Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Im gonna be gone for a bit

Alright dear readers Im gonna be gone for a bit. Seeing that I cant any decent internet connection, I dont have the urge to blog. Im gonna be back in a few days. A week or two tops. So bye for now.

Back in the Province

So Im back in the province for a few days. I am hating every minute of it. Thats it Vacation over!

Im having a bad day today, I cant even get decent internet connection in this god forsaken place. The heat isnt helping either.

Monday, May 25, 2009

From one of my readers


So my planet has more inhabitants now. I received this picture in my e-mail just a few minutes ago. Glad to see I have readers.

To my readers, thank you. And to the person on the pic, Welcome to my Planet. ^_^

If any other readers want to inhabit my planet, send the pics at my email wind_prankster21@yahoo.com

Show me you like my blog and Ill post it here.

Dinner last night

So in my previous post, I mentioned that I would be having dinner with Violet and Den. Apparently theres a small riff between the two so I had Dinner with Den and Kara(Not their real names). We talked about how our lives are going and all that crap. Den was asking me about the business that we plan to put up. Kara wanted in on it. That means, the business will be split 4-way because Den's cousin want to invest as well.

Den is a good friend of mine, we used to be workmates. He was actually the first person I met at work. So we talked bout the issues going around our friends. I dont have to elaborate on that anymore because Den reads my blog and might be surprised if i write them down. Kara was in a different LOB/Accnt when I was still working so we never talked with each other. It was only last night that I got to talk to her coz Den and her are together.

As usual he was giving me the lecture on how I should start taking my relationships more seriously. And as usual, I tuned out. I told him to lecture me when he actually decided to take his own advice. He said that Im still as apathetic and as cold as ever. I asked if there was a problem with that. All he said was, "No not really. Thats actually the reason why we're good friends". Well aint that a kick.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Another sunday

So its just anoher sunday for me. I spent the whole day with my mom. She was in "Shopping mode" so we went around Baguio City. She arrived early this morning with her sister because she came to get some of my things that I wont be needing anymore.

She left a couple of hours ago and I went to SM after they left. While walking around SM, I bumped into an old friend, lets call her Nats. We talked for about 20 minutes, updating each other on how things are going on. We exchanged numbers. I found out that she's looking for a job.

After that I had to leave because I needed to buy a Universal Remote for my TV. My remote hasnt been working for a long time and I need one. So now Im in an internet shop blogging again, good thing that Snail's online. She's reading "The Divine Comedy" by Dante. I told her that I've already read 2 out of three books. She asked me of how my hell will look like. I said," Its easy. My hell will be one where I am strapped to a wall and there are a million children running and screaming around. The only food available will be liver and fish. It'll be as hot as the sun yet my skin will never melt so I could feel the pain of the scorching heat."

I asked her how her hell will look like and all she said was, "My hell will be one room and my mother will be in it with me for all eternity." Hahaha. Nice one.

After this, Im going to meet Violet and Den for dinner. GOD I haven't seen them in the longest time. I hope this dinner plan pushes through.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Back in the City of Pines temporarily

Im back in Baguio, the City of Pines but just for a few days. I only came here to fix my things because my mom is bringing home the things I dont need. It feels weird after being gone for about 2 months. The air, the people, the food. The biggest change is my place. I moved out of my old apartment before summer began because I dont see the need of paying 6grand for an apartment that I wont use. I moved to another place which a good friend rents. I got the spare room on the second floor. It fels weird coming home to a different one.

Seeing how Baguio is, makes me want to graduate even more. Dont take me wrong, I love Baguio City but I feel that I've had too much of it. Im used to the fast pace of the big city life. Here theres one mall, and a few shopping bistros. One or two really good restaurants and the rest are just typical. Well Im not used to this life. I came here to study and thats all that I intend to do. After I graduate from college, Im gonna pack my things and get out of here. Sure I made good, no scratch that, great friends here but that's not enough to make me stay.

