AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 TOP 20 PERFORMANCE BETS February 28, 2008

I now have a new addiction: American Idol.

I’ve never religiously followed previous seasons of this hit reality singing competition which served as the mantle on how pop singing contests should be done in this new millennium. Not until this season. I don’t know why I got hooked. Maybe because I had spare time to follow it since I am currently in the morning shift or maybe because this season is just interesting. Or maybe because there is one great Filipina in the show who is really worth looking forward to.

Having seen the audition tapes & last week’s Top 24 performances I believe I most likely have my favorites & votes. If I am to judge the Top 20’s performance for this week I believe the following are the best performances or let’s just safely say that the following contestants deserve to stay up until next week so they can show more of their talent.

Guys—

1. Michael Johns. Among all of the guy contestants he is one of the strongest. With his sexy & dashing looks & the comfort he has everytime he performs on stage I think he deserves to stay for the long run. His performance that night was fantastic. Though not too powerful it resulted into pro-like performance. 
2. Jason Castro. With his guitar & laidback personality, Jason definitely has the charms to make it to the top. His dreadlocks are also interesting adding more mystery to his personality. Although he doesn’t have the super vocals that Idols are known for his boyish charm & passion for music which shows in his performances are a thing to beat. He may not be Idol type but definitely he deserves to hold his own place in the music business. His performance that night to sum it up in two words it was UTTERLY CUTE.

3. David Hernandez. He was a revelation that night. This boy could really sing. Although he has angles & mannerisms that appear really gay to me. With the right song choices & polished performances this guy is one to beat in the vocals department. 

4. Chikezie. Truly soulful vocals but I’m afraid that he’ll get stereotyped. We’ve seen a lot of him in past seasons & even in other singing shows. If amazing vocals are what we’re talking about he’s definitely in but he needs to make more uhmps & should create more interest if he wants to stay longer. 

5. David Cook. Just like Michael Johns the comfort & ease in Cook’s performances are undeniable. He is one to beat performance wise. Although not too handsome he is able to compensate that with being charming & confident. 

6. David Archuleta. He definitely has the makings of an Idol. Even if he doesn’t win this competition he still will outsing everyone else because of his star appeal. He really is the one to beat as Simon said not only because of his star quality but mostly because of his amazing voice & raw, incredible talent. 

Gals—

Honestly, I liked the performance of the boys better than the girls for this week. The girls were quite boring. But anyway here are my insights..

1. Syesha Mercado. Although her performance tonight wasn’t too strong she still is a strong contender because of her star appeal. She registers well on screen & knows how to project like a pro. She’ll definitely make it ‘till the final round. 

2. Brooke White. For me, hers was the best performance of the night. Right song choice. Right get-up. Just the right soothing voice. She was able to justify the Carly Simon original she performed that night. I never liked her before but with what she showed tonight I am crossing my fingers on her since she could be the underdog to watch for. 

3. Ramiele Malubay. Her performance last week was more interesting than tonight. This girl has superb vocals but could make a mismatch or sudden downfall with the songs she chooses to sing. The very hard to please Simon Cowell opined that Ramiele is one of the Top 3 best singers in this season’s competition & that is enough praise that should land her among the Top 3 finalists. Although she was just okay tonight she could still sleep soundly since for sure she’ll make it to the long run. 

4. Alaina Whitaker. Hers was a very safe performance. She sang “Hopelessly Devoted to You” with such nostalgia. Slowly, Alaina is showing her strengths. Not to mention that she’s very beautiful too. With this she could be up joining the Top 12. 

. Asia’h Epperson. I love this girl. She is able to transform herself from Bohemian to Diva to Classy then Edgy. That’s what a star is. Although her performance tonight was not vocally impressive she never lost composure. She sang with attitude. An attitude worthy of an Idol. 

MY OSCAR MOMENT February 27, 2008

“And most of all, I would like to thank the Academy..”

