Somos El Mundo

Weeks ago, I posted the video of "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" video. I know I'm slightly passed the time of all the hype of this, but better late than never.

Time to make the Latinos shine as the Spanish or Latin American version of "We Are the World", called "Somos El Mundo" is shared here in my official space...Some familiar faces of this generation that I know of are Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Thalia, Taboo of Black Eyed Peas and of course, my fave David Archuleta...Their version was simple yet more appealing to sing with because each singer sang the song as it was before, except for the rap stuff in between.

I think there is no reason for me to compare the two versions...I have my personal opinion / comparison but I'll just keep that in mind...What's important is their intentions for the remakes of this song...And I just hope their intentions were noticed and given the due attention and action...

Enjoy and Reflect...After all, "we are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving"...



Source: Univision.com

one world...we are...

There are so many things going on lately in our planet...

earthquake in Haiti...
too much rainfall and snowfall in Europe and US...
the latest 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile...

and the El Nino phenomenon devastating the food industry here in the Philippines...

It's true that this is Mother Earth's payback to all our carelessness...But this is also an opportunity for the nations to lend a helping hand to each other and unite...

I can say that I'm lucky to have been a part of the generation of artists that collaborated to make each one realize the essence of loving your fellowmen and showing concern once again...It was first done for Africa during the 80's and now, for Haiti...Here is "We Are the World" [the 2010 version]...



Let's not wait for a 3rd version of this to really learn from our mistakes and to turn from our evil ways...It's got to be now...

all hail 20-10

might have been a bit delayed...but it's still January so...

Manigong Bagong Taon sa Pilipino!!! Bonne Annee in French!!! Happy New Year in English!!!

quick quick Q & A's to start off the year 20-10...

new year's resolution/s: blog more... more positive thinking [whoa...this will be difficult]... less procrastination...take good care of my health religiously

prayers for 20-10: good health for my family, prosperity with career, positive change for the country, from single-hood to in-a-relationship [ok..this is my blog right?^_^]

something new to learn: use the steering wheel properly [drive, that is!!!]
taking pics non-pro but a little bit artsy
a water sport

my contribution for the country: volunteerism and vote this elections!!!

target destinations for 20-10: another unique Asian country trip and an Pinas island getaway...more than two would definitely be awesome ^_^

wishin' concerts [crossing fingers]: Alicia Keys, Justin...Timberlake [haha...kala nyo Bieber noh...] and more R&B concerts and of course, Davids -- Cookie and Archie: the brotherhood concert...woohoo^_^

physical changes: get some braces finally!!!

goal for 20-10: accomplish these one at a time ^_^

wish for 20-10: <3 love love love...with less hesitations <3

and more changes to go, 20-10 is just beginning anyway^_^

20-0-9 wrapup

With so much going on, days from now, 2009 will be over -- A new decade on the rise...And like when everyone's in school or work, time for some little recaps of the year that soon will be a "was"...

1. Naturals and a not so natural...
--- the wrath of Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng in the Luzon island
--- major earthquakes in Indonesia
--- Mayon volcanic eruption
--- Maguindanao massacre

2. Mournings...
--- Farrah Fawcett [1/3 of Charlie's Angels]
--- Michael Jackson [Pop Superstar]
--- Brittany Murphy [actress]
--- Francis Magalona [Master Rapper]
--- Johnny Delgado [Pinoy actor]
--- Former President Cory Aquino

3. Triumphs...
--- Pinoys unite as we rise above the ruins of the Typhoons
--- Manny Pacquiao [7-title World Boxing Champ]
--- Efren Penaflorida [CNN Hero of the Year 2009]
--- Muelmar Magallanes [Time Magazine's top 10 Heroes of the Year 2009]

4. Scandals and a few WTF's...
--- Tiger Woods and his women scandal
--- Hayden Kho - Katrina Halili sex video scandals [here in the Philippines]
--- Manny Pacquiao - Krista Ranillo ish...
--- Kanye West shuts up Taylor Swift
--- Miley Cyrus shuts down her Twitter
--- Paula Abdul quits American Idol and Ellen Degeneres replaces...

