Dreads and Disappointments

I dream of one day having a niece/ nephew who is a disappointment to his/ her parents.

This came from a conversation I had with my mom, where she was telling me about the antics of my littlest cousin, now two and starved for attention. Apparently, the child has taken to dancing whenever adults are around to admire her, um, mad skillz. Now this isn't bad in itself, except that she likes imitating the sexy dancing girls on Wowowee. Eeek!

There's a whole branch of ouer family that's like that. Coincidentally, they're also the branch that liked to make fun of my reading too much growing up. Not everyone in that branch is like thatm of course, but there are a lot.

Which brings us back to my wish: Given the circumstances, I know it's too much to ask for all of them, so I'll be content with just one niece/ nephew who is a disappointment to his her parents because s/he will want to read voraciously, study hard, not place too much importance on relationships until it's the right time to do so, live for his/ her passion and see the world through enlightened eyes. If I'm lucky, I'll get an activist, an environmentalist or an academic. I wouldn't mind an artist or an entrepreneur either.

I doubt I'm ever getting one, but in the off chance that I do, well, you know your Auntie will support you in whatever you do.

I'm only asking for one. Is that too much?

And for my littlest cousin, whose current dream is to dance half-naked on national TV, all I can do is pray for her and hope that she moves on to better, more worthwhile things. She is just a kid after all.

It's Alive! It's Alive!

I finished another story the other day. It was a really old one that I found half-finished in my hard drive. I've had it for a while and didn't know how to finish it but for some reason, when I looked at it the other day, everything fell into place ad I finshed writing the whole thing before lunch.

This story, though supernatural-themed, is a first for me on many levels: it's my first true ghost story, my first light romance (eeew), and it includes my first straight make-out scene (as in they was no doubt they were making out and they were both straight, hehe). It's also my first story that runs on "traditional" themes. It might seem run of the mill, been there done that to some because of its clasic storyline but to me, it's a first.

I wonder where to send it?

FOB on Candy Coated Karma

Wrote about my Fall Out Boy concert experience on my GMAPinoy TV Column, Candy Coated Karma. Am not really a fan (mas fan pa ako ng Chicosci), but those guys do know how to put on a show. And I don't hate their (FOB's) bassist so much anymore. I still want to kick his teeth in for just looking the way he does, though.

We want more FOB! We want more FOB! This is what thousands of Fall Out Boy fans were chanting when the band played in the Araneta Coliseum last September 20 and 21. Fans were lined up at the gates way before the concert started at 8pm, which goes to show that us notoriously late Filipinos can be early if we want to be. The Coliseum was awash with guys and girls in tight pants, sneakers and hoodies, what could be described as the uniform to brood in.

Read more at www.gmapinoytv.com/karma

I Can Has Moonstar!

My Moonstar 88 article is out in this month's issue of Burn. Go buy a copy, if only because the mag contains lots of great stuff for music lovers. Whee!

My Story in the Free Press

Grab a copy of the Sept. 15 issue of the Free Press because my story, "Lao Peh," is in it!

This is the story that I blogges about earlier, the one where I couldn't sleep so I ended up writing the wole thing in one night instead. It's about me receiving a phone call from my dead father.

I'd like to thank KYu for letting me know that it's been published.

I Can Has Home Office!

My mother has been cleaning house lately and one of the things she did was clear out my dad's old computer table so that I could use it as a home office. Now I have a little nook of my own where I can write and do whatever it is you do in your home office. I feel so professional! I mean, I know I have my own desk at the place I work in but there's nothing as inspiring as my own work space in one of the places I love most -- home. I've always wanted to work at home at my own pace, doing my own projects and this feels like a step closer towards achieving that dream. Thank you, mommy! You have no idea what it means to me! :)

Dahil Mahal Ko si Christian

As you all know, I've taken a geas (not geese!) to promote whatever Christian Bautista is up to, because we kung fu masters know how to show our gratitude to peope who have helped us during hard times.

