The Voice Season 3

I love music and in the past decade or so, I've come to love watching reality singing contests, American Idol, Rockstar, and the Voice. I watched all seasons of the Voice. What I like about the show is that contestants were pre-selected already, i.e., everyone really knows how to sing. In American Idol, I enjoyed watching the audition episodes because some really are just gutsy. In the Voice, however, everyone can sing. The four judge/merntors also produces a good deal of following. The four judge/mentors, Adam Levine, Ceelo Green, Christina Aguillera, and Blake Shelton are all accomplished singers. They came from different genres: Adam is of course, the front man of Maroon 5, a pop-rock band; Ceelo Green is into pop (the good one that is); Christina is also into pop but she's more into the diva kind of thing; and Blake Shelton is into country music. When I watch the show, I felt that the judges' commentaries are reasonable and really helpful to the contestants - I hear technical comments. The fact that they fight over a contestant also makes the show fun and interesting. When two or more judges turn their chairs to a contestant, the contestant needs to choose which judge/mentor he/she would like so the judge/mentors will throw their sales pich to win over the contestant. This season, Trevin Hunte's audition made Blake Shelton come over to Adam and asked, "what the hell is wrong with you" or something. All the judges except Adam turned their chairs when Trevin sang the belter song Listen by Beyonce.  

Also this season, when a contestant loses in the battle rounds, the other judges can steal and ask him/her to join his/her team instead. Adam stole Amanda Brown from Ceelo. During the first performance rounds, when asked to comment about Amanda's performance, Ceelo said, "you know you're my favorite mistake". I like Ceelo's play of words and subtle comedic spiels in the show. Adam once told (somewhere along these lines) Ceelo this season, "you used lyrics to comment. I like that". Ceelo replied, "well Adam, I'll try to call you on the payphone." Payphone is of course one of Maroon 5's 2012 hits. Ceelo is also crazy flamboyant. I don't necessary like his outfits but every week, I am eager to see what crazy outfit he would wear. He also brings animals - parrots, cats. Christina would always wear skimpy, body-hugging, cleavage-showing dresses. This season, she always brings a fan. I don't know why. I guess it's one of her fashion statement? I'm really not sure. But the funny thing is, among the four judges, she seems to be the oldest because almost everytime, she and other judges turn their chairs to contestant, she would be chosen especially by teen girls or 20-something girls because apparently they grew up listening to Christina or that she's their idol, etc.

Blake also has his comedic spiels. Sometimes, he's sarcastic, and I love it. He messes with Adam a lot. This season, he won Cassadee Pope from the other judges. During the knock out rounds, Cassadee sang Payphone and Adam commented, "Oh Cassadee, you broke my heart when you chose Blake over me. Now you broke my heart again because you sang my song." Adam would look like he's the lazy type but boy, the very first The voice winner came from his team, Javier Colon. When videos are shown on how the rehearsals and mentoring went, it would show Adam was hands on and he gives the same amount of mentoring the other judges do.

The contestants are unique as well. Most of them are not too commercial or mainstream like Melanie Martinez and Nicholas David. When Nicholas sang during the knock out rounds, Adam commented, "when I listen to you, I wanna make babies." You may wanna try watching the show, too. For this season, my bets are Trevin and Nicholas from Ceelo's team, Dez (boy band, hottie material) from Christina's team, Cassadee from Blake's team, and either Melanie or Bryan from Adam's team. Amanda should also be fine as long as she chooses the right songs. Catch it on NBC. In Asia however, it's shown in AXN.
 
 
 
 

Filipino Christmas habits

The Philippines' current tourism tagline is "it's more fun in the Philippines". I'd say it really is during Christmas season and we have arguably the longest Christmas season... I listed down some of the Filipino Christmas habits through the years... Enjoy and advance Merry Christmas!


10. The countdown! How many more days before Christmas? We all love to count the days before Christmas and the closer we get to Christmas day, the happier it gets. In the Philippines however, though it's still September, we start counting down the days. It's really true when they say that Philippines has the longest Christmas season. Ber-months usher in the Christmas countdown and the season officially closes by Three Kings celebration sunday early in January (first Sunday after new year).

9. Christmas shopping. People would rush to the malls to buy presents for their family and friends. Tiangges (small shops) would be everywhere. People would also buy something new for themselves. Filipinos especially, will usually buy new clothes and wear them to the Christmas Eve or Christmas day mass.