Oh how I want to utter those words in the extravagant platform of Kodak Theatre in front of all the important people in show business and 800 million plus televiewers all over the world. But of course it’s a far flung dream. But who knows it might just come true. Just like what Marketa Iglova, winner for Best Song said, “the fact that we’re standing here tonight, the fact that we’re able to hold this, it’s just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it’s possible.” I love that. I better cross my fingers now.

For tonight I exchanged my nightly guilty pleasure of watching the Angel Locsin-Piolo Pascual starrer, Lobo to give way to the replay of the 80th Annual Academy Awards in Studio 23 which I missed last Monday. Thank God for replays! And thank you to Studio 23 for the crisp details which made me relish my Oscar moment once again.

This year’s Awards night was sharp, well thought of and simple yet classy. I don’t know if it’s the picture or resolution being transmitted by the telecast in Studio 23 which made it look so vintage or simply the design and artistic direction of the stage and program. It felt like watching the show back in the 70’s or 80’s but with a modern feel.

Thanks to the end of the writer’s strike in Hollywood because without them (the writers) the show wouldn’t have been more entertaining, sound and momentous. The show was a mixture of elegance, wit and relevance with the presence of guests and nominees from every generation (from Hal Holbrook to Miley Cyrus). This year’s Oscars was a good combination of old and new yet very effective artistry. Every country was well represented as well. Just notice the list of nominees for Best Actress. Page is Canadian. Cotillard from France. Linney represented the US. Christie never failed the British and Blanchett for the Australians.

Jon Stewart obviously redeemed himself as compared to his previous hosting job for the Academy. He was brief and frank yet witty and never boring. I just missed the fun that Ellen Degeneres brought in last year’s celebration. Nevertheless, Stewart was fit for the job assigned to him.

One of this year’s biggest surprises were Tilda Swinton for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Michael Clayton. If you have watched the telecast you will see how surprised she was by the look in her face once her name was announced winner. She even felt unprepared but she gave the wittiest speech of the night.

No Country For Old Men winning both Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture was a very big turnaround that night. Of course everyone was expecting for Atonement to receive the honor for both categories but tides immediately shifted. No Country for Old Men actually was the biggest winner for the night bringing home four awards including Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem).

Marion Cotillard was a revelation. Later Oscar buzz spread rumors that Julie Christie will be up for the trophy but Cotillard proved these wrong. The lovely French actress was recognized for her effortless portrayal of the tragic life of diminutive singer Edith Piaf who died even before Cotillard was born.

Cotillard’s acceptance speech was the most charming of all speeches. Having struggled with her words in English she just thoughtlessly said, “thank you life, thank you love”. It was the nth time I heard these lines but it was only Cotillard who was able to make it very personal. The audience roared in laughter after hearing these lines from her. But those laughter were a sign of Cotillard’s promise to rise far beyond in Hollywood. To tell you the truth if there was one thing that changed me tonight it will be my appreciation of all things simple and beautiful in life. Not to mention I was already converted as a fan of Marion Cotillard. I really should watch La Vie en Rose. She seemed magnificent in that film. And did I mention that she was the most beautiful girl that night? Yes. She was. Really beautiful.

Here is the list of complete winners and my notes on them..

Best Picture: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (I can’t believe that this film won the most coveted prize. I really didn’t like the film although the suspense and dark atmosphere it created was obviously felt by its viewers. Atonement would have been a better choice since it was really haunting and gripping.)

Best Director: ETHAN COEN&JOEL COEN – No Country for Old Men

Best Writing (Original Screenplay): DIABLO CODY – Juno (My bet won! This film is a wonderful piece of literature. It is deserving of its prize. Plus, Diablo Cody seemed a very interesting person. She was unique with likeable personality. Stewart even joked about her name as fitting for a strip dancer.)

Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay): ETHAN COEN&JOEL COEN – No Country for Old Men (Again, my vote was for Atonement. Too bad.)

Best Actress: MARION COTILLARD – La Vie en Rose (She really did her part in this film well. I saw her first in A Good Year with Russell Crowe. She played Crowe’s French girlfriend. With her take on Edith Piaf she was transformed realistically by her acting style which would make you doubt if the pretty Cotillard was really the one acting the part. Laura Linney could have been a good win as well. Her delivery of the antics in Savages was contagious.)

