Circus

In 3 days, we will be bidding farewell to 2008 and usher in the New Year 2009. Looking back at the year that was, I can say that 2008 was a bittersweet, uneventful but a good year nonetheless. It took alot of growing up on my part, it took alot of risk that I know I did not calculate. It was my first time to experience retrenchment or what we call "redundancy". It was my first time to be out of work for the most part of the year. I landed a dream job that allowed me to meet new and exciting people. Eventhough money was few and far between, I met new friends, some of them are the who's who in the modelling business, and believe me friends, models are not what you think they are. I am just thankful that I landed a new corporate job before the year ends, and it's such a big relief for me. I'll keep my job as a talent agent on the side, but I'll focus more on my new corporate job. I am just so happy that despite the hardships that I went through this year, I am glad that I have friends who were there to give me whatever support they can give, whether morally, emotionally and financially. I am also thankful to my family for their love and support. I can say that 2008 was such a circus for me, primarily because at one point, I was on top of the world, and then at the snap of a finger, a rug was pulled underneath my feet. But, I am putting them all behind me now. I am going to bring with me all the best and positive experiences I had in 2008 into the New Year, and I am sure that 2009 will be the year Toshi Koshimizu will become the best Toshi Koshimizu he will ever be. What am I wishing for this 2009? Job security, good health for myself, family and friends, success, more guidance from God and hopefully, someone I can be with at the end of the day. Someone who will be waiting for me at home after a long day at work, someone who will love me for what I am and take me as I am. Just wishful thinking.........Have a great New Year, friends!

Pablo Neruda's If You Forget Me

Pablo Neruda is one of the most influential writers of all time. I have read a few of his works in my Literature class back in college, and this poem that he made really struck a chord in me. Very poignant & beautifully written, If You Forget Me talks about telling the person you love to stop loving you if the feeling's no longer there. Read along and enjoy! =)

If You Forget Me


I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

-Pablo Neruda

Death in the time of Christmas

In approximately 4 days, Christmas Day is just around the corner. But, this may be a very sad Christmas for some families, especially those who experienced death among their family members. Most of us were surprised, even shocked, to learn that young actor Marky Cielo passed away last December 7. He was found dead in his bedroom by his mother, lying on the floor. Alot of speculations went around, that he died of acute pancreatitis, or he committed suicide, among other things. There are also talks that he wore a turtleneck undershirt in a suit inside his coffin, which led people to conclude that he committed suicide. Days prior to that, a very deady shootout betweeb the PNP SWAT team and a robbery syndicate took place in Paranaque last December 5, which led to the deaths of at least 13 civilians. 2 of those casualties were OFW Alfredo De Vera and his 7 year old daughter Leah Alyana. Lilian De Vera, wife of the victim, said her seafarer husband, Alfredo, intended to come home just before Christmas, but decided to advance his vacation to grant the wish of their 7-year-old daughter to be home for her birthday on November 3. Alfredo De Vera and the daughter he loved so dearly, Leah Alyana, were driving on a sport utility vehicle along Sampaguita Avenue in Parañaque city at about 9:45 p.m. Friday when they got hit in the crossfire between police and suspected members of two robbery gangs. Last week, I was watching an episode of Wonder Mom (hosted by Karen Davila, airing every Saturday morning), and it was very touching and tearful to see and hear a mother and wife mourning at the loss of her loved ones. She did not expect that it would happen to her, and it was so powerful to see her cry because she loved her family very much. She even told Karen that she doesn't understand what happened, what she knows is that the police killed her family. On a more personal level, I was also shocked to read a text message from my mom that the mother of my sister's bestfriend died of a stroke last Saturday, December 13. Nanay Emma was so close to me when I was in Bacolod, she was like a second mother to me. I was so sad to learn that she had passed away. It was also during the same time in 2005 that my beloved nanny passed away, also because of a stroke. Mare Julie (as I fondly call her) was with us for much of my growing up years, and her loyalty to out family was just amazing. I cried buckets and buckets of tears when I saw her in a coffin, when a few month back she was still the caring nanny I consider as part of the family. She suffered a stroke while she was in Bacolod, when my eldest sister borrowed her from us. It was one of the saddest moments in my life. I always smile and get teary eyed whenever I think of her & all the things she did for me and my family. I miss her alot, I miss her everyday. Christmas is supposed to be a happy occassion, but death is an inevitable part of life. I know that these people are in a safe place right now, and I'm sure, just like us here, they will also celebrate Christmas with Our Creator. May they always rest in peace.

Divas4Divas: A Dream Concert

Divas4Divas: A Dream Concert

A dream concert and touted to be one of the most impressive and ground-breaking productions in the local concert scene, it took nearly 5 years to plan and now it is finally happening!

The date is DECEMBER 6 and the venue is ARANETA COLISEUM. There the country's top divas: KUH LEDESMA, ZSA ZSA PADILLA, POPS FERNANDEZ, and REGINE VELASQUEZ will be together on the same stage for DIVAS 4 DIVAS, the first time that all four of them will perform in one concert.

A 20th anniversary presentation of the Music Museum, DIVAS 4 DIVAS is bound to make history on the concert stage with the finest talents in the music industry. Music Museum has played a significant part in the careers of all four divas as well as other performers, which was what Kuh and present owner Precy Florentino had envisioned for it. According to Precy this is a production of Music Museum but the concert will be held at the Araneta Coliseum which is "four times bigger than Music Museum, which is just fitting for a show four times grander and four times everything."

All this talent on one stage, along with the fabulous costumes, impressive sets, mood-enhancing lights and incredible production numbers makes Divas 4 Divas a concert you shouldn't miss! Helping the ladies out is LOUIE OCAMPO, their musical director.

After the Big Dome, the show will go on tour in the US in March and May 2009.

Indeed, it will be a long time before an event of this magnitude comes along again!

The Divas

KUH LEDESMA

Kuh started out in the late 70s as the vocalist of Music and Magic, which also included Fe delos Reyes, Angeli Pangilinan, and Jet Montelibano. Even as a solo artist, Kuh continued to shine. In 1981, the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) named her "Singer of the Year." The following year, she grabbed that honor again and added one more: an "Entertainer of the Year" award from the Aliw Awards Foundation. Her musical specials like "Kuh: By Special Arrangement" (1997) also won notice from the Catholic Mass Media Awards and the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Foundation’s Entertainment Awards. In l999, the National Centennial Commission recognized Kuh’s outstanding efforts and talents by conferring on her the Natatanging Gawad Sentenaryo as the "Most Outstanding Filipino." As an actress, Kuh also made her mark in films like "Oro, Plata, Mata" and in the international production "A Dangerous Life."

Even today, after more than two decades in the music scene, Kuh continues to be a powerhouse in local music and one of the most innovative and trend-setting artists in the business.

www.KuhLedesma.net

ZSA ZSA PADILLA

DIVINE DIVA Zsa Zsa is an actress, TV host, recording artist and concert performer. Like Kuh, she started her career as part of a band – in her case, Hotdog – then later went solo. Some of Zsa Zsa’s biggest hits include "Ikaw Lamang," "Hiram," "Kahit Na," and "Point of No Return."

A truly gifted singer with one of the most beautiful soaring voices in town, Zsa Zsa is also a talented actress with several acting awards to her credit. These include a "Best Supporting Actress" trophy for "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" (1994), and Best Actress trophies from the Gawad Urian, Film Academy of the Philippines and the STAR Awards for Movies for her role in Batang PX (1998). Her most recent acting triumph was in 2006's Ako Legal Wife. Also renowned for her beauty, Zsa Zsa has been named to a list of the 100 Most Beautiful Filipinas.

www.ZsaZsaPadilla.com

POPS FERNANDEZ

Pops started performing professionally at age 16, people practically grew up with her and saw her, and her talent, blossom into the beautiful, poised, and confident concert performer and recording star that she is today. In 1999, she was chosen as "Best Female Musical Variety Show Host" in the KBP Golden Dove Awards. She has done 15 albums, which have received Gold and Platinum recognition. Baring a talent for reinventing herself, Pops even launched her own clothing line called PIPAY. Pops has ventured into the movies as well. Musically, she continues to dazzle audiences here and all over the world with her talent, making her truly the country's undisputed CONCERT QUEEN.

REGINE VELASQUEZ

ASIA'S SONGBIRD Regine was the first Filipino to stage a solo concert at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall, as part of Carnegie Hall’s centennial year concert series. Her album "Listen Without Prejudice" achieved platinum certification in several countries. In 2000, she performed the country’s millennial theme, televised in 55 broadcast networks throughout the world. Regine has collaborated with various international artists, including Paul Anka, Michel Legrand, Mandy Moore, David Pomeranz, and Bryan McKnight.

