A personal blog which accounts my random thoughts about everything under the sun that interests and concerns me. Basically these are just my takes on almost all life's issues as I continuously search for this life's meaning... My Past... My Present... and My Future...
Cebu, Philippines - Philippines pride, The Dancing Inmates of Cebu", from Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) - a maximum security prison - were treated to a visit by the King of Pops' long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid to teach them learn the performances from THIS IS IT.
Cogratulations to our new teachers especially to our company's Ms. Julie Baker...
LEOJUN DELA PEÑA MARTUS
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 7,470 elementary teachers out of 26,812 examinees (27.86%) and 5,914 secondary teachers out of 23,975 examinees (24.67%) successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T) for April 2009 given by the Board for Professional Teachers in 15 testing centers all over the Philippines and 1 testing center in Hong Kong.
1.LORIVI ROBLES HUYABAN - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES -DILIMAN 90.00 2. CATHERINE JOY BATRINA CATALAN - UNIVERSITY OF PANGASINAN 89.80 3. DENA SASING CULABA - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 89.40 4. AILEEN REYES MACAPAGAL - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 88.80 5. HERSHEY GAMBON CALMA - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 88.40 6. CHARMAINE VILLARICA ARIEM - HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY 88.20 7. GIAN CARLO SALABAO AUXILIAN - SAINT ANTHONY'S COLLEGE-ANTIQUE 87.80 7. MA BELLE DESIREE GAPUSAN CASIÑO - XAVIER UNIVERSITY 87.80 7. MARJORIE MENDOZA JIMENEZ - NATIONAL TEACHER'S COLLEGE 87.80 7. CHARLA ROCHELLA GINO GINO SANTIAGO - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 87.80 8. SHEILA ANN CLARION DALLEGO - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 87.40 9. MICHELLE REYES AGAS - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 87.20 9. KAREN MAE ABRAHAM ALMIN - DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-LIPA 87.20 9. "LLA" MANUEL CAGUNGUN - NATIONAL TEACHER'S COLLEGE 87.20 9. XYRA MEL OBILLO DUQUE - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 87.20 9. AIZA VALENZONA PANSACALA - TALISAY CITY COLLEGE 87.20 10. MARY ROSE TEOPE CULANGGO - NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY 86.80
*SECONDARY LEVEL
1. BENEDICT ENRIQUEZ BARAYUGA - CENTRAL LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY 91.60 1. GERARD VINCENT TANCHANCO MENDOZA - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 91.60 2. ROCHELLE MADJUS RAZO - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 90.60 3. ALBERT ANGELES BASA - PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY-MANILA 90.00 4. SWAGGERT CALADO TACIO - SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 89.60 5. ARLANO REVILLA AQUINO - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-BAGUIO CITY 89.20 5. JEAN MARZO GINEZ - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 89.20 6. JOYCE TAN FANG - UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 88.80 6. ARNOLD MAGAT VIRAY - PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY-MANILA 88.80 7. VANESSA CLAIRE KATIMBANG GORDOVEZ - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-LOS BAÑOS 88.60 7. MURITA ANTONIA SEGUI PANGANIBAN - DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-MANILA 88.60 7. GARNETTE MAE TAJODA VILLAFLOR - MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY- ILIGAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 88.60 8. LEONILA WILHELMINA NACUA BALTAZAR - UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 88.40 8. CARISA CASAÑA BLANCAS - SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY 88.40 8. JACQUELINE VALLADO BONGALONTA - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 88.40 8. ANTONIO MARIA QUIMSON MONTEMAYOR - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 88.40 8. BABELENE TIU PAGSUYOIN - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 88.40 8. MARIA VICTORIA ANG PARAS - UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS 88.40 8. APRIL YAP PATIGAS - DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-MANILA 88.40 9. RANDY BIANES BARBO - ADAMSON UNIVERSITY 88.20 9. FERNANDO DOMINGO CARANTO CABANGON - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 88.20 9. MARIA ARMEE MIRAVALLES JAVELLANA - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 88.20 9. MARIA CARLINA VERCHES ROA - SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY 88.20 10. GREGORIO APUES LEGAL - OSMEÑA COLLEGE-MASBATE 88.00 10. MARK JOEL LOTA VILLACORTE - UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN 88.00
Starstruck 3 Ultimate Survivor Marky Cielo reportedly died earlier today, December 7, 2008. The cause of death is not yet clear. - Noel Orsal
PEP (Philippine Entertainment portal) received a confirmed report earlier this afternoon, December 7, that young actor Marky Cielo died at dawn today. He was 20 years old.