Christian's one of the few but steadily growing number of Filipino artists who have rabid scraming fans in other countires. Now if tat isn't a compliment, I don't know what is! I wasn't able to go to the press con, but I spoke to some one who did, and all he could say was that Christian had lovely hair. I agree. It's pretty hard to find a guy with lovely hair. Robin Padilla's long flowing locks, circa Till I Met You almost made me swoon. I wanted to go up to him and ask who his barber was. Aherm. Where was I?

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“I am inspired.”

That is how Christian Bautista describes himself these days. Soon to be staged at the Cuneta Astrodome on October 6 is “Christian Inspired,” his first major solo concert for the year. Incidentally, it is also a benefit concert for the construction of a school building at the Imus Unida Christian School in Cavite. Bautista, whose birthday month is October, involves himself in this concert as a gift to his inspirations. “My album just turned platinum. Coming soon is my Christmas album, and we are in the process of selecting songs for my fourth album. Things are really looking good. Thank God,” he declares.

Newly awarded with a Platinum award for his latest album, Christian is truly raring to go on stage for this particular concert since it will showcase his life’s many inspirations, at the same time, make use of a state-of-the-art visual presentation technology that will surely change the face of local concert productions.

Having achieved so much and doing as he does now, puts Bautista a few steps ahead of his contemporaries. But the unassuming balladeer sees beyond the competition. “It is tough to get out of stereotypes that people have of you. But at this point, I’d like to take risks with my music,” Bautista asserts. Christian and his creative team’s unique approach to this show is all-encompassing, referring to all of the balladeer’s many sources of inspiration -- his family, friends and fans, which he believes God uses to guide him in his personal and artistic journey. “If there are people to count on in knowing me deep down to my core, that would be my family and friends. They have always been with me. And I couldn’t ask for much better fans. They have accepted me and my music and they make me feel that I can connect with them through my songs,” Bautista proudly states.

Christian and his creative team’s unique approach to this show is total in nature, referring to all of the balladeer’s many sources of inspiration -- his family, friends and fans, which he believes God uses to guide him in his personal and artistic journey.

The concert will highlight the use of “Watch Out,” an enormous multi-display presentation technology with the dimension of 9X42 feet that will surround the stage. It is the same projection technology that Celine Dion uses in her long-running show at the Colosseum, Las Vegas strip.

“There are so many people that inspire me, people that I am so grateful for. I feel that I have the best job in the world. I get to perform with great musicians, and most creative artists and directors. I get to sing to very appreciative audiences,” says Christian. “But I want to offer something new to concertgoers this time around. We are currently in the process of putting the show together with stage director Freddie Santos, and technical director Mart Miranda, who owns the “Watch Out” screens. The use of this technology will surely contribute a lot to the exciting look of the show. With this system, we are only limited by our creativity, and imagination,” adds Christian.

He has climbed the top of the charts, effortlessly, with songs rendered from deep in his heart. And we loved him for that. He ascended from the roster of contest finalists. And we admired him for that. He has captured loyal overseas fans, which is why his songs are faves in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. And that has made us proud. Now, the man of the hour is set to inspire. And we believe him so.

Moreover, Christian’s recent concerts in Indonesia (Bali, Surabaya, Jogjakarta, Jakarta, and Medan) were sold-out.

For tickets, call Ticketnet at tel. no. 9115555 or 9114087. Tickets at PhP 200, 600, 1,500, and 2,000.

Mulan the Musical

The first time I watched Walt Disney's Mulan, I spent the first five minutes of the movie crying. No joke. I knew what it felt like to be different and to have the grown-ups cluck-clucking at you behind your back (or when you're asleep - thanks, grandma!) about how different you are.

So there I was, in the theatre with my cousins crying my eyes out during the first five minutes of a film that had yet to contain any drama. This is probably why I ended up rooting for Mulan more than any of the Disney ladies (I refuse to say princesses) -- Ariel was okay, Belle was smart, Jasmine was a spoiled brat, Snow White and Cinderella were helpless, but they were from another time.

