Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Anoop Desai March 31 Performance - Anoop Desai "Caught Up"

Anoop Desai in American Idol 3/31/09 performed Usher's Caught Up. For me, Anoop sounded and looked strangely like himself in the My Prerogative performance he did 2 weeks ago, including the gestures and dance moves. Does Anoop know what variety means? Probably not, as Simon Cowell lashed out that Anoop was "a horrible mess" in his March 31 performance. So I might say that song should be titled "Messed Up", instead of "Caught Up". Watch video after the jump.
Anoop Desai March 31 I'm Caught Up

Danny Gokey - "What Hurts the Most" American Idol Top 9 March 31 Performance

Danny Gokey is in his element again this week when he sang "What Hurts The Most" by Rascal Flatts. The song is just reminiscent of all the loss he had -- first his wife and now his grandfather had passed away recently. See video after the jump.
Danny Gokey What Hurts the Most AI Top Performance March 9
Is it me or is Danny Gokey getting fat? I mean he's starting to get plump on the TV screen. Anyway, good week again for Danny and he's on top of all polls.
 

Allison Iraheta - "Don't Speak" American Idol 8 Performances 31 March 2009

Allison Iraheta gives us another smashing performance by singing No Doubt's Don't Speak, save for the fuchsia dress that was dissed by the judges. Although Allison could have used some techniques to differ from sounding too much like Gwen Stefani, Allison gives it her all. I hope everyone will vote for Allison because it seems she's lagging behind in terms of the votes.
Allison Iraheta Don't Speak American Idol 03-31-09

Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine American Idol 3/31/09 Performance

Kris Allen delivers another good performance just like his roomie Adam Lambert. Hmmm.. Is there something going on between them? Well, let's just hear Kris Allen's version of the Bill Withers original "Ain't No Sunshine” after the jump.
Kris Allen Aint No Sunshine

American Idol March 31 - Adam Lambert "Play That Funky Music"

Adam Lambert in American Idol 3/31/09 was spectacular as ever. However, i don't know if everyone will like his performance of Wild Cherry's Play That Funky Music, it seems like he's shrieking like an 80's band vocalist. Watch the video after the jump.
Adam Lambert Play That Funky Music
If you enjoy the Firehouse and Heart type of singing, you might as well enjoy Adam Lambert's vocal calisthenics here:

Anne Curtis as Galema in ABS-CBN's "Anak ni Zuma"?

From a goddess to a snake queen -- that seems to be the fate of Anne Curtis as she is being tapped to play the lead role in Anak ni Zuma. In a Journal Online report, ABS-CBN has already brought the rights of Anak ni Zuma from its maker Jim Fernandez who's currently in the United States.
Anne Curtis as Galema in "Anak ni Zuma"
Zuma has been a popular comic character in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The intensity of its popularity propelled two Zuma movies in the 1980s. In the Anak ni Zuma sequel, Snooky Serna played the role of Galema, the daughter of Zuma. Many people are excited that Jim Fernandez gave the TV rights of the Anak ni Zuma to ABS-CBN. 

In that same Journal Online report too, the article declared the Zuma maker Jim Fernandez is allegedly seeking legal action towards Zuma movie remake wherein Dingdong Dantes plays the title role and Carlo Maceda is one of the producers. It appears that the film rights for the Dingdong Dantes movie have not been ironed out yet. We hope this can be done immediately as the Zuma film is reportedly scheduled on December 2009 in time for the Metro Manila Film Festival!

Idina Menzel: Taye Digg's Wife Idina Menzel Infanticipating

Idina Menzel, an award winning Broadway stage actress, is now on her third month of pregnancy. People Magazine reported that Taye Diggs' wife Idina Menzel will be indeed join the baby bandwagon late this year.
Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs
Both Taye and Idina are said to be ecstatic about this pregnancy. The couple have met in 1996 in the Broadway play Rent and they married in 2003. That's 13 years of being together and six years of being married and now they're finally having their first ever baby! Idina Menzel revealed in an interview that the Private Practice star Taye Diggs is said to be really comfortable with kids and both of them are really looking forward to become parents.

Chace Crawford Fills In Zac Efron's Role in Footloose

Zac Efron's loss might just be Chace Crawford's gain. Yep, this Gossip Girl hunk has allegedly been offered the role emptied by Zac in the upcoming remake of Footloose. According to an E! Online report, Chace have auditioned last week to cop the role originally portrayed by Kevin Bacon and the source happily informed that "he did really well". Oh yeah, Chace can indeed dance and carry a tune! Does that mean he's giving Zac Efron a run for his money when this Footloose remake becomes a success?
Chace Crawford Replacing Zac Efron in Footloose?
Zac Efron backed out of the Paramount-produced Footloose remake Monday last week because the High School Musical heartthrob said he does not want to do another musical for the mean time. I guess if Nate Archibald can score this role, I believe his stellar status would be a thing we should all watch out for in late 2009.
Chace Crawford Zac Efron Kevin Bacon

Monday, March 30, 2009

Vin Diesel Girlfriend: Vin Diesel Talks About Girlfriend Paloma Jimenez and Fatherhood

Vin Diesel girlfriend Paloma Jimenez is certified a hot mama. Paloma gave birth 11 months ago to their daughter named Hania Riley. In an interview, Vin Diesel was quite exuberant to become a father saying that fatherhood made him a "changed man". Vin explained, "You can’t pull me away from my house as easily as you used to, because I’ve got a nine-month-old thing on me and it’s heaven. I love it. I love being a dad."
Vin Diesel with Girlfriend Paloma Lopez

