American Idol 11 Finals

 

May 25, 2012

Jessica Sanchez Takes Home the Runner Up Title

It was a breath-taking event on the American Idol finals. Even with variety of mouthful impressive intermissions from top 10 AI finalists (more like a reminiscing jolly reunion, that is) and from various well-known past and present performers, people are still weary of the big day's event.

As though time literally stopped when Ryan Seacrest announced the long waited winner of American Idol Season 11. With a new record of 132 million votes came in to support the two finalist, it is once again a record breaking deal for the show, especially, a lot of rival shows such as X- factor, America Got Talent and among others surfaced just to keep up with audience demand for talent search.

Sadly, Filipino-Mexican favourite, Jessica Sanchez's fans were not able to steal over the numerous votes against Philip Phillips.

It was believed that during the finals, Philip is not feeling well that he has to lean and sit from time to time. He even was not able perform well his victory song as confetti pour down because he was a bit emotional to have been named as the recent American Idol.

For most Jessica's fans and supporters who never failed to watch and attend voting party session in support for her, they are still hoping that not winning the American Idol title would still open more doors of opportunities for her believing that she have that awesomely amazing talent.

Related Posts:
Colton Fans Dismayed Over Gaga's Song
Filipinos Rejoiced w/ Jessica on Top 2
Remembering Top3 Finalists on American Idol
She's Definitely a Filipina (on Jessica Sanchez)
More of Jessica Sanchez

A Evening of Wackiness

3....,< photos sharing img>
tag:
Title: Getting Silly with my iPad and Toddler
Date: may 25, 2012

Shot from iPad2's default camera app. 

Daddy, mom and son go crazy with these silly iPad photos using Facetime App which is readily available in an iPad iOS.

Dole Banana Dippers

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Date : may 21, 2012
title:
Subtitle: Sweet Dole Offerings Made Sweeter in Midst of China's Stand-off

Desc: Like the famous chips, "You can't have enough in one bite"... This time, it is a healthy treat! At first, taste is a bit different but as you eat more, you will taste more of the perfectly oozing sweet taste of the chocolate and banana. 

A few days later after reports emerges that China has intentionally rejected (allegedly threw) tons of bananas exported to China, Dole Philippines Inc. distributed boxes of Dole products as prizes to the company's yearly 'Friendship Games'. Surprisingly, a processed banana was included in the pack of give-aways(aside from the usual, different pineapple products). Almost everyone who were able to taste the 'Dole Banana Dippers', are all excited and thrilled with a new twist Dole made with the ordinary Filipino fruit. Coated with well- balanced sweet chocolate, and neatly packed on a classy packaging; it may be a brilliant idea to somehow answer to China's  explicit public expression regading Scarborough Shore dispute. 

There were students from an international school, Dole Philippine School, who tweeted and posted shout-outs about how crazy they are with Dole Banana Dippers. Surely, parents don't have to be too imposing in letting their children eat heathier food, like fruits. 

Many of those who were able to try Dole Banana Dippers are hoping that the product will now soon be available in the Philippines as well. 

Comment:
Let us all spread about the Dole Banana Dipper in love, and who knows? Dole might be able to hear us...

American Idol Season 11 Final 2 Contenders Are:

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Title:
Subtitle: Filipino and Mexican Pride to Compete the American Idol Finals
Date: may 18, 2012

Yes! Another reason why we should be proud why we are Filipinos. Jessica Sanchez finally made it to the coveted top 2 of the first and largest singing competition in the United Staes of America. Along with Ms. Sanchez, heart rob and rock-crooner Philip Phillips will compete for the title as the next American Idol. 

Sadly, Joshua's votes was not enough to bring him up to top 2. He was once been an under dog but raised himself up which judges noticed as he reached top12. He often belted as if he was a male Aretha Franklin.

Now, that only the finest contenders bids for the title, everyone wonders if it's now time to a Filipino pride to sing her way out to the 'Hollywood' dream. let us all just see about that on the final night...


