Across the Universe - FlashForward Episode 6

In its sixth episode, I'd say I became a fan of this TV show. It's the new Lost, or maybe even better. And Charlie of Lost was even there too but this time he's one of the antagonists. I was surprised when at the latter part of the show, Rufus Wainwright's version of Across the Universe was played.

I became familiar of this song when one of my closest friends introduced it to me. He would even sing it while he was in a very cool state of mind. He would sing it raw but with so much emotion. He was just there sitting in front of the computer monitor reading the lyrics though he already knew it. His eyes maybe be fixated on the screen but I could feel the depth of his sentiments.

"Pools of sorrow waves of joy

are drifting through my open mind

Possessing and caressing me..."

There was an instance when he mentioned that he would always sing this song while he was under the bed of his sick mother. Several months later his mom died. He was only 16.

"Images of broken light which
dance before me like a million eyes
That call me on and on across the universe
Thoughts meander like a
restless wind inside a letter box
they tumble blindly as
they make their way across the universe"

I remember one time when he asked me what do I think of the song. I told him that I could barely appreciate it since I only listen to R & B and Hip-Hop music. Little did he know that when I'm in the confines of my room, I would listen to it. There is so much drama with its melody or maybe because I could see him under his mother's death bed singing this song...that at the tender age of 16 he lost his mom...and he and his siblings have to part and live separately with their respective relatives in order to survive. At an early age, he had to work so that he could support his studies.

He is a fighter. A survivor of life. He became a friend. I look up to him as my older brother even though we're just of the same age (I'm even almost 2 months older). Perhaps because he's more experienced in life and somehow have affected and inluenced me in several ways. He's the only person in my circle of friends who has the nerve to stand up and tell me that I'm wrong. Oh, sometimes he could be so irritating...he really has the nerve to just tell me anything. But no matter he's done or I've done wrong, no matter how we hate each other, it would always boil down to having lunch together and listening to...

The New Clear Men TV Ad...Wrong Casting!

I've seen Piolo Pascual and Dingdong Dantes in Ponds. So it's not new to me to see both Piolo and Dingdong on the new Clear Men TV ad. But what struck me is the addition of Jericho Rosales. It's kinda odd...well, not really odd and no, it's not because Jericho isn't suited as the new face of Clear Men. He's just fine. Maybe it's 2:1...two kapamilya and just one kapuso! Kidding...

Seriously, Clear should've picked Sam Milby instead of Dingdong Dantes and drop Jericho and choose John Lloyd instead. It would be a power-threesome...imagine Piolo, Sam and John Lloyd - all Kapamilya and all could act well and very good product endorser. These three: Piolo, Sam and John Lloyd have all blockbuster movies.

Of course, Clear has their reasons and criteria why they picked Dingdong and Jericho. But what I'm suggesting is an ad that could've been more powerful and better-looking familiar faces.

Happy Birthday, Tito Boy!

I opened the radio and tuned in to Monster Radio RX 93.1. It was almost 9pm and my favorite radio program would start at any minute. It was 1996, Thursday. I forgot the name of the program and the DJ. Our landline phone rang. My friend called me but I barely understood what he was saying.

I was missing the topic and the name of the guests, I thought. After my friend and I talked, I noticed that it was already 9:20pm. I ran and went upstairs back to my room.

I heard a male voice opposite the DJ's. I couldn't remember exactly their topic during that very night but I, somehow, was enthralled with the man's intelligence. He seemed so knowledgeable with all the topics and questions the DJ was throwing at him. I was captivated by his wit and wisdom and the way he spoke. I didn't seem to remember any of the topics or what he was saying...I was just simply mesmerized by his confidence when he spoke. He was so articulate. I was captivated! I have to know this man, at least, his name.

"Thank you, Boy!", the DJ said, he was wrapping up the show. I was kinda irritated why the DJ would addressed his guest as "boy". I knew he's a man but I wanted to know his name, I thought.