Regine has also proven that she is a very talented actress when she received a "Best Actress" award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in an episode of "Maalaala Mo Kaya." She also formed IndiMusic (iMusic), a record label in partnership with the late Bella Tan’s Universal Records.

Search: Jury convicts mom of lesser charges in online hoax

This news item is very controversial in the US. Read on to know the real score behind the issue. Article lifted from the Yahoo News website

Jury convicts mom of lesser charges in online hoax

By GREG RISLING,Associated Press Writer AP - Friday, November 28

LOS ANGELES - A Missouri mother on trial in a landmark cyberbullying case was convicted Wednesday of only three minor offenses for her role in a mean-spirited Internet hoax that apparently drove a 13-year-old girl to suicide. The federal jury could not reach a verdict on the main charge against 49-year-old Lori Drew _ conspiracy _ and rejected three other felony counts of accessing computers without authorization to inflict emotional harm.

Instead, the panel found Drew guilty of three misdemeanor offenses of accessing computers without authorization. Each count is punishable by up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Drew could have gotten 20 years if convicted of the four original charges.

U.S. District Judge George Wu declared a mistrial on the conspiracy count. There was no immediate word on whether prosecutors would retry her.

"I don't have any satisfaction in the jury's decision," said Drew's lawyer, Dean Steward. "I don't think these charges should have ever been brought."

Tina Meier, the mother of the dead girl, said Drew deserves the maximum of three years behind bars.

"For me it's never been about vengeance," she said. "This is about justice."

Prosecutors said Drew and two others created a fictitious 16-year-old boy on MySpace and sent flirtatious messages from him to teenage neighbor Megan Meier. The "boy" then dumped Megan in 2006, saying, "The world would be a better place without you." Megan promptly hanged herself with a belt in her bedroom closet.

Prosecutors said Drew wanted to humiliate Megan for saying mean things about Drew's teenage daughter. They said Drew knew Megan suffered from depression and was emotionally fragile.

"Lori Drew decided to humiliate a child," U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien, chief federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, told the jury during closing arguments. "The only way she could harm this pretty little girl was with a computer. She chose to use a computer to hurt a little girl, and for four weeks she enjoyed it."

O'Brien, who pronounced the case the nation's first cyberbullying trial, said the jury's decision sent a worthy message: "If you have children who are on the Internet and you are not watching what they are doing, you better be."

Most members of the six-man, six-woman jury left court without speaking to reporters. One juror, who identified himself by his first name only, Marcilo, indicated jurors were not convinced Drew's actions involved the intent alleged by prosecutors.

"Some of the jurors just felt strongly that it wasn't tortious and everybody needed to stay with their feeling. That was really the balancing point," he said.

The case hinged on an unprecedented _ and, some legal experts say, highly questionable _ application of computer-fraud law.

Drew was not directly charged with causing Megan's death. Instead, prosecutors indicted her under the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which in the past has been used in hacking and trademark theft cases.

Among other things, Drew was charged with conspiring to violate the fine print in MySpace's terms-of-service agreement, which prohibits the use of phony names and harassment of other MySpace members.

"This was a very aggressive, if not misguided, theory," said Matt Levine, a New York-based defense attorney and former federal prosecutor. "Unfortunately, there's not a law that covers every bad thing in the world. It's a bad idea to use laws that have very different purpose."

Drew's lawyer, Steward, contended his client had little to do with the content of the messages and was not at home when the final one was sent. Steward also argued that nobody reads the fine print on service agreements.

Prosecutors said Drew, her then-13-year-old daughter Sarah and Drew's 18-year-old business assistant Ashley Grills set up the phony MySpace profile for a boy named "Josh Evans," posting a photo of a bare-chested boy with tousled brown hair. "Josh" then told Megan she was "sexi" and assured her, "i love you so much."

Grills allegedly sent the final, insulting message to Megan before she killed herself in the St. Louis suburb of Dardenne Prairie, Mo.

Missouri authorities said there was no state law under which Drew could be charged. But federal prosecutors in California claimed jurisdiction because MySpace is based in Beverly Hills.

Sarah Drew testified she never saw her mother use the MySpace account. But Grills, testifying under immunity from prosecution, said she saw Drew type at least one message under the name Josh Evans.

After the suicide, Missouri passed a law against cyber-harassment. Similar federal legislation has been proposed on Capitol Hill.

The trial's outcome was a victory for prosecutors despite the lack of a felony conviction, said Nick Akerman, a New York lawyer who specializes in cases involving the federal computer act.

"What you learned is that the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act is an extremely important tool in the federal arsenal against computer crime," he said.

MySpace said in a statement that it "respects the jury's decision and will continue to work with industry experts to raise awareness of cyberbullying and the harm it can potentially cause."

Thanksgiving in The Time of Crisis

Today, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. I know we are not in America and Thanksgiving is an all American tradition, but having worked in American companies for 4 years, I have somehow imbued that tradition. I remember celebrating Thanksgiving in the office complete with the usual stuff: butterball turkeys for our meals complete with stuffings, and usually it's not a busy day since it is a holiday in the US. There was also one time that we were also on holiday (but we were still paid hehehe). This year, Thanksgiving takes on a new meaning, since the US (and the rest of the world, including The Philippines) is experiencing a major financial crisis. I still think that even during these trying times, we still something to be thankful for. First, we should be thankful for the day to day blessings that God is giving us, and that in itself is something that we should be thankful for. I am also celebrating Thanksgiving in my own way because I also have alot to be thankful for, like meeting new friends this year and for the experiences that tested my strength as a person, and how I was able to overcome these experiences and the lessons I got along the way. I am also thankful because I am embarking on something new and that is really a great Christmas gift that I have received. I don't wanna go into details for now but this is something I am so thankful for, and finally I got it. I would like to greet everybody a Happy Thanksgiving!

I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love

I am still in Low Key mode these days. I believe that is one of Regine's best and most intimate album to date, simply because most of the songs are sang by her in a very mellow, low key way. One of my favorite tracks in the album is I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love, a very melancholic song about saying goodbye to someone you love, while you still feel the same for that person. That song kind of explains the state of mind I have at the moment. No, it's not like I am breaking up with someone, but it's just so hard to explain why I want to leave while I'm in love. What I can say for now is that while I still believe that while I know I'm still enjoying, I wanna take a French leave before I regret why I plunged into something in the first place. I am not doing a Morse code or something, but I just apply the meaning of the song to what I am going through right now. I particularly like the part of the song that says: If you wake and find me gone, oh baby carry on, you see I need my fantasy. I still believe it's best to leave while I'm in love. That struck a chord to me, and that exactly explains the kind of feeling and state of mind I have at present. Well, I guess it's safe to say that it was good while it lasted. I had fun, I had a great time, but isn't it that time flies when you're having fun? And, I just suddenly had a wake up call one morning. Alot of realizations came, alot of self checking happened. I was still convincing myself that I wanna stay and make the most out of it, but what about my needs? What about my fantasies? My dreams? I have dreams of my own, and I have to work on those dreams alone to make them come true. Well I guess, all good things must come to an end, albeit temporarily. That's before before all else fails, I still believe it's best to leave while I'm in love.

Presenting: Low Key by Asia's Songbird

After almost 3 years of not doing any studio album, my Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez is still out to prove that she's still the voice to beat. Her new album Low Key is her first in more than 2 years and her first album under her new label Universal Records. Her new CD contains 18 tracks of smooth, mellow, easy listening classics. Regine doing mellow songs? Yes folks! She is restraining her trademark belting prowess a bit to focus on songs with very soft and mellow arrangements. The carrier track is entitled Tell Me That You Love Me. It also contains a duet with famed American songwriter Jim Brickman as well. I am also excited because she shot her new music video for the carrier track with no less than one of my favorite Brapanese models (guess who, so as not to spoil the surprise hehehe =p)as her leading man. Her new CD will be out tomorrow November 14 and it also comes with a limited edition poster and a Minus One CD of all the songs in her Low Key album. Please buy the original thing, guys! Please support the Songbird's new CD Low Key! Special thanks to Lester of reginemultimedia.com for the cover photo of the CD.

Jennifer Aniston snaps back at Angelina Jolie

Hhmm, do i smell a catfight brewing in Hollywood? America's sweetheart Jennifer Aniston apparently made "parinig" to Angelina Jolie about Angie's comment in an interview back in 2007 about how her relationship with Brad started. This interview is on the December issue of Vogue Magazine (US) out in newsstands next week. Read on! Article lifted from Yahoo.com's entertainment section

Aniston: Jolie was out of line about Pitt comments

NEW YORK - Jennifer Aniston says Angelina Jolie was out of line when she spilled details about her relationship with Brad Pitt while they were filming "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." In an interview in the December issue of Vogue, Aniston talks about the magazine's 2007 profile of Jolie, who talked about growing chummy with Pitt -- then married to Aniston -- while shooting the action film in 2004.