Related Posts:
Saved by The Judges
Ms. Sanchez Excites Mexican and Filipino Boxing Fans
American Idol top 3 Revisited
More Jessica Sanchez Post
Bye Colton, Bye...

Celebrating Mother's Day

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Date: may 13 , 2012
Tag:
Title: Best Gift for Your Mom
Subtitle: What Your Mom Would Actually Love to Have



Mother's Day is  much more exciting if you become a mother yourself. Though it has been a great fuss around our home and our community as young child, I am more touched by this month's event that now I am the one who is being greeted and surprised. 

Surprising your is not just as ieasy as buying something tacky or expensive stuff. Here are nice gifts that would truly make your mom smile other than giving your mom just the usual flowers.

5 -   Chocolates... 
* Who doesn't likes chocolates? Surely, whether locally made or imported ones can make every sweet tooth mom smile. Just make sure your mom has no diabetes or else your Mother's Day surprise will send another doubtful meaning

4 - kitchen stuff or things she usually use at home ( like teflon pan, food processor or if you have the budget, washing machine with dryer or a La Germania oven)
* Though it sounds as if you imply more chores for your mom, generally almost all moms are practical. Your Mama will surely appreciate it, trust me!

3 - Treat her out on a date
* Moms enjoy bonding with their sons and daughters whether you go out on a fancy restaurant, bowling or you just prepared a breakfast for her; we are sure to remember these times like these.

2 - Money...
*Though it may sound so, pretty obvious you didn't thought a lot about your gift; let's all be real. Who wouldn't want money? Just make sure your mom would  not take this one the wrong way, hehehe. Just slip a very heart touching and unforgettable card how much you love her so much that you would want her to buy whatever she wants....

1 - A simple but a wonderful hug... And a kiss!
*Though an iPad or trip to Bora would be heaven for us but nothing beats a hug from our son (or for others, daughter or if your blessed enough both). Material and extravagant things makes us happy but remembering us and letting us feel we are important and treasured, the the best of all. But of course it's much more nice if all of the people in the household would always show respect and love always (that we don't have to nag around just to be heard), that would be the best gift ever!


Must see movie this summer:



Comment :
happy Mother's Day Mama! Though we may be the most generous kids some mom's can have; Ina (how we call our beloved mom, or strange at seems we call her 'Inaconda') we love you so much!

Same way, to my Mom in law. You are the best! happy mother's day... And also to my sis in law, Ate Che...

at these times like this, I am missing my Lola Luisa more.... Sob, sob...

Thank to my adorably naughty son and sweet hubby...

American Idol 11: Who Made it to Top 3

2,....
Tag: 
Date : may 12,2012
Title: Hurray! Jessica Sanchez Made It!

All cheers to our 'kababayan', Jessica Sanchez for making it to final 3 of American Idol this season. Because of her over the top singing skill everyone expected the Fil-Mexi to win. But the last near elimination of Jessica gives a lot of jitters and doubt to all the 16-year-old contestant fans' confidence she would probably make it to top 3 at most. With much prayers, moral and voting support, Jessica did it!  Jessica was not the only mixed Filipino blood singer made it to the finals, there were Tia, Jasmine, And Camille (who was my bet at her time). It was not just long ago that another Filipino-Amenican has earned herself to the same coveted Top 3. But Jasmine Trias then was not as brilliantly impressive as Jessica. Truth is, a lot of people are madly crazy about Jessica's voice, as well as Hollywood celebs are fascinated with how much energy and high notes she can belt.  With Jessica, Philip and Joshua making the top 3, it was a heartbreaking time when Haley sung her final performance in American Idol last Friday. It was expected that she will be sent home next (because she has the only unfavorable comments last thursday), but I can't help but be disappointed with the result as well. 'Hoping her adoring funny English accent cano drag her fans up to vote unitedly. Any way, I will miss her up beat wacky voice (though she sings heartbreaking songs at times) and her cutely - angel like face.

With the 3 remaining American Idol hopefuls, I am very much excited for next weeks performance night. This time hoping, the only girl on the top3  will survive. Related Posts: American Idol Judges Uses This Season's Only "Save" Power
Colton's Going Gaga Over Lady Gaga's
Jessica Sanchez, Not Just Another Filipino Pride
More Jessica Sanchez News.... 