"Mr. Boy Abunda, Ladies and Gentleman!"

Instantly, my brain cells clung to his name. I didn't understand why, but there were like tens of guests the show had but this was the only time that I decided to know and be a fan of this person. I didn't know if I would hear or see him again. I just decided to at least remember his name...Boy Abunda.

Months passed, I was sitting on the couch in our living room, it was late at night. I was channel surfing and accidentally tuned in to R.S.V.P. - it was their show finale. At the last part of the program, the hosts bid farewell to their audience. A familiar voice reverberated. I froze. It sounded familiar. My eyes squinted just to make out the man's profile. The man was bald. He was eloquent. I smiled. It was Boy Abunda.

From then on, I would tune in to GMA 7 just to see him in Startalk. I was shocked but delighted when I heard that he was transferring to ABS-CBN. This is the moment when I told myself that Boy Abunda had already made his mark and the rest is history. He is now the "Philippines' King of Talk".

Happy Birthday, Tito Boy!

The New iMac

I was blown away by Apple's new iMac. Well, physically, it's almost the same as the recent version but now, you have the option of 27" LED backlit display. What really struck me is its performance - its quad-core power! You don't need to buy Mac Pro if you want power yet you need to save space. With the new 27" iMac, it boasts 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and faster graphics - ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics processor. You can still customize it.

The mouse is the killer! I'm so loving it! The design of the mouse is just perfect. I have the macbook pro and I'm having trouble with its mouse. Somehow the scroll wheel just won't work whenever I try to scroll it downward. I did some research if the mouse for iMac is available and yes it is! The magic mouse is available for only Php4,000. If I can't have the new iMac yet, then at least I can buy the mouse!

Next year, iMac here I come...I'm gonna go buy you...ooppps, I have plans to go to Paris for a week vacation! The new iMac or Paris? Hmmmm...

From Being Gay to Callboy

It was a special edition of Entertainment Live: The Untold Stories, October 24, where the hosts and the guests would tell untold stories about each other which the public doesn't know. There was this segment when John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo were the guests and the hosts were Toni and Luis. When it was John Lloyd's turn, Luis mentioned that another dream role of John Lloyd is to be a callboy in London. When he was asked why London,"...malaki ang kita para pounds", he said jokingly. Then Toni admired John Lloyd for bravely taking different roles to further his craft.

From my research, I learned that Lloydie "was hailed as the third most powerful celebrity in the Philippines. The first and second places was occupied by Willie Revillame and Kris Aquino respectively", according to Summit Media's Yes! Magazine. And nakaraang pelikula ni John Lloyd with Sarah G. was a megahit. And John Lloyd is a thinking and sensitive actor. I would consider him even more powerful and effective than Piolo Pascual. Madami na siyang blockbuster movie under his belt compared to Piolo. Now, Piolo has some competition...at least it's also from ABS-CBN.

Robin Padilla and BB Gandang Hari...Brothers Still!

I saw Robin Padilla and BB Gandang Hari in TV Patrol last night and have read about the event in PEP.ph where the former had a short stint as a ramp model for Lee denims. I was surprised Robin strutted the runway with a short hair and a toned physique! He's already in his 40's but he looks 10 years younger. Is he asking BB for beauty tips and well-grooming? Well, maybe not, a visit to a doctor and a dose of botox can surely make a difference...ouch!

Seriously, I think both brothers seemed fine and they're supportive of each other's careers. Siguro minsan natatawa na lang sila sa nakaraan. I really hope the movie they are planning would push through. It would even be more interesting and intriguing if both would star in the same movie. Tipong action-comedy. Siguro ang lakas sa takilya kung matutuloy ang pagsasama nila. Siguro kahit ako papanuorin ko.

Sa tingin nyo?

PLDT myDSL WatchPad...crappy!

PLDT myDSL: Redefining Broadband. This is how Broadband should be!

