Ramblings Intérieurs

Philippine Daily Inquirer

100. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Finally, I reached the 100th mark for my list of reasons to be happy and thankful that I am living in this lifetime. Since this is a record, it is only appropriate that the 100th reason would cross all boundaries. And what more could this be but our newspaper for more than 15 years (if I'm not mistaken).

This broadsheet has been a very big help not only to me but to my family as well. The information that this newspaper has giving us for the last 15 years or so has been very, very useful to us. It does not only give us the latest news (very, very credible I must say) but tips on practically every aspect of life - personal, financial, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. It's an all-in-one paper.

I can give short examples about those as I grew along with PDI.

Personal: I grew up reading the advices of Robbie, Rissa, and Raya Mananquil (now all models and professionals) when they were still teens in the 2BU! section of Inquirer. The advices of Tita Dulce also made perfect sense as I heed her advices and gave her advices to my friends who turn to me for advices (shhh...that's a secret).

Financial: The Business Section of PDI has more that just business news. It has featured and is still writing stories about the inspiring and success stories of the best entrepreneur the country has produced. Of course, on those stories it is clear that the success stories of these CEO's, COO's and taipans were not walk in the park. They encountered a lot of challenges, difficulties, and pains but they continue and succeeded. How? Read the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Mental: The Opinion Section of the Inquirer is another gem. This is where I read the best writers that the country has produced. Conrado de Quiros, Michael Tan, the late Adrian Cristobal are just one of the few many writers that I read in PDI that got me hooked on reading the most widely-read broadsheet in the country.

Emotional: A lot of stories in PDI had made me emotional. The stories of the youth in "Young Blood" and their counterpart, the uhmmm, sixty-something in "High Blood." Not to mention the real stories that appears in it's front page. The not so-good-things about our country and how we and I are not able to do something about it. But what makes this truly special is that because the stories always end up with hope. Hope that we should not abandon despite everything.

Physical:
Of course the Sports Section of the Inquirer is a class of it's own. Almost always on time (sometimes PBA results yesterday would not be included in the next day's issue). But in general, I could rely on PDI regrading results of sports tournament I watch. NBA, US Open, Super Bowl, you name it they got it. They also have the best sportswriter in town, Al S. Mendoza and Recah Trinidad (who came back after a fling with retirement). The Tuesday Section of PDI about Lifestyle and Leisure also gave me tips on how to live a healthy and happy life with articles about the latest exercises and how to have a happy disposition in life through the articles of Cory Quririno.

Spiritual: This is the best part.

PDI has Fr. Jerry Orbos in it's Opinion Section every Sunday. Fr. Orbos column is my must-read column of Inquirer every Sunday with his jokes and anecdotes about life and his practical tips in life on how to live life as a Christian.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer also has what it calls "radical optimism" every Sunday. This means that every Sunday, it's front page only features good news. Yes, only good news. If you read a bad news or headline, you will see the good news inside it. I have another good news. It's not limited to Sundays anymore, as you can see in my previous blog entries.

Now, how's that for news?

David Cook wins American Idol Season 7

I wasn't expecting David Cook to win. Much more to get 12 million votes more than David Archuleta. But that's what happened. David Cook won over David A. in American Idol Season 7 by a margin of 12 million votes.

I read an interesting article from AP (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iwXD4BoO2HF6nbttn2FU7Cw_ZtowD90QLIM01) about insights on why or how David C. won over David A. It says there that even though David A. has legion of young female fans, the viewership for teenagers who watch AI has gone down. The median age of Idol viewers has gone up to 42, whereas before it was "only" 30. In short David Cook had the vote of almost all the viewers of AI. I didn't know that a lot of old, I mean, mature people watch AI.

For me, it really doesn't matter, because I believe David Cook was the better artist and he deserved it. But you can't expect that to happen every time in American Idol. As the article concluded, in a competition that can crown a 29-year-old gray-haired Southerner one year and a cheery 17-year-old high-school student from Arizona the next, it's ultimately impossible to tell why America choose its "Idol" the way it does.

And that's precisely why I love watching American Idol.

David Cook's Best

I'm taking a break from serious stuffs, relax and write about another contestant from the most popular reality show-singing contest of this time, American Idol!

70. David Cook

Coming from someone who listens to alternative rock, I knew this guy would be the rocker to beat in American Idol Season 7.

Although I was rooting for David Archuleta on the earlier part of AI, I was amazed by David Cook's version of "HappyTogether" on the first week of the show.

And as the reality show progressed, I was able to hear one of the best performances in American Idol history. This is because David does not just perform a song, he makes it his own. As I have pointed out time and again, making a song your own is what makes a singer an artist. Damn great artist. David Cook.

I will be listing my favorite performances of David Cook below:

71. Happy Together by The Turtles

Now, who would be able to make a song like "Happy Together" sound rock? Only David Cook. I also agreed with Simon that I haven't heard that song sung like that before.

72. Hello by Lionel Richie

"This is the bomb!"

With all apologies to the dawg, Randy Jackson, I still feel that this is the song that made David Cook a household name not only in America but the whole world. It was an "emo" version of the song but it still sounded so damn good.

72. Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles

David Cook made me realized that there's still a lot of Beatles song that I haven't heard and appreciated yet. This is one of them. This song also tugged my heart because it speaks of "all the lonely people."

73. Day Tripper by The Beatles

Another song by The Beatles that I didn't know existed and when David Cook sang it, my admiration for Beatles became stronger.

74. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson

I wasn't able to catch this performance but my friend Edwin told me that he's rooting for Michael Johns (who's eliminated already) and David Cook because of his version of this Michael Jackson classic. I wasn't able to watch the particular episode
because I was on training and I thought I already saw what the contestants are capable but David Cook proved me wrong. When I heard an mp3 of the song, I was "Wow" and it became my LSS (until now). Way to go for David Cook!

75. Little Sparrow by Dolly Parton

I don't have the slightest idea of what the song was and I haven't heard it before in my life but when David Cook sang it, I immediately liked it!

76. Innocent by Our Lady Peace

This is another performance that I wasn't able to catch but when I downloaded the song, I immediately had it in my "Favorites" song in my reliable Nokia 5200. I am a fan of "Our Lady Peace" and David Cook's version rocks!

77. Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey

This is another surprise from David Cook. What could he possibly sing from Mariah Carey's long list of hits? Sure, Mariah Carey had a lot of hits but can David pull it off? Well he did and it was another stellar performance. But I guess I'm becoming too much a fan. Just listen to the song and be the judge.

Next week will be "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" week and this is David Cook's week. I'm definitely watching it.

As a final note, I am rooting for a David-David (David Archuleta vs. David Cook) showdown but I guess you know who I'm rooting for

P.S. If you want to listen to the songs performed by David Cook in AI, just visit my Multiply site at http://rolly07.multiply.com/music/item/28/David_Cooks_Best

Ramiele Malubay and David Archuleta

I will take a short break from this "truth and honesty" thing and will write about two contestants that got my attention in the world's (or at least America's) favorite TV show, American Idol.

41. Ramiele Malubay

We got another Fil-Am in this Season 7 of American Idol. She is 18-year-old Ramiele Malubay. I don't know why a lot of Filipinos gets very excited whenever a Fil-Am gets in to the Top 24 of American Idol. I am not because I know there's a lot of more good and better singers here in our country than OUTSIDE the Philippines. That is why I am not so thrilled with Jasmine Trias. So, I am not really expecting anything from this Ramiele Malubay.

After hearing nine of the Top 12 girls in the first week of AI Performance Night, I was not happy. I didn't see or hear anyone that got my attention. Sure there were some good singers but this is American Idol and with the awesome singer from their boys counterpart, I was expecting the girls to be better or at least equal the performance of the guys.

The tenth performer was the Fil-Am, Ramiele Malubay. She sang the song "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" by Dusty Springfield. While she was singing, I was thinking this is so boring, and up to the time she ended the song. I was expecting the judges would have something bad to say. It turned out the other way around. They had a lot of good things to say to Ramiele. I said to myself, "What?"