My thanks to Fox's website for the random pictures I grab and post

Welcome to the iPad Generation

In the Name of iPad... Finally, we invested on an Apple! Yes, I am an apple lover, I love the juicily sweet and a tangy sour taste from that fruit but I am not referring to that. If it isn't only Steve Jobs' ingenious mind and untimely death that intrigues me, my hubby wouldn't had gifted me an iPad.   Though a bit pricey, we finally got an iPad! But our excitement was soon hindered by a bit of dismay. Since I am an incredibly good  Microsoft user (ahem...) I can't get the hang of typing and exploring Apple's tech as I usually do in my old Hp Compaq laptops. And here are more few stuff I had hard time adapting from iPad: 5 - Sensitive keys (or monitor perhaps in this case) needs to master more as if you are trying to use your mouse and keyboard for the first time in your life 4 - New strange environment (if you are used to using Microsoft interface, common terms you might know has different terms with Apple's. Like, If you wanted to visit a website, you don't Explorer or Firefox to help you out but Safari may aid you to. And you will find it funny that the 'return' tab on the iPad's keyboard means 'enter') 3 - Additional installation app to access certain sites (it took me many minutes to find out that I need to install a Facebook app just to easily access the site) 2 - Sensitive screen means additional accessory to buy to protect your iPad ( unlike my old laptop, I can easily slip it through my bags.  1- Intellectual property rights issue which turned me off.  Given, iPads have no USB ports, I expected it's built in  Bluetooth technology will help me share data from my phone or from my laptop ( or desktop),  but even successfully paired, I found out that iPad is still firm with it's brand to exclusively share and use iPad related tech alone. Thus, you need to invest more on other Apple tech to extend your ability to share and use your data. Well, despite of the undesirable stuff I get from using iPad, at least this little rectangular fella here comes in handy and I feel a lot classy and definitely wealthy when I bring my iPad with me. Besides, how many virus maker has mastered the art and has targeted  massively Apple's software? At least fewer than  any other famous personal computing system that I know. And all I know from my IT literature, it was Apple who started it all...

2nd International Boulderface Challenge Ends

1.....



Dole Team Finished 18th on the 2nd International Boulderface Challenge!

Hurray! Out of 49 hopeful teams to finish the most extreme and challenging International Boulderface Race, Dole triumphantly completed the race, though the team has had the hard time running after the other topping teams; Dole Team members received their medals with high-spirits and satisfaction. Surely, organizers of the International Boulderface Challenged did not made the race easy. Knowing that only the 'creme of all creme' will answer to the call for extreme challenge, prepared the race with full-packed undeniably with highest degree of test in 4 adventure disciplines(extreme length runnGing, wild water-tubing, stamina beating biking, and the most grueling climbing ever! No wonder why only about 38% of the adventure challenged teams completed the race. (That's how extremely demanding the race is).

With last year's failed attempt to finish the challenge as a team,  Dole Team Avenged This Time Around. With new member Wong's radiating strength and stamina, added with Engr. Rai faithfull determination and Nonoy's willingness; it was a sweet taste of victory to complete the race. The team was so grateful for the opportunity to be able to join and be with the best among best  bikers, triathletes and adventurer around the country. Related Post: Dole Team Back with Vengeance

The Adventure is On!

2^nd Boulder Face International Challenge is On!

After rigorous training of biking and running as well as preparing a healthy diet for the 2^nd Boulder Face Race… With Dole’s belief and support with our country’s economy and tourism effort to make our county better than usual (hence, Philippine’s theme – ‘More fun…’); Dole Philippine Inc. has generously did not only sent one but two teams to represent the company’s name.  The two Dole teams left as early as 4am for Davao just this morning. 

Far different from last year’s teams, though composed of almost the same members, the members are stronger, hopeful, fittingly equipped, well motivated and up-beat with this year’s 2^nd Boulder Face Challenge. Either of the teams’ achievement will bring surely a better moral for Dole employees and the company itself.