Above is the tagline of PLDT's broadband service, WatchPad. Most of the time I'm using my Macbook Pro to do all my tasks from browsing the web to editing videos, etc. And so I assumed that this service is already compatible with Macs, since their tagline "...redefining broadband..." seemed to suggest that this whole WatchPad service is advanced.

I signed up and downloaded their player and I got some error message. I called the customer service and she mentioned that it's not compatible with Mac but it will be soon.

How soon?

I've heard about watchpad almost two months ago and Macs aren't invented two months ago?! They should 've tested it before it was even launched! FYI, there are also Filipinos who own Mac computers.

And so I shrugged off and headed to my PC - it's running Windows 7 Ultimate edition, with Intel Core 2 Quad Core processor and 4 G of RAM. And so I thought, by this time, it would work. After downloading the player, still it failed to install. I called again, and the same customer service rep answered me. She said that they haven't tested it with Windows 7 and the player is only tested with Windows XP and Vista. Isn't Vista a buggy version of Windows OS?! And Windows XP is so early 2000, it's almost obsolete! More so, Windows 7 has its beta version months ago, they should've tested it since then. Are the engineers of PLDT oblivious of what's happening with technology? Maybe you guys could email me once in a while and I can tell you what's the latest trend. I can be your consultant free of charge.

Just do me a favor...stop using your tagline.

Pinoy Big Brother Update: First Eviction Night

The first eviction night is on Saturday. Sino ang gusto mong ma-evict? These are the four housemates who are nominated: Jimson, Jason, Princess and Carol. Among the four, I choose Carol to be evicted. I think the rest of the nominees have personalities which make the house more intriguing and interesting.

1) Jimson - natatawa ako sa kanya lalo na pag nagseselos sya sa wife n'ya. Ang kulit! Ang daming excuses pero ang bottom line lang naman, nagseselos sya lalo na kay Patrick. O kung ma-eevict man sya, sana magkasuntukan man lang sila ni Patrick. Hindi pa kaya nangyayari sa bahay ang may nagsuntukan o nagkasakitan ng pisikal na grabe. Puro emotional at psychological issues ang nangyayari eh.

2) Jason - Isa pang pasaway sa mga kasama nya lalo na sa housemates na lalaki. Minsan parang may sariling mundo at medyo aloof. Sana umabot sa sapakan ang pikunan nila ni Delio para naman may mas buhay sa bahay. Kung mawawala sya, aba e panu na lang yung loveteam nila ni Melai?! E dun ako natatawa ng husto. Tapos ngayun may ka-love triangle pa sya, si Mariel. O, e di mas may buhay na ngayun...kaya dapat wag ma-evict si pareng Jason.

3) Princess - Maangas din ito kahit babae at hindi papaisa. Medyo taklesa pero yun ang maganda dun para lagi syang may na-o-offend.

4) Carol - sya yung may mahinang personality sa apat kaya mawala man sya, ang bahay ay ganun pa din. Im sorry, Carol, pero kailangang may lumabas na isa. Good luck!

I don't know if you have the same opinion. I've already made my vote thru texting at yung first three ang binoto ko kaya text na din kayo...

FlashForward your destiny...then change your fate!

All my life, there is one question that baffles me about our choices and predicaments in life. Are they destined even before they happened? To illustrate a mind-bending picture of fate, let's pick Judas Iscariot's "betrayal" of Christ.

Did Judas Iscariot really betrayed Jesus or was he bound to do it. Redemption wouldn't be possible if Jesus didn't die. If Judas had the freedom to choose and he opted not to betray Him, then Jesus wouldn't die and his plan for redemption would fail. The thing is, if it wouldn't be Judas then someone from his disciples should and must betray Him so that redemption would be realized, as planned. If all Christ's disciples including all the people that surrounds Him would be so faithful, then God's plan for redemption would fail.

Any thoughts?

Now, ABC's TV drama, Flashforward, exemplifies fate's role on us. For almost 4 hours, I was glued on my macbook pro just to finish the first 4 episodes. It gave me chills, goosebumps and kept me at the edge of my seat.