Although Vin Diesel and girlfriend Paloma Jimenez is yet to go down the aisle, Vin is already eyeing on giving little Hania a playmate as he is setting eyes on having "12 kids". Whoa, that's a lot of job for you Vin! And with a girlfriend who looks like that, it wouldn't be difficult to attain your fervent wish. Anyway, Vin Diesel is currently in Fast & Furious 4 slated to be shown on April 3.
Vin Diesel Girlfriend Paloma Lopez paloma-jimenez-237x300 Paloma Jimenez Paloma Jimenez2
 
 
 
Below is the trailer of Vin Diesel's new movie:

Sunday, March 29, 2009

KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual Hies Off to Rome After "Lovers in Paris" Shoot

KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual took off to Rome after shooting some scenes in their upcoming ABS-CBN soap Lovers in Paris. KC needed to be in Rome to attend an official function as an ambassador against hunger in the Philippines at the World Food Program (WFP) headquarters located there.
KC_Concepcion_Rome
In the TV Patrol Linggo report by Gretchen Fullido, Piolo Pascual accompanied KC in Rome to support her WFP ambassador duties in asking for funds to help eradicate hunger in Mindanao. Although Piolo did not come with KC at the WFP headquarters, it seems KC is happy that Piolo is "praying" for her. The cast and crew of Lovers in Paris are now on their way back to the Philippines. Below is the TV Patrol report:

Richard Gutierrez and Michael Flores: “No Heated Altercation or Gun-Toting Happened!”

Richard Gutierrez and his companions vehemently denied that he and Michael Flores got into a "heated argument" at the 40th birthday party of director Mark Reyes in the Oceana Restaurant in Pasay. According to the verification done by showbiz reporter Jun Lalin, Bubbles Paraiso, Richard's PA Nomer and even the birthday celebrator himself supported Richard's statement that no "gun-toting" or "heated arguments with Michael Flores" ever happened as reported by the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) (See related article for more info about the PEP report).
UPDATE! PEP editor Jo-Ann Maglipon published a letter of "clarification, correction and apology" addressed to Richard Gutierrez, Michael Flores, Epy Quizon and their readers for failing to fully investigate the veracity of a "reported" incident before uploading it to their website (Read the whole PEP LETTER FROM THE EDITOR)
Richard Gutierrez and Michael Flores Denies Gun-Toting Incident
For this erroneous report, PEP editor Jo-Ann Maglipon is set to release an apology for that article. Below is the whole Jun Lalin report regarding this incident:
NAGTUTUKAN DAW NG BARIL?!

Richard at Michael, ‘pinag-away’ ng PEP

by Jun Lalin (Courtesy of xandrite)


PAGKAGALING KO kahapon sa teaser shoot ng isang bagong project ni Richard Gutierrez kasama ang isang sikat na aktres, tinawagan ako ni Mimi (taga-California), isang loyal fan ng bida ng Zorro.
Umiiyak si Mimi na nagtanong sa akin kung ok lang ba ang kanyang idolo.
“Nagkakagulo kasi kami sa thread. Nag-iiyakan kaming fans ni Richard dahil lumabas ngayon sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) na nagkaroon daw sila ng away ni Michael Flores pagkaalis niya sa party ni Direk Mark Reyes. Ok lang ba si Ri*chard? Please, Kuya Jun, tell me the truth.
“Ano bang gulo ‘yon at may tutukan pa raw ng baril, pero hindi lang alam kung sino ang nanutok at kung sino ang natutukan,” umiiyak na kuwento ni Mimi. Nag-online si Mimi para basahin sa akin ang lumabas sa pep.ph.
“Nag-iiyakan kaming mga fans ni Richard dahil kung anu-anong comment ang nakalagay roon,” sey pa ni Mimi.
Sinabihan ko si Mimi na maghinay-hinay. Walaang naikukuwento sa akin si Richard na na-involve siya sa anumang gulo.
“Imposibleng totoo ‘yan. Dapat may sinabi na sa akin si Richard kahit paano. Ang saya-saya pa nga niya sa tea*ser shoot ng bagong project niya,” sey ko kay Mimi para makalma ito.
Maya-maya lang ay may iba pang fans na nag-text sa akin tungkol sa inilabas ng PEP.
Ifinorward ko kay Annabelle Rama ang ilang text message ng fans at tinawagan ako ng nanay ni Richard.
“Hindi ko alam ‘yan. Tatawagan ko si Chard!” sey sa akin ni Tita Annabelle.

***

Bago ako natawagan uli ng nanay ni Richard ay nakatanggap ako ng text message mula kay Bubbles Paraiso na nasama ang pangalan sa report ng PEP.
“Nakakaloka, PEP has an article now na Chard daw got into a fight last night with Michael Flores. My name, Mitch (Michelle Madrigal) and Epy Quizon are there, too.
“And a gun daw was involved. Hellooo??? Us Zorro peeps (people), we’re together the whole time and no such thing ensued. Walang away o argument na nangyari,” sey ni Bubbles sa kanyang text message.
Nang tawagan uli ako ni Tita Annabelle, hindi pa niya nakakausap si Richard dahil pagdating daw ng anak sa condominium unit nito ay nag-shower kaagad ang binata.
“Hindi ko pa nakakausap si Chard. Tinanong ko na ang mga alalay niya, wala raw silang alam na may ganoong nangyari kagabi.
“Sinabihan ko si Nomar (Richard’s P.A.) na magsabi siya ng totoo, pero wala raw talaga,” sey ni Tita Annabelle sa kabilang linya at pinayuhan ko siya na kausapin si Bubbles dahil nabanggit ang pangalan ng isa sa mga alaga niya sa report na lumabas sa nabanggit na website.