A few years ago, when I was still living in the city, I dreamt of living the sweet simple life. I had a taste of it and now Im over it. Baguio is such a wonderfull place, but its not for me. I will do all it takes to graduate this year. I dont care what I have to do but I will do it. So thats that for now.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Kris Allens victory sets internet ablaze




Aside from the fact that American Idol has had a lower number of viewers compared to last year, Adam Lamberts lost has been questioned by many. One BIG question being asked is, did he lose because of his sexual orientation?

Here's a sampling of ways various critics have tackled that issue/asked that question:

  • The Chicago Tribune: "It's difficult not to wonder if Lambert's sexuality played a role in Allen's victory... If Lambert's popularity on Idol was any indication of how tolerant and accepting America has become, his loss may indicate there's still further to go."
  • Professional poker player Annie Duke: "I seriously think Adam lost just because he is gay. Bummed. Bummed. Bummed."
  • Examiner.com: "Adam was too gay for America."

Though never admitting it, Adam Lambert has been presumed to be gay because of photos of him being leaked all over the internet kissing other men. But still, is this supposed to be the basis of winning AI?

When Kris Allen was declared as the winner, he said "Adam deserves this. I'm sorry." So classy ain't he?


*Quotes taken from: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/categories/american-idol/

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Kerry Ellis' Final Performance

May 09, 2009 is a date that will never be forgotten by any Wicked fan, a date that will go down in the annals of Wickeds history. That date was Kerry Ellis' final performance EVER. She has been one of the best Elphaba's in the whole history of Wicked and it saddens all fans to see her leave.

I was browsing through youtube for any highlights of the performance and the comments were unbelievable. People were saying how they were actually crying during the show especially during the speech.

Her final performance was one of the best performances of WICKED ever. Every song was outstanding, every song was memorable. Probably the most unforgettable song was "As Long As Your Mine". The last line of the song is "For the first time... I feel Wicked". For Kerry's final performance, she said "for the LAST time... I feel wicked" everyone gasped and then a roaring sound of people yelling and cheering followed.

Her Defying Gravity was perfect. That was the time when you can say that she really defied gravity. And it was so sad during the speech after the curtain call because Dianne Pilkington (Glinda) was crying.

Kris Allen Crowned as the New American Idol

Kris Allen bagged the title of American Idol 2009. A victory which surprised many since Adam Lambert was the shows and the judges favorite contestant. Although for me, I saw this coming. I mean, isn't this too familiar? Dont any of you remember what happened last year when everyone thought especially Simon Cowell that David Archuleta would win but it was David Cook who won.

Come to think about it, this is a victory on Adam's part coz now he can pursue an award-winning solo career. If you win AI, your career is controlled for a period of time. You have to follow the producers of AI. Think about it, among all the winners of AI, it was only Kelly Clarkson who actually became famous. Next would be Carrie Underwood. Before you react on this, ask yourself, "Where did Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barino, Jordin Sparks, and Taylor Hicks go?"

Even the last winner David Cook's career is going down the drain, sure he does concerts here and there but is he really that big in the industry? Those who didnt win AI have become much more succesful in the music industry. Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, David Archuleta are all far more succesful since they got to pick their solo careers. Tamyra Gray and Dianna DeGarmo have become the toast of broadway. So I know that this isn't the end for Adam Lambert. Lets see in a few months who's hits would reach the number one spot.

But to be fair to Kris Allen, his version of "No Boundaries" the final competition piece composed by AI judge Kara DioGuardi was better. Though the key was a bit too high for him, he still sounded better than Adam. I guess we have to consider that in the standing right?

Conversations with a friend

So I logged into my messenger and an old friend, lets call her Snail was online. We talked for a while then the topic went to our love life/ romantic lives. I said that I was single again. She said that she was in a somewhat serious relationship. I asked how it can be somewhat serious, and she said and I quote:

"I know that I love him. He's great, he's rich, he's smart, he's perfect but the problem is, am I ready to go into a relationship where we actually talk about moving in together, buying things for the both of us, you know... the typical stuff. So how about you? When do you plan to settle down?"