"There was stuff printed there that was definitely from a time when I was unaware that it was happening," Aniston says. "I felt those details were a little inappropriate to discuss. That stuff about how she couldn't wait to get to work every day? That was really uncool."

Jolie recently told The New York Times that she and Pitt fell in love on the "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" set.

Pitt and Aniston, who were married in July 2000, announced their separation in January 2005. In the months that followed, Pitt was seen in public with Jolie. Pitt and Aniston divorced in October.

In May 2006, Jolie gave birth to a daughter, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt. The couple now have six children, including 4-month-old twins who were born in July.

Aniston tells Vogue that she and Pitt are on good terms.

"We have exchanged a few very kind hellos and wishing you wells and sending you love and congratulations on your babies," she says. "I have nothing but absolute admiration for him, and ... I'm proud of him! I think he's really done some amazing things!"

Asked about her breakup, the 39-year-old actress says: "Well, it never was that bad. I mean, look, it's not like divorce is something that you go, 'Oooh, I can't wait to get divorced!' ... But I've got to tell you, it's so vague at this point, it's so faraway in my mind, I can't even remember the darkness. I mean, in the end, we really had an amicable split."

Aniston, who stars in the upcoming films "Marley & Me" and "He's Just Not That Into You," also dishes on her post-divorce romances with Vince Vaughn and John Mayer.

"I call Vince my defibrillator," she says of her co-star in 2006's "The Break-Up." "He literally brought me back to life. My first gasp of air was a big laugh! It was great. I love him. ... He was lovely and fun and perfect for the time we had together. And I needed that. And it sort of ran its course."

As for the tabloid fuss over her relationship with Mayer, she says: "Love just shows up and you go, 'Oh, wow, this is going to be a hayride and a half.'"

Aniston says she feels protective of the 31-year-old singer, who was criticized for talking to the media about how he ended their romance.

"Trust me, you'll never see that happen again from that man," she says. "And it doesn't take away from the fact that he is a wonderful guy. We care about each other."

Obama is US president

News feed taken from the Philippine Daily Inquirer website:

Obama is US president

Agence France-Presse, INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:59:00 11/05/2008

WASHINGTON – (UPDATE) Americans elected Democrat Barack Obama as their first black president Tuesday, handing him an historic victory over Republican John McCain, US media projected.

Obama was virtually assured of making history Tuesday by becoming America's first black president, after thwarting Republican John McCain's long-shot comeback hopes in an epochal election.

On a dramatic election night that will reshape US politics, Obama took an insurmountable lead by grabbing key states Ohio and Pennsylvania and needed only certain Democratic pickups to be reach the 270 electoral votes needed for victory.

Tens of millions of people had earlier stood in long lines to cast votes with America locked in a moment of deep crisis, mired in the worst financial meltdown since the 1930s and waging two foreign wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tens of thousands of Obama supporters euphorically waited for the first-term Illinois senator to show up at his massive victory party in downtown Chicago. McCain had so far stayed out of sight in a luxury hotel in his native Arizona.

Democrats were also projected to land major gains in the Senate and House of Representatives and thereby grab a monopoly of power in Washington and usher in a new political era after years of Republican dominance.

Obama had so far amassed 207 electoral votes with McCain on 135, but the mathematics of the US electoral map meant McCain had an impossible task to overhaul his lead.

While television networks stopped short of definitively declaring Obama the victor, many blogs and websites pointed out that the die was already cast.

Two senior McCain aides were quoted by Fox and CNN as saying "there is no path to victory."

Obama gave early notice of the way the night would unfold by capturing the key northeastern state of Pennsylvania -- McCain's best hope of winning a Democratic state and stopping his rival from claiming the White House.

He later added Ohio, the decisive state which swept President George W. Bush to victory in 2004 and another Republican state, Iowa.

No one since John F. Kennedy in 1960 has lost two of the critical triumvirate of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida and gone on to win the presidency.

Florida was too close to call but Obama was outperforming Democratic nominee John Kerry's figures in the state in 2004.

Obama also captured New Mexico, another Republican seat McCain needed to hold to keep his slim White House dreams alive.

Obama also won Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Maine, New Hampshire, Washington DC, Delaware, Michigan, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, and Minnesota, according to network projections.

McCain captured Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, South Carolina and Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Wyoming, Louisiana, Kansas, Utah and Texas.

Other normally Republican states, North Carolina, and Virginia were too close-to-call, as was Midwestern Indiana, in another positive sign for Obama.

In the Senate, Democrats wrested control of seats in the traditionally Republican state of Virginia, followed by New Hampshire, North Carolina and New Mexico, to take their tally in the chamber to 54 seats.

Eight seats remained up for grabs, as networks announced that Democrats had won 15 seats and Republicans 12.

Republican Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell clung on, meaning that Democrats were highly unlikely to win the 60 seats they need in the 100-seat chamber needed to frustrate Republican obstruction tactics.

Among the Republican casualties was Elizabeth Dole in North Carolina, wife of former Senate majority leader and defeated 1996 presidential nominee Bob Dole.

CNN reported that exit polls showed that the economy was the top priority, being named by 62 percent of voters, compared to Iraq with 10 percent, terrorism on nine percent and healthcare on nine percent.

Obama made a short election day trip to the Midwestern swing state of Indiana, after casting his vote alongside wife Michelle with daughters Sasha and Malia close by.

"I feel great and it was fun, I had a chance to vote with my daughters," he said.

"I noticed that Michelle took a long time though. I had to check to see who she was voting for," the Hawaiian-born US senator from Illinois, 47, said with a laugh.

McCain kept silent as he voted in his home state of Arizona, but later led a boisterous rally in Grand Junction, Colorado, promising supporters: "We're going to win it."

McCain, a former Vietnam War prisoner would be at 72 the oldest president inaugurated for a first term if elected.

Obama, the son of a black Kenyan father and white mother from Kansas, would become the first African-American president after a stunning rise to the pinnacle of US politics.

His Name is Hideo Muraoka

After Akihiro Sato melted our hearts (and pantyliners [of the girls, that is hahaha!]), here's another luscious import from Brazil, the land that gave us samba, carnival and Havaianas. His name is Hideo Muraoka. Like Akihiro, Hideo is a mix of Brazilian and Japanese heritage. He is currently the new face of Folded and Hung's menswear line and he has done several print and TV ads in Bangkok (where he was initially based, just like Akihiro) and is soon to make waves here in Manila as well. For starters, here's an article about him taken from the supreme.ph website. Indulge!

Strip this Brapan: Introducing Hideo Muraoka

Published September 21, 2008

Hybrids are so hot right now. The fresh buffet of Brazilian-Japanese (or “Brapanese”, in case you’re out of the looks loop) models — sizzling Kobe-churasco meat on a stick — has proven to be a mix made in man-nequin heaven. When you’ve got the subdued heat of the rising sun and that carnal Brazilian charisma coursing through your genetically slick body, you’re pretty much guaranteed a prime billboard spot along Edsa — or a lineup of hoochies grabbing at your guns when you’re swinging by the club.

Hideo Muraoka is a special strain of Brapanese, though. Sure, he’s got the blown-up torso on Edsa down, pumped-up and pouting in a pair of dark jeans for Folded & Hung. But you’d expect a little something different from a guy who was on his way to snagging a law degree, finishing up his first semester in Sao Paulo before deciding to live the life of a wanderer — racking up modeling jobs in Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong before heeding the advice of some American buddies and landing on this tropical side of the world.

Only a brief span of time in Manila and he’s also landed enough gigs to get the girls and gay boys all flushed in fascination. And while the city’s high-living nightlife and its strobe-seeking vampires tend to eat up a few good-looking imports, Hideo’s got his symmetric head on straight. “I’ve never been to Embassy. I don’t like to party too much and I only drink a little bit,” the 20-year-old admits. “I’d rather travel around the Philippines — go to beaches and tourist places with friends.”

There are other concerns as well apart from swaggering his way into the artista assembly line like a few of his colleagues have. When he flies back home next year, he might just do the unusually responsible thing and grab his degree, maybe shifting to a course in marketing or advertising. He could even fly back here, study Tagalog, and cover more ad space and a prime spot in television. Or hey, the guy could have the best of both worlds and claim both the degree and a mass-swaying decree in entertainment. The hybrid heat makes anything possible.

Spoiler Alert!: SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES WINNER REVEALED: JC IS THE PINOY SOLE SURVIVOR

One of the most interesting shows we have of late is the Philippine version of Survivor, which has become one of the most watched locally-franchised shows we have today. But, there is a spoiler alert going around, and I would like to share with you a very interesting piece of news that may either lose your faith in Survivor Philippines or continue to watch the show. Article lifted from showbizjuice.com:

IT seems kulang sa confidentiality clause between GMA 7 management and its production staff.