Mulan was the one who had real world skills, and even though she had triuble fitting in because of it, she stood her ground and managed to make her parents proud at the same time. One of my favorite movie lines came from Mulan -- it's when her father says, "The greatest gift, and honor, is having you for a daughter." Hwaa! *hikbi hikbi* Now isn't that what all proper Chinese kids want? Plus, she got the really hot chunky guy who liked it that she was different. Mmmm... chunky...

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“MULAN”, the newest original children’s musical to hit the stage, is set to open on September 14 as part of Tanghalang Pilipino’s 21st season.

Based on the famous Chinese poem “The Ballad of Mulan”, this stage version tells of the exciting adventures of Hua Mulan, the young woman who joined an all-male army to fight for the honor of her family and her country.

A perfect treat for children and the young-at-heart, “MULAN” will delight audiences of all ages with its whimsical set and colorful costumes created by New York-trained designer Gino Gonzales; breathtaking martial arts movements fused with graceful dances by premier dance artist Denisa Reyes; the colorful play of lights by noted lighting designer Jonjon Villareal; and the delightful touch of character make-up by multi-awarded designer Dennis Tan.

The libretto by Palanca award-winning playwright Rody Vera together with Jed Caballero Balsamo’s music and the skillful performance of the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company all combine to make for an entertaining and heartwarming production under the masterful direction of Dennis Marasigan.

“MULAN” runs September 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 and October 5-7 at the CCp Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino. It is supported by Japan Foundation, HBC, Flowerline, artonedesign, Maggi and radio partners Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT and Heart 103.5.

For bookings, reservations and tickets, please call Tanghalang Pilipino at 832-3661, Ticketworld at 891-9999 or the CCP Box Office at 832-3704.

BRASILIPINAS 2007!

Escola Brasileira de Capoeira Philippines and The Embassy of the Brasil, Philippines in cooperation wth Havaianas and Motorola cordially invite you to join us as we celebrate BRASILIPINAS 2007 - a showcase of Brazilian sports & music by Filipino artists for the whole month of September . This is also being brought to you by Fully Booked, Magnet Cafe, Puma, Bacchus Energy Drink, Planet Zips, Futkal, and Escola de Samba Manila. And by C2 Green Tea and Unilab.

BRASILIPINAS STREET FAIR
Glorietta 3 Park
Showcase of Brazilian culture, music and sports featuring demonstrations from Escola de Samba Manila, FutKal, Planet Zips, Brigada and EBC Philippines.
Sept 9 & 16 (Sun), 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Open to the public. Free of charge!

CINE BRASIL
U View Theatre, Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street
Showing of Brazilian films, including critically acclaimed City of God and Central Station.
Sept 7 (Fri), 5 pm : Central Station
Sept 9 (Sun), 8 pm : Zuzu Angel
Sept 14 (Fri), 5 pm : Carandiru
Sept 16 (Sun) 8pm : O Homem Que Copiava
Sept 21 (Fri) 5 pm: O Auto De Compadecida
Sept 23 (Sun) 8pm : City of God
Open to the public. Limited Seating. Free of charge!

3rd ANNUAL "EBC IDOL" SONGWRITING CONTEST
The Dojo, Manila Polo Club
Sept 17 (Mon), 7 pm onwards

ESCOLA BRASILEIRA DE CAPOEIRA PHILIPPINES CAPOEIRA WORKSHOPS
Badminton Courts, Fr. Rafael Cortina S.J. Sports Center, Xavier School
Sept 18 (Tues), 19 (Wed) & 20 (Fri), 7:00pm - 11:00pm
With Capoeira teachers from Brazil, Germany, Portugal, Singapore and Malaysia.
Pre-registration required.