I told Snail that she was asking the wrong person. She knows me pretty well and she knows that Im not the romantic-I'll-sweep-you-of-your-feet type.

Sometimes I wonder if i was like my bestfriend. Now my bestfriend, she's the eternal believer of happy endings and wishes upon stars. She's the "Ill'-give-up-everything-to-be-with-the-man-I-love" type. And I admire her for that because despite the cynicsm of others and that includes me, she still hopes that one day her prince will come on a mighty steed and sweep her off her feet. Now that's a true romantic.

Me, im the exact opposite. I dont believe that love is the only thing that can make us happy. Well not anymore. Im not the type who can comitt to a relationship. Surei've had relationships in the past, but I ask myself how many of those poor women did I actually take seriously and not use just to fulfill my needs. Im the power-driven type. Working, earning money, casual dates make me happy. I dont see myself settling down.

My conversation with Snail honestly made me think, I mean almost everyone I know who "followed their hearts" and all that crap ended up dropping out of school and/or becoming teenage parents. All of their lives are miserable and in some way I feel sorry for them.

I dont know how I came to be this way, its probably the environment I grew up in or the culture Im used to, it could be a million things. I remember one time my friend Belgian(not his real name) told me that if I dont take my relationships seriously, Im gonna end up alone when I grow old. Another friend Cronael (not his real name) said that I was just selfish. I know that on some level they could be right but I just told them, "I'll cross that bridge when I get to it".

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Realizations and all that shit

As I opened my mail today, I received an e-mail from one of my former work mates. The usual “Hi”, “hello”, “how are you?” was asked. I was given a link to pictures of them. When I opened the link, there were pictures of them but at the back of the roster there were some pictures with me in them. I suddenly missed having a job. Now that I am back in school it makes me realize how much easier my life was when I was working. Having a 9-5 type of job where the payroll was good. Of course sometimes there are those sudden deductions from our salary which we get back immediately thanks to our supervisor.

I didn’t have to worry about deadlines, projects, “school politics”, and the like. I still keep in contact with some of my workmates so Im usually updated on the happenings around the office. I feel bad for the things I’ve missed out. If there’s one thing I will always regret, it’s that I quit my job and went back to school for a degree which is not even remotely related to my line of work.

Some of the good friends I made at work have already stepped up the corporate ladder. Some have become Supervisors, Quality Analysts, Real Time Analysts and just recently a good friend of mine was promoted to Associate Vice President of the company. If I never left, I would’ve probably joined those who have advanced. I always wanted to be a trainor and I would have been great at it. A lot of us from the original batch of 45 have left and those that I’ve kept in touch with have the same sentiment as mine.

Yes we start at the bottom of the corporate ladder but as we work ourselves the way up we reap what we sow and we get that which we deserve. But that’s how life is. There will be disappointments but we have to face them head on.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

116th by Shoshana Bean with Lyrics

This is a song from Shoshana Bean's album. The first time I heard this song I was honestly stunned. Its a very simple yet beautiful song. Whenever I hear this song I replay it 3 to 5 times. I dont know why but this song really speaks to me. I noticed that the lyrics are not available online so I included them here plus the video I made for the song so that everyone can hear it. I dont know why but I guess I can relate to this song. This is honestly the first time that a song had this kind of effect on me. Just listen to it and you might undertand what I'm saying. Enjoy. ^^





116th Lyrics

You wouldn't believe how things have changed
Hardly anything looks the same
It used to be a quiet street,
now people pass on hurried feet
You wouldn't believe how things have changed
On 116th

It was a place where love began
Where you and I walked hand in hand
On a summer night in late July
I sang to you a lullaby
Not everything ends the way you planned
On 116th

All we had was a little apartment,
mattress on the floor where we slept
We lived small, but we dreamed big
and love was growing where we lay

Back then i could only think of now,
And now I look back and wonder how
How could I wished away the time,
when life was simple, you were mine
I'd give all that I have to have
just one more day (One more day... oh...)