Is the 5th Generation Ipod worth buying?

The answer is a resounding...YES! I bought the 5th Gen ipod the day it was released here in the Philippines. The video camera is its main feature that really captivates me. Here is the unboxing of my new ipod.

It has no still camera only video cam. The ipod is so lightweight. The video resolution is 640x480 at 30fps. Imagine that! The resolution and quality of the video is good considering its small size. Here is the sample video taken from ipod nano:

The quality is almost the same though the actual footage taken from nano is much better and the resolution is higher which is 640x480.

If you're planning to buy one and having doubts since you already have the previous model(s), I'd say go get the new one. It's worth it. I have the 3rd Gen Ipod nano but I didn't buy the 4th Gen since there is no revolutionary feature. But with the 5th Gen, the video is so good and it has built-in speaker too so you and your friends could watch your videos at the same time without the need for earphones.

Don't delay it, go purchase N-O-W. Why? If after 2 months and suddenly you realized you want the 5th Gen Ipod Nano, and the 6th Gen would be launched next year, then it means you would have to enjoy your ipod for only few months. Dude, it's Apple. Every year, new model...time to upgrade! So, in general, to enjoy your Ipod or any other Apple products, once there's a new model, go buy it... ASAP!

Rihanna's new single Russian Roulette - so bland!

I was expecting more of Rihanna. The song is just borrrriiing! When I saw the cover of her new single, I thought it's gonna be awesome. Just look at the picture...the eye-patch, the hair, and the body coiled up - it's all glam! But the song is a disaster! Hey, Ne-yo, I know you're responsible for this song...wanna be more creative? It's Rihanna singing...

Mo Twister's Twisted Persona

I was browsing the articles on PEP.ph when I was struck by an item. It says: "Mo Twister believes his the best radio DJ today".

Parang ako ang nahiya para sa kanya. Parang ang kapal naman nun...This guy has so much balls than talent! So much ego than wit. In short (yes he's short), he's a douchebag! Fortunately, the article wasn't on the home page anymore...It's just really irritating. Next time, Mohan Gumatay (yes, his real name,no wonder he changed it.) wait for others to compliment you. I'm sure your Showbiz Central family believes in you.

Hilary Duff on the New Gossip Girl

On the fourth episode of Gossip Girl, Hilary Duff's character is introduced as Olivia Burke as a famous movie actress who wants to have a normal college life (also stars Tyra Banks). I was shocked by the weight she put on. Her role was a movie star but how come she looked so less than ordinary because of the poundage. All the girls in the show look awesome and super hawt! If I didn't know her and I was in the show, I might have mistaken her as the personal assistant of Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf). No wonder the show's rating is spiraling down.

See that hot girl at the last frame? That's Taylor Momsen as Jenny Humphrey. Now...that's what you call a star!

Photoshop CS5?! Not again...

I was surprised to learn that in just a couple of months from now, Adobe Photoshop CS5 will be released. Sorry about the title. It's not like I'm not excited at all, it's just that I never expected it to be so soon. Of course, there will be mind-blowing features that would make all the users to download the beta version (if ever there would be one). Here's a treat for you Photoshoppers:

Coco Martin is Almost a Perfect Actor, But not with His Lisp

Dubbed as "The Prince of Philippine Independent Cinema", Coco Martin successfully crossover from indie films to main stream TV drama series. He's one of the best actors of his generation. He may not have the looks of an ideal leading man but he has the charisma of a serious actor.

I've seen him in Tayong Dalawa where he portray as the main antagonist. Yes he delivered the right emotion but I just couldn't help myself to be distracted by the way he speaks. Di ko alam kung matatawa ako. It just get in the way of every scene he's into specially pag seryoso na. Just like in this scene.

