Michael Jackson Tribute

101 Reasons

ANOOP DESAI. why do we love thee? - ANOOP DESAI

Green It. Mean It. Anoop It.

Discrimination and Patience

Girl went with friends to a party. Girl's friend said some news. News: Girl's friend said that his friend didn't get the job. Girl was sad. The reason why: He was fat. Girl wondered, what about me? I'm fat. But I lost weight. Still fat. But still losing weight. Does it account for anything?

Girl and friend went to look for a job. The girls were made to wait for an hour on the first institution. Girl and friend went to a bank. Girl made a transaction. They were made to wait, again. This time for more than an hour. The girls went to another place. They were interviewed. But the interviewer said that they'll call them. Waiting again.

iTunes Addition

The iTunes store is such an addicting place. I feel like everytime I turn on my laptop, there's an urge to buy some new tunes. I started becoming a member early this March and I have spent around US$ 35. Well, technically, I just spent US$ 20 since my very generous aunt gave me an iTunes gift card worth US$ 15.

Here are some of the stuff that I bought and I am enjoying them a lot:

Boxing Match: Pacman and ABS-CBN

I feel so stupid for doing this entry but I feel so strongly about this issue that I just feel that I need to vent out my feelings regarding this.

I am sorely disappointed with Manny Pacquiao and ABS-CBN regarding the boxing rights issue. I am upset that ABS-CBN would go to such lengths just to get the boxing rights for the Pacquiao-Hatton fight. That's, of course, based on Pacquiao's statement. Believe it or not, during Pacquiao's fight against Oscar DeLa Hoya, I believe that ABS-CBN correspondent, Dyan Castillejo, did a far more superior job covering the whole fight than GMA's. I am just saddened by the insinuation that ABS-CBN did malicious tactics in order to get the boxing rights.

Next, I am flabbergasted by Pacquiao's decisions. Its all too confusing and stupid! If he weren't satisfied by GMA-Solar coverage of his fights, he should've talked to them first and not resort to switching channels right away. It's stupid and its annoying.

My advice to Pacquiao: Have legal advisors that are smart and that you could trust so that you could consult with them and you don't have the public dragged into this mess. Pacquiao, I believe has single-handedly, widened and intensifed the network wars in the Philippines. And that ticks me off, more than I hope it would be. Argh!

My advice to GMA-Solar: None. I am glad you fought for your legal rights. Pacquiao's mind has been so messed up. Maybe Hatton is getting to him. LOL

My advice to ABS-CBN: Don't fix what's not broken. I believe you have excellent news delivery and your sports anchor, Dyan Castillejo, did an awesome job covering Pacquiao's previous fights. Because of this, you managed to destroy which is a seemingly great rapport between Dyan and Manny. Tsk. I am so dumbfounded by such stupidity. You have got to redeem yourself in some way. I don't know how.

Having said all of this, I am going to read about Manny's fight instead of watching it in either Solar or GMA. :-p

Forgive this entry especially my sentence construction. I am doing other things as I write this.

Inspired by the Slums and the Dog

So, here I go again. I made a new gif inspired by Slumdog Millionaire and Anoop Desai. I think that this is too simple compared to the first one I made, but I like it.

Skins

Three days left before the Wild Card show. I am anxious to see whether Anoop gets in. I have a feeling that he will make it but I also felt the same way the day he got cut. So, everything is still up in the air.

Right now, I am having Dev Patel and Anoop Desai cravings. LOL. So, a trusted friend, YOUTUBE, satisfied some of my cravings. Hehe. I am in dire need of anything related to Anoop and Dev. Good thing I came across this video from the official website of Skins. The TV series, Skins, was originally shown in the United Kingdom. It looks like it is a really fun, teen, drama, comedy show. Raters even said that its way better than The OC and Gossip Girl (IMO, GG is not really that good. Its just quite nice.). And of course, Dev Patel stars in this highly rated show.

The following clip contains some strong language. Be warned.



I wish for an iTunes account so I could download the whole season.

Anoop Time!

I just got home and I was tinkering with this program called Photoscape. My sister said last night that this could help me make a gif. So, I made one. Its not fancy. Its very simple but it gets the message straight and clear. 

Life's Soundtrack

I got this from my friend Arjei. I think this could be fun. Try this!

1. Put your mp3/iPod/iTunes on shuffle

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS

4. Tag friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got this from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?