The race will test all teams with heart stumping running/ mountain trekking, rough biking path, and challenging water ways to be passed through water tubes.

To Engr. Rai, and Wong Lucilla with Nonoy Sadiang-Abay as their logistic member; and as well as to Eric Lubos’s team – God speed on the race! May you all enjoy and have the best adventure challenge ever!

Related posts:

 Surviving 1st International Boulder Face Challenge

Boulder Face Website

Susan's Beach - A Peaceful and Inexpensive Getaway Near Gensan

Susan's Beach 

A Relaxing Summer Getaway

If you are looking for a decent and uncrowded weekend date or outing, but not so expensive check out this resort we stumbled upon while looking for a new place for a family overnight bonding.

How to get there:

    Just drive pass through London Beach Resort, before Lemlunay Beach Resort.

Here are nice stuff to expect:

    *Reasonable charges and grocery items

    *Nice and approachable staff

    *Spacious beach and cottage area

    *Abundant in natural sea creatures

'Just don't expect too much about:

    -short orders (the place has does not have any restaurant yet, so make sure you are brought with you scrumptious meal and desserts, though you can buy soft drinks and hard drinks over their humble mini-mart)

    -hotel or cottage (where you can actually lie on a soft comfy bed) to rent in

    - squeaky clean shores and nice pleasant airy smell (there is a community of locals along side of the resort, so household plastic disposable usually are dragged onshore of the beach, though staff try to clean it up; few small plastic sachets and household trash can be seen around)

Amenities:

    *Clean public restrooms

    * Mini Convenient Store

Others:

   Entrance Fee

      Daytime

          Adult       Php   25.00

          Child       Php  15.00

     Evening/ Overnight

         Adult        Php  40.00       

        Child         Php  15.00

     Cottages 

          Small      Php 400.00 (3-10pax)

          Large     Php 600.00 (15-20pax)

     If you are able to bring a tent, you can set it up for free.

The Resort's garden is surrounded with lots of dreamy figurines and mini-fountains such as this

Contact Persons:

   Susan      0928 272 0727

   Canteen   0928 699 9156

   Wilyn       0918 541 7746

   Aileen      0948 833 0486

   Jun           0999 555 7612

          

 * I will upload decent snapshot photos of the resort after I retrieve my files on our broken Compaq laptop. But trust me if I say, the resort is just about okay. After all, friendly staff and nice people are most important above everything else!

Simple Things I Hate

Recommended blog posts:

Colton Dixon's Failure to Stick to His Image

American Idol Saved Jessica Sanchez from Near Elimination

New Feature on www.ronasays.blogspot.com

Newest Pinoy Pride: Jessica Sanchez and Ashley Robles

Simple Things that Ruins my Day

10 – Forgetting to bring a hanky with me

I don’t feel good if I leave my hanky at home is as pointless as not bringing a penny in my pocket when I leave. Surely I can take it if I have no cellular phone for a day (while I know a lot who cannot live without their iphone even for a second!), but I kind of my day is lacking if I had not brought a hanker chief with me.

9 –  Hanging and collecting of washed clothes

 I love washing clothes. It generally became a relief and an after spa like feeling when I wash clothes. Turning dirty and smelly clothes to a freshly looking one gives me the most refreshing feeling while soaking my hands to all those overflowing basins. But it kind of gives me that awful reaction when I start to hang them outside. I didn’t like the ray of the sun hitting my skin (except when I am on the beach) while  I individually place the clothes like banderas and banderitas on long pieces of strings. It is also a nasty task to do when the rain pours unexpectedly and I have to run outside to gather all (still often wet) clothes. Worst, when I already finished gathering all those unfairly dried clothes; the sun begins to shine brightly! Starts to pour madly again! 

Then I will neatly return the clothes back outside but then rain Huh! The irony of wanting to have good smelling clothes to wear.  

8 – Knowing that there is a cheaper price of the same item I bought on the other store which I got for a higher price

I feel fooled when I bought something that is readily available on other stores which have lesser price than I paid for from where I got it. No matter how OC I am in store hopping just to find the best priced item, I often end up buying the pricey ones.