BRASILIPINAS 2007 MUSIC FESTIVAL
Mag:net Cafe, Bonifacio High Street
Sept 21 (Fri), 7:00pm onwards
Featuring Nyko Maca + Playground, Eileen Sison e Guarana, Aia & Zach of Imago, Aquarela, Brigada and The Company. Plus appearances by Escola Brasileira de Capoeira Philippines, Escola de Samba Manila, Futkal, & Planet Zips.
Open to the public. No cover charge.

ESCOLA BRASILEIRA DE CAPOEIRA PHILIPPINES: 5TH BATIZADO & TROCA DE CORDA
Basketball Courts, Fr. Rafael Cortina S.J. Sports Center, Xavier School
Sept 22 (Sat), 3:00pm - 7:00pm
EBC Philippines graduation ceremonies.
Open to the public

Shinzo Abe is Albus Dumbledore

Ok, he's not. But the Japanese Prime Minister sure suffers the same problem with his Farm Minsiters that the Headmaster of Hogwarts did with his Defense of the Dark Arts teachers. They either die or resign. I have yet to see a Farm Minister go mad, though.

Christian Inspired -- October 6, 2007

Another press release forwarded to me. I'm posting this becuase I will do almost anything to help Christian Bautista. No, we are not friends. No, I am not a fan. No, I do not have a crush on him. In fact, the only time I met him, he looked blankly at me and said, "Who are you again?" It's complicated.

-----

Asia's Pop Idol, Christian Bautista is all set to wow the Philippine
audience anew with his first major solo concert for the year,
"Christian Inspired," at the Cuneta Astrodome on October 6.

Newly awarded with a Platinum award for his latest album, Christian is
truly raring to go on stage for this particular concert since it will
showcase his life's many inspirations, at the same time, make use of a
state-of-the-art visual presentation technology that will surely
change the face of local concert productions.

Christian and his creative team's unique approach to this show is
total in nature, referring to all of the balladeer's many sources of
inspiration -- his family, friends and fans, which he believes God
uses to guide him in his personal and artistic journey.

The concert will highlight the use of "Watch Out," an enormous
multi-display presentation technology with the dimension of 9X42 feet
that will surround the stage. It is the same projection technology
that Celine Dion uses in her long-running show at the Colosseum, Las
Vegas strip.

"There are so many people that inspire me, people that I am so
grateful for. I feel that I have the best job in the world. I get to
perform with great musicians, and most creative artists and directors.
I get to sing to very appreciative audiences," says Christian. "But
I want to offer something new to concertgoers this time around. We
are currently in the process of putting the show together with stage
director Freddie Santos, and technical director Mart Miranda, who owns
the "Watch Out" screens. The use of this technology will surely
contribute a lot to the exciting look of the show. With this system,
we are only limited by our creativity, and imagination," adds
Christian.

Joining Christian in this groundbreaking concert are fellow ASAP '07
mainstays Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby as special guests, with the
special participation of Kuh Ledesma, Joni Villanueva, Tricia Amper
Jimenez, Sam Concepcion and Mr. Gary Valenciano. Mel Villena is
musical director.

Christian's popularity in Asia has been sustained by various product
endorsements like for Oishi, Star SMS, Artea of San Miguel
Corporation, and the recent release of his latest album in Indonesia.
His self-titled debut album reached Double Platinum, and his second
album "Completely" is near Platinum in Indonesia. His hit single "The
Way You Look At Me" was no. 1 foreign song in Singapore last year.

Moreover, Christian's recent concerts in Indonesia (Bali, Surabaya,
Jogjakarta, Jakarta, and Medan) were sold-out.

"Christian Inspired" is staged for the benefit of Imus Unida Christian
School. Main Sponsors are PLDT, Smart, ASAP Live, STAGES, with
support from Philippine STAR, Dunkin Donuts, Outland, Bench, Oishi,
Starmall Videosonic, Kiseki, Essensuals Toni & Guy, Tokyo Café,
Flavors of China, Golds Gym, Swatch, Belo Medical Group, St. Augustine
School of Nursing, and Elijah Dental Clinic.