Best Cinematography: ROBERT ELSWIT – There Will Be Blood (No Country for Old Men is also a good win for this category.)

Best Actor: DANIEL DAY-LEWIS – There Will Be Blood (Need I say more? The vote for sure was unanimous even with other major award-giving bodies. Day-Lewis is one talented actor. I loved him in My Left Foot who helped him earn his first Oscar.)

Best Film Editing: CHRISTOPHER ROUSE – The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Foreign Language Film: AUSTRIA – The Counterfeiters (Directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky) (This is the second award for Australia. I wish the Philippines to win in this category for years to come. Someday.)

Best Sound Editing: KAREN BAKER LANDERS&PER HALLBERG – The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Music (Song): GLEN HANSARD & MARKETA IRGLOVA – “Falling Slowly” for Once (The best speech of the night was also given by Marketa Irglova.)

Best Sound Mixing: SCOTT MILLAN, DAVID PARKER & KIRK FRANCIS – The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Music (Score): DARIO MARIANELLI – Atonement (One thing I really loved about Atonement is its moving musical score. I know from then on that Marianelli would score an Oscar for a job well done.)

Best Art Direction: DANTE FERRETTI & FRANCESCA LO SCHIAVO – Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Sweeney Todd is a hands down winner in this category.)

Best Documentary Feature: TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE – Alex Gibney & Eva Orner (The Philippines should regularly submit entries on this category. I feel that we have a big chance of winning in this category than in the foreign language film plum.)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: TILDA SWINTON – Michael Clayton (Really a turnaround win. Surprised me.)

Best Make-up: DIDIER LAVERGNE & JAN ARCHIBALD – La Vie en Rose (50% of Cotillard’s Best Actress win should be credited to her make-up artists. She was really transformed into a very realistic Piaf in this biopic.)

Best Costume Design: ALEXANDRA BYRNE – Elizabeth The Golden Age (Another hands down winner)

Best Short Film (Animated): PETER & THE WOLF – Suzie Templeton & Hugh Welchman

Best Short Film (Live Action): THE MOZART OF PICKPOCKETS – Philippe Pollet-Villard
Best Animated Feature Film: RATATOUILLE – Brad Bird (2008 is really year of the rat)

Best Visual Effects: MICHAEL FINK, BILL WESTENHOFER, BEN MORRIS & TREVOR WOOD – The Golden Compass (I really rooted for Transformers.)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: JAVIER BARDEM – No Country for Old Men (Now I am afraid of Spanish men. Bardem was really convincing in this film. Hands down to him.)

MY OSCAR BETS February 24, 2008

It’s Oscar time once again and before the big day proceeds let me provide you my own insight on who my bets are (for me: who should really win) and on who will win.

Best Picture
(Atonement, Juno, Michael Clayton, No Country For Old Men & There Will Be Blood)
Who Will Win: ATONEMENT
Who Should Win: ATONEMENT

Best Actor
(George Clooney-Michael Clayton, Daniel Day-Lewis-There Will Be Blood, Johnny Depp-Sweeney Todd, Tommy Lee Jones-In The Valley of Elah & Viggo Mortensen-Eastern Promises)

Who Will Win: DANIEL DAY-LEWIS for “There Will Be Blood”
Who Should Win: TOMMY LEE JONES for “In The Valley of Elah”

Best Actress
(Cate Blanchett-Elizabeth, Julie Christie-Away From Her, Marion Cotillard-La Vie En Rose, Laura Linney-The Savages & Ellen Page-Juno)

Who Will Win: JULIE CHRISTIE for “Away From Her”
Who Should Win: MARION COTILLARD for “La Vie en Rose”

Best Supporting Actor



(Casey Affleck-The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Javier Bardem-No Country For Old Men, Philip Seymour Hoffman-Charlie Wilson’s War, Hal Holbrook-Into The Wild & Tom Wilkinson-Michael Clayton)

Who Will Win: JAVIER BARDEM for “No Country for Old Men”
Who Should Win: JAVIER BARDEM for “No Country for Old Men”