8. Christmas decors. Homes and offices are decorated with Christmas lights, balls, garlands, trees, traditional belen (replica of the manger where Jesus Christ was born). Ayala Avenue, Manila's prime business district is lighted, decorated with lanterns and so much more. Malls would also light giant Christmas trees.
 
7. Christmas carols. Caroling is so much alive in the Philippines. Mostly, the kids will go house to house to sing Christmas carols. People traditionally give money to the carollers. In the malls and even in the houses, Christmas songs are played as early as September. Filipinos love music a lot. Christmas would definitely not be complete without the Christmas music.

6. Homecoming and reunions. High Schools, Colleges, families, friends will get together. Some even makes it an annual event. From grand reunions to simple dine outs, people would just love to get together.

5. Kris Kringle. "I love my monito/monita..." When we were kids, we sing that song before you give your gift to your monita/monita. Schools and offices would exchange gifts. Every day or weekly, there would be a theme, e.g., something sweet, something hairy, etc. People gets creative with the gifts. Monito/Monita is the one you chose, your "baby", the one you'd give your gifts to. The coolest gift I received is a slimy toy rat. Lots of people were tricked (and scared) because it looks real.

4. Giving gifts for the older ones and asking gifts for the younger ones. Kids will search for their ninong and ninang (godfather and godmother) in the hope that the latter would give Christmas gifts, which oftentimes are monetized.

3. Christmas parties. Offices prepare for lavish Christmas parties as early as August since bars, hotels and other venues are booked early. More often than not, it will be a costume play as most parties will have themes and you have to dress according to the themes. Groups will unleash their comedic prowess, singing and dancing talents on group presentations. Filipino would work overtime to prepare the props, rehearse and convince the boss to join so as to get audience impact.

2. Simbang gabi (nine early morning masses before Christmas day). Filipinos would try their best to complete these nine consecutive early morning masses in the traditional belief that if they do, their wishes will be granted. Churches are unusually packed during these days. Puto bungbong and bibingka (Filipino delicacies) await Church goers after the mass. People even say that some are only after the food =)

1. Noche Buena on Christmas Eve and Buena Noche on New Year's Eve. Yes, we don't have huge ball dropping at Times Square but firecrackers are everywhere, you'll be deaf after New Year's Eve. And yes, we have food everytime. Be it lavish for the well off families or simple for less fortunate families, families will gather and are expected to be home and should not miss the Christmas Eve dinner. People will kiss and heart warming greetings will flow...

Did I miss out anything?

Spoofed: 2012's Greatest Hits

We're reaching almost the end of the year so I thought I would have my share of recalling this year's greatest hits... in a cool way. Filipinos are good impersonators. We love parodies and spoofs. Let me share you my favorite Filipino spoofs for the year...
 
3. There has been so much craze about 50 shades. It's a trilogy comprised of "50 shades of Grey", "50 shades darker", and "50 shades freed". All three books are erotic, I couldn't say more. I declared this blog to not have adult content and well I watched this parody again and again and I think it's funny more than erotic haha. A Filipino dad wants his sons to sleep but the sons said that their mom usually tells bedtime stories to put them to sleep. The dad then comes to read 50 shades. Imagine?!!! I find it funny so enjoy watching...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itBvpS49Frg

2. Oppa Gangnam style! Psy was phenomenal this year. He was the first Korean artist to hit it really big in the US and all over the world. Heidi Klum danced with him during the MTV Europe Awards. Among all spoofs (Filipino) I've seen of this song, I thought Jugs & Teddy's video spoof was the most creative. Jugs and Teddy are two Filipino band frontmen who host "It's Showtime" a Filipino noon time variety show. In the show's third anniversary week, the hosts need to present anything to win Php 100,000 for their chosen charities. Jugs & Teddy came up with Psy's Gangnam style video spoof. You may want to check out the real video of the song and compare how detailed Jugs and Teddy's spoof was. They also changed the lyrics of the song. The song was now "Epal ang yong style". The lyrics talks about annoying people. "Epal" loosely means annoying and the title means "your style is annoying". Why the spoof is creative? Because they did the video in 5 minutes with all the set changes and people dancing. The original music video may have been shot for at least an entire day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hKU5w-N1YQ