5. Concerts here and there...
--- Eraserheads reunion concert
--- Lea Salonga
--- Craig David
--- Lady Gaga
--- Akon
--- Katy Perry [benefit concert]
--- David Archuleta and David Cook [sooo love it!!!hope this one gets a repeat]

6. Movies and TV
--- Glee!!! need i say more???
--- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
--- Transformers 2
--- New Moon
--- Avatar
--- Slumdog Millionaire

7. [more] Watch outs
--- Glee [by April]
--- American Idol Season 9
--- Philippines' Presidential Elections 2010
--- Danny Gokey's 1st album
--- David Archuleta's sophomore album

8. Personal Events
--- 1st year as Ex Presidenta of YOCASOCI
--- E-heads concert experience
--- the David Archie highness in Manila [lots of thumbs up on this one ^_^]
--- Uniquely Singapore self-adventure
--- reunions with former colleagues-friends
--- new work environment and new found colleagues [hopefully, to become my new friends]
--- more new found friends [thanks to being a David Archie fan]>> Naree, Ferj, Larissa, Bill, Izz, Debz, Pui, etc.
--- single but inspired...wahaha

9. Future What-I-want-Endeavors-Adventures
--- more travels!!!!!!! a Pinas island and an out-of-the country pleasseeee!!!
--- a new cellphone unit [yebba...^_^]
--- drive the family car with a license...
--- buy new household stuff to renovate the place...
--- learn to swim again or a new sport...
--- anything art or fashion related...

10. wishing unity and strength amidst adversities for myself and country; and to be the one-less-lonely girl for 2010 *fingers crossed*...sheessshhh...I won't be saying this often...Just gonna play it in my head...

Well, of course, there's much more that can be added to this list. One thing certain, we're moving forward to a new year -- to change, improve, maintain -- always for the better.

Happy New Year and Hello 20-10!!!

state of mind...

Thoughts run faster than a speeding bullet...A single action or word or feeling could lead to a thousand thoughts and judgments from different people...That's how the power of God is really amazing...

Ask me now and my thoughts this second could be a different one in a matter of hours...

Half crazy...
Excited for the holidays...
Missing someone or more than one...
and there's so much more...no wonder I blog...hehe^_^

But what if your thoughts, your state of mind, suddenly turns into an awesome song...It made me hum and sing and all giddy excited even more...



Well...singer / songwriter Alicia Keys makes good music...just like David Archuleta...and now I'm anticipating all the more to get a copy of her album "Elements of Freedom", in stores on Dec 15...

*source: www.aliciakeys.com*

my simple Christmas wish list 2009 ^_^

I wasn't excited about Christmas weeks ago due to the worries I used to have, but now, it's starting to look a little bit like Christmas. And just for some motivation for me to awesomely work hard, here is my simple wish list [simple because I'm just gonna start working this Monday...haha^_^]...

1. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Well, it's all in the bookstores so reading this newest Dan Brown novel is one of my what-to-do's to cap off my 2009...


2. The Elements of Freedom by Alicia Keys
Superwoman A Keys, herself, is releasing her 4th album before the year ends and I've always been a fan of her music in the R&B genre. It's about time I buy her album and start collecting her CD's =) [ok tweeps, David Archuleta will always be on the top of my list^_^]


3. A Charles and Keith shoe or bag
Just to start investing on some good quality shoes and bags for my soon-to-be corporate attire. Don't worry, I'll take it one at a time...Not all the time, alrighty???


4. Team Manila shirt or the Bench 7107 shirt
I officially consider 20-0-9 as Philippine Year for me...haha...A lot of Pinoys making a name in the field of fashion, films, music, sports and humanity - as we united as one nation in helping one another in the recent calamities we had...Proud to be Pinay through words, actions, thoughts and wearing Pinay pride [with a statement shirt that is] =)
5. Lomo camera
I don't know...Consider me a late bloomer, but I'm trying new things one at a time...Themed pictures or photography in general fascinates me...But since I'm not an expert in this new kinda stuff, I guess I have to start with the basics -- A Lomo Camera!!! ^_^

Basically, I got one of my items on the wish list [I just felt like not including anymore, cause I got it anyway...haha...weird] --- Christmas from the Heart by David Archuleta...It started there...Well, being able to have anyone in this list will already be an icing on my cake...I'm not that materialistic anyways to splurge on all of them at the same time...

Besides, these are just material stuff...Essentially, I wish for strength, unity and faith for the Philippines and its people...For whatever challenges each one of us are going through, I wish that we maybe optimistic and realize the ways for us to start all over again and be better. I wish a happy Christmas, that people will celebrate the season bonded by love for one another and for God, above all...

source: pics c/o Team Manila's website

sweet tooth Pinay from the heart

How're ya doin' peeps???