7 – Truthfully obeying rules but I annoyingly discovered someone was able to deliberately and conspiringly bypass through those rules

That makes me mad. While I obediently stood by the imposed rules some people would just habitually and irritatingly break those just to make their life easier than those who deserve what they got. For this reasons, inconsistencies from the management made me think to just be delinquent and be unprofessional at times. Life sucks and irony hurts.

6 – Buying the wrong size or damaged items

Even for my extreme scrutiny, chances are, I still end up bringing home the incorrect sized item (especially my son’s stuff because he grow bigger daily than I expect) and worst – I will only discover the defect when I am already out of the store (like electronic supplies) .  Though stores are very willing to change the item I bought, it is still a hassle to take time and pay for another fare going back to the store

5 – Overpricing tricycle drivers

I know, I know, gas and oil have unbelievably increased (as expected...) but is it not polite enough that as a tricycle or taxi driver (a public servant it is) it is truly rude to suggest a price more than the allowed fare immediately  after the supposed possible passenger has just mentioned where she’s going. I am aware that if I will be dropped off to a far and remote place (which drivers may not be able to get new passengers as well), I voluntarily pay generously. But it made me mad if I was asked first. Hey, I know how to pay right, so never dictate how much I am going to pay.

4 – Sleepless night because of TV... and Facebook

With our expensive cable monthly bill, I can’t watch a decent and worth-watching program on TV after my son is asleep (supposedly it is my time to take hold of the TV remote and freely watch non-animated and childish TV shows!). I can’t even stay on one channel for a 10-straight minutes because either there is also a nice show on the other channel, or there is nothing pleasant to watch. Annoyingly and disturbingly, for these weird reasons I am awake until 1 or 2 AM. Another useless overtiring activity ‘till dawn is the exploitation of unlimited call/text and internet; since I seldom load, if I had the chance to use the internet, I’d enrol my broadband to unlimited internet. Since the internet connection only lasts for a day or two, I am an obnoxious internet user.

3 – Getting a hanger from another tangled hanger inside a hamper!

I hated sorting and arranging tangled hangers on a basket hamper. Sorting hanger looks easier than it seems, but it irritates me when I am about to hang something and I couldn’t pick hastily as I should because all the hangers are tangled up too badly.

2 – People who forget to return what they barrowed and owe

Who would want someone to barrow from them and never return or pay whatever they owe them? This can surely upset my day.

1 – Meeting an unreasonably judgemental moron

One thing I observed, those who love to talk about and analyze other people are often those who have below average intelligence. They are those person who accomplished nothing in life (generally who have no meaningful jobs or whatsoever) so they tend to spend their time mugging other people by their small useless talks. Like yesterday, I heard a mom horribly describe how fat another mom at school but as far as I can see, that same basher mom is also unevenly stout... talking about seeing a small speck on other’s face, while your own face has bigger dirt piece. Another saying says:  Dumb people talks about other people... Average people talks about events, while wise people talks about the future.

 

American Idol Fever Season 11 >> Colton Dixon Out

           What Went Wrong Colton Dixon?

                

            This season, two contenders caught my eyes – our Kababayan Jessica Sanchez and a rocker-next door Colton Dixon. Colton has a hardcore hairdo resemblance with AI judge and Aerosmith lead singer, Steve Tyler. In my younger years, Colton would probably one of those guys I would definitely scream my heart out. Of course, he also sings well. I had seen him struggle through tedious audition and cut-offs. His rocker suave style in singing got him to final top 7.  He even cried more deeply than her sister who also a contender for AI but unluckily was not included in the ‘AI cut’ in Las Vegas.

But what did really happened last night? Well, I guess it was Colton’s fault all along. His fans which I suspect are mostly people whom are impressed by his boldness in expressing and delivering songs which are of classy and unfathomable spirituality. But unfortunately, when he over exert to move out of his box and was so ambitious to prove that he is more than a spiritual singer, all things became messy. With his disappointing and unclear rendition of Lady Gaga’s hit ‘Bad Romance’, he risked himself thrown out of the competition. I am a self-confess Colton fanatic, but his ‘Bad Romance’ really gone badly to worst! I guess people deliberately didn’t vote for him because of his bothering act. 

