 13 year old character. If you are able to immerse yourself into Briony’s adolescent character you’ll be immersed in the film and will be hesitant to leave your seats and miss a single part.

But the movie suddenly hangs the suspense and exciting pace during its middle part as 13 year old Briony is temporarily absent from the screen and focus shifts to Cecilia and Robbie. More important here is Robbie’s character.

In the middle part of the film you’ll fall in love with Robbie’s sufferings and adversities until he crosses path with Cecilia and asks him to “come back” constantly. This is also the part wherein you’ll hate Briony’s character. You’ll suddenly realize the destructive impact of Briony’s impish misgivings and miscalculated judgments on Cecilia and Robbie’s supposedly happy ending.

But at the near end of the film Briony will resurface as an old woman played by Vanessa Redgrave talking about her 21st and last novel with feelings of grief and repentance for the sins she committed yet convincingly redeemed herself. This is where Briony will shed light on the true events that occurred for the past three decades. This is also the part where your heart will drop and persuade you to wonder with the questions I have used as a lead in this article.

After watching the film in its entirety the Oscars decision to nominate this film as Best Picture contender was justified (at least in my own opinion). I wouldn’t even be surprised if it gets the prize. The film deserves it and Jon Wright deserves an applause for magnificently turning McEwan’s literary masterpiece into a classic film masterpiece.

To say that the adaptation of the novel was properly executed would be an understatement. It has managed to weave the screenplay in a manner that will be beautiful on the big screen comparable to the feelings it forces you to burst out when you are reading the book.

Jon Wright’s direction was organized yet artistic. He was able to lift the plot and transfer it to film without completely destroying the novel’s feel. A story plot as complex as “Atonement” might appear mixed up and illogical if not for the careful handling of the piece by its director. The novel was well-written therefore it should also be well-directed. In this line, Wright did not miss the point of adapting this excellent book.

Musical scoring was engrossing. It had proper timing that shall scar your heart with the emotion the screen is trying to communicate to you. I even had to wait for the credits to finish just to completely listen to its theme and contemplate on the film.

Also noteworthy was its appropriate production design and cinematography. The summer of 1935 was presented as classic and elegant as it can be with commendable costumes, environment sketches and even items inside the mansion. Every detail to make the setting believable was properly thought of. However the war period scenes were presented in a very predictable manner. It’s as if scenes from “Pearl Harbor” were inserted into the movie especially everytime Cecilia and Robbie are together.

Dialogues between Robbie and Briony when they had a chance encounter was very powerful which made Keira Knightley’s dramatic acting pale in comparison with the intense performances delivered by Romola Garai and James McAvoy. The only cheesy line in the film’s script was Knightley’s constant bickering to McAvoy with the line “Come back to me” which actually sounded unoriginal because of the classic piece “Somewhere In Time” where this line was popularly known for.

If there is one thing that this film should be given credit for it will be its excellent acting ensemble. The strongest performance of all was from Saoirse Ronan whose portrayal was responsible for making the film believable and exciting. She was most responsible for being able to set the movie’s tone and up the viewer’s expectation of an exciting story underlying beneath the movie’s subplots. I simply could wish that she had more exposures in the film which could have brought more range to the story and increase her chances of winning an Oscar for the Best Supporting Actress category.

Most impressive of all was the consistency in acting of the actresses who played Briony’s character. Garai and Redgrave were able to justify Ronan’s foundation of the character and able to deliver it convincingly until the end of the film. Redgrave’s appearance can be considered as a cameo but it was the most emotional one. She delivered a line that not only summarized the film but also her character’s actions and plead for mercy.

Personally, I consider “Atonement” as one of the best films for 2008. It’s the first film I’ve watched for the year that I never got disappointed. I’ll be crossing my fingers for it to win the Oscar.

But I really would like to leave you with one question after watching the film. If you were in Briony’s situation will reliving and rewriting Cecilia and Robbie’s character in her last novel be considered enough atonement?

HAPPY NEW YOU!

Happy New Year to each and one of us!

We are now again ushered to a new year. So what are our plans?

Every time a new year comes in I always come to a point where I reflect upon things. Events that happened to me during the past year comeback to my mind and helps me assess whether the past year has been lived well or not. A lot of things happened in 2007. For me it was a very significant year in highlighting what I really want from life. Although I haven’t achieved much of my goals for 2007 it made my welcoming for 2008 more exciting and driven.

Here we are now beaming for 2008…

New year. New beginnings. Renewed hope and faith. Another chance. Another taste of life. A most opportune time to reflect… a time to regain pure strength, draw new inspirations and build enthusiasm to find a reason to celebrate the zest of living a colorful life.

May 2008 be a chance for all of us to continue and double our efforts to rejoice life’s beauty so we may all be reborn to a new self… A NEW YOU!

More glory and bountiful blessings to us all!