In your arms to feel you hold me tight,
to sleep upon your chest at night
I wanna go back
I'd give anything to go back

I wanna go back to 116th

Quotes from Two and a Half Men

Here are some of the lines from the show that I like but of course I'll update this every now and then:

Alan: You'll go to mom's funeral, won't you Charlie?
Charlie: Of course! As the eldest son, it's my duty to pound the last stake into her heart.
Alan: That's typical, nothing for Alan to do.
Charlie: Alright, you can chop off her head and put it onto a stake for the villagers.
Alan: Thank you!

******************
Alan: I needed a slap in the face, of course with Mom it's like a nail gun to the testicles.

******************
Charlie: So what are you doing here?
Evelyn: Well, I'm showing a house at the beach and I thought while I'm in the neighborhood I would drop off a gift for my grandson.
Alan: You're writing him a check? What kind of gift is that?
Evelyn: You told me he likes Transformer toys. This check transforms into any toy he wants.

******************
Evelyn: Alan, darling, you were always the good son. Of course, your brother didn't set the bar very high.

******************
Charlie: No dogs in my house. Especially stolen dogs that are big enough to make me their bitch!

******************
Alan: Now, what I think you need to do is to make a list. On one side, put what you don't like about our marriage, and on the other side, what you do.
Judith: Alan, sometimes when I think about coming home to you, I start crying in my car.
Alan: Okay, that would probably go on the "don't" side.

******************
Rose: So you like this dress better?
Charlie: Hang on, Rose. The kid's running around on the deck in his underwear.
Rose: Oh, sure. When I do it, you just ignore me.

******************
Evelyn: We are going to have a nice dinner, you are going to be charming, and Tommy's going to remain oblivious to the fact that you defiled his daughter.
Charlie: Hey, she wasn't exactly filed when I met her.

******************
Jake: How come you're not helping Mom and Dad with the show?
Charlie: Well, how can I put this? Your Uncle Charlie is a professional musician, and your mom and dad...
Jake: Suck?
Charlie: Good a word as any.

******************

Charlie [talking to Judith on Alan's cell phone, which Jake brought with him]: What am I doing with Alan's phone? Why, do you want custody of that, too? [pause] Oh, come on, that's funny! [pause] I don't know, maybe Alan and I accidentally switched phones. Why don't you try calling him on mine? 310-LICK-ME. [pause] Hey, I didn't pick it, but that's what it spells!

******************
Charlie: I slept with a woman who wanted to be a man. Or, I slept with a man in a woman's body. Or, and this is my new favorite and the title of my autobiography, my mom and I slept with the same dude!
******************
Alan: And Grandma doesn't just feed on the souls of the dead, Jake. She also profits from the pain of divorce and the humiliation of bankruptcy.
******************
Alan: Where are you going?
Evelyn: Neiman's. I'm going to need something black.
Charlie: Doesn't your soul qualify?
Evelyn: Laugh now, but when I die, I will be coming back to haunt you. [leaves]
Charlie: How will that be any different than this?

******************
Evelyn: And I want an unadorned headstone that reads simply, "Evelyn Harper: Loving wife, devoted mother."
Charlie: That's good. Open with a joke.

******************
Charlie: Oh, come on, he's [Jake] not in any real danger.
Alan: Not physically, but you know as well as I do that Mom has the ability to say things that... stick with you.
Charlie: Yeah. Forever and ever. My favorite was, "They must have mixed you up with another baby 'cause I could never have given birth to such a hateful child." Who writes that on an fifth grader's birthday card?

******************
Jake: Dad?
Alan: Yeah?
Jake: Do you suffer from erectile dysfunction? [Charlie spits out his drink]
Charlie: Well, Alan, do you?
Alan: Um... Jake... what do you know what erectile dysfunction?
Jake: Not much. It has something to do with your penis, right?
Alan: Right.
Jake: And they say one out of three guys gets it, and mine's fine so it's got to be one of you.