For tickets, call Ticketnet at tel. no. 9115555 or 9114087. Tickets at
PhP 200, 600 and 1,500.

LOOK OUT FOR ROGUE'S SEPTEMBER ISSUE!

Want to know where I learne to the devil's music? Why, in church! It's in this month's issue of Rogue!

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CALL 852-0000 TO ORDER ONE COPY DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOORSTEP
OR FOR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

Features:
Mandarin!
Photographed by Mark Nicdao
----
THE GREAT HIMALAYAN ADVENTURE
By Kat Palasi

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GOT MILK?
One on One with Alaska's Iron Man, Fred Uytengsu
By Bill Velasco
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IT'S ALRIGHT, MA, I'M ONLY BLEEDING
A Memoir About Living with Madness
By Tad Ermitano
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SHOCK VALUE!
Quark Henares Stalks Sarah Silverman

ALSO:
Lourd de Veyra, Sarge Lacuesta, Alexis Tioseco, Yvette Tan, Mihk
Vergara, and many more!

Malu Fernandez -- The Most Hated Pinay in the World

Got this in the mail. It sums up the Malu Fernandez disaster very well. Perhaps more rich bastards will think twice before dissing the working class!

What bothers me is: a. why her editors didn't get any flack. After all, they approved the printing, didn't they? b. why all the fat jokes? Let's leave weight out of this. Good thing this piece steers away from that. c. most suspiciously, how does she know what Axe and Charlie smells like? Hmm?

Besides, what's so wrong with flying coach???!!!

Subject: The Most Hated Pinay]


The most hated pinay
August 28th, 2007

At least as far as millions of overseas Filipino workers and their
families are concerned, the "Most Hated Pinay"Award goes not to Imelda Marcos
or Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but to Manila society columnist MaluFernandez.

This dubious honor was attained by Ms. Fernandez with just one article which appeared in her regular Manila Daily Standard ("Fierce and Fabulous") column which dealtmainly with the hedonistic lifestyles of the Philippine rich and famous.In that piece, "From Boracay to Greece," which was also featured in the June 2007 issue of People Asia magazine, Fernandez wrote of her travel to Boracay and of her spur of the moment decision while
there to spend her HolyWeek vacation in Greece.

Fernandez is apparently accustomed to riding in first class or business class but on her flight to Greece, however, she decided to"bravely" fly in economy class.This is how she recounts her trip: "To save on my ticket, I bravely took an economy class seat on Emirates as recommended by my travel agent..However I forgot that the hub was in Dubai and the majority of the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) werestationed there. The duty-fee
shop was overrun with Filipino workers selling cell phones and perfume.

"Meanwhile, Iwanted to slash my wrist at the thought of being trapped in a plane with all of them. While I was on the plane (where the seat swere so small I had bruises on my legs), my only consolation was the entertainment on the small flatscreen in front of me. But it was busted, so I heaved a sigh, popped my sleeping pills and dozed off to the sounds of
gum chewing and endless yelling of "HOY! Kumusta ka na? At tagasaan ka? Domestic helper ka rin ba?"("Hey there! How are you? Where are you from? Are you also a domestic helper?) I thought I had died and God had sent me to my very own private hell."

After a nine-hour flight, Fernandez landed in Greece and quickly "washed the plane off" her as the "Louis Vuittons"under her eyes, she wrote, were "enormous."Despite the cold, she "bravely went about in a lightweight sweater and a throw." ("Bravely" is apparently herfavorite description of how she does things.) "On my wayback, I had to bravely take the economy flight once more. This time I had already resigned myself to being trapped like a sardine in a sardine can withall these OFWs smelling of AXE and Charlie cologne while Jo Malone evaporated into thin air."