***

Tinawagan ko si Erwin Santiago, ang editor ng PEP, para linawin ang report na inilabas nila sa kanilang website. Day-off nito kahapon, pero aalamin daw niya ang tungkol sa bagay na ‘yon.
Ipinaalam ko kay Erwin na hindi man lang nagtanong sa akin ang kanyang writer bago inilabas ang report na ‘yon.
Pinayuhan ako ni Erwin na tawagan si Karen Pagsolingan tungkol sa bagay na ‘yon pero hindi ko naman ma-contact ang isa sa mga namamahala sa PEP.
Tinawagan din ako ni Richard para sabihing wa*lang gulong nangyari sa kanila ni Michael Flores.
“Walang gulo. Walang ganoong pangyayari, bakit may ganoong lumabas sa PEP. Walang katotohanan ‘yon. Tanggalin nila ‘yon!” ang pahayag ni Richard, na halatang galit dahil sa nakakasirang-puring report na ‘yon.
Nang mag-check ako sa PEP para basahin ang report na ‘yon na na-post ng 4:01 PM ay hindi ko na mabuksan pa at tanging titulo na lang ang naiwan.
Maya-maya lang ay nawala na rin ang titulo.

***

May ilang tao akong pinagtanungan tungkol sa report na lumabas.
Ayon kay Lhar Santiago, naunang umalis ang grupo ni Richard sa party at wala siyang napansin na anumang gulo sa pagitan ng binata at ni Michael.
“Hindi ko rin nga alam kung bakit may ganyang intriga,” sey ni Lhar sa akin.
Tinawagan ko rin si Direk Mark kaugnay ng intrigang ito kay Richard.
“Imposibleng nangyari ‘yan! Hindi totoo ‘yan! Umalis lang si Michael sa party nang nag-alisan na ang lahat. No’ng time to go na. Walang nangyari talagang ganyan at kawawa naman si Richard!
”Iyung sinasabi nilang reliable source raw na nagkuwento na may ganyang gulo, ilabas nila at kokomprontahin ko.
“Nag-usap na kami ni Michael at willing kaming magpainterbyu para ma-clear ang pangalan ni Richard.
“Nahihiya rin ako at may ganyang intrigang nangyari sa birthday party ko, pero alam ko sa sarili ko na wala akong tsismosong inimbita para magkaroon ng ganyang imbentong kuwento!” paliwanag ni Direk Mark.

***

Habang tinatapos ko ang column na ito ay muling tumawag si Tita Annabelle.
“Si Jo-Ann (Maglipon) pala ang nagpatanggal ng article na ‘yon. Siya raw kasi mismo ang nagsabi sa mga tao niya na huwag ilabas ‘yon hanggang hindi sigurado kung totoo nga.
Nahihiya nga raw sa akin si Jo-Ann. Nag-sorry nga siya.
“Maglalabas daw sila ng apology dahil doon,” medyo kalmado nang pahayag ni Tita Annabelle.
Tinawagan din ako ni Bubbles para ikuwentong pagkaalis nila ng party ni Direk Mark ay nagtuloy pa sila sa bahay ni Richard para magkuwentuhan at lahat sila ay masaya roon.
“Kung may ganyang pangyayari, sana napag-usapan na namin, pero talagang wala!” sey pa ni Bubbles.
Ang payo naman ni Tita Annabelle sa gumawa ng intriga kay Richard ay, “Hindi niya o nila kayang i-down ang anak ko. Sa ginagawa nila kay Richard, lalo siyang mamahalin ng mga fans.
“Lalong susuportahan ng fans ang Zorro!”
PBA09o77p051

Vic Sotto New Host of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" in TV5?

Vic Sotto is rumored to be the new host of the revived hit Philippine version game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? (WWTBAM) in TV5. The last time the Philippine WWTBAM aired was in 2003 and it was hosted by dramatic actor Christopher de Leon in IBC 13 under Viva Television. Actually, there was a clamor to air this game show again before in ABS-CBN because of its partnership with Endemol, but it fell on deaf ears because the format is similar to ABS-CBN's Game KNB? Now, TV5 has confirmed that it bought the rights for WWTBAM and it will air this game show as TV5's highlight in its 5th season.
Vic Sotto host of WWTBAM?
If indeed the tapping of Vic Sotto as host for WWTBAM is true, then ABS-CBN and GMA should gird their loins because the last time WWTBAM aired -- it had beaten almost every prime time show it faced. WWTBAM was the game show that initiated the game show fever in Philippine television in the early 2000s. However, the WWTBAM stopped airing for awhile because its studio got burnt down. After returning, the WWTBAM lost its momentum against other game shows that sprouted until was canceled in 2003. After the success of Slumdog Millionaire in the 2009 Oscar Awards, WWTBAM is again on the spotlight. Will the revived WWTBAM hit it big again this year? For me, this sounds exciting because WWTBAM will give viewers a choice against other inane game shows in GMA and ABS-CBN. We hope that Vic Sotto will give life again to Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and TV5 will have stronger bullet to battle with in the ratings game.

