The World of Second Chances

Starstruck Final 5

February 15, 2010

That’s Entertainment

Sarah Lahbati
Rocco Nacino
Enzo Pineda
Steven Silva
Diva Montelaba
………………….they are the final five.

Nina Kodaka was obviously very tensed before the announcement. Judging from the text votes and the council votes, she was the weakest contender among her peers. I believe that Nina can still make it on showbiz though. With her cute oriental looks, she can make it; she just have to polish her Tagalog.

I am torn between my original bet, Diva Montelaba and classy beauty Sarah Lahbati. Diva is the total performer, one that can easily be mold into a concert-performing artist. I don’t see her making it big on TV or the silver screen. She’s not a ham actress but I don’t see her being paired with any guy for a loveteam. She is simply not loveteam-material. A very emotional Diva was seen when she had a one-against-eight interview with the avengers. Princess Snell was rather bitchy than frank as an interviewer. Is she eyeing for a contravida assignment? Going back to Diva, the Cebuana beauty is not yet ready to go hard-core on showbiz, judging on how she got emotional from the bitchy questions of her former colleagues. Is she really a snob now? Is she trying to get close to those who will benefit her? Is she turning into a swell-head? These were the questions that made Diva emotional that night.

Sarah sings well and registers well on TV. She should avoid heavy make up because she is prettier with a lighter one. Her face is actually “malleable” depending on the kind of make up she uses. She can be sweet, daring, regal and girlish depending upon the make up application. It is obvious that the avengers are supporting Sarah: no controversial questions, no bitching, no bashing and she didn’t receive any black rose from the avengers that means that they (avengers) don’t want the survivor to be included on the final five.

Steven Silva got a black rose from Ian Batherson. From Ian’s point of view, their Tagalog-“defect” is something that is more of a liability than an asset when it comes to acting. Hmmmm…. but Sam Milby does not speak the language well, too and yet he’s doing it well in the other station.

Rocco Nacino is my bet among the male survivors. He can sing, dance and act well. He’s serious when it comes to joining showbiz and can handle controversial questions well. Is her conceited? Did he make face when he was paired with Rox Montealegre? Rocco answered them all, emotionally prepared.

The boy who was born with a silver spoon on his mouth wants to prove that he can make it on showbiz. Enzo Pineda’s coming from a buena familia has always been the major source of controversy in Starstruck: his family can buy votes for him. His family has good showbiz connections. Judging from his performances, he is a good dancer but not as good an actor as Rocco. Just like Rocco, he was emotionally-prepared when he faced his former peers for a one-against-eight interview.

Would it be Diva & Rocco and Sarah & Enzo for the finals? My guess is it would be a Sarah & Rocco. 😉
Top 7 Songs of My Heart

February 12, 2010

That’s Entertainment

I associate people with songs. I can remember people through songs. I can make or break my mood through songs.

1. Fallen- this song is dedicated to my husband. I met him at the lowest point in my life. I met him when I stopped believing in love.
“I can’t believe it you’re a dream coming true. I can’t believe how I have fallen for you. I was not looking, was content to remain. And it’s ironic, to be back in the game.”
It made me believe that love is something that will come at the least expected time. A whirlwind courtship, we’re still on the process of getting to know each other. Our first wedding anniversary will be next month.

2. Wonderful Tonight- my first boyfriend loved to accompany me to the ball. He was proud of me. He was a good dancer and I just loved those romantic dances with him.

3. Of All The Things- dedicated to my 2nd boyfriend. Just when I thought that our love was “You and Me Against The World,” it proved that love is not forever six and a half years later.

4. Muntik Na Kitang Minahal- Yes, I almost loved him! This is dedicated to one of my bestfriends. The physical attraction was intense; I mistook it for love. Good thing, he never got the chance to know how I felt for him before.

5. First Love (by J-Pop Utada Hikaru)- he was not my first love. I met him when I was lost and unhappy with one of my relationships. It was a brief “love affair” that ended just when it was about to start.

6. Sad to Belong- he was married, I was looking for marriage. He thought that the feelings were mutual. It was not. I was just being friendly to him. And we were not friends for benefit! Excuse me!

7. Bato sa Buhangin- my parents’ love story. This song makes me feel nostalgic. I miss my late mother very much.
Thank You, Miel!

February 12, 2010

Wedding & Family Life

If there’s one thing that I truly appreciate in my husband, it will always be his caring attitude. Yesterday morning, I woke up at 4 AM due to spasms in my stomach. It must be the rocky road ice cream or the ripe mango that I ate at 11:30 PM.

5:30 AM, we went to the church for our Thursday worship. I was very uncomfortable. I thought I had LBM. When we arrived home, I took a cold shower to get rid of my drowsiness.