Best Supporting Actress

(Cate Blanchett-I’m Not There, Ruby Dee-American Gangster, Saoirse Ronan-Atonement, Amy Ryan-Gone Baby Gone & Tilda Swinton-Michael Clayton)

Who Will Win: AMY RYAN for “Gone Baby Gone”
Who Should Win: SAOIRSE RONAN for “Atonement”

Best Original Screenplay
(Juno, Lars & The Real Girl, Michael Clayton, Ratatouille & The Savages)

Who Will Win: JUNO
Who Should Win: JUNO

Best Adapted Screenplay
(Atonement, Away From Her, The Diving Bell & The Butterfly, No Country for Old Men & There Will Be Blood)

Who Will Win: ATONEMENT
Who Should Win: ATONEMENT

Best Cinematography
(The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Atonement, Diving Bell & The Butterfly, No Country For Old Men & There Will Be Blood)

Who Will Win: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Who Should Win: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

Best Animated Film
(Persepolis, Ratatouille & Surf’s Up)

Who Will Win: RATATOUILLE
Who Should Win: PERSEPOLIS

Best Art Direction

(American Gangster, Atonement, Golden Compass, Sweeney Todd & There Will Be Blood)

Who Will Win: SWEENEY TODD
Who Should win: SWEENEY TODD

Best in Costume Design
(Across The Universe, Atonement, Elizabeth, La Vie en Rose & Sweeney Todd)

Who Will Win: ELIZABETH
Who Should Win: ATONEMENT

Best Make-up
(La Vie en Rose, Norbit & Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End)

Who Will Win: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END
Who Should Win: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END

Best Original Score
(Atonement, Kite Runner, Michael Clayton, Ratatouille & 3:10 to Yuma)

Who Will Win: ATONEMENT
Who Should Win: ATONEMENT

Best Visual Effects
(Golden Compass, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End & Transformers)

Who Will Win: TRANSFORMERS
Who Should Win: TRANSFORMERS

TWO GOOD, LIGHT HEARTED MOVIES FOR A PERFECT SUNDAY AFTERNOON—The Bee Movie & Heartbreak Kid February 17, 2008

It’s Sunday once again and this is my day for watching the stacks of dvd’s I bought from two weeks ago and today. After my Intramuros date I hurriedly went home to watch two funny but cute movies namely “The Bee Movie”, a Pixar animated film featuring Jerry Schneider and Renee Zellweger as the voice of the lead characters and “Heartbreak Kid” with Ben Stiller.

Bee Movie

This Steven Spielberg backed-up production was fun to see. It was charming on its way. The story is very fast paced that there were no boring parts. Plus, there was a really good fusion of the soundtrack with the scenes rolling out on screen.

The animated motion picture is targeted for kids but as the cartoon progresses even kids at heart will have an unconsciously good time watching the film especially with the slightly mature slur on jokes presented in its screenplay which some kids may vaguely understand.

The story revolves around a so-called young honeybee who accidentally flew out into the real world and discovered that their hard earned honey are being consumed by humans leaving their colony exhausted and slaved to human demands. Due to this he filed a lawsuit against the human race to bring back the honeys that their colony deserves.

However this caused a tragic effect. Since there was a surplus of honey in the bee colony most of the bees were left idle, non-productive and others even went on vacation which created imbalance in the ecosystem. Nature and its surroundings appeared barren, dry and melancholic due to the non-pollination of flowers. With this the bees created a resolution to bring back life into the earth by once again doing their purpose on Earth and at the same time agreeing with the equal consumption of their produce with humans.

Although the plot was comically presented this film is actually a lesson in Science turned into perfect animation that grade schoolers would really appreciate. Moreover, it provides an insight on how humans could abuse nature’s resources and how disadvantageous it is to live in an imbalanced ecosystem.

Heartbreak Kid

Ben Stiller is once again crowned Prince of Comedy with this film. A look at finding your one true love when you have just committed is comically yet charmingly presented in this picture.