I realized later that the problem was not with Ramiele's singing but with me. I was used to hearing the song from Lani Misalucha and Regine Velasquez and their versions, particularly with Lani, of the song was very different from Ramiele. She didn't sang her lungs out like what Regine and Lani do and like what our current female "singers" do (with the exemption of our very own Philippine Idol Mau Marcelo).

After watching the replay, the judges were right especially Randy Jackson. Ramiele started it slow, took her time, and saved the best for last. She could have made the run with all the high notes but she did not and she made the song her own. After hearing the song again and again on YouTube, I realized that she really sang the song beautifully. It was very classy. I think Ramiele is a much, much more better singer than Jasmine Trias. It is a welcome relief that a Filipina is singing a song and not "belting" out a song and she's doing it on American Idol. 

Good job for a Filipina living outside the country.

42. David Archuleta

I think I already saw and heard the new American Idol. I half-agree with what the AI producers said that that this batch (Season 7) is the best batch yet. That is because the Top 12 guys are really, really good singers. Unfortunately I can't say the same thing for the Top 12 Girls. The only one that got my attention is the Fil-Am girl, Ramiele Malubay. Not because she is half-Filipino (I explained this above).

Back to the guys, the Top 10 Guys left are all great singers. One, and that is Jason Yeager, got the judges rap only because of poor song choice. I think this is what happened last week, this week, and probably the weeks to come. I must say, however, that the other nineteen contestants left will be having a hard time because of a 16-year-old very good-looking boy by the name of David Archuleta.

On the first week of AI, David sang a song (the title was "Shop Around") that I didn't knew and boy did he impressed me. My mom was impressed. Of course she is, she belongs to the female population. The whole female population, or at least those who watch AI, young or old, loves David Archuleta. But me being impressed and actually applauding the performance of a 16-year-old cute boy? I won't be impressed not unless the performer is really, really good. Right after his first performance in AI, I knew this boy is going somewhere.

Now comes the second week. David sang a John Lennon song that is very simple with simple melody and simple lyrics, yet so hard so sing. That is because the song is one of the most beautiful song ever written and as judge Simon Cowell always points out to some contestants, if a contestant sings a popular song that is very attached to the singer, the contestants gets to be compared with the original singer. And the comparison would, of course, not be to the favor of the contestant. Now I get to hear a 16-year-old (I just have to point it out time and again) singing "Imagine" by John Lennon? I knew it would be a disaster. It would suck. The kid can't sing it and pull it off.

Guess what? "It worked." said Simon Cowell. "It was brilliant." said judge Randy Jackson. But the comment that that matters most was the one coming from judge Paula Abdul. She said that "It was the moving performance I heard in the show!" I agree with what all the judges say especially the last statement from Paula Abdul. Correct me dear readers but I saw a standing ovation from the crowd and I think it was the first time I saw a standing ovation from the AI audience. Simon ended his comment by saying that David is the one to beat.

Sorry Ramiele but even if you are a kababayan and a really good singer, I think America already found the new American Idol and he's a 16-year-old cute boy.

And The Oscar Goes To...

This is the second time in my blog that I used the title "And The Oscar Goes To" but this is really the only way to start a blog about the Academy Awards. I won't go into details about what happened and who won in this 80th edition of the highly-respected awards body and one of the highest-rating TV show in the US. However, I would just like to mention that I liked Jon Stewart's hosting this time. I am not really into Jon Stewart's brand of humor but he had me laughing several times. I also enjoyed watching the 80th Academy Awards as always.

40. The Oscars Awards

As any of my friends know, when I was young (up until now of course) there are two M's that really moves me like no other - movies and music. Since this is about the Oscar, let's concentrate with movies first.

By act of fate, my first "real" job is working in a video recording company called Magnavision. There I was able to watch countless great movies which I wasn't able to see since I wasn't born yet, I didn't have money, or I just didn't know that a such a great movie existed. These are the movies that won "Best Picture" in the Academy Awards. A few of them are "Kramer vs. Kramer", "The Deer Hunter", "The Godfather" series (although only Godfather 1 and 2 won Best Picture), and for the new ones "A Beautiful Mind", "American Beauty", "Shakespeare In Love", and a whole lot more. I will be listing down some of the great movies I enjoyed in the future to be included in my 2008 list.

In the meantime, the 40th in my 2008 list is, of course, the Academy Awards because of, among other things, the Oscar showed me that the movies above existed. I have come to know and watched these movies because the Academy chose them as the best in the year they were released. Indeed they were.   

All About Idol

Since Idol fever is starting to build up this first month of 2008, I might as well list three "Idols" in my list.

19. American Idol

Is there a person in the world who has TV and haven't watched an episode of American Idol? I bet there's few if not no one. American Idol is a phenomenal TV show that it's success won't be repeated in the next 10 or 20 years. It is one of the highest-rating TV programs in the U.S. national television and only eclipsed by Super Bowl and the Oscars (Academy Awards). It is also broadcasted in more than 100 nations all over the world and many countries with versions of their own. I don't know with you but American Idol is one of the reasons for TV addicts like me why I am lucky and happy to be living in this lifetime.

20. Philippine Idol

A lot of people weren't able to catch and apreciate how beutiful our own version of Idol went (I am talking about the first season and not "Pinoy Idol"). The host, Ryan Agoncillo, alone equalled his American counterpart, Ryan Seacrest. What more with judge Ryan Cayabyab? I still feel strongly that Mr. C as  Mr. Ryan Cayabyab is fondly called is a better judge than the famous but acerbic AI judge Simon Cowell. Francis Magalona was a mistake (no offense to the Master Rapper) but Mamita (Pilita Corrales) was more entertaining than Paula Abdul as a judge.

Of course, Philippine Idol had it's own share of problems, specially technical glitches and poor ratings. I have blogged about Philippine Idol a lot of times here (my blog was was even used by ABC 5 for it's TV AD for PI) and most of it were about the negative things that happened in  but still I enjoyed it and I was really happy with the result.

I am not comparing the Philippine Idol TV show with the American Idol TV show because obviously American Idol is way, way more successful and American Idol is the original and it's TV ratings was unprecedented. I'm just trying to point out one thing: It could have been better if it was given one more chance. Philippine Idol was fun while it lasted. It's just sad that only a select few where able to enjoy and appreciate Philippine Idol. But just like American Idol, Philippine Idol will also be one of the reason why I am lucky and happy to be living in this lifetime (and one of the few who was able to see the beauty of it).

21. Mau Marcelo

Of course, the first "Philippine Idol" should be in my list. I am adding her to my list not because she won the title but because I believe that among the 12 finalists of PI, she deserves the tiltle "Philippine Idol."

Oh, and the more important reason why I added her to my list of 2008 list is because Mau Marcelo winning proved that Filipinos are intelligent voters. We have learned. I hope. =)

Greed in PBB

(Update: As expected Gaby won over Yayo in the text voting, I really don't like saying the word "greed" in reference to Yayo because I believe she is a nice and wonderful lady but I can't find the right word to describe it. It would be better for Yayo that she was able to spent Christmas, and eventually the New Year, with her family.)

After ABC 5's "Asian Idol", I will now make a comment about ABS-CBN's "Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition Season 2."

Yes, you read it right. PBB. I know that if you have been reading my blog, I am no fan of PBB and very much hate it. Well, I'd be lying if I said I still hate it. I don't but it's still not part of my favorite show. I just get to watch it because my mom watches it. I think she's a true-blue "Kapamilya" but doesn't admit it. Ever since my brother Dennis, who is a solid "Kapuso",  went to Palau, our TV has been stuck in one channel, which is ABS-CBN. Somehow the challenges have been more okay and has sense, not unlike before, and it's not all about voyeurism anymore (for me).

I am writing about PBB because I had to comment about the latest development in "Kuya's house." Yayo Aguila, actress and wife of William Martinez, and resident mother of PBB housemates, had to leave and take a voluntary exit because her mother died. This happened about a day ago (if I'm not mistaken since I heard it's not more than 24 hours that Yayo was out of the house).