Samsung i8910 Omnia HD

Samsung will be launching the ultimate mobile phone mid this year, the Samsung i8910 Omnia HD. The Samsung Samsung i8910 Omnia HD was first seen at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona wherein it was showcased as part of Samsung’s portfolio of innovative mobile devices.

The new Samsung i8910 Omnia HD offers you the latest and fastest technologies for your multimedia and business needs. It’s Samsung’s first Symbian full-touch handset using the world’s largest (3.7″) OLED screen. The OLED, Active Matrix Organic Light Emiting Diode, is a technology which utilizes lesser power consumption, yet, offering unriavaled sharpness, greater clarity, and a more vivid color display. It’s also the world’s first mobile phone with 720P HD video recording and decoding capabilities.



The new Samsung i8910 Omnia HD supports internet browsing using HSPA 7.2 Mbps, the latest addition in the telecommunication infrastructure of most major cellular companies in the country. Downloading of multimedia files from the internet is faster than ever.

Navigation is also a touch away with the Samsung i8910 Omnia HD. This mobile gadget is equipped with GPS and built-in maps which makes navigation for both pedestrians and drivers easier. It also has an integrated compass, voice guidance through its dual stereo speakers and touch control navigation.

Specifications
General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 900/1900/2100 MHz, GPRS/EDGE class 12,

HSDPA 7.2 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps

Form factor: Touchscreen bar

Dimensions: 123 x 58 x 12.9 mm

Display: 3.7-inch 16M color OLED touchscreen, 640 x 360 pixels

Memory: 8/16GB integrated memory, non-hot-swappable microSD card slot (up to 16GB)

OS: Symbian S60 5th edition

Camera: 8 megapixel auto focus camera with LED flash, geo-tagging, Face detection, Smile Shot, Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and HD video recording at 24 fps

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, standard microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS and optional Samsung Mobile Navigator by Route66, HDMI (dongle needed)

Misc: Accelerometer for screen auto rotate, Proximity sensor for auto screen turn-off, FM radio with RDS, DivX/XviD video support
Battery: 1500 mAh battery

Richard Gutierrez and Michael Flores in Heated Confrontation

Richard Gutierrez seems to never grow tired of being involved in near-brawls with other celebrities. After allegedly nudging Aljur Abrenica before in Fiama Bar, PEP has reported that Richard Gutierrez again dipped his name in another controversy as he is involved in a violent confrontation with former TGIS Star Michael Flores. According to reports, a "gun-toting" incident took place after Richard and Michael argued intensely about something. This incident occured last March 29 midnight at the parking lot of Oceana Restaurant in Pasay. The two actors are supposedly on their way home when the confrontation sparked up after attending the 40th birthday party of director Mark Reyes.
Richard Gutierrez and Michael Flores Controversy
Although that it is not yet confirmed who the owner of the guns is or who poked the gun at whom, sources informed that Epy Quizon, Michelle Madrigal and Bubbles Paraiso are present during that incident. Both actors have already worked together in GMA 7's Kamandag and Michael is the husband of beauty queen Nina Ricci Alagao. Let's just wait for more details regarding this incident before passing some judgment.

UPDATE - PEP removed the Richard Gutierrez-Michael Flores report in their website! Is it for damage control? Just asking...

UPDATE! - New developments in the Richard Gutierrez vs. Michael Flores "squabble" here

Michael Flores

Angel Locsin Tops the Battle of the Billboard Web Survey

Angel Locsin has once again proven that she is the most stylish among the leading female billboard endorsers in our country. Recently, Angel Locsin copped the Reader's Choice award in the Stylebible.ph Battle of the Billboard 2009 web survey. In this survey that garnered 5 million votes, Angel bested other stylish celebrities like Carmina Villaroel, Gretchen Barreto, Melissa Ricks, Lucy Torres, Kristine Hermosa and Anne Curtis.
Angel Locsin Folded and Hung
In an interview, Angel Locsin beamed that she's definitely proud about this achievement as people appreciated her efforts. Angel is currently in Korea to shoot their new soap "Only You" with Sam Milby and Diether Ocampo. Below are Anne Curtis and Kristine Hermosa:
Kristine Hermosa Cinderella Anne Curtis Freeway

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice 2009 Winners Revealed - Vanessa, Miley, Jesse and Jonas Brothers Are In!

Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, Jesse MacCartney and the Jonas Brothers win in the 2009 Kids' Choice Awards (KCA) sponsored by the Nickelodeon Channel. Despite the popularity of these stars to the younger generation, Miley, in particular, has been embroiled with too much controversy about being a Kid's Choice because of her Asian chinky-eyed scandal and lately the Salmonella scare in the peanut butter-laced snack she's endorsing.
Kids' Choice Awards Winners
The Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards is an annual event and is considered as the biggest television, movie and music awards where kids vote on their favorite artists. Here are the complete list of winners from the 2009 Kids Choice Awards:
    Favorite Movie: “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”
    Favorite Movie Actor: Will Smith, “Hancock.”
    Favorite Movie Actress: Vanessa Hudgens, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”
    Favorite Animated Movie: “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.”
    Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie: Jack Black, “Kung Fu Panda.”
    Favorite Song: Beyonce, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It).”
    Favorite Male Singer: Jesse McCartney.
    Favorite Female Singer: Miley Cyrus.
    Favorite Music Group: Jonas Brothers.
    Favorite TV Show: “iCarly.”
    Favorite Reality Show: “American Idol.”
    Favorite TV Actress: Selena Gomez, “Wizards of Waverly.”
    Favorite TV Actor: Cole Sprouse, “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”
    Favorite Cartoon: “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
    Favorite Male Athlete: Peyton Manning.
    Favorite Female Athlete: Candace Parker.
    Favorite Video Game: “Guitar Hero World Tour.”
    Favorite Book: “Twilight” series.