Sa usapan ng ilang staff ng programa sa isang coffee shop, walang pakialam na ikinuwento ng isang taklesang staff ang nangyayari sa Survivor.

Ang pinaka-shocking revelation ng tsikahan ng staff na hindi napalampas ng source ng showbizjuice.com ay ang pangalan ng winner ng reality show.

Si JC! Siya ang Pinoy Sole Survivor.

Here’s the profile of JC that we got from a website:

John Carlo “JC” Tiuseco (Hardcourt Heartthrob)
JC, 23, is a hunky basketball heartthrob of San Sebastian University. When he was younger, he was very passionate about basketball and dreamed of becoming a professional player. But as he grew older, JC discovered that he has a lot more potential to make it beyond the hardcourt.

Banking on his athleticism and good looks, JC is sure that he has a good chance to capture the ladies’ hearts and to bag the coveted title of Sole Survivor.

Survivor Philippines is airing barely 2 weeks. We hate to spoil the excitement by revealing the big winner.

Again, this is news.

Unexpected

Yes guys! I am not as depressed since my last blog, but I still, you know, get a bit sad every now and then. And, I now have a new job! Which is so unexpected that I'll be getting the job, and it's such a far cry from what I used to do. After 4 years of being just a person Americans hear on the other end of the phone, I now have a dayjob and I get to meet actual people. Beautiful people for that matter. I unexpectedly stumbled into the wonderful and beautiful world of advertising and modelling! Very Ugly Betty (or Betty La Fea, if you wish) isn't it? Hahaha! Well, I am not as ugly as Betty (feeling?! hahaha) but I feel like a fish out of water in this business. How did I become part of it? The opportunity presented itself one afternoon, and I said yes in a heartbeat! I am both excited and nervous, but I am willing to give it a shot. I can always go back to the call center industry in case it doesn't pay off well. But for now, I wanna learn alot about this industry, and I still have a long way to go. I am just so glad that my new boss is also a good friend (we just reconnected recently although I already met him twice before). I am also learning alot from his personal experiences, as well. He is very generous enough to share with me what he has learned over the years of being an agent and casting director. He was also kind enough to introduce me to some of the people who mattered in the advertising industry, and it's such a thrill to see and meet people I only saw in magazines and TV ads on an up close scale. Actually, this is a welcome change. I've been in the call center industry for more than 4 years, and I know the industry like the back of my hand. But now, it's different. I am a greenhorn in this industry. Advertising can be a cutthroat, dog-eat-dog industry, but I am willing to learn everything I need to know about the industry. I am also risking the big paycheck and great benefits I can be receiving in the call center industry, but I am taking the risk 'coz I know this will work. I have faith in myself and my boss, and I know that if we work together, we will make things great for the agency. I have met a few of our talents, and I can say that our agency has a bright future because we have some of the best and beautiful faces in the industry. I need not name drop, but I can tell you that they are very visible, in-demand and good looking. I am also doing a Tyra Banks as well, looking for the right person who can be the next big thing in advertising. All I can say is that I am happy that I have a job that I hope I'll be good at, since this is a new industry. And friends, wish me luck.

Fighting Depression

It's been more 2 months since my last day of work, but lately I have been facing a different battle. Something that I am trying to ward of, and the one thing I am a bit scared to experience: Depression. Honestly, I have been telling everyone that I am taking this break because I need it. I have been working straight since graduating from college, and this has been the longest break I have ever been. But, I am getting kinda bit depressed because I have been applying for a job but it seems that I am either underqualified or overqualified. Is it time for me to leave the call center industry in the meantime and try other fields? I have been working the night shift for 4 years, and sometimes it can get the better of me. It can be tiring. A new friend said that it is unhealthy. Well in fact, it is! I was never on the heavy side when I was younger. I used to be as thin as Kate Moss! I was still able to control my weight when I was in college. But now, I can't seem to ward off all the weight I gained! Oh well, I really have to do something about it. But believe me, I am trying so hard to fight the depression. I am trying to ward off depression because I don't wanna pity myself. That's why I really have to find ways to become more productive so that I won't feel depressed, or think about being depressed. I am thankful that I have friends and family that I get to talk to once in a while, so I can unload my inner feelings. I try to think of happy thoughts. I just think that there must be something better in store for me, that's why I am blogging right now to keep my sanity in check. But I am doing well, I think. And I think I am winning my battle against depression.

Being Gay in the Philippines

I always read the blog of popular comedian and talk show host John "Sweet" Lapus' blog over the PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) website. And, his newest blog is very interesting. He talks about the differenced between gays and lesbians in our country. I never thought that there is such a thing as "double standard" in the LBGT community. I would like to share with you this interesting piece he wrote. It's a serious issue that Sweet was able to discuss in a very comic way. Comments are very much welcome:

Kawawang bakla

Filed under: Opinion — admin at 4:38 pm on Friday, September 12, 2008

Si Carol Dauden, na isang magaling aktres, at si Aiza Seguera, na mahusay na mang-aawit, ay umamin na—sila ay mga tomboy. Mukha naman silang masaya sa kanilang pag-amin. Mas naging malaya sila. Natanggap naman sila ng mga pamilya nila at mga kaibigan. Pero bakit ang mga bakla sa showbiz, isang damukal ang ayaw umamin. Yung iba, tumanda na, at yung iba naman, namatay na pero hindi umamin. Namatay nang nagtatago. Namatay nang hindi malaya. Kawawang bakla.

Sabi ng mga kaibigan kong tomboy, minsan daw, nakaka-get sila ng babaeng makaka-s*x nang hindi nila binabayaran. Para ding mga straight guys na minsan talk show lang at isang bote ng beer, confirmed na! Yung mga baklang mukhang babae at maganda, siguro nakaka-get ng libre, pero prangkahan na, yung iba hindi. Kahit mayaman ang bakla or sikat at powerful, pay pa din. Yung iba, hindi cash. Minsan, career or trabaho. Minsan, damit or rubber shoes. Basta, may kapalit pa rin. May mga kaibigan akong nagmamaganda. Mahal daw sila ng kanilang mga straight boyfriends. I asked them, “Try niyo nga huwag bigyan ‘yan ng allowance or work, tignan ko lang kung boyfriend mo pa ‘yan.” Ayaw naman nila i-try. Kawawang bakla.

Ang dami kong kilalang tomboy na ang girlfriend babaeng totoo ‘tapos tumagal ang relasyon. Sa mga bakla, ang tumatagal lang yung bakla sa baklang relasyon. Kawawang bakla.

Lima na ang kakilala kong baklang pinatay. Yung dalawa, ka-close ko pa. Nagkaroon tuloy ng chismis na baka may gay serial killer. Pero tomboy, walang masyadong pinapatay. Naisip ko, itong mga gay killers, they know na kaya nilang patayin ang mga kawawang bakla na biktima nila. Honestly, minsan naisip ko, kung meron kayang bakla na serial killer naman ng mga lalaki? Bongga, di ba? Pero mga salbahe lang ang pinapatay niya. Kaya lang ‘pag nahuli, kawawang bakla.

Parang boring ang kumalat na picture ng Mocha girls na naghahalikan. Pero kung member ng all-male group ang may kumalat na picture na naglalaplapan, kahit biruan lang din tulad ng sa Mocha, I’m sure-manicure-pedicure-kulot, hanggang next year ay headline ‘yon. Pagchi-chismisan sa beauty parlor, palengke, school, opisina, prisinto, at sa batis habang naglalaba. Kasi recently ko lang nalaman, na ‘pag dalawang babae pala ang naghalikan, natuturn-on ang mga lalaki. Pero ‘pag dalawang lalaki ang naghalikan, hindi naman natuturn-on ang mga babae, worst, nandidiri sila. Biased, di ba? Kawawang bakla.

Pag ang mga lalaki nambabae, sasabihin “macho.” Pero pag namakla, “kadiri.” Kawawang bakla.

Pag ang bakla mukhang babae, maganda. Pero ang babae pag mukang bakla, pangit. Hahaha. Kawawang bakla.

Eto, talagang totoo. Pag ang baklang pa-girl malaki ang nota, alaskado siya sa mga kaibigan niyang bakla. Ang tomboy na pamin pag matambok ang pechay, kaiinggitan ng mga kaibigan niyang tomboy. Suwerteng tomboy, kawawang bakla.

Ang dami kong kaibigang Filipino-Chinese na tomboy at accepted ng family nila. Ang dami kong kaibigang Filipino-Chinese na tagong bakla. Yung iba umamin na lang noong patay na ang tatay nila. Kawawang bakla.

