Hopeful, Happier Hale

I've known Champ, Sheldon, Omnie and Roll for almost four years now and I've never heard them this happy before. Hale is known for their melodrama brand of music, but their latest album Above, Over and Beyond (Php 299) showed that they're soo over that phase.

I am actually excited for this week to end and hoped that it's already Monday for me to get my hands on this album because I've heard Champ and Sheldon rave about it for months now. But last night, I was one of those few lucky fans who have bought the band's much anticipated album before anyone else. I got the album from the band themselves, and of course I asked them to sign it for me.

Still on my jammies, I excitedly played the CD as early as 6am this morning. I've had a long night at Eastwood and only had three hours of sleep because my adrenalin is still sky-high. The band had been playing the first track "Over and Over (and Over again)" on their recent gigs so I am more looking forward to hearing the other tracks. Of course, "Sundown" from the latest Close-Up Ad is another given. But where is the usual sad, melodrama tone? It's definitely not in "A Happy Song" or "Pitong Araw". Not that I am complaining, but only morsels of sadness ("Skip the Drama" "Requiem" and "The End") and more jumpy, hopeful and happy tunes is what this album is all about.

Hale had really gone above, over and beyond their "tortured soul" phase. One complain though: I noticed a big change (well, this started with the second album) with their song writing. Bring back the poetic lyrics like the ones that you had on your first album, please.

Popping The Question

Soulmate: some believe that it exist, while some don't.

Maybe you are wondering why I am being so mushy-wushy at this time of the year. The heat of the sun may be the one to blame, but the scorching weather made me realize that the wedding month is just around the corner. For a lot of people, June is wedding month. Many consider this month as the perfect time to get married because everything gets cozier and laid-back because of the breezy season. Of course, there will not be any wedding at all until someone pops the magic question while kneeling down on one knee and holding the most adorable Diamond Rings. I was reminded of my friend Mark who recently popped the question to his girlfriend. He had it perfectly planned; from carefully selecting the perfect band from the wide selection of Emerald Rings from his girlfrien's favorite jewelry store to the people that he wants to be present during the proposal and engagement party.

I am currently helping another friend of mine who will also be popping the question soon to find the perfect ring. I won't mention his name since it'll spoil the plan, hehe. I told him to check out the Wedding and Engagement Rings at http://www.sndgems.com/ to give him choices and ideas of the ones out in the market. He insisted that he would find the time to walk around shops in the Metro to look for the perfect ring, but I told him that if ever he'll decide to brave it out and purchase one online, he may want check out the beautiful Sapphire Rings, Ruby Rings, and Eternity Rings the website offers. The online store also offers the best collection of Wedding Anniversary Rings where they give customers the best deals and discounts. I shared to him that he can also ask his questions about rings and other jewelries with the online store's consultant through a live chat.

Warm Up

Corpus Christi real estate had made it to the top of Jeanie's list of possible sponsors. She heard they're generous and is easy to talk to when it comes to charitable movements. She's now brewing plans on her next move to make sure that everything will work out smoothly. Planning an event as big as she's now imagining can be crazy, but all she care about is to get things straight and hope for the best.

ETHNICity

Low Vision

The world is dark to someone who had a very bad day. No low vision aids or high-graded glasses can create a positive illusion even just for a little while. What one could do is to just close their eyes, take a deep breath, and think that everything will be alright. Eating a slice of cheesecake won't hurt either...

Juggling Money

I never knew there's such a thing as a budgeting software. Mothers are experts when it comes to budgeting. My mother had this special talent when it comes to managing money. If there's a circus made for juggling money, my mother would definitely be in one of the acts.

Breather

I've been writing modules for the past two days now. I just need a breather. I checked my post assignments and only have CAT5e on my inbox. I just want to share my week to all of you. The past week was great since I spent most of my time talking and chatting with Peng; may it be through SMS, voice calls or YM.

The two of us were able to squeeze in a movie during the week in spite of our unpredictable schedules. I am Natalie Portman, and she is Scarlet Johanson -- we made that clear before watching The Other Boleyn Girl, hehe. 88 minutes was the other film of choice for us, but we decided that we would enjoy Boleyn more because of Eric Bana and Jim Sturgess, LOL. 