However, tonight, Yayo Aguila decide that she wants to go back to "Kuya's house" and even declined the 400,000 pesos that the remaining housemates has promised to give her, as an act of kindness for what happened to her mother. The twist here is that Endemol, creator of the PBB franchise, wants to have someone from the 6 remaining housemates, to voluntary exit and will be replaced by Yayo. Gaby (Gabrielle dela Merced), race car driver, who happens to be my mom's bet, volunteered. But since Endemol wants it to be more exciting, and to generate more profit, they decided that the voting public should decide who stays, Yayo or Gaby.

When Yayo decided to voluntarily exit when her mother died, I said that was the right thing to do for her. At the same time, she would have time to spend Christmas and eventually New Year with her family. But it seems Yayo really wants and maybe needs the 2-million peso price that she's willing to spent Christmas and New Year with the housemates than her family.

I really don't know Yayo enough to judge her but in my opinion, this is pure greed. I know Yayo said before that she joined PBB and wanted to win for her children. But Yayo is an actress and even if she doesn't win in PBB, she would have enough projects to come by her and could easily earn money. Specially after being in the public eye by being a housemate in PBB. I also think her husband could earn money too, which he really should, being a father. Is 2 million pesos really good enough reason to stay in "Kuya's house" that you are willing not to spend Christmas and New Year with your family and also cut short your grief recovery process of someone close to you dying? Like your mother?

I think this is what's wrong with us Filipinos. Everyone is willing to sacrifice everything and anything for money, specially if it's big money.

Watching Asian Idol

Update: Hady Mirza of Singapore won Asian Idol and even though I'm not happy with it, it's okay with me. I'm happy that Mau Marcelo did a stellar performance and it's enough reason and pride for me being a Filipino.

I enjoyed watching the very first Asian Idol. Even if the sound is not that good. GMA 7 (the station that will carry the second season of Philippine Idol) of course will do much better in terms of popularity and technicality but will they do better than the first season? That remains to be seen and that is another story.

Anyways, I'm here to write my thoughts about the Asian Idol telecast itself. Let's start with our very own Philippine Idol, Mau Marcelo. I have said this word about two times after one or two of Mau's performance in Philippine Idol and I will say it again this time for Asian Idol. Outstanding. In terms of talent, Mau is one notch higher than the rest of the other contestants. The closest that can match her talent is Mike Mohede of Indonesia and Jaclyn Victor of Malaysia but they are still way below. The others were good but not good enough for the title "Asian Idol".

As for the judges, Paul Moss of Malaysia was the best. He was critical but the criticism is constructive and he is honest about what he feels. Pilita Corrales was, as usual, good. Let me change that, she's better. She's better here than in Philippine Idol. She praised the contestants if there is something to praise and criticised if there's a need to. I am referring to Vietnam's Phuong Vy's performance. Her performance for me would  merit a more harsh word. It's boring. One last thing about the judges. I just have to say this. Ken Lim of Singapore does not deserve to be there. He's imitating Simon Cowell when he's no Simon Cowell. He's such a show off.

As a last note, in terms of talent, Mau should be the first Asian Idol but I don't mind if Mike Mohede of Indonesia or Jaclyn Victor of Malaysia wins. They have the talent, the looks, and has what it takes to be the first "Asian Idol". But then again, I want Mau to be the first Asian Idol so I'm outta here and will start voting. 

GMA 7 bags "Philippine Idol" Season 2 but why am I not happy?

For starters, I am a Kapuso and I love Philippine Idol. When I read the news that GMA 7 bags the right to show the second season of PI, I was extremely happy that finally, Season 2 of PI will be shown and in my favorite network - Kapuso, but when I read the full article, I was more than disappointed. Why?

Read on the article in Philippine Daily Inquirer:

"'GMA 7 bags RP ‘Idol’

By Bayani San Diego Jr.

Inquirer

Last updated 03:13am (Mla time) 09/16/2007

MANILA, Philippines - It’s official.

“Philippine Idol’s” season 2 will be aired on GMA 7, according to Geraldine Bravo, director of Marketing and Sales for FremantleMedia, “Idol” franchise holder.

“We are very fortunate to find a new partner to produce ‘Philippine Idol,’” said Bravo in an official statement sent to Inquirer Entertainment on Friday.

The first season of the reality singing contest was aired by ABC 5 last year.

ABC 5 earlier insisted that it was still “deep in discussions with Fremantle and … barring any major glitch … [we will] still mount the second season.”

Sought to comment on the new development, ABC 5, through senior vice president for Corporate Affairs Terra Daffon, said, “ABC 5 is still waiting for official word from Fremantle.”

Bravo’s formal announcement, however, sealed the deal with GMA 7. “It is our intention to make [RP ‘Idol’] the biggest show the Philippines has ever seen,” Bravo said.

According to various sources, the show’s target launch is February 2008.

An insider told the Inquirer on Wednesday that GMA 7 had bagged the show as of Tuesday night.

The source claimed that GMA 7 would treat its RP “Idol” as a totally new show, independent of the first season—meaning, Mau Marcelo would not be considered the first winner.

But another informant said, “Fremantle should be the one to make such decisions.”

Wilma Galvante, GMA 7 senior vice president for Entertainment TV, said, “As far as we are concerned, this is our first partnership with Fremantle for the ‘Idol’ franchise.”

Bravo’s announcement, Galvante added, merely “means that [both parties] have agreed that GMA 7 has the experience, resources and people to mount talent-search programs [like ‘Idol’].”

In the statement, Bravo said there was no problem in finding talented singers in the Philippines. “The challenge is to keep the show interesting, by providing the viewers with an insight into the journeys that the singers are [taking].”

Galvante agreed: “That’s the essence of the ‘Idol’ franchise.” However, she declined to comment on ABC 5’s status. “That’s between ABC 5 and the people it was talking to in Fremantle.”

According to Bravo’s statement, “Fremantle has taken into consideration several parties to be the possible home of [RP ‘Idol’].” The statement reiterated that Fremantle considered GMA 7 as “an excellent partner ... having licensed other [Fremantle] shows like ‘Celebrity Duets,’ ‘Whammy,’ and ‘Family Feud.’”

One source said Regine Velasquez was being eyed as new ‘Idol’ host; another claimed that Ryan Agoncillo and Ryan Cayabyab would be retained as host and judge, respectively. “It’s too early to go into such details,” said Galvante.

Another question is whether Marcelo would compete in “Asian Idol” in November. According to a source, it was still undecided whether GMA 7 would participate in “Asian Idol” or whether record label Sony-BMG would field Marcelo in the regional contest in Jakarta.

Quite tellingly, Jan Nieto, Marcelo’s runner-up on Idol, is also signing up with GMA 7.'"

I would like to know the reason why for the following:

1. GMA 7 would treat its RP “Idol” as a totally new show, independent of the first season—meaning, Mau Marcelo would not be considered the first winner.

What?! Mau Marcelo deserves to be and is the first-ever Philippine Idol and it's already a fact. Why the injustice to Mau? Because her skin color? Because of being "plus-size"? Or is it because ABC 5 produced the first PI and not GMA 7?

2. Regine Velasquez is being eyed as new ‘Idol’ host.

Again, another what?! With all due respect to "The Songbird", she's got great talent-which is singing and although she can pass as a host for a variety-type of show, Philippine Idol is not the show for Regine to host, although I would like to see her as a judge in PI.

3. On another article, it mentioned that there is a possibility that GMA 7 would not be using "Philippine Idol" for the second season.

What would it be? Pinoy Idol? Pinoy Pop Idol? It sucks. The title Philippine Idol is perfect. It's classy, original, and very unique.

On top of all of this, there's a big possibility that the two Ryans, Ryan Agoncillo and Ryan Cayabyab, would not be retained as host and judge. The two Ryans are perfect for Philippine Idol as a host and judge, respectively.

Of course all of this is still not confirmed but with the way GMA 7 is working right now, they're not that different with the other giant network and they would do everything to be number one without thinking of the word "ethics" or “morals.” The reason why I am a Kapuso is because of its business ethics. But the way things are going now, they are beginning to be like ABS-CBN. If GMA 7 continues to run its business this way, (doing everything to be number one), they would definitely go down. Faster than the time it took them to be number one.