1. Before Psy's Gangnam Style, there was "Call me Maybe". Yup Carly Rae Jepsen's hit has been the biggest LSS for most people this year. It was played everywhere I go. People around the globe did their own videos and covers of the song. With its popularity, some are pleased while some are annoyed. But whatever you felt about the song, it doesn't change the fact that this song was arguably the biggest hit of 2012. Among the Filipino spoofs of this song (and all spoofs this year), this is my favorite because hard core rockstars made a funny version of it. Basti Artadi of Wolfgang and Tirso Ripoll of Razorback did the spoof. The new lyrics is in English so just listen and enjoy. I just can't imagine my rock hero to be doing a cover of this very pop song. It made me love rock even more. Warning: Excuse their French... =p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_byrbL_zZ4

Coffee and me

 I  am from a Philippine province known for its brewed coffee (kapeng barako) hence, I have an intense liking for coffee. I didn't grow up in the time when people would literally brew the coffee beans in my province but I saw my dad while I was growing up, pouring coffee over his rice and that was delicious he said. I never tried doing that but some people - the older ones - never outgrew that habit. My dad has now been living in the US for almost 15 years but he still missed mixing his coffee with his rice. Weird? Perhaps, but it doesn't change the fact that it brings an unfathomable happiness to my dad's eating. Perhaps, it always reminded him of his childhood because every time I saw him do that or he tells me and my brother stories about coffee + rice, his childhood stories will come next - them having to do hard labor just to go to school in the 60s and 70s, his funny yet rebellious escapades, etc.

Unlike my dad, I grew up with commercial coffee. We have Nescafe at home. I'll add sugar and creamer then smell the aroma... That was coffee for me while growing up. The nice part of coffee is smelling the aroma. I never forget to do that before having my first sip. It's very relaxing. I started doing that while I was a kid and I haven't outgrown that habit. In fact, I smell any food before eating them. But the best part of it is the chat that comes with it. I remember when I was a kid in Batangas. Every Saturday morning, we will have coffee and pandesal (bun). Morning breakfasts took forever because it goes with stories - how the week was for my parents, how me and my brother did in school, what are the plans for this weekend, etc. The stories are endless and coffee gets better with the chat...

I moved to Manila when I was in college. I lived (and still living) with my brother and my aunt. My parents decided to work in the US that time. I had less of coffee on weekdays but I did taste Starbucks. I am a habitual kind of person. When I like something, I will stand by it for like forever. When I'm in Starbucks, I only order caramel macchiato or mocha frappuccino (on hot days). They taste best for me. Chat time has changed. I then shared stories with my college friends - accounting homework, hunky university varsity player, etc.
 

When I started working, my friends and I discovered an alternative - Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Guess what I order all the time? Ice blended mocha! haha =p    I love spicy tuna linguine. In fact, I tried doing my own version of it at home. My boyfriend loved it and he's a good cook. But Coffee Bean's is unbeatable. Chat time changed again - toxic work week, boss from hell, upcoming movies, etc. With my second employer, I was sent to Singapore for work. There I discovered another coffee place - Ya Kun Kaya. From that time on, I declared that Ya Kun's was the best coffee I've ever tasted. Going home, I missed the coffee. I will never enjoy coffee as much as I enjoyed Ya Kun's coffee. I missed the coffee for years until this year...

My family and I go to Robinson's Place Ermita in Manila to do grocery weekly. The mall had a renovation in very recent years. Midtown was added which now houses higher end stores and al fresco dining. I always have fun going to Robinson's with my family and do grocery but very early this year was momentous for me. Beside the supermarket was a familiar store - it was a Ya Kun Kaya!!! I can't explain my happiness. Finally I can taste that wonderful coffee again.

I introduced my aunt and my brother to their coffee. My brother is not a coffee drinker though he grew up in Batangas like me. On the other hand, my aunt is in love with her home mixed coffee. But both of them tried Ya Kun's when I insisted. They liked it! Now, almost weekly, we go there to taste their best tasting brewed coffee with condensed milk. The store's vintage posters say that the secret is in the socks! What???? that was my reaction when I first saw it. They're fresh new socks, don't worry haha. In fact today, they're not using socks anymore. They use clothes that filters the coffee. I watched a crew prepare a coffee once. He filters coffee with one container with cloth filters then pours it to another container with cloth filters. He will repeat the process a number of times before he finally pours the coffee on their trademark cup and serves it.