I was aware that the movie was based from a novel. It's fiction, but some of the events depicted were based on the things that really happened in history. I don't have any expectations at all before watching the film since I never read the book. Visually, I love how almost every scene almost looked like an old painting. The movie started out as dragging, but eventually picked up when conflicts started to surface between the two sisters and the king. And I think that Portman and Johanson did a great job with playing the role or Anne and Mary Boleyn because they have great on-screen chemistry. Portman's character was stronger, but she never over-shadowed Johanson.  

Random

Hold on to a pile of loose ends and unfinished business. A knowledge on electronics is not a requirement. Dealing with things that are left behind is one of the most frustrating things an innocent mind can deal with. The not so innocent have equipped themselves with a better remedy...

Disturbed Daydreams

Let your thoughts make love with down comforters and colorful pillows. Relax your disturbed daydreams, lying down. Stare at the ceiling of unending, non-sense demands of reality. Waking up hearing your own breathing is a trap made for people who shut themselves out. 

Malling Rave

Stores this week are really swamped with everything that a consumer can consider as best buy. It's a payday week, and malls normally schedule their week-long sale during these times. From half the price or buy-one-take-one deals, smart shoppers consider it as heaven having the chance to get these best deals...

Cook's The New American Idol!

Well, not yet. But after getting praises from the song writer herself, his version of Mariah Carey's Always Be My Baby really bagged the title for David Cook. IMHO.

I have this strong stand when it comes to people covering songs and try hard to sort of own it by giving their own touch and tweaks with the song's arrangement and presentation--ending up with these wannabe artist either destroying the song or renewing it and making it a huge hit all over again. 

As most of you may know, it's Mariah Carey week on Idol. I was skeptical on what will be the songs that the Idols will choose since last week. I was hoping that someone will sing Dreamlover, but I am surprised (even Mariah) when David Cook decided to sing his own rendition of Always Be My Baby. It is one of the most sacred songs Mariah Carey produced, and one of my favorites from the diva's wide collection of hits. As a huge fan of the song, I was pretty critical when I watched the clip. But when David started with the first three words when he sung the song, I had goosebumps all over!

There is absolutely no competition now after Cook's performance last night. HE is this year's American Idol.



I  was surprised that David chose Always Be My Baby because I don't know what he's going to do with it...I think he made something really different and it made me proud as a songwriter...I think it would really be a hit for him, not from the selfish point of view (pointing to herself) but from the selfish point of view of me wanting to hear it as a listener. - Mariah Carey on David Cook's version of Always Be My Baby on Idol

Even the Judges and Mariah agrees...

Something For The Weekend

If you are somewhere around Pasig and Quezon City, check out this benefit party on Friday, April 18, in Alchemy Bar near Tiendsitas. Not only you'll be enjoying the night, but the proceeds will benefit the projects of the Entrepreneurship Educators Assoc. of the Philippines.

Tickets are exclusively available through online ordering at Friendster, Multiply, by sending an e-mail to babygirlzcrew@yahoo.com.ph and through text: 09228117836 or 09175685578

Reserve your tickets now!!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
Who was the last person you hugged?

My father, last Sunday. I just woke up and I heard him and my mother having their usual early morning chat. He shared one of his corny jokes about his elementary days, and I just gave him a hug for making both me and my mom smile. =D

Soup
Share a beauty or grooming trick or tip with us.
Moisturize! I use moisturizer every morning since this insane hot weather started. Sobrang hapdi sa balat. I always end up toasted, and my face red and dry, so I had to start moisturizing to survive since I normally love taking long walks. 

Salad
What does the color yellow make you think of?
Former President Cory Aquino and Sponge Bob Square Pants.

Main Course
If you were to make your living as a photographer, what subject would your pictures revolve around?
Tourist spots around the world. Venice, Paris and New York will be the first three on my list.

Dessert
What was the longest book you ever read?

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. It was a long time ago, but this book is one of the longest I've read. I think I have to read it again, since I cannot recall a scene in the story anymore, hehe. Second on the list would be Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. 

This Sort Of Sum Up What I Wanted To Say

SORT OF.

Here I am again giving people close to my heart the things that they don't need to be dealing with right now. I get it. I get it. I am such a bad friend, but I just can't help but to share this song. It's very rare that a song almost perfectly sum up what your thoughts on things are. You didn't do anything wrong. 

You didn't do anything. Clear? 