Derek Ramsay Fooling Angelica Panganiban, Eyewitness Confirms

After Derek Ramsay strongly denied accusations that he is cheating Angelica Panganiban on SNN, an anonymous reader who goes by the name of Gossipboi confirmed that he allegedly saw Derek Ramsay in a hotel, along with two beautiful women. This happened in December last year and Gossipboi says he is sure of this as he is working in this hotel. In fact, one of their hotel staff even claimed that he saw Derek "nakikipaglaplapan" (French kissing) with one of the girls inside the hotel room!
Derek Ramsay Cheating Angelica Panganiban
Hmmm, gossips are good but we need proof to validate these claims, yeah? Unless there is evidence of a picture or a video, we can always think that these Gossipboi reports are just mere hearsays. Anyway, as a girlfriend, Angelica should have a gut feel whenever her boyfriend is two-timing her. For whatever it's worth, Derek seems convincing that he's faithful to Angelica -- if ever he's two timing her then proof would always come out in the open real soon. We'll just be waiting for proof to be dished out by on-lookers who will catch Derek guilty as charged!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Kim Chiu's Chanel Quilted Bag - Estimated to Cost $2,000 (Php 96,000)!

Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition winner Kim Chiu was caught literally red-handed when the SNN staff curiously accosted to raid her fabulous Chanel quilted bag. Although Kim Chiu did not reveal the price tag of her bag, our research suggested that this Chanel quilted leather bag would cost Kim a minimum of $2,000 (Php 96,000)! This is roughly the same style of Chanel bag that Lindsay Lohan and Katherine Heigl of Grey's Anatomy were spotted wearing (see photos below).

Kim Chiu Chanel Quilted Bag

Lindsay Lohan and Katherine Heigl Chanel Quilted Bags

Like any regular young girl, Kim's bag contains a kikay makeup kit, a Gameboy DS and a cellphone Gerald Anderson gave her last Christmas.  Kim also revealed that she has a checkbook and several IDs like a Bench discount card, ABS-CBN ID and even a Makro ID! Kim is even giggling at the fact that she has a bra strap in her bag! With this interview, we can clearly see how simple and transparent Kim Chiu can be. We can only hope she stays away from Lindsay Lohan's idiosyncracies even if they virtually have the same fabulous Chanel quilted bag!

Here's Kim Chiu's interview about her Chanel bag in SNN with Gerald Anderson:

Thursday, March 26, 2009

American Idol Results March 26 2009 - Who was Eliminated in the Top 10 3/26/09?

Who was voted off in American Idol 8 Top 10 Motown Week? Who went home among the AI 8 Top Ten Finalists? Well, the  the Bottom Three were three guys - Scott MacIntyre, Matt Giraud and Michael Sarver.

Bottom Three Motown Week March 26 2009


No need for a drum roll because Michael Sarver was lagging in all polls for the Motown Week, with his lackluster performance of "Ain't Too Proud to Beg". The judges themselves have no qualms of Michael going home (even if he "begs") as it was unanimous that Michael Sarver should have been voted off last week. And then, there were 9 finalists -- next week's theme would be iTunes downloads -- maybe the Top 9 will be singing any of the Top 100 iTunes downloads(?). Good luck!

American Idol Top 9

2009 Time 100 Finalists Out: Two Pinoys In (Manny Pacquiao and Pregnant Man Thomas Beatie)!

Time Magazine has once again rounded up their list of finalists for their 2009 Time 100 newsmakers. Jotting down the "world's most influential people in government, science, technology and the arts", Time came up with 203 finalists (comprised both the notorious and the heroic) which will be whittled down into 100 people through web votes. Two Filipinos are in the list -- Manny Pacquiao currently at #6 and Thomas Beatie (Tracy Lagundino) or more known as the "Pregnant Man" who is currently at #112.
Manny Pacquiao and Thomas Beatie Time 100

Unless you've been living under a rock, you now know that Manny Pacquiao gained some media mileage after defeating Golden Boy Oscar dela Hoya. Time noted how Pinoys love Manny Pacquiao but we are turned off by his political ambitions. Ditto for Filipino-American Thomas Beatie (former Pinay Tracy Lagundino picture below). Transgendered Beatie gained notoriety after giving birth as a "man". However, Time lamented that thanks to Octo-mom Nadya Suleman, Beatie is now overshadowed by her as "America's strangest parent"!

Tracy Lagundino aka Thomas Beatie Pregnant Man

Currently topping the Time 100 list are Rwandan president Paul Kagame, 4chan.org founder Moot (Christopher Poole) and Korean superstar Rain. Incidentally, Rain placed number two last year but he "has still not broken big in the United States", according to Time.



If you want to vote, you can visit the Time 100 website. Well, before voting for these Pinoys, you have to remind yourself that this is not "Vote for the Worst" contest, okay?