However, the cause of death is not yet clear. An initial report says that marky died in his sleep. His mother went up to his room in their house in Antipolo City, around 6 AM to wake him up for the charity event. But he never woke up - PEP
Oh my God! That was the first thing that came out my mouth when I heard the news.
I just can't believe it, but it's true! It was confirmed.
Is it another Rico Yan's Story? The thing is I don't know, but this news really saddened me. First of all, I like Marky Cielo. I've watch him grow as a star since the very beginning, way back starstruck 3 era... and he's just too young to die, he`s even younger than Rico Yan when the latter died.
Anyway just check out the complete article at PEP.
May he rest in peace.
P.S. My God, I really still can't believe it. I hope this is just a dream, wake me up when it's over. I still couldn't compose a good post about this, and I even find it hard to write this stuff...
Now that Obama won the Presidential election of the United States, what's next?
Honestly speaking, I am one of the millions of people worldwide who's rooting for Barack Hussein Obama II. And truly I was happy when it was proclaimed that he's the new President-elect of the United States.
But with Barack Obama elected as the 44th President of the United States, every Call Center agent like me is wondering if his victory will truly affect the Outsourcing Industry. Taking a tough stand against outsourcing, Obama said before that the choice is between giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas or give benefit to those corporations that keep jobs domestically. He has been very aggressive on this issue from the very beginning. Initially, he vehemently opposed the outsourcing of jobs outside US.
Truly, there have been worries that an Obama presidency will spell the slow death of the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry here in the Philippines. Obama has been quite consistent on his stand that companies who outsource jobs to countries like India and the Philippines should not be given tax breaks. But it was a good thing that I was able to watch an interview with US Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Kenney about Obama’s stand on outsourcing. According to her, Obama didn’t really say that he wants other people to lose a job but what he just wanted is for Americans to have a job. Somehow, that statement from Ambassador Kenney relieved the fear about losing my job.
Moreover, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney gave assurances that an Obama presidency will not affect the growth of the BPO industry in the country, noting that he will be sensitive to the business relationships and alliances America has with the Philippines instead. She also added that Obama will also be concerned with the economic prosperity of strategic partners like the Philippines.
On my personal note, every country should really look at its interests and see whether it should allow certain trade practices or not. What is wrong with that? I have nothing against Obama on this one. Nobody is talking about rollback of globalization, but if it is not working for the country and its people (now, economically, am not sure that is the case), there are certain changes to be made.
Yet, it is still really too early to predict Obama's course of action. Few months down the line, things will be clear.
As for rooting for Obama, or why I wanted Obama for US President, it is certainly because he is a story of inspiration - he doesn't come from the family of politicians, he belongs to a class that suffered racial prejudice for the longest time, his dad left when he was two years old. He is self-made and he has a message of hope that resonates with most people regardless of nationality. Surely he is an image for a change.
And yes, with Obama being the 44th President of the United States, I believe that our time for change has come! Take note that I use 'our' instead of 'your' since I certainly believe that it's not just for US alone, but for the whole world as well.
What do you get when you give 10 of the most promising Filipino artists billboards across key locations in Metro Manila as their canvass?
2nd Media Communications launches the 'Biggest Outdoor Gallery In Asia'! And it`s the 'Manila Outdoor Gallery'.
Wow! Amazing isn`t it... especially knowing the fact that it would be the biggest here in Asia region. Oh boy, I`m just too proud... of course I`m proud to be a Filipino, but hey hey hey this is really something that makes me more proud than ever.
... So what`s with 'Manila Outdoor Gallery' that makes it the biggest outdoor gallery in Asia anyway? Well just picture it this way... what would you get when you give 10 of the most promising Filipino artists billboards across key locations in Metro Manila as their canvass? Yes, a number of considered art masterpieces not only here in the Philippines but in the whole world by Filipino artists on your way to and from work. Isn`t it amazing? Isn`t it something that you would surely look forward to when you`re about to go to work and about to went home from work?
Anyway, picture North Luzon Expressway, EDSA and South Luzon Expressway as venues for these masterpieces. And now, there won’t be a need to imagine as 2ND MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS liberates art for Filipinos by transforming major Metro Manila thoroughfares into an art trail for the launch of the biggest outdoor gallery in Asia.