******************

Berta [reading a list that Alan left on the kitchen table]: "Pro: No alimony. Con: No sex. Pro: See Jake all the time. Con: See Judith all the time."
Alan: What are you doing? Give me that!
Berta: I'm sorry, it was just laying there.
Alan: That's private.
Berta: OK! [pause] I've got another "pro" for you.
Alan: Yeah, what's that?
Berta: If you hook back up with Olive Oyl, I won't have to scrub your toilet anymore.
Alan [writing]: "Pro: No more Berta."

Now if any of you know any good quotes then just post them on the comments section. Im tired of browsing through the list of quotes so I'll just update it next time.

Two and a Half Men

For the past month I have gotten into the habit of watching Two and a half Men. I have the DVD's of Season 1, 3,4, and 5. I cant find the second season anywhere but Im not stopping in finding it. Its a very funny sitcom and I find myself laughing all the time. Its a story about two brothers, Alan and Charlie Harper and Alan's kid Jake Harper. Alan is a chiropractor who was divorced by his wife Judith because according to her whenever she thinks about going home to him, she starts to cry in her car. Charlie on the other hand is a Jingle composer who later on in the series starts writing children songs.

My favorite characters are Evelyn Harper (Charlie and Alan's mother), Charlie Harper, and Berta ( Charlie's maid). They crack me up all the time.

Oh and because of watching this show, I cant get that damn Maple Loops jingle out of my head.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Happy Mothers Day Mom

I would like to greet my mom Happy Mothers Day. She raised me by herself and has sacrificed a lot just to give me a comfortable life. She gets on my nerves sometimes but all mothers have the tendency to do that right?

Mom,

Thank you for all the love you have given me and for all the sacrifices you have made to give me the life to which I have become accustomed to. I hope you know that even though I dont always say that I love you, I still do. I know that we don't always see eye to eye but that's okay because you make up for it by being a terrific mother. So thank you and Happy Mothers Day.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Finally a Nicole Parker Video on Wicked

This is Nicole Parker singing No Good Deed... I am so happy right now that I might extend the demonoid invitations...

Adam Lambert on Wicked

Here is a video of Adam Lambert singing and dancing to Dancing Through Life. I read that he was an understudy for Fiyero but was never given the role full time. This is one of his performances and it was Teal Wicks who played Elphaba. Adam Lambert is my favorite contestant on American Idol and a major reason for that would be because he was a part of Wicked. Yes call it a shallow reason but big woof but he’s also a good singer so there’s that.

I haven’t watched any shows of Teal Wicks but I hear that she's good and I want to see if Adam is as good in Wicked as he is in AI. By the way if you find the dance moves to “swishy” as Patti Lupone would say, well those are the actual dance steps. It just appeared too flamboyant because of Adam. I’m not sure but I think he’s gay. Still Wicked is Wicked.

Desperate Housewives... Desperate enough...



Now that I’m on my summer vacation, I have time to do things I don’t usually do when I’m at school. One of them would be catching up on TV shows. Since I’m up all night every night (Insomnia) I get to watch re-runs. Lately, I’ve been hooked on watching Desperate Housewives. When this show was first released, I never really watched any of the episodes because Im not a fan of any of the cast. But because of my vacation with a mix of boredom I started watching it. At first, it wasn’t that interesting for me but as I kept on watching every night, I started to enjoy it. I even enjoy this more than I enjoy watching Sex and the City.

My favorite character would be Eva Longoria’s character Gabrielle Solis. I also like Susan who’s played by Teri Hatcher. I like the twists in the story and I also like how the story is presented. If im not mistaken, I started at season 3 or 4 so I might buy the DVD’s of the seasons that have been released. That is if I find any.

Common Conversation

*UPDATED*

I had to remove what was written here because it seems that my friend is mad at me because I am not texting her.