My husband went to school while I went to work afterwards. At work, my condition worsened. Not even the Kremil-S was of any help to improve my severe stomachache and vomiting. (Thinking that I was just acidic.) At 1:30 PM, I called up Miel and told him that I would have to go home by 2PM. He asked me to wait for him at the office.

I asked permission from my boss if I could go home as soon as we were done with the review but he insisted that I should go home ASAP if the pain is unbearable.

1:45 PM, I met Miel at the ground floor and I told him that there’s no need for him to go home with me.

4:30 PM, Miel awakened me. He said that he could not work because of my condition. He took my temperature; I had a fever. He took care of me, brought me medicine and soup and asked me to go to sleep.

I woke up at 6:00 PM with a better feeling, both physically and emotionally. The man that I married 11 months ago is still in love with me. I hope it’s forever…..
We Are The World:From Africa to Haiti

February 4, 2010

Career, Finance & Product

There comes a time
When we head a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can’t go on
Pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of
God’s great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need

[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

Send them your heart
So they’ll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand

[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

When you’re down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There’s no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well, let us realize
That a change will only come
When we stand together as one

[Chorus]
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

Twenty five years ago, a group of singers sang together a song written by the late Michael Jackson. The lyrics above and the melody created a timeless and priceless masterpiece. Twenty five years ago, the world was worried and concerned over Africa. Twenty five years later, a group of singers will sing the same song but with a different melody. The composer would not be around to join the singing though. This time, they will do it for earthquake-stricken Haiti. I can’t help but shed tears of joy to see that when the worst event happens, people can be so charitable. Love and sharing is in the air.
The Jason Ivler Case

January 29, 2010

That’s Entertainment

The case of Jason Aguilar Ivler is something that fits http://www.crimelibrary.com. First, Jason is affiliated with the Aguilars of the local entertainment. Uncle Freddie’s song “Anak” gave the local song industry honor and prestige when it was recognized abroad and translated into different foreign languages. Cousin Megan almost made it in the local TV industry. Maybe that Aguilar connection provided him the opportunity to be a TV star on his own right. Several years back, he was casted as “Bullet” in GMA-7’s now defunct teen-oriented show, the TGIS (Thank God It’s Sabado) At that time, he was a big nobody. Not even TGIS fans recognize the screen name behind the character he portrayed in TGIS. (Refer to http://tgisaturday.tripod.com/history.htm. Opposite the character Bullet was a “?” )Call it déjà vu or coincidence but the screen name (BULLET) that he used in TGIS would seal his fate in the future as he is the prime suspect for the shooting of Renato Ebarle Jr.

Second, Marlene Aguilar- Pollar, his mother, is a book writer and artist. Her influence, as far as her book and arts are concerned, is something that is never to be underestimated. In addition, Marlene could have connections in the political and business world. After all, she is married to Stephen Pollard, an economist working for the Asian Development Bank.

Third, Jason was a former US army, who at 20 years of age, was sent to Iraq by the US government. Is he suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome? How was his behavior months after he came back from Iraq?

Fame, money, connections; very “crimelibrary.”

Now Marlene is talking about conspiracy theory. The government that she accused of trying to harm her child is the very same government that she’s now asking for assistance since Jason is an American citizen.

Last November, we saw a mother who was suffering in great emotional pain for her son. She begged Jason to surrender himself because according to her, “the people are harassing the people that you love.” This is contrary to the witness’ cum tipster’s information that strange things were already happening in the Pollard residence in early December.

Mr. Pollard is obviously uncomfortable at the situation his family is dealing with. He is the exact opposite of his wife who cries before the camera and can beat any seasoned actress at that! Yes, Jason was not in her home, if a home to her does not include the basement. After all, the mansion is so big and thanks to the tipster; who could ever think that that house has a basement anyway? Had Jason did an Anne Frank who spent years living in the attic, I wonder if the tipster would have an idea that he was there and I wonder how the NBI agents would pursue him, given that he had a strategic position up there.

Jason’s case has garnered a following, including both male and female supporters who are attracted to his “bad boy” image. However, admiration based solely on his looks is not a justifiable reason to support him. Regardless, at this point, Jason is still innocent until proven guilty, and justice and divine guidance should prevail in his case, as well as the ongoing investigation involving the Ampatuans.
Kris Aquino:Love Her or Hate Her?

January 18, 2010

That’s Entertainment

Sino ba si Kris Aquino para sa ordinaryong mamamayang gaya ko? Dumating at umalis naman si Kris ay walang mababago sa buhay ko bilang Pilipino.

Kris is in the news again. Hiwalay na (muna daw) sila ng asawang basketbolistang si James Yap. Isang Mayen Austria ang tinuturong dahilan ng matinding away-selosan ng mag-asawa. Bago pa man nangyari ang insidente, nag-away na rin ang mag-asawa bago mag-Pasko.