Pag may dumaan na bakla, sumisigaw ang mga batang kalye ng, “Bakla! Bakla!” Pero parang hindi pa ako nakarinig na sumigaw sila ng, “Tomboy! Tomboy!” Kawawang bakla.
Ang mga baklang nakadamit-babae, posibleng mabastos pag pumasok sa C.R. ng boys. Pag ang tomboy pumasok sa C.R. ng girls, okay lang na nakadamit-lalaki. Hindi kaya dahil lalaki lang ang nambabastos? Kawawang bakla.

Nabanggit ko na ito dati. Ang dami kong nakikitang tomboy na may ka-holding hands na babae. May nakita na ba kayong baklang hinolding hands ng boyfriend niya? In public, ha. Kawawang bakla.

Yung isang kaibigan kong tomboy, tuwang-tuwa daw ang tatay niyang sundalo nang malamang tomboy siya. Yung kaibigan kong bakla, binugbog ng tatay na sundalo nang malamang bakla. Kaloka. Kawawang bakla.

Pag ang anak na lalaki or babae masama ang ugali, ang tawag “black sheep.” Pag bakla ang anak na masama ang ugali, ang tawag “salot.” May kaibigan nga ako na mabait naman, salot pa din ang turing ng pamilya. Maryosep, kawawang bakla.

Kadalasan ang lalaki, kapag nakikipag-break sa girlfriend nila, kasi may ibang babae. Kapag ang lalaki, nakikipag-break sa bakla, kasi may ibang bakla or babae. Heto ang kakaiba, may kaibigan akong bakla, iniwan siya ng jowa niya kasi nag-born again. Ang say ni bakla, “Anong palagay niya sa akin, demonyo?” Kawawang bakla.

Naging malaking issue nang tawagin ni Joey de Leon na “mukhang aswang” si Pokwang. Dahil siguro magkatapat sila ng show. Sabi ni Willie Revillame, kawawa naman daw ang anak ni Pokwang kasi tinutukso sa school. Naisip ko lang, kung bakla ang co-host sa Wowowee at sinabihang “mukhang aswang” ni Joey, masasabi rin kaya ni Willie na kawawa naman ang mga pamangkin ni bakla kasi tinutukso sa school? Ano sa sa plagay niyo? Sana naman…Kasi ‘pag hindi, kawawa si bakla.

May mga artistang babae at lalaki na pangit na, wala pang laman ang utak. Itsura pa lang kasi, nakakatawa na. Ang mga baklang pangit, kailangan medyo witty at matalino. Kung hindi, kawawa kang bakla ka.

Ang batang lalaki ‘pag kumikendeng, sasabihin “bakla paglaki.” ‘Pag ang batang babae, macho kumilos, sasabihin ay “boyish” lang. Kawawang baklita.

Ang mga babae tuwang-tuwa ‘pag pumupunta sa gay bar. Ang mga bakla, kawawa sa pandidiri ‘pag pumunta sa girlie bar. Sure ako diyan. Sinama ako dati ng mga kaibigan kong lalaki, awang-awa ako sa sarili ko. Huhuhu.

Nakakatawa pero nakakasad yung joke na ito (buti na lang joke):

PARI: Ang mga bakla ay hindi makakapasok sa langit.

BAKLA: Ok lang ‘yon Father. Doon na lang kami sa Rainbow, magslide-slide.

Which made me think. Ang mga bakla lang ang makakaisip ng ganoon. Hindi na papasukin sa langit pero nakuha pang mag-taray at lumigaya sa pag-slide sa rainbow.

Dito sa Pilipinas, sa Quezon City na lang, tabi-tabi ang gay bar. Lesbian bar, may nakita ka na?

Alam niyo ba na may mga spa at massage parlor na para lang sa mga bakla? Bongga!

Walang baklang istambay. As in pang lalaki lang ang word na ‘yan. Yun nga lang, may baklang pusher at bugaw pero may trabaho pa din. Bihira ang baklang holdaper. Yung kumukuha na lang ng hindi kanila. May na-meet na akong baklang snatcher at akyat-bahay, at least, nag-effort muna sa pagtakbo at pag-akyat. Hahaha.

Ang word na “pink peso” ay dedicated daw sa pera na kinikita at ginagastos ng mga bakla.
Madami daw bakla sa call center na pinapayagang mag-boses babae kasi boses babae talaga. I doubt kung madaming tomboy ang boses lalaki. Aminin.

May kaibigan akong tomboy na nag-commit ng suicide after iwan ng girlfriend. Ang mga bakla ‘pag iniwan ng jowa, mababaliw lang—iiyak…mag-e-emote…magkukulong sa kwarto…magluluto…magpapa-parlor…’tapos may jowa na ulit. Taray! I should know.

Mas madaming bakla ang nanalo sa mga make-up at hair style competition. Oo naman.
Ang mga bakla, may taste. Pag sinabi naming pangit, pangit talaga ‘yon. Pero pag sinabi naming maganda, ay maganda talaga ‘yon. May kaibigan akong lalaki. May pina-date sa akin na barkada daw niyang guwapo. Sa barkada nila, ‘yon daw ang pinaka-guwapo. Nang makita ko, ang naisip ko lang, “Diyos ko po! Ano pa itsura ng pangit sa barkada nila?” May barkada naman akong babae. Pinakilala sa akin yung manliligaw niya. Super guwapo daw. Pucha, pagkakita ko, napa-C.R. ako.

Ang mga bakla, masaya kasama. Maingay, nakakatawa at hindi boring.

Come to think of it. Hindi rin pala kami masyadong kawawa. Mga bakla, tara na sa Rainbow at mag-slide-slide in this particular order:

RED- Mga baklang pa-girl, operada at mukhang babae. Go, mga sisters!

ORANGE- Mga batang bakla. Slide na, mga anak!

GREEN- Mga paminta, mukhang lalaki, members ng guys4men.com. Slide na, mga pare!

YELLOW- Mga baklang may asawa at anak. You deserved to be happy. Slide na!

VIOLET- Mga baklang bisexual, dito kayo kasi alanganing red, alanganing blue. Go!

INDIGO- Mga baklang Diva at Mama. Halina mga sisters. Mama Ricky, kapit lang po mabuti. Sunod na po ako in a while.

BLUE- Mga baklang tago at ayaw umamin, dito kayo. Kahit hindi kayo umaamin, may karapatan din kayong mag-slide sa rainbow natin. Ingat lang sa pagtili at baka mabuking. Diyan kayo sa dulo para hindi mahalata ng bayan na nakikipaglaro kayo sa amin. Don’t worry, we understand. Alam ko, kawawa din kayo. Sssshhhh….

New Beyonce Album Set For Release

After the massive success of her second studio album B'Day, singer/actress/songwriter/fashion designer/product spokesperson/producer/music icon Beyonce Knowles is coming out with her 2rd studio album.

Music World Music/Columbia Records will release the third full-length studio album from the international superstar and cultural icon Beyoncé on Tuesday, November 18.

One of 2008's most hotly anticipated new album releases, Beyoncé's as-yet-untitled upcoming album marks the artist's first new studio collection since the Grammy-winning multi-platinum-selling B'Day debuted at #1 on charts around the world shortly after its international release on September 4, 2006 (in celebration of Beyoncé's 25th birthday).

Beyoncé's fans will get their first glimpse of the artist's new album with the simultaneous release of two of the album's key tracks -- "If I Were A Boy" and "Single Ladies" -- scheduled to impact radio on October 7.

With all songs co-written and co-produced by Beyoncé, the artist's third studio album is her most personal, reflective and revelatory collection to-date.

More on Cosmo Bachelors!

Here is an interesting article about this year's batch of Cosmo Bachelors, with an interview with back to back Cosmo hunk Derek Ramsay :

Derek Ramsay makes the ladies swoon with "all-out, consistent hotness" in "Cosmopolitan"

Karen A. Pagsolingan

Friday, August 29, 2008

Why is September a hot month for ladies? It will rain men! Cosmopolitan magazine's annual list of 69 bachelors is officially out. And the fun, fearless females out there are in for 30 pages of "wet" hunks! Zo Aguila, editor-in-chief of Cosmo, tells PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that screening a room full of gorgeous guys is a most enjoyable thing to do, but it's no easy task. She says, "We always try to top our previous projects. So, this year's bachelor list, if I may say so, is our best count by far. We were ultimately looking for hunks who fulfilled fantasies." When asked about the criteria set for this year's Cosmo Men, Zo reveals: "We understand that each Pinay has her own type of swoon-worthy stud, so we tried to throw in a mix of everything—from tisoys and chinitos, to pure-blooded morenos. Also, we're always on the lookout for men who have that certain charm that girls can easily toy with in their imagination. This year's batch of bachelors is a group of worthy, crushable hunks—and they've got the wit and bodies to prove it."