                Colton Dixon was out of American Idol that is one reason less I would watch the show. I am glad Jessica Sanchez was safe last time. Or else, I will again end up watching colour-comic cartoons. As for Colton, given the chance to be in top 7 will surely bring opportunities for his singing career. If you’re lucky enough to have an album, I swear I will get a copy of your record and even lead an official fan club in the Philippines provided neither Lady Gaga nor Justine Beiber’s on it! Be a real rock star like Elvis Presley dude, he died an authentic rocker not trying to be someone his not.

Terms:
*Kababayan check ou this link Jessica Sanchez Nearly Eliminated from American Idol

Thanks to http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/still_rolling/still_rolling_colton_dixon/ for the picture I grabbed

American Idol Fever Season 11 >> Jessica Sanchez Nearly Sent Home

Jessica Sanchez, Nearly out of the Season

AI judges Jlo, Steven Tyler, and Randy Jackson rushed to stage to join Jessica and emotionally announced that they have decided to let Jessica to still stay on game

            I was shock, as well as everyone too was not expecting last night’s result for bottom 3.  It tore my heart out when Ryan Seacrest called Jessica’s name to have the lowest votes. Not everyone was ready to hear about that news, including the 3 respected judges and also world renowned artists themselves. 

            Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler unanimously agreed to use the one and only “Save Vote” authority of the judges. The “Save Vote” by the judges usually is used not as early as this. The fear of losing a valuable contender as early as the contest runs made the judges decide to redeem our Kababayan.

            Me and millions of Filipinos must have breathe well after knowing our fave Jessica will still be able to compete on the next AI episode.

            Thanks to Jlo, Randy and Steve for going up the stage and saving Jessica without any hesitation! Salamat.

Related Link:

     American Idol Fever Season 11 >> Another Filipino on the Rise

Terms:

*Kababayan is a Filipino word for a person who came from Philippines or same province in a country (whether he is just born not even raised in same country or either/both of his parents have a blood trace of Filipino nationality)

*fave – author’s self made slang for favourite

*Salamat – means Thank you

Thank you Fox TV for the still photos I shot during Jessica's near elimination episode

What do the Author Think >> Forward to New Tags

New Tags on www.ronasays.blogspot.com

An Author’s Thought

Rona’s blogs is under new reconstruction (kind of introducing first of her new feature on www.ronasays.blogspot.com ). First the author would like to thank those who try to hop once in a while on her personal online thought (though her posts are often untimely and super delayed). Since the author only uses her blog as a tunnel of expression of her insane thoughts, she didn’t really expect any will read this little net space nor will loyally follow this page. But to those who did and will have to waste time stopping by this blog, she is wholeheartedly grateful to you (whoever you are J  )

From her old usual tags like Showbiz, God, Health, Events, places, Personal Thoughts, and My Diary, the author would like to inform you that she had now classified tags to:

Top list (or perhaps her own personal countdown) which she personally and specially selected. These are listings which she just randomly thought and – Alas! She then suddenly has these unique lists of pick which are both plausible and atrocious in an instant.  (Also read: Simple Things that Can Upset Your Day)

            

                                Rona’s book reviews she recently read or movie reviews she watched recently mostly over cable channels or barrowed CDs and DVDs. She is also a bit of a movie fan so she usually immediately hop in movie theatres to watch the latest movie but lately, since she has to be accompanied by her 4-year-old-toddler, she would end up getting into mostly animated films instead. But she daringly loves spending money on romantic-comedy movies and action films. She couldn’t help cry on movies with which depicts pain and heart-drenching movies. 