Through 2ND MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS, the Manila Outdoor Gallery Route will traverse North Luzon Expressway and EDSA up to South Luzon Expressway to show support for the ongoing movement of saving the environment. Yes, you read it right! It`s not only for our amusement but also for a cause... It`s actually part of the ongoing movement of saving today`s environment, our environment.
And so again, wouldn’t it be cool to see a number of art masterpieces on your way to and from work? and wouldn`t it be nice to know that it`s not only there to amuse us but as a part of the ongoing movement of saving today`s world? I bet it is, and I bet you`ll agree with me! Haha, seems like you don`t have any option dude but just to agree with what I say or with what I write. Haha. But yes, it`s really cool!
You might think that I am being too redundant with the way I write this article, but yes I really am. I admit it and it`s simply because I just couldn`t help myself in 'wow' with this stuff. And again, I am just too proud of it. Wonder whose brilliant idea this is...
I support this stuff, and why not do the same... this is really something that we Filipinos should be proud of!
Another tiring week is about to end today, and I`m just really glad that it`s rest day again tomorrow! Hurray! LOL.
But before this tiring week end, I`d like to join another blogger`s contest. Oh my, seems like I`m fun of entering different blogger`s contest lately especially this month of October. Anyway, it`s just for fun and who knows, maybe I`ll be one of the lucky winners.
... So what about the contest? Well it`s actually run by Mommy Ruby of Pinay Mommy Online. And yes, the contest is just really as simple as you can think of.
According to Mommy Ruby, she`s going on a vacation to Bacolod and since it will take her an indefinite blogger’s leave, she just thought of making a definite blog contest aside from her upcoming blogversary.
And in order for you to qualify, you simply need to answer two simple questions which are:
“There are two cities in the Philippines that are called the City of Smiles and the City of Golden Friendship. What are the names of these cities?”
My answers: City of Smiles – Bacolod City City of Golden Friendship – Cagayan de Oro City
Yes, just as simple as that, and you`re in... but of course you still need to follow other mechanics. But hey, I forget to mention that there`s an important note that you should remember and it states that... ONLY VALID ANSWERS WILL BE ENTITLED TO THE ELECTRONIC RAFFLE VIA RANDOM.ORG. CONTEST WILL END OCTOBER 31, 2008. Hehe.
So just simply visit Mommy Ruby`s contest post for more detailed information of the mechanics or simply click HERE!
Wish me luck, and I`ll wish you luck as well. Hehe. Peace guys!
In relation to our campaign and as a continuation of the article I`ve written last Thursday, October 2, 2008 entitled Our HOPES Need Hope, this month of October the whole Philippines is celebrating its 16th National Children`s Month in recognition of every Filipino child as the most valuable asset of our society with its theme "BRIGHT CHILD: Sa Tamang Pag-aaruga, Kinabukasan ay Maginhawa".
Yes, it is indeed a blessed event that October has been declared by our government as National Children`s Month joining the whole world in its celebration of Universal Children`s Day that was formally established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954. This is the time for us to heighten up our awareness on the life of every children not only here in the Philippines but in the whole wide world as well.
In today`s Filipino society the existence of abuses against the dignity of children is constantly increasing and it is really alarming. Examples are the [•] the rising phenomenon of street children roaming our metropolis [•] the unjust practice of child labor and [•] children being sexually abused and even murdered. Thus, I must say, that there is really a greater need of our special and intensified attention and utmost concern.
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Remember that a child is a gift...
Below is a music video released for Children`s Rights Campaign.
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Again consider some of my thoughts...
Every Filipino has one single aspiration and that is to live life here in the Philippines to its fullness... Thus, it only means to say that every single Filipino child aspire the same.
There have been several efforts established for a child-friendly justice system here in the Philippines yet there are still so many children that are still often harassed by some law-enforcement officers especially the new ones. For this very reason, I suggest that advocacy efforts should always be continued for the creation of a Juvenile Justice System and a separate facility for minors. There is still really a need to continue to orient, train and advocate among law enforcers on the rights of a child, the psychodynamics of street children, children in conflict with the law, the sexually abused and exploited, and the street children substance abusers.
The way I see it, Politics or should I say politicians are really the main reason why child abuse happens for they give little priority to the implemention of children`s rights and welfare. Most of the time, they only do boast their paperworks and legal requirements in the promotion of children`s welfare, yet the truth is they have failed implementing their own policies and programs because of lack of their political will... For some reason, I am just thinking that maybe it`s because children in the first place are not legal voters.