Globe WiMax Internet Service is here!

Months since it announced deployment of a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access(WiMAX) service, Ayala-owned Globe Telecom finally announced the commercial availability of its own service this month.

Globe Telecom said WiMAX would complement existing DSL and 3G services being offered under its broadband services.

The enhanced wireless broadband service would be available in South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Globe said in a statement.

WiMAX uses the 802.16 standard developed by the WiMAX Forum. Currently, it has a maximum bandwidth speed of up to 70 megabits per second, providing bigger bandwidth for data-hungry applications like streaming video.

Globe said that subscribers would get a maximum bandwidth of up to 512 kilobits per second at P795 per month under its WiMAX-powered Globe Broadband service.

“We challenge anyone with a competitive wireless subscription to try out our WiMAX-backed plans. We are so confident with our service that we challenge you try out our connection, risk-free. Should you be unhappy with the connection within one month from installation, we’ll give you your money-back, no questions asked,”
according to Globe Telecom Consumer Broadband Business Group Head Menchi Orlina.

Internet use in Philippines Expanding to Lower Income Groups


A total of 28 percent of Filipinos in national urban Philippines are regular Internet users with five percent of users saying they access the Internet everyday, a survey by the Nielsen Company and Yahoo Philippines revealed Thursday.

The survey, conducted from October to November 2008, said Internet usage in urban centers has grown from 20 percent in the first quarter of 2008 to 28 percent by the end of last year. He said there are an estimated 35 million Filipinos in urban centers nationwide.

Jay Bautista, AGB Nielsen Company executive director for media, said Internet cafes have become an important access point for Filipino Internet users with 71 percent of the country’s estimated 20 million Internet population saying they have accessed the Internet through e-cafes in the past three months.

Great equalizer

He said affordability of access, either through Internet cafes, cheap netbooks and PCs, and cheap broadband is increasing the local Internet user base. He added, however, that Internet cafes are clearly favored by majority of the youth and people in the D and E socioeconomic classes.

“Internet cafes have become the great equalizer for all social classes in accessing the Internet. Forty-seven percent of all Internet time by Filipino Internet users are spent in Internet cafes. It’s the only medium that allows you to communicate, do research and even entertain you for 10 to 15 pesos an hour,” Bautista told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

The survey showed that 71 percent of Filipino Internet users accessed the Internet through Internet cafes in the past three months, 27 percent said they accessed it at home, seven percent said they accessed it at the office, and seven percent accessed it in school.

Eighty-one percent of Internet users from Class CDE said they are regular Internet café users compared to 21 percent from Class ABC1 and 27 percent from Class C2.

Bautista said the Yahoo-Nielsen Net Index Initiative is the first ever in-depth study of Filipino Internet users across 22 major cities in the Philippines. The survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 respondents aged 10 and above across all economic classes who have used the Internet at least once a month.

Young Internet base

The survey also revealed that the younger generation have become early adopters of the Internet. At least 49 percent of Internet users in the Philippines are ages 10-19 while 32 percent are ages 20-29.

Fifty-percent of Filipino Internet users ages 10-19 years old said they accessed the Internet at least once in the past month.

The survey also showed that Internet use in the Philippines is not restricted just to the big cities like Metro Manila. “For example, 35 percent of Filipinos in Cagayan de Oro have accessed the Internet in the past month,” Bautista said.

The survey also showed that 55 percent of all online users are from Class D socioeconomic class.

The survey also showed that Filipino Internet users are more likely to be opinion leaders and early adopters compared to traditional media consumers. They are likely to be individualistic, trend conscious, willing to pay for quality products, and are tech enthusiasts.

Breakdown of users Past Month Internet Access

10-19 years 50 percent
20-29 years 41 percent
30-39 19 percent
40-49 12 percent
50+ 3 percent


Online gaming, social networking drive usage

The survey also showed that e-mail, instant messaging and search are the most common online activities for Filipino Internet users. It said Yahoo is the dominant web-based e-mail, instant messaging, and search service in the Philippines.

It also showed that online gaming and social networks are becoming more common online activities for local Internet users. The survey said 53 percent of Internet users play online games. They are likely to be males and below 20 years old.

Bautista said social networks have become an important tool in communicating with friends and family. Fifty-one percent of local Internet users said they access social networking sites every month; 92 percent said they have a Friendster account.

The survey said 42 percent said they read a blog in the past month with at least one in three Filipino Internet users saying they have a blog.

The survey also showed offline texting is moving online. The survey showed 23 percent of Internet users regularly send text messages via the Internet.

On the other hand, online transactions or commerce remain low. Only three percent of Internet users conduct online banking activities or make online purchases.

Activity Monthly

Used e-mail 63%
Used Instant messages 63%
Used search 58%
Played games online 53%
Visited a social networking site 51%
Read blogs 42%
Download/upload photos 33%
Worked on personal blog 32%
Listened to Internet radio 28%
Download/upload music files 25%
Read news online on Internet portals 24%
Internet SMS 23%
Conducted on online banking transactions 3%
Purchased products online 3%

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Green Meadows Paniqui Tarlac

Paniqui, with its panorama of greens and friendly faces, is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in the province of Tarlac.
Paniqui’s beauty is evident right away in the rows of trees that are scattered on either side of its roads – a welcome sight for any urban dweller.