         

Melinda Doolittle and Chris Sligh

Since Philippine Idol Season 2 still has a few months before it airs, I might as well write about the franchise that started it all, American Idol.

I have been following American Idol also but not as religiously as Philippine Idol. I watch AI during replays when there is less commercial (ah, those damn commercials!). Good thing my favorite show airs on ABC 5. The Top 24 of AI also almost has the same composition as the Top 24 of PI. Some have lots of talent, others, just so-so and a few are just good-looking. But I won't be writing about the negatives. I'll be writing about my favorites. They may not necessarily win but I like them.

For the males, I like Chris Sligh. The guy is so funny! When I heard his reason why he is joining AI. I couldn't stop laughing. He "wanna make David Hasselhoff cry". Hahaha! He also can sing and is the lead vocalist of the band "Half-Past Forever." His song choice is also remarkable. "Typical on the first week and "Trouble" on the second week dedicated to his wife. The guy definitely has talent. And personality.

For the females, I am rooting for Melinda Doolittle. I really am a Filipino because I am rooting for her. I love underdogs but not just underdogs. Underdogs that has something to show and is given a chance. The lady, or should I say woman, is probably the most humble singer I have ever seen and heard. It seems that she doesn't know how good she is and how brilliant a singer she is, as Simon Cowell said. Her version of "My Funny Valentine" is awesome. It's a very refreshing take on the song. 

Let's see if the two can make it to the Top 12 and/or be the next American Idol. Enjoy watching the highest rating TV show in America!

And the Oscar goes to...

I have been following the Academy Awards since the day I fell in love with American movies, or the movies, in general for that matter. Although the interest has declined now compared to when I was still working as a Recording Staff in Magnavision where I watched a thousand movies and my life was also like the movies. I really made it a point to watch this year's Academy Awards for a couple of reasons.

First, is that I wanted to see how Ellen DeGeneres would fare as a host. Well, she did good. I was laughing at her jokes no matter how simple. But I think that Billy Crystal is still tops for me as the best Academy Awards host followed by Whoopi Goldberg.

Second, I wanna see if Clint Eastwood would again win as Best Director and leave Martin Scorsese in the cold again. Don't get me wrong, I would like the legendary Martin Scorsese to win but I think Clint Eastwood did another magnificent job in "Letters from Iwo Jima" (which makes this movie on top of my must-see movie for this year) after a solid directing performance from "Flags of Our Fathers". Well, sentimental favorite Scorsese won the Best Director Awards. That's the problem with the Oscars. They left some deserving winners in the past then gives an award the next year to heal a bruised ego. The award is more like a sympathy award since Scorsese has been nominated almost always every year in the Oscar but still have not able to bring home the gold statuette. So the panel gave it to him this time.

Third, I wanted to see Jennifer Hudson's reaction when her named is called andshe goes on the stage and say her acceptance speech. Of course, she would win the Best Supporting Actress Awards and win she did.

Lastly, I wanna know what movie will win as the Best Picture. As you can see, I am rooting for "Letters from Iwo Jima" because the trailer and just the review of Nestor U. Torre from Philippine Daily Inquirer got me intrigued that I really wanted to see it. The first movie I saw that Clint Eastwood directed was "Million Dollar Baby." I watched it just because the movie won as the Best Picture for Oscar in 2005. It was not the movie I was expecting and the kind of ending for a movie that I was expecting but the movie moved me. And that what Clint Eastwood does to the people who watches his movies. It was very pessimistic but it drives home the point.

Of course, Clint Eastwood was willing to take the back seat as Martin Scorsese won the Best Director Award and his movie, "The Departed" also won as the Best Picture for this year. Well, it's still a well-deserved win for Martin Scorsese and the movie "The Departed."

Now, if only I can direct a movie of my own...

Watching Philippine Idol Live in Megamall

Finally, I got the chance to watch Philippine Idol live in Megamall. I wasn't able to make it the previous Sunday with their "Radio Hits" episode because of my "abcess". But after that, I had to make sure that I would be able to watch it because the theme was "Movie/Musicales" and Lea Salonga was guest judge. Come hell or high water, I had to be there.  I also had a feeling that time that after the "Radio Hits" episode, a deserving finalist will be booted out on the next episode. True enough; someone did (see my previous blog entry).

I was suppose to sleep first in the afternoon at the office before going to SM Megamall but I wasn't able to (maybe I was too excited...haha!). So I arrived at Megamall around 3:15 and attended Mass. There were only few people, probably because of the Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales fight! I waited and waited and just wandered around since my friend, Abi, and Glad (who gave me ticket, many thanks to you gals!) arrived at around 8:45 PM already.

First Idol finalist I saw was Pow Chavez. She just passed by in front of me, and greeted some few friends. Pow was kinda chubby. Then I saw then other finalists one by one-Ken, Mau, Jan, etc. Mau looks beautiful in person and really not that big. Ken looked okay and kind. Jan was kinda snobbish. He just walked directly and entered the theater without looking at anyone. I really didn't recognized Jan. A guy who I got to chat said "Si Jan o!" and I was "sinong Jan?" He kept on saying "the singer, the singer" and I was "who?!" I only realized it when he said "Jan Nieto!" and I said "Oh!" (hahaha!). I also saw Erika Jill Bautista and I also didn't recognize her until he made beso-beso with Ken Dingle. I was one lucky guy since I got to seat beside EJ Bautista but only for a moment since we were told by Security that our seat was reserved although it was just okay with me since my view was being blocked by the camera. I didn't greet or acknowledged EJ even if she's on my Friendster list. I'm a shy guy eh (nyahaha!). Although I sent her a message and she replied.

After getting seated, the finalists were ready for the opening number. When I heard the first few lines "Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes..." the crowd went wild and so did I! Damn! It's one of my favorite songs. When I was still a "tambay", my friend Christian, and I always used to sing this song every night in front of our sari-sari store. I was already shouting and cheering at the top of my lungs at that time! 

The "Idol" finalists did well with their own performances but the stand-out was Mau Marcelo with her outstanding take on Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever". After the song, the crowd just went wild. I was also screaming my heart out at that time. I was saying to myself "Wow! What a performance! This is what Philippine idol is about!" Second honor goes to Gian Magdangal with his take on the song "Greased Lightning" from the movie "Grease". He was very natural and he is really a good dancer. My bet, Pow, was also good but she was overshadowed by Mau and Gian. As for Miguel and Jan, I just have to agree with Lea Salonga's comments. That's what all I have to say for their performances.

Lea Salonga did great as a judge. She was very honest and objective. She's really world-class. Ms. Pilita Corrales was much more honest that night which is good as far as the next episodes of "PI" is concerned. Mr. C was not really commenting too much about the performances and uncharacteristically quiet with his one-liner comments which was really not about the performances. As for Francis M...sorry nothing much has changed. His comments really didn't have an impact. He even had a hard time expressing himself verbally and couldn't answer a simple question by Ryan Agoncillo. Ryan A. really looks good and he is funny off-cam. On commercial breaks, he goes chatting and cracking jokes with everyone-the finalists, the judges, the audience and practically everyone on the Philippine Idol Theater. His hosting has really improved a lot and I couldn't think of anyone else hosting Philippine Idol.

After the show I had a chance to see and have a better look on some celebrities like Gretchen Barretto, Ryan Agoncillo, etc. I was even interviewed by ABC 5 people regarding the performances. I just don't know if it will be shown on TV. I was asked something like "Among the finalists, who really made an impact?" and I said "Definitely, it was Mau. I was asked why and I just said "You saw the crowd, they were screaming after her performance" I was also asked a couple of more questions and just answered them as honestly as I could. What I noticed after the "interview" was that I wasn't really looking at the camera. I was looking at the interviewer. Not because the interviewer was pretty, but probably because I'm camera-shy (whahaha!).