     

 These are posts which are direct from Rona’s randomly weird thought. She is oftentimes been misunderstood by her too opinionated reckless big mouth, she psychologically bury things and spend moments through blogging her anxieties instead. She has fearless comments and observation on almost anything and everything, whether heckling a showbiz personality, applauding a modern-day hero, calling out for someone, or just about anything that comes from her mind. Call her crazy but she will sanely write about her thoughts. (You might want to check out: American Idol Fever >> Colton Dixon, Pinay Power, Jessica Sanchez )

  

                Rona is such a desperate travel buddy. The former homebody gal from mountainous province of Bulacan has aspirations of travelling around places which she has only dreamed of. From simple pleasurable places to those of widely talked about hot spot. Things, persons and events she has observed lately will definitely be seen from her window view. 

               

            

 These are blog posts from Rona’s past’s blogs and previous (but unforgotten) experiences. Her history may be of old age but re-uploaded blogs or real-life-changing incidents which might give readers possible meaningful insights about life, realization, warnings and even seeing goodness in people. 

 

Pictures she has taken from her low end Nokia 6300 cellular phone and/or Canon PowerShot S60 camera; which are either uniquely or ordinarily selected by Rona, herself, which she just accidentally, inspiringly or may be stupidly wan’na share.  

pls see: Three Ladies 'twas

So, if you visit again and find things a bit different, blame the author. It’s her and her not so brilliant idea messed everything up. No need to be violent about it, you can tell her all the stuff you want, or maybe she would still be happy to read basher’s comments!

Thank God, I had to end this blog entry; I can’t stop giggling addressing myself in third person, as if the author is a different person. After all, it’s my blog and I rule in here! I can do and write pretty much stuff I wanted (lol)!

American Idol Fever Season 11 >> Another Filipino on the Rise

A Warm Blooded Filipino -Jessica Sanchez

                I hadn’t much religiously watched American Idol since Kelly Clarkson blew me away with her awesomely powerful voice and William Hong’s stardom flight in his hilariously natural satirical version of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs”. I did also follow AI, when our fellow Filipinos Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco made it to the final 12. 

                Since I stay at home to watch over our son, I had all the time in the world to watch American Idol (even watch reruns all over again). AI made the show more interesting to watch when another talented Filipino contender Jessica Sanchez made it to top 12. 

                During the America-wide-search of American Idol at San Diego, I already noticed Jessica Sanchez and Ashley Robles' Asian-like beauties and over the top voices. I had this inner inkling that these girls must be a pure Filipinos or may be mix. My suspicion grew stronger when they impressed me with their incredible singing talent, more like a Filipino artist can carry out. Of course, it all came out and I was right. Both are true talented Filipinos. But unluckily, Ashley was sent home but Jessica was still able to showcase more of her talent. Jessica Sanchez? News spread rapidly confirming that she is indeed a true talent-blooded Filipino. Well, kind of more like a mutated artist, with her half Filipino singing gift and another half Mexican cheerful attitude – she is a total package.  

                Filipinos are totally the most bonded and family oriented people all over the world. The failure or victory (in this case Jessica’s fame) of one Filipino affects greatly the whole country.  It seems as if all of us are also recognized same way our fellow countrymen did.  Jessica Sanchez’s achievement in AI feels like it’s also our triumph. We can be more proud than ever that it seems all 3 AI judges, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler are hands-down with her singing ability.

                 To Jessica, thank you for giving your fellow Filipinos for another reason to be confident   and be proud of our brown and warm-blooded Filipino skin. ‘Ako ay lahing Pilipino, Kayumanggi ang kulay... at di ko ito ikinahihiya.. ikinararangal ko pa ito’

Terms:

‘Ako ay lahing Pilipino, Kayumanggi ang kulay... at di ko ito ikinahihiya..’ – I am a Filipino, though I have no fair complexion... I am not ashamed of it...Instead,I am truly proud of it!

Thanks to:

ET and Fox TV for Jessica's photo. (I just took it from my personal phone while watching one of ET's episode)

Surviving the 1st International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge

 

Dole and SMI Connived to Survive

Remembering Dole Philippines Inc.’s Attempt to Conquer 1^st International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge

                     

                   It was just like yesterday that Davao had launched the 1^st International Boulder Face Challenge on April 29, 2011. The 3-day challenge is composed of exhilarating trekking trail, rigorous biking track and an overall thrilling race. The event was competed by both local and international league of respected adventurers and nature lovers. There have been international companies which are based in the country who gladly participated in the event. They supported the aim of Davao's local government and Department of tourism's aim to not just organize and unite all the adventure loving persons; but also to promote the province’s natural God-given gift breathless view of Mt. Apo’s Boulder Face.