DEREK ON COVER. There has been a clamor for this half-Pinoy/ half-British guy, and finally, he's gracing the cover. Zo relates, "We admit, Derek isn't new to Cosmo. In fact, he's been a Cosmo-certified hunk since as far back as we remember. However, with his current so-hot status and unwavering popularity, we felt that he'd make a fabulous cover for 2008's Cosmo Men issue. Having him grace this year's Cosmo Men cover is testament to his all-out, consistent hotness...and to Cosmo's undeniable strength of giving girls what they want."

CENTERFOLD HUNKS. And aside from the 28-year old actor, girls will find the other heartthrobs chosen for the Centerfold drool-worthy!

There's Paolo Contis, who completely sheds off his child-actor image in his "shower" pictorial. Another former child wonder, Billy Crawford, shows that it takes more than just his singing and dancing talents to be revered as an international star. Geoff Eigenmann's piercing gaze and charming smile are enough to melt any girl's heart.

Kapamilya stars Bruce Quebral, Jon Avila, and Ron Morales—who have lorded over fashion runways of Bench—prove that there's more to their being tall and handsome!

The first Pinoy Ford Supermodel Rocky Salumbides, cager Macky Escalona, half-Japanese/half-Brazilian Akihiro Sato have interesting stories to tell, as they also have great bods to display!

Zo explains how she and her team arrive at their choices, "Cosmopolitan's list of top ten centerfolds is comprised of industry hunks who have grown bold and sexy. We put in a mix of faces—from expected centerfolds and newcomers, to fresh boy-next-door-turned-sexy types. The repeat Centerfolds have to still be on the industry's sooo-hot radar; the newbies have to show pogi and lust potential; and the unexpected now-sexy crushables are the exciting additions to Cosmo's hall of fame. "The choosing is an exciting challenge every year, but the bottom line is this: We make sure to give the readers pages they'll giddily devour."

Other exciting things to look forward to in this year's Cosmo Men?

Zo says, "Aside from the fresh 69 faces and 8 first-time centerfold models this year, we got a little more personal, asked the men racier questions, and made them give their most candid, no-BS answers. Also, as an added treat, we made sure all the guys were wet."

If Derek, the Centerfold hunks, and the rest of the 69 bachelors are not hunkalicious enough for you...girl, from which planet are you from?

Go grab your copy now, and rave about the Cosmo Men's pogi points with your girlfriends.

Derek Ramsay is already taken, but you can take home this handsome, half-nude, and hunkalicious guy! The 28-year old actor graces the cover of Cosmo Men this year!

Presenting: The Cosmo Top 10 centerfolds for 2008

September is finally here! The most awaited edition of Cosmopolitan Magazine (Philippines) is already out with a special supplement containing pictures of 69 delicious bachelors from all over the country and 10 of the sought after male celebrities in sexy centerfold photos! The 10 guys who made the cut this year are (in no particular order): 1. JON AVILA 2. PAOLO CONTIS 3. BILLY CRAWFORD 4. GEOFF EIGENMANN 5. MACKY ESCALONA (former ADMU Blue Eagles basketball player) 6. RON MORALES (Bench Body endorser) 7. BRUCE QUEBRAL 8. DEREK RAMSAY 9. AKIHIRO SATO 10. ROCKY SALUMBIDES The September issues of Cosmopolitan Magazine (Philippines) with Maja Salvador as their cover girl (her first for the magazine) is now available at your leading bookstores and magazine stands. Take your pick and grab a copy before it runs out. Quick! Quick! Quick!

Ninoy 25 years after his death; Madonna: Fabulous at 50

Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of the assasination of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. It's been 25 years, but the real culprit/s remain to be unidentified to this day. I did not have any memory of Ninoy because I was not born during the Martial Law era, and I was only 10 months old when he was assasinated. But, he made a mark in my life because of how he was depicted in history books, and I am endlessly fascinated by his charm whenever I get to watch documentaries about his life. Maybe that's the reason why I love his daughter Kris to bits (eventhough not alot of people like her), it's because she has a father for a hero, and she had a very good father. Not alot of people can claim that they have a father for a hero, but she has one in Ninoy! Imagine your father's name being mentioned in the same breath as Jose Rizal, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and all those people who sacrificed their lives for their countrymen. One thing that struck me about Ninoy is his charisma with people, and his brain. I am so impressed by Ninoy's intelligence and the way he delivered his speeches in public. He is so enigmatic! One moment he's serious, another moment he's funny! I guess those are the traits that Kris inherited from her dad. To me, Ninoy was a rock star! I wish that he could have lived longer to serve the country, but I also think that during the time he was killed, he already served his purpose: to unite the country at the time of crisis. Because of his untimely death, Filipinos united to topple a dictatorship. He may be gone forever, but his spirit lives on. Mabuhay ka, Ninoy Aquino!

Whew! That was a serious way to start a blog entry. Not the typical me, eh? Hehehe. Anyway, my next topic is about no less than the Queen of Pop and The Queen of Reinvention, Madonna. She just turned 50 last August 16 and she's still on top of her game. She's still one of the world's top selling concert acts, and her current release Hard Candy is one of her most successful albums to date. What I really like about Madonna is that she continues to better herself, because she knows that there will always be someone younger, there will always be more talented singers who can take her place anytime. And with a different album comes a different image she portrays to the public. Madonna was a constant part of my soundtrack when I was growing up, but came to have an appreciation of her music when she came out with This Used To Be My Playground (from the A League Of Their Own soundtrack) & Take A Bow (from her Secret album). I officially became a fan when she effortlessly portrayed the late Argentinean First Lady Eva Peron in the movie version of the hit Broadway musical Evita, and from then on I always get excited everytime she comes out with a new album. What else is next for Madonna? Since it has been a habit of hers to surprise her fans, I will just wait and see. For now, she will be releasing a Greatest Hits CD in fulfillment of her contractual obligations with Warner Music (and the last CD in her contract), before she moves on to her multi-million dollar deal with Live Nation. I just wish her the best in everything she does (and hopes that Manila is part of her upcoming Sticky & Sweet tour hehehe). She is truly an artist's artist. A true Queen. An Icon. Ageless. Supreme. A Diva. That's Madonna.

What I'm Loving Now Part Deux

I had so much to write about on my previous blog that when I realized that I was not able to write in all of them in one blog, I decided to give it another go. Here's another list of the things, and people I am currently loving.

1. FERGIE: The only woman member of the Black Eyed Peas, I am so into Fergie's music right now. I recently bought a copy of her album The Dutchess (Deluxe Edition) and she totally turned me into a fan. Her current CD contains 13 tracks and 4 bonus tracks, including Labels or Love, which was the main theme of the monstrous hit movie Sex and the City. Aside from Labels or Love, my other favorite tracks in her CD are Clumsy (both the original version and it's remix featuring Soulja Boy), Glamorous, All That I Got (The Makeup Song), Velvet and Finally (with John Legend on piano).

2. PROJECT RUNWAY PHILIPPINES: One of the best local franchises of an internationally-renowned reality show I've seen this year, which aims to find the next big Filipino fashion designer. I kinda liked that it still adheres to it's American counterpart when it comes to presentation, but it has a distinctly Filipino touch. The 14 finalists of Project Runway Philippines, which consists of a mix of established and new designers, will battle it out for a total cash prize of PHP500,000, a start-up business package, an editorial spread in Mega magazine, and an opportunity to show their collection at the Philippine Fashion Week. The show is hosted by model/theater actress Teresa Herrera (who's doing a really good & classy job as Heidi Klum's local counterpart) with esteemed fashion designer Jojie Lloren serving as mentor to the designers. Noted fashion designer Rajo Laurel and supermodel-turned-colmnist Apples Aberin-Sadwhani sits on board as the show's resident judges, with a guest judge on every episode. Who's In? Who's Out? Find it out every Wednesday night at 10 on ETC.

3. COOKING SHOWS: I love watching cooking shows. I find it a joy to know how to prepare a really good meal and learning different cultures with every cuisine. I love watching local and foreign cooking shows on TV. I currently love watching Quickfire, KaToque and Chef to Go on QTV 11 and foreign shows like Food Lover's Guide to the Planet on Nat Geo, and Food Safari & Nigella Bites on Discovery Travel and Living.

4. ETERNITY SUMMER BY CALVIN KLEIN: The current limited edition of the famed pefume, I like it because it smells very fresh and clean without assaulting your olfactory senses. Everytime I spray it on, it always feels like I just got out of the shower. I highly recommend this one to those who want a perfume that is light and breezy.

