Tuesday, June 22, 2004







Am I cool or uncool? [CLICK]
You are Super-Cool!
Woah! Step back - the future's so bright for you it's blinding me! You are the coolest of the cool. Everyone looks up to you as the benchmark for being coooool. The fonze was your grandfather. Any cooler and you'd freeze! WOO it's chilly in here.
Cool quizzes at Go-Quiz.com

Saturday, May 22, 2004

Hi all. I'm pretty sure you are aching to find out what I think of the May 15 competitions. I honestly can't talk about it yet. Maybe after the month ends. I can give comments and stuff. But I found out something last night. People here in Manila can actually download my pics on their phones via WAP. Here's the picture i was able to download.



Cool huh. :)

Thursday, May 13, 2004

Last minute thoughts before Saturday's competition...

- I'm really really nervous.
- I am dying to kick ass.
- I hope the new key of my song won't be too low or too high.
- I hope my get up this Saturday helps me get good reviews.
- Band rehearsals tomorrow would give me what I need for Saturday... assurance.
- My stomach's turning like crazy.
- Although I've been on bigger performance arenas than Saturday's, I'm finding it more and more difficult knowing that this is all me. I'm in this thing as a solo artist. Not with a group.
- I'm so glad a lot of my friends are there giving me support. Being beside me all the way.
- I can't wait to get pumped up for Saturday.
- I wanna go home and sleep and wake up and head for band rehearsals.
- I hope I won't get eliminated that easily. Not on the first round. I wanna be part of the Final 3... I really just wanna...

Pray for me.

Tuesday, May 04, 2004

I just wanted to formally inform you of news from what’s happened in the last couple of weeks.

As some of you may know, I auditioned for Star in a Million last April 23 (Friday). I was with 120 or so aspirants to get into the show. After the taxing six hours of waiting (thanks to my friend for waiting WITH me), all the “auditionees” were called back into the studio for the announcement of those who got in. They called people number by number and suddenly I was realizing that they were calling the numbers of the people who won’t make it. I was number 89 and when I did not hear any mention of those digits, I was relieved. I got in as part of the Top 50 for the month of May. We were then asked to go back on April 28 for the taped “Grand Auditions”. I had to choose a new outfit of course. Hahahaha. I came in thinking positive and when word got out that we were going to sing a capella, I had to look around for the nearest 3000 series Nokia to get my pitch (or key). I was singing “Someone Like You” from Jekyll and Hyde using A-flat. I was humming the chord the entire time as the Top 50 hopefuls waiting agonizingly for hours and hours. I was number 44. I got called in the studio and it actually felt exciting. Seeing the judges for the May batch (Vernie Varga, Fritz Ynfante, and Mel Villena) and waiting to sing in front of them. I gave it my all and got rave reviews from the judges. I was so elated with the score they gave me. Three stars. (They would give a star each for a contestant they felt should go on and if one gets two stars they’re automatically in for the next round). Dang was I happy. Off to the red carpet leading to the exit where Ryan Agoncillo would be waiting to get me interviewed.

We were 21 out of 50. The competition gets tighter as friendships grew stronger. May 1 was the last round of auditions and it was going to be at the Star in a Million main set. I will be singing “Say That You Love Me” by Martin Nievera with a Regine ending. Hahahaha. I was able to extract the music from a VCD that I recorded on to tape. Adjusted the key a little and voila, instant minus one. We all picked our numbers and to my surprise, I got no. 1. I’m the first person to perform?? WHOA! I was able to keep calm the entire time. We caught the Live Show of Star in a Million April Finals. 9PM, friends of mine came surprisingly. I wasn’t really planning on inviting them yet coz I felt it wasn’t too much of a big deal, yet. But I was touched with them coming with my honey.