 

Its aroma is perfect! Smelling it for me is heavenly. It is even more wonderful when paired with their famous french toast with kaya (coconut jam). Whenever I eat this combo, I feel like nothing could go wrong. I'm not kidding. For coffee addicts like me, coffee is therapy. They offer meal options and I always order meal E - brewed coffee with condensed milk, french toast with kaya, and egg. Prices are reasonable (and cheaper than Starbucks' or Coffee Bean's)

 

Here's Ya Kun Kaya's menu from Munchpunch.

http://www.munchpunch.com/ya-kun-kaya-toast-naia-2/menu

 

I'm not sure if these are the only branches in the Philippines but here's a list from muchpunch as well.

http://www.munchpunch.com/ya-kun-kaya-toast/

 

Coffee drinking has evolved for me but I am just glad that I found a new coffee experience, this time chat time again is with my family... I don't know what coffee does to you but to me it's a total experience - the aroma and the stories. Coffee and me... You can try Ya Kun and see for yourself... Enjoy! :-)

 



Fab Tips of Girls

Girls love fashion but runway and street fashion are the ones mostly talked about. Little is said about career people. Hence, here are my tips on power dressing and/or merely keeping it fashionable at work/school

1. know your style. don't copy somebody else's. create your own. I am a rock 'n roll kind of girl but with fashion, I like it timeless. my closet is 75% black! that's my style! like me, you should have your own...

2. ensure that you have key pieces in your closet, i.e., little black dress, blazer, black heels, white shirt, skirt, black trousers/pants, pair of jeans
- you can never go wrong with these key pieces. your little black dress can be worn at work with a blazer and on your date after work :-)

- your black heels with black pants will set you to your corporate interview and everyday work while you can use the heels for a party too
- your black pants will go with any top you like (any color will match it)
- white shirt can be worn inside a blazer at work, and can work on your jeans for a movie night or dine out (you know that girl-next-door look)
- your skirt could go well with any top for work too and if you feel a little sexy for malls, you may wear it too :-)

 

3. learn how to mix and match so that you create an illusion that you have many clothes when you only have a handful, just make sure your colors are coordinated. you need to wear at a maximum, 3 colors, to keep you stylish yet not looking like a Christmas tree =p

4. make sure you are dressed for the occasion. you don't want to wear short skirts at work and you also don't want to wear long skirts in the mall

5. be confident. nothing's more fab than being confident

6. wear your style with a smile. ;-)

 

 

     

Thanks to Coke's ad: Open Happiness

Don’t complain and frown, instead do something and count your little blessings – you woke up alive, there’s food in your plate, you have work. Don’t make money your ruler.

You’ve work so hard to earn, sacrificing dinners with your family when upon your retirement, all you wanted was to have dinner with your family who may no longer be there. Know no regrets instead, learn from your experience. Move on, stand braver and conquer the world. Don’t let media tell you what you need. Forget about ipads, mp3 players, notebooks that we coped for years to live without.

Instead, listen to the radio. Dance in the rain. Play good old street games – they foster camaraderie, teamwork and REAL socializing. Take public transport – traffic is hell but hey, you’re not driving and you pay fixed fares though you consumed more gas. Talk to the taxi driver – I’ve been educated by them for years of taking the cab. I’ve learned great opinions on social matters from them. Be with people who have the same wavelength as you and who will be there even if you don’t have an LV or Hermes. Respect differences. We are all created unique. You may find people who watch romantic movies cheesy but hey, you sang once when Taylor Swift’s song was played. Don’t bash. Karma, like love, works in mysterious ways. Sing even if you’re out of tune – people would appreciate your passion. Learn something new or better yet, do what you really love to do – most people are more successful with their second professions simply because that’s what they are really passionate about. Lessen your TV time and talk to your family – your brother might have a rough day. Go to his room which you never visited all this time, you’ll be surprised to know you’re living with a great guitar player the world has yet to know.

Take time to talk to your shy officemate, he/she might be a coffee addict like you. Forget about whip creams – coffee is best tasting and smelling when brewed.

Read books and newspapers instead of status updates. Forget about the superficial. Appreciate makeup-less faces, sunset, humming birds and fresh air of the province. Be proud of your stretch marks – you have a child who will tell you you’re the best parent in the world. Or your wavy hair – celebrities take time to perm while all you do is wake up and your hair is done. Smile more often. Say “sorry” to the man/lady you bump into during rush hour – who knows, he might be the one... Don’t fancy a prince charming (they don’t come in horses these days) or a supermodel (they fart too). Go for a person that compliments your personality or at least understand it. Go for a person you’re comfortable with – a person who appreciates your love handles and bears your foul temper.