The film appears boring on its first few parts but on the middle part wherein Stiller and his wife went on a honeymoon splurge in Mexico that’s where all the entertainment started rolling. And from thereon you’ll never get out of your seat especially once you witness the soothing cinematography where the film was shot on. Mexico is really telegenic if I may say. A perfect place for the storyline of this film.

Ben Stiller does not overdo in this movie. Everything was just fine and at times he was actually subdued. He is consistent in every scene although some parts were just inserted for fun purposes.
If you are looking for an alternative date movie I would suggest this one. It is different from other easy going films since it attempts to explain commitment and true love in a funny way.

“THE BUCKET LIST” IS THE YEAR’S MOST MOVING DRAMA February 6, 2008

Just finished watching “The Bucket List” in dvd and I can say that it’s all worth it. The film although quite slow phased never failed to entertain, amuse and move me. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman delivers the most touching portrayal ever and never fails in letting you feel the emotions they pour out on the screen.

The story revolves around Nicholson and Freeman’s unexpected friendship. Together they listed things that they wanted to do and witness before their life ceased. However things turned out unexpectedly and they realized that the most magical and important things in life are those that are just near you.

The most touching part of the story was definitely the last part wherein Nicholson said that Freeman’s last moments in life were his best and defining moments.

If you guys have time do catch this movie before it ends showing in theaters. You’ll never regret it. Another thing to look forward to are the beautiful scenic spots captured in this film as the protagonist’s characters tour the world. Moreover, compelling performance from its supporting cast namely Sean Hayes who plays Mr. Nicholson’s executive assistant and Beverly Todd as Mr. Freeman’s wife add more humor and drama respectively to the film.

NEVER APOLOGIZE February 5, 2008

Hi guys!

Just wanna share an inspiring poem I stumble on the net today. To all those who are feeling depressed because of unexplainable mishaps in their lives & has lost their confidence to move on, this one’s for you. Read on..

Never apologize for pursuing what makes you happy.

Even if you need to quit your job, or move across country, always do what you really want.

Never apologize for giving your best in a relationship that just didn’t work out.

Never apologize for being successful.
Only haters want to keep you at their level.

Never apologize for crying.

Never apologize for being frugal.
Just because you save your money instead of blowing it
on the latest fashion emergency doesn’t mean you’re cheap.

Never apologize for being a single parent.
Babies are a blessing.

Never apologize for treating yourself to something special.
Sometimes you have to show yourself some appreciation.

Never apologize for leaving an abusive relationship.
Your safety should always be a priority.

Never apologize for setting high standards in a relationship.
You know what you can tolerate and what simply gets on your nerves.

Never apologize for saying NO.

Never apologize to your new friends about old friends.
There’s a reason they been your friend from day one.

Never apologize for ordering dessert
or more than one dessert.

Never apologize for your taste in clothes.
It’s your style.

Never apologize for changing your mind!

Never apologize for being you!

SATURDAYS February 2, 2008

1. Silly name you were called by your
close friends?
- cyrillus, cirilos, brit,

2. What is your favorite ice cream
flavor?
- currently, mint chocolate chip from the big scoop. Sa baba lang ‘to ng building naming. Hehe. Was introduced to me by myla&yai. Thanks girls!

3. What movie/s are you waiting for?
- la vie en rose. Really intrigued who marion cotillard is & how she does in this film that earned her a nomination for the Oscars.

4. If you wanted to be in a band, what
would you be?
- lead singer. Ano pa ba eh makapal talaga ang mukha ko. Kung pwede nga solo singer na lang. hirap na pag nasa grupo may kaagaw pa. hehe. KSP ba?

5. What is the weirdest thing you’ve
ever eaten?
-

6. Do you want to live with your bf/gf
forever ?
- yes yes yo!

7. Where is the place you want to be
right now?
- wala. Gusto ko feeling now in my apartment. Parang tama lang ang lahat.

8. What song are you listening
to?
- everytime I close my eyes (thor&natural high’s version)

9. If you were given the chance to
show your talent on stage, what would
it be?
- how can I show writing on stage? Uhmm.. maybe through grafitti? Right?