If I was to describe my experience watching Philippine Idol live, I'd sum it up in one word - it's wonderful! It's worth it even if I wasn't able to watch Manny Pacquiao's boxing match against Erik Morales because of it and had to content myself watching the fight in Youtube. 

Unfortunately my excitement dampened the next day as my bet, Pow Chavez, was eliminated on Results Night. I was just so happy that I was able to watch live probably the best Philippine idol episode, ever.

Why The Rich Rules in RP

I was about to write about my experience watching Philippine Idol Performance Night live on Megamall last Sunday but something happened that I had to write about it. It's about Pow Chavez being eliminated in Philippine Idol.

Bottom 3 was Pow, Jan, and Miguel. Jan was called first that he was safe. Miguel and Pow remained and I was really hoping against hope that Miguel would be eliminated but alas, what I feared happened! My bet and who Mr. C and I predicted to win, Pow Chavez, was eliminated!

Pow was asked by Ryan to tell something to her fans after calling her name but she said something like "baka d n ko makakanta nyan" and she was on the verge of crying. Suddenly, she was just crying already and couldn't speak clearly what she wanted to say. It was something like she was saying thanks to her fans and to all those who believes in her. She also said that she really does not join any singing contest but Philippine Idol was an exemption. Lastly, she also said that it was an honor singing in Philippine Idol stage. At that time, tears was also falling down my eyes. Damn! I haven't cried for a long time and I'm crying for someone I really don't know personally. I'm sure there's a lot of Pow fans crying at the very same time. 

Anyways, I was also partly to blame for Pow's elimination. I failed to vote for her. She needed the votes more than ever. I don't know what to say. I voted twice for Mau and once for Gian. Pow was overshadowed by the two on Sunday's Performance Night. Mau was outstanding with her take on "Diamonds Are Forever" and Gian was absolutely fantastic with his "Grease Lightning" but Pow still did great with her two performances. 3 votes is almost always my number of votes every week and I always vote for the one with the best performance. I could have voted once for Pow but what difference could one or two votes make?

Which brings me to the reason why I entitled this blog "Why The Rich Rules in RP?" At the start of Philippine Idol Top 24 eliminations, the better singer were really not able to showcase their stuff since they weren't voted and Philippine Idol had about a few undeserving finalists and I won't be mentioning their names. They just got there and got far because of the votes. And it's not because a lot of people were voting for them but because a LOT, and I mean a LOT of money is being wasted by their rich families,friends, and colleagues. The rich are voting, like hell, I suppose. Pow was just the last straw for me. C'mon, Miguel does have talent but he does not deserve to be on the Top 4. I have nothing against him personally and I don't hate him but I hate the people who voted for him. Shame on you guys! You all know who deserves to continue on Philippine Idol and it's definitely not Miguel.

The remaining two who deserves to be the first Philippine Idol, I think has some major back-ups. Otherwise, I don't think they'd still be staying in "PI". One finalist even acknowleged a mayor. I was wrong. Philippine Idol still didn't change our country.

Tomorrow: Watching Philippine Idol Live

My Pigsa. Bow!

Damn! I missed on a lot of things last week. I missed the chance to be on TV last Wednesday, I missed also watching live the Performance Night of Philippine Idol last Sunday, and probably writing a blog about it. All because of a thing called "pigsa" (sorry, I don't know the exact translation for it, but the doctor at RMH wrote it as "abcess" in my prescription drug). Yes, I had it on a part of my body and this has been a recurring thing for the past few months and the doctor said I need to go on a minor surgery for this.

Yes, you read it right. I missed the chance to be on TV. I got an e-mail invite from a Production Coordinator of Philippine Idol to guest in "I Love Philippine Idol" to share my views about Philippine Idol. I should have seen Heart Evangelista. I really wanted to go not because I  wanted to see Heart or be able to be on TV but because I just wanna say my piece about improving the best singing contest on TV since "Ang Bagong Kampeon" but I wasn't able to since I wasn't feeling well and I was very uneasy.

It was just okay that I wasn't able to be seen on TV but what I really regretted was passing up the chance to watch the Performance Night on Sunday. A newfound friend, Abi and I, already planned to watch "PI" in Megamall last Sunday but I can't move freely because of my "abcess" and I decided not to watch "PI" live, which was really a big mistake.

I really wasn't planning to watch Philippine Idol last Sunday on TV since I needed to rest but I woke up at about 9:30 PM and saw on TV Philippine Idol guest judge DJ Mo Twister saying something about the performance of Gian Magdangal, the first performer for the night. After that I wasn't able to sleep anymore and watched the remaining of the show. DJ Mo Twister really gave life to Sunday's episode of "PI". What with his objective views and fearless criticisms of the performances of the Final 6 of "PI". He even said that he will wear a dress if Ken Dingle still stays of PI (I should have been there), which of course didn't happen because, as we all know, Ken was voted off the competition (hooray!). It was another classic Philippine Idol episode and a very entertaining one. Anyways, this coming Sunday, I would really be watching the Performance Night live in SM Megamall even if I have work very early in the morning the next day. Leah Salonga will be the guest judge, FrancisM is back (not that I'm excited to see him back), and the theme is "Movie/Musicals" which of course is my favorite field in the world of entertainment.

As for my "abcess", I had a minor surgery yesterday and it was one of the most painful thing I ever experienced in my life since I decided to "pahilot' my "tapilok" a few years ago which one should not really do. But that's another story. After the painful experience, I am expecting that this goddamn "pigsa" will never bother me again.

The Philippine Idol That I Wanted and Expected

Guess what? Looks like I have to eat some of the words I wrote here in my Friendster blog and the Philippine Idol Forum.

Since my work schedule changed to graveyard shift, I had nothing to do on a Sunday night and I didn't have to wake up early in the morning, I patiently waited for Philippine Idol and watched it.

I was not disappointed. It was the best Philippine Idol Live Performance episode so far. It also made me forget the previous substandard episodes of "PI". There were no technical glitches (or if there was any, I, as a televiewer didn't saw or heard it), use of stage and theater were evidently well conceptualized, good enough judges comments, and most notably, better and impressive performances from the finalists.

Although like the "PI" judges, I also have a but. The voting now only has a two-hour window. That means the viewers can only vote up to 12:30 am, Monday. By this time, "PI" already knows who will get the boot. I read in the Forum that changing the voting system at the middle of the competition was very unfair for the 3 finalists who were booted out. I don't have a problem with this. As long as it would be for the betterment of the show, changes should be made. The only problem I see with this change is if the telecommunications company encounters "technical problems" and for the nth time, no one will be eliminated. That would really be a disaster. But that didn't stop me from voting.

In the meantime, since I will be going to work at 11 PM, I might as well watch the Results Night of Philippine Idol tonight and be ready for another surprise.

All in all, as their opening production number declared: It was really a night to remember.

I just hope that this continues.

The Thrill is Going, Going...

…It’s already gone. That’s Philippine Idol for you, guys.

I have religiously and excitedly followed each and every episode of Philippine Idol from its very first day. This was Philippine Idol and it looks very promising. On its very first day when it showed the first batch of auditionees, I was very happy that I text-broadcasted my friends to watch it as I saw and heard some really promising contestants and I expected big things to come for Philippine Idol. Alas, it was not the case.

On its first day of Live Performance in SM Megamall Cinema 3 where the Top 12 Male Semi-finalists battle it out for the Top 6 Male Finals slot, an unexpected thing happened. One of its Top 24 contestants and eventually finalist, Reymund Sajor, lost the audio of his microphone for almost a minute. Nothing was really done except to repeat the song all over again. Everyone was shocked, including me and its very few viewers, since it really didn’t established good ratings despite the trumpeting that ABC 5 did.

Other viewers also had a lot of not-so-good things to say about “PI”. The stage was too little and it was not that good in terms of "Idol" standards. The sound system was also sub-par and there were a lot of technical problems. Microphones turned off when their supposed to be turned on and turned on when their supposed to be turned off. The next day, the Top 6 Male finalists were called but lo and behold, the best performers of the previous night who were given rave reviews on the previous night were not included. A lot of people complained and so are the judges. I was also disappointed with its sudden changes in its schedule and time slot in such a short notice.