            Dole Philippines Inc.’s Engr. Rainer Paul R. Formoso, Mr. Eric Lubos and joined by Mr. Ramil Villar (as the team’s logistics) accepted to face the 1^st ever Boulder Face Race.  Admittedly, the team was then still raw and unprepared for the competition (last minute before the race started , there have been a bad decision of replacing Dole's original racer's line-up). With lack of proper physical and mental preparation, Eric was not able to cope to the challenge half-way due to long hours of rigid biking and running, his legs cramped painfully. Instead of retreating back to the starting line; with Dole Company as his banner, Engr. Rai decided to complete the race even without the recognition ahead of him. Armed only with self-worth fulfillment of completing what has to be impossible, be possible.

Daniel Hill (team SMI) and Rai Formoso (team Dole)
reaching a Check Point on Mt. Apo's trek as one unofficial team 
 

Even with exhaustion and disappointment,
Dan and Rai still manage to pose with a smile

             Along the way, Engr. Rai met SMI’s Daniel Hill team member (one of Sagittarius Mines Inc.'s director) who in same way was determined as Rai to finish the challenge even his team member has also not survived the race early on. The two then agreed to complete the race together even coming from different teams. Though After strenuous 3-day challenge, the newly created team (though unofficially not qualified as a team and does not compete as a team) finally made it to the end of the challenge. At this point, this is not about the prize nor recognition, but the capability of surviving one of the best adventures of the year!

As the two parted ways, motivated with the enduring race, they have plans to yet participate on the next International Boulder Face Challenge. They will then make sure they are well armed with not just guts, and high spirits but with physical and mental stamina.

SMI's Daniel Hill was so nice and game to pose with Dole's banner

Also visit:

Boulder Face Challenge 2012 - official Website

Tabang, The Wonder Dog

A Dog Hero

A month ago, an askal (a Philippine regular dog breed) made it to our country’s national news. Tabang caught everyone’s attention for her heroic act, in rescuing the two young girls from an alleged hit-and-run incident (who truly proved what her names worth, Tabang in Visayan language means help). Tabang’s face now brutally scared and deformed (even TV videos and Newsprint photos has to be blurred for the now gruesome image the dog has after the accident) now in care of Zamboanga veterinary doctors. Zamboanga’s locality even sought help from different NGOs both in the Philippines and abroad for the dog hero’s facial surgery.  Our government even proposed to declare Tabang as our country’s official hero (in line with names of such world famous boxer - Manny Pacquio, People Power Hero – Benigno Aquino, and more alike).

photo from

http://empressjelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/kabang-the-philippines-dog-hero

There are two points I see in Cabang’s story:

© Tabang is such a wonder and a care bear. Everyone wanted to have a dog pet, probably would have an option to lastly choose an askal.of all the dogs I had, my fave was “Jackpot”, a shih tzu. My askal pets were all fine but a well-breed one stand out the most.  Admit it askal are cheap (we can even have them for free!), and low in maintenance to feed and groom (we could feed them anything even our left- overs and we can use ordinary soap to bath them). Now, Tabang and all other untold stories of askals’ heroic act must change all those biasness. After all all men should be equal, as well as dogs too.

© Instead (Aside) from honouring Tabang’s glorifying and faithful act, our government should also push through and strictly impose our existing animal welfare laws. We should also insist in my past blogs, this government should also have laws regarding proper caring, responsible pet ownership and liabilities with all domesticated animals.DOH Secretary if you are busy and hadn’t thought about this yet, now I am calling again your attention. 

Related posts: 

A Petition to DOH Secretary  

 Treacherous Mans Best Friend

Sources:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/02/21/12/zambo-vet-seeks-help-hero-dogs-surgery

GMA News, channel 4