10. who’s your crush?
- a—- a——-.

11. What movie/s
made you cry?
- freedom writers

12. Name famous people you had
a crush on?
- miss kaye abad. Yun! And others. Secret na lang kasi baka ma censored friendster page ko.

13. What are your favorite drinks?
- coffee. Can’t live without it.

14. Which cartoon characters are your
favorite?
- marvin the martian

15. Last day you went shopping?
- Thursday. The podium & st. francis square.

16. If you could freely kill just one
celebrity, who would it
be?
- andaming pwede. Sayang isa lang..

17. Coke or Pepsi?
- coke. Mas accessible kasi.

18. In a week, how
many times do you go on line ?
- on a daily basis.

19. single or married?
- married and happy!!!

20. pink or blue?
- blue.

21.Describe yourself in one word.
- undefined

22. What’s the first thing you do
when you wake up?
- open my eyes. Hehe. Silly!

23. What’s the last thing you do
before you go to
sleep?
- pray. Yes. I do pray.

24. Something about you that you’re
proud of:
- I am very patient?! And lucky most of the time. Hehe.

25. Are you in love?
- YES.

26. What’s your mobile
number?
- 0915nnnwwww

27. Are you happy?
- oo naman. Feeling ko ang gumawa ng questionnaire na ‘to malungkot. Tama ba?
28. Why?
- because I try to appreciate even the most simple and little things in life.

29. But is there something
you wanna do?
- yup. Be a jetsetter.

31. Complete this sentence:
WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS … – now is love sweet love.

32. What was the last thing you ate?
- dunkin donuts’ choco kreme.

33. If you were a crayon, what
color would you be? why?
- blue. It’s my favorite color.

34. What did you eat for breakfast?
- coffee with Alaska condensed milk.

35. Who is the last person you talked
to on the
phone?
- bebe ko!

“TOUCH MY BODY” TO IMPACT RADIO STATIONS FEB. 12 February 2, 2008

Mariah’s first single, now cited as “Touch My Body”, previously scheduled for radio adds on January 29th, has been pushed back by two weeks.

According to the newly-updated New Releases list from All Access, the song will now impact Top 40/Mainstream and Top 40/Rhythmic-Crossover radio stations on February 12, 2008.

“Touch My Body” was first revealed on MariahDailyJournal as a new title from Mariah’s upcoming album. It was later confirmed that in a Universal Music office meeting, L.A. Reid had asked staff members to vote for their favorite song between his first single choice – “That Chick” and “Touch My Body”. Apparently, “Touch My Body” was Mariah’s choice for the first single.

Although All Access gets its data directly from the record labels, please consider the date and title tentative until an official announcement is made.
Source: All Access

TOP 20 HIGHEST GROSSING FEMALE MUSICIANS IN 2007 February 2, 2008

The 20 women on Forbes’ Cash Queens list earned a combined $420 million between June 2006 and June 2007. The vast majority collected hefty paychecks from sell-out tours. To compile the list, Forbes examined concert grosses, merchandising revenue, album sales and additional revenue streams from ancillary businesses: clothing lines, fragrance deals and endorsements. Only “active” artists were considered–those who had released an album or film or toured during the specified period. These are gross income figures, with no deductions for taxes, management or agent fees.

1. Madonna- $72 million
2. Barbra Streisand- $60 million
3. Celine Dion- $45 million
4. Shakira- $38 million
5. Beyoncé- $27 million
6. Gwen Stefani- $26 million
7. Christina Aguilera- $20 million
8. Faith Hill- $19 million
9. Dixie Chicks- $18 million
10. Mariah Carey- $13 million
11. Hilary Duff- $12 million
12. Avril Lavigne- $12 million
13. Martina McBride- $12 million
14. Britney Spears- $8 million
15. Carrie Underwood- $7 million
16. Nelly Furtado- $7 million
17. Fergie- $6 million
18. Jennifer Lopez- $6 million
19. Sheryl Crow- $6 million
20. Norah Jones- $5.5 million

Source: www.forbes.com/business/2…women.html