Accessories Galore

Just about anybody can sell you a trade show display that will meet your needs, but it's the bells and whistles, the extra little things, that help your display stand out from everybody else's. I'm talking, of course, about accessories. MODDisplays is a leading provider of accessories such as trade show flooring, banner stands, and literature stands. Check out their selection today and I'm sure you'll be adding a few bells and whistles to your display in the very near future.

Make a Statement, Send Roses to the One You Love

Few flowers convey love the way a rose does, and when you send roses through Vogue Flowers you make a statement that shows how much you care. These fresh masterpieces come in a variety of styles, colors, and arrangement options and best of all you can send flowers nationwide to your loved ones. Vogue Flowers is located in Richmond, Virginia, but their network makes their delivery seem local. Not only do they make your delivery options seamless, they also take great pride in the attention to detail provided. I think that this online florist is top notch, so check them out and send roses to that special someone today! Send roses from an online florist you can count on! 

I recommend Vogue Flowers for their unsurpassed floral arrangement quality, values, and unique designs. Check them out online at http://www.vogueflowers.com.

Exhibits, Booths, and Displays

With so many different types of Trade Show Exhibits out there, it's hard to know which one is right for your company. Fortunately, ExhibitDEAL has a selection of displays that puts any three competitors to shame, and the knowledge to help you pick out which displays will work best for your company at the next big Trade Show. Combined with their great selection of Point of Purchase Displays, Literature Racks, and banner stands, it's quickly clear as to why ExhibitDEAL is an industry leader for trade show displays and booths. Check them out today before the next big show to make sure that your trade show experience is a great one.

Penn's The Cure

I've been idle for two days, and it already felt like a month. Good thing I am almost done with all the things I should write about at work before I became sick. It was weird because I am alright last Wednesday. I'm in a jumpy, good-vibes mood, but I started sneezing non-stop while riding the bus on my way home. Thursday, I woke up with this blinding headache and I cannot push myself up from my bed. I called my dad, and he touched my forehead and concluded that I am running a fever. So I was in bed for the past two days. I missed some blog deadlines, but managed to find other things to write about and compensate the ones I've missed. I am better now. Still a bit light-headed and have a little difficulty with my breathing, but I'll survive the day.

I just wish he won't be so grumpy and smile for me...


LOL. Yes people, I'm crazy about Penn Badgley a.k.a. Dan Humphrey. I know, I know, this is so high school of me, but who can say no this dude's charming personality, gentlemanly gestures while swooning girls with his love of words. In real life, he's just your average, laid-back kinda' guy who loves to play the piano and the guitars during his free time. And that sincere, deep voice of his when he talks is just irresistible. Gossip Girl had been in hiatus and was stuck with Episode 13 because of the strike, but the cast have been filming for the past three weeks and will be back with a new episode on the 21st. 

Here's a video of him answering questions sent by fans for CW Connect.

This Will Be Cut Short

Still feeling nauseous. Two days of just being in bed and waiting for the fever to subside is not a good idea for a person like me who's used to walking around and writing all day long.  There's a virus going around in the office over the past days. Last Wednesday, I was A-OK but started sneezing on my way home and had a blinding case of headache the next morning. I checked my mail this morning. My inbox was swarmed with keywords, and now I only have mortgage lenders to write about...

Cooking Schools

Thinking of ways on how to make your summer worthwhile? Learn how to cook! Find a comprehensive list of culinary schools and recommended chef school in the US and make the most out of your free time this summer. Culinary-school-finder.com gives the profiles and the courses offered of the different culinary school near you. 

Commercial Blah

Television commercials nowadays are dominated by different kinds of food supplements and diet pills. There's one for the liver, for the heart, for cell regeneration, for losing so-so pounds for so-so months, for diabetics and mostly for skin whitening. But what about promoting proper diet? As in fully promoting eating good food? 

Act 1 Scene 1

A man is walking from a direction he wasn't sure of. Careless of every step, he managed to keep himself balanced despite the fact that he is literally lost. A set of fiber optic cables were on the sidewalk where he decided to take a breather and sit for a moment. It has been a long day, and he's just halfway with his journey. 

...to be continued

Vacation

Summer is here. I cannot remember the last time I've been on the beach, or even at a swimming pool. From long cruises to one-day-get-away, all of these vacation destinations spells fun. Some luxury vacations are now being advertised all over the Metro, and how I wish I have something to splurge for those.