Aside from its rustic charm, Paniqui also offers the convenience of being in a city. Being the center of Northern Tarlac, it has easy access to all the municipalities around it. This positions the town as a place for business to thrive in. In fact, Paniqui Mayor Miguel Cojuangco Revilla envisions the town to be the center of trade and commerce of Northern Tarlac in the near future. He shared that Paniqui’s livelihood projects are becoming one of the town’s diverse offerings.

It is for these reasons that Sta. Lucia Realty, one of the largest and most experienced real estate developers in the country, is building its latest subdivision there called Green Meadows.

Located along the stretch of the highly accessible McArthur Highway that serves as a gateway to the northern part of Luzon, Green Meadows in Paniqui, Tarlac is the daydream of serene, quality living come to life.

With proximity to Hacienda Luisita and Metro Town Tarlac, access to major commercial and entertainment establishments, Green Meadows is an ideal place to call home. For those who enjoy going on vacation, a leisurely drive up north will easily take them to Baguio.

Located beside a mango orchard and farmland, Green Meadows welcomes everyone with an atmosphere of calm and freshness. Adding to that are the "park-like" features and amenities that give it a touch of modern living.

Visitors and residents will find the following luxuries a real treat: a basketball court, swimming pool, children’s playground and clubhouse. There’s also a wide open space unique to Green Meadows, which allows residents a chance to breathe fresh air and clear their minds.

There are also the other amenities that a top-notch subdivision always has: A grand entrance gate and guard house, entry statement, wide concrete road network, paved sidewalks, curbs and gutters, centralized interrelated water system, underground drainage system and a Meralco electrical system.

All these qualities make Green Meadows an ideal place to invest or settle. Combined with the allure of Paniqui, which continues to attract more tourists as well as permanent residents, it is no wonder that Paniqui is steadily establishing itself as a refuge for urbanites.

Profile:
Discover the songs of Nature at Green Meadows. Find home in this natural sanctuary that offer lush landscaped greens and modern houses fit for even the most discriminating tastes. Where green living is at its finest. Only at Green Meadows

Location:
Green Meadows is nestled at the Heart of Paniqui , Tarlac, deemed to be a fast-rising favored address up North. A mere 60 minute Leisure drive brings one to the Summer Capital of the Philippines: Baguio. Wake up to the idyllic views of Mt. Arayat and the cool mountains of Mt. Province as they become daily treats exclusive to the residents.
With Close proximity to the Hacienda Luisita Golf and Country Club and other fine leisure, business and entertainment establishments, one can definitely enjoy the best of the city and the best of nature in one magnificent setting. Only at Green Meadows.

Facilities and Amenities:
Indeed, living at Green meadows can give one a different kind of high. Its first-class facilities and amenities only add up to the unique pleasure one experiences as he becomes one with nature. From wide-open space greens to a spacious clubhouse, one can definitely enjoy countless possibilities for life’s sensibilities in this natural heaven called home.

Investment Opportunity:
With its premiere location and elegantly-designed homes, Green meadows is definitely an investment worth taking. Be a few steps away from the crossroad of landmark destinations and key business, leisure and entertainment establishments. Sit Back, relax and watch your investment grow in unison with the lush greenery that surrounds this one-of-a-kind master-planned community at the center of Paniqui, Tarlac

FEATURES & AMENITIES:
-Clubhouse
-Covered basketball court convertible into badminton court
-Swimming pool
-Landscaped open space
-Children's playground
-Entrance gate & guardhouse
-Entry statement
-Wide concrete road network
-Paved sidewalks, concrete curbs & gutters
-Centralized interrelated water system
-Underground drainage system
-Meralco electrical system

The Box from Amazon

Yesterday, a box arrived for me in the mail from Amazon. Contained within it were two items that represent exactly where my thoughts have been in recent days.

They also happen to be the two things I planned on writing about in today's Blog!


The brown cardboard box held the new Johnny Reid CD Dance With Me, and the set of Stephenie Meyer's novels, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.

Let's get things started with Johnny Reid. Last Thursday night, Brenda, Lindsay, and I ventured out to Centrepointe Theatre to catch Mr. Reid and his band live. I've been a fan of his for several years, and I already owned his first two albums, Born to Roll and Kickin' Stones. I had yet to hear his new album in its entirety, but I was already a big fan of his new hit single, "A Woman Like You", getting heavy radio play on the local country stations.

I wasn't sure what to expect of the show - I'd seen him open with an acoustic set for Brad Paisley quite a while back, and I also caught his performance at Shawville Fair a few years ago. This time, though, Johnny was the headliner, in a smaller venue, and he certainly did not disappoint. We had a blast! If you haven't already been to Centrepointe for a concert, make sure you do sometime. It's small, only about 750 seats, and cozy - but what a party atmosphere within that room! It didn't take long for the predominantly middle-aged crowd to get up on their feet and embrace the music by dancing and clapping and singing along. It was also pretty cool that people could shout stuff out and actually be heard by Mr. Reid as he strolled around his classy, elegant stage in a 3-piece suit. The way he interacted with his fans and flashed his comedic side with several funny stories and quips was extremely impressive and very entertaining.