While significant progress has been achieved in the area of child health, still it`s a fact that there is still high levels of underlying malnutrition and childhood illness in the country. This is because of the rapid-growth of Filipino children population and the increasing number of poverty in the country.
The reason why there is a need to celebrate Children`s month is because this is the only time for us to reflect and be more aware of what`s really happening to our future`s hope. If we will just open our eyes and look around us, surely we`ll be able to realize why is there a need for us to be aware... of why there is a greater need for us to be involved. What we`ll do today to help them, is what our future generation beholds.
Let`s be part of a child-friendly movement. Children themselves, families, communities, church, government and other related groups should participate to place each child at the center of development efforts to effect sensitization of society toward child-friendliness. Let us help each other in promoting the rights of children to survival, development, protection and participation. Let us prioritize and address issues and concerns affecting the full realization of the rights of children to heighten awareness, and monitor and evaluate allocation of resources and implementation of policies, programs and services for children.
Let us all do our share. This is the time for us to act, for us to help, for us to be involved. For they are the HOPES who surely need hope. They surely need us, let`s just let them know and let them feel that we`re still here for them and that they`re not alone after all.
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For some other information and references...
PHILIPPINES LAWS & ISSUANCES ON CHILDREN
• R.A. 6655 (Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988) • R.A. 6972 (Barangay Day Care Law) • R.A. 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons) • R.A. 7323 (Summer and/or Christmas Employment for Poor Students) • R.A. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) [click to download] • R.A. 7624 (An Act Integrating Drug Prevention and Control in School Curricula) • R.A. 8044 (The Youth in Nation-Building Act of 1995) • R.A. 8504 (AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1988) • R.A. 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) • R.A. 8980 (Early Childhood Care and Development Law) • Republic Act 9208 ( Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) • R.A. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) • R.A. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006) • Executive Order No. 56 (Authorizing the Ministry of Social Services and Development to Take Protective Custody of Child Prostitutes and Sexually Exploited Children and for Other Purposes) • Proclamation No. 731 (Declaring the 2nd Week of February of Every Year as "National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation) • Proclamation No. 267 (Declaring October as National Children's Month)
In relation to our campaign, I would like you guys to visit the websites listed below which has greater emphasis on the betterment of Filipino Children.
I`m suppose to post this music video on my other blog which happens to be purely about the Philippines, but because `twas still under contruction so I just then decided to post it here first as "My Featured Music Video" for today. And I wanna dedicated this post to all fellow Filipinos around the globe especially to all my friends who happened to be working abroad and far from home. I hope you`ll like this post guys. I know how you missed Philippines.
21 top Filipino artists... 5 recording days... 1 song... About one great country...
"BIYAHE TAYO" is the title of today`s "My Featured Music Video". `twas a fantastic song collaboratedly performed by various popular Filipino artists and was set to promote domestic travel and tourism in the Philippines in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Philippines...
Some of the leading Filipino singers and musicians had contributed their talents and voices for the first time in putting together a song and a music video which encourages fellow Filipinos to travel in their own country and other foreign nationals to come and visit the variety of wonders of the Philippines.
"BIYAHE TAYO" actually highlighted the Philippine`s top tourist destinations along with some most awaited events of the country and some various Filipino cultures.
Grabe! Ang ganda talaga ng Pilipinas! [Wow! Philippines is really wonderful!].
Thus, I am inviting you to come and see the several beautiful spots and cultures of the philippines, come to discover the wonders of one great country and enjoy warm welcome from Filipinos like me!
It`s a happy October 1st for YennyGirl.com! She`s currently celebrating her 3 yrs in blogging. Plus the fact that her little peanut will celebrate his 10 month this coming Friday! So in order to celebrate she`s running a fun contest for everyone to enjoy and join!
1. Subscribe to my feed via email located right top most (Required) - 1 Entry 2. Blog about the contest along with the Prizes and Sponsors {You MUST include the Prizes and Sponsors}- 5 Entries - If you have multiple blogs, much better. Each blog post along with the Prizes and Sponsors is 5 Entries. 3. Add me in your Technorati. I have tons of blogs so, each blog counts as 1 Entry. 4. Digg, Stumble, Technorati Fave, Delicious and Reddit this contest- 1 entry each 5. Leave a comment in this post telling me what you did. 1 Entry. 6. Comment to any of my post. From October 1 to October 25 and you`ll have 1 entry each comment. -Just make it sure that it`s a sentence! LOL And STRICTLY NO SPAMMING, PLEASE!