So anyway, the taping started at around 9:30 (I think) and I came up on stage with enough confidence to last me the whole night. I was in a pretty spiffy get up. Hahahaha. Started the song but got cut coz Direk Fritz couldn’t hear my voice so he requested for the sound to be lessened and a monitor to be place on their area. I started again and finished quite strongly I thought. I won’t give away what the judges thought of my performance so you could watch it this Saturday. Hahahahaha. After no. 21 finished we all had to change outfits. We were lent short sleeved button down shirts (guys) and I don’t know what you call those things (women). Let’s get to the main attraction. They all lined us up on stage at around 2AM for the announcement. I was as stiff as a cadet officer (at least that’s what my friends said). I was trying to stay calm when Edu Manzano was starting call the numbers of the contestants who will be part of the Top Ten Finalists for the Month of May. #7, blah, blah…. #1… FUCK… is that my number?? DAMN!... I got in. Shit! I was relieved, ecstatic, trembling. I did not realize how much this contest is so important to me until that very moment. It was euphoric. But all that had to end when reality struck. This is just the beginning.

So to you my friends, I hope to go down this road with you guys by my side. I hope you’d support me in this endeavor. Your prayers will be mighty helpful as I start this journey hoping it won’t stop too soon.

Catch the first episode of the May batch on May 8 on Channel 2, 6:30PM. The start of the competition for the 10 May Finalists is on May 15 Live from ABS CBN Studio 2. You are free to come if you wish. Thanks again to everyone for all your support. This is just the beginning.

On TFC (The Filipino Channel)

North America
EST - Saturdays 6:35AM Replays on Sundays 1:30AM
CST - Saturdays 5:35AM Replays on Sundays 12:30AM
Pacific Time - Saturdays 3:35PM, replays at 10:30PM
Hawaii Time - Saturdays 1:35PM

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

My own "how to go about summer" post... yipee... :)

Tone Up NOT Down
Knowing you could probably afford to lose a few pounds and/or tone up a bit makes you do yourself a favor. Do this by first taking a long look at yourself. See anything moving as you slowly shake? If parts of your body tend to be a bit active with this check, it should be time to do at least twenty minutes of exercise here or there. Trust me, this will go a long way to changing what you see now into what everyone will see this summer.

Suits-me up Scottie
I’m pretty sure most of us are not going to hit the beach wearing a thong in this lifetime, unless of course you actually like being buried in the sand. This does not mean however, that you need to forget about showing off what you got. Oh come on, don’t be shy. Just try to keeping in mind that less is not always more. This should be your key to finding the perfect get up for some fun in the sun.

Mix it nicely
Most of the time accessories end up being the last thing thrown in one’s bag. It should never be the case coz once on the sand it is the little things that can make or break your look. Even if you plan to more or less live in your beach outfit, a hat, sunglasses, beach towel, walking shorts or wrap, flip-flops, an assortment of T-shirts or tank tops and even a good book are essential. Sound complicated? Consider a trial run in front of the mirror at home. You can leave out the book.

I don’t wanna Burn baby
If you’re just too perfect and look exceptionally good in red, a picture perfect day of sun and fun — not to mention your entire vacation — can be absolutely ruined by not being prepared to deal with sunburn. Spare the lobster jokes and the painful cycle of burn, bubble and peel by catching some rays in the backyard. Hey it’s worth a try. By doing this, you can actually look already tanned when you hit the beach and off to the applying sun screen.

Hair apparent
This is a fact. Both men and women have to deal with unwanted body hair and beach season is the time to do it. Giving yourself the Beach-once-over from all angles before heading it out on the sand could be the difference between a look to remember and one you would rather forget.

Speedo Dido
Unless you are a competitive swimmer, you really don't need the aerodynamics. It doesn’t matter how confident you are, everyone makes a decison based on first impressions. So for the guys, my advice doesn't stem from men's points of view, but rather women's. Let's just face it, not all of us have the body of an Adonis. So by wearing a Speedo, you might be revealing a little more than you should be and covering up might not be such a bad idea.

That's all I could come up with for now... hope that helped.

Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Just a quick post for those in dire need of knowing what to where...

here's a rundown of some of the must-haves to load up on:

- striped button-down shirt (worn with striped or patterned tie)
- polo T-shirt
- dirty and/or light denim
- hooded sweatshirt or track jacket
- gray pants
- floral patterns
- bright colors like pistachio green, bright orange, light pink, sky blue

Etiquette shmetiquette

This is probably a weird post for me since I never realized how big a deal this whole "being a man" really is. I got to go through my usual research and found an article that caught my attention. It focused entirely on being a man with etiquette. Wow! Here's my take on proper decorum... I think men are more manly with etiquette.