5. BULGARI AQUA MARINE: I have always been a fan of Bulgari perfumes, and their newest fragrance really got me crazy over it. I used to have the original Aqua, but when it ran out, I decided to switch to the new version. The new Bulgari Aqua Marine, like Eternity Summer, is also light on the nose and it smells really good, which is a far cry to the nice but strong and very masculine scent of the original Aqua. If you love perfumes, this is a must have on your collection.

What I'm Loving Now

Well, aside from loving Brazilian hottie Akihiro Sato (hahahaha), there are also other things that I just came to discover, but I have already established a love affair with them. Here are some of those things I love now:

1.PEPPER LUNCH: I am so crazy about Pepper Lunch! The latest fastfood joint to hit Manila is actually a famous Japanese do-it-yourself sizzling plate restaurant that is also well known in other parts of Asia like Hong Kong and Singapore. The food, mostly comprised of steaks served in their patent sizzling plate, is so yummy and will make you feel satisfied after eating because it is already a full meal in itself. The price is very affordable, and the service is excellent too. And the sauces that go with their steaks are so tasty, I think they should bottle and sell them too. You have a choice between Karakuchi (garlic soy sauce) or Amakuchi (honey brown) sauce. Since Pepper Lunch is a hit, I am looking forward to their next branch (I am wishing for either a Glorietta or a SM Mall of Asia branch) and they should put up one soon! For now, you can visit Pepper Lunch at the Concourse level of the Power Plant Mall at Rockwell Makati.

2. THE BIOGRAPHY CHANNEL: Being a sucker for other people's life stories, The Biography Channel gives me my daily fix. They have feature stories of almost everyone from all walks of life, from Hollywood celebrities to world leaders to royalty. Our very own former First Lady, Imelda Marcos, has been featured in their channel. Not only do they show biographies of real people, they also have other human interest stories like Flip This House, a show where there's a group of people who fix broken-down houses and turn them into a shiny new jewel; Gene Simmons' Family Jewels, which is a reality show featuring former KISS band member Gene Simmons and his family; Little Big Dreams, which is about the tales of young kids in a remote part of Hubei, China being trained as early as 5 years old to be athelitically competitive, in order to fulfill China's big Olympic dream; and a host of other shows. Ask your cable operator if they carry The Biography Channel in their lineup.

3. AKO SI KIM SAM SOON: I am so hooked to watching this local version of the famed Korean drama series. Why? Because it is so funny and the storyline is not your typical romantic comedy. Also, the show is not so cheesy (baduy) and the cast is first rate, headlined of course by my favorite, Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez as Kim Sam Soon and the dashing Mark Anthony Fernandez as Cyrus. What I like about it is that aside from Regine and Mark, they cast the formidable Ms. Tessie Tomas as Sam Soon's loudmouthed mother and the talented Ms. Eugene Domingo as Sam Soon's direct superior who has become a good friend to her. Both Tessie and Eugene are our country's top comediennes and I am so happy that they are part of the cast. Also, the love theme Maybe It's You, is currently one of my favorite love songs of late. Ako Si Kim Sam Soon airs every weeknights on GMA.

4. IISA PA LAMANG: Another local show that got me hooked. I like the pacing of the story, which is brisk and fast-paced, the acting superb and the cast is also first rate, headed by Ms. Claudine Barretto, dramatic hunk Diether Ocampo, the irresistably hateable Cherry Pie Picache (her role as the villain Isadora is so scheming, she is so effective!), comebacking actor Gabby Concepcion (who has not lost his touch as an actor), dramatic vixen Angelica Panganiban, premiere actress-director Laurice Guillen and the Queen of Philippine Movies herself, Ms. Susan Roces. Iisa Pa Lamang airs weeknights on ABS-CBN.

5. FABIO IDE: Another Brazilian hottie that I am so crushing. You may remember Fabio as the active, sporty guy who picked up Iza Calzado's keys at a staircase in a multivitamin commercial last year. Now, he's also in a San Mig Light beer commecial as Marian Rivera's date and dance partner in a club. Just look at his pic here and you'll know why I am so in love with him. Hahahaha! He spends his time taking modelling jobs between Singapore, Hong Kong and Manila. From what I heard, he is currently single and very much available. Another Brazilian hottie making waves in our local shores, Fabio is another face to watch out for.

His Name Is Akihiro Sato

Hey friends! It's been awhile since I last posted something here. Well, it's been more than a month since I've been out of work but it's ok, I am taking my sweet time to rest a bit and think but I am so itching to get a new job ASAP 'coz staying at home can get boring sometimes. Hehehe. My gosh I am so crushing someone right now, and he's been very visible on the boobtube lately. His name is Akihiro Sato, one of Brazil's best imports after Havaianas. Hahaha! He's just good looking. How did he become Brazilian if he has a distinctly Japanese name? From what I have read, his father is Japanese but is now based in Brazil. Akihiro is making a name for himself in the local modelling scene after making waves in Bangkok. Singapore and Hong Kong. He says that he loves it here in Manila because he feels at home right here, and he feels like he's in Sao Paulo even if he is miles away. Currently, he is seen on 2 TVC's: the Close Up commercial (where the aisles of the supermarket closes up so he and his co-model get close) and the now famous Nescafe commercial for the rainy season (where he grabs a drop of rain and makes it into a pendant and places it on the girl's chest). He is someone to watch out for.

Shopping tips for the frugal fashionista

I found this article really interesting. If you love to shop 'til you drop like me, here's an article for you. Article taken from The Philippine Daily Inquirer 7/17/2008 issue

Apples Pickings

Shopping tips for the frugal fashionista
By Apples Aberin Sadhwani
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:52:00 07/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—With the prices of basic commodities—not to mention gasoline—increasing exponentially, it’s good to think twice about spending your hard-earned money on other items like clothes, shoes, bags or accessories.

During this time, it’s wise to know a few simple tips on how to make the most of your bucks when shopping for wardrobe essentials plus a little extra:

Weed out your closet

Start out by going through your closet and throwing out—or better yet donating or selling—pieces you don’t really need or wear.

Keep tried and true classics like a crisp button-down, basic black blazer or trousers that you can easily update with the use of accessories. Then and only then can you determine what else you need to complete your basic wardrobe and how to maximize the use of the pieces you already have.

Make a list

Before you go out there and shop, try to figure out what you need based on your current wardrobe. Then make a list and try to stick to it! Do you really need yet another dress in your overstocked closet? Will another pair of pumps really make a difference? If the answer is no, avoid swiping that credit card.

Dress for your body type, personality and age

Buy pieces that look good on you and you feel comfortable in—not because they look good on a model in a glossy magazine or they’re the latest must-have item.

Size matters

Don’t buy anything that’s a size too small because you’re hoping to lose those extra five pounds. Choose items that fit you and look great on you now.

Impulse buys are no-no’s

Put things on hold if you’re not really sure about purchasing them. Chances are, you don’t really need such pieces. Wait a day or two to see if you really want to spend on a particular item so there are no regrets.

Update with accessories

Want to update that little black dress or other classics without spending too much? Try doing so with the use of trendy but inexpensive belts, bangles or strands of necklaces. Department stores like SM, Robinson’s or shopping meccas like Divisoria, for example, offer cheap but chic finds.

Try vintage

Ukay-ukays are treasure troves for fantastic finds. Try to go with an experienced friend so she can guide you through the maze that is the vintage market..

Watch out for sale season

This is the perfect time to buy whatever else you need to create a well-rounded wardrobe. Expensive but well-made pieces that you normally can’t afford might be available at half the price or even less. Now’s your chance to pick up that classic trench that’s ideal for traveling or the perfectly tailored pantsuit that you need for work.

Just a little caveat: Make sure you don’t get carried away with all the other marked-down items you’ll find during sales. Stop yourself from impulse buying and stick to your list, as much as you can.

Chillin'

Hi everyone! It's been two weeks since I have been out of work, and I have never felt so rested in my whole life! At least now I do not have to worry about getting late for work (or think about going to work for that matter). I sleep late at night and wake up at whatever time I want, and go back to sleep when I feel like it. Hehehe. I also did some shopping and just last week, I saw 2 movies, Get Smart and Mamma Mia (the latter I saw twice! please see the review I made for these 2 films) and I am so excited to watch The Dark Knight, the second episode of the Batman series under acclaimed director Christopher Nolan. Why am I excited? One answer: Heath Ledger. He seemed to be so good in this movie, that he is a strong contender for an Oscar next year (in the supporting actor category). He may no longer be around to see this film, but at least he left us with a memorable performance. I wonder if The Oscars would give a nomination, much less give out an acting award to an actor posthumously. I have never heard of it being done before, but if they did give an award in Heath's memory, it would be history in the making. And, I liked the prequel, Batman Begins because it is much different that the previous Batman films directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher. Christopher Nolan gave the current Batman franchise a more polished and adult look. Well, that's all for now. I am just so happy to really have time for myself and 'til the next blog!