The Contest Ends on the 24th of October so if you wish to participate you must enter before that date. Winners will be announced a week after so that will be October 31st! And also, winners will be pick through Random.org!
Enjoy and Let`s have some fun! Goodluck to All and God Bless!
Last September 26, 2008 a group of Filipino bloggers who are entrecard members managed to run a contest for the purpose of spreading the word about the need to adopt and implement effective policies that will promote child welfare here in the Philippines and maybe for the rest of the world too.
Now, the question is... Why is there really a need to implement effective policies that will promote children`s welfare?
But first, before we answer that question, let us first define if what really a child is? I`m just thinking that almost all of us know what a child is, but never did we realize who they really are and what their purpose really is in our society.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child is every human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier. And biologically, a child is anyone in the developmental stage of childhood which is between infancy and adulthood. And according to the law applicable to Philippines, they recognized a child as a basic sector distinct from youth and students.
Now what are their role and how important are they in our society? As of today, it is considered that children played an important role within the family which as we all know is the fundamental unit of our society. They`re the most sacred treasure we have nowadays. They are the foosteps of every community. And more importantly, Children are said to be the hope of our future.
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On November 28, 2007, a certain columnist named Mong Palatino who happens to be a youth activisit, the news editor that time of Yehey! [a Philippine-based web portal, and I`m not sure if he`s still the news editor at this point], and a Global Voices correspondent, wrote a certain commentary article with greater emphasis to the rights of the Filipino children. Entitled "Commentary: Is the Philippines child-friendly?" which was posted on UPI Asia.com, Mr. Palatino summarized and questioned the actions that the Philippine Government is doing in implementation of Children`s Rights and Children`s Welfare.
Accordingly, the Philippines is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Every administration has committed to building a child-friendly society where children are "nurtured and allowed to grow and develop in dignity." And that more than a decade ago, the government adopted a Philippine Plan of Action for Children in order to realize a child-sensitive society. But then the government has failed because of lack of political will and by not realizing the importance of those obligations.
I even agree when Mr. Palatino said that Children`s rights are the most important human rights. And that Children are among the most ignored and discriminated against sectors of the Philippine society.
Now consider some of my thoughts below regarding this matter...
`twas said that the Philippines has long been committed to ensuring the rights of children, particularly their rights to survival, protection, development and participation. ••• Yet, until this point I don`t see any improvement regarding the said matter.
Government efforts to ensure progress towards the attainment of its goals for children had always failed, and it`s accordingly because of financial crisis. ••• For me, it`s not really the financial crisis but the unnecessary and unproper government spending such as unproper budget allocation and the several projects by several corrupt government officials.
••• An effective way to promote enjoyment of Children`s rights is not only through the provision of direct services to them, but by providing favorable world and national economic environments where their parents or older siblings could be empowered to help meet the children`s needs.
••• The Government among other sectors should always give emphasis and special attention to the rights and well-being of children... giving them the right to represent and participate in several government plans.
••• The Government should also acknowledge the need to address the gap between the enactment of laws and the enforcement of these laws. Aside from the need to set-up functional and efficient monitoring systems, the need to educate the public and the government officials and other public/civil servants about these child-focused laws and policies must always be considered essential. `twas evident that the lack of public awareness and understanding within the justice system about national laws which were specifically intended to provide special protecton measures for children had contributed to this lack of commitment to enforcing these laws.
••• The mission to give voice to the Filipino children by providing them with a link to the highest office in the land is really necessary. But proving them voice alone won`t help them unless the Government is also prepared to lend them an ear and hear their voices.
••• Lastly, the national government along with different local governments must understand and appreciate the importance of these obligations and the fulfillment of these commitments for the benefit of a brighter future and brighter society.
Remember always that Children are the key to our success in the future and that is actually the very reason why they are considered the hopes of our future. Whatever we do today to help them will surely benefit the lives and the society of our next generation.
Thus, I am encouraging not just politicians but all of us to participate and contribute to the promotion of a Child-Friendly governance.
You may be wondering if if this post or article would be in existence if there would have been no contest at all. Honestly, the answer is I don`t know... But this is what I wanna tell you. The contest helped me realize the importance of articles like this. It opened my eyes to what is really happening today and thus making me aware of the current condition and situation of our children today. In this regard, I would really like to be involved. I wanna help even just in my own little ways our children of today. They surely need us, let`s just let them know and let them feel that we`re still here for them and that they`re not alone after all.