I let these entire things pass because “PI” was just starting at that time. I reasoned this would be a good reason to make things better for a very excellent reality singing contest and a room for improvement for “PI”. But week after week, instead of becoming better it has become worse. Just like one of their finalist, Ken Dingle’s performance, it went from bad to worse. The technical problems, the so-so performance of the finalists, the boring comments of the judges (except maybe for Mr. C), the sudden changes of schedule, and practically everything about “PI”.

The quality of the finalist’s performance also didn’t help as the better singer/performers said goodbye one by one in the finals like Drae and the last one being Reymund. Not helping the fact that not all the best was in the Final 12, like Ira Marasigan, Ramirr Grepo, etc. This could not be blamed entirely however on “PI” but on the Filipino voters.

The last straw the practically made me lost the little interest I have left with “PI” was it’s last Saturday and Sunday episode. On Saturday Performance Night, when they were about to show the recap of the finalist’s performance, host Ryan Agoncillo and judge Pilita Corrales were heard saying something on air that was not supposed to be heard. There was also no recap of the finalist’s performance as they decided to abruptly end the show and the credits were rolled. Probably a first in “Idol” franchise that there was no recap of the performance. Ryan A. also informed the viewers that “PI will now be shown Sunday and Monday nights, same time instead of Saturday and Sunday, 9 P.M.

On Sunday Results Night, Ryan A announced that nobody will be eliminated because Sun Cellular and Smart experienced technical problems with regard to the text-voting which decides who will be eliminated. Again, Ryan said that votes that went through will be carried over next week and two finalists will be eliminated. This was the second time that this kind of thing happened. The first one was when super typhoon “Milenyo” ravaged Metro Manila and electricity and telecommunications services were abruptly cut because of the damage done by the super typhoon. I called the first decision by Philippine Idol a class of its own but the second one? I’m calling it a “trash of its own”. Since Philippine Idol winner will be judged by text and landline votes and majority of Filipinos will be voting through text, “PI” and its sponsor “Smart” should have expected a lot of votes. What more with the fact that anyone can vote as many times as one wants. “Technical problems” should not be one of the reasons to postpone who will be eliminated in “PI”.

Sorry, Mau, Pow, and Gian. Don’t expect my vote in the coming weeks as I would rather save my hard-earned peso than waste it by voting for the winner on a sub-standard singing contest like “PI”. As for Philippine Idol, don’t worry ‘coz I won’t be watching the other reality singing contest as I’m not the type who will chose the “lesser between two evils”. I’d rather sleep. Or maybe “dadaan-danan” ko na lang kayo sa TV” like what one of your two guest judge said when asked about their expectations of the “PI” finalist’s performance. What a pity! The two guest judges don’t watch “PI” and probably a lot of Filipino viewers.

When Philippine Idol came, I knew this would make history in the world. The first season is barely over and I already knew I am right. Philippine Idol is already making history – as the worst “Idol” franchise. 

From Bad to Worse

Just like one of their finalists, Ken Dingle, Philippine Idol’s coverage by ABC 5 has gone from bad to worse.

 

I was about to rave on how the finalist’s performance have been better (except for Ken, of course) compared to last week’s Metropop night when the unthinkable happened on the last part of the show last night.

 

They were about to show the recap of the finalist’s performance when host, Ryan Agoncillo, said something like “Mamsi tuloy nasabi ko”, referring to his mistake in calling resident judge Ms. Pilita Corrales “Mamsi” instead of “Mamita.” And it was heard on-air, live. There was also no recap, as “Mamita” this time, was heard saying “Wala kasing audio”. Again, it was heard on-air. Imagine, no recap of the finalist’s performance?

 

I have watched Philippine Idol since Day 1 and I was one of the excited people that "PI" is finally here. It was very promising at that time and even text broadcasted my friends to watch it. It really was promising up to the point where the Top 24 were chosen. But when the Live Performances started, that’s where the problems began.

 

Imagine one of the finalist’s microphone going pfft at the middle of the song and no audio for almost one minute on the first live Performance Night! Their sound system is also sub par. Not only that, microphones are turned off when their supposed to be turned on and turned off when their supposed to be turned on. I have seen guests, judges, and finalists asked a question by Ryan Agoncillo but when they answered, I didn’t hear anything that they were saying. Their stage is also not that good. And what’s with the sudden changes in schedule. Philippine Idol’s schedule and time slot has been erratic since it started with a lot of sudden changes. I have never liked these changes in time slot just to get high in the ratings. Are they afraid of competition? Or to put it more precisely, are they afraid of Pinoy Dream Academy? I really don’t know who’s winning the ratings game but I don’t care. All I can say is that I’ll definitely pick Philippine Idol anytime over Pinoy Dream Academy. It’s not even worth the comparison. PDA cannot hold a candle to Philippine Idol. They can be assured that this holds true for most PI viewers. 95 percent of the people from the Philippine Idol forum would chose PI over PDA. So, why the change in schedule?

Before I say my last piece, since I’m going to send this blog to the Philippine Idol team (I don’t care if they read it or not), I’ll be listing some unsolicited advice from a “very concerned” Philippine Idol viewer.

 

First, ABC 5 technical people, get your act together!

 

Please get the microphones to work properly. Turn it off when it’s supposed to be off and turn it on when it’s supposed to be turned on.

 

Second, have a Plan B when Plan A goes kaput.

 

Example 1: When Reymund’s microphone audio was lost, there should have been someone to hand him another mic within 3-5 seconds. Longer than that, the performance should’ve been stopped and repeated all over again. Anything less than that is unacceptable like what happened to Reymund.

Example 2: When you were unable to show a recap, you should have opted to go on a commercial break and do the editing of the recap of the finalist’s on the commercial break instead of hearing the backstage audio.

 

By “Idol” standards, there should be no Plan B but with what’s happening right now, you need to have one. That leaves a Plan C out of the question.

 

Third, stick to the schedule and timeslot.

 

As I wrote earlier, who cares about PDA? Or to be more specific, Philippine Idol viewers do not care about PDA or any of it’s counterpart on other channels as long as you are giving us a great show, we will watch the show. Changing the day of the Performance Night from Saturday to Sunday will do no good. PBA games, which will precede "PI" if it’s already final, are very unpredictable. They sometimes end earlier or late if there is overtime and "PI" viewers will be groping in the dark. What’s more is that the next day will be Monday, when people will be preparing for work and the start of the week. Who will watch the Performance Night? And on Results Night, which will be Monday, "PI" will be up against the primetime top-raters of the two giant networks.

 

Last but not the least, loosen up. Get the pressure off your backs.

 

This applies to every one of Philippine Idol staff. From the PA's to the contestants to the judges, directors, hosts, and practically everyone on "PI". I think you are all too overwhelmed by Philippine Idol. You are trying too hard to make it perfect that you commit big and small mistakes everywhere. I say do not worry as to what could happen. Just do your job. Do what you’re supposed to do and have fun.

 

I have blindedly disagreed with Philippine Daily Inquirer’s columnist, Nestor U.Torre’s comments about Philippine idol but I’m beginning to accept it. For Philippine Idol, the thrill is going, going…it’s almost gone.

Thank God for Mr. C

What else is new with Philippine Idol? The top performers again at the bottom 3. And the best performer for the week being voted off.That's right. Reymund Sajor, who sang "Be My Lady", was booted out of the competition.

I only voted only once last weekend and I voted for Reymund because for me he was the best performer for the night. I didn't like the other finalist performances. Even my favorites didn't impress me. Pow's song was not that good. I think because the original is really much better and partially because Regine Velasquez has a remake of it which is currently being played on the radio which people can't help but compare it. Mau, on the other hand, sang "Ako ang Nasawi, "Ako ang Nagwagi" but her interpretation was so much like Dulce and as Mr. C says nobody can sing the song much better than Dulce. Dulce owns the song. As for Gian, his voice cracked.