On Bended Knee by Boyz II Men

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

Canned Heat by Jamiroquai

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

Say My Name by Destiny's Child

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Beautiful Day by U2

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

I Still Ain't Over You by Augustana

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Anytime You Need a Friend by Mariah Carey (ahww...)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

Keeps Gettin' Better by Christina Aguilera

WHAT IS 2+2?

Why Do I Feel So Sad by Alicia Keys

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

How Do You Keep The Music Playing by James Ingram

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Welcome to Hollywood by Beyonce

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Indiana by Jon McLaughlin

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

I'll Be There by Mariah Carey

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Celine Dion

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Will You Marry Me by Vonda Shepard

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Meant To Live by Switchfoot

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Still After You by Earth To Andy

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

7 Things by Miley Cyrus

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Now You Tell Me by Jordin Sparks

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

Stop and Stare by One Republic

HOW WILL YOU DIE?

Stars by Simply Red

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?

Halo by Beyonce

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?

I'll Stay by Augustana

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?

Australia by Jonas Brothers

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?

I Hate Everyone by Get Set Go

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?

Nothing Lasts Forever by Maroon 5

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?

Lovestoned - I Think That She Knows by Justin Timberlake

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

Please Forgive Me by Bryan Adams

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

Shattered Glass by Britney Spears

AI Campaign: Anoop Desai's Angel of Mine

If you still don't have a copy of Anoop Desai's Angel of Mine, please download a copy at iTunes it only costs $0.99. If you do have a copy, then 'gift' it to your friends. 

Early Birthday Present

My birthday is not until March but, someone already gave me a present. And, I am ecstatic about it. I am totally floored, dumbfounded, and excited about this gift.

I e-mailed my cousin in Canada, Ate Joanne, to buy me a song from iTunes. I thought that it was worth the try. There's no harm in trying. I wasn't really expecting any reply because they have their own lives and I understand that they are busy but, I was wrong. I received an e-mail from her the following day and 'gifted' me Anoop Desai's Angel of Mine. I was thrilled when I received the e-mail. Words cannot express how receiving this music was so euphoric. It felt like I was high or something. And, I am not exaggerating.

Thank you again Ate Joanne for this early gift.

Because of the fact that Anoop Desai was eliminated last Thursday, here is another Anoop video to satisfy your, well, my craving for more Anoop Desai. This video is of Anoop and the UNC Clef Hangers. They're singing I'll Make Love To You by Boyz II Men. Go ahead and melt. (WTH?)

Anoop's Angel of Mine

This video grabbed from YouTube was Anoop Desai together with the UNC Cleff Hangers singing Angel of Mine. I think this one's better than last night but nevertheless, his performance last night was still one of the better ones.

American Idol Season 8: Group 1 Performance Night

I was really disappointed last night when I saw Group 1 perform last night. I was expecting a lot from them and they failed to deliver. Here's what I thought about their performances:

1. Jackie Tohn :: She's an entertainer but I think she's over the top. She has a good voice but sometimes, its shrieky. Her movements on stage are distracting me. 5/10


2. Ricky Braddy :: His facial expressions were distracting me - it's off. He has a great voice but Elliott Yamin's version of this song is a whole lot better - its very difficult to even come close. I agree with Simon that he has no star quality - YET. I don't understand why everybody is going crazy with his performance. I agree its way better than the average but I can't seem to connect with him. 6/10


3. Alexis Grace :: I think it was the wrong song for her but she definitely could sing. She needs to build her stage presence but, she nailed it! It was for me the start of Season 8. 7/10


4. Brent Keith :: He's a cutie. I was not feeling it but has potential; I think it is forgettable. I agree with Kara that it was very safe. Simon was so on point again with his comments with this man. 6/10


5. Stevie Wright :: Her nerves definitely got the best of her. It was the wrong song for her and she totally ruined the song. She was just all over the place. She's very awkward on stage. On a more positive note, I admire Stevie's composure during the whole time that the judges were giving their comments. If I were in her position, I would've cried all the way to the red room. 1/10 (Primarily, for the effort.)