Our future HOPES need hope!
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I would like to thank the following Filipino bloggers who have managed to conceptualize and made such contest possible:
I`m featuring another Filipino artist for "My Featured Music Video" post this time. And since I normally feature a music video of a solo artist or a duet, now I have just decided then to feature a musical group which is most commonly known as "band"... specifically or particularly a "pop/rock band".
'Pop or Rock Bands' have long been a part of the music industry. Normally it includes a guitarist, a bassist, a drummer, a keyboardist and one or more singer who may or may not be instrumentalists themselves. Their music are generally marked by a consistent and noticeable rhythmic element, mainstream style and traditional structure.
Today, it has been a fact that 'pop bands' have continuously growing in numbers in almost all parts of the world. But despite of this, still there are just few bands which continue to influence me in my life especially with my interest in music. And SOUTH BORDER is just one of them, and that`s the main reason why I chose to feature them for my very first 'pop band' post of "My Featured Music Video"
SOUTH BORDER is actually a Filipino Pop and R&B band formed in the `90s who gained their most recognitions in the music industry especially here in the Philippines in the 2000s. With Jay Durias being the lead and creative genius of the group, they`re just one of the few bands who has nevertheless retained their unique sound and musical sensibility and have even moved up along the latest global trends in music, thus retaining their top spot in their particular music genre.
The music video above is entitled "WHEREVER YOU ARE" performed by no other than SOUTH BORDER themselves! This is actually one of my favorites among their singles, plus the very fact that the music video is awesome and so meaningful... I mean, just by merely watching the video alone you`ll surely understand the meaning of the song. Honestly speaking, the song really hit me! But I`d rather not elaborate, haha.
`twas just so sad to learn that for the nth time, another breakup happened to the group. For those of you who may not know it, `twas actually just last year when Vince and Duncan who happen to be my favorite vocalists of the group [aside from Jay Durias of course], left the band for good... but I can`t blame them. Like what Jay had mentioned on his message people grow and learn a lot of new things and at that point, Duncan and Vince have decided to move on and pursue their career to greater lengths and take a different route. And just like what we always say, "Life comes with a lot of surprises". I just hope that I could still see them singing together even just once in a while. Because as a fan, I will surely miss them.
Anyhow, just enjoy this music video... since they`re still together on this video.
It`s time again for another "My Featured Music Video". And today, I would like to share this music video of "WE COULD BE IN LOVE" which happens to be my ultimate favorite song of Lea Salonga who happens to be one of my favorite Filipino singers. Ooops, she`s now Lea Salonga-Chien.
"WE COULD BE IN LOVE" is a duet by Lea Salonga and Brad Kane who are the same persons behind the song "A WHOLE NEW WORLD" of the Disney movie "ALADDIN".
Whenever I hear this song, it always brings back old memories - my childhood memories should I say. As far as I can remember, I first heard this song during my elementary years... guess I was Grade 3 then, so just imagine how young I am those days but I can already relate to the song, lol. This is actually my song for my dear beloved friend Troy Amiel Araneta, who happens to be my classmate when I was in Grade 3 and Grade 4 at Tomas Sagon Elementary School, Pagadian City [I just don`t know if this school is still in existence]. Unfortunately we lost our communication when my family decided to transfer and live in Zamboanga City, so until this time I still don`t have any news about him. I`ve been like searching for him for how many years now, but it seems like I`m too unlucky with my search... But still I am not closing my doors to possibilities, and I could say that I am still positive that one day we`ll meet again. Who knows maybe this blog or this post might help me with my search [crossing my fingers, haha]. There are so many things that remind me of him, but the ultimate one is this song, because I actually dedicated this song to him.
With regards to the music video, I`d say that I really don`t like it that much. Maybe from the scale of 1-10 and 10 being the highest, I`ll give it 6.5. Lea was good, Brad was good and the song is really good, it`s just that the music video is most likely just a concept of a certain amateur director. The concept of the video doesn`t really fit the concept of the song. I have nothing against the video or against the director of the video, but maybe it just so happen that they only have limited resources that time... Just imagine how old the video is, and multimedia during those days was not that advanced as what we have right now. Anyway, still I like it coz if I don`t then surely I wouldn`t be featuring the music video at all.
So just enjoy the song...