Realize that you can’t have everything. Dream big – they’re free. Once in awhile, do thoughtless actions – it’ll be fun. Don’t take yourself seriously – goof around. Take chances. Live life. Be happy. The key to happiness is us, ourselves. Open happiness =)

Top 10 Filipino rock band frontmen

Rock! That's the music I like most. I am a fan of a lot of rock acts, local (Filipino) and international. I'd say that Filipino rock artists are world class. Hence, i thought of coming up with a list of (IN MY HUMBLE OPINION AS A ROCK FAN) top 10 best Filipino rock band frontmen. I am no authority when in comes to voices or artistry so this list is purely based on my opinion as a huge rock fan.

 

10.  Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar

Chito's voice isn't too high-pitched or melodious but he is amazing nevertheless. His voice is versatile as well. He can sing rock, pop, a little rap/hip-hop. Whatever you ask him to sing, he will deliver. He is a great performer too. He connects to his audience and exudes cool/unassuming presence onstage. Parokya has launched numerous hits and I believe large part of it is due to Chito's versatile voice.

 

9. Jay Contreras of Kamikazee

Jay is an intense performer. When he's onstage, things will go crazy - rolling off the stage, comedic spiels, etc. Also, his voice is meant for rock music. I can't imagine him singing a boy band material music.

 

8. Mike Hanopol of Juan dela Cruz band

Mike Hanopol is a legend; a Filipino rock icon. He is one of the pioneers of Pinoy Rock. He led the revolutionary rock band Juan dela Cruz. He, along with Pepe Smith and the rest of Juan dela Cruz band, opened up opportunities for Filipino rock artists. His songs are sang to this day (beep beep,  ang himig natin, no touch). A number of artists also did cover of the songs.

 

7. Dong Abay of Yano

Dong Abay's voice is unique! His act is unique! Who could ever sing "banal na aso, santong kabayo" like dong abay? I've heard versions of it but nothing compares to dong abay's. He's the only one who can sing his songs and he's just great!

 

6. Jett Pangan of The Dawn

Jett Pangan's voice is solid. If we'll speak about technicalities, his voice would score high. He has a good range. No wonder he has ventured into theater these days. He doesn't put an act when he performs, he simply performs... Whenever there's a rock special or any event, "Salamat" would most likely be picked to be the last song in the playlist. Again, a song as immortal as "salamat" can never be sang better than Jett.

 

5. Miggy Chavez of Chicosci

Miggy's voice brought emo rock to the Filipino mainstream music scene. He also personifies emo rock with his looks. His voice has quite a range and boy, he can hit those high notes! He also has that traditionally posh boyish face but with an intense manly rockstar attitude which I think brings more girls to the show =p He can also turn extreme pop music (e.g., g6) into great rock material.  

4. Kevin Roy of Razorback

Kevin Roy's voice is also meant for rock! You would know it's a Razorback song because of Kevin's voice. He also brought heavy metal to the Filipino music scene. His brother (the late Karl Roy) may be more entertaining as a performer but Kevin delivers...

 

3. Basti Artadi of Wolfgang

Basti, what can I say? Razorback came first before Wolfgang but Basti's voice made me listen to Pinoy heavy metal. When I first listened to Wolfgang (first casette tape I bought from my own money) I thought it was an international band because the material is simply world-class. His voice can be as hard core as "weightless" or "halik ni hudas" and as haunting as "mata ng diyos". I'm glad they are back as Wolfgang because Wolfgang is a treasure and Basti is a diamond.

 

 

2. Ely Buendia of Eraserheads/Pupil

Ely is a legend and he was young when he was first regarded as a legend. Pinoy rock isn't complete without Ely. His voice may not be too high-pitched or powerful but the simplicity of his voice made it powerful. His voice is very much relatable; his songs can be sang by anyone and everyone. He sang all the greatest hits of Eraserheads and perhaps by far, the greatest hits of Pinoy rock music.

 

 

1. Bamboo Manalac of Rivermaya/Bamboo

People might say that Ely should be #1 but in my humble opinion, Bamboo's voice is a rare gem. His voice is rock solid but with a jazzy flavor. His legendary epileptic moves on stage is a crowd pleaser. And regardless, he is a class act. Whenever he performs, people are just in awe. Yes, now he sells as a solo act but he will forever be that great frontman from the band that is the sole challenger of the deemed greatest Pinoy rock band of all time...