6. Anoop Desai :: The background singer was horrible. Anoop was great! Out of all the singers today, he was the only one that I had a connection with. There were sharps but it was forgivable. He's very likable and charming. He has this extra something. I don't know what it is. As for Kara saying that he doesn't think Anoop has the chops to carry the riffs and everything, I totally disagree.  Maybe some Brian McKnight next time. 7.8/10


7. Casey Carlson :: Again, wrong song. She definitely fell flat. It was not good. I was cringing the whole time she was singing. 1/10


8. Michael Sarver :: I like this guy but he wasn't that good tonight. But it was definitely better than most of the girls. 6/10


9. Ann Marie Boskovich :: She's pretty and I really like her. It was better than I expected but it was all over the place. She has great potential but the song was too big for her. 4/10


10. Stephen Fowler :: Wrong song! His voice was definitely wasted on that song. He should've sang maybe a Stevie Wonder or any song other than that. Very pitchy. Paula was right, singing that song was the kiss of death. 4/10


11. Tatiana Del Toro :: Surprisingly, it was better than I expected. Weak start. She could sing but again, wrong song. When will they ever learn that Whitney Houston's songs are only for Whitney Houston? Her dress was very blah. I sort of missed the old Tatiana who is loud, funny, and sometimes irritating. 6/10


12. Danny Gokey :: His performance was the best of the night but it wasn't his best. He definitely could've done better. He really reminds me of David Cook - you know, a little bit cocky but could definitely be backed-up by his singing. As much as I like this guy, the three judges over praised him. I didn't feel the song as much as I felt Anoop's but, technically, he was a better singer than everybody else for the night. 8/10

Cetified Anoop Trooper!

 I've been checking out everything about Anoop Desai for the past 3 hours and I am really a fan of this guy. If you're watching American Idol Season 8, then you should've seen how good he really is. I can't wait to see him perform tonight. So, please watch American Idol later at Star World at 6:00 PM. 

By the way, here's a video of Anoop with his group (the UNC Clef Hangers) covering Brian McKnight's The Only One For Me. I wish the video was better but the audio can't lie. This guy is amazing. He has a great voice. Plus, he's hot in a geeky sort of way.

Boyce Avenue in Manila

When my sister told me last week that Boyce Avenue is going to perform here in Manila, I became ecstatic. See, I am in love with this band and I think that they are one of the many "undiscovered greats". 

Anyway, last Friday, I came to see them in MOA and sadly, we didn't get good seats because we arrived at around 6 PM. We didn't get to buy the first 100 CDs which I think entitles the buyer to a good seat plus a meet and greet. It sucked really because I had a lot of stuff with me and there were a lot of people there. 

My sister and I together with her um, suitor were waiting for the band and we didn't have horrible 'seats'. It was relatively close to the stage. 

Joem, Kamille, Me

 

Alejandro Manzano

Daniel Manzano

They sang all of my favorite songs. They looked great and they sound even better. Everybody, especially those who knew about them already, were going crazy everytime they sing their songs. My favorites were Bleeding Love, Sweetest Girl, Wonderwall, Change Your Mind, All The While, Hear Me Now, Find Me. 

I hope that they do another concert here - in a much bigger venue. I will pay. 

Roger and Rafa: Definitely Not Over

Last night's Australian Open Men's Singles Championship left me dumbfounded and amazed. It was the match that everybody was waiting for. I was praying that Roger and Rafa are going to meet at the finals but the way things ended was definitely not the one I had in mind.

Rafael Nadal, the world's top seed, bested his tennis rival, world no. 2 Roger Federer in the hard court of Melbourne. Rafa was just unstoppable in spite of the additional 24 hours lead time that Roger had. The Spanish warrior just keeps on making impossible shots but, Roger also showed great tennis during the second and fourth set which, he won. Rafa was just faster, and a better tennis player last night.

As I watch the re-runs right now, I am still hoping that somehow, the ending would just be different. I love Roger and it sucks that he lost. The Swiss gentleman just wasn't his perfect self last night. He's got a lot of errors. There were a lot of double faults. His service wasn't great although, he managed to pull off around 8 aces. But despite Roger's best efforts, Rafa's fire keeps on getting hotter. 

During the awarding ceremony, Roger couldn't contain himself and began sobbing. It definitely hurt. First, the Wimbledon and now, Australia? It definitely hurts. I feel for him and I cried with him last night. "God, it's killing me," says Roger as he takes the stage to address the crowd. The feeling of defeat just overwhelmed him but being the champion and the fighter that he is, it seems that this was just a setback that I am sure he could come out of. "See you next year!"