Haha...just a little amped up for blogging again...THANK GOODNESS!!! ^_^

If there was one of the few things that I enjoyed during my bumming month, it was having a new crave again. This time it's froyo [frozen yogurt]. For as long as there is a yogurt that can be mixed with toppings of your choice, I'm in for it. Well, seriously, I'm a Red Mango craving being now...haha

Besides my sweet tooth craving, the past calamities made me appreciate and love my country, the Philippines, all the more. I know it shouldn't just be through words but more on actions. But, can I just say that through fashion too? I've been eyeing to start collecting bracelets or accessories that spell good causes. I've been wishing I could buy the "Invisible Children" bracelet, but for now, Philippines first. And to start with, I bought a "Yabang Pinoy" bracelet...It's made of pure abaca woven by folks in the province. Proceeds of buying the bracelet will go to the local foundations or organizations that Yabang Pinoy is supporting. It only costs P50.00. But, there are a lot of personalities and celebrities that have been wearing this bracelet in support to promote our one and only country, the Philippines. For further details, on where you can buy the bracelet or help the organization with their cause, check their website -- yabangpinoy.com. You can also click the ad that's posted here on my site to be linked directly to their website.

Finally, it's all in the music news now -- David Archuleta's "Christmas from the Heart" album is released. It isn't just an album for the super loyal and loving David Archie fans but for everyone who would love to play a Christmas song or two to feel the spirit of the coming season. From the generic songs of every artist for a Christmas album [like Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, etc] to Christmas songs in a different language [Pat-a-pan and Riu Riu Chiu], I'm sure there will be one of the 13 tracks that you would love to play over and over again. Personally, my super favorite is his version of "Ave Maria". Everytime I hear this on his album, it reminds me of my chorale days when we used to sing different versions of "Ave Maria" in church. This song is actually one of the few that give me goosebumps. I must say, David Archuleta's version drew me into tears of joy and goosebumps on the CRITICAL LEVEL...hehe...For those who have been exposed and learned a few about music, David Archuleta draws a connection to the listeners to feel the Christmas spirit minus melancholy. It's not a sad album. And once again, his vocal skills -- his tenor prowess -- proves him to be one of amazing young singers we have in this generation.How I wish I could see and hear him on his Christmas tour in the US next month, but I'm completely aware that my financial capacity ain't enough to make me get there. Just hearing his voice now and the way he interprets every song, I'm deeply moved and deeply satisfied.
And now, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas right??? ^_^

it's all in New York...

Well, just wasting time before I head to sleep...and here's just two videos from two events in New York...in the field of sports and music...

MTV held it's Video Music Awards in New York...and amidst the glitter and cheers, a scene was caused by a singer named Kanye West to another singer named Taylor Swift...Take a close look...

And after that incident, it was a class act for Beyonce to do this and save Taylor...

To Kanye, seriously that isn't a sign of maturity and manhood...1st, Taylor Swift is a woman, she deserves respect...and above all, be a good sport...Regardless if you apologize, the damage has been done and the disrespectful act is on You Tube now...Beyonce, you were awesome and humble enough to do such token in return for Taylor...And to Taylor Swift, well it may have been an embarrassing experience but stand up and dust it off...Still, congratulations on your Best Female Video from the VMA's

On a lighter and better note, in the field of sports, here's a vid of David Archuleta performing "America the Beautiful" in the US Open Women's Finals.

So more or less, you have an idea how the songs from the Christmas album will sound like. It actually gave me the goosebumps on the last part...This one is deserves my awesome applause...David, we heart you all the more...You saved the day^_^

That's all in New York, New York, New York...

**videos courtesy of You Tube**

music bits and pieces...

I'm doing this not just to inform you guys but to keep me off track for the past few weeks of pressure and negative comments...[damn...i ABSOLUTELY HATE it...]

Anyway, here's just some random news...

**Danny Gokey**

Finally, one of the the top4 Idols this American Idol Season 8, Danny Gokey, signed a record deal with 19records/RCA Nashville. His first album will be recorded in Nashville, Tennessee and the single will be released late this fall. The album will be released in March, 2010.

CONGRATS, Danny!!! I've been waiting for this news to finally come into reality for a while...^_^

**Black Eyed Peas**

Over the weekend, it's all in the news that the Malaysian government has banned Muslims to go to the Black Eyed Peas concert set this Sept. 25 in KL. This is because the event will be sponsored by the Irish beer giant, Guinness, whereas alcohol consumption is prohibited in Malaysia. Non-Muslims can go according to the government's spokesperson.

No updates yet as to there were sudden changes regarding this order.