From Meryl Streep, we learned that theDevil wears Prada. From Malu Fernandez, we know she also wears Jo Malone perfume, which sells for $100 per 100 ml bottle(approximately 5000 pesos), unlike the cheaper Axe and Charlie colognessome OFWs prefer.

As soon asFernandez' article was published, word about her condescending depiction of OFWs quickly spread throughthe Internet to the blogosphere of OFW communitiesthroughout the world, especially to the 1.5 million Filipinos in the Middle East. Through various OFW blogs,hundreds of Filipinos expressed their personal anger at the person they called the "mahaderang matapobre" (ameddlesome person who contemptuously looks down on the poor). [Google the words.]

Francis Sangalang wrote from Dubai: "We are already having a hard time here working under the hot climate then we get a strong below the belt blow by our own kabayan who has totally no idea on being an OFW." Ingrid Holm, from England, chimed in: "You wrote that youwanted to slit your wrists because you were stuck in coach with all the OFWs. I am moved every time I am on a flight with OFWs. I am reminded of their resilience. Of how hard they work, and how they keep the Philippines going. The economy relies on their bravery. You should have slit your wrists, hon. And you are going to hell if you don't change the way you think. Think of sitting in coach, imagining your personal hell as a personal foreshadowing."

The vitriol fueled by her article, which she personally thought was a product of her "acerbic wit", did not cause Malu Fernandez to back down one bit. Instead sheresponded by throwing gasoline to the fire: "The bottom line was just that I had offended the reader's socioeconomic
background. If any of these people actually read anything thicker then a magazine they would find it very funny. Most people don't get the fact that they need bitches like me to shake up their world; otherwise their lives would be boring andmediocre. I obviously write for a certain target audience and if what I write offends you, just stop reading."

So the lower classOFWs can't read anything thicker than a magazine,huh? And they should begrateful for self-proclaimed "bitches" like her for making their "boring and mediocre" lives exciting? If there were hundreds of Filipinos denouncing the "mahaderang matapobre" in various blogs and print publications before, her rejoinder caused thousands more to
vent their spleen ather utter contempt for the poor. In his blog, Loi Reyes Landicho compiled a list of things for OFWs to tell Malu Fernandez when they see her. Onthe top of the list was this: "In case you die, we'd like to attend your funeral. However, we'll probably just go to work
that day. You know. business before pleasure."

The "deeply personal insults" and "death threats" she received eventually caused her to resign from the Manila Daily Standard and People Asia. In her statement which she released in her website, Fernandez wrote:"To say that this article was not meant to malign, hurt or express prejudice against the OFWs now sounds hollow after reading through all the blogs from
Filipinos all over the world. I am deeply apologetic for my insensitivity and the offensive manner in which this article was written, I hear you all and I am properly rebuked. It was truly not my intention to malign, hurt or express erejudice against OFWs."

Even as she"bravely" travels around the world regularly, what Malu Fernandez failed to realize is how much the world she travels in has changed. Twenty years ago she could have written about the "quehorror!" of being surrounded by OFWs and gotten away with it. Not anymore. The Internet and the blogosphere it produced, coupled with the economic power of
their remittances, have empowered the OFWs and leveled the playing field.

It's not safe to be a "matapobre"now.

RODEL RODIS
The Pinoy

Pinoy Ako, Season 2

This is actually a press release forwarded to me, but I thought I'd post it anyway because it takes pride in the achievements of two international stars who have Pinoy blood running through their veins.

On a diffferent note, I can't wait for the day Enrique grows old and has a granddaughter and she points to picture of him at the heigh of is youth and say, "Is that you, lolo?" And Enrique will respond, "Look at my mole!" If you grew up in the Philippines in the 80's, you'll get the commercial I'm referring to.

Meanwhile, ketchup please, Luis!