We will see you again Roger! We will see you back on top!

During the whole match, I can't help but think of Rafa as a school bully who keeps on grabbing the ice cream of the nerdy kid - Roger. The nerdy kid tries to destroy the bully but he just can't. Not in 'highschool', but maybe in college. Maybe in the next major grand slam, Roger can redeem himself. I believe that he could. I believe that Roger could turn back the tables to the way it should be - with him on top. 

We will see you again Roger! We will see you back on top!

---

This is definitely not the last time that the Spanish warrior and the Swiss gentleman will see each other in the finals. The French Open is the perfect place for redemption. I hope that Rafa and Roger will see each other in the French Open and Roger breaks Rafa's reign as King of the Clay. 

Running

Finally, I was able to do what I've been procrastinating for, for days. I was able to wake up at 5:30 in the morning and I was able to jog - well, not really jog - power walk at CCP. 

Yaya and I walked from the house to CCP. That took about 7 songs. When we reach the CCP, I started treading the uphill route. It was really difficult and I wasn't even running. I was just walking. 

I just hope I could do better next time.

Glory to GOD!

Yesterday was my initial exam in St. Luke's Medical Center. My chances of passing the exam seem to be grim since two of my friends who took the exam failed the test. But, of course, I was keeping my hopes up and I believe that I have the chance to make it. 

The day before I said to myself that I would wake up at 7:00 AM so, I have ample time to prepare and I have more than sufficient time for travel. But being the slacker that I am, I came to SLMC, 15 minutes late. Good thing though, it really didn't matter. I was able to take the exam.

The test was a mental ability exam. There were 57 items and we were only given 15 minutes. The first part of the exam was sort of easy but the second part was difficult. Actually, it really wasn't difficult but maybe if there was another 15 minutes, I would have answered everything. Or maybe not. 

I was pretty confident during that time. I wasn't confident with myself but I took comfort in the fact that whatever happens, I know that its part of God's amazing plans for me. 

After we took the exam, the HR proctor left us inside the room because he had to check our papers somewhere else. When he returned, he called three names. He called this guy, then this girl, and he called my name. When I heard him call my name, I was really anxious to find out whether the three of us passed. And we did. The good LORD let me pass. 

Thank you GOD! Thank you SO much for this blessing.

One thing I learned from this whole experience is that the LORD knows what he's doing. In spite of everything being shady and grim at the beginning of my day (me being late, the thought of my friends who were unsuccessful in the initial exam), the LORD turned everything for the better. He's such a good GOD. Thank you LORD!

This victory is not mine but is yours. 

Resolutions

It's time for my 2009 resolutions. I am praying that I will be able to do all of this. Hay...

Fitness Goals:

• Be able to exercise everyday. I should follow my work-out plans as scheduled. 
  
• Write and update my fitness journal regularly. That means that I should be able to 
  
• I should be able to lose at least 30 lbs every four months - that is on the last day of April, August, and December. I should be able to lose a total of at least 90 lbs by December. 
  
• I should undergo my regular medical check-up and have my BP, total body fat, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TSH, and  blood sugar checked every four months, as well.
  
• My BMI should be on the normal level. My BMI shouldn't exceed 24.
  

Career Goals:

• Find a job as a nurse in either of the following hospitals: St. Luke's Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, Asian Hospital and Medical Center. Even better if I could find a job in NY. 
  
• Complete my IVT training requirements.
  
• Attend at least five seminars. 
  
• Attend a BLS, ACLS, PALS training before the year ends.
  
• Be able to pass the NCLEX and IELTS with a very high score. 
  
• Review for the said tests diligently.
  
• If the Philippines is till plagued with the retrogression thingy and the said hospitals are not yet hiring by May, I would apply for a call center job just to earn money.
  

Financial Goals:

• I need to save at least Php 24,000 by the end of 2009.
  
• I should open a time deposit account by June with at least Php 10,000.
  
• Start another online business venture before July and earn money from it.
  
• When I get hired, I need to save half of my salary. 
  

Personal Goals:

• Continue doing my daily devotionals.
  
• Memorize at least four bible verses every month.
  
• Keep 'verse cards' to help me remember.
  
• Stop using the words bitch, fuck, shit. Stop cursing, in general. (Although, I really don't curse, a lot.)
  
• Throw the trash every night.
  
• Start a new blog.