Well, when religion starts to set in, no Black Eyed Peas can even protest to that...It's all about respect...It's not something racial cause it was their government who set that rule...But, sometimes, don't we just wish that race, religion and cultures wouldn't be an issue in appreciating music and watching music artists...

**Backstreet Boys**

The boyband that made girls scream in the 90's -- the Backstreet Boys -- is set to release a new album on October 6 entitled, "This is Us". Minus Kevin in the group, their latest single is entitled "Straight from the Heart" and they are also planning tours again to promote the album.

They've visited the Philippines a couple of times already and being a teen in the 90's, BSB has been one of my absolute faves...I just hope this will add up to the mark they have already established in the music industry...

**David Archuleta**

Days ago, there was a post about what his line up for the Christmas album would be...Well, it has already been said to be just a rumor...Actually, he's been tweeting lately that he's doing recordings still to finish up the album...So peeps, just wait for it...David loves giving surprises really...haha...One thing certain that isn't a surprise, his Christmas album entitled "Christmas from the Heart" will be released on October 13 and can be pre-ordered in Amazon.com...

Whew...said much already...catch up a few here soon^_^

sources: usatoday.com; huffingtonpost.com; aceshowbiz.com; twitter.com

a piece of Danny Gokey...

This weekend I would say is a laid back weekend for me -- the time to get out of that nasty negative shell...

But everytime I get out of it, I end up getting curled back up on too much negativity...

Oh well, let's get out of my personal numb life for now and share these videos I found out from some Danny Gokey fans...Here are three videos from YouTube care of Ms. Yong Chavez -- a reporter for ABS-CBN Filipino Channel...She was able to interview the finalists from American Idol Season 8...This first vid features Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud, Lil Rounds and Scott Mcintyre who were thanking the support of the Filipinos for watching AI and for tweeting them [of course thru Twitter] ^_^

The second video is another random from all of them which also shows their autograph signing from their tour...Can I just say it was a blessing in disguise that Danny Gokey joined this year?!! And with or without the glasses he really looks soooo cute^_^...




This third video is her interview with Danny Gokey about random topics like his plans for his album, down to wearing glasses , falling in love again and wanting to visit the Philippines...wooohooo^_^...Well, I just hope that day would come..Another future anticipation next to David Archuleta [*hint*hint*i hope David Archie hears that*]



Well, Danny Gokey is really one of those I love in American Idol...Everytime I feel so down that I give up, he suddenly passes through my mind making me realize that there are still reasons to move forward...Such good people like him and David are really not just crowd pleasers, but inspirations to make a difference in other people's lives...God bless them...Enough said, more posts in the days to come^_^

PS. Danny, I really love that bracelet...hope I get one like that soon^_^

Another PS. Thanks to the We Love Danny Gokey [@GokeyGang via Twitter] for the additional info...Follow them okai?! ^_^

David Archie-highness news...

I simply can't help it...There are bits and pieces to and fro so it's about time I spread some love and news about David Archuleta...I'm on a high to blog...Here it goes...

ALMA Awards 2009

It's all in the news. David will be performing in the ALMA [American Latino Media Arts] Awards -- an award giving body for American Latinos honoring their contributions in the field of music, film, tv, sports and behind-the-scenes. He's also one of the special honorees in the field of Music, wherein one from among them in this category will receive the award. This will be aired in the US on September 18 via ABC 8/7C [that's Sept. 19 for us here in the Philippines...if that will be aired here]. Well, I just hope it will be shown on Philippine tv too. For now, either we can watch it via streaming or someone would be kind enough to download and place it in You Tube *giving a hint -- wink wink* ^_^...

For more updates, you can check on their official website... http://www.almaawards.com


On a different note, I'm posting this as my own little way of helping to spread the Archu-duties around...especially to all the fans of David in the Philippines...

1. Rising Star Outreach Project

This has actually been discussed to some of us during the Archuleta Phils' GT weeks ago. Rising Star Outreach has this project called Pathway of Hope supported by David via Angels for a Cause. I'm pretty sure every supportive David Archie fan knows this already. Each brick that you buy from them costs $50 (P2500/brick). Since not everyone can afford it [practically, some of his Filipino fans are students right???] , the guys from Archuleta Philippines are now having this endeavor called "Save the Day" wherein we can donate at a minimum of P25.00 which in return can give us the chance to have a raffle ticket and win the "Angels for a Cause" bracelet. But according to them, if we donate an amount of P250, we will be getting the bracelet automatically without joining the raffle anymore.