But the real story last Sunday was how Mr. C reacted when the Bottom 3 was called on the Hotspot. His exact words were "First of all, I’m shocked. Although right from the start we knew that what we say here has no influence on the voters. I can imagine next week, titira na ako talaga (I would be a hard-hitting judge). If the voters keep on voting out the best ones, ano matitira? Kantahan na lang ng nursery rhymes".

I couldn't agree more. As I wrote in my last blog, I am very idealistic. If Filipinos are not intelligent enough to vote for their leaders, at least they're intelligent enough to vote for the best performer in Philippine Idol. But, as of now, it's still not happening.

You know there's something wrong when the best performers are always at the bottom 3 and a finalist voice cracks not just for two weeks in  a row but almost every week. Ken Dingle's voice cracks almost every week and on Metropop Week, it's in the last part pa! When he said on the early going of Philippine Idol that he was sick, I was "Okay, I believe you not getting your maximum potential because of sickness" but if he will be sick for the remainder of the show and keeps on "piyo-Ken", he should be voted off as soon as possible.

The only thing going right for Philippine Idol is Mr. C. With his "ambivalent" comments and his very constructive criticisms of the finalists. That's the way judges should judge. One of the reason why I don't like Simon Cowell of American Idol as a judge is that Simon makes "tira" of the AI hopefuls just for the point of making "tira" and he's only good for that, his one-liner acerbic comments. Kudos to Mr. C for being an excellent judge.

All is not lost however for Philippine Idol's as it's first season is still not yet over until December. Anything can happen, but I'm expecting that the deserving one will win the Philippine Idol. We already have an undeserving President, will we have an underserving Philippine Idol next?

Congrats, Jason

Enough of Philippine Idol! From ABC 5, let’s go to my favorite channel, GMA 7 - Kapuso! From Philippine Idol, let's go to Pinoy Pop Superstar.

A lot of my friends here really don't know Jason, since he really is a newfound friend. I met Jason in RMH where we both applied and luckily was also accepted although he's no longer here (huhu). He was with me from the initial to the final interview and until he had to go because he wasn't able to make it on Abay, which was a shock to all of us, his colleagues. If not for this guy, I really wouldn't made it to RMH. Thanks to his computer knowledge and positive attitude. Though he's no longer with RMH, we still get in touch with each other courtesy of modern technology.

What made us click were two things-video games and singing. When we were asked to come back later for the final interview, we decided to go to SM North Edsa and he played like hell. He was a video game addict. I decided to play some also and my Street Fighter days were there again on that day (haha). The other was singing. I love singing although singing does not have a love lost for me. But that's another story.

When he first told me the story that he auditioned for Star in A Million but wasn't even given a chance to sing, I was "Who, you?", "Are you for real?" but when I heard him sing, I was like "Whoa, you are for real!" and my dislike for ABS-CBN again rose to greater heights. A singing contest but you’re not letting the auditionee sing? What the heck?!!

Anyways, I had in my mind seeing Jason audition for Philippine Idol next year (sorry, I really can't get enough of Philippine Idol). I even offered to accompany him to the audition if he wants. I believed in his talent. I know a talent when I see and hear one.

What he didn't tell me was he already auditioned for Pinoy Pop Superstar. I had that in mind and was planning to ask him if he auditioned in Mall of Asia for Pinoy Pop Superstar but being the singer that he already is, he already knows that.

He texted me just a couple of days ago saying that he will be performing as a contestant in PPS and even invited me to watch but I wasn't able to because I had work that day and it was also my brother's 18th birthday. I watched the episode and heard his almost-perfect rendition of "Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin" and without any trace of Ariel Rivera. Because of that he was able to make it to the Top 3. His next song was "Gold". I heard the song before but I was unfamiliar with it. I had to search for the song and found out it was by Spandau Ballet. And I was saying to myself, "That's the way to go, kid!"

He didn't win the contest. In fact, he was the first to go from the final three contenders. I think it was because the song did not showcase the best from his voice. But you know why I think he has what it takes to make it? It's because he made an unknown song or a not-that-known song popular. This is what makes a great singer. Singing a song and making it your own. That's what he did.

For that alone, congratulations, Jason!

What's Going On With Philippine Idol?

I was also in shock as I saw the bottom 4 of Philippine Idol. My top 3 at the bottom?! But there they were. Pow, Gian, and Drae. It was a good thing Gian made it and has the chance to perform again next week.

I also couldn't believe it seeing Pow and Drae in the hot spot and one had to go. Although I know that Pow would really make it for the next round, which she did, I wasn't happy that Drae was voted off. He was one of the better singer and has what it takes to be the first Philippine Idol.

I have been hearing a lot since the voting started that some or a lot of Philippine Idol contestants are voting their way to the top. I have always been an idealistic person. When I heard the news that Philippine Idol is finally coming, I was one of the many who was very excited about it even if it's not being shown by one of the two giant networks. Although if ABS-CBN bagged the rights, I'll have second thoughts watching Philippine Idol. But that's another story.

The reason why I like Idol's format is because I and the viewers will get a chance to vote who's going to win. I believed in it's format. I have grown tired of other singing contests that had undeserving winners which was chosen by the judges (I'll write about this some other time), so this time I get a chance to vote who I wanted to win. I believe that if Filipinos are not intelligent enough to vote our leaders, at least they would be intelligent enough to vote who the best performer/artist/singer in Philippine Idol is.

Alas, early on, in the selection of the Top 6 male finalists, I have seen the bright color of money doing it's thing. I couldn't believe that not all the best performers got in. My mother and brother was shocked. I just let it pass since Drae was able to got in and I didn't vote that time. Not that I didn't want to but I just wanted to enjoy the show and I'll reserve my voting on the coming weeks. I also liked what happened. One of the reasons why Idol clicks is because of it's unpredictability, and here is unpredictability at work. Philippine Idol was also able to rise back as Gian and Mau was able to get to the Top 12 in the Wild Card round.

Mr. C. and the other judges said that any of the Top 12 or even Top 24 can be the next Philippine Idol. I beg to disagree. They have their talents but I feel that some of the finalists don't deserve to be the first Philippine Idol and I won't name who they are.

I'll still support and watch Philippine Philippine Idol and I will still vote for the deserving one. Although as I said there's only a limit as to how may times I can vote and spend money. In spite of what is happening to Philippine Idol, I still believe in its format. But if an undeserving Philippine Idol wins, our country is indeed going to the dogs.

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

No one was eliminated in Sunday's first Results Night of Philippine Idol Finals. The reason: due to technical glitches brought about by super typhoon "Milenyo." Major telephone and telecommunications line, as well as electricity, was cut. A lot of people weren’t able to vote because of this. People were not also able to watch the finalist's performance last Saturday.

A lot of people were not really happy with the decision. What more, with the decision to carry over the votes last week for this week. They say it was not fair. Some said Philippine Idol is just adding drama and suspense to its show to boost the ratings.

I say it was for the best and the fairest decision that could've been done. It's not that this is the first time in Idol history that no one was eliminated. Philippines is in fact the fifth country in "Idol" history to do this. A similar thing happened in Season 2 of American Idol, as well season 4 of “French Idol,” season 1 of “Armenian Idol” and season 2 of “Pan-Arabic Idol.” As for the drama, of course this is a television show and that is to be expected. 

I say this decision makes Philippine Idol a class of its own.

Philippine Idol: A Beauty Contest?

Before anything else, i would like to tell fans of Maureen Marcelo that I voted for her twice. I really wanted her to be in the Top 12 - the Finals. She deserves to be in the Finals, not like some finalists (sigh). But I really didn't like what she said in the Wild Card Round Results Night. She said "Hindi ito singing contest...pagandahan..." when asked by Ryan by what she has to say. Although she said it was a joke after, jokes are half-meant isn't it?

I have seen Mau in a lot of singing contest, particularly "Star For A Night" and she's really good. But her statement was really uncalled for. She put Suey Medina on the spot. Although I don't think it was directed at her. It's a good thing Suey reacted nicely to it saying that idol niya si Mau and assuring that Mau will get in the Top 12 and indeed Mau is. I like Suey, and I also voted for her once (I only voted three times, mahirap lang kami eh...harharhar), not just because she's a good singer and pretty because she's so humble. She should have been in the Finals instead of Stef. In a very rare occasion, I have to agree with my friend, Fatima, Suey rocks!