Note: I personally would like to dedicate this post to a fellow blogger Dave Montero a.k.a miong21 who will be celebrating his birthday on the 30th of this Month. He may not know it, but he`s one of the reasons why I started blogging. Miong, I know how you liked Lea Salonga that much, that`s why I decided to feature my ultimate Leah Salonga`s song just for you. Anyway, Happy Birthday in advance and I wish you good health and contentment in your personal life. I also hope that you`ll have many more birthdays to come... Hope you`ll continue blogging! Thanks again.
In relation to what I have posted earlier today, I decided to feature CHARICE PEMPENGCO`s rendition or version of "MY HEART WILL GO ON" as "My Featured Music Video" for this particular time.
"MY HEART WILL GO ON" is the theme song of the 1997 blockbuster movie "TITANIC" which was released in 1997. It was written by Will Jennings and James Horner and was recorded and performed by Celine Dion and included in her album "LET`s TALK ABOUT LOVE". Just like the movie, it also became blockbuster and went number 1 all over the world for how many months. And accordingly, it`s also considered to be the second most successful song released by a solo female artist.
The music video above is actually a live performance of Charice Pempengco with David Foster on Oprah`s show last September 9, 2008. I can say that it`s just the same as the usual live performances videos you often see or watch, but if you`ll listen to it carefully you`ll definitely know the difference... I just loved the way Charice sang "MY HEART WILL GO ON" on this video. Her rendition or version of the song is truly different from the original one. It`s simply amazing and brilliant! Absolutely, she made the song her own. Hope she`ll be able to record this song in her upcoming album, and for sure I`ll grab a copy. Haha.
While browsing a friend`s blog earlier, I noticed a certain post which caught my interest and concern... And exactly the reason why I am posting the issue or the topic here at my blog.
There`s a new campaign in the world, and it`s THE CHANGE FROM MAN-MADE STRUCTURES TO TREASURES OF NATURE... After the success of the first campaign of New7Wonders Foundation for choosing the "New 7 Wonders of the World", now they have organized the second campaign which is to choose the "New 7 Wonders of Nature". New7Wonders Founder and President Bernard Weber notes, "We are finding the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign to be excitingly different from the first one. So many breathtakingly beautiful, natural places are still quite unknown to many. From waterfalls to fjords, rainforests to mountain peaks, freshwater lakes to salt flats, we are discovering together the incredible beauty and variety of our planet."
Now what`s the good news? Good news is, for about nearly 300 natural sites in the world which have been nominated for the campaign, four of them are our very own or should I say from Philippines. These nominees are clearly defined as Philippines natural sites or natural monuments that were not created or significantly altered by Filipinos for aesthetic reasons.
Below are the four [4] Philippine Nominees for the New set of Seven [7] Wonders of Nature in no particular order [Mayon Volcano • Tubbataha Reef • Chocolate Hills • Puerto Princesa]...
According to the GMA News Report, the rank of the sites representing Philippines in the bid for the New Seven [7] Wonders of Nature has gone down... So to ensure that one of the sites will make it to the top 7, then we really need your help. So please support and vote.
For the benefit of other bloggers around and to my viewers/readers, to make it easier for you to support and vote for Philippine Sites which are nominees for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, I decided to post the current live ranking of the Philippine nominees here. All you need to do is to click the "vote now for _____" button inside those live ranking boxes above and presto, your vote[s] are in! But of course your vote[s] will only be officially counted after you fill-out some necessary information required to be filled-out. Anyway it will not take long, so just be patient enough... remember that it`s for our own good.
So what are we waiting for, let`s show them what we`ve got and how supportive Filipinos are! Let`s make a difference... Let`s make things happen for all of us Filipinos.
"If we want to save anything, we first need to truly appreciate it." - Bernard Weber
Have you heard the news? Have you heard what`s one of the latest and hottest news in the Philippines? Well, just incase you still don`t know [since maybe you`re not so concern enough or you`re just too busy to check for the latest news and update] then let me tell you. CHARICE PEMPENGCO RETURNS TO OPRAH! And guess what? SHE`s SINGING WITH CELINE DION!
For the nth time around, Philippine singing sensation Charice Pempengco made us all Filipino proud. And for the second time around, she was invited by Oprah to her show by special request of Oprah herself, not to mention that Oprah`s whole episode last September 9, 2008 was especially dedicated to the young Filipino singer. Amazing isn`t it? What is more surprising is the fact that at the end of the show, Oprah granted Charice`s wish which is to meet and sing with one of her favorite music icon and idol, Celine Dion.