The highlights? Discovering opening act, One More Girl, an up-and-coming Canadian country duo that floored me with their beautiful voices and acoustic guitars - their tour EP has been on constant play in my CD player. And with Johnny, at the end of "Missing an Angel", he stepped forward and sang the last line without the help of his microphone, and his strong, raspy voice still filled the entire room with its beautiful power. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I really enjoyed his old-school performance of a song off the new album, "A Moon to Remember", which he claimed was inspired by the likes of some of my favourites - Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, old bluesy rock singers like that. And then, of course, the little video I took of "Darlin" and "To the End of the Road", with the energy clearly amped up in the room and the loud clapping and cheering mingling with the sound of his voice as he and his band wandered about on-stage, smiling, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying the moment....Well, that was pretty cool.
And speaking of cool - it was also awesome to see lead guitar player Yvan, on-stage with a Canadian superstar. You see, being regulars at Gavan's, we've sort of gotten to know Yvan from his stints in Quyon with the Dennis Whitty Band, a gig that Yvan picks up in his spare time while not on the road with Johnny. I admit I paid a little more attention to him than I normally would with the guitar player in a band...And if I do say so myself, Yvan was amazing!!

I've been to many concerts at Scotiabank Place and the Civic Centre, but this one definitely ranks as one of the best I've ever been to. Looking forward to listening to my CD that arrived in the mail and reminiscing about what a great night it was!

Now, on to my boy Edward Cullen and the Twilight phenomenon that has sucked me right in.

Saturday, I finally got to see the movie, as the DVD was released and Lindsay and I rushed out to get it and then followed that up with an afternoon screening, complete with snacks - just like we were at the movie theatre!

I can safely say that I'm over my "Shane-West-as-Edward-Cullen" dilemma. Sign me up for the Rob Pattinson fan club, 'cause the boy was smokin' hot!!


I really enjoyed the movie (especially Pattinson), and I was relieved by that. I had tried to keep my expectations low, as so often I'm let down by film adaptations of books I love. But there was little to be disappointed about in this movie - most of the actors fit the roles chosen for them perfectly, and the changes made to enhance the movie experience were marginal and seemed to work well.

Of course, as with any novel turned into a movie, large chunks were left out of the story in order to fit it all in to two hours, so I found myself afterward thinking about the parts that were skipped that I loved. But overall, I had little to complain about. Kristen Stewart was the perfect Bella...And did I mention how quickly I fell under Rob Pattinson's Edward's charm? The two of them had a dynamic chemistry that was irrisistable and already has me longingly waiting for New Moon to come out in theatres. It shall be a long, painful wait until November...


But until then, I now have my own set of books to read over and over - I'm now nearing the end of New Moon, and anxiously anticipating the third book. Edward and Bella have become an addiction, and I can't wait to see where their story goes next!

Monday, March 23, 2009

FedEx cargo plane crash at Japan's Narita airport

A FedEx cargo plane landing at Japan's Narita airport skid off the tarmac in a wind gust, bursting into flames and killing its two-man crew.
Airport officials said strong winds caused the plane from Guangzhou, China to skid and tip on its left wing, before flipping over and bursting into a fireball.




Sunday, March 22, 2009

Expandable ads on the Google content

Expandable ads on the Google content network are designed to automatically expand in the direction where the most space is available on the screen. They must be clicked by the user to expand and contract.

These features help create a positive experience for users and provide advertisers with more accurate ad engagement metrics by avoiding expansions triggered by accidental mouse-overs. Expandable ads can also help AdSense publishers by engaging users on their sites with more ad variety and opportunities to interact with the ad content.
[Expandables.JPG]
For now, expandable ads will be available as a limited beta test in the U.S. to advertisers and agencies participating in their 3rd Party Ad Serving program. Stay tuned for future updates as Google expand their test.
[image via Adwords]

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Dingdong Dantes as Zuma?

Zuma was a famous Pinoy comic book hero who appeared in Aliwan Komiks from 1976 to 1984. In 1987, the film Zuma graced the silver screen, with Max Laurel in the title role, and it was big hit during that time. Actually, the film was followed by a sequel Anak ni Zuma where Snooky Serna played her daughter Galema. In 2009, a new film to be shown in the Metro Manila Film Fest will revive Zuma and the actor who was offered to do the role is Dingdong Dantes.

Dindong Dantes as Zuma

Actor Carlos Maceda is said to be one of the producers of the Zuma 2009 comeback film. Carlo already approached Dingdong about this project and Dingdong was said to be interested about it. So are we seeing Dingdong play the Pinoy Snake King this December? Well, Dingdong is fit for the role which would require him to shed a lot of skin!




Here's a teaser of the movie I found on Youtube:



Bayani Agbayani Scandal

An anonymous reader sent to me a Youtube video exposing comedian Bayani Agbayani having an altercation in front of Pier 1. Of course, celebrities are just like ordinary people who can sometimes lose grip when they're drunk. But certainly, he's got company right? They should have not let Bayani lose composure and hurl invectives like that. For whatever the cause of altercation was, Bayani will now be gaining infamy for himself and ignite some negative spark in his slowly dying showbiz career. See the video after the jump.

Bayani Agbayani scandal



Not only did Bayani threw some fit and insults, but he also blurted out some murderous threats he could be in trouble with. Well, good luck Bayani! And we hope you "settle" your "settlement" regarding this issue. Haha!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

American Idol 8 Results - Alexis Grace Voted Off

I got it right with the Bottom Three. But my prediction that the judges will save Alexis Grace did not come true. It's kind of sad that it is too early to see a good singer go. Michael Sarver should be the one who should have gotten the boot!







Oh well.. Next week the American Idol Top 10 will be singing Motown songs.