Sige na nga, si Kris Aquino at sampu ng mga celebrities na pinapanuod ko sa TV at pelikula ay may entertainment value sa akin. Never mind kung wala silang economic value sa akin. Heck, nagtatrabaho ako ng otso hanggang dies oras kada araw kaya ibalato na ninyo ang showbiz sa akin sa freetime ko. Ano bang bago kay Kris ulit? Yung temporary o trial separation ba yan kay James? Sa totoo lang, si Kris ang tipo ng taong mamahalin mo at kamumuhian.

Kamumuhian mo sya sa kanyang pagiging taklesa. Masabi, masabi. Walang patumanggang magbigay ng komento o opinyon sa isang tao o bagay. Eh ang Pinoy pa mandin ay sensitive by nature, so madaming naiinis sa ugali nyang yun.

Kamumuhian mo sya dahil obvious namang spoiled brat sya at hindi nya na-outgrown yun. Wala yata sa bokabolaryo nya ang pagiging humble at simple just like her late parents. I don’t know if there’s some truth to this rumor that there was a time that she was very proud to purchase an expensive pair of jeans na “katas ng Luisita.” Okay, fine. Not everybody has hacienda and she should be aware that her very own Hacienda Luisita is plagued with controversy.

Kamumuhian mo sya sa kaaertehan nya. May maarteng cute at minsan naman, cute din ang kaartehan nya! Wag lang sosobrahan na parang nag-aastang 18 years old sya.

Mamahalin mo naman sya sa kanyang pagiging honest. Sya pa nga nangangalakan ng estado ng relasyon nya sa mga nakarelasyon nya, di ba? Hiwalay kung hiwalay! Keber ba kung ano sabihin ng tao. Nagka-STD, pinagtawanan, niyurakan—nagpakatotoo lang sya.

Mamahalin mo sya dahil para syang isang batang nangangailangan lagi ng masasandalan. At ang mga Pilipino ay natural na mapagkalinga. Hindi nyo ba napapansin na sa bawat pagkadapa ni Kris, nariyan ang mga taong umuunawa sa kanya? May mga kumokondena man sa kanya, marami at marami pa ring nagmamahal.

In my humble opinion, hindi na tamang ibalik pa kung ano ang ginawa ni Kris sa nakaraan. Noong panahong naging other woman sya ni Philip Salvador, madami ang nagalit. Pati pamilya nya, nagalit din. Very much married si Philip kay Sony Dabao at kahit dumating pa si Josh sa buhay nila Philip at Kris, hindi nakipag-divorce/annul si Sony. Ganti? Siguro. Noong panahong hiwalayan nya si Philip, madami pa rin ang nag-react. Bakit daw iniwan kung kelan baon sa utang si Philip? Ano ba talaga ang punto? Kinokondenang kabit si Kris pero hindi pwedeng layasan ang naghihirap na si Philip? Dalawang magkaibang argumento yun.

Mas malalang kontrobersya ang kay Joey Marquez at ang simpatya ng tao ay na kay Alma Moreno. Naging sila, naghiwalay, nagsumbatan sa TV at umamin pang may STD! Pero gaya ng nauna, pinatawad ng sambayanan si Kris.

Ngayong sya naman ang nasa posisyon nila Sony at Alma, kinokondena sya ng mga detractors nya komo “gawain” din naman daw nya yun dati. May ganun? So pag ang magnanakaw pala na nagbagong-buhay, hindi na pwedeng mag-report sa pulis pag sya naman ang nanakawan? Pag ang babaeng pa-abort nang pa-abort dati at ngayo’y handa na sa pagiging ina, di na pwedeng magpa-check up sa OB-Gyne?

Ang argumento ng karamihan sa galit kay Kris ay paulit-ulit at walang sustansya. Bakit hindi na lang sabihing, “Kris, ano pa mang estado o pagbabago mo ay walang kwenta sa amin. Maaalala pa rin namin na kabit ka nila Philip at Joey?”

Sabagay, si Kris Aquino ay Kris Aquino na. Love her or hate her, wag masyadong paapekto at hindi sya national issue. 😉
Reason, Season and Lifetime

January 8, 2010

Life & Love

I feel bad when people dear to me lose
connection with me. I know that even the greatest
relationship can be strained due to a lot of reasons
like distance, lack of communication and shifting
interests.

Somebody wrote that people come to our life for
a reason, a season and a lifetime and that we should
be grateful that they came to our life whether
it’s for a reason, a season and a lifetime.

Instead of feeling bad about some friends who no
longer want my connection, I am grateful that they
were there during the lowest point in my life. It’s
time to move on and make new friends that will
hopefully be there with me for a lifetime.