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After the successful campaign of PINOY AKO!, which featured International recording artists Nicole of the Pussy Cat Dolls and APL of the Black Eyed Peas, MCA Music once again takes pride in showcasing more international Filipino superstars through PINOY AKO! Season 2 featuring Pinoy-Latin sensation Enrique Iglesias and Pinay-British Superstar Mutya Buena as they’re both topping the international music charts with their current hits!

Enrique Iglesias is the son of 70’s heartthrob Julio Iglesias with his Filipina wife, while Mutya was raised by her Irish mother and Pinoy father Jun Buena who currently works as Editor in Chief and Publisher of Hoy Magazine – a Filipino magazine based in London. Jun Buena hails from Leyte, am eminent province in the Visayas.

Both artists though raised in foreign lands still carry authentic Pinoy appeal and talent prominent in their latest offerings.

ENRIQUE IGLESIAS’ Hit Song “Do You Know” (The Ping Pong Song) maintains the record for the most weeks in the #1 position in radio charts in the U.S. and Puerto Rico . The single also dominates music stations in countries world wide, such as the U.K, Sweden , Spain , Holland , Switzerland , Argentina , Germany , Chile , Colombia and Mexico .

Enrique is also the most listened to artist of the year. Billboard certifies “Do You Know” in the #1 position in Radio audience for 10 weeks. Enrique is the only artist to obtain a double #1 during 4 consecutive weeks in radio and TV lists this year according to Nielsen Music Control.

Enrique’s album INSOMNIAC continues to climb the TOP 40 chart for the most sold albums in the U.K, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Holland, Switzerland, Canada, India and Mexico. In Europe “Do You Know” continues to firmly hold the #2 position in radio audience charts.

“Tired of Being Sorry”, the second single off INSOMIAC has just been released and is shaping up to be another mega-hit!

MUTYA BUENA, the half Pinay lass finally lands her first solo album. Mutya began her music career as one third of the multi-platinum selling girl band the Sugababes, during which time they released such hits as Freak Like Me, Hole In The Head, Ugly, and Push The Button.

She officially left the Sugababes on December 21, 2005 because of personal reasons. After leaving the Sugababes, Mutya began working on material for a solo career.

While working on her album, Mutya collaborated with big names in the UK music scene like Tah Mac, MC Viper, Groove Armada and George Michael for their forthcoming albums and Greatest Hits compilations.

"This Is Not Real Love", was released in December as part of George Michael's Greatest Hits album, Twenty Five and in 2006 she toured with the music icon on the London leg of his 25 Live tour and performed the song live with him. The song is also being released as a track on Mutya's solo album.

Her debut album "Real Girl", includes other collaborations with Johnny Douglas, Amy Winehouse and Groove Armada. The first single, the album's title track "Real Girl" entered the UK Singles Chart at No. 11 on downloads alone, climbing to No.2 after its CD release date. The song samples Lenny Kravitz's "It Ain't Over 'Till It's Over”.

Mutya and Enrique Iglesias are two world class acts. Half Filipinos but full-hearted Pinoys!

Australia Needs Your Help

Quick! Help the Australian government figure out what to have the visiting leaders wear during the APEC Summit leader's photo. Apparently, they have no national costume. Do we really want to see Mrs. Arroyo in a swimsuit? Eek!

Productivity is Underrated

In a fit of insanity, I ended up spending all of yersterday *working*. As in getting as much writing done as possible, working on administrative and planning my calendar for the year. And it felt great! Being productive is so much better than slacking off in front of McBurke and McBleach. There's a huge rush to the whole thing, a sense of purpose that makes me feel tingly all over. Now, off to more writing! :)

'Foster Child' opens in cinemas nationwide

Brillante Mendoza's "Foster Child," which had its world premiere at
the last Cannes International Film Festival, will open in cinemas
across the country starting Sept. 12.

Featuring the award-winning performance of Cherry Pie Picache (Best
Actress, 9th Osian's Cinefan International Festival in India), "Foster
Child" depicts the emotional struggles of Thelma, a foster mother from
the slums played by Picache, who receives a meager P1,500 monthly, and
a basic supply of milk, diapers and vitamins for every child placed in
her care.