Deadline is on Sept 13, so guys -- Archienoys, we only got 2 weeks left to help out. For more details how to send your donations here is the link to the Archuleta Philippines website: http://archuletaphilippines.com.

2. Benefit Concert -- soon...
Another, I promised that I will post this on my blog so here it is. Archuleta Philippines is planning and setting up a Christmas concert which will showcase our local artists and benefit a chosen charity. NO exact details yet. But, those who are taking their time and efforts are working on it to be done.

Definitely, it will be slated around November this year. I'll keep you posted on a few details soon. Just check the Archuleta Philippines' website from time to time too. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD and let's help in the ticket sales. IT'S FOR A GOOD CAUSE DEFINITELY....

3. Christmas from the Heart

Lastly, it's still on Amazon.com...I heard it's now at a low of $9...Sorry I forgot the exact amount...And it's gonna be released on Oct. 13, 2009...Well, Jive Records, I hope it'll be released in the Philippines ha...but during Christmas time pleassseeeee^_^

PS. Archuleta Avenue Malaysia peeps are gonna have their get-together by watching "UP" on Saturday...Well, I just thought of sharing...I'm excited for future get-together activities of Archuleta Philippines too...

Another PS: I'm so thankful these past few days for getting to tweet with some awesome, loyal and dedicated Archie fans...So I just cant help giving a shout out to Nareejo, Freghel, Bill, Izz, Debz, Mia [@mia_queen via twitter] and Larissa Cheong...HELLO gals!!!!

Oh well...I'm sooo much in Zero Gravity at the moment...I need to calm down a bit...haha...^_^

2 victories; 1 bittersweet anticipation

My weekend was spent staying at home, watching tv, which I haven't been doing most of the time. My Sunday was a day of victories actually, in the field of sports.

1st, the victory of the entire Filipino nation as boxer Nonito Donaire won the WBA title over Rafael Concepcion of Panama via unanimous decision and finishing off 12 rounds of it. According to Donaire, he is dedicating this fight to the late President Cory Aquino. Every proud Filipino was glued to the tv during lunch time as it was aired around 12 noon, Manila time.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Meanwhile, hours later, another victory in the field of collegiate basketball -- the one i truly cheer on. In UAAP Season 72, Ateneo de Manila University swept victory over its archrival De La Salle University, 81-65. Well, being a fan of the Ateneo Blue Eagles [even if I am from an NCAA school...haha] since the start I got hooked in watching UAAP games, it was effortless for me to cheer on this defending champs last year....ehem....Go Ateneo! One Big Fight! ^_^

ok...those were two victories...so where's the bittersweet anticipation???

I saw from Twitter.com that David Archuleta's Christmas album will be released on Oct. 13, entitled Christmas from the Heart [it's sooo close to Jose Mari Chan's Christmas album decades back "Christmas in Our Hearts"...haha...di ba?]. Actually, one can pre-order it already via Amazon.com. It's a sweet anticipation...What made it bitter? It's $13.98 [or close to Php700] if you pre-order via the website and I can't do that at the moment. The money I have right now is needed for the rainy days [hardship days, in layman's terms]...Now that's bittersweet...I guess I'll just have to wait for it to be released here in Manila...oh well...

SOURCES: video: c/o gmanews.tv; photo: c/o inquirer.net

Owl City -- insomniac in productivity^_^

Most persons would say one can efficiently work during the day. But, one person in particular got his creativity and talent from being productive at night...nocturnal and insomniac...No wonder he used the pseudonym known as "Owl City" -- cause the artist is kinda like an owl, awake at night^_^

Owl City is comprised of actually one person, Adam Young, together with his instruments and love for music. He was able to make songs out of staying up late at night at a space in their house. He posted his creations in My Space website and it brought a stir to every music lover who hears his music. He already released two albums, "Maybe I'm Dreaming" and "Ocean Eyes" his sophomore album that is being talked about by fellow music artists in Twitter. The fact that he was mentioned a couple of times by David Archuleta, my soooooo infinite idol, my curiosity about this singer didn't stop by reading tweets.

Listening to his music, it's got the synthpop, new wave kind of sound. His songs are pleasing to the ear and are like comfort foods -- soothes and relaxes. From his songs that I heard lately, "Fireflies" and "Saltwater Room" are my faves. He likes putting themes like natural elements [like the song "Fireflies"], urban design [e.g "Designer Skyline"] and travel [e.g "Hello Seattle"]. I personally recommend that you listen to any of his songs and possibly, you would love one from the playlist.

P.S. By the way, you can follow Owl City -- Adam Young via Twitter: @owlcity.