Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Being Hayden Kho

Doc Hayds,

Allow me to give you a blog tribute (in lieu of my gift hehehe) for your birthday.

Hayden Kho Jr., Doc Hayden to everyone (myself included), Hayden to his dearest and closest friends, Hayds or Junjun to his family, Amor to his dear Doc Vicki. How do I begin to dissect the personality of this person I consider as a friend? Alot may have been written about him (good or bad), but you really have to get to know him a bit better to know that there is so much to Doc Hayden that meets the eye. I really did not expect that Doc Hayden is a very generous & down to earth person, considering that he is already a celebrity in his own right. His height may be intimidating (he stands around 6'2"-6'3"), but he has the charisma and the charm of a little boy. Doc Hayden has this certian warmth going on about him, that he will not let you get intimidated by him. He has the audacity to talk about anything and everything under the sun. He is very open to share what he knows to everyone. Whenever he talks to you, he listens to every word you say intently, his eyes looking directly towards yours. He loves to collect watches than cars. He is willing to travel anywhere & pay any price if a certain watch catches his attention. Doc Hayds was a ramp model during his teenage years but had to set it aside to focus on his studies, determined to follow the footsteps of his dad, his namesake, who is also a doctor. He still has that model vibe going on around him, he can give our top male models a run for their money. A very diligent student, he continues to study in order to improve his craft as a cosmetic surgeon & dermatologist to some of the biggest names in local showbiz. It is a known fact that he can sing, since he competed alongside other celebrities during the first season of Celebrity Duets. But once he gets his hands on a mic, believe me guys, he will not let it go. Hehehe. Singing for him is his way of expressing his emotions and from what I have observed, singing is his way for shaking off stress. He enjoys singing so much that it rubs off on you. I understand that feeling because I also love to sing myself. Now, he is spreading his wings and testing the waters of acting on television. Doc Hayden appeared in the hit Philippine version of the Mexican telenovela Marimar for a few episodes. He has also appeared in a TV movie shot in Singapore for media giant MediaCorp early this year and in a few months, he will be gracing the TV screens as one of the major characters in the local adaptation of the hit Korean drama series My Name is Kim Sam Soon, with no less than Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez in the title role. Will the movies beckon? Only Doc Hayden knows, and when it does, he is gonna surprise everyone. Being famous of course, comes the controversies. Alot has been written about his relationship with Doc Vicki, as well as the rumors regarding his compentency as a doctor. In the few months that I have known him, I know that it bothers him a bit but he's just not minding the nasty rumors. A true gentleman indeed. In the few months that I have known him, he never made me feel that I am a lesser being beside him. Doc Hayden, thank you so much for allowing me to be your friend. We may not see each other that often, but everytime we do, it's always a fun, carefree & happy moment. I know you have everything, but I wish you all the best in everything you do. I also wish you the best of health and the continuous guidance of the Good Lord up above. Continue to inspire other people. And I hope that your love for Doc Vicki grow more each day. I know how much you love her and how crazy you are over her. Just love her that way a woman like her deserves to be loved. Doc Hayden, (belated) Happy Birthday! I am just around whenever you need me. XOXO

Monday, May 19, 2008

It's Raining, It's Pouring (to think it's still summer)

We are still in the month of May, which is technically still part of summer. But, since the month started, it has been raining almost every freaking day. The last weekend was specifically a wet one because it was raining hard early Friday night, it was windy Saturday morning and then there's another downpour the same evening, and then Sunday late night it rained again. Apparently, there was a typhoon lashing the northern part of our country last Saturday. This month alone, we already had 3 tropical storms that entered the country. What's happening with the world today? I then remembered the documentary The Inconvenient Truth by former US Vice President Al Gore. It gave us the big picture of the world and the harrowing effects of climate change. Tsktsk. We really have to get our act together in doing our share of saving the environment. It's not that I am complaining, but it has become a deep concern for everyone. I love it when it rains, actually, because the weather is much more cooler and you can just veg out at home and sip your cup of hot chocolate or tea, eat warm noodles, bring our those sweats and jackets and be fashionable even when it rains. But, if the rainy season comes in early, this is not a good sign. Mother Nature may be getting back at us for everything that we have done to her in the name of modernization and progress. We must do something before it's too late.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Fast Talk

I was reading an interview of Boy Abunda doing his printed version of Fast Talk on his article in the Philippine Star. I copied the questions and will have my own version hehehe. His does Fast Talk to his guests in his show Private Conversations with Boy Abunda on ANC every Saturday night.