I'm Fine, Thank You

Hey everyone! To those who read my previous blog and for giving me kind words of encouragement, I thank you! So far, it's been 5 days since I've been out of work, but I am doing fine, thank you. I get to catch up on sleep and a few things in between. My 2 sisters arrived in town and they are about to leave for Tokyo this week, so this gives me the chance to spend time with them. I also get to do things I never had time to do, like clean the house and organize my stuff. I have been tagging along my sisters wherever they are. I was really flattered that my sisters and my brother-in-law took me out to dinner Saturday night at this Chinese restaurant in Binondo called Emperor. We had shabu-shabu and the food was fantastic! Too bad the place is about to close by October, so I guess I should come back there before it closes down. Early today, I attended the career transition thingie that Dell enrolled us in, to prepare us for a career transition. DBM, the company that is handling the career transition thingie, is gonna help us create a more effective resume and give us tips on how to ace an interview, plan the next steps we need to do with our career. The people there are very nice and accomodating. They can also provide us with workstations where we can type and print resumes and search for jobs online. The program is good for 30 days, so instead of me just being idle at home and doing nothing, going there is actually a nice idea. I may not get to go online as much as I did before but I'll still be blogging from time to time. I am taking this time that I am unemployed to rest and think and reflect about what I should do as far as work is concerned. Don't worry friends, I do not wallow in self pity and make myself feel that I am worthless. Moving on has never been this easy, believe me

A New Dawn

After the night comes a new dawn. There has been alot of changes that happened to me during the last 24 hours. I am officially out of Dell, the company I worked for at least a year and a half. No, I wasn't terminated on any serious offense nor did I commit any violations against the company policy. It's kinda hard to explain but to make everything short, what happened to me was a "redundancy of work". I do not belong to any team after going thru the arduous technical assessment I took a few weeks back to cap our technical support training. Unfortunately, I did not make the cut along with 3 other people. So we were placed in a team wherein what they did was to analyze the cases and the calls that the tech support reps made, we check if their cases were closed properly or if there are any markdowns. Since the job grade I had was a supervisor level already, we cannot take calls or we cannot be designated as frontline agents. I understand that it is a management decision. For the past few months, it's kinda hard to go to work every single day not knowing what to expect. And without a team to support or assist, how am I gonna be rated if I do not have a direct superior. I think it's kinda fair that I was kinda wanting for it to happen, to be offered a severance package. And honestly, the amount that I'll be getting is super substantial that it can allow me to take a few months off from work. I think what Dell did was the most humane thing to do. I am just relieved that finally, I am free from any physical, emotional and psychological stress that comes with the line of work I have. Finally, I can have some savings that I can put in the bank. I am finally free from Dell! I cannot anymore elaborate what happened, I won't bash the company or badmouth my former bosses, but I am just relieved. What saddens me the most is that I'm gonna miss the friends I made in the company, and I consider them my lifelong friends. I know I'll still see them, but I won't be able to chat with them or receive funny email threads. But, I am just happy and relieved that finally, we got what we wanted ans we'll be paid accordingly as we part with the company. My initial plans? I plan to take a rest for a month, explore my other options and then send my applications in between. I have been working straight for 4 years, and I will be taking this time to rest and rethink about my career options. Is working abroad an option? It is, but I wanna see what's in store for me here, before I try to fly and look for work abroad. Singapore and Japan are on my list. I also plan to put the money I'll be receiving in the bank and not intend to spend it, unless there is an emergency. I also intend to splurge a bit, maybe get myself a new cellphone or go out of town to relax. I just wanna take things easy. I wanna thank my friends in Dell, for being a shining beacon of hope for me, for the encouraging words and for the friendship they've given me. They were the people who kept me going everyday, eventhough they know that there were times that I wanted to give up and give in. And, I thank God for always guiding me during those trying times I had in Dell. I know a new dawn awaits me. It's time for change. It's time for me to move on. Thank You so much, Dell International Services. If not for the company, I wouldn't reach a certain level of maturity I have when it comes to work, and I am glad to have the pleasure of working with one of the biggest computer and IT companies in the world. There may have been rough, shitty times but it's life and it's part of it. This is just the beginning, only the beginning for me.

Americans are world's top drug users: study

Not so good news for the Americans. Tsktsktsk

Article lifted from the ABS-CBN news website July 2, 2008

Americans are world's top drug users: study

Agence France-Presse

WASHINGTON - Americans are the world's top consumers of cannabis and cocaine despite punitive US drug laws, according to an international study published in the online scientific magazine PLoS Medicine.

The study, released Monday, revealed that 16.2 percent of Americans had tried cocaine at least once, and 42.4 percent had used marijuana.

In second-place New Zealand, just 4.3 percent of study participants had used cocaine, and 41.9 percent marijuana.

The research was conducted at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, based on World Health Organization data from 54,068 people in 17 countries.

Rates of participation differed from country to country, and researchers noted uncertainty over how honestly people report their own drug use.

"Nevertheless, the findings present comprehensive data on the patterns of drug use from national samples representing all regions of the world," a PLoS statement said.

A vast majority of survey participants from the United States, Europe, Japan and New Zealand had consumed alcohol, compared to smaller percentages from the Middle East, Africa and China.

The data also revealed socioeconomic patterns in drug use. Single young adult men with high income had the greatest tendency to regularly use drugs.

Drug use "does not appear to be simply related to drug policy," the researchers wrote, "since countries with more stringent policies toward illegal drug use did not have lower levels of such drug use than countries with more liberal policies."

In the Netherlands, where drug policy is more liberal than the United States, 1.9 percent of survey participants said they had used cocaine and 19.8 percent marijuana.

Twelve US 12 states including California permit medical use of marijuana, but possession and use remains prohibited under federal law.

And despite the US government's massive anti-drug efforts, the United States remains the world's top drug market, one amply supplied by South American cartels.

The US Drug Enforcement Agency has observed ever larger quantities of illegal drugs pouring into the country.

"We are seizing greater quantities of illegal drugs than ever before," said a DEA statement last week.

In 2007, agents seized 41 metric tons of cocaine in just two raids, and denied drug traffickers record-breaking revenue of 3.5 billion dollars for the year, it said.

Top 10 Unusual Place to Stay

Lifted from the ABS-CBN News website

Top 10 unusual places to stay

LOS ANGELES (Reuters Life!) - From converted train cars to converted prisons, travel Web site VirtualTourist.com has come up with its picks of the 10 most unusual places to stay.

"With limited vacation time, there's no reason your lodging shouldn't be part of the travel experience," said VirtualTourist.com general manager Giampiero Ambrosi. This list was prepared by VirtualTourist and is not endorsed by Reuters:

1. Edisto River Treehouses - Canadys, South Carolina

For those who refuse to grow up, a stay in a tree house is a dream come true. Not only is it fun, but it's clean, safe, and very reasonable.

2. Celica Hostel - Ljubljana, Slovenia

If you've always wanted to spend a night in the slammer, now's your chance. Once a military prison, this happening hot spot is now an art gallery/youth hostel

3. Schottenstift Monastery - Vienna, Austria

If the bellboys look like monks, you're not imagining things. This hotel is actually a functioning monastery where your wake-up call might just be chanting.

4. The Red Caboose Motel - Strasburg, Pennsylvania

All aboard! Although they once traveled from city to city, these little red cabooses now function as private hotel rooms. Needless to say, kids go crazy for this place.

5. Propeller Island - Berlin, Germany

Art lovers rejoice! From upside-down rooms to levitating beds, it's the next best thing to spending the night in a museum.

6. Schlosshotel Schönburg - Oberwesel, Germany

For a true fantasy experience, nothing beats a night in a genuine castle. In spite of its long history, all modern amenities, including Internet service, are available to guests.

7. Ariau Amazon Towers - Near Manaus, Brazil

Connected by a series of catwalks, eight buildings comprise this compound, which has become a favorite of celebrities and everyday travelers alike.

8. Hotel Sidi Driss - Matmata, Tunisia

The force was with the cast and crew of Star Wars when they filmed at this out-of-this-world property. The amenities are minimal, but at less than $20 a night, so is the price.

9. Euromast - Rotterdam, The Netherlands

A tourist attraction by day, this imposing tower becomes an exclusive hotel at night. Those wishing to give it a go should book early; the tower's two suites fill up three months out.

10. The Giraffe Manor - Nairobi, Kenya

Don't bother with a "Do Not Disturb" sign. The long-necked visitors who peek in through the windows of this extraordinary compound will just ignore it.