Osian's Cinefan notices Picache's acting in the film as "a performance
that has managed to make even a fictional story look very much like a
slice of life." Picache's character is actually based on a real-life
foster parent working for a Philippine non-government organization,
Kaisang Buhay Foundation, which primarily helped her along the way to
portray the role with such authenticity.

Picache stars in the film along with Eugene Domingo, Jiro Manio, Alwyn
Uytingco, Dan Alvaro, and Kier Segundo.

Shot in real-time mode, director Mendoza, with script by Ralston
Jover, presents with deep empathy the situation of most foster
parents-for-hire in a third world country such as the Philippines.
International film critics find "Foster Child" as Mendoza's most
mature work to date.

"…'Foster Child,' like my early films, has personal affinity to me,
being an adoptive father myself of a little girl who came to my life
and brought sunshine to my somewhat dreary existence…Its
pre-production to actual shoot was very instinctive. I feel I've
become a more loving father, having been given a chance to peek into
the real lives of foster parents, foster children and adoptive parents
as well." says Mendoza.

Audiences at the Cannes International Film Festival gave the film a
10-minute standing ovation during its world premiere. "Critics find
the film very authentic, detailed, and moving. Filipinos are portrayed
as warm, and innately caring people," adds Robbie Tan, the film's
producer.

"Foster Child" is one among the current staples in the International
Film Festival circuit with scheduled screenings at the Montreal World
Film Festival on August to September, and at the Pusan International
Film Festival in October.

"Foster Child" is produced by Seiko Films, Inc. and distributed
internationally through Ignatius Film Canada.

Gospel Jam Production Management Seminar

Posting this for a friend. Tamang tama, mag-Papasko na. :)

SEPTEMBER 8, SATURDAY

PREPARING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION: A One-Day Seminar on Basic Directing & Production Management. This seminar is open to churches, ministries, schools, companies and other organizations which are currently planning for their cantatas, concerts, plays and any performance- oriented program or activity to celebrate the coming Yuletide season.

The seminar will be facilitated by theater & tv director-writer Mr. Mark Aranal who has had more than twenty years experience in directing and producing stage productions and events. This one-day crash course will cover the entire process of production from pre-prod to post-prod, rehearsals to performance, which includes budgeting, marketing, promotions and basic directing principles.

“Preparing For Your Christmas Production” will be held on September 8, Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the National Council of Churches in the Philippines Compound, 879 EDSA, West Triangle, Quezon City. Registration fee is P500 which covers lunch, snacks, and materials. This seminar is open to a limited number of participants only, so make your reservations now. For more info, call 927-0182, 0917-8466701 or 0918-3199646.

Do Not Read

An entry full of self pity. I told you not to read.

At the beginning of the year, I've been talking about travelling for my birthday. Unfortunately, due to lack of funds (this being the most minor of my problems) and the fear of the potential nagging from my mother (this being the biggest one -- I know, I know. sigh), I'm staying home on my birthday. How sad is it that a thirty year old woman has to dread the naggigng she's going to get from her mother? I think I'm 15 years too late to be sulking and rebellious but what else can someone with no life do? I wouldn't mind so much if only she didn't treat me like a (mostly empty) ATM machine as well. But as Bruce once said, what can you expect fro someone who grew up spoiled and rich and never had to work a day in her life? To make matters worse, she expects me to go to my nephew's birthday party ON MY BIRTHDAY. I'm sorry but I think I'm entitled notto give a flying **** about anybody but myself on my birthday. All my life, all I've wanted was to be left alone. Now, 30 years later, I'm still being nagged, coerced, threatened, and annoyed. No wonder I'm always so frowny and depressed. And no, I don't think the wrong parent died. I love my mother very much but sometimes, I wish I would just die so that she can collect my f***** insurance and I'd rest in peace. That way, everybody wins.