Upon arrival at the Pearly Gates, God is waiting, what is the first thing you would say?

Thank You, Father God, for letting me thru the gates of Your Kingdom

What was the nicest things said about you?

That I’m a good friend and a thoughtful brother and a loving son

The Pope is having dinner at your place, what would you cook for him?

Sinigang (pork or shrimp), my special carbonara and breaded chicken, chopsuey, beef steak, chicken afritada, inihaw na pusit, maja blanca.

When was the last time you flirted with someone?

Hhhmmm.......last week and the week before that.

How much time do you spend in the bathroom?

15-30 minutes.

The person you would like to see as President of the Philippines?

Someone like Senators Mar Roxas or Chiz Escudero, or maybe Kris Aquino or Gretchen Barretto. Just imagine if Gretchen or Kris ran the country, it would be so fab!

You have two choices for a lifetime partner: Ellen de Generes or Michael Jackson. Who would you pick and why?

Why is Brad Pitt or Ashton Kutcher not included in the choices? Hahahaha! I would choose Ellen DeGeneres, because she paved the way for Charice to be well known on a global scale.

What is your greatest achievement?

That I was able to graduate from college, and my employee of the month citations at work.

The worst thing you did for love? The best?

The worst — anger, lost myself and my worth. The best — forgiveness

How do you release your anger?

I go to a place where I can think and reflect. And, pray.

What defines you?

My principles, my honesty.

What is your security blanket?

Prayer.

If you could be someone for a day, who would you be? Why?

Oprah Winfrey. I think her accomplishment and her broad influence among people says it all. I wanna know how it feels to be successful, revered and be filthy rich. Hahaha! And, only Oprah can tackle any topic on her talk show the way she does.

If you were to have the body of someone whose body would it be?

If I was a woman, I would like to have the body of Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls. If was a straight man, maybe the body of Piolo Pascual or Dr. Hayden Kho.

What is the biggest misconception about you?

That I am suplada and that I am mataray.

What makes you happy?

Contentment in life. My family. My friends. Shopping. Hahaha!

The most beautiful persons in your opinion?

Physically — Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta Jones, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Piolo Pascual, KC Concepcion. Spiritually — Pope John Paul II.

The most expensive thing you bought for yourself?

So far, my phone (Nokia 6630). Although it's a bit old, I cannot seem to let go and buy a new one, for sentimental reasons. It was the first phone I ever bought with my own money.

What is your early morning ritual?

Step into the shower and then change clothes. Then, I watch TV (replay of E! News and Daily 10 on ETC, then I change channels to Oprah on the Hallmark Channel).

The biggest challenge you had to face?

How I was able to pay my bills even though I didn't have work for a few weeks.

If you were a fictional character who would you be?

Richie Rich.

This is your last night in the world, who do you want to spend it with?

My family.

If you can plan your death, how would it be?

A peaceful death in my sleep.

The best books you’ve read?

Memoirs of a Geisha, The Notebook, A Walk To Remember.

If you were to confess only one sin to God, what would it be?

The Fourth Commandment — at one point I failed to honor my mother.

If you have to eliminate one emotion in your life, what would it be?

Impatience.

What is the food that is always found in your fridge?

Milk, water.

What is your idea of perfect relaxation?

Reading a book, on a chaisse lounge, under an umbrella by the Boracay shores or by the poolside of Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

What would you want to hear from your guardian angel now?