Knowing what to say...

... yeah sure, it's fun to go slang but sometimes it's not so good to have a limited vernacular. Go for the basics or even go for more. I highly suggest reading up. You have a wide selection of magazines, newspapers, novels and even biographies to build a better vocabulary.

Knowing the buzz...

... since we're on the topic of reading up, conversation is always key to knowing a person more keenly. If a person knows what's happening around him (i.e. news) it's a good indication that he's not self-centered. On this note, however, try to also accept new information when being spoken to. Try not to think you know everything, you just might surprise yourself.

Drop it...

... like I said, slang is not the norm. Catch phrases are fad-ish. Lessen usage of these phrases so you won't get into a conversation using words or phrases that are from 10s of seasons ago.

I hate to admit it...

... but going to the gym does produce wonders. You see, maintaining physical fitness shows a lot about you. It means you take care of yourself and you want to project your very best to people you normally see day-in and day-out. Note to yourself, also, that a good disposition will "surge endorphins" which make you seem like you just came from a weekend vacation in Boracay.

One funny thought...

... "cybersex is permissible as a masturbatory aid, not unlike the recent Falcon or Bel Ami videos you recently acquired, but under no circumstances should it be a substitute for the real thing."

On dating...

... if you asked for the date, foot the bill. It shows that you are responsible enough for your actions. He he he. It's also plus points for you to do so. Three words come in handy in this situation, "I got it." Make it a point to reassure your date that you are wholeheartedly offering your generosity and that you wouldn't have it any other way. You'll be getting a mental smile from your date immediately.

Past is past...

... never ever inquire about your date's past relationship/s. That's why they are called skeletons in the closet because they should always be in it (at least for the next year or so). Just concentrate on what is most important, the here and now. This will get your date marvelling at the fact that you're not too nosey and in turn won't do the same to you. I'm sure we all have deep dark pasts we'd want to hide for the meantime.

Work hard, drink hard...

... ever wonder what it's like to have a date with someone who's having a drink with a little umbrella in it? I'm sure you wouldn't find that the least bit appealing. Do the same, just go for the clean drinks. A nice vodka tonic is a safe and easy enough hard drink to start the night. Even better, go for a glass of wine (red or white, it's up to you).

Shake it baby, shake it...

... handshakes can give away impressions too. Quick tip, never go for a loosey-goosey grip. Firm and reassuring is always a winner.

Look 'em in the eye...

... not being able to look at someone directly in the eye could send out signals that you're hiding something. If you have noble intentions, what's wrong with doing a cornea to cornea session with the person you're talking to? You wouldn't want your integrity to be in doubt, would you?

That's all I got. It's all about yin and yang of being a man and having manners. It's sometimes tough to do both together, in harmony but know that this world can instantly come up with conclusions about you based on your manners. Don't worry about not getting all of this in one swing. You'll be able to evaluate if what you are doing is helping, this is done through interaction.

Know that what can you do makes sure impressions and conclusions of you are accurate and that people know the kind of man you really are.
Zwei Jahre

Vielen danke mein schatz.... (thank you my honey)... I love the fact that I can say "in the last couple of years" every time I refer to our relationship and what we've been through. That Saturday when I first met up with you was most unexpected. I never would've guessed that I will be meeting up with you for two years and still don't get tired of doing it.

Like a moth to a flame, I'm drawn to you. Every single day I'm constantly thinking of you. Good thoughts, bad, nasty, or just plain ole kinky. You are my Yang! I'll never get tired of being with you... Cheers to more years together! I love you!

Monday, April 19, 2004

OK... just so I won't forget, the things I wanna write about:

- 2 years...
- relationships...
- the next best thing to look out for...
- 1999...
- shopping spree...
- my choir...
- my mom...

... OK, I'll start on one of these after the day ends. =)

Tuesday, April 06, 2004

Signing off for a few days due to Holy Week. Hope you all have a reflective weekend.