I'll tell you why Mau didn't have to say that. If she has talent and people thinks she deserves to be the next Philippine Idol, people will vote for her. She also doesn't have to beg for votes like what she did after her performance. She also put her relationships with the other girl finalist in jeopardy. Philippine Idol is not a beauty contest, but it's also not just a singing contest. I don't know if she lost my vote, because I always vote for who performed best after the performance night (paging Pow!). But one smart ass remark is enough.

My Top 4 for Philippine Idol

I was to write about my fearless forecast as to who will be the first Philippine Idol since my initial forecast might not happen but Mr. C, Ryan Cayabyab, beat me to it on yesterday's Entertainment issue of Philippine Daily Inquirer. So I had to think of another one. Since it's also too early to say who will be the first Philippine Idol, I decided to write about my Final Four bet.

But before that, I'd like to say that I was more happy with the results of the Girls' semifinals result. Not because the best performer went in (the same thing happened in the Girl's Top 4) but because I voted. Unlike in the Boy's Final Four. I voted twice for Pow and Ira. Pow is in the Finals but not Ira. I'm happy because I had a vote in the Girl's performance night. It's just like in politics. I voted for Raul Roco but Erap won but that's okay for me. He is who the Filipino wants to be the President and I have to accept that. Jelli and Apple went in even though they had a so-so performance, fine. That's what the voters want. I voted for who I wanted to be in the Finals.

So, my Top 4 is Pow Chavez, Ira Marasigan, Giancarlo Magdangal, and Drae Ybañez. As you can see only Pow Chavez and Drae is included in the Finals but I know Gian Carlo and Ira will get the votes this coming Saturday in the Wild Card round. If not, that's okay. It's just that I feel this four has what it takes to be the first Philippine Idol - good singing voice, magnetic personality, and the charisma. As for Maureen Marcelo, she's really a good singer. I'm not saying that she's not in because of her looks. I'm not that type of person when it comes to singing contest. I even have the Star for a Night album where she sang "Better Days" and she's really good but Sarah Geronimo deserved to win that. The same will go for Philippine Idol. She's very talented but I don't think Mau will win. It's not all about the singing, It is Philippine Idol. It's who will the Filipinos will idolize.

As for my earlier prediction that Ira will win, I had to retract because as Mr. C said, she's very classy for Philippine Idol-too classy for the masa. She will not get the masa votes. But I still think she'll make it to the Finals, as long as Ateneo will vote for her. Otherwise, La Salle will not have a nemesis in Philippine Idol. Ira for me is more deserving to be in the Finals than Miguel Mendoza.

Drae and Gian Carlo also has what it take to be the first Philippine Idol. But can they get the votes? That's still remains to be seen. I still believe, though, that Gian Carlo will get the votes in the wild card round. 

So that leaves Pow in the Final Four. Mr. C said in his fearless forecast that Pow will win the Philippine idol. What can I say? I must say I agree with him. My votes will go for her, as well as the masa. And Kris Aquino, I must say. =)

What happened to the Philippine Idol Male Finalists?

I was one of the surprised viewers of Philippine Idol when the Top 4 finalsits was announced last Sunday (09/04/06). Two of the best performers were eliminated and two of the worst performers got in. What happened here?

Mr C. offered an explanation in today's issue of PDI. He said “Pinoys [could have] voted for the ones with the best charm and appeal. Because they saw how well received Ramirr’s performance was, they probably thought he was sure of getting pole position. So they voted for the underdogs—Pinoys that we are. The same thing happened with Gian.”

Fair enough but I can't stand it. I can accept the fact that Miguel Mendoza got in and Ramirr Grepo did not but I can't accept the fact that Jan Kurt Nieto got in but not Gian Carlo Magdangal. With apologies to the fans of Miguel, Ramirr, and Jan but I believe Gian should be in the Top 12 of Philippine Idol. For me he was one of the best performers of the night together with Ramirr and he has what it takes to be the next Philippine Idol. He has the looks, the voice, and the attitude to be one. Why am I complaining when I didn't vote? Well, that's because I believe the public will vote wisely, which was not evident, and I didn't know I could vote since I am a Gobe subscriber. Also because I know a lot of people will vote, which happened since PI broke the Asian record for text votes, which is not surprising at all.

I think the results gave a mirror of how we, Filipinos, vote. The same with politics, we still do not vote as to who is the most capable and who is the best. The sensible voters (like me, ehem!) did not vote. It was fan based and it's a pity that the best didn't quite make it.

But all is not lost. PI still has the wild card where two male semi-finalists will get a chance to be on the Top 12 and this time I will probably vote for Gian and also this Saturday, I will also vote for the best performer/s for the Girl's 1st performance night. I have to see the best to be on the Philippine Idol's Top 12.

Philippine Idol: Semis

Well, since Philippine Idol is my favorite TV show right now, bear with me as I write more about PI (what an acronym!) in my next few blogs. i watched Philippine Idol last night even though I had work at 4 am the next day. That goes to show how sucker I am for singing contests.

Let's break down what happened on elimination. Most of singing contests veteran and professionals didn't make it. Star In A Million finalists Divo Bayer and Marinel Santos, as well as Star For A Night finalists Jason Velasquez and Florie Mae Lucido, didn't make but with one exception. Ivy Paredes and OJ Mariano also didn't make it. This prompted Divo to say "maraming di magaling". I almost agreed but when I heard the Top 24 sang, I knew immediately I was wrong. The judges couldn't have gone wrong since some are already being pirated by another TV company (C'mon! up to know this company is still pirating?!).

What went wrong with the likes of Divo? As for me, honestly I think the judges wanted the others to give a chance and they also didn't perform strong enough. Divo already has a name, and the likes of Marinel Santos, Florie Mae, had their share of fame with the singing contests that they joined. Performance-wise, they really didn't perform well, but again with the exception of Jason Velasquez. Their trio was probably the best performance of the night. Marinel was just making fun of her Visayan partners, which is probably the reason they had a so-so perfrmance. Poor performance was also the reason why Dolphy's grandson, Rowell Quizon, was voted out.

So, who made it to the Top 24? My bet, Ira Patricia Marasigan made it,as well as Jelica Mateo, who joined a beauty contest in Eat Bulaga and has a crush on FrancisM. Erika Jill Bautista, who has a hearing impairment and really didn't quite perform in the trio made it. Chery Ann Tiu, who sang Sex Bomb's “Spaghetti” as her audition piece also made it. Star for A Night finalist, Maureen Marcelo, was lucky and made it to the Top 24. She was the only singing contests veteran who made it Australian Idol contestant, Stephanie Bainbrigge made it also. Another stand-out is Paula Patricia "Paw" Chavez was also in. She is a very talented singer, prompting my bother to react and say "the next Aiza". Her rendition of "Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin" was heartfelt. The others are Christina Otero, Rina Lei Pangan, Yasmi Rose Medina, Armarie Cruz, and Abigail Blanco who didn't get much screen time during the previous episodes.

For the boys, Paul Andrae Ybanez, who helps street children made it as well as Gian Carlo Magdangal, who sang and Eric Bennet song in his initial audition. The youngest and probably the cutest from the guy, as PDI wrote, Miguel Mendoza is in. Rowell Quizon's best friend in the show, Freddie Cabael is in. Other names who made it in the boys are Reymond Sajor, Joseph Astor, Jan Kurt Nieto, Christian Masaga, Ramirr Grepo, Kenneth Dingle, Robert Bernadas, and Jasper Onyx Culala who also didn't get much screen time during the previous episodes.

Now, the million dollar (or is it million peso question?) is who will be the first Philippine Idol? I already have a fearless forecast on my previous blog (08/01/06). But the catch is I will not be able to vote since I am a Globe subscriber. Hope there will be voting done through landline. Because of that, I will just give a fearful forecast. The next Philippine Idol will be a girl. I'm sure of it. =)