Imagine that even with his speech impediment, he got into ABS-CBN with really good projects and stuffs...he must be really good! I saw him once in ASAP, it was Maja's birthday celebration. After her number, the guys of Maja's new soap, Nagsimula sa Puso, approached her to greet. There were greater number of fans who applauded Coco when he greeted Maja than the other boys. He really is the next most important leading man in the walls of ABS-CBN. Here's the clip:

...And whoever is the choreographer of this number...really rocks! Maja, you're smokin' hawt!

Natawa ako sa dami ng kisses mo ke Piolo. Why not do an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya? Meron kayong chemistry. Try lang natin kasi halos lahat ng i-partner ke Piolo lately nawawalan na ng kilig factor. Try mo din baka mawala na yang pagkalibang mo sa kanya. Kidding...

Your Spouse's Officemate Could Be Your Rival

In the latest season of Entourage, I appreciate how dedicated Ari Gold with his business. I've been a fan of this show but I, somehow, was struck by Ari's commitment to his work and family. He showed so much love with his wife. Yes, he could be arrogant at times but at least he isn't a douche and the man really often makes a point. In the first few episodes of season 6, a friend and colleague, Andrew Klein, had an affair with another coworker. Ari was furious when he learned about the affair.

When I saw this, natawa ako at napailing. Just like in real life, it happens. I saw this happened with my close friends. One of my friends told me once, "Mahal ko ang asawa at mga anak ko, ayaw ko ng maulit uli yun. Natututo na ko." But then, it happened. The formula is simple. The guy befriends the girl. They became close - and there! The usual reason, pa-showbiz ba... we're just friends...

Friend A was married. He has a daughter and a gorgeous wife. Even before they were together, my friend had a kid with another woman but it didn't work out and so they separated. The woman he got pregnant and his kid took off abroad. They were never married. And so he told me that this time around, he wouldn't mess up his marriage because he loves his wife and daughter. Until a new colleague came and she was pretty and very gregarious. Let's call her Colleague A. To cut the story short, they became close. They wouldn't join us during lunch because, at some peculiar reasons, he or she had some things to take care of. As days went on, I resigned from the company, until I heard that these friends of mine were together and that Friend A was already separated from his wife. But now, Friend A and Colleague A didn't last long. Colleague A's parents learned about their affair and she was sent abroad while Friend A... I never heard of him until now.

Another friend, let's call him Friend B was also married. He has a daughter. I saw him with his family once in our office when his wife visited him - it was a picture perfect! He was raising his daughter in the air while his wife was all smiling as she wiped the sweat out of his forehead. I never thought that this picture perfect family wouldn't last. It started when a new batch of employees were hired and there he saw her...his new friend. Let's call her Jolly B. They became an instant hit!

"Yosi tayu sa baba" o "snak muna tayo", these were just two of the many ways they became closer and closer and closer...to the point that Friend B separated from his wife and later he got Jolly B pregnant. Now, Friend B and Jolly B are together and are married with 3 kids! See that...

Then, finally, another Friend C with 4 kids. But this time didn't end up messing up his marriage but did become so close with a newly grad let's call her JYp. His words to me was, "friendly lang kasi ako". The usual gimmicks of yosi break, lunch to some store or shops where no one else would see them, "hatid na kita tutal on the way ka naman..." lines were all pretty much jaded. At times, he would extend his stay in the office (even his wife is already waiting to be picked up at her office) so that he could wait and gave her a ride or he would have a yosi break with her before he would leave the office. His day wouldn't be complete without having that last yosi break with her. Maaring hindi naging sila but they have this connection as perceived by their body language whenever they were together - yosi break, lunch, etc. It may not be a full blown affair but it certainly would head on that direction kung hindi maaagapan. They separated when JYp resigned. But then again, it didn't mean that their communication was over. There are plenty of ways to simmer the friendship - chat, texting, emailing, etc.

Sure it's hard to be faithful. Specially when your spouse is a mile away. Sure it's a gratifying feeling if someone would appreciate us other than our partner. More often than not, we rationalize it and tell ourselves na magkaibigan lang kami. How could you be just friends when everytime you make love with your spouse you imagined her to be that friend of yours...