That I’m a challenge to take care of, but I’m also the most fun and cooperative person he/she has encountered. Being my angel is a joy.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Megastar, the Caregiver

Sharon Cuneta is one of my idols. I do not like her singing but I love some of her songs (To Love Again & How Am I Gonna Tell You tops my list) but I admire her as an actress. She started doing jukebox songs (Mister DJ), then shifted to singing movie themes (Tubig at Langis). As she shifted from singing to acting, she had her share of teeny bopper flicks (Dear Heart, PS I Love You, Friends In Love, To Love Again). In 1984 Sharon got married to 80's heartthrob Gabby Concepcion with a grandiose wedding ceremony, and after a year gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Kristina Cassandra, more popularly known as KC (who's now one of the hottest stars in the country today, if not the hottest). She then shifted to doing more serious fare, mostly about a struggling singer's rise to fame (Bituing Walang Ningning, Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas, Bukas Luluhod Ang Mga Tala). When her marriage to Gabby fell apart after 3 years, she shifted to doing comedies (Jack and Jill, Buy One Take One) and more dramatic fare (Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig, Nakagapos Na Puso, Biktima). Her star continued to shine from then on, and because of her unmatched popularity, she was christened as the Megastar of Philippine showbiz, because of her success in both film, music and television. A turning point in her career & personal life was in 1996 when she decided to star in Star Cinema's Madrasta, her first movie outside her mother studio Viva Films. It was a critical & commercial success, and because of that movie, she received all the Best Actress trophies from all the award giving bodies tha next year. In that year too, she married Sen. Francis Pangilinan (who was still a Quezon City councilor & hotshot attorney at that time) in a private Christian ceremony at her father's Dasmarinas Village home. Another turning point in her career & personal life was in 1997 when she decided to join her husband in Boston when Kiko studied at Harvard's School of Law. It wasn't an easy decision for her to make, since that meant giving up her career. In Boston, she lived a normal life as a private person, doing stuff normal persons do, like cleaning the house and grocery shopping. She also kept herself busy by enrolling in short courses.

I can go on & on & on telling you guys about her and her colorful showbiz history, but the reason I am doing a blog about her is because I would like to encourage all of you guys to please watch her comeback movie, Caregiver. Based on the movie's trailer, it looks like a landmark movie event and for me, I can say that Sharon is in her best element once again. This movie is a small tribute to all OFW's around the world. The trailer made my cry because I can relate to the movie. My older brother, despite graduating with a degree in Mass Communications, decided to work abroad as a caregiver in Toronto. The movie has many firsts & milestones. Caregiver marks the first time that a Filipino film was shot in London, England. It is the first movie of Sharon with highly acclaimed director Chito Roño. Caregiver is Sharon Cuneta's latest offering in celebration of her 30th anniversary in showbiz and Star Cinema’s 15th year anniversary. Caregiver is a story that tackles the hardship of life of an ordinary OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker), who is caught between her responsibility to her family back home and the patient she takes care of in a foreign land. While Caregiver is a family drama, it also tackles important issues affecting overseas Filipino workers and how government can protect their welfare.

The film will be Sharon's comeback movie after four years since her last movie. John Estrada, Rica Peralejo, Jhong Hilario and Makisig Morales are also the stars of the said movie. Please friends, watch this movie with the whole family. Caregiver is produced and released by Star Cinema and is showing nationwide on May 28.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Sex And The City The Movie Fever Is On!

I cannot wait for this movie to come out in theaters! After 4 long years and a slew of controversies that surrounded the film, it is finally in the can! Sex And The City is undoubtedly one of the most successful TV series in history, with an almost worldwide cult following. It is just fitting that a movie version of the famed TV series should cap its long running success. After 4 years, we will witness the reunion of 4 sexy, sassy, strong willed and fashion forward New York woman quartet of Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Samantha (Kim Cattrall) and their zany adventures, along with Mr. Big (Chris Noth) Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis), Steve Brady (David Eigenberg) and Stanford Blatch, among others. A great addition to the cast is American Idol alumnae & Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson who plays Louise, Carrie's assistant. The same team who made the TV series are also onboard for the filming (including legendary costume designer Patricia Field). I cannot help but feel excited about this movie because I am such a great fan of the TV series, and I'm pretty sure that this will be a very big hit. Sex And The City The Movie will hit Manila cinemas May 28.