To (You know who you are),

If you're mad that I dont text or contact you then I am sorry. How many times do I have to tell you that I dont buy load unless I have to. I told you before I left Baguio that I dont really keep in communication when I'm on vacation. I do not know why you are mad just because I dont text. I am not in the mood for a fight because we have discussed this a million times and I thought we are past this. But it's ok. I'll try to understand. I'll call one of these days and hopefully you dont give me the silent treatment. I will be back in Baguio on the 23rd until the 27th. You can hit me all you want then.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Piece: A New Musical



Music and Lyrics by SCOTT ALAN
Book by TARA SMITH

I dont really know how the story goes because Scott Alan isn't done with the story yet. He's still finishing Act 2. Anyway, so far only 9 songs have been released but i dont think they are final yet since all of them are on piano only. None of them have been fully orchestrated yet. Lyrics are available, just click on one of the songs.

Track List:
How Did it All Begin?
His Name
How Did I End Up Here?
Home
Alone
Never Neverland
Say Goodbye
Goodnight
Magic

The songs are really nice and the quality of the recordings are superb. You can hear them at the show's website or on Scott Alans myspace.

Kerry Ellis Wicked In Rock

Wicked in Rock is Kerry Ellis album which contains 2 songs from Wicked and 1 song from We Will Rock You.

Brian May - "It's just three tracks, one of which will be familiar to some of you, but a mammoth effort - they are all epics! They feature myself on many guitars, Taylor Hawkins on drums, and a huge orchestra, under the baton of Steve Sidwell. Needless to say, soaring above it all, Ms Ellis, the Rock and Roll Elphaba, sounds incredible. It takes a lot of persistence and belief to realise this kind of dream, particularly since these song treatments are quite experimental ... but I'm thrilled with the way the tracks have come out.
Two of the songs are from Wicked, but with rock arrangements from me, which take them 'out of the box'. For me, it's been a fascinating journey, and Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the songs, has been very supportive to us. More of this later, but it's been done with great respect to the originals, but out of a belief that there was new place, in Rock, that this great material could reach. The third track is "No-One But You", from We Will Rock You, of course.
We have a whole album in process, so in the meantime we thought it would be great for her fans to have something substantial out there, to fill the gap. This is it!"
Track listing:
1. Defying Gravity
2. I'm Not Thay Girl
3. No-One But You

My Birthday Gift


My birthday is not for another month but since Im gonna be at school at that time so my mom already bought me my birthday gift. Originally she was supposed to buy me an Iphone but I told her that a laptop would be more useful to me since its more portable so she said okay. Two days ago, me and my cousin Kino went to The Annex to look for a laptop that I might like. At first there was this neo laptop that I wanted but then when I saw this one, I knew that it was the right one for me.



Thats the logo of the place from which I bought the laptop. The branch I went to was Premium Logic 5th floor SM North Edsa The Annex. I know I'm advertising something again (I should get paid for doing this) but its because the people here are so nice. Even when I was just canvasing for which one to buy, they were so accomodating and they are very knowledgable when it comes to their products. Plus one great thing about this place BRANCH is that they can flag everything you buy at 0% interest. HTC Cellphones, printers, even RAM (if you upgrade the ram of the laptop and/or PC that you buy).

Anyway I asked one of the Sales Specialists which laptop would be best for multimedia purposes such as video streaming, audio and video editing, and the like. She said that among their products, this laptop was the best so far. So far Im enjoying tinkering with it.

The model is HP Compaq Presario CQ40-310AU. I upgraded the RAM to 4 gigs (lets face it, with the way I use a pc 4 gigs on a laptop should be necessary). It runs on an AMD Turion X2 Dual-core Mobile RM-72 2.10GHz processor and its optical drive is lightscribe. And the OS installed was Windows Vista Home Premium. The effects are cool for home premium.

Every year my mom gives my cool gifts. Last year I got a PSP, a Sony Ericsson P1i and a Canon 1000D DSLR. This year its a laptop. This is the coolest gift I got ever. THANKS MOM AND ADVANCE HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.