Though it was only through satellite feed, but the fact remains that Charice was able to interact with Celine live. Charice even cried, jumped and was really surprised when Celine`s face filled the big screen and when the latter greeted her. Oprah, who knew about the surprise beforehand [since obviously it`s her surprise for Charice], still shed a tear in seeing the joy in Charice`s face.
Here`s the flow of Celine Dion`s message to Charice:
"Hi Charice. Hi sweetheart. I have to tell you that I`m speechless... to start with, and it`s not a good way to start. I have heard you sing. I have seen some or a little of your story and I am extremely ecstatic like the rest of the world who`s watching right now. I can tell you that we have lots of things in common.. And I also had a mother, and still have a mother, who is my strength. My passion I carry in my heart and so my beauty - and David Foster, you cannot even think about finding somebody even better than that to bring the best out of you. You have more talent than most people. You can sing, you can speak and sing with your heart, you can play guitar, you can draw... and you can have dreams because your life story is quite a painful one. Thank God your strength comes from your mother and your heart will go on and I am pretty sure of that... I`m going to be singing at Madison Square Garden. And if I may... I would love to... I would love to propose something, I would love to do something very special with you. Next week, I`m gonna be singing at Madison Square Garden and I would love to ask you to come and sing a duet with me... And we can sing together, maybe we can sing "Because You Love Me", and maybe we can dedicate this song to your mother. So I hope you can travel and come to New York and meet with me."
Charice was so speechless on hearing the things that Celine had said. Still crying and speechless, Charice could only gesture a bow to thank her... and in the end, Charice could only utter, "Thank you."
I advice you to search and browse the web for more detailed info, story, videos and feeds about this. Also, please check Charice` rendition of Celine`s "My Heart Will Go On" with David Foster, on this Oprah`s episode. It`s very brilliant! She made the song sound like her very own.
Today`s "My Featured Music Video" is a remake performed by Kyla a.k.a "Philippines R&B Princess" which is originally performed by Taylor Dayne and written by Dianne Waren with the title "LOVE WILL LEAD YOU BACK". It`s actually about a woman who is willing to set her lover free because she`s certain and confident enough that one day his love will lead him back to her.
With this music video, Kyla won the recently concluded MYX Music Awards 2008 as MYX Music Awards 2008 Favorite Remake and was also nominated as MYX Music Awards 2008 Favorite Mellow Video and MYX Music Awards 2008 Favorite Female Artist. Also, she`s currently nominated for two categories of the much awaited 2008 Awit Awards: [1] Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist for "Love Will Lead You Back" and [2] Best Ballad for "It`s Over Now" [it`s suppose to be three if you`ll consider the Best Vocal Arrangement category for "Love Will Lead You Back"]. Hope and pray she`ll win those categories.
By the way, "Love Will Lead You Back" is Kyla`s carrier/first single in her latest album "HEARTFELT" [released last 2007] which is all about matters of the heart.
I personally loved Kyla`s version of this song, and I`d consider it as song for the hopeful. Though the official music video is quite simple but it has shown Kyla`s mature approach to singing, and I can even feel her emotion while watching the music video. She has definitely evolved. Kudos Kyla!
A question from an office buddy earlier resulted me of creating this kind of post. Just realized, why not let my viewers and readers know exactly what type or kind of music [music video] that interests me. Perhaps, it may help them learn and understand the kind of person I am.
So I decided to come up with "My Featured Music Videos". This shall be a series of post which will document all my favorite musics [music videos] and also the artists behind every videos I`ll be featuring.
Since this will be my very first post of this kind, I decided to feature my all time favorite Filipino singer who has in one way or another inspired me in different aspects of my life and she would be no other than Ms. Regine Velasquez better known as "Asia`s Songbird". Her story is something that one person should learn and set as an example...
Anyway, my featured music video for today is entitled "BABAE AKO" performed by Regine Velasquez. This is actually the theme song for the first ever all-Filipino full-length animated movie about a princess from Philippine folklore entitled "URDUJA". I consider this music video as one of Regine`s greatest music videos so far... and hope she`ll come up with another one great video again.
Hope you`ll enjoy watching... You`ll be the judge!
So in order to celebrate she`s running a fun contest for everyone to enjoy and join! 
[image taken from http://www.cgstock.com/4186]
[image taken from http://www.unesco.org/delegates/